At The Movies Devo

Dear SOJO Family,
I hope this note finds you well and encouraged as we
move through summer together.
This month, we’ve stepped into our At the Movies series,
a time where we use stories from films to point us to the
ultimate story God is writing in our lives. These stories
move us because they often mirror the hope, redemption,
and purpose we deeply long for—and they remind us that
God is always speaking, even through unexpected places.
Each week as we gather, we’re looking at themes of
courage, forgiveness, sacrifice, and faithfulness reflected in these films. My hope is that
as we walk through this series, you will begin to see your own story with fresh eyes,
recognizing how God is working even in the places that feel uncertain or ordinary.
When you watch a movie this month, I encourage you to pause and ask:
Where do I see the Gospel reflected in this story?
How is God calling me to respond in faith, forgiveness, or love?
Who around me needs to hear this message of hope?
At the Movies is not just about enjoying a creative teaching series; it’s about using these
moments to open conversations with friends, family, and coworkers who may not know
Jesus yet. A simple invite to join you at Sojo during this series could be the doorway for
someone to encounter God’s love for the first time.
I want to encourage you: don’t underestimate how God can use a movie clip or a
conversation in the lobby to draw someone closer to Him. We serve a God who redeems
all things, who can use even our entertainment to stir hearts toward eternity.
Let’s continue to lean in, invite boldly, and pray for lives to be changed during this
season. I am so grateful to walk this journey with each of you as we see God move in our
church and in our city.
Pastor Corey

Week 1: The Matrix (Luke 11:29-
36)
DAY 1: THE SIGN THAT SHAKES US AWAKE
Greek Deep Dive: Jesus calls out a generation chasing signs, saying
the only sign they’ll get is Jonah—a story of death and resurrection
pointing directly to His own. The Greek word sēmeion isn’t just a
miracle—it’s a divine signal meant to awaken the soul.
Devotional: The crowds had Jesus right in front of them—teaching,
healing, casting out demons—but still wanted more. We’re often the
same. We scroll, attend services, read devotionals, yet secretly wait for
some thunderclap of clarity. But Jesus has already given the greatest
sign: the Cross and the empty tomb. We don’t need more fireworks—
we need eyes that see what’s already here. The resurrection isn’t just
history. It’s a present reality calling us to respond.
Challenge: Fast from screens for an hour today. Read Luke 11:29–36.
Ask: “Where have I missed the sign You’ve already given me?” Write
down what comes to mind.
Prayer: Jesus, I confess I’ve chased signs when You’ve already shown
me Yourself. Wake me up. Let me recognize Your voice, Your presence,
and Your call today. Amen.

DAY 2: GREATER THAN JONAH
Greek Deep Dive: Jesus uses the phrase meizon Iōna hōde and
meizon Solomōnos hōde—“something greater than Jonah/Solomon is
here.”
Devotional: The Queen of the South traveled far for Solomon’s wisdom.
The Ninevites repented after one sermon from Jonah. Yet Jesus—
greater than both—was right there, and the people ignored Him.
We know the Bible. We hear the sermons. But do we hunger like they
did? Do we still stand in awe of Jesus, or have we grown numb to His
presence?
Challenge: What are you chasing more than Jesus? Choose one thing
to step away from this week, and replace it with intentional time seeking
Him.
Prayer: Jesus, You are greater than
anything else I desire. Give me fresh hunger to pursue You like the
Queen and repent like Nineveh. Amen.

DAY 3: DON’T HIDE THE LIGHT
Greek Deep Dive:The word for lamp is luchnon—a small oil lamp. The
verb for “light” is aptei, meaning “to ignite” or “kindle.”
Devotional: Jesus has lit the flame in your life—so don’t hide it. But
we often do. We stay silent when we should speak, blend in when we
should stand out.
You are the lamp. Your obedience is the fuel. In a dark world, shining
your light is not arrogance—it’s mercy.
Challenge: Say Jesus’ name today—out loud. In a text, prayer, or
conversation, make Him visible through your words.
Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for hiding the light You placed in me. Let me
live boldly, not to impress but to reveal You. Shine through me today.
Amen.

DAY 4: THE LAMP OF THE BODY
Greek Deep Dive: “Eye” is ophthalmos—not just physical sight,
but spiritual focus. “Healthy” is haplous—meaning clear, singular,
or generous in intent. It’s contrasted with ponēros, meaning evil or
morally distorted.
Devotional: Your eyes set the direction of your life. A healthy eye
leads to clarity and light. But a distracted or distorted gaze welcomes
darkness.
In today’s culture, everything fights for your attention. But Jesus calls us
to fix our eyes on Him—because what you behold, you become.
Challenge: Turn off every device for 15 minutes. Read Hebrews 12:1–3.
Ask God to fix your gaze back on Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, make my vision clear. Let my eyes focus on what brings
life and not distraction. Fill my whole being with Your light. Amen.

DAY 5: WHEN THE EYE IS BAD
Greek Deep Dive: “Unhealthy” or “evil” is ponēros—a word used
for corruption, disease, or even Satan. “Dark” is skoteinon—spiritual
blindness, moral confusion, or emotional despair.
Devotional: Darkness doesn’t always scream. Often, it drifts in—
through resentment, lust, comparison, or pride. One glance at the
wrong thing, one unchecked attitude, and your vision starts to dim.
Jesus is clear: what we focus on either illuminates or darkens our inner
world.
Challenge: Name the distortion. What’s fogging up your spiritual
vision right now? Confess it, read 1 John 1:5–9, and thank God for His
cleansing light.
Prayer: God, expose the shadows
in me. Heal my sight. Help me see
clearly and walk in light again.
Amen.

DAY 6: EXAMINE THE LIGHT IN YOU
Greek Deep Dive: “See to it” comes from skopei—to examine, observe
closely. Jesus warns that even phōs, “light” can be deceptive if it’s
actually skotos, “darkness.” This false light might look spiritual but leads
to confusion or pride.
Devotional: You can go to church, quote Scripture, and still walk in
darkness—if you’re relying on the wrong light. Jesus calls us to honest
self-examination and true repentance. Revival doesn’t begin in a
crowd—it starts with a mirror, reflecting our need for transformation.
Challenge: Spend 10 minutes in total silence. Ask: “Holy Spirit, where
am I walking in false light?” Listen. Write down what you hear.
Prayer: Spirit of truth, search my heart. Reveal what’s real and what’s
performance. Let me walk in true light today. Amen.

DAY 7: FLOODED WITH LIGHT
Greek Deep Dive: “Full of light” is phōteinon—radiant, transparent,
glowing. The word astrapē means “lightning”—implying sudden
brilliance. Phōtizē—“to shine continually”—shows the sustaining nature
of God’s light.
Devotional: Jesus ends this teaching with a promise—not of effort,
but exposure. When you open yourself fully to Him, His light fills you,
transforms you, and radiates through you. The world doesn’t need
more spiritual performance. It needs people so filled with Jesus that
they glow with grace, peace, and joy.
Challenge: Ask someone close to you: “Where do you see light in my
life? And where do you see shadows?” Listen. Pray. Let it shape your
next steps.
Prayer: Jesus, I want to be
completely filled with Your
light. Shine through every
corner of my heart. Make me
radiant—not for my glory, but
for Yours. Amen.

Week 2: Iron Man 3 (Luke 11:37-
54)
DAY 1: THE OUTSIDE LOOKS CLEAN, BUT THE
INSIDE?
Greek Deep Dive: Katharizō: to cleanse, often ritually. Ponēria: deep
moral corruption. Pleonexia: greed, an insatiable desire for more.
Devotional: Their outward appearance fooled many, but Jesus saw the
hidden motives beneath. This warning challenges us to examine our
own hearts honestly and invite genuine change. True faith isn’t about
impressing others but about allowing God to reshape us from the
inside out. It’s a call to vulnerability, humility, and authentic relationship
with Jesus.
Challenge: Ask yourself: Where is my heart dry behind a polished
front? Take time to reflect deeply and write down one specific thing
Jesus needs to change from the inside out in your life.
Prayer: Jesus, cleanse my heart, not just my image. Make me whole inside
and out, shaping me into the person You created me to be. Amen.

DAY 2: THE GREED BENEATH THE RITUALS
Greek Deep Dive: Adikia: injustice, unrighteousness. Agapē: self-giving
love. Eleos: mercy, compassion.
Devotional: Their focus on minor rituals blinded them to the deeper
call of mercy and fairness. In our own lives, it’s easy to get caught up in
routines and miss opportunities to show genuine care. Let’s ask ourselves
if our faith reflects God’s heart or just religious duty. True faith
moves beyond rules to transform how we love and serve others.
Challenge: Look for a way to make a real difference in someone’s life,
no matter how small it seems. These acts of kindness and fairness reflect
God’s love and help bring His kingdom here on earth. Your intentional
steps can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect
of compassion. Remember, justice and mercy are not just ideas—they’re
actions that change lives.
Prayer: God, help me reflect Your heart—not just in rituals, but in love.
Amen.

DAY 3: THE DANGER OF HYPOCRISY
Greek Deep Dive: Hypokrinomai: to pretend—root of “hypocrisy.”
Taphos: grave or tomb. Aspasmos: a public greeting or honor.
Devotional: The Pharisees loved attention but were spiritually dead
inside. Hypocrisy doesn’t just hurt us—it misleads others and damages
the witness of our faith. It’s easy to get caught up in appearances, but
true life with God comes from honest intimacy, not public approval. Are
you more concerned with image than intimacy with God?
Challenge: Notice when you seek recognition, especially in moments
when approval feels more important than truth. Ask God to redirect
your heart toward humility and genuine connection, so you can live
authentically for Him.
Prayer: Lord, strip away any part of me that lives for approval or
applause from others. Make me real and authentic before You, so my
heart is fully surrendered. Amen.

DAY 4: THE BURDEN OF RULES WITHOUT GRACE
Greek Deep Dive: Phortizō: to burden or overload. Epipherein:: to
bear or carry. Ou prospaute: you don’t lift a finger to help.
Devotional: Jesus rebuked leaders who imposed religious burdens
but offered no help. Faith should lift people, not crush them. When
religion becomes about rules over relationships, it loses its true
purpose. Reflect on where burdens have overshadowed grace in your
own journey and seek the freedom Jesus offers.
Challenge: Let go of one burden of guilt or legalism weighing on your
heart. Receive Jesus’ grace today and embrace the freedom He offers
to live fully and joyfully.
Prayer: Jesus, free me from heavy religion. Teach me to rest in Your
mercy and to walk daily in the freedom and peace only You can give.
Amen.

DAY 5: HONORING THE
PAST WITHOUT RE-
JECTING THE PRES-
ENT
death.
Greek Deep Dive: Martys: a
witness to truth. Taphos: tomb—
used to honor the past. Apokteinō: to kill or put to
Devotional: They honored dead prophets but rejected the living truth.
Tradition isn’t bad—but when it blinds us to what God is doing now, we
miss Him. Are we open to Jesus disrupting our comfort zones and leading
us into new ways of faith and obedience? Embracing His ongoing
work requires courage and a willingness to change.
Challenge: Ask: Is there a tradition or comfort I cling to that blocks
change and keeps me from fully embracing God’s current work in my
life?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, open me to Your present voice. I choose You over
ritual and surrender to Your transforming power in my life. Amen.

DAY 6: THE DANGER OF
DEAFNESS TO GOD’S
VOICE
or hindrance.
Greek Deep Dive: Kleió: to
shut or lock.Gnōsis: spiritual
knowledge. empodion: obstacle
Devotional: The experts in the law shut people out of the kingdom by
their example. Legalism and pride become locked doors. This kind of
faith creates barriers rather than bridges to God’s grace. Is your faith
helping people find Jesus—or getting in the way? Take time to reflect
on how your actions impact others’ spiritual journeys.
Challenge: Encourage someone spiritually today instead of judging
or correcting. Your words can bring hope and healing when spoken
with kindness. Choose to be a source of grace that uplifts rather than a
voice that tears down.
Prayer: Jesus, open my heart to You and others. Remove what blocks
Your light in me. Help me to grow in love and kindness each day. Guide
me to be a clear reflection of Your grace and truth. Amen.

DAY 7: THE CALL TO WAKE UP AND FOLLOW
JESUS
Greek Deep Dive: Ouai: “woe”—a prophetic cry of warning and wakeup
call.
Devotional: Jesus’ words cut through empty religion. His “woes” are
invitations to authenticity, not just rebukes. They call us to examine our
hearts and challenge the status quo. Will we settle for performance—
or step into real transformation? The choice to follow Him means
embracing a life of genuine faith that changes us from the inside out.
Challenge: Write a sentence committing to one way you’ll pursue
deeper relationship this week.
Prayer: Jesus, wake me up from spiritual sleep. Help me trade
performance for presence and show genuine love in all I do.

Week 3: UP (Luke 12:13-34)
DAY 1: BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS
Greek Deep Dive: Agrypneō: stay alert or on guard. Pleonexia: greed,
a consuming desire for more. Zōē: life in its fullest, deepest sense.
Devotional: When asked to settle a dispute, Jesus instead warns
against greed that blinds us to true life. Life isn’t found in stuff but in
surrender. Greed whispers that more will satisfy, but Jesus points to
a deeper, richer kind of life that comes from trusting Him and valuing
what really matters.
Challenge: Today, identify one thing you may be coveting or chasing
for security that distracts you from people. Make a plan to invest time
or resources in a relationship instead.
Prayer: Jesus, help me watch my heart. Guard me from greed and the
lie that possessions equal life. Teach me to pursue what truly matters—
people, connection, and Your kingdom. Amen.

DAY 2: THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL
Greek Deep Dive: Mōros: foolish—morally blind. Thēsaurizō: to hoard
or store selfishly. Allotrios: belonging to another.
Devotional: The rich man is called foolish because he plans without
God. His barns are full, but his soul is empty. Jesus warns us not to
store up treasures that fade, but to live with eternity in view. What we
hoard now will not follow us beyond this life, reminding us to focus on
what truly lasts.
Challenge: Reflect on your “barns” — what are you storing up that will
be meaningless one day? Choose to give or share something valuable
with someone in need this week.
Prayer: God, open my eyes to true wealth. Help me not to store for
myself but to invest in eternal
things—relationships,
generosity, and Your
kingdom. Make me wise,
not foolish. Amen.

DAY 3: DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR LIFE
Greek Deep Dive: Merimnaō: to worry or be divided in mind. Tithēmi:
to place or set—pointing to where our mind rests. Axia: worth, value.
Devotional: Jesus reminds us we’re worth more than birds God
already cares for. Worry distracts us from the present and the Provider.
Trust replaces anxiety when we remember our true worth to God,
anchoring our hearts in His faithful care even amid uncertainty.
Challenge: Today, practice trusting God with one specific worry. When
anxious thoughts come, repeat Jesus’ words: “Do not worry... your
Father knows.”
Prayer: Father, I confess my worries. Teach me to trust You fully. Help
me live in Your care, knowing I am valuable to You. Free me from
anxiety and fill me with peace. Amen.

DAY 4: SEEK GOD’S KINGDOM FIRST
Greek Deep Dive: Basileia: kingdom or reign of God. Prostithēmi: to
add or provide. Zēn: to truly live.
Devotional: Jesus shifts our focus from worry to trust. When we pursue
God’s purposes first, He promises to take care of what we need. Real
life begins when our priorities match His, freeing us from anxiety and
filling us with peace and hope for the future.
Challenge: List your priorities for this week. Ask yourself, “Do they
reflect God’s kingdom first?” Then thoughtfully adjust one or more
priorities to better align with His purposes and values.
Prayer: Lord, help me seek
Your kingdom above all.
Teach me to trust Your
provision and live with
kingdom-focused priorities.
Let my life reflect Your reign.
Amen.

DAY 5: DO NOT BE
AFRAID, LITTLE
FLOCK
Greek Deep Dive:
Phobeomai: to fear. Plēroō:
to fill or complete. Mikron
poimnion: little flock, an
affectionate term for Jesus’
followers.
Devotional: Jesus assures us we don’t need
to fear. God delights in giving us His kingdom. When we trust Him,
we are free to live open-handed, knowing that real security comes
from relationship, not possessions. This freedom invites us to embrace
generosity and peace, confident that God’s provision is always enough.
Challenge: Identify one area where fear controls your generosity or
trust. Pray for courage to give or release control.
Prayer: Father, help me live without fear. Teach me to hold loosely and
give generously. Let my heart be full of treasure in You. Amen.

DAY 6: WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS
Greek Deep Dive: Aphiēmi: to release or let go. (thēsauros): treasure.
(kardia): heart—the center of who we are.
Devotional: Where we put our treasure reveals what we value most.
Jesus invites us to let go of temporary things and invest in what lasts. A
generous life reflects a heart aligned with heaven. When we give freely,
we experience the joy and freedom that come from living with eternal
purpose. This kind of living reshapes our priorities and transforms how
we see ourselves and the world around us.
Challenge: Consider one thing you can release or give away to build
treasure in heaven. Make a concrete plan this week.
Prayer: Jesus, change my heart’s desire. Help me invest in treasures
that last—love, mercy, and relationship. Let my life reflect Your kingdom
values. Amen.

DAY 7: THE INVITATION TO LIFE THAT MATTERS
Greek Deep Dive: Ploutos: wealth or riches. Zōē: full, eternal life.
Devotional: Jesus offers more than warnings—He offers an invitation.
Don’t spend your life chasing what doesn’t last. Instead, pursue what
truly matters: generosity, love, trust, and the kingdom of God. This is
the path to a full, meaningful life that leaves a lasting impact.
Challenge: Write down your next step to pursue what matters—
whether a relationship to mend, generosity to practice, or trust to
deepen. Commit to it and share it with someone.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for inviting me into life that matters. Help me
pursue what lasts—people, love, Your kingdom. Awaken my heart to
Your call and transform me from the inside out. Amen.

Week 4: A Quiet Place (Luke
12:35-59)
DAY 1: LAMPS BURNING, BELTS FASTENED
Greek Deep Dive: Agrypneō: watch out or be alert. Pleonexia: greed,
the unhealthy desire for more. Zōē: true, full life beyond possessions.
Devotional: A man asks Jesus to settle a family dispute, but Jesus
responds by warning against greed. Life isn’t found in possessions—it’s
found in purpose and connection. We often chase more, thinking it
will satisfy, but Jesus reminds us that lasting life comes from what truly
matters. He calls us to focus less on getting and more on giving.
Challenge: Set aside 10 minutes today to practice spiritual readiness—
silence distractions, pray, and ask God to ignite your lamp and prepare
your heart.
Prayer: Lord, dress me for service today. Ignite Your light within me
so I may be ready and alert. Help me protect and lead those You’ve
entrusted to me. Amen.

DAY 2: THE MASTER’S JOYFUL RETURN
Greek Deep Dive: Makarios: blessed or fortunate, spiritually
favored. Hetoimos: ready, prepared. Diakoneō: to serve or minister,
emphasizing reversal of roles.
Devotional: The rich man plans to store up more for himself, but he
dies that very night. His plans didn’t include God. This story warns us
not to place our trust in stuff that won’t last. True wealth is found in a
heart that’s rich toward God and others—a heart that values eternal
impact over temporary gain.
Challenge: Reflect on how you respond to God’s timing. Practice
patience and joy in waiting, knowing He comes to serve and bless.
Prayer: Father, make me one of the
me to serve
blessed who wait with joy. Teach
others humbly as You serve
me. Keep my heart ready and
expectant. Amen.

DAY 3: THE FAITHFUL AND WISE MANAGER
Greek Deep Dive: Merimnaō: to be anxious or consumed with care.
Tithēmi: to set or place. Axia: value or worth
Devotional: Jesus points to birds as an example of trust. They don’t
worry, yet God provides for them. How much more does He care for
us? Worry often pulls us from the present and the peace God wants to
give. He calls us to release anxiety and rest in His care, knowing that
our worth is rooted in His love, not our efforts.
Challenge: Identify one area of responsibility where you can improve
stewardship. Commit to faithfully managing it this week.
Prayer: Lord, make me faithful and wise in all You entrust to me. Help
me watch, serve, and lead with care and integrity. Amen.

DAY 4: BE READY FOR AN HOUR YOU DO NOT
EXPECT
Greek Deep Dive: Basileia: kingdom or reign. Prostithēmi: to add or
provide. Zēn: to truly live.
Devotional: Jesus invites us to shift focus from daily stress to eternal
priorities. When we seek God’s kingdom first—His ways, His heart—
He takes care of the rest. Worry fades when we trust His promise to
provide for what we truly need. This kind of trust frees us to live with
clarity, confidence, and compassion.
Challenge: Reflect honestly on your spiritual readiness. Confess any
complacency or neglect. Commit to renewed watchfulness.
Prayer: Jesus, help me not to be caught off guard. Stir in me a
readiness that honors You. Guard my heart against complacency.
Amen.

DAY 5: INTERPRETING THE TIMES
Greek Deep Dive: Phobeomai: to fear. Plēroō: to fill or complete.
Mikron Poimnion: little flock, a tender phrase for followers.
Devotional: Jesus tells His “little flock” not to fear—God is pleased to
give us the kingdom. That frees us to live open-handed and generous.
When our hearts are fixed on God, we stop clinging to possessions and
start living with purpose and peace. His provision replaces our fear, and
His kingdom becomes our greatest joy.
Challenge: Spend time today reflecting on how God might be
speaking to you through current events, Scripture, or the Spirit. Journal
your observations.
Prayer: Spirit, open my eyes to see Your
hand at work. Help me interpret the
times with wisdom and faithfulness.
Make me ready to respond. Amen.

DAY 6: SETTLING WITH YOUR ADVERSARY
Greek Deep Dive: Aphiēmi: to release or let go. Thēsauros: treasure.
Kardia: heart.
Devotional: Jesus calls us to invest in what lasts. When we hold tightly
to earthly things, we miss the joy of eternal treasure. What we value
shapes who we are. Let go of what distracts and lean into a life marked
by generosity and love. In doing so, we reflect the heart of God and
point others toward the kingdom.
Challenge:
Identify one relationship or issue you’ve delayed
addressing. Take a step toward reconciliation or
resolution today.
Prayer: Lord, grant me courage to face difficult
conversations and settle matters quickly. Help
me live in peace and readiness. Amen.

DAY 7: ETERNITY IS REAL - STAY ALERT
Greek Deep Dive: Ploutos: wealth or treasure. Zōē: full, eternal life.
Devotional: Jesus offers a better way—one rooted in purpose, not
possessions. This passage invites us to stop striving for more and start
living for what truly matters. It’s a call to invest in people, mission, and
the kingdom of God. Jesus doesn’t condemn success or wealth, but He
redefines true success as a life marked by generosity, trust, and eternal
perspective. The time to start is now.
Challenge: Make a personal plan to cultivate spiritual alertness this
week—daily prayer, Scripture reading, and accountability. Share this
commitment with someone and invite them to join you.
Prayer: Jesus, awaken me to eternal realities. Help me stay alert
and faithful every day. Use me to protect and lead others into Your
kingdom. Amen.