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Your Summer Reading List July 3, 2026 Devotional

by Chris Woodard on July 03, 2026

Your Summer Reading List July 3, 2026 Devotional

45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46 on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:45-46


Wednesday’s story is followed up by another brief story, this time of a businessman on the hunt for a precious pearl. The reader gets the sense that he has found some pearls but when he finds the pearl he is ready to go all in for it. Life can be this way. We can spend our days looking for ways to live what we think is our best life, but always coming up lacking. When we find the gift of God in Jesus, we learn that we are filled with joy, a joy complete. A life of joy that extends farther than our hopes for this world.


In what areas of your life are you searching?


What does complete joy look like for you?

About the Author
Chris Woodard

Chris began his service at Valley Presbyterian in Church in 2007 as the Director of Student Ministries. In his thirteen years of ministry, he has expanded his role to work with VPC Mission and Outreach, Worship, and Men’s Ministry.

In 2019, Chris was ordained at VPC and currently serves as pastor of Mission and Community Engagement, where he finds passion in helping people identify their true purpose in Jesus Christ through service to others. Chris considers it a true joy and privilege to be part of the community.

Raised in Tucson as part of a wonderful church community at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, he graduated from the University of Arizona with a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology- "Bear Down!" He completed his seminary work and earned a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Chris is married to his dream girl Brianna and they just gave birth to their first son Max.

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