He Is Your Life

He Is Your Life

by | Oct 3, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 10/3/2025

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ. And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That’s a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It’s because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn’t long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it’s all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk. Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on, everyone is defined by Christ; everyone is included in Christ. So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master. Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don’t take advantage of them. Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end. Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits. Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

                               Colossians 3:1–25 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Paul’s words in this passage call believers to a radical reorientation of life—one that begins with allowing Christ into our hearts, which then helps us start changing our thoughts to align more with our new life. For the men and women of that time, following Christ meant stepping away from deeply ingrained cultural norms of pride, status, and self-preservation, and instead embracing humility, compassion, and forgiveness. This passage urges us to “dress in the wardrobe God picked out for us,” which vividly depicts actually putting on virtues like clothes each day. This isn’t just private spirituality, something you can say externally but still keeping the world’s beliefs; this is a public, visible transformation in how we treat our families, our communities, and even those in authority over us. For Paul, the heart of this passage is Christ-centered living where every word and deed is done “in the name of the Master, Jesus.” His thoughts reveal a deep conviction that faith is not compartmentalized but holistic, shaping work, relationships, and worship alike. Living this way in the first century required courage and surrender because it meant rejecting old patterns of life and trusting that Christ’s way was better, even when it was costly. Today, the scenery has changed somewhat, but the old mentality still survives. We must continue to follow Christ with passion, keeping our eyes on the path he has set before us. Leaving that path is dangerous, even if it’s just to stop and stand in the sun for a bit. Snakes can bite.

– Where do we go from here?

Now that we have embraced this new life in Christ, the path forward is one of intentional living. We move through the world as representatives of His kingdom, letting His character shape our choices, our words, and our relationships. This means seeking opportunities to love sacrificially, forgive freely, and serve humbly—because these are the marks of those who belong to Him. Our work, whether in the marketplace, the home, or the community, becomes an act of worship when done with integrity and gratitude. We no longer live for self-promotion or temporary gain, but for the glory of God and the good of others. Each day is an invitation to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, and patience, allowing Christ’s peace to govern our hearts. From here, we go forward as light-bearers in a dark world, committed to doing everything—big or small—in the name of Jesus, so that our lives tell His story.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for giving us new life in Christ. Help us to live each day with our hearts set on You. Teach us to love others, forgive freely, and honor You in everything we do. Let our words and actions reflect Jesus so that others may see Your goodness through us. Guide our steps and keep us faithful to the path You have set before us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach

From The Shadows To The Substance

From The Shadows To The Substance

by | Oct 1, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

   – Today’s Community Scripture – 10/1/2025

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that’s not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything. Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It’s not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you’re already in—insiders—not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin. If it’s an initiation ritual you’re after, you’ve already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets. So don’t put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ. Don’t tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They’re a lot of hot air, that’s all they are. They’re completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us. So, then, if with Christ you’ve put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? “Don’t touch this! Don’t taste that! Don’t go near this!” Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they’re just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important.

                          Colossians 2:6–23 (MSG)

   – Reflection:

When we choose to follow Jesus, it’s not just about learning facts or going through the religious motions; it’s about living a real, everyday life with Him. Think about it this way: Jesus walked with us all those years ago, and still does right now in our own personal hearts. This passage reminds us that we already have everything we need in Christ. We’re rooted in Him, built up in Him, and filled with His power. So instead of just talking about faith, we’re called to live it out, showing love, kindness, and thankfulness in all we do. We don’t need fancy words, deep rituals, or strict rules to be close to God. Jesus already made the way for us through His death and resurrection. That means we don’t have to let others pressure us into doing things that seem “spiritual” but don’t actually help us grow. Christ is the real deal, the source of life, and when we stay connected to Him, we grow strong and healthy in our faith. Let’s keep it simple: follow Jesus, live like Him, and let your life shine with gratitude.

   – Where do we go from here?

Now that we’ve received Jesus and know that he is rooted in our hearts, it’s time to live like it every day, in every moment. We don’t need to chase after complicated rules or try to impress others with how “religious” we are. Instead, we focus on staying close to Christ, letting His love guide our choices, and showing gratitude in how we live. That means being real, being kind, and trusting that Jesus is enough. We grow by staying connected to Him, not by following empty traditions or trying to look spiritual. So let’s move forward with confidence, knowing we’re already accepted, already forgiven, and already full in Christ. Let’s live boldly, love deeply, and let our lives reflect the freedom and joy we have in Him.

    – Our Prayer for Today

Jesus, thank You for stepping into the gap for Us. Thank You for saving Us, forgiving our sins, and giving Us a new life. We’re so grateful that we don’t have to earn Your love or follow a bunch of rules to be close to You. You already did everything for Us on the Cross. Help Us to live in Your truth every day, to stay connected to You, and to let our lives show how thankful We are. Keep Us from getting distracted by things that don’t matter, and remind us that We are enough. We love You, Jesus. Amen.

   – Subscribe

Hey family, if today’s message spoke to you, don’t let it stop there. I share reflections like this daily, and if you’d like them sent straight to your inbox, sign up. Head over to the homepage, take 30 seconds, and drop your email. That way, you won’t miss a word that could shift your day or speak to your situation.

   ⁃ Let’s grow together—one post, one prayer, one step at a time.
https://communityfocuseddevelopmentcom.azurewebsites.net/

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach

Christ Holds It All Together

Christ Holds It All Together

by | Sep 30, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/30/2025 

We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end, he’s there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross. You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time, you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message. I want you to know how glad I am that it’s me sitting here in this jail and not you. There’s a lot of suffering to be entered into in this world—the kind of suffering Christ takes on. I welcome the chance to take my share in the church’s part of that suffering. When I became a servant in this church, I experienced this suffering as a sheer gift, God’s way of helping me serve you, laying out the whole truth. This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That’s what I’m working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me. I want you to realize that I continue to work as hard as I know how for you, and also for the Christians over at Laodicea. Not many of you have met me face-to-face, but that doesn’t make any difference. Know that I’m on your side, right alongside you. You’re not in this alone. I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we’ve been shown the mystery! I’m telling you this because I don’t want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or “the Secret.” I’m a long way off, true, and you may never lay eyes on me, but believe me, I’m on your side, right beside you. I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs, and impressed with the solid substance of your faith in Christ.

                              Colossians 1:15–2:5 (MSG)

– Reflection:

It reminds us that Jesus isn’t just a historical figure; He’s the very image of the invisible God, the one through whom everything was created and continues to hold all things together. He’s the center of everything, from the universe to the church, and even our personal lives. Paul emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross brings healing and unity to everything that’s broken, including us. He encourages believers to stay rooted in this truth, not chasing after flashy distractions or so-called secrets. Instead, we’re invited into a deep relationship with Christ, where true wisdom and peace are found. This message is for everyone, regardless of background, and it’s meant to help us grow into maturity, with Christ as our foundation. Paul’s passion, even while suffering, shows how deeply he believes in this truth and how much he wants others to experience it too. For young people especially, this passage is a call to stay focused, stay grounded, and remember that they’re part of something bigger—a divine story of love, purpose, and transformation.

– Where do we go from here?

Now that we’ve seen the depth of who Christ is and what He’s done for us, the question becomes how do we respond? We move forward by staying rooted in Him, not just in belief but in how we live, love, and lead. This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about staying connected. Christ is in us, and that means we carry His purpose, His peace, and His power into every space we enter. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a leader, or just trying to figure out life, this message is for you. Let’s not chase distractions or watered-down versions of truth. Let’s grow in wisdom, walk in love, and build each other up. We’re not alone in this; God’s got us, and we’ve got each other. So let’s keep showing up, keep learning, and keep living out the message with boldness and grace.

– Our Prayer for Today

Jesus, thank You for being the center of everything above us, around us, and within us. You hold all things together, even when life feels scattered and broken. Thank You for loving us enough to die for us, to bring us close to God, and to make us whole. Help us stay grounded in Your truth, not distracted by things that don’t last. Teach us to grow in wisdom, to love like You love, and to live with purpose. Remind us that we’re never alone, and that You’re working in us every day. We trust You, we follow You, and we thank You. Amen.

– Subscribe

Hey family, if today’s message spoke to you, don’t let it stop there. I’m sharing reflections like this daily, and if you want them sent straight to your inbox, all you have to do is sign up. Head over to the homepage, take 30 seconds, and drop your email. That way, you won’t miss a word that could shift your day or speak to your situation.

 ⁃ Let’s grow together—one post, one prayer, one step at a time.
https://communityfocuseddevelopmentcom.azurewebsites.net/

 

Working In His Orchard

Working In His Orchard

by | Sep 29, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/29/2025

Our prayers for you are always spilling over into thanksgivings. We can’t quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you! We keep getting reports on your steady faith in Christ, our Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians. The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope. The Message is as true among you today as when you first heard it. It doesn’t diminish or weaken over time. It’s the same all over the world. The Message bears fruit and gets larger and stronger, just as it has in you. From the very first day you heard and recognized the truth of what God is doing, you’ve been hungry for more. It’s as vigorous in you now as when you learned it from our friend and close associate Epaphras. He is one reliable worker for Christ! I could always depend on him. He’s the one who told us how thoroughly love had been worked into your lives by the Spirit. Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.

Colossians 1:3–14 (MSG)

– Reflection:

In this passage we just read and is posted above from Colossians, it is reminding us how powerful and life-changing God’s message really is. Paul, the author, is writing to a group of believers, telling them how thankful he is for their strong faith and love for others. He’s excited because they haven’t given up, they’re holding on to hope, and growing in their understanding of God. He says that the message of Jesus is spreading all over the world and changing lives, just like it changed theirs. Paul also prays that they’ll continue to learn, remain strong, and live in a way that brings glory to God. He reminds them that God rescued them from darkness and gave them a new life through Jesus, who forgives their sins and gives them a fresh start. This is a message of encouragement: keep going, stay faithful, and trust that God is working in you and through you.

– Where do we go from here?

Now that we’ve read this powerful message from Colossians, the next step is to start living it out. We don’t just want to hear about God’s love; we want to show it through how we treat others, how we grow in faith, and how we stay hopeful even when life gets tough. This passage reminds us that God is working in us, helping us become stronger, wiser, and more joyful. So from here, we keep learning, keep praying, and keep trusting that God has a purpose for our lives. We walk forward with confidence, knowing we’ve been rescued and given a fresh start through Jesus. Let’s live like people who know they’re loved, forgiven, and chosen to make a difference.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for giving us a place to grow and do good things for You. Help us take care of the work You gave us, just like Jesus did. Show us how to love others, stay strong, and learn more about You every day. Give us joy and help us keep going, even when life is hard. Let our lives show Your love and make You happy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keeping Jesus At The Center

Keeping Jesus At The Center

by | Sep 26, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/26/2025

Hardly anyone who hears the full story of Jesus and learns the true facts of his life and teaching, crucifixion and resurrection, walks away with a shrug of the shoulders, dismissing him as unimportant. People ignorant of the story or misinformed about it, of course, regularly dismiss him. But with few exceptions, the others know instinctively that they are dealing with a most remarkable greatness. But it is quite common for those who consider him truly important to include others who seem to be equally important in his company—Buddha, Moses, Socrates, and Muhammad for a historical start, along with some personal favorites. For these people, Jesus is important, but not central; his prestige is considerable, but he is not preeminent. The Christians in the town of Colosse, or at least some of them, seem to have been taking this line. For them, cosmic forces of one sort or another were getting equal billing with Jesus. Paul writes to them in an attempt to restore Jesus, the Messiah, to the center of their lives. The way he makes his argument is as significant as the argument he makes. Claims for the uniqueness of Jesus are common enough. But such claims about Jesus are frequently made with an arrogance that is completely incompatible with Jesus himself. Sometimes the claims are enforced with violence. But Paul, although unswervingly confident in the conviction that Christ occupies the center of creation and salvation without peers, is not arrogant. And he is certainly not violent. He argues from a position of rooted humility. He writes with the energies of most considerate love. He exhibits again what Christians have come to appreciate so much in Paul—the wedding of a brilliant and uncompromising intellect with a heart that is warmly and wonderfully kind. I, Paul, have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God’s master plan. Together with my friend Timothy, I greet the Christians and stalwart followers of Christ who live in Colosse. May everything good from God our Father be yours!

Colossians 1:1–2 (MSG)

– Reflection:

According to the Bible passage written by Paul, he’s on a special mission from Jesus, and he’s writing with love and purpose. Right from the start, Paul makes it clear that Jesus isn’t just one important figure among many. Jesus is the center of everything. Sometimes people try to put Jesus on the same level as other great teachers or leaders, but Paul wants us to understand that Jesus is unique. He’s not just part of the story; He is the story. And what’s amazing is that Paul doesn’t come across as bossy or harsh; he writes with kindness and humility, showing us that truth and love go hand in hand. This introduction to Colossians reminds us that following Jesus means keeping Him at the center of our lives, above all else. Hard work is something we strive for to keep ourselves in a place to stay or a car to drive. If we can work that hard at keeping our worldly outward life good to go. Then we definitely can keep Jesus at the Center, helping us to clean the mess of our lives.

– Where do we go from here?

Let’s start by asking ourselves each day, “Is Jesus first in my thoughts, my choices, and my priorities?” Spend time reading His Word, even just a few verses, and talk to Him in prayer like you would a close friend. Let His love shape how you treat others at home, at school, at work. And don’t keep this to yourself; share what you’re learning with someone else. When Jesus is central, everything else finds its right place. So today, take one step closer: open your Bible, open your heart, and let Him lead.

– Our Prayer for Today

Jesus, thank You for loving us and being the most important part of our lives. Help us to keep you at the center of everything we do. Teach us to follow You every day and to share Your love with others. Amen.
Content Whatever The Circumstances

Content Whatever The Circumstances

by | Sep 25, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/25/2025

I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles. You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I’ll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity. And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes. Give our regards to every follower of Jesus you meet. Our friends here say hello. All the Christians here, especially the believers who work in the palace of Caesar, want to be remembered to you. Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.

Philippians 4:10–23 (MSG)

– Reflection:

How many of us are content where we are? I can’t truly say it. Some of you may be able to. I don’t feel that I have given enough of myself to help people fully integrate into what GOD has for us all. I am no pastor, but I, too, want to see it; have better hearts, want to help others. You know, help a community grow in the same ways that Christ started, and Paul picked up the mantle, and all of the disciples created a better place for people of the gospel to grow. I am full right now with the work I get to do each day to honor Christ and all of you, by being a person who lives what he writes. There are always going to be obstacles that pop up in our lives, but it is how we deal with them that says the measure of a person you are. Circumstances can break many, but holding tight to what has been placed in your heart will allow you to keep walking. Honor your gifts by being content. If no help comes, then it’s not the time for them to come yet. We have to do our part first before the help comes. Stay content, and your blessings will come. Give up, and you will have to start over many times. Stay right where you are, GOD knows where that is. He knows where your path is to meet others; you just have to keep digging and walking. eventually it will show itself. Being content where we are requires strength that has been given by the Holy Trinity. It is given freely, but you have to ask for it. It will not just overtake you.

– Where do we go from here?

If you are worn to a frazzle and don’t have anything for anyone, including yourself, then you need to get into praying. Find a group that can help you find hope, that can show you where the light switch is. You have to first know yourself and what your limits are. As we grow into more of a servant within our group, then we can begin asking GOD for more, but being content with the amounts we have, especially ourselves, is most important. We are no good to anyone, let alone a group, if we aren’t willing to look within ourselves and speak that truth over us first. Then we can move into helping others. Low points are low, and high points are high; neither is better than the other; it is just the way we allow our minds to frame it. Staying content is the focus of what we are to do. helping each other is too. When it is time to move into a different space, keep that same simple heart that GOD placed in us; that is how we will stay content and connected to him.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for keeping our eyes on the prize, wanting no more than what you have promised, which is a lot in itself. Let us continue doing our part until it is time for help to arrive. Allow us to honor the help being sent and not take it for granted. Keeps our hearts searching for others, yet content with our stations in life. You know the time when we are ready and will give us the push we need in the right direction while we wait. Honor us with your blessings, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Pray About Everything

Pray About Everything

by | Sep 24, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/24/2025

My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God. Pray About Everything. I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges.  And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you’re right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans, worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life. Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!  Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw, and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Philippians 4:1–9 (MSG)

– Reflection:

The two women who played a key role in helping Paul develop the message for the Philippians had a disagreement with each other. It’s unclear what the disagreement was, as it isn’t discussed in the Bible passage from which this reflection comes. This situation might be similar to a husband and wife having disagreements, with neither wanting to yield to the other’s point of view. The Bible teaches us from this passage that it’s best to set aside such conflicts and focus on what the Word says we should do by praying. Prayer is for us and for the souls of others, calling on the Holy Trinity for help, not just to see our side or gain power for ourselves, but to honor Christ by forgiving them, regardless of our differences. Prayer for everyone is important, but we should also practice what Paul and others did: uniting a community that is inclusive of everyone who seeks what GOD desires. Pray for our wives and husbands alike, pray for our families and friends, asking for Jesus to come into all of those hearts, softening them to the work that is needed.

– Where do we go from here?

We move forward by embracing the example Paul set—choosing unity over division and prayer over pride. When disagreements arise, even among those doing God’s work, we are called not to dwell on the conflict but to seek reconciliation through prayer and humility. Our next step is to pray earnestly not just for ourselves, but for our spouses, families, and communities, asking Christ to soften hearts and guide us toward His will. Let us build a community that reflects God’s inclusive love, where forgiveness is freely given and unity is actively pursued. In doing so, we honor Christ and strengthen the body of believers.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for the gift of this day and for the people You’ve placed in our lives. Help us walk in unity, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Teach us to lay down our pride and embrace Your peace. Soften our hearts, Lord, and help us forgive as You have forgiven us. We pray for our spouses, our families, and our friends. May Your love fill their hearts and guide their steps. Where there is tension, bring healing. Where there is silence, bring understanding. Where there is hurt, bring comfort. Let our prayers be for Your will to be done in every relationship and home, not for power or control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Focused On The Goal

Focused On The Goal

by | Sep 23, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/23/2025

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites. But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.

Philippians 3:12–21 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Reading the passage above, I felt like I was talking to myself after I read it. Let’s not turn back once we have passed through the door of salvation. I know we will be forgiven if we ask for it, but why ask when we shouldn’t need to? Life as a Christian will not be easy for any of us. Yes, there is a parachute we can use. I try to work through as much as possible on my own, by reading and studying daily. The truth is, we all are going to fail; that is the nature of living in this world. The problem arises when we have called on the name of Jesus, he answers us, and we fall back into one, two, or some of those old habits. Jesus forgives us because he loves us. Shouldn’t we, though, work harder to not need to be forgiven so many times for the same things? Having a group or community that holds us accountable can really help with backsliding. For me, I have a few friends who speak truth to me and keep me accountable on the things that they know would harm the direction of my life, and I do the same for them. There is no place in Christianity for a lone wolf; they won’t make it. We need each other.

– Where do we go from here?

We keep moving forward together. Once we’ve stepped through the door of salvation, there’s no turning back. Yes, Jesus forgives us when we fall—but let’s strive to grow stronger so we don’t keep falling into the same traps. Being a Christian isn’t easy, and we’re all going to stumble. That’s why we need each other. Accountability, truth, and support from trusted friends can help us stay on track. Lone wolves won’t make it—we were never meant to walk this path alone. So let’s keep studying, praying, and encouraging one another. The journey is tough, but we’re not alone—and that makes all the difference. Being in community is essential for us to succeed in this life. Gaining ground for Christ and moving toward the goals placed on our hearts are crucial. We can’t give up because if we do, the world loses, and GOD doesn’t lose, so we must surround ourselves with those who want to help others, not hurt them.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for giving us the ability to stay strong by aligning ourselves with those who will have our best interests in mind. Keep us together in community and allow each of us the space to operate and do our parts. Some work together depending on others, and some work in silos to eventually bring their work into the light and connect the community to make it stronger. Thank you, Jesus, for this time to commit ourselves to you and keep our covenants with you. Amen.
To Know Him Personally

To Know Him Personally

by | Sep 22, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/22/2025

And that’s about it, friends. Be glad in God! I don’t mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don’t mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry—so here goes. Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they’re interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ’s praise as we do it. We couldn’t carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it, even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Ben-jamin; a strict and devout adherent to God’s law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God’s law Book. The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash, along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.

Philippians 3:1–11 (MSG)

– Reflection:

In knowing GOD personally, we must first understand his Son because he is the one who took on all our sins and saved us from the world itself. Paul had an encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus while he was hunting down Christians and putting them to death. Jesus took his sight and allowed him to sit with the decisions he had been making. I am sure that he and the resurrected Jesus had a conversation during this waiting period, because once he regained his sight, he had knowledge of Christ and Christianity like no one else, not even Peter could hold a candle to what burned inside of him. He was on fire with honoring Jesus with his life and continued to do so while imprisoned, and his letters are still helping us to find Christ as well. He knew Jesus personally, and I want to be on fire just like that. Reading his words and placing them into practice in my quiet time, and then adding them to my daily life as I move forward. I want all of us to really acknowledge what is in these words and understand that there is a community that was being lived in at that time. It wasn’t selfish; it was a loving, constantly evolving into what we see today. Let’s honor all that work by living like he did, only wanting what is best for us in the Kingdom, nothing else.

– Where do we go from here?

Now that we understand how important it is to know Jesus personally, just like Paul did, our next step is to build that same kind of relationship. Paul’s life was transformed when he encountered Jesus, and his passion for Christ became the foundation of everything he did. We can follow that example by spending time reading Paul’s letters, reflecting on their meaning, and applying them to our own lives. This isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about creating a loving, Christ-centered community that reflects the Kingdom of God. Let’s move forward with purpose, honoring the work of those who came before us by living with love, humility, and a desire to grow closer to Jesus every day.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, give us the strength of Paul, light us on fire as you did him. We know you provided us with the tools to complete our tasks; we need to know clearly how to do so. As we honor you each day, we will begin to take on more of a personal role with you, Jesus. Honoring you is the best part of our lives. Amen.
Rejoicing Together

Rejoicing Together

by | Sep 19, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/19/2025

What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing. Even if I am executed here and now, I’ll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ’s altar, a part of your rejoicing. But turnabout’s fair play—you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don’t feel sorry for me. I plan (according to Jesus’ plan) to send Timothy to you very soon so he can bring back all the news of you he can gather. Oh, how that will do my heart good! I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you. Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus. But you know yourselves that Timothy’s the real thing. He’s been a devoted son to me as together we’ve delivered the Message. As soon as I see how things are going to fall out for me here, I plan to send him off. And then I’m hoping and praying to be right on his heels. But for right now, I’m dispatching Epaphroditus, my good friend and companion in my work. You sent him to help me out; now I’m sending him to help you out. He has been wanting in the worst way to get back with you. Especially since recovering from the illness you heard about, he’s been wanting to get back and reassure you that he is just fine. He nearly died, as you know, but God had mercy on him. And not only on him—he had mercy on me, too. His death would have been one huge grief piled on top of all the others. So you can see why I’m so delighted to send him on to you. When you see him again, hale and hearty, how you’ll rejoice and how relieved I’ll be. Give him a grand welcome, a joyful embrace! People like him deserve the best you can give. Remember the ministry to me that you started but weren’t able to complete? Well, in the process of finishing up that work, he put his life on the line and nearly died doing it.

Philippians 2:12–30 (MSG)

– Reflection:

If we followed everything Paul asked of us, really followed it to the letter of what the Bible says, I genuinely believe we would be cheerful, we would not be arguing, and we would be free from second-guessing. I wonder if we could truly rejoice. I like that you trust GOD above anyone, not man or woman, just the Holy Trinity. With those three, I trust my life to them, and you should too. The things I have managed to overcome in the presence of the Holy Spirit are beyond what I believed possible. Not only personal challenges, but also the ability to help others, to have meaningful conversations. To cut grass, paint a wall, or fix a car. I initially thought these gifts were only for helping myself and my family, but I’m realizing they are meant for more than just me. I am grateful for everything I’ve received so far. Writing this blog and sharing the good I’ve been blessed with shows that you also have something inside you that others need. We are all a blessing to someone; we need to step into our gifts to discover them. Will you?

– Where do we go from here?

Let’s keep doing what’s right, just like we’ve been doing from the start. Even when no one is watching, we should keep living in a way that makes God proud. Let’s give our best effort, with energy and respect, knowing that God is working inside us to help us do what pleases Him. We should be kind, not argue, and stay positive. The world can be messy, but we can be like clean, fresh air—showing others what it looks like to live for God. Let’s carry His message with joy and be a light in dark places. And when we help others, we show real love. So let’s keep going strong, help each other, and live in a way that makes Jesus smile.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for helping us live the way You want. Please give us Your strength and energy to keep doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. Help us to be kind, cheerful, and full of love. Let us be a light in this world and show others what it means to follow You. Thank You for the people who help and care for others. Help us be more like them. We want to make You proud and share Your message with joy. Amen.