Today’s Community Scripture – 11/30/2023

Today’s Community Scripture – 11/30/2023

by | Nov 30, 2023 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Scripture:

                  Fully Loved and Restored

But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time.

                                  Luke 15:22–24 MSG

– Reflection:

If you’re familiar with the parable of the prodigal son, you know this young man had wasted all of his father’s inheritance on partying and returned home dirty, broken, desperate, and feeling worthless. What about those who have become something else and then returned home? When the father, who represents God, saw his son, he ran to him and embraced him. He immediately fully restored his son with the best robe, the family ring, and new shoes. Seeing him, no one would have believed he had made such poor decisions and ended up eating with hogs. 

Where do we go from here?

No matter who you are or what you have done, if you truly want to be a part of GOD’s Kingdom, he will fully restore you to who he knows you to be. There will be no mistaking you for a child of GOD. Trying to live one foot in and one foot out is where the problems come in. We have to be Allin for GOD and the Kingdom. Get rid of the lies that say You’ll always be at a disadvantage. Look at the mistakes you’ve made. That’s the enemy trying to keep you from feeling isolated and unworthy and from putting on the best robe. Don’t take that bait. Put on our Father’s robe of righteousness and favor. Put on the ring of authority that has your name on it. He’s bringing you into a place of destiny. 

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for forgiving us, imperfect as we are, and that Jesus has already paid for every mistake we’ve made on the cross. Thank You for Your heart of compassion, love, and mercy. We believe that You robed us in Your righteousness and favor. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 11/29/2023

Today’s Community Scripture – 11/29/2023

by | Nov 29, 2023 | Community Conversations, Prayers

 – Scripture:

                    New Heavens and Earth

  “Pay close attention now: I’m creating new heavens and a new earth. All the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain are things of the past to be forgotten. Look ahead with joy.

                                      Isaiah 65:17–18 MSG

 – Reflection:

With the marked season of Christmas rolling in on us, it is likened to the scripture above. Our creator is creating a new place, and all the former things before this will cease to have meaning. We consider our need for God’s powerful grace in our lives. To prepare for the coming of a Savior, we become aligned with the brokenness of our world and the brokenness of our own lives. I look to GOD in prayer to heal our former wounds and ourselves so that we may become better versions. Does this seem far-fetched to you? If it does, then you have not given your heart to Christ. Use the invitation given to us in the scripture above to change the destination of your life; allow his vision to cause a change in you and how you will move forward from here.

Where do we go from here?

Recognize this vision is the real world God intends, and the world around us is horribly broken and off track. Let’s imagine!

Our Prayer for Today

Father, give us hope in your powerful grace. Assure us of your presence with us despite our brokenness. Give us the courage to live as a citizen of your new earth even now, even here. Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 11/28/2023

Today’s Community Scripture – 11/28/2023

by | Nov 28, 2023 | Community Conversations, Prayers

 – Scripture:

                   Show Up For Life

Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busy work, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness that no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.

                                   Ephesians 5:11–20 MSG

 – Reflection:

I know people who lost what they had by being so intent on going after what they wanted at the present time that had no value. They missed their child growing up and the joy of their relationship with their spouse. They came home, but they weren’t there. They were distracted, always planning for the future, and never came into the present. Really think about what being in the moment means. I have taken less throughout my career to be there with my family, to see my wife, and to talk to her in the evenings. Sure, I could be making so much more money if I would sacrifice what GOD holds important. Money is a tool, not a destination; use it to allow yourself to be in the moment. Goals are great to have, they give you perspective and something to work toward, but we can’t allow the goal to be who we are.

Where do we go from here?

Today’s Scripture is pointing out ways to make the most of this very moment. What are you doing with today? Are you holding on strong where you are, are you present and connected, or are you present and disengaged? You have to make up your mind that you’re going to enjoy each moment, make up your mind to enjoy your family, enjoy the people with whom you work, and enjoy all the good of creation. 

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for calling us to make the most of every moment of every day. Thank You for the people You have brought into our lives. Help us to give them our full focus and love. We declare that we have made up our minds to enjoy them and not miss out on a moment of being present. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 11/27/2023

Today’s Community Scripture – 11/27/2023

by | Nov 27, 2023 | Community Conversations, Prayers

 – Scripture:

                              Getting Back to Honoring GOD

God addressed Samuel: “So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I’ve rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I’ve spotted the very king I want among his sons.”

                                                         1 Samuel 16:1 MSG

  Reflection:

Samuel was more than upset when God rejected King Saul for his disobedience, but he was turning a season of grief into a lifetime of misery. There are always times when God asks us how long we are going to mourn over what we’ve lost, over the relationship that didn’t work out, over the position that we didn’t get. The problem with continuing to mourn is that it will keep you from the new things God has in store for you. 

Where do we go from here?

He’s going to bring great opportunities, and new people and turn your mourning into dancing. Get your praise and worship back, for your destiny is going to far outweigh your history. God told Samuel to fill his horn with oil and go anoint a new king. He was pushing Samuel out of his comfort zone to move on from the last person and let’s get to the one I have chosen for you. The people of Israel chose Saul, but GOD chose David. Praise and expect great things. Let us get our victory for the kingdom of Christ.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for our dreams, and new relationships, for the new beginnings that keep us pushing the envelope forward for you Jesus. We are Thankful to You that after a season of disappointment over a Saul, You already had a David lined up. We look forward to joy and fulfillment like We’ve never seen. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Word’s of a Friend – Charles Nash

by | Nov 26, 2023 | Community Conversations

Evaluate where you have been and where you are going spiritually as you prepare for entry into the new season. Make peace with yourself and others so that you do not take any baggage from the past with you. A new day is dawning, so deal with issues that will hold you back from optimum harmony and joy.

Isaiah 55:12 For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.