Today’s Community Scripture – 9/12/2024

Today’s Community Scripture – 9/12/2024

by | Sep 12, 2024 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Scripture:

‘If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. ‘

                             James 1:5-8 MSG

– Reflection:

               Why won’t GOD Just Tell me what to do?

What specific answers are you currently seeking? And what steps have you taken thus far to find those answers?

Throughout my life, decision-making has always been a challenge for me. Whenever faced with a choice, I tend to get stuck in a cycle of indecision, feeling stressed and unsure, or overconfident and arrogant. Recently, I found myself in yet another situation where I couldn’t make up my mind, and the frustration hit me hard.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been in this spot. Each time, I feel exasperated, especially when it seems like God isn’t providing any clear guidance. I keep asking, “What’s Your will, God? Can You please show me?” Yet, the silence persists. I try everything, weighing the pros and cons and seeking advice from friends, but still, I can’t seem to reach a decision. It’s an exhausting loop that I find myself stuck in once again.

My conversations would usually follow some of the below commentary:

“I’m struggling to make a decision even after weighing the pros and cons. I’m afraid of making a mistake.”

“I want to apply for this job, but what if I don’t like it? Maybe I should stay where I am now. At least it’s stable, right?
I’m tired of trying to figure this out. Every time I visit a different doctor, they put me on something new, and it’s been horrible. I want this to go away, and I am unsure where to start.”

Do any of these statements resonate with you? Questioning seasons can be a real struggle, especially when you’re earnestly seeking to align with God’s will and do what’s right.

Where do we go from here?

Everything we do should be guided by God, ensuring that our actions are aligned with His will. We know the difference between right and wrong, as well as the meaning of love, which is the source of all that God wants us to do. God does not seek revenge or cause harm, as these actions are contrary to love. If you feel compelled toward any of those things, they are not from God at all. God cares for people and has created each of us wonderfully. Listen to the promptings of love in your heart and follow that path.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, even though I just want you to tell me what to do, I do know the area to look at where I could see where you would speak from. Jesus, for those who don’t understand your language but would love to learn it, send them the love you sent to all of us who are presently following you. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 9/11/2024

Today’s Community Scripture – 9/11/2024

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Scripture:

In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.

Ephesians 4:1–3 MSG

– Reflection:

To Be Mature

A steel beam has integrity when its purpose, design, manufacture, and use are aligned. In other words, to have integrity, a beam must be designed and manufactured for a specific purpose, and it must actually be used for that purpose. We can rely on a beam like that, even to bear a heavy and important load, because its entire existence is in alignment. Humans can also be aligned when we are working from the purpose we were built to fulfill. You see, God designed and built us for specific purposes, giving us natural talents, spiritual gifts, and unique passions. He further shapes us through our individual journeys. Therefore, for each of us, our purposes, our design, and the way we’re built are always aligned.

Where do we go from here?

He allows us to choose how we spend our lives. If we ask, search, listen, and discover what he had in mind when he dreamt us up and knit us together—and then allow ourselves to be used in the ways he intends—we bring our lives into full alignment. If we strike out on our own, though, and follow the world’s “oughts” into other uses altogether, we commit ourselves to living lives of misalignment. Get started on that thing that only you know you were built for. Go ahead.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for showing us the path to walk and the work to do. Please help each of us to find our own way, just as you continue to guide us each and every day. For those of us who have started our journeys and know our work, let’s get to it and welcome others and be accepting of them when they arrive. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 9/10/2024

Today’s Community Scripture – 9/10/2024

by | Sep 10, 2024 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Scripture:

Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by.
5–7  When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?”

                          Luke 19:1–7 MSG

– Reflection:

              Zacchaeus – A Secret To A Changed Life

When Jesus could have spent time with any local religious leader, He chose Zacchaeus, which everyone else found disgusting. Zacchaeus was the despised chief tax collector in the region, known for cheating people and called a notorious sinner. Religion says, “He’s too bad. He’s scum. Stay away.” Sometimes religion portrays an image of God where you can’t measure up, and it uses guilt and your feelings of unworthiness to try to get you to live right. But God says, “I gladly welcome Zacchaeus. What he has done does not cancel out My mercy.”

Where do we go from here?

“When Zacchaeus realized that God loved him unconditionally, even when he had made mistakes, he decided to change his ways, and salvation came to him. Sometimes we think that by pointing out people’s mistakes and making them feel guilty, they will change. But condemnation doesn’t lead to improvement. It is when people hear about a God who shows mercy when they deserve judgment that they will change. The Scripture says, ‘It’s the goodness of God that leads to repentance.'”

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for knowing everything about us and still inviting Yourself to dinner at our houses and bringing the gift of salvation. We are grateful that it’s not about our performance, being good enough, or being worthy because we wouldn’t measure up, but Your love strengthens us. Welcome to our houses. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Today’s Community Scripture – 9/9/2024

Today’s Community Scripture – 9/9/2024

by | Sep 9, 2024 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Scripture:

It was reported to King David that God had prospered Obed-Edom and his entire household because of the Chest of God. So David thought, “I’ll get that blessing for myself,” and went and brought up the Chest of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David, celebrating extravagantly all the way, with frequent sacrifices of choice bulls. David, ceremonially dressed in priest’s linen, danced with great abandon before God. The whole country was with him as he accompanied the Chest of God with shouts and trumpet blasts. But as the Chest of God came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, happened to be looking out a window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before God, her heart filled with scorn.

                             2 Samuel 6:12–16 MSG

– Reflection:

               Keep Celebrating

There was a huge celebration, with shouts of joy, trumpets blowing, and cymbals crashing. David and his men had just recovered the ark of the covenant. David was so excited that he danced with all of his might. He was the distinguished king, but he didn’t hold back from celebrating the goodness of God. When his wife Michal saw him dancing and leaping, she was filled with contempt and criticized him for acting like a vulgar person. In response, David said, “I was celebrating before the Lord, not you. What you think of me is not going to keep me from being who I am.” David wasn’t controlled by what other people thought.

Where do we go from here?

When you honor God and strive to be your best, some people may find fault with you. They may withhold their approval unless you lower your standards and conform to their way of thinking. However, it’s important to maintain a steadfast attitude, akin to that of David. You shouldn’t seek their approval. Instead, keep God first in your life, live with integrity, and do what is right even when it’s difficult.

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, we are grateful for the people in our lives who celebrate and support us in our faith journey. Please help us to stay true to ourselves and honor you, even when others criticize and try to change us. We declare that we will freely worship and serve you with all our hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Today’s Community Scripture – 9/6/2024

Today’s Community Scripture – 9/6/2024

by | Sep 6, 2024 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Scripture:

“Go ahead,” said Elijah, “but, mind you, don’t forget what I’ve just done to you.”
21  So Elisha left; he took his yoke of oxen and butchered them. He made a fire with the plow and tackle and then boiled the meat—a true farewell meal for the family. Then he left and followed Elijah, becoming his right-hand man.

                            1 Kings 19:20–21 MSG

– Reflection:

              A Great Path

Sometimes, what God puts in your heart may not make sense on paper or to other people. But God won’t move you unless He has something better for you. Not long after that, Elijah was taken to Heaven, and Elisha received a double portion of his spirit. As a result, the prophet Elisha performed twice as many miracles as Elijah.

Where do we go from here?

Remember this: If you prioritize God, He will give you desires and open doors you never thought possible, providing you with opportunities, influence, favor, and resources. The best path is one of abundance that will take you further than you can imagine.

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for knowing the best and most abundant path for our lives. Thank you for placing the right desires in our hearts to take us beyond our wildest dreams. We believe that You are opening doors for us that we could never open on our own. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”