– Today’s Community Scripture – 11/28/2024 

Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:13–22 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Reflecting on our week, it’s evident that life has presented us with many challenges, making it difficult to find a moment of peace. Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the unwavering presence of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, stands as our constant source of strength. His love provides a solid foundation, giving us the resilience to face each day. By acknowledging His name with the reverence it deserves, we find solace and empowerment, knowing that through Him, we can navigate life’s trials with grace and gratitude. Our faith in Jesus Christ not only sustains us but also fortifies our spirit, reminding us that we are never alone on our journey.

– Where do we go from here?

As we reflect on Christ’s presence in our lives, let us consider how He calls us to move forward with faith and purpose. Jesus encourages us to live out His teachings by embodying love, compassion, and humility in our daily interactions. He inspires us to:

1.) **Love One Another**: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Show kindness and understanding to those around you, reflecting His love through your actions.

2.) **Seek Peace and Forgiveness**: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Strive to resolve conflicts peacefully and offer forgiveness, just as Jesus forgives us.

3.) **Serve Others**: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Look for opportunities to help and support others, following Jesus’ example of selfless service.

4.) **Trust in God’s Plan**: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust that God has a purpose for your life, even when the path seems uncertain.

By embracing these principles, we can navigate life’s challenges with the assurance that Jesus is guiding our steps. How do these directions resonate with you?

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for another day to express the spirit within us. We will honor the paths laid out before us, just as our Savior did during His journey. We will continue to stand up for those in need and align ourselves with like-minded individuals. We will not diminish the gifts You have given us; instead, we will share them openly so that others may see how great You are. Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 11/27/2024

God, come close. Come quickly! Open your ears—it’s my voice you’re hearing! Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising; my raised hands are my evening prayers. Post a guard at my mouth, God, set a watch at the door of my lips. Don’t let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company. And these people who only do wrong don’t let them lure me with their sweet talk! May the Just One set me straight, may the Kind One correct me, Don’t let sin anoint my head. I’m praying hard against their evil ways! Oh, let their leaders be pushed off a high rock cliff; make them face the music. Like a rock pulverized by a maul, let their bones be scattered at the gates of hell.

                             Psalm 141:1–7 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                     A Psalm by David

When David went out to face Goliath, I can only imagine the thoughts flooding his mind. It was probably similar to how I felt the first time I saw Shaquille O’Neal: “He’s twice my size. He’s their champion fighter, and I have no battle experience. This is impossible.” Negative thoughts like these likely overwhelmed him. However, one thing that made David a champion is that he didn’t voice these doubts. He understood the importance of controlling his words, choosing not to speak defeat or uncertainty. Instead, he transformed his negative thoughts into positive declarations. He boldly proclaimed to Goliath, “You come against me with a sword and shield, but I come against you in the name of the Lord God of Israel.”

Where do we go from here?

When facing difficulties, the first step is to refrain from speaking negatively. Instead, declare, “I am capable. I will conquer this challenge. I will achieve my dreams. With God on my side, I am stronger than any opposition.” By speaking words of faith, victory, health, and abundance, negative thoughts cannot persist. Use your words to nurture your faith, not to fuel your doubts.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for being the One and Only God, and for showing us that no giant is too great for You. Thank You for reminding us that having You on our side means more than anything that opposes us. Help us to be like David, to guard our words, and to boldly declare Your Word to the enemy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

– Today’s Community Scripture – 11/25/2024

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.

                          Philippians 4:12–14 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                   Content Whatever the Circumstances

In our journey of faith, resilience is an essential quality that helps us navigate life’s challenges with grace and strength. Walking with God means trusting in His plan, even when the path seems uncertain or filled with obstacles. Each trial we face can deepen our faith, reminding us that we are never alone; God walks beside us, offering comfort and guidance. As we rely on His promises, we find the courage to rise after each setback, knowing that our struggles can lead to growth and transformation. Embracing resilience not only strengthens our relationship with God but also inspires those around us, reflecting His love and hope in a world that often feels overwhelming. Through prayer and perseverance, we can face each day with renewed strength, confident that our journey is part of a greater purpose.

Where do we go from here?

Building on our resilience in our relationship with God, we can take active steps to deepen our faith and strengthen our community. This could involve engaging in prayer, studying scripture, or participating in church activities that promote connection and support. We should also look for opportunities to serve others, sharing our experiences and encouraging those who may be struggling. By adopting a mindset of growth and gratitude, we can turn our challenges into stepping stones, allowing our faith to flourish and inspiring others to join us on this journey. What specific steps or activities are you considering to enhance your resilience and faith?

Our Prayer for Today

Father, as we begin this day, we ask for Your strength and guidance. Help us to embrace the challenges ahead with courage and faith. Grant us the resilience to rise after setbacks and the wisdom to see each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. May Your presence be our comfort, reminding us that we are never alone on this journey. Fill our hearts with hope and our minds with clarity, so we can walk confidently in Your light. Thank You for the blessings of this day and the strength to face whatever comes our way. Amen.

– Today’s Community Scripture – 11/21/2024

Asa conducted himself well before GOD, reviving the ways of his ancestor David. He cleaned house: He got rid of the sacred prostitutes and threw out all the idols his predecessors had made. Asa spared nothing and no one; he went so far as to remove Queen Maacah from her position because she had built a shockingly obscene memorial to the whore goddess Asherah. Asa tore it down and burned it up in the Kidron Valley. Unfortunately, he didn’t get rid of the local sex-and-religion shrines. But he was well-intentioned—his heart was in the right place, in tune with GOD. All the gold and silver vessels and artifacts that he and his father had consecrated for holy use he installed in The Temple.

                            1 Kings 15:11–15 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                    Do Some Serious Cleaning

What aspects of your life might not be aligned with God’s will? King Asa removed every idol and shrine dedicated to other gods, even deposing his own mother from her position as queen because she worshiped a false deity. We all have things that we may place before God in our lives today—be it our careers, hobbies, or money. These priorities can lead us to develop a greater love for them than for God Himself.

– Where do we go from here?

Today, we can look around and identify the things we idolize. It would be great if we could simply set them aside or remove them as King Asa did. However, realistically, we people today need time to address these issues. We shouldn’t take years to make changes, because while we take our time, our blessings are being held back. To fully be in the presence of God, He must come first in our lives. Then, all that we ask of Him, He will freely give us. So, take a moment today to remove an idol from your life, whatever it may be.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for waking us each and every day. We give you honor and glory for the day ahead. We will use this daylight to provide for our families and cherish time with them, sharing the lessons we have learned from you. Thank you for your Son, Jesus. Amen.