– Today’s Community Scripture – 11/19/2024

And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. 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.

                           1 Thessalonians 5:12–18 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                    Gratitude for Everyone

Paul encourages us to appreciate those who lead and guide us, urging us to live in harmony and support one another. This passage beautifully emphasizes the importance of gratitude, not just for our blessings but also for the people who enrich our lives. It reminds us that having a grateful heart is essential for a thriving community, as it fosters an environment of encouragement and peace. By expressing thanks in all circumstances, we cultivate resilience and maintain a positive outlook, even during challenges. This call to gratitude invites us to reflect on our daily lives, recognizing both the small and large gifts we often take for granted, and inspires us to actively express our appreciation.

– Where do we go from here?

How can you incorporate more gratitude into your daily routine?

Incorporating more gratitude into our daily lives can change our perspective and improve our overall well-being. One effective way to begin is by keeping a gratitude journal, where you write down three things you are thankful for each day, no matter how small. This practice encourages mindfulness and helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life. 

Additionally, try expressing appreciation to those around you—whether it’s a simple “thank you” to a colleague or a heartfelt note to a friend. Setting aside a few moments each day for reflection, perhaps during your morning coffee or before bed, can also deepen your sense of gratitude. 

By making gratitude a regular part of your routine, you cultivate a more positive mindset and strengthen your connections with others, creating a ripple effect of kindness and appreciation in your community. What small step will you take today to express your gratitude?

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, I am grateful for the ability to wake up each morning and give my wife a kiss and my boys hugs before they leave for work and school. I appreciate the opportunity to express my gratitude to You every day, even on the tough days. Thank You. Amen.

– Today’s Community Scripture – 11/15/2024

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. 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 1:2–8 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                          Faith Under Pressure

When embarking on a new Christian life, you may find that certain challenges arise which will test you. These tests can create pressure, which I view as an adverse reaction to change that needs to be understood. In our walk with Christ, we will face many adversities and challenges that will test our faith daily—sometimes even hourly, and it can feel like every minute. During these times of pressure, when we feel as though we might be crushed, stomped on, or ground down, we must pray for the strength to maintain our faith and continue the important work that we are uniquely prepared to do.

– Where do we go from here?

Think back to a day when a test or situation went so poorly that you felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to get through it. Reflect on how you eventually managed to persevere. If you truly consider that moment, you might realize that it wasn’t just your own strength that got you through; it was God making a way for you, especially as you learned to trust Him. 

This kind of testing will happen several times in your life, prompting you to either believe in God’s plan or turn away from it. The pressure we feel is a measure of our ability to handle the challenges before us. While some people may adapt quickly, others often require more time and testing early on.

Our emotions can significantly influence how we navigate these tests. Allow your heart to communicate with God through His Son, Jesus, who sacrificed Himself for all of us. When we do this, the tests we face may become a bit easier to bear.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, we are grateful for the diverse paths we have been given to fulfill the work of your Kingdom. It is an honor to rise in your presence each day and continue striving to do right. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

– Scripture: 

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father. “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. “But remember the root command: Love one another.

                                 John 15:11–17 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                        The Vine and The Branches

God chose us for a purpose, and the specifics of that purpose will remain untold until we become part of the life He wants for us. When I first became a believer, I didn’t know what my role was supposed to be, so I naturally followed my instincts. Over time, the things I routinely did became more purposeful, motivating me to engage in them even more. 

I believe that the work we do outside of our careers, the everyday tasks that have no monetary reward, is the work God intends for us to do for one another. Think about it: when we participate in activities unrelated to earning money, we often feel the most connected to others. Whether it’s attending a practice or game as a coach, or teaching someone a skill they wouldn’t have learned otherwise, these moments illustrate what we are designed for. 

We should strive to engage in more of these connections. Connecting on a more human level is the meaningful work we should prioritize.

– Where do we go from here?

Take a moment today to connect with your community. Don’t wait—building human connections is essential for creating a stronger community. Connection is a powerful healer; if we prioritize these connections, we all have a better chance at thriving.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for designing us to need one another in this world. It is these connections that keep us strong and vigilant as we fulfill our responsibilities for the Kingdom. While there may be a few who seek to tear down, you have created far more builders than destroyers. Thank you, Father. Amen.