Today’s Community Scripture – 1/24/2025

Simon said, “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” It was no sooner said than done—a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come help them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch. Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell to his knees before Jesus. “Master, leave. I’m a sinner and can’t handle this holiness. Leave me to myself.” When they pulled in that catch of fish, awe overwhelmed Simon and everyone with him. It was the same with James and John, Zebedee’s sons, coworkers with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.

                              Luke 5:5–11 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                Push Out Into Deep Water

Simon Peter knew something miraculous had happened but also that they were in the presence of someone extraordinary. At that moment, Simon Peter feels unworthy, aware of all that is sinful in him. He demands that Jesus depart from him. In the face of all that is miraculous, being in the presence of the living God, we often do the same. When called to discipleship, we feel unworthy. We dismiss the call, turn away, distract ourselves, or pick it apart, hoping God will depart. Jesus does not depart from Simon Peter but acknowledges his fear and continues. Jesus reveals the potential he sees in Simon Peter and invites him to something more than fishing. More than his current life. Of course, he is afraid, and so are we.

– Where do we go from here?

For Simon Peter, the only response is obedience and commitment. Jesus extends this call to us, recognizing our potential and hope. It is our choice to walk with him and discover who we are and what our purpose is during our time here. How will you respond in 2025?

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, fear takes up so much space in our minds. God, give us the courage to be obedient. Help us to lean into discipleship and step forward in love. In the name of the one who calls us, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach

Today’s Community Scripture – 1/23/2025

Intelligent children listen to their parents; foolish children do their own thing. The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation; bullies push and shove their way through life. Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything. Indolence wants it all and gets nothing; the energetic have something to show for their lives. A good person hates false talk; a bad person wallows in gibberish. A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch. A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life. The rich can be sued for everything they have, but the poor are free of such threats. The lives of good people are brightly lit streets; the lives of the wicked are dark alleys. Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel. Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off. Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around. Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God’s commands and grow rich. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted wells! Sound thinking makes for gracious living, but liars walk a rough road. A commonsense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness. Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence. Refuse discipline and end up homeless; embrace correction and live an honored life. Souls who follow their hearts thrive; fools bent on evil despise matters of soul. Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.

                              Proverbs 13:1–20 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                Walk With The Wise

We all have people who are influencing us, people who are in our ear. We’re listening to their counsel, following their suggestions, and trusting what they say. The question is: Are they the right people? You shouldn’t take advice from everyone or be swayed by every opinion. You need to look at their track record. Have they made good decisions? Do they honor God? Do they have your best interests at heart? You have to be careful about who’s in your ear. If you have wrong voices, you’re going to make wrong choices. If you hang around friends who compromise or coworkers who gossip, their example, their advice, and how they influence you will keep you from your potential.

– Where do we go from here?

Be selective. Some people will tell you how to run your life, but they can’t even run their own lives. They’re giving you relationship advice, but they’ve been through six breakups. They’ll tell you how to invest and spend your money, but they can’t pay their own bills. Before you take that advice, consider the source. Are they people of integrity and excellence?

Our Prayer for Today

Father, I thank You for those who inspire, challenge and improve me. Please guide me in discerning about whose voices I heed and the advice I accept. Help me distance myself from anyone whose influence could hinder my growth. I aspire to walk alongside the right people. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach

– Today’s Community Scripture – 1/21/2025 

He left the meeting place and went to Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was running a high fever and they asked him to do something for her. He stood over her, told the fever to leave—and it left. Before they knew it, she was up getting dinner for them. When the sun went down, everyone who had anyone sick with some ailment or other brought them to him. One by one he placed his hands on them and healed them. Demons left in droves, screaming, “Son of God! You’re the Son of God!” But he shut them up, refusing to let them speak because they knew too much, knew him to be the Messiah.

                             Luke 4:38–41 MSG

– Reflection:

               He Healed Them All

In this chapter of Luke, Jesus publicly engages in ministry—teaching in synagogues, healing those afflicted by unclean spirits, and speaking with authority. Here, we witness the glory of the Lord, reminding us that everything on Earth belongs to Him. God, as the creator of the universe’s order, can act unexpectedly within it. This is exemplified in the passage where Jesus is summoned to Simon’s mother-in-law’s bedside, who is suffering from a fever. Rather than taking her to the synagogue for healing, Jesus touches her in her own home, meeting her in her time of need. This demonstrates a personal God who approaches each of us. Jesus confronts the illness that ensnares her, and her reaction is noteworthy—she immediately rises and begins serving Jesus and the disciples. Her response to God’s goodness showcases her generosity and willingness to serve. How can we, too, reflect such a response when we experience God’s grace in our lives?

– Where do we go from here?

As the night wore on, caregivers brought everyone sick to Jesus. He laid his hands on them and healed them. Jesus’ willingness to touch those with diseases was significant; in that era, the sick were deemed “unclean.” By making contact, Jesus risked exposure to this uncleanliness. However, he did not retreat from these individuals; instead, he took their hands and spoke a final healing word over them. This passage demonstrates how God reaches the world with salvation, love, and hope.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you that you work within the very order you created to be close to us. Thank you for caring for both our bodies and our souls. Help us to recognize your love and healing within our own lives. May we respond with gratitude and generosity. Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach

Today’s Community Scripture – 1/16/2025

How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It’s like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron’s beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.

                             Psalm 133:1–3 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                            A Community of Faith

When we come together as a faith community, a commanded blessing is given to us. We each come from varied backgrounds, different races, social classes, and political views. Regardless of age, wealth, or life circumstances, we set aside our differences when we gather. We form one family to worship the God who created the universe. Your past, your errors, nationality, voting preferences, or job do not define you here. We recognize that despite our differences, we serve the same God. Because of this shared spirit of unity, God promises that every gathering invokes His blessings—favor, healing, joy, and breakthroughs.

Where do we go from here?

Each time you arrive, the obstacles of your past become a little less powerful. By consistently gathering each week, you’re building momentum, and eventually, that blessing from GOD will dismantle every barrier in your way. You will step into a new phase of your destiny.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, we praise You for the assurance that being part of a faith community brings a commanded blessing. We are grateful that You are present among us whenever we come together in Jesus’ Name. We commit to prioritizing our roots in Your house. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach