Today’s Community Scripture – 6/5/2025

But their suspicions didn’t slow Saul down for even a minute. His momentum was up now and he plowed straight into the opposition, disarming the Damascus Jews and trying to show them that this Jesus was the Messiah. After this had gone on quite a long time, some Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul got wind of it. They were watching the city gates around the clock so they could kill him. Then one night the disciples engineered his escape by lowering him over the wall in a basket. Back in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn’t trust him one bit. Then Barnabas took him under his wing. He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus’ name.

Acts 9:22–27 (MSG)

– Reflection:

This passage captures the remarkable transformation of Saul and the early challenges he faced as a new believer. Despite intense suspicion and life-threatening opposition, Saul’s zeal for proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah did not waver. His boldness in the face of danger reveals the depth of his conviction and the power of his encounter with Christ. Yet, his past still haunted him—when he returned to Jerusalem, the disciples were too afraid to trust him. It was Barnabas who stepped in, offering not only friendship but also advocacy, helping others see the truth of Saul’s transformation. This moment reminds us that while personal faith is powerful, the support and belief of others—like Barnabas—can be essential in helping us fully embrace our calling. It’s a call to be courageous in our witness and compassionate in our welcome.

– Where do we go from here?

Consider how we respond to transformation both in ourselves and in others. Like Saul, we may be called to step boldly into new territory, even when it is uncomfortable or dangerous. Our past might lead others to doubt us, but that does not disqualify us from the mission God has given us. At the same time, we’re invited to be like Barnabas—people who look beyond someone’s history and advocate for their future. Moving forward, we can ask ourselves: Who needs our encouragement? Who can we stand beside as they step into their calling? And in our own journey, are we willing to trust God’s guidance, even when it means risking rejection or facing the unknown? The road ahead is one of courage, community, and grace.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, we thank You for the story of Saul, which exemplifies radical transformation, bold faith, and the power of community. Help us to walk with courage when You call us into new places, even in the face of opposition or fear. Give us the strength to proclaim Your truth with love and conviction, just as Saul did. And Lord, make us like Barnabas—people who see the potential in others, advocate for the misunderstood, and build bridges in the presence of doubt. Teach us to trust in Your work in the lives of others, even when it challenges our assumptions. May we be a community that welcomes, supports, and uplifts one another as we follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for reading and following along on the journey of becoming better by following the WORD.

Today’s Community Scripture – 6/4/2025

Saul spent a few days getting acquainted with the Damascus disciples, but then went right to work, wasting no time, preaching in the meeting places that this Jesus was the Son of God. They were caught off guard by this and, not at all sure they could trust him, they kept saying, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem among the believers? And didn’t he come here to do the same thing—arrest us and drag us off to jail in Jerusalem for sentencing by the high priests?” But their suspicions didn’t slow Saul down for even a minute. His momentum was up now and he plowed straight into the opposition, disarming the Damascus Jews and trying to show them that this Jesus was the Messiah. After this had gone on quite a long time, some Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul got wind of it. They were watching the city gates around the clock so they could kill him. Then one night the disciples engineered his escape by lowering him over the wall in a basket.

Acts 9:19–25 (MSG)

– Reflection:

This passage from Acts 9:19–25 (MSG) offers a powerful reflection on transformation, courage, and divine purpose. Saul, once a fierce persecutor of Christians, undergoes a radical change after encountering Jesus. His immediate commitment to preaching the gospel, despite the skepticism and fear of those around him, highlights the depth of his conversion. The disciples’ initial distrust is understandable; yet Saul’s unwavering dedication and boldness in proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah demonstrate the transformative power of faith. Even in the face of life-threatening opposition, Saul does not retreat. Instead, he continues his mission with determination, relying on the support of the very community he once sought to destroy. This passage reminds us that true change is possible and that, with faith and courage, one can overcome past mistakes and boldly pursue a new path aligned with God’s calling.

– Where do we go from here?

Saul’s story challenges us to reflect on how we respond to transformation both within ourselves and in others. Like the early disciples, we may struggle to trust change when it feels too sudden or arises from an unexpected source. Yet, Saul’s boldness reminds us that when God calls, hesitation must yield to action. From here, we are invited to examine our own lives: What mission are we being called to pursue with courage, even amid doubt or danger? How can we support others stepping into new identities and purposes? Moving forward, we are called to be both brave like Saul and supportive like the disciples who helped him escape. Our next step is to live out our faith with conviction, trusting that God can use even the most unlikely people and moments for extraordinary purposes.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, Thank You for the power of transformation and the courage You place in our hearts. Like Saul, help us to boldly step into the purpose You’ve called us to, even when others doubt or when fear tries to hold us back. Teach us to trust in Your plan, to support those who are changing for the better, and to walk forward in faith. May we be vessels of Your grace, ready to act, ready to believe, and ready to follow wherever You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 6/2/2025

But she said, “Don’t call me Naomi; call me Bitter. The Strong One has dealt me a bitter blow. I left here full of life, and GOD has brought me back with nothing but the clothes on my back. Why would you call me Naomi? God certainly doesn’t. The Strong One ruined me.” And so Naomi was back, and Ruth the foreigner with her, back from the country of Moab. They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

Ruth 1:20–22 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Naomi faced great personal loss in Moab, losing her husband and two sons. Left in poverty with her daughter-in-law Ruth, she returned to Bethlehem. There, Ruth met and married Boaz, a wealthy man. Their lineage led to King David and eventually to Jesus, showing that their hardships were part of a greater divine plan.

– Where do we go from here?

When we focus only on a single loss or a door that unexpectedly closed, it can feel unfair. But when we recognize that God operates across generations, we begin to see the bigger picture. What once seemed like a setback may actually be part of a divine plan, setting the stage for blessings that reach far beyond our own lives and into our destiny.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You that You know best when it comes to the difficulties that come into our lives. Thank You that Your plans are always so much more fulfilling and bigger than our plans. We declare that You are in control, and we believe that something big is coming our way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.