– Today’s Community Scripture – 8/29/2025

I, Paul, am under God’s plan as an apostle, a special agent of Christ Jesus, writing to you faithful believers in Ephesus. I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:1–2 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Paul begins his letter with a strong reminder: he’s not just writing on his own, but as someone chosen by God, sent with purpose under Christ’s authority. He’s reaching out to believers in Ephesus—people holding onto their faith in a tough world. His greeting isn’t just polite; it’s a blessing. Paul speaks grace and peace over them, not from himself, but from the very heart of God the Father and Jesus the Lord. It’s a reminder that we, too, are part of something bigger. We’re not alone. We’re under God’s plan, covered by His grace, and rooted in His peace.

- Where do we go from here?

We move forward knowing who we are and whose we are. Just like Paul, each of us has a calling—maybe not as apostles, but as people chosen to fulfill God’s purpose in our everyday lives. That involves bringing grace and peace into our homes, workplaces, and communities. It means remaining faithful, even when it’s difficult, and remembering that we’re not doing this alone. God’s plan is still unfolding, and we are part of it. So let’s continue with confidence, trusting that His grace is sufficient and His peace will guide us every step of the way.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for reminding us that we are chosen, called, and covered by Your grace. Just as You sent Paul with purpose, You’ve placed purpose in each of us. We’re grateful for the peace You pour into our lives and the strength You give us to walk in faith. Help us carry Your grace into every space we enter and trust Your plan, even when we can’t see the whole picture. Thank You for being our constant guide and our source of peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Today’s Community Scripture – 8/25/2025

And a final word to you, arrogant rich: Take some lessons in lament. You’ll need buckets for the tears when the crash comes upon you. Your money is corrupt, and your fine clothes stink. Your greedy luxuries are a cancer in your gut, destroying your life from within. You thought you were piling up wealth. What you’ve piled up is judgment. All the workers you’ve exploited and cheated cry out for judgment. The groans of the workers you used and abused are a roar in the ears of the Master Avenger. You’ve looted the earth and lived it up. But all you’ll have to show for it is a fatter-than-usual corpse. In fact, what you’ve done is condemn and murder perfectly good persons, who stand there and take it. Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail. And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like “I swear to God” to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up, God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you.

James 5:1–12 (MSG)

– Reflection:

In reflecting on James 5:1–12, we are reminded that earthly wealth gained through exploitation and injustice carries a heavy spiritual cost. Many who appear successful have built their fortunes on the suffering of others—hoarding riches, withholding fair wages, and living in indulgence while ignoring the cries of those they’ve wronged. But Scripture assures us that such injustice does not go unnoticed. The passage warns of a coming judgment, where the corrupt will face the consequences of their actions. Their riches will rot, and their comfort will turn to misery. Yet, amid this warning, James also calls for patience and perseverance among the righteous, encouraging them to remain steadfast, knowing that justice will ultimately prevail. It is a sobering reminder that integrity and compassion matter far more than status, and that every wrong will one day be made right.

– Where do we go from here?

We stay focused on doing right by others, even when it’s not the popular or profitable choice. James reminds us that the truth always comes to light, and those who’ve climbed by stepping on others will eventually face the weight of their actions. Our job isn’t to chase after what they have—it’s to stay rooted in integrity, patience, and faith. We keep showing up, doing the work, and trusting that justice—God’s justice—will come in its time. That’s how we move forward: not bitter, but better.

– Our Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Your Word. Help us to walk with integrity, even when the world rewards the opposite. Give us patience when justice feels delayed, and strength to keep doing what’s right. Remind us that You see every act, every heart, and that Your justice never fails. May we be faithful, humble, and kind—trusting that in Your time, all things will be made right. Amen.