Simple Faith and Plain Truth

Simple Faith and Plain Truth

by | Oct 24, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 10/24/2025

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free. Eventually the news is going to get out. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth. Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray—not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions, but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it. I don’t let women take over and tell the men what to do. They should study to be quiet and obedient along with everyone else. Adam was made first, then Eve; woman was deceived first—our pioneer in sin!—with Adam right on her heels. On the other hand, her childbearing brought about salvation, reversing Eve. But this salvation only comes to those who continue in faith, love, and holiness, gathering it all into maturity. You can depend on this.

1 Timothy 2:1–15 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. Before we set our sights on buying a new house, getting a new car, or pursuing a new relationship, we must remember that prayer is our direct connection to the Father who sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. When we come to God in prayer, let it be with joy and gratitude, not anger. Rejoice in the privilege of speaking life over others and helping them find their way under His grace. Pray for your community, especially for those who may be struggling to live rightly. Honor our elders, regardless of the challenges they may present. They watched over us as we grew into who we are today. Men, let us respect our wives and girlfriends; women, honor your husbands and significant others. Allow each other to step into the roles God designed for us.
Women, be the support your partner needs to fulfill his purpose. Men, seek God earnestly in prayer to discover your purpose so your partner has something meaningful to help build. This mutual understanding can ease tension in the home and strengthen the bond between you. Everyone desires to know that their life has meaning. When we connect deeply with our mate, we find shared purpose. Let us strive to see the best in one another and pray for that daily when we rise and before we sleep. We need simple faith and honest truth. These are the foundations that allow us to see the fullness of what Christ desires for each of us.

– Where do we go from here?

Now that we’ve reflected on the power and purpose of prayer, the question becomes: what’s next? We move forward by making prayer a daily habit—not just for ourselves, but for our families, our communities, and our relationships. We commit to honoring one another, lifting each other up, and seeking God’s guidance in all things. Men must pursue their God-given purpose with intention, and women must be empowered to walk alongside them as partners in that journey. Together, we build homes rooted in faith, respect, and love. Let’s choose to see the best in each other, speak life daily, and trust that God’s truth will lead us into the fullness of His plan. The next step is simple: pray, believe, and act in love every single day.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, strengthen our relationships. May men rise to the purpose You’ve placed within them, and may women be the support and encouragement that helps bring that purpose to life. Let our homes be filled with respect, love, and understanding. Remove tension and replace it with unity and grace. Show us the beauty in one another, and help us to pray for that beauty daily—when we wake and before we sleep. Give us simple faith and honest truth, that we may walk in the fullness of what Christ has for us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

– Subscribe
Hey family, if today’s message spoke to you, don’t let it stop there. I share reflections like this daily, and if you’d like them sent straight to your inbox, sign up. Head over to the homepage, take 30 seconds, and drop your email. That way, you won’t miss a word that could shift your day or speak to your situation.

– Let’s grow together

– one post, one prayer, one step at a time.

https://community.focuseddevelopment.com/

Let Your Spirit guide our decisions, our conversations, and our actions. When challenges come, remind us that You are our strength. When we feel weak, remind us that steel is forged in fire, and You are shaping us for something greater. Let today be a day where we grow, serve, and reflect Your love in everything we do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Self-Appointed Experts On Life

Self-Appointed Experts On Life

by | Oct 23, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 10/23/2025

On my way to the province of Macedonia, I advised you to stay in Ephesus. Well, I haven’t changed my mind. Stay right there on top of things so that the teaching stays on track. Apparently some people have been introducing fantasy stories and fanciful family trees that digress into silliness instead of pulling the people back into the center, deepening faith and obedience. The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. Those who fail to keep to this point soon wander off into cul-de-sacs of gossip. They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven’t the remotest idea of what they’re holding forth with such imposing eloquence. It’s true that moral guidance and counsel need to be given, but the way you say it and to whom you say it are as important as what you say. It’s obvious, isn’t it, that the law code isn’t primarily for people who live responsibly, but for the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life, sex, truth, whatever! They are contemptuous of this great Message I’ve been put in charge of by this great God. I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing—didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus. Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever. Deep honor and bright glory to the King of All Time— One God, Immortal, Invisible, ever and always. Oh, yes! I’m passing this work on to you, my son Timothy. The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in. There are some, you know, who by relaxing their grip and thinking anything goes have made a thorough mess of their faith. Hymenaeus and Alexander are two of them. I let them wander off to Satan to be taught a lesson or two about not blaspheming.

1 Timothy 1:3–20 (MSG)

– Reflection:

As Timothy steps onto the scene, Paul passes the torch of the gospel to him. Paul offers Timothy guidance, showing him how to move through the world with purpose so that he can carry the Word forward with strength and clarity. Paul wants Timothy to have a better experience than he did, learning from his trials and triumphs. Paul called himself the chief of sinners, and honestly, I can relate. I’ve done things in my life that make me feel like I’m right there with him. But just like Paul, I’ve been saved by GOD’s grace. That same grace allows me, and all of us to continue the work that Paul, Silas, and Timothy carried forward. This work is real, it’s necessary, and it’s urgent. There are many voices out here, false teachers, manipulators, trying to lead people down dark paths. That’s why it’s so important to stay in the light and walk with Christ. GOD has given each of us a measure of discernment, a way to recognize what’s good and true. We need to use that gift to evaluate the people and messages around us. If you’ve never had a truly good person in your life, don’t rush into relationships or decisions. Instead, dive into the Word “Bible” and wait on GOD to send that first person who will help guide you. Moving ahead of GOD’s timing can lead you down paths that feel like scenes from a horror movie dark, confusing, and dangerous. Honor yourself and honor GOD by living as rightly as you can while you’re here. If you’ve been called to help others whether it’s the youth or anyone else accept that calling. It’s not for everyone, but if it’s been placed on your heart, embrace it. Help, don’t hurt. Serve with love and humility. And always, always pray. Pray for yourself, pray for others. Ask GOD to place you where you’re most needed. That’s how we walk in purpose, in light, and in truth.

– Where do we go from here?

My next steps are clear: I will keep engaging with our community, especially with the youth, through basketball, writing, and living out the blessings GOD has given me. These reflections and posts are part of that calling, and I’m dedicated to sharing whatever else GOD puts on my heart with those who need it, including myself. If you’re still searching for your place or wondering how you can help, I encourage you to look inward. Search your heart and listen closely to what GOD is telling you. Don’t let the noise of others drown out that quiet, small voice. It’s not about what people think you should do; it’s about that pull on your heart, that divine nudge. That’s where you’ll find the most straightforward path to what GOD wants you to do.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for waking us up this morning and enabling us to face this day with purpose. Guide our steps and grant us the wisdom to honor You and ourselves, not by tearing others down, but by lifting them up. Jesus, You came to save us, and we are called to continue that work by opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Help us to be vessels of Your love and truth, reaching others with grace and compassion. May Your sacrifice never be in vain, as we dedicate ourselves to carrying Your mission forward.

– Subscribe

Hey family, if today’s message spoke to you, don’t let it stop there. I share reflections like this daily, and if you’d like them sent straight to your inbox, sign up. Head over to the homepage, take 30 seconds, and drop your email. That way, you won’t miss a word that could shift your day or speak to your situation.

– Let’s grow together
– one post, one prayer, one step at a time.
https://community.focuseddevelopment.com/

Let Your Spirit guide our decisions, our conversations, and our actions. When challenges come, remind us that You are our strength. When we feel weak, remind us that steel is forged in fire, and You are shaping us for something greater. Let today be a day where we grow, serve, and reflect Your love in everything we do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Those Who Are Lazy

Those Who Are Lazy

by | Oct 22, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 10/21/2025

One more thing, friends: Pray for us. Pray that the Master’s Word will simply take off and race through the country to a groundswell of response, just as it did among you. And pray that we’ll be rescued from these scoundrels who are trying to do us in. I’m finding that not all “believers” are believers. But the Master never lets us down. He’ll stick by you and protect you from evil. Because of the Master, we have great confidence in you. We know you’re doing everything we told you and will continue doing it. May the Master take you by the hand and lead you along the path of God’s love and Christ’s endurance. Our orders—backed up by the Master, Jesus—are to refuse to have anything to do with those among you who are lazy and refuse to work the way we taught you. Don’t permit them to freeload on the rest. We showed you how to pull your weight when we were with you, so get on with it. We didn’t sit around on our hands expecting others to take care of us. In fact, we worked our fingers to the bone, up half the night moonlighting so you wouldn’t be burdened with taking care of us. And it wasn’t because we didn’t have a right to your support; we did. We simply wanted to provide an example of diligence, hoping it would prove contagious. Don’t you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” And now we’re getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately—no excuses, no arguments—and earn their own keep. Friends, don’t slack off in doing your duty. If anyone refuses to obey our clear command written in this letter, don’t let him get by with it. Point out such a person and refuse to subsidize his freeloading. Maybe then he’ll think twice. But don’t treat him as an enemy. Sit him down and talk about the problem as someone who cares. May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you! I, Paul, bid you good-bye in my own handwriting. I do this in all my letters, so examine my signature as proof that the letter is genuine. The incredible grace of our Master, Jesus Christ, be with all of you!

2 Thessalonians 3:1–18 (MSG)

– Reflection:

This passage is a powerful reminder of the balance between faith and responsibility. Paul urges the community to pray fervently for the spread of God’s Word and for protection from those who oppose it, emphasizing that not everyone who claims belief truly lives it out. Yet, in the midst of uncertainty, he reassures us of Christ’s unwavering presence and protection. The call to diligence—“If you don’t work, you don’t eat”—underscores that faith is not passive; it demands action, integrity, and accountability. Paul’s example of hard work serves as a model for living out the gospel practically, avoiding complacency and freeloading. At the same time, his instruction to correct others with care, not hostility, reflects the heart of Christ: truth spoken in love. Ultimately, this passage challenges us to combine prayer, perseverance, and personal responsibility, trusting that the Master of Peace will guide us in unity and endurance.

– Where do we go from here?

Building on this passage, the next step is to live out its principles intentionally:
1. Deepen Prayer – Paul begins with a call to pray for the Word to spread and for protection. Where do we go from here? We start by making prayer a priority—not just for ourselves, but for the mission of the gospel and for those laboring in it.
2. Commit to Diligence – The warning against laziness reminds us that faith and work go hand in hand. Ask yourself: Am I contributing or consuming? From here, we embrace a mindset of service and responsibility in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
3. Practice Accountability with Grace – Paul says to correct those who refuse to work, but “not as an enemy.” Moving forward means creating a culture where truth is spoken in love—challenging one another toward growth without condemnation.
4. Walk in Endurance and Peace – The passage closes with a blessing of peace and perseverance. Our next step is to lean into Christ’s strength, especially when life feels heavy, trusting Him to guide us along the path of love and endurance.
In short: pray boldly, work faithfully, correct lovingly, and live peacefully.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for Your steadfast love and protection. Today, we lift our hearts in prayer, asking that Your Word would spread quickly and reach every part of our world, bringing hope and transformation. Guard us from those who seek to harm or hinder Your work, and strengthen our faith when we face opposition. Teach us to live with diligence and integrity, rejecting complacency and embracing the responsibilities You’ve entrusted to us. Help us to correct others with grace and humility, always reflecting Christ’s love. Lead us along the path of endurance and peace, and keep our hearts united in Your purpose. May Your incredible grace sustain us in every task and challenge today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Subscribe
Hey family, if today’s message spoke to you, don’t let it stop there. I share reflections like this daily, and if you’d like them sent straight to your inbox, sign up. Head over to the homepage, take 30 seconds, and drop your email. That way, you won’t miss a word that could shift your day or speak to your situation.

⁃ Let’s grow together—one post, one prayer, one step at a time.
https://community.focuseddevelopment.com/

Let Your Spirit guide our decisions, our conversations, and our actions. When challenges come, remind us that You are our strength. When we feel weak, remind us that steel is forged in fire, and You are shaping us for something greater. Let today be a day where we grow, serve, and reflect Your love in everything we do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Anarchist

The Anarchist

by | Oct 20, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 10/20/2025

Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don’t go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. Don’t let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master’s arrival has come and gone. Don’t fall for any line like that. Before that day comes, a couple of things have to happen. First, the Apostasy. Second, the debut of the Anarchist, a real dog of Satan. He’ll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he’ll then set himself up in God’s Temple as “God Almighty.” Don’t you remember me going over all this in detail when I was with you? Are your memories that short? You’ll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time. That doesn’t mean that the spirit of anarchy is not now at work. It is, secretly and underground. But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don’t worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and—puff!—the Anarchist is out of there. The Anarchist’s coming is all Satan’s work. All his power and signs and miracles are fake, evil sleight of hand that plays to the gallery of those who hate the truth that could save them. And since they’re so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they’re banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions. Meanwhile, we’ve got our hands full continually thanking God for you, our good friends—so loved by God! God picked you out as his from the very start. Think of it: included in God’s original plan of salvation by the bond of faith in the living truth. This is the life of the Spirit he invited you to through the Message we delivered, in which you get in on the glory of our Master, Jesus Christ. So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.

2 Thessalonians 2:1–17 (MSG)

– Reflection:

This Bible passage offers a sobering yet hopeful reflection on the reality of spiritual deception, the endurance of faith, and the ultimate triumph of Christ. I urge believers to remain grounded and discerning, not swayed by sensational claims or fearful rumors about the return of Jesus. The Word reminds us that certain events like the great falling away and the rise of the Anarchist must precede Christ’s return. These warnings are not meant to instill fear, but to cultivate spiritual vigilance. The Bible passage paints a vivid picture of evil pretending to be divine, yet it reassures us that Jesus will decisively defeat this deception. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we clinging to truth, or are we drawn to illusions that comfort or entertain? Ultimately, Paul calls us to stand firm, rooted in the teachings of Christ, encouraged by God’s love and empowered by His Spirit. This is a call to live with integrity, clarity, and confidence knowing that even in the face of chaos, we are chosen, loved, and sustained by grace.

– Where do we go from here?

Now that we’ve read this message from the Bible, it’s time to take action. First, let’s stay calm and not get caught up in scary stories or rumors about the end of the world. God wants us to be wise and steady. We should keep learning the truth from the Bible and not let fake news or flashy lies pull us away. Even though evil is working in secret, Jesus is stronger and will win in the end. So let’s hold on tight to what we’ve been taught, pray often, and help each other stay strong. God chose us, loves us, and gives us power through His Spirit. Let’s live like we believe that—by being kind, speaking truth, and doing good wherever we go.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for loving us and choosing us to be Yours. Today, we stand strong in Your truth and hold tight to what You’ve taught us. Help us not to be fooled by lies or shaken by fear. Fill our hearts with Your Spirit so we can live with courage, speak with kindness, and walk in faith. We trust You, Lord, and we look forward to the day You return in glory. Until then, keep us steady, full of love, and ready to share Your light. Amen.

– Subscribe
Hey family, if today’s message spoke to you, don’t let it stop there. I share reflections like this daily, and if you’d like them sent straight to your inbox, sign up. Head over to the homepage, take 30 seconds, and drop your email. That way, you won’t miss a word that could shift your day or speak to your situation.

⁃ Let’s grow together—one post, one prayer, one step at a time.

https://community.focuseddevelopment.com/

Let Your Spirit guide our decisions, our conversations, and our actions. When challenges come, remind us that You are our strength. When we feel weak, remind us that steel is forged in fire, and You are shaping us for something greater. Let today be a day where we grow, serve, and reflect Your love in everything we do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Justice Is On The Way

Justice Is On The Way

by | Oct 17, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 10/17/2025

You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you. All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You’re suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he’ll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we’ve been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they’ve done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe—and all because you believed what we told you. Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely. 

                        2 Thessalonians 1:3–12 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Reading the words to the people of Thessalonica from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. These men believed strongly that GOD is sending Jesus back to us soon. At that time, they were probably thinking it would happen quickly because the Father was angry with those who took His Son. The words from that period are still powerful today. I am sure that GOD is not finished with us yet; He sacrificed His only Son for us. When these words were written, Jesus Himself had already passed away a few years earlier, though I am unsure of the exact timing of the letter. Thinking about the world today, people are angry and hoping for Christ’s return right now. How can we honor Him properly amid so much evil around us? Wanting our own way is part of the human condition; many people have ideas for themselves. I write these devotionals hoping they will reach just a few. I never imagined how they might affect others. Hearing how they impact people gives me mixed feelings. I’m unsure of it. I know it’s good to write these daily, but wanting recognition for doing so feels wrong to me. Our faith is enough to trust that when the time is right, the Father and His Son will return, and those of us with the Holy Spirit within us will go with Them. Honoring Christ each day with heart and life is wonderful, but doing what’s right every day can be difficult because of the struggles in human life. Remember to pray, read our Bible, and stay ready for the calling we have. The energy He gives us will be greater than anything we’ve ever experienced.

– Where do we go from here?

Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, focus your attention on God. You’ll be transformed from the inside out. Recognize what He wants from you readily and respond quickly. Unlike the culture around you, which often drags you down to its level of immaturity, God brings out the best in you and develops mature qualities.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, we trust that justice is on the way, that Your return is sure, and that Your grace is already at work in us. Until that day, keep us faithful, hopeful, and bold in love. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

– Subscribe
Hey family, if today’s message spoke to you, don’t let it stop there. I share reflections like this daily, and if you’d like them sent straight to your inbox, sign up. Head over to the homepage, take 30 seconds, and drop your email. That way, you won’t miss a word that could shift your day or speak to your situation.

⁃ Let’s grow together—one post, one prayer, one step at a time.
https://community.focuseddevelopment.com/

Let Your Spirit guide our decisions, our conversations, and our actions. When challenges come, remind us that You are our strength. When we feel weak, remind us that steel is forged in fire, and You are shaping us for something greater. Let today be a day where we grow, serve, and reflect Your love in everything we do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach