– Today’s Community Scripture – 6/24/2025

One day when the angels came to report to God, Satan, who was the Designated Accuser, came along with them. God singled out Satan and said, “What have you been up to?” Satan answered God, “Going here and there, checking things out on earth.” God said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There’s no one quite like him honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil.” Satan retorted, “So do you think Job does all that out of the sheer goodness of his heart? Why, no one ever had it so good! You pamper him like a pet, make sure nothing bad ever happens to him or his family or his possessions, bless everything he does—he can’t lose! “But what do you think would happen if you reached down and took away everything that is his? He’d curse you right to your face, that’s what.” God replied, “We’ll see. Go ahead—do what you want with all that is his. Just don’t hurt him.” Then Satan left the presence of God. Sometime later, while Job’s children were having one of their parties at the home of the oldest son, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys grazing in the field next to us when Sabeans attacked. They stole the animals and killed the field hands. I’m the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened.” While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, “Bolts of lightning struck the sheep and the shepherds and fried them burned them to a crisp. I’m the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened.” While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, “Chaldeans coming from three directions raided the camels and massacred the camel drivers. I’m the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened.” While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, “Your children were having a party at the home of the oldest brother when a tornado swept in off the desert and struck the house. It collapsed on the young people and they died. I’m the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened.” Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshiped: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, naked I’ll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes. God’s name be ever blessed. Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God.

                              Job 1:6–22 (MSG)

– Reflection:

The passage above makes me realize that I still have a long way to go. Even though GOD loves me, I am unsure if I could do what Job was able to do in his first test. We all strive to be similar in one way or another, but Job was definitely different. The passage presents a cosmic dialogue between God and Satan, where Job becomes the focal point of a test of integrity. Despite losing his wealth, his servants, and even his children in quick succession, Job responds not with anger or blame but with humility and worship. His declaration “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, naked I’ll return. God gives, God takes” reveals a deep understanding of life’s impermanence and a steadfast trust in God’s sovereignty. This moment challenges us to consider the nature of faith: is it rooted in blessings and comfort, or does it endure even in the face of unimaginable loss? Job’s response invites us to reflect on our own resilience and the depth of our convictions when life’s certainties are stripped away.

– Where do we go from here?

Moving forward, we are called to examine the foundation of our beliefs, whether they are based on blessings or a deeper relationship with the Father, our GOD. This passage encourages us to adopt an attitude of humility and worship, even when life feels unfair or confusing. It also reminds us to support others in their suffering without judgment, understanding that trials are not always a sign of wrongdoing but can be part of a larger, unseen spiritual journey. From here, we move forward with a renewed commitment to integrity, compassion, and a faith that endures through both joy and sorrow.

When we are tested, may we have the heart of Job.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, when we are tempted to doubt Your goodness, remind us of Job’s words: “Naked I came, and naked I will return. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” May our hearts reflect that same surrender and reverence. Lead us forward with humility, compassion, and a deeper awareness of Your mysterious and faithful love. And when others suffer, may we be gentle companions, offering presence instead of judgment, and hope instead of answers. We trust You, even when we don’t understand. We bless Your name, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name, we all say. Amen.

– Today’s Community Scripture – 6/23/2025

Job was a man who lived in Uz. He was honest inside and out, a man of his word, who was totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion. He had seven sons and three daughters. He was also very wealthy—seven thousand head of sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred teams of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and a huge staff of servants—the most influential man in all the East! His sons used to take turns hosting parties in their homes, always inviting their three sisters to join them in their merrymaking. When the parties were over, Job would get up early in the morning and sacrifice a burnt offering for each of his children, thinking, “Maybe one of them sinned by defying God inwardly.” Job made a habit of this sacrificial atonement, just in case they’d sinned.

                                Job 1:1–5 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Job is a man of remarkable integrity and devotion. He is described not only as honest and upright but also as someone who is deeply committed to God and actively resists evil. His wealth and influence are immense, yet what stands out most is his spiritual vigilance, especially as a father. Job’s habit of offering sacrifices for his children “just in case” they had sinned reveals a heart that is both humble and intercessory. He doesn’t assume righteousness, even for those he loves most. Instead, he takes on the role of a spiritual guardian, standing in the gap between his children and God. This demonstrates a profound awareness of human frailty and a deep reverence for God’s holiness. The passage also paints a picture of balance—Job enjoys the blessings of family, prosperity, and social standing, but he doesn’t allow these blessings to distract him from his spiritual responsibilities. His life is a model of faithfulness in both abundance and accountability. In a world where success often leads to complacency, Job’s example challenges us to remain grounded, grateful, and God-centered, no matter how high we rise.

– Where do we go from here?

The example Job provides encourages us to reflect on the depth of our devotion. In a world filled with distractions and self-reliance, we are reminded to stay anchored in humility and spiritual responsibility, not just for ourselves, but for those we care about. Like Job, we can cultivate habits of prayer, intercession, and integrity, even when life is going well. Moving forward, we are invited to live with intentional faithfulness, honoring God not only in times of crisis but also in the quiet, everyday moments. Let’s ask ourselves: Are we creating space for God in our daily routines? Are we standing in the gap for others with compassion and care? Job’s story begins with a blessing, but it is his character that equips him for what lies ahead. So let’s build that same foundation—one of trust, reverence, and unwavering commitment.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, may our lives reflect a quiet strength rooted in trust and obedience to You. Shape our character so that we are prepared for whatever lies ahead, anchored in Your grace and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Today’s Community Scripture – 6/17/2025

That’s when King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members. He murdered James, John’s brother. When he saw how much it raised his popularity ratings with the Jews, he arrested Peter—all this during Passover Week, mind you, and had him thrown in jail, putting four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. He was planning a public lynching after Passover. All the time that Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously. Then the time came for Herod to bring him out for the kill. That night, even though shackled to two soldiers, one on either side, Peter slept like a baby. And there were guards at the door keeping their eyes on the place. Herod was taking no chances! Suddenly there was an angel at his side and light flooding the room. The angel shook Peter and got him up: “Hurry!” The handcuffs fell off his wrists. The angel said, “Get dressed. Put on your shoes.” Peter did it. Then, “Grab your coat and let’s get out of here.” Peter followed him, but didn’t believe it was really an angel—he thought he was dreaming. Past the first guard and then the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city. It swung open before them on its own, and they were out on the street, free as the breeze. At the first intersection the angel left him, going his own way. That’s when Peter realized it was no dream. “I can’t believe it—this really happened! The Master sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s vicious little production and the spectacle the Jewish mob was looking forward to.” Still shaking his head, amazed, he went to Mary’s house, the Mary who was John Mark’s mother. The house was packed with praying friends. When he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young woman named Rhoda came to see who it was. But when she recognized his voice—Peter’s voice!—she was so excited and eager to tell everyone Peter was there that she forgot to open the door and left him standing in the street. But they wouldn’t believe her, dismissing her, dismissing her report. “You’re crazy,” they said. She stuck by her story, insisting. They still wouldn’t believe her and said, “It must be his angel.” All this time poor Peter was standing out in the street, knocking away. Finally they opened up and saw him—and went wild! Peter put his hands up and calmed them down. He described how the Master had gotten him out of jail, then said, “Tell James and the brothers what’s happened.” He left them and went off to another place.

                             Acts 12:1–17 (MSG)

– Reflection:

For us today even as believers this is very Uncommon. Which makes it a miracle, a guy is locked up and an angel of the Lord comes and frees him. This guys was shackled to two other guys on the right and left of himself, and GOD came and set him free. That is true belief to know that GOD has our backs like that too. I am sure like everything else there are levels to it. Think though for them all they had was the Father and the Son. They made due with that ans so much less. We have so much today compared to those guys that it almost makes sense why we can’t find Christ or see any of his blessing for ourselves. We are placing to much on what the world is creating instead of what GOD is trying to create, which is a world full of peace and prosperity for all of us not just those that are willing to be driven by their lust for things or money. For those things that are life giving and helping out others and giving them a leg up. GOD has principles that we are to live by. Sometimes we think having money is being principaled; no it shows how you stand for nothing by how worldy effort you put into the world doing things how ever small that you know would not go over well if you knew GOD was your father.

– Where do we go from here?

I think we have to get back to shame and ridicule. Remember how terrible you felt when a parent or aunt caught you doing something you knew you shouldn’t? Or when you were told, “If you can’t take your brother, then you can’t be there either.” All these lessons aimed to protect us from the dangers lurking around the dark corner. I’m sure there were other motives at play for our parents and guardians, but fundamentally, they wanted to instill values that would lead us to be respectable. Right now, people in entertainment have been facing challenges over the past few years—not because the characters they play or the images they portray are flawless, but because of our perception of who they are and what we thought them to be. I have since shifted my focus, listening only to what my Bible says or what has been placed in my heart. He will never lead us astray. The world is a toxic place, but GOD is the remedy for it.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for keeping those of us safe from the evils that exist in the world. Even though we see it, we are not affected by its charms because of you and who you created us to be. It is a true blessing to have you in our hearts and minds, helping us achieve what we are meant to be with every breath we take. Amen.

– Today’s Community Scripture – 6/16/2025

The news traveled fast and in no time the leaders and friends back in Jerusalem heard about it—heard that the non-Jewish “outsiders” were now “in.” When Peter got back to Jerusalem, some of his old associates, concerned about circumcision, called him on the carpet: “What do you think you’re doing rubbing shoulders with that crowd, eating what is prohibited and ruining our good name?” So Peter, starting from the beginning, laid it out for them step-by-step: “Recently I was in the town of Joppa praying. I fell into a trance and saw a vision: Something like a huge blanket, lowered by ropes at its four corners, came down out of heaven and settled on the ground in front of me. Milling around on the blanket were farm animals, wild animals, reptiles, birds—you name it, it was there. Fascinated, I took it all in. “Then I heard a voice: ‘Go to it, Peter—kill and eat.’ I said, ‘Oh, no, Master. I’ve never so much as tasted food that wasn’t kosher.’ The voice spoke again: ‘If God says it’s okay, it’s okay.’ This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the sky. “Just then three men showed up at the house where I was staying, sent from Caesarea to get me. The Spirit told me to go with them, no questions asked. So I went with them, I and six friends, to the man who had sent for me. He told us how he had seen an angel right in his own house, real as his next-door neighbor, saying, ‘Send to Joppa and get Simon, the one they call Peter. He’ll tell you something that will save your life—in fact, you and everyone you care for.’ “So I started in, talking. Before I’d spoken half a dozen sentences, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as he did on us the first time. I remembered Jesus’ words: ‘John baptized with water; you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So I ask you: If God gave the same exact gift to them as to us when we believed in the Master Jesus Christ, how could I object to God?” Hearing it all laid out like that, they quieted down. And then, as it sank in, they started praising God. “It’s really happened! God has broken through to the other nations, opened them up to Life!”

                             Acts 11:1–18 (MSG)

– Reflection:

To us, the followers of Jesus Christ today, the radical inclusivity of the Gospel shows that God’s grace and salvation are not limited by ethnicity, tradition, or human expectations. Peter’s vision and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles reveal that God’s love reaches beyond the boundaries we often set. For us now, it challenges any lingering prejudices or exclusivity in our faith communities. It calls us to embrace all people as equally worthy of God’s love and to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in unexpected places and among unexpected people. Just as Peter had to let go of his assumptions, we too are invited to trust that if God declares someone clean, accepted, and beloved, then we must do the same. This passage is a call to unity, humility, and the expansive nature of God’s kingdom.

– Where do we go from here?

As followers of Jesus Christ, this moment calls us to move forward with open hearts and open arms. The story of Peter and the Gentiles reminds us that the Gospel is not confined by culture, tradition, or background; it is for everyone. So, we go forward by examining our hearts and communities: Are there people we’ve unintentionally excluded? Are there traditions or assumptions we’ve held onto that might be limiting the reach of God’s love? From here, we commit to being bridges, not barriers, to listening to the Holy Spirit, even when it challenges our comfort zones. We go forward by welcoming the outsider, loving without condition, and celebrating the diversity of God’s family. The mission is clear: to proclaim and live out the Good News in a way that reflects the boundless grace of God.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for the gift of this new day and for the reminder that Your love knows no bounds. Just as You opened Peter’s eyes to see beyond tradition and prejudice, open our hearts today to see others as You see them, beloved, chosen, and worthy of grace. Help us listen to Your Spirit, even when it challenges our comfort or expectations. Teach us to welcome those who are different from us, celebrate the diversity of Your kingdom, and be vessels of Your inclusive love. May we never stand in the way of what You are doing, but instead, join joyfully in the work of reconciliation and unity. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

– Today’s Community Scripture – 6/13/2025

Cornelius said, “Four days ago at about this time, mid-afternoon, I was home praying. Suddenly there was a man right in front of me, flooding the room with light. He said, ‘Cornelius, your daily prayers and neighborly acts have brought you to God’s attention. I want you to send to Joppa to get Simon, the one they call Peter. He’s staying with Simon the Tanner down by the sea.’ “So I did it—I sent for you. And you’ve been good enough to come. And now we’re all here in God’s presence, ready to listen to whatever the Master put in your heart to tell us.” Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.

                                  Acts 10:30–36 (MSG)

Key Verse – Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. – Acts 10:34–35 (MSG)

– Reflection:

The story of Peter’s Vision revolves around the message God sent to two men. Cornelius’s vision and Peter’s response reveal a profound truth: God is not limited by human boundaries or prejudices. Cornelius, a Gentile, is recognized by God not for his heritage but for his genuine devotion and kindness. Peter’s realization—that “God plays no favorites”—marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian movement, affirming that the message of Jesus is for all people, regardless of background or origin. This moment encourages us to examine our own openness to others and challenges us to embrace the radical hospitality of God’s love, which seeks unity and restoration for everyone, everywhere.

– Where do we go from here?

I believe this passage calls us to embrace a broader, more inclusive vision of faith and community. Just as Cornelius acted in obedience and Peter responded with openness, we are invited to break down barriers and share God’s message of love and restoration with all people. Moving forward, we must accept the truth that God’s grace is not limited by culture, tradition, or background. Our next step is to embody this truth—welcoming others, listening with humility, and sharing the good news with courage and compassion. The door is open; now it’s our turn to walk through it and invite others to do the same.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, I praise You for the truth that You show no favoritism and that Your grace is for all who seek You with open hearts. Teach me to live with that same openness, to welcome others as You have welcomed me, and to share the good news of Jesus with humility and joy.