Who Gives The Authority

by | Apr 10, 2025 | Community Conversations

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/10/2025

 

 

One day he was teaching the people in the Temple, proclaiming the Message. The high priests, religion scholars, and leaders confronted him and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?” Jesus answered, “First, let me ask you a question: About the baptism of John—who authorized it, heaven or humans?” They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, “If we say ‘heaven,’ he’ll ask us why we didn’t believe him; if we say ‘humans,’ the people will tear us limb from limb, convinced as they are that John was God’s prophet.” They agreed to concede that round to Jesus and said they didn’t know. Jesus said, “Then neither will I answer your question.”

Luke 20:1–8 (MSG):

– Reflection:

Jesus loves to create space for those around him to draw their own conclusions. Instead of speaking directly, he speaks indirectly. Rather than stating something straightforward, he asks a rhetorical question. We recognize from his love of parables that he enjoys kindling imagination and intellect to summon insight rather than teaching in a top-down manner. He has the authority from the Father already, yet there were men asking him who gave him that authority. All of the things happening because of him challenge the notion of someone thought to be lowly, a man with no real power. How does he challenge us? We possess the minds and hearts of the people. He is merely a carpenter’s son; they did not even grant him the title of carpenter; they referred to him as a “carpenter’s son. ” Wow! Amazing. Today, I think the same would hold true, as we have truthful people speaking, yet no one is listening.

– Where do we go from here?

Currently, in this time of April right before Easter, many speakers are talking yet saying very little, asking us to listen. They hold only the authority of human creation, and not all of that. We must remember the Word and what it teaches us, leaning into it and becoming the person we were meant to be. If we get swept up in the currents of this climate, we lose. Let’s keep our minds sharp and focus on helping one another whenever we can, making the world better each day we are here. We must be like Christ, where His quiet moments cause those in power to pause.

What does that pause make you think about?

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, Jesus did not come to earth to affirm the status quo. He came to challenge unjust systems and to extend compassion to those oppressed by them. He comes with authority beyond this world, disrupting the regular powers that be. Help us to pause and reflect, especially when we feel uncomfortable, on what Jesus might want or need from us. Amen.

Placed On Solid Ground

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/9/2025

I waited and waited and waited for GOD. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn’t slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to GOD.

Psalm 40:1–3 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Placed on solid ground

Stepping out of the book of Luke for a moment to create something on a Psalm I read yesterday.

A difficult, dark time in your life doesn’t have to prevent you from fulfilling your destiny. You may feel as though you are in the pit, as David described, but you must prepare yourself, because you are going to emerge. That depression is not the end; the sickness is not the end; and the addiction is not your final chapter. The person who left you does not define your conclusion. If they abandoned you, you didn’t need them. If they exited your life, they were not meant to be part of your destiny. God has someone better in store for you. He wishes to place a new song in your heart.

– Where do we go from here?

Don’t get comfortable in the pit. Don’t allow self-pity and discouragement to steal your passion. You need to reignite your fire. Every blessing that God promised you is still within His intentions to bring to pass. People can’t stop it, bad breaks can’t hinder it, and mistakes you’ve made don’t have to prevent it. Dreams coming true are in your future, along with increase, abundance, promotion, health, and restoration. That’s what lies ahead of you. Solid ground is how your story concludes.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You that the pits I find myself in are only temporary stops along the way to my final destination. Thank You that I can sing a new song of praise because You lift me out of whatever holds me back. I believe that You will guide me to where I am meant to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Where do you see peace?

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/8/2025

When the city came into view, he wept over it. “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late. In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. They’ll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn’t recognize and welcome God’s personal visit.”

                           Luke 19:41–44 (MSG)

Key Verse – When the city came into view, he wept over it. “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late. Luke 19:41–42 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                           Where Do You See Peace?

Reading through the book of Luke there are a few things I am relearning or noticing as I go through and now as I write this take you through it too. When Jesus was approaching Jerusalem he was expecting to see peace because that is what the name means to a point. To arrive and see all the chaos, and sin happening really broke his his heart and caused him to cry. Where do you find peace? I know I ised to find it on the basketball court and still do some times but I am beginning to find the best place for peace for me is just sitting quietly and thinking. The hustle and bustle of a day doesn’t overwhelm me but a quiet sit is just ok.

– Where do we go from here?

When Jesus saw the city of Jerusalem, he cried because he did not see peace. He knew that both the city and its political and religious leaders were not pursuing peace. Instead, they were driven by selfishness, greed, a desire for power, and fear. They did not act for the common good of all and failed to care for those in need. Their inability or unwillingness to recognize what leads to peace brought tears to Jesus’ eyes. It is our duty to start a conversation with Jesus that will make him smile and say to us, “Well done.”

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, let my heart break for the things that break yours. Grant me eyes to see what fosters peace, even in the most chaotic and distressing situations. Give me the courage to strive for peace by seeking justice, embracing kindness, and living out love. Amen.

GOD’s Personal Visit

GOD’s Personal Visit

by | Apr 7, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/7/2025

 After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’ ” The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, “What are you doing untying the colt?” They said, “His Master needs him.” They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street. Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed: Blessed is he who comes, the king in God’s name! All’s well in heaven! Glory in the high places! Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!” But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”

                         Luke 19:28–40 (MSG)

Key Verse – “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. Luke 19:30 (MSG)

– Reflection:

               GOD’s Personal Visit

Sometimes the first step is the hardest. The first step towards action, the first step towards something new, the first step into the unknown. When was a time you took a step of faith, and what was that first step like for you? It was tough to trust in starting something new for a community that I didn’t think would embrace what we were trying to do. Almost five years have passed, and we feel a part of the sports community and the neighboring communities around us. So what I worried about, God wasn’t. It is time to begin adding to what we started, and the anxiety is building again, but knowing how the first opening went, I have no doubt the next installments will unfold just as He planned them.

The passage is about Jesus making His final appearance in Jerusalem. The curtain is closing on the snow folks. He tells two of His followers to go and get the colt tied to a post and what to do when someone asks what they are doing. He is sharing with them, just like the messages He gives us today if we are listening. He’s telling us what to do as well. I bet those guys were probably scared going to get a colt they had no money for, following a word from their friend. That’s what it’s like for me when I’m told to start helping the youth through sport. Beginning to write these posts was all frightening to me, but I had to trust that I am and will continue to do the work that has been placed in my path.

– Where do we go from here?

I know I’ve felt tugs and pulls on my heart to take action just as I explained above, but I was afraid to respond. Have you? What does it look like to respond in faith when we hear the call, “The Lord needs it?” Perhaps we will never see the fruit of our actions, and perhaps we won’t know how it all fits together. But I do know that after we take that first step, responding to those tugs and whispers becomes easier and more natural each time. Where are you feeling that tug today? May you take that first step in faith, for the Lord needs it!

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you very much for including us in your work in the world. Open our hearts and ears to your whispers, guiding us to step out in faith. Grant us the courage and strength to respond faithfully. Amen.

THERE’S A RIGHT TIME FOR EVERYTHING

by | Apr 4, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/4/2025

There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:
A right time for birth and another for death, A right time to plant and another to reap, A right time to kill and another to heal, A right time to destroy and another to construct, A right time to cry and another to laugh, A right time to lament and another to cheer, A right time to make love and another to abstain, A right time to embrace and another to part, A right time to search and another to count your losses, A right time to hold on and another to let go, A right time to rip out and another to mend, A right time to shut up and another to speak up, A right time to love and another to hate, A right time to wage war and another to make peace.

                          Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 (MSG)

Key Verse – There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (MSG)

– Reflection:

               There’s A Right Time For Everything

While it’s crucial to hold onto our dreams and maintain our faith, we must acknowledge that God governs the seasons of our lives and the paths we take. At times, you might experience a fruitful fall harvest, reaping rewards for your faithfulness, basking in warm relationships, and thriving in your career. However, the season can shift, bringing you into winter. What was once thriving may falter. A relationship may cool, and you might feel trapped in your job.

– Where do we go from here?

If you’re stubborn, you try to force things back to the way they used to be, which only leads to frustration. Be open to what God is doing. Some of the things we worry about, lose sleep over, and try to make work out are simply the hand of God changing the season. We don’t realize He is moving people out, making us uncomfortable, and pushing us into our purpose. He’s saying, “You had a good season; you enjoyed it, but to see the new things I have in store, that season is finished. Trust me with your new season.”

– Our Prayer For Today

Father, thank You for changing the times and seasons of my life, knowing what is best for me. Thank You for always working behind the scenes on my behalf. Help me to remain open to what You’re doing and not get stuck in the past season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are You Hiding Like Gideon?

Are You Hiding Like Gideon?

by | Apr 3, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/3/2025

One day the angel of GOD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, whose son Gideon was threshing wheat in the winepress, out of sight of the Midianites. The angel of GOD appeared to him and said, “GOD is with you, O mighty warrior!” Gideon replied, “With me, my master? If GOD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all the miracle-wonders our parents and grandparents told us about, telling us, ‘Didn’t GOD deliver us from Egypt?’ The fact is, GOD has nothing to do with us—he has turned us over to Midian.” But GOD faced him directly: “Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven’t I just sent you?”

                         Judges 6:11–14 (MSG)

– Reflection:

               Are You Hiding Like Gideon?

God called Gideon a mighty hero while he was hiding in a winepress, afraid and intimidated by the Midianite army. He was called by God to be a deliverer, a history maker, even when he viewed himself as limited, inferior, and at a disadvantage, feeling unable to fulfill this calling. Gideon began making excuses. His weak and defeated mentality nearly prevented him from reaching his destiny. After some further encouragement, he made the switch and saw himself as powerful. I am sure many of us started this way; as I write this, I remember times when I felt like hiding. Gideon seems to represent the person many become as new Christians. You want to be everything, and you are on fire for the Word, but when it’s time to put pen to paper, you may not know what to do or where to go, leading you to hide.

– Where do we go from here?

The question is, how do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as strong, confident, and favored, or as Gideon perceived himself? Are you seerecognizing everything else as powerful, but not yourself? One touch of God’s favor can transform whatever you’re facing. You’re focused on how large your problem is. You need to begin focusing on how great your God is. He promises He’s with you, and He has made you a mighty hero. When negative thoughts arise, telling you that you’re weak, insufficient, or at a disadvantage, simply say, “You have the wrong person. I know who I am. I’m a child of the Most High God, and that empowers me greatly.” Be very different from Gideon.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for the strength that rises within us whenever we remember how great You are and what You have done in our lives. Thank You for the times You have delivered our minds from the clutter of fears and doubts. We believe that You are making us into mighty heroes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Could You have Followed Jesus?

Could You have Followed Jesus?

by | Apr 1, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/1/2025

Then Jesus took the Twelve off to the side and said, “Listen carefully. We’re on our way up to Jerusalem. Everything written in the Prophets about the Son of Man will take place. He will be handed over to the Romans, jeered at, made sport of, and spit on. Then, after giving him the third degree, they will kill him. In three days he will rise, alive.” But they didn’t get it, could make neither heads nor tails of what he was talking about. He came to the outskirts of Jericho. A blind man was sitting beside the road asking for handouts. When he heard the rustle of the crowd, he asked what was going on. They told him, “Jesus the Nazarene is going by.” He yelled, “Jesus! Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Those ahead of Jesus told the man to shut up, but he only yelled all the louder, “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered him to be brought over. When he had come near, Jesus asked, “What do you want from me?” He said, “Master, I want to see again.” Jesus said, “Go ahead—see again! Your faith has saved and healed you!” The healing was instant: He looked up, seeing—and then followed Jesus, glorifying God. Everyone in the street joined in, shouting praise to God.

Luke 18:31–43 (MSG)

Key Verses – Then Jesus took the Twelve off to the side and said, “Listen carefully. We’re on our way up to Jerusalem. Everything written in the Prophets about the Son of Man will take place. He will be handed over to the Romans, jeered at, made sport of, and spit on. Then, after giving him the third degree, they will kill him. In three days he will rise, alive.” Luke 18:31–33 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Could You Have Followed Jesus?

This passage in Luke is very, well, I’m not sure of the words I want to use for this. Let me explain. Jesus takes his group of followers aside, tells them where they are going, what is going to happen to him, and that he will rise again. While there, he heals a blind man right after explaining what was going to happen. This makes me think that there had to be another force that wouldn’t allow them to see who Jesus really was. I mean, to witness all of those things up to that point and not want to give your life for him at any moment makes me wonder what else was following them around besides just being human beings. As I read it today, I consider how I would like to think I would respond. Ask yourselves that question: how would you have reacted seeing all that this man was doing in real-time?

– Where do we go from here?

If we saw all of those miracles performed right before us, do you think we would be so cynical? Could we honor God’s Son as he needs, helping him with his work instead of questioning him? Or would you be one of those who wanted what he had for yourselves, to puff up your chests for your own gain? I would like to know your responses, guys. Reply to the post with your comments to see how many who read this post would act like the twelve he chose. Remember, there is free will involved, and you are still a human being with worldly wants.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for being an example for us to follow, for providing us with a blueprint for how to navigate our daily lives and interact with the world. It is an honor for me to create these posts for those who read them and for those who will in the future. Thank you for the path you have laid before each of us to honor GOD. Amen.

What He’s About to Do For You

by | Mar 31, 2025 | Community Conversations

Today’s Community Scripture – 3/31/2025

If you listen obediently to the Voice of GOD, your God, and heartily obey all his commandments that I command you today, GOD, your God, will place you on high, high above all the nations of the world. All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of GOD, your God: GOD’s blessing inside the city, GOD’s blessing in the country; GOD’s blessing on your children, the crops of your land, the young of your livestock, the calves of your herds, the lambs of your flocks. GOD’s blessing on your basket and bread bowl; GOD’s blessing in your coming in, GOD’s blessing in your going out. GOD will defeat your enemies who attack you. They’ll come at you on one road and run away on seven roads.

            Deuteronomy 28:1–7 (MSG)

Key Verse – GOD will defeat your enemies who attack you. They’ll come at you on one road and run away on seven roads. Deuteronomy 28:7 (MSG)

– Reflection:

       What He’s About to Do For You

When we all look back over our history and see how we made it through the problems and difficulties, opposition and dysfunction, it was all by the grace of God. That was God fighting our battles. We didn’t overcome those challenges on our own. It’s because we have a protector, a defender, who’s been watching over us. He never sleeps. He’s pushing back darkness, keeping those forces from stopping our purpose. David says, “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” That’s the hand of God.

– Where do we go from here?

What has God done for you? All those victories are a sign of God’s goodness. Sometimes we forget the good things God has done, only remembering the hurts, disappointments, mistakes, and setbacks. Please don’t make that mistake; we are meant for so much more. Remember what God has done and give Him thanks today. He is bigger than whatever we face, and He will surely overcome it. What He has done in the past will pale in comparison to what He is about to do.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for Your greatness and power and for how Your hand has been upon our lives in countless ways. Thank You for the countless things You have made happen for our good that we could never achieve on our own. We will remember our victories and trust that You will do even greater things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Tax Man and the Pharisee

The Tax Man and the Pharisee

by | Mar 28, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 3/28/2025

He told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people: “Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: ‘Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.’ “Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, ‘God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.’ ” Jesus commented, “This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”

Luke 18:9–14 (MSG)

– Reflection:

The Tax Man and the Pharisee

While attending one of the men’s breakfasts a while ago, we discussed what it means to be a man. Many guys stated paying bills, others said protecting their families, and still others mentioned loving those they take care of. I expressed my desire to improve in all these areas, meaning I wanted to be engaged in what the household is doing at any given time. A child needs something, whether it’s internal to the house or external. I need them to know that they can come to me and not be judged. The thing is, none of the answers are wrong; they just aren’t complete. It was the first time I had said that out loud in public. God has something for all of us to do. Playing dead, fighting back, and using bear spray were all answers given. Perhaps the most honest answer was, “I don’t have to be the fastest to escape the bear; I just don’t have to be the slowest.” As long as there is someone else worse off, someone who can take the brunt of it, I’ll be okay. Being a dad is the greatest career I have ever been given. Just because it was given to me doesn’t mean I understood the different complications that would arise. I did, and I still always want to be ready for what will come. I know many of the guys may have fallen back into the same groove, and many may not have. It is the ability to make a change for the better that always amazes me about being blessed.

I don’t liken any of us I encounter to the following, but this is what some might hear in various situations and settings. A Pharisee in the Bible prayed this: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” Thank God I’m not like them – thank God I’m not in their position. This is not how we should understand prayer.

– Where do we go from here?

We should neither count our “blessings” in comparison to others nor view others as lesser because of their circumstances in life. The second man in the parable offers his prayer in this manner: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Jesus says that this man is the one who is justified. The term “justified” means “to be made right” or “to be in right relationship.” Where do we fall into this trap of believing we are without need for grace? Where do we mistakenly think our relationship with God is unrelated to those around us?

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for your abundant mercy, for opening our hearts to the suffering of the world around us and guiding us in a right relationship with you and our neighbors. Amen.

When The Son Of Man Arrives

When The Son Of Man Arrives

by | Mar 26, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 3/26/2025

Jesus, grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come, answered, “The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, ‘Look here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ And why? Because God’s kingdom is already among you.” He went on to say to his disciples, “The days are coming when you are going to be desperately homesick for just a glimpse of one of the days of the Son of Man, and you won’t see a thing.
And they’ll say to you, ‘Look over there!’ or, ‘Look here!’ Don’t fall for any of that nonsense. The arrival of the Son of Man is not something you go out to see. He simply comes. “You know how the whole sky lights up from a single flash of lightning? That’s how it will be on the Day of the Son of Man.

Luke 17:20–24 (MSG)

Key Verse – Jesus, grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come, answered, “The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, ‘Look here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ And why? Because God’s kingdom is already among you.” Luke 17:20–21 (MSG)

– Reflection:

When The Son Of Man Arrives

I don’t delve into many Bible translations, but this one caught my attention while researching for this message. The NRSV translates Luke 17:21 as “the kingdom of God is among you,” but the Greek word translated as “among” is ἐντὸς (enTOS). It means within or inside. So a more literal translation would be that the kingdom of God is inside you. I use The Message version of the Bible because it’s easier for me to understand and helps me grasp what the Word is saying to me personally. While the Kingdom of God cannot be contained within any of us as individuals, it surely begins within us. It starts with our vision, our values, and our worldview. Throughout Luke’s gospel, Jesus challenges us to see the world through God’s eyes: to view the poor as blessed, to recognize a little child as the greatest, to see the Lazaruses of our world lying at the gates, to empathize with them, and to reject their circumstances as “the way things are.” The capacity for such vision begins in our hearts, in our hopes, and in our dreams. That’s where the kingdom of God begins; from there, it can grow like a mustard seed into a great shrub and take over everything! Or like yeast, just a pinch can cause the whole batch of dough to rise.

– Where do we go from here?

Luke believes the Kingdom of God isn’t a distant realm behind pearly gates; rather, it’s God’s plan for our world. We find it by looking within ourselves, as Jesus teaches us that it resides in everyone!

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, may your kingdom enter our hearts, enabling your will to be fulfilled on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.