Today’s Community Scripture – 3/25/2025

“There once was a rich man, expensively dressed in the latest fashions, wasting his days in conspicuous consumption. A poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, had been dumped on his doorstep. All he lived for was to get a meal from scraps off the rich man’s table. His best friends were the dogs who came and licked his sores. “Then he died, this poor man, and was taken up by the angels to the lap of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell and in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham in the distance and Lazarus in his lap. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, mercy! Have mercy! Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water to cool my tongue. I’m in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that in your lifetime you got the good things and Lazarus the bad things. It’s not like that here. Here he’s consoled and you’re tormented. Besides, in all these matters there is a huge chasm set between us so that no one can go from us to you even if he wanted to, nor can anyone cross over from you to us.’ “The rich man said, ‘Then let me ask you, Father: Send him to the house of my father where I have five brothers, so he can tell them the score and warn them so they won’t end up here in this place of torment.’ “Abraham answered, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets to tell them the score. Let them listen to them.’ “ ‘I know, Father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but they’re not listening. If someone came back to them from the dead, they would change their ways.’ “Abraham replied, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, they’re not going to be convinced by someone who rises from the dead.’ ”

Luke 16:19–31 (MSG)

– Reflection:

The Rich Man and Lazarus

In all of the parables Jesus told, only one character has a name. Lazarus, the poor hungry man who lay outside the gate of the rich man. There is no obvious connection with Lazarus, the friend of Jesus who dies and is raised from the dead in John 11. But maybe the name is intended to evoke that mental connection for us. The name “Lazarus” means “God helps.” However the Lazarus laying outside of the rich man’s gate seems to never receive any help from the living. It was a shame that in his entire life while lying outside a rich man’s gate no one ever gave him any help. My heart wouldn’t allow for that to happen. It makes sense to me to give help where it is needed allowing someone to lie out in the elements and not help is a harsh thing to do to another human. Jesus came and gave us his life, God sent his only son to die for us and all our sins that we placed in this world. How can we not give a meal, a jacket, a pair of shoes, or just a kind word to someone who is in desperate need of it?

– Where do we go from here?

Who are the unnamed “nobodies” in your world? Introduce yourself and learn their names. Look at them and truly see them. Treat them like the “king of the hill, the top of the heap.” Let us follow Jesus in the way he leads us. Allow genuine kindness to become part of who you are every day. Become a blessing to your community and those around you.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, give us the courage to step outside our imaginary gates and give us eyes to see who is there. Give us strength to serve each of them in ways that honor you. Through Christ, we can pray. Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 3/24/2025

Every time I say your name in prayer which is practically all the time I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion. That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:3–10 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Every time I say your name in prayer

This passage says a lot to me and my heart of how far we have come since being saved by Christ. It tells me that all of the mess and hell I dealt was and is to strengthen me for the work I have done up to this point and for the man I need to be later. I am sure there are things you all go through too, these are the same precedences being set in you as they were in me. Continue to take ground for the Kingdom and I promise you it will being to make sense if you have accepted Jesus Christ as you Lord and Savior. That is first that will allow you to receive all of what his father has for your life, things that were created for you and me before we or our parents were even thought about. Big huh? I am often surprised by the things that I am able to witness being a follower of Christ. I would love for more of us to as well; it is a little scary because there is nothing asked for that is hard, only your heart. If you can give that over to Jesus, and his father. Man the sky’s are not a limit on you or me.

Where do we go from here?

It would be wonderful if everyone who reads this immediately drops to their knees, begins praising God, and desires to be baptized to show they are ready for the work that Christ has for them. The truth is that this life is tough because Jesus was tough. Only the strong can live a life like this; it is not for the weak at all. Everything we must endure is to witness the promises fulfilled for others and to give glory to God, not to ourselves. It might be difficult to think about at first, but as we move as He did, we see it creates a better world for all of us. If we can make the world a better place for one person, and each of us does this, the world will be so much better moving forward. I am on the path of doing my part, and I want you to do yours.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for granting me the gifts of writing, mentorship, technology, and sports. It is with all these blessings that I have the honor of becoming a leader, just as you did. Thank you so much for this blessing; we will not let you down. Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 3/19/2025

So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. This is the Message I’ve been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It’s also the cause of all this trouble I’m in. But I have no regrets. I couldn’t be more sure of my ground the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what he’s trusted me to do right to the end.

2 Timothy 1:8–12 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Some Will Walk Away

Demas had been Paul’s trusted traveling companion, sharing some of the hardships of his journeys. However, he left Paul sitting in his prison cell and turned his back on the work they had been doing for the Kingdom. Sometimes, friends we’re counting on will disappoint us and walk away. It’s easy to feel frustrated and discouraged by people who aren’t there for us when we think we need them. Sometimes, we spend our energy trying to win them over when they will not be won back to our side. But notice that Luke was still with Paul. You don’t need everyone you think you do.

– Where do we go from here?

God has already placed the right people in your life to help you reach your destiny. When they are the right people, you don’t have to impress them or manipulate or convince them to stay. They will be there for you through thick and thin. They will show up even when you didn’t ask. They will encourage you when nobody else is around. God will send you divine connections. This has always been true.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for the people You’ve placed in our lives to help us move through our destinies. Help us not become dependent upon their approval or try to get our value from them. We must declare that You have ordained divine connections for us just as You did for Paul. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 3/14/2025

When he finished that talk, a Pharisee asked him to dinner. He entered his house and sat right down at the table. The Pharisee was shocked and somewhat offended when he saw that Jesus didn’t wash up before the meal. But the Master said to him, “I know you Pharisees burnish the surface of your cups and plates so they sparkle in the sun, but I also know your insides are maggoty with greed and secret evil. Stupid Pharisees! Didn’t the One who made the outside also make the inside? Turn both your pockets and your hearts inside out and give generously to the poor; then your lives will be clean, not just your dishes and your hands. “I’ve had it with you! You’re hopeless, you Pharisees! Frauds! You keep meticulous account books, tithing on every nickel and dime you get, but manage to find loopholes for getting around basic matters of justice and God’s love. Careful bookkeeping is commendable, but the basics are required. “You’re hopeless, you Pharisees! Frauds! You love sitting at the head table at church dinners, love preening yourselves in the radiance of public flattery. Frauds! You’re just like unmarked graves: People walk over that nice, grassy surface, never suspecting the rot and corruption that is six feet under.”

Key Verse – “You’re hopeless, you Pharisees! Frauds! You love sitting at the head table at church dinners, love preening yourselves in the radiance of public flattery. Frauds! You’re just like unmarked graves: People walk over that nice, grassy surface, never suspecting the rot and corruption that is six feet under.”

– Reflection:

Jesus Never Judged; We Shouldn’t Either

“Jesus never judged anyone, and neither should we.” That was the statement made by the candidate for ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on the floor of Presbytery that day. I remember thinking, “Has this person even read the New Testament?” While I appreciate the sentiment against judgmentalism, the truth is, Jesus judged plenty of people in the gospels. However, that judgment was most often reserved for those who saw themselves as righteous, like the Pharisees. In fact, Jesus doesn’t mention hell very much in the gospels—only a total of seven times by my count. And when he does, it’s not to the crowds but to his own disciples or to the religious leaders of his time.

– Where do we go from here?

What does that mean for those striving to be faithful in this world? You’re reading this devotion today, likely as part of your daily faith practice. You’re working to live out your faith and apply it to your life. You’re closer to the Pharisees of Jesus’ time than to the crowds who live without any thought of God. So, what does Jesus’ judgment of the religious people of his day say to you? It undoubtedly serves as a guard against self-righteousness, that tendency to see the sins of others while remaining blind to the darkness within us. How do we respond to that inner darkness? Too often in this world, we view those living in poverty as individuals who have somehow sinned — they’re lazy, irresponsible, and so on. Behind that judgment lies a self-righteousness that believes we possess material wealth due to our goodness, while they lack it because of their sins. According to Jesus, one way to respond to this darkness within us is to share what we have with the poor, “give alms for the things that are within.” This generosity brings grace into our lives — “everything will be clean for you.” By living generously in response to God’s amazing grace for us, we will surely discover God’s grace for all those the world sees as sinners.

– Our Prayer for Today?

Father, as I look at this broken world, it’s easy to view myself as holier and above others. This brokenness exists within me too. Help me to respond by living generously with what You’ve entrusted to me, so that Your light may shine through my life and into this world that You love enough to enter and redeem. Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 3/7/2025

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

Colossians 3:1–2 (MSG)

– Reflection:

You can’t be successful in life without compromising. That’s a lie. You can’t get ahead without adopting the values of the places where you live and work. That’s not true. There’s tension, of course. Our cities and workplaces are part of the world, and the ruler of this world is the enemy. That’s why arrogance, greed, and materialism often characterize these places, bringing admiration, status, recognition, and promotion. There’s tension because, while the enemy may rule the world—for now—he doesn’t rule us. The one who rules us stands for humility, generosity, and love.

The lie is that we should try to ease this tension—that by compromising, we try to make things easier on ourselves. It’s from the enemy, a tactic he uses often:

“Go ahead. It’s just the way things work in the real world.”

“You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to compete… to survive.”

“Relax. Everybody does it.”

– Where do we go from here?

This week, when you walk into any situation—into work in the morning; into conversations with colleagues; into the schools your kids attend; into a restaurant with friends—declare ahead of time, in prayer, that you’re bringing the Kingdom of Jesus with you. Then act like it. 

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for bringing the correct mindset to our day. It is because of you that we can claim victory from where we stand. Continue to guide us along the paths before us. Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 3/4/2025

Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.” Surprised, they said, “But we’re descendants of Abraham. We’ve never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, ‘The truth will free you’?” Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. I know you are Abraham’s descendants. But I also know that you are trying to kill me because my message hasn’t yet penetrated your thick skulls. I’m talking about things I have seen while keeping company with the Father, and you just go on doing what you have heard from your father.” They were indignant. “Our father is Abraham!” Jesus said, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would have been doing the things Abraham did. And yet here you are trying to kill me, a man who has spoken to you the truth he got straight from God! Abraham never did that sort of thing. You persist in repeating the works of your father.”

John 8:31–41 (MSG)

Key Verse – They were indignant. “Our father is Abraham!” John 8:39 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Who’s Your Daddy

We cannot mature in our faith without community. We simply cannot. The process of maturing isn’t easy and isn’t smooth. It involves getting off track and getting back on again—time and time again. We need help with that. We’re designed to be together; we’re built to need one another. To “grow up healthy in God, robust in love,” we need community. However, our communities must genuinely be capable of picking us up, getting us back on track, and encouraging us. They must be places where we can speak the truth in love. Speaking this way requires us to move beyond mere politeness and the habit of ignoring or excusing sin. It also necessitates going beyond simply pointing out sin, shortcomings, or what bothers us or what we think might bother God.

Where do we go from here?

Do you have a sense of the true identities of your brothers in the community? Get serious about learning. Get intentional about allowing God to reveal this to you. When you meet next, have each man bring a favorite story or verse from Scripture. Could you read them? Discuss them. They’ll point to something true. For instance, if a man loves the story of Caleb, he is likely designed to be brave, bold, and faithful just like Caleb. And his community must support him in doing just that.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for creating us to need one another. This gives each of us a way to connect with others in whatever community exists between two, three, or however many there are. Continue to bless each of us in your way, allowing us to come together for your purpose and not our own. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach