He Tore Down The Wall

He Tore Down The Wall

by | Sep 2, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/2/2025

But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, hadn’t a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.

Ephesians 2:11-13 (MSG)

– Reflection:

In this passage, Paul is speaking directly to the Gentile believers in Ephesus—those who were not born into the Jewish faith and were once considered outsiders to God’s covenant. His tone is both sobering and celebratory. He reminds them of their past: a time when they were disconnected from the promises of God, unaware of His plan, and distant from the hope found in Christ.

Paul’s message is clear: don’t take grace for granted.

He’s urging the Ephesians to remember that their inclusion in God’s family wasn’t earned by heritage, ritual, or law—it was a gift made possible through Christ’s sacrifice. The death and resurrection of Jesus tore down the barriers that once separated Jews and Gentiles, insiders and outsiders. Through His blood, everyone now has access to the fullness of God’s promises.

– Where do we go from here?

Now that we know what Christ has done, bringing us from outsiders to insiders, we can’t afford to live like we’re still on the outside looking in. God didn’t just invite us into His story; He gave us a seat at the table. So where do we go from here? We walk forward with purpose. We live like people who belong. That means embracing unity, extending grace, and remembering that none of us got here by our own merit. It’s time to stop seeing ourselves as disconnected and start living as part of God’s bigger plan. We’re in on everything now, so let’s act like it, love like it, and lead like it.

– Our Prayer for Today

Jesus, thank You for going to the cross. Thank You for shedding Your blood so that we, who were once far from You, could be brought near. We praise You for tearing down the walls that kept us out and for welcoming us into Your promises, Your family, and Your purpose. We didn’t earn this grace, and we’ll never take it for granted. Help us to live with the humility, gratitude, and boldness that come from knowing we are fully included in Your plan. Because of You, we are no longer outsiders; we are Yours.
Amen.
The God of Glory

The God of Glory

by | Sep 1, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers


– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/1/2025

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. 5Long, long ago, he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) 6He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. 7Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! 8He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, 9letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ,10a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. 11It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, 12part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.13It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. 14This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. 15That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus,16I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. 17But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 18your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers,19oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! 20All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven,21in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. 22He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. 23The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

Ephesians 1:3–23 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Reading Paul’s words to the Ephesians feels like a deep breath, a reminder that we’re not out here trying to earn God’s love or approval. He’s already chosen us, already blessed us, already called us his own. Before we ever made a move toward Him, He had a plan for our lives, and that plan was rooted in love, grace, and purpose. We’re marked by His Spirit, which means we are never alone, never without direction, and never without hope. These words hit home: that we would honestly know not just in our heads, but deep in our hearts, the incredible power and inheritance we have through Christ. The same power that raised Jesus is alive in all of us. That’s not just bible talk; that’s real life. It’s a call to live boldly, to lead with humility, and to trust that God is working through us in ways we can’t always see. Christ is the center, and we’re all a part of his story.

– Where do we go from here?

Now that we’ve reflected on Paul’s message, the question becomes, what do we do next? How do we take this truth and live it out? It starts with remembering who we are in Christ every single day. We walk into our homes, our workplaces, and our communities knowing we’re chosen, empowered, and deeply loved. That means we lead with grace, we serve with purpose, and we speak life into others. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being available. Let’s stay connected to God through prayer, stay rooted in His Word, and stay open to the Spirit’s leading. Whether it’s encouraging someone, making a tough decision with integrity, or simply showing up with kindness, we carry his presence into every moment. That’s how we turn reflection into action by living like we believe it.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for choosing me, loving me, and calling me Your own. Help me to truly grasp the depth of Your grace and the power You’ve placed within me. Let Your Spirit guide my steps, strengthen my heart, and remind me daily that I am Yours. May I live with boldness, humility, and a deep sense of purpose, knowing that Christ is at the center of it all. Amen.
Under God’s Plan

Under God’s Plan

by | Aug 29, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

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

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

Ephesians 1:1–2 (MSG)

– Reflection:

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

- Where do we go from here?

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

– Our Prayer for Today

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

Ephesians Introduction

by | Aug 28, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 8/28/2025

What we know about God and what we do for God have a way of getting broken apart in our lives. The moment the organic unity of belief and behavior is damaged in any way, we are incapable of living out the full humanity for which we were created. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians joins together what has been torn apart in our sin-wrecked world. He begins with an exuberant exploration of what Christians believe about God, and then, like a surgeon skillfully setting a compound fracture, “sets” this belief in God into our behavior before God so that the bones—belief and behavior—knit together and heal. Once our attention is called to it, we notice these fractures all over the place. There is hardly a bone in our bodies that has escaped injury, hardly a relationship in city or job, school or church, family or country, that isn’t out of joint or limping in pain. There is much work to be done. And so Paul goes to work. He ranges widely, from heaven to earth and back again, showing how Jesus, the Messiah, is eternally and tirelessly bringing everything and everyone together. He also shows us that in addition to having this work done in and for us, we are participants in this most urgent work. Now that we know what is going on, that the energy of reconciliation is the dynamo at the heart of the universe, it is imperative that we join in vigorously and perseveringly, convinced that every detail in our lives contributes (or not) to what Paul describes as God’s plan worked out by Christ, “a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.”

Ephesians Introduction (MSG)

– Reflection:

The book of Ephesians begins by reminding us of our identity in Christ. Paul, writing from prison, addresses believers as people who are deeply loved and chosen by God. From the start, he highlights the incredible gifts we’ve received—grace, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit to lead us. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter, which explains not just what we believe but how we’re called to live. Ephesians guides us on a journey from understanding our identity in Christ to living it out daily—through unity, love, and spiritual strength. It’s a powerful guide that shows us how to walk with purpose and stay rooted in faith, regardless of what we face.

– Where do we go from here?

Now that we’ve seen how Ephesians begins with a strong reminder of who we are in Christ, it’s time to take that truth and live it out daily. Paul will guide us in what it means to live intentionally, stay united as believers, and grow stronger in faith. We’ll learn how to love better, serve humbly, and stand firm in the face of life’s challenges. This journey through Ephesians isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about transformation. As we move forward, let’s stay open, stay connected, and let God shape us into the people He’s called us to be.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for reminding us that we belong to You. You’ve chosen us, loved us, and given us a new start through Jesus. As we begin this journey through Ephesians, help us to live like people who know who we are in You. Teach us to love others, stay united, and walk in Your truth every day. Help us to be kind, strong, and faithful, even when life gets hard. Let our lives reflect Your grace and goodness in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer To Be Reckoned With

Prayer To Be Reckoned With

by | Aug 26, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 8/26/2025

Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, a human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came, and everything started growing again. My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back, and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.

James 5:13–20 (MSG)

– Reflection:

James 5:13–20 teaches us that prayer should be a part of our daily lives, no matter what we’re going through. If we’re happy, we should sing praises. If we’re suffering, we should pray. If we’re sick, we should ask others to pray with us. Prayer connects us to God and helps us find strength, healing, and peace. It’s not just for emergencies—it’s for every moment. These verses also remind us to support each other, confess when we’ve done wrong, and help bring others back to the right path. Prayer is powerful, and when we use it with faith and love, it can change lives. I am going to take it even further; when we wake, we need to be on our knees praying for the grace that we have been given, that our eyes are opened, and we are able to remember who we are and whose we are. We have to give ourselves over to praying each and every day. I am still a work in progress in this area, too. I read the WORD each day but get caught up doing other things before acknowledging our creator and all he has placed in us. Prayer works, it really does.

– Where do we go from here?

We keep praying faithfully, patiently, and with purpose. James reminds us that prayer isn’t just a reaction to trouble; it’s a way of life. Whether we’re celebrating, hurting, or waiting, prayer keeps us connected to God. It teaches us to trust His timing, even when answers don’t come right away. Honoring God through prayer means being consistent, even when it’s hard, and believing that He hears us. As we pray for ourselves and for others, we grow in patience, humility, and love. Moving forward, let’s make prayer our daily habit, trusting that God is working even in the silence. Stay prayed up, community.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for always being near, ready to listen when we call. Help us make prayer a part of our everyday life, from the moment our eyes open, not just when we’re in trouble, but also when we’re joyful, thankful, or unsure. Teach us to be patient, trusting that You hear us even when answers take time. Give us the strength to keep praying, even when it’s hard, and the heart to pray for others with love. Let our prayers honor You and draw us closer to Your will. In every moment, remind us that You are working, and that prayer is never wasted. Amen.
**Update – Destroying Yourself From Within

Destroying Your Life From Within

by | Aug 25, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

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

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

James 5:1–12 (MSG)

– Reflection:

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

– Where do we go from here?

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

– Our Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Your Word. Help us to walk with integrity, even when the world rewards the opposite. Give us patience when justice feels delayed, and strength to keep doing what’s right. Remind us that You see every act, every heart, and that Your justice never fails. May we be faithful, humble, and kind—trusting that in Your time, all things will be made right. Amen.
Nothing But A Wisp Of Fog

Nothing But A Wisp Of Fog

by | Aug 22, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 8/22/2025

And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.” As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.

James 4:13–17 (MSG)

– Reflection:

We often make plans as if we own tomorrow, but James reminds us that life is fragile and unpredictable. It’s not about ignoring ambition—it’s about anchoring it in humility. When we say, “I’ll do this or that,” we should pause and ask, “Is this aligned with God’s will?” Because when we act as if we’re in control, we miss the deeper truth: our lives are like a mist, here briefly and gone. The real wisdom is in living with purpose, knowing that doing good isn’t optional—it’s a responsibility. If we know the right thing and choose not to do it, we’re not just making a mistake—we’re missing the mark.

– Where do we go from here?

We stop living as if we have all the time in the world and start checking in with God before we act. James isn’t telling us to stop planning—he’s telling us to stop acting like we’re in charge. The next step is simple: before making decisions, we ask, “God, is this what You want?” And if we already know the right thing to do, we don’t wait—we do it. Living this way keeps us grounded, humble, and focused on what truly matters. It’s not about fear—it’s about faith and obedience.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, help us slow down and remember that we don’t control tomorrow. Teach us to trust Your plan more than our own. Before we move, speak, or decide, remind us to ask, “Is this Your will?” Give us the courage to do what’s right when we know it, and the wisdom to stay humble in all we do. Our lives are in Your hands, and that’s exactly where we want them to be. Amen.
Get Serious

Get Serious

by | Aug 21, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 8/21/2025

Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way. You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. Don’t bad-mouth each other, friends. It’s God’s Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You’re supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?

James 4:1–12 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Whether in our personal lives, workplaces, or even globally, it arises from unchecked desires and pride. These tensions don’t appear out of nowhere; they stem from our internal struggles, our need to control outcomes, and our reluctance to surrender those desires to God. When we pursue what we want without considering if it’s right or aligned with God’s will, we end up hurting others and ourselves. The message is clear: humility is the way forward. God isn’t looking for perfection, but for a heart that’s willing to listen, yield, and grow. When we stop trying to win every battle and instead let God lead, we find peace, clarity, and strength. It’s a call to be genuine, stop pretending, and let grace do the heavy lifting.

– Where do we go from here?

James 4:1–12 reminds us that much of the conflict we face, whether with others or within ourselves, stems from misplaced desires. We want things our way, and when we don’t get them, we fight, argue, and even drift from God. James isn’t just pointing fingers; he’s asking us to examine our hearts. Are we pursuing what God wants, or just our own wants? The good news is, God offers grace. He’s not looking for perfect people. He’s looking for humble ones. So, from here, we embrace humility. We stop judging others, stop trying to play God, and start drawing near to Him. That’s where peace begins, and that’s where real change starts.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for using him to show us what it looks like to live with wisdom, humility, and faith that works. His example helps us understand the kind of life You call us to, a life that draws near to You, resists pride, and chooses peace over conflict. Help us walk that path today. Let his words shape our hearts and guide our steps as we follow Christ more closely. Keep us steady. Amen.
Live Well, Live Wisely

Live Well, Live Wisely

by | Aug 20, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

– Today’s Community Scripture – 8/20/2025 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats. Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. James 3:13–18 (MSG) – Reflection: Wisdom isn’t just about knowing things; it’s about showing it through how we live. James reminds us that real wisdom is visible in our actions, especially when we’re humble and kind. If we’re driven by jealousy or selfish ambition, that’s not wisdom from God; it’s more like chaos waiting to happen. But when our hearts are full of peace, gentleness, and mercy, we reflect the kind of wisdom that builds us up instead of tearing us down. It’s not loud or boastful; it’s steady, sincere, and full of good fruit. Living wisely means being a peacemaker, planting seeds of peace that grow into a harvest of righteousness. – Where do we go from here? When we do what the reflective paragraph states, people will see it and want to know how you are able to discern or make decisions in such chaotic situations and areas of your life. What happens is the acceptance of Christ into our lives makes a huge space for the blessings of his coming into our lives, so that we will want to share what he has done for us. In doing so and working on how to navigate the world with patience, care, and the wisdom of life you have lived, you will aid the next person or people we encounter on our walks with Christ himself. He is the one who gives us the power to be able to do that thing. It doesn’t come from us personally; it comes from our acceptance of Christ himself. Not saying that a non-believer can’t have worldly wisdom, they can, but it is about dealing with how the world has treated you and not healing the wounds you have suffered from the world itself. A worldly person cannot teach or tell you how to fix the love you lost in your life. This passage of James always gets to me, because it reminds me of who I have become since he has come into my life. – Our Prayer for Today – Father, thank you for the words of your Word that we experience every day. It is a true blessing to have patience and wisdom for others who seek guidance in finding peace within themselves and you. We are so thankful for the help you have given us that we are happy to share it with others who need it as well. We should not keep it for ourselves; we should give it freely to those who are looking for it. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.