Today’s Community Scripture – 2/24/2025

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Matthew 5:8–12 (MSG)

Key Verse – “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. Matthew 5:8 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Release IT

It’s easy to feel bitter after a bad break or when someone walks out on you, but bitterness is a blemish in the heart. Why not let it go so it doesn’t taint the rest of your life? Don’t allow a disappointment, divorce, layoff, or loss to poison your future. You might be concerned about your health or finances, but worry hinders you from seeing God. You need to let it go. You might be angry because someone deceived you, but that’s a blemish you must eliminate by forgiving the person.

– Where do we go from here?

Are you clinging to negativity? Do feelings of jealousy, bitterness, or discouragement linger? If you’re harboring these toxic emotions, there’s no room for the blessings God wishes to bestow upon you—such as joy, peace, confidence, creativity, and contentment. By not letting go of impurities like regret, anger, bitterness, jealousy, and anxiety, you miss out on living a life that’s blessed and optimistic about the future. If you practice releasing these impurities daily, you’ll grow strong, vibrant, and filled with faith and joy.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for allowing us to have a pure heart and see You today. Thank You for helping us release any worries, doubts, guilt, and bitterness, flushing them out of our lives. Please help us to remove any impurities, forgive what needs forgiving, and let go of the past. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach