Today’s Community Scripture – 2/26/2025

The apostles returned and reported on what they had done. Jesus took them away, off by themselves, near the town called Bethsaida. But the crowds got wind of it and followed. Jesus graciously welcomed them and talked to them about the kingdom of God. Those who needed healing, he healed. As the day declined, the Twelve said, “Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the farms or villages around here and get a room for the night and a bite to eat. We’re out in the middle of nowhere.” “You feed them,” Jesus said. They said, “We couldn’t scrape up more than five loaves of bread and a couple of fish—unless, of course, you want us to go to town ourselves and buy food for everybody.” (There were more than five thousand people in the crowd.) But he went ahead and directed his disciples, “Sit them down in groups of about fifty.” They did what he said, and soon had everyone seated. He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread and fish to the disciples to hand out to the crowd. After the people had all eaten their fill, twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered up. One time when Jesus was off praying by himself, his disciples nearby, he asked them, “What are the crowds saying about me, about who I am?” They said, “John the Baptizer. Others say Elijah. Still others say that one of the prophets from long ago has come back.” He then asked, “And you—what are you saying about me?

Luke 9:10–20 (MSG)

Key Verse – But he went ahead and directed his disciples, “Sit them down in groups of about fifty.” They did what he said, and soon had everyone seated. Luke 9:14–15 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Don’t Run From Suffering

I love my Sunday afternoon naps. As much as I enjoy Sunday mornings, it takes a lot of energy especially on the Sundays when we have teams playing in tournaments and I’m grateful when I do have the chance to decompress afterward before the week begins again! I can’t help but wonder if the disciples might also be ready for a nap after a day of following Jesus, who attracts crowds everywhere he goes. At the end of the day, they tell (not ask!) Jesus to send everyone away. In the ‘deserted place,’ they don’t see a way to feed or house the thousands of people who have gathered. Jesus tells them to figure it out. When they’re unable to, Jesus instead tells them to have everyone sit in groups of fifty. What’s interesting is that, as the story is told here, they actually do it! Despite their previous protesting about what Jesus is asking of them, when they get this instruction, they stop arguing and do it.

Where do we go from here?

A calm and settled crowd can only maintain its composure for so long. I’m sure they realized this after journeying with Jesus for a time. That evening, it is Jesus who breaks and blesses the food. Yet, through His guidance, the disciples create an opportunity for a miracle to unfold. Even though they may be tired and worn out at the end of the day, they trust Jesus enough to follow His direction. Whether we are brimming with energy or just pushing through, I hope we can also make room to experience the miracle of God’s provision today.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for your everlasting care for all your children. Help us take time to recognize the ways you provide for us and respond with gratitude. Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 2/25/2025

Jesus now called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave. If you’re not welcomed, leave town. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on.” Commissioned, they left. They traveled from town to town telling the latest news of God, the Message, and curing people everywhere they went. Herod, the ruler, heard of these goings on and didn’t know what to think. There were people saying John had come back from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, still others that some prophet of long ago had shown up. Herod said, “But I killed John—took off his head. So who is this that I keep hearing about?” Curious, he looked for a chance to see him in action.

Luke 9:1–9 (MSG)

Key Verse – He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. Luke 9:3–4(MSG)

– Reflection:

Take Nothing For Your Journey

We are all called to go out and proclaim the kingdom of GOD. I have a few pieces of software and websites that help me learn and share the message of the gospel from my understanding. I have copies of my favorite prayers ready for my morning meeting with God to create this devotional, along with various resources to make the process easier. In this passage, Jesus says to take nothing, which is incredibly scary and, if I’m honest, a bit freeing. We all feel inadequate or unworthy. Our possessions help us hide from our calling, boost our confidence, and keep our hearts protected from getting hurt. But that stuff gets in the way.

He Said Take nothing for the Journey.

Where do we go from here?

When we attend a practice with the youth in our organization, it serves as a great reminder to be open to learning from those we meet. Leave all your baggage behind. Be open. Be curious. Trust. That can be difficult, and we often make excuses. We’re too busy, too tired. We feel we lack the necessary skills or talent, believing we need to learn more. As we go through the practices we have planned, we frequently adapt our approach because the participants may have grasped that concept. Having prepared extensively, we typically stick to our original plan. Jesus said, ‘You are the tool,’ so we can pivot and move to the next concept because we know what follows. Even with a set lesson, as tools, we can navigate through this practice and elevate the experience for the participants in the program. Jesus instructs us to take nothing. Don’t dwell on what you lack or what you don’t understand. Trust in those who accompany you. Trust in the God who promises to always be with us.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, walk with us today as we seek to answer your call. Strengthen us to pursue justice, to embrace kindness, and to walk humbly with you throughout this journey of life. Amen.

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

Today’s Community Scripture – 2/20/2025

You gave me life itself, and incredible love. You watched and guarded every breath I took. “But you never told me about this part. I should have known that there was more to it— That if I so much as missed a step, you’d notice and pounce, wouldn’t let me get by with a thing. If I’m truly guilty, I’m doomed. But if I’m innocent, it’s no better—I’m still doomed. My belly is full of bitterness. I’m up to my ears in a swamp of affliction. I try to make the best of it, try to brave it out, but you’re too much for me, relentless, like a lion on the prowl. You line up fresh witnesses against me. You compound your anger and pile on the grief and pain!

Job 10:12–17 (MSG)

Key Verse – You gave me life itself and incredible love. You watched and guarded every breath I took.

– Reflection:

Job’s Favor

The Old Testament character Job experienced a challenging period. Everything seemed perfect when disaster struck. He suddenly lost his children, his business collapsed, and his body was covered in painful boils. His friends told him it must be due to his sins. Interestingly, Job honored God and lived a life of excellence. He had plenty of reasons to feel negative and bitter, but amid his struggles, he declared, “God, You have shown me favor in the past, and I trust favor is on its way.” He didn’t judge based on a single season but continued to proclaim God’s favor. After passing the test, he emerged with more significant possessions, health, and joy.

– Where do we go from here?

When facing challenges, follow Job’s example. Instead of focusing on the size of your problem, focus on the greatness of your God. Have the courage to proclaim His blessings. Say, “I am blessed. I am healthy. I am strong. I am more than a conqueror.” Speak positively about your future and trust that you will emerge even stronger.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You that no matter what we go through, You are our redeemer and vindicator. Thank You for granting us life and favor and for bringing us out of difficulties even better than we were before they appeared. We believe that You are in control during the tough times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach