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

Today’s Community Scripture – 2/19/2025

One of the Pharisees asked him over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee’s house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him.”

Luke 7:36–39 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Anointing His Feet

I remember my thoughts when I first read this story. Trying to make sense of what was happening in these verses, I ran to the simplest conclusion, the one that my mind jumps to with ease “What on earth is this woman doing? Is she not embarrassed to be making such a scene?” I found myself in good company with the Pharisee a few verses later. How quick I was to dismiss a profound act of faith, one that was shameless, generous, and (perhaps) a bit uncomfortable. Yet this profound act of worship is commended and outlined in detail in our text this morning. Jesus has just gotten to dinner, taken off his shoes, and sat at the table to chat with one of the religious leaders in town, when suddenly a “sinful woman” arrives on the scene. Perhaps she’s heard that Jesus is a friend of sinners, and she wants to see what he’s all about. Perhaps her hurt is too heavy for her to bear, and she’s so desperate for some relief. Perhaps it’s a little bit of both. Whatever her reasons were, she arrived at the dinner table too. And she’s not empty handed! She brings with her a beautiful jar full of expensive perfume and the overwhelming pain of the last few years, and she gives it all to Jesus. Her tears make pools of water on the floor. She washes Jesus’ feet and dries them with her hair. The scene is very raw, vulnerable, and intimate. This woman is risking everything for a word of hope from Jesus. Jesus meets her in her vulnerability and speaks a word of blessing over her. That is the person I wake up trying to be each and every day.

– Where do we go from here?

When was the last time you yielded to your own sense of desperation, hopelessness, guilt, or shame, and surrendered it all to Jesus? When have you named your needs clearly and without shame? When have you risked feeling embarrassed to draw a bit closer to Jesus – the friend of sinners? May we all learn from the woman in our passage today and approach Jesus unashamedly and with great love.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, please handle us gently as we come to you bearing our shame, guilt, and pain. May we find the strength to present our true selves and lay everything at your feet, Jesus, trusting that your love for us is far greater than we can ever comprehend. Thank you, and Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach

Today’s Community Scripture – 2/18/2025

After John’s messengers left to make their report, Jesus said more about John to the crowd of people. “What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A messenger from God? That’s right, a messenger! Probably the greatest messenger you’ll ever hear. He is the messenger Malachi announced when he wrote, I’m sending my messenger on ahead To make the road smooth for you.“Let me lay it out for you as plainly as I can: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer, but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. The ordinary and disreputable people who heard John, by being baptized by him into the kingdom, are the clearest evidence; the Pharisees and religious officials would have nothing to do with such a baptism, wouldn’t think of giving up their place in line to their inferiors. “How can I account for the people of this generation? They’re like spoiled children complaining to their parents, ‘We wanted to skip rope and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk but you were always too busy.’ John the Baptizer came fasting and you called him crazy. The Son of Man came feasting and you called him a lush. Opinion polls don’t count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

Luke 7:24–35 (MSG)

Key Verse – A messenger from God? That’s right, a messenger! Probably the greatest messenger you’ll ever hear. Luke 7:26 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Is He the One We Are Expecting

Jesus presents the crowd with two contrasting images: reeds and haute couture. Reeds thrived by the water’s edge and swayed with the slightest breeze. Nobody ventures into the wilderness to see something so ordinary; it doesn’t require a journey or a quest to find. In the next verse, Jesus inquires if they sought out someone clad in luxurious robes. The wilderness isn’t a setting for the high fashion of the affluent. Do you seek the commonplace? No. Do you yearn for the improbable? No. Instead, they ventured into the wilderness to meet John, the prophet who prepared the way for the Messiah. As one commentator notes, John is positioned between everyday life and the kingdom of God.

– Where do we go from here?

What do we seek to experience when we gather for worship? Or when we embark on a mission trip? Or when we participate in a faith formation class? Or when we serve alongside a ministry partner? What, or who, do we hope to encounter? How will we prepare to welcome the presence of the Messiah into our lives?

Our Prayer for Today

Father, you sent John the Baptist to pave the way for your Son’s arrival. He boldly fulfilled the mission you placed in his heart, preparing the path for the true one. Grant us the wisdom to discern your purpose and the openness to hear your will so we may prepare the way for Christ to build his kingdom. Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach

Today’s Community Scripture – 2/17/2025

When he finished speaking to the people, he entered Capernaum. A Roman captain there had a servant who was on his deathbed. He prized him highly and didn’t want to lose him. When he heard Jesus was back, he sent leaders from the Jewish community asking him to come and heal his servant. They came to Jesus and urged him to do it, saying, “He deserves this. He loves our people. He even built our meeting place.”

Luke 7:1–5 (MSG)

Key Verse: When he heard Jesus was back, he sent leaders from the Jewish community asking him to come and heal his servant. Luke 7:3 (MSG)

– Reflection:

A Place of Holy Mystery

The opening of Luke chapter 7 introduces an unexpected figure who demonstrates faith—someone outside the typical circle of Jesus’ followers. We meet a Roman centurion, a leader used to directing others and achieving results. As a commander in the Roman army, he wields power, strength, and holds considerable social standing. He represents the archetype of authority—admired, respected, and looked up to, the embodiment of someone with everything under control. Thus, it’s rather surprising to discover that Jesus of Nazareth has captivated this Roman soldier. Jesus has made claims that could jeopardize the centurion’s career. A carpenter declaring himself a king? Absurd. A thirty-year-old from Nazareth claiming to liberate captives? Highly improbable. One might anticipate the centurion to react with hostility, indifference, or perhaps a condescending smirk. A teacher releasing the oppressed? How noble, he might think.

– Where do we go from here?

Setting aside any expectation that he must have all the answers, the centurion humbly submits to the King of the Jews. He risks it all by reaching out to Jesus, embracing humility, and becoming a disciple of Christ. Without revealing too much, it’s clear that Jesus acknowledges his faith and calls him into a relationship. Jesus is indeed a Messiah for everyone. When have we experienced moments where we needed to seek Jesus? What if we dared to call out to Jesus – the one we’ve heard of, who brings healing to our souls?

Our Prayer for Today

Father, grant us the courage and humility to call out to you. We believe, God, help our unbelief. Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach

Today’s Community Scripture – 2/14/2025

When his master heard his wife’s story, telling him, “These are the things your slave did to me,” he was furious. Joseph’s master took him and threw him into the jail where the king’s prisoners were locked up. But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best.

Genesis 39:19–23 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Can We Pass His Tests

Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt and later falsely accused, landing him in prison. You might think that Joseph would become so discouraged that he would abandon the dream God gave him, but instead, he continued to do the right thing. He excelled in prison to the extent that he was put in charge. God was testing Joseph to ensure he possessed the character, integrity, and humility necessary for leadership. Despite his own troubles, Joseph interpreted a fellow prisoner’s dream rather than dismissing him with, “Go away. I have bigger problems than you.” His unselfishness ultimately led to interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, which paved the way for him to become Egypt’s prime minister. The fulfillment of the dream came after years of testing.

– Where do we go from here?

The challenges you encounter have a purpose. They serve as opportunities for God to cultivate your growth, enhance your character, and demonstrate your ability to handle the promising future He envisions. Your approach to these hardships will decide whether you remain trapped or emerge stronger.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for being the Most High God and for Your ability to turn all the detours and dark twists in our lives to our advantage. Thank You that every test of our faith prepares us to rise and grow. Please help us remain faithful and grow through this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach

Today’s Community Scripture – 2/13/2025

Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell to his knees before Jesus. “Master, leave. I’m a sinner and can’t handle this holiness. Leave me to myself.” When they pulled in that catch of fish, awe overwhelmed Simon and everyone with him. It was the same with James and John, Zebedee’s sons, coworkers with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.

                            Luke 5:8–11 (MSG)

Key Verse: –

Jesus said to Simon, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him. Luke 5:10–11 (MSG).

– Reflection:

                  Come and Follow

Peter was so shocked by the net-breaking catch of fish after obeying Jesus’ word that he fell at Jesus’ feet and said, “Lord, please depart from me. I’m too much of a sinner to be near You. I’m not worthy of Your favor. I’ve lived a rough life and have used bad language.” But God was showing us that His blessings are not based on our performance. We don’t deserve His favor, healing, freedom, or mercy. We can’t earn it. It’s a gift from God to be received by faith. Knowing this to be true myself makes an ask from our Lord seem so enormous.

– Where do we go from here?

I appreciate Jesus’ reply to Peter’s hesitation. He encouraged him by saying, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you’ll fish for people!” Jesus offered Peter more than fish; He invited him to become His disciple. In other words, He was affirming, “You’re forgiven. You’re worthy. Accept this gift, and I’ll make you a history-maker.” It’s no surprise that Peter abandoned everything to follow Jesus. Similarly, you might feel unqualified, but don’t let fear or doubt hinder you from embracing the greatness that God has in store for you. This is His gift.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for not just bringing us net-breaking blessings but for calling us to come and be Your disciples. Thank You that Your blessings are not based on whether we are worthy enough to deserve them. We will not let fear keep us from receiving all the gifts You have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach