Today’s Community Scripture – 1/14/2025 

Yet the rescuing gift is not exactly parallel to the death-dealing sin. If one man’s sin put crowds of people at the dead-end abyss of separation from God, just think what God’s gift poured through one man, Jesus Christ, will do! There’s no comparison between that death-dealing sin and this generous, life-giving gift. The verdict on that one sin was the death sentence; the verdict on the many sins that followed was this wonderful life sentence. If death got the upper hand through one man’s wrongdoing, can you imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, sovereign life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus Christ provides?

                                Romans 5:17 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                                A Receiving Mindset

God has excellent plans for us, yet we often believe our past mistakes disqualify us. Instead of embracing His mercy, approval, healing, or abundance, we create excuses that drive away the blessings we seek. “I can’t recover; you saw the medical report.” “I can’t be prosperous; my past is too troubled.” We believe we aren’t good, smart, or attractive enough. This mindset leads us to self-sabotage our future.

Where do we go from here?

Instead of accepting those unfounded beliefs, consider adopting a new perspective. Embrace a mindset of receptivity. God has blessings awaiting you. He offers mercy, wisdom, favor, and abundance. These cannot be earned or achieved through your education or background; they are purely gifts. However, you must be willing to accept them. “God, I acknowledge my mistakes, but I accept Your forgiveness. You assured us that ‘whom the Son sets free is free indeed,’ so I embrace Your freedom today. I’m uncertain about overcoming my debt, but I trust in Your abundance.” Begin accepting these blessings today.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, we thank You for the generous gifts You’ve prepared for us through Jesus’ sacrifice. We are grateful that we don’t need to earn Your mercy, love, or approval. Today and tomorrow, we embrace a mindset of receiving based on Your gift of righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach