Live Like There Isn’t A Tomorrow

Live Like There Isn’t A Tomorrow

by | Apr 14, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/14/2025

But I don’t want to go on about them. It’s you, the outsiders, that I’m concerned with now. Because my personal assignment is focused on the so-called outsiders, I make as much of this as I can when I’m among my Israelite kin, the so-called insiders, hoping they’ll realize what they’re missing and want to get in on what God is doing. If their falling out initiated this worldwide coming together, their recovery is going to set off something even better: mass homecoming! If the first thing the Jews did, even though it was wrong for them, turned out for your good, just think what’s going to happen when they get it right!

Romans 11:13–15 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Live Like There Isn’t A Tomorrow

No question, many of us men and women are living in “I know, I know” mode… in “I’m gonna do it, but just not right now” mode. You see, we understand what’s important; we’ve just convinced ourselves that we have all kinds of time. And because life is incredibly busy right now, we’ve resolved to get around to doing what we know we should be doing, later—when things slow down a bit. We’ll change our ways, later. We’ll actually live out our faith, later. But what if there’s no later? What if today is our last day? Then what?

– Where do we go from here?

Take a look at your life. Where are you spending money and talent? Where and with whom are you spending time? What’s being neglected? What needs to change? Are you willing, brother? It’s time—time to shift into “I’m on it” mode.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, It is our paths that you placed before us that we are not working diligently to satisfy and work towards. Continue to bless us with the time you see fit for us to have. We will continue to honor your name and work Jesus. Amen.

Who Gives The Authority

by | Apr 10, 2025 | Community Conversations

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/10/2025

 

 

One day he was teaching the people in the Temple, proclaiming the Message. The high priests, religion scholars, and leaders confronted him and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?” Jesus answered, “First, let me ask you a question: About the baptism of John—who authorized it, heaven or humans?” They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, “If we say ‘heaven,’ he’ll ask us why we didn’t believe him; if we say ‘humans,’ the people will tear us limb from limb, convinced as they are that John was God’s prophet.” They agreed to concede that round to Jesus and said they didn’t know. Jesus said, “Then neither will I answer your question.”

Luke 20:1–8 (MSG):

– Reflection:

Jesus loves to create space for those around him to draw their own conclusions. Instead of speaking directly, he speaks indirectly. Rather than stating something straightforward, he asks a rhetorical question. We recognize from his love of parables that he enjoys kindling imagination and intellect to summon insight rather than teaching in a top-down manner. He has the authority from the Father already, yet there were men asking him who gave him that authority. All of the things happening because of him challenge the notion of someone thought to be lowly, a man with no real power. How does he challenge us? We possess the minds and hearts of the people. He is merely a carpenter’s son; they did not even grant him the title of carpenter; they referred to him as a “carpenter’s son. ” Wow! Amazing. Today, I think the same would hold true, as we have truthful people speaking, yet no one is listening.

– Where do we go from here?

Currently, in this time of April right before Easter, many speakers are talking yet saying very little, asking us to listen. They hold only the authority of human creation, and not all of that. We must remember the Word and what it teaches us, leaning into it and becoming the person we were meant to be. If we get swept up in the currents of this climate, we lose. Let’s keep our minds sharp and focus on helping one another whenever we can, making the world better each day we are here. We must be like Christ, where His quiet moments cause those in power to pause.

What does that pause make you think about?

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, Jesus did not come to earth to affirm the status quo. He came to challenge unjust systems and to extend compassion to those oppressed by them. He comes with authority beyond this world, disrupting the regular powers that be. Help us to pause and reflect, especially when we feel uncomfortable, on what Jesus might want or need from us. Amen.

Placed On Solid Ground

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/9/2025

I waited and waited and waited for GOD. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn’t slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to GOD.

Psalm 40:1–3 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Placed on solid ground

Stepping out of the book of Luke for a moment to create something on a Psalm I read yesterday.

A difficult, dark time in your life doesn’t have to prevent you from fulfilling your destiny. You may feel as though you are in the pit, as David described, but you must prepare yourself, because you are going to emerge. That depression is not the end; the sickness is not the end; and the addiction is not your final chapter. The person who left you does not define your conclusion. If they abandoned you, you didn’t need them. If they exited your life, they were not meant to be part of your destiny. God has someone better in store for you. He wishes to place a new song in your heart.

– Where do we go from here?

Don’t get comfortable in the pit. Don’t allow self-pity and discouragement to steal your passion. You need to reignite your fire. Every blessing that God promised you is still within His intentions to bring to pass. People can’t stop it, bad breaks can’t hinder it, and mistakes you’ve made don’t have to prevent it. Dreams coming true are in your future, along with increase, abundance, promotion, health, and restoration. That’s what lies ahead of you. Solid ground is how your story concludes.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You that the pits I find myself in are only temporary stops along the way to my final destination. Thank You that I can sing a new song of praise because You lift me out of whatever holds me back. I believe that You will guide me to where I am meant to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Where do you see peace?

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/8/2025

When the city came into view, he wept over it. “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late. In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. They’ll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn’t recognize and welcome God’s personal visit.”

                           Luke 19:41–44 (MSG)

Key Verse – When the city came into view, he wept over it. “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late. Luke 19:41–42 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                           Where Do You See Peace?

Reading through the book of Luke there are a few things I am relearning or noticing as I go through and now as I write this take you through it too. When Jesus was approaching Jerusalem he was expecting to see peace because that is what the name means to a point. To arrive and see all the chaos, and sin happening really broke his his heart and caused him to cry. Where do you find peace? I know I ised to find it on the basketball court and still do some times but I am beginning to find the best place for peace for me is just sitting quietly and thinking. The hustle and bustle of a day doesn’t overwhelm me but a quiet sit is just ok.

– Where do we go from here?

When Jesus saw the city of Jerusalem, he cried because he did not see peace. He knew that both the city and its political and religious leaders were not pursuing peace. Instead, they were driven by selfishness, greed, a desire for power, and fear. They did not act for the common good of all and failed to care for those in need. Their inability or unwillingness to recognize what leads to peace brought tears to Jesus’ eyes. It is our duty to start a conversation with Jesus that will make him smile and say to us, “Well done.”

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, let my heart break for the things that break yours. Grant me eyes to see what fosters peace, even in the most chaotic and distressing situations. Give me the courage to strive for peace by seeking justice, embracing kindness, and living out love. Amen.

GOD’s Personal Visit

GOD’s Personal Visit

by | Apr 7, 2025 | Community Conversations, Prayers

Today’s Community Scripture – 4/7/2025

 After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’ ” The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, “What are you doing untying the colt?” They said, “His Master needs him.” They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street. Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed: Blessed is he who comes, the king in God’s name! All’s well in heaven! Glory in the high places! Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!” But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”

                         Luke 19:28–40 (MSG)

Key Verse – “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. Luke 19:30 (MSG)

– Reflection:

               GOD’s Personal Visit

Sometimes the first step is the hardest. The first step towards action, the first step towards something new, the first step into the unknown. When was a time you took a step of faith, and what was that first step like for you? It was tough to trust in starting something new for a community that I didn’t think would embrace what we were trying to do. Almost five years have passed, and we feel a part of the sports community and the neighboring communities around us. So what I worried about, God wasn’t. It is time to begin adding to what we started, and the anxiety is building again, but knowing how the first opening went, I have no doubt the next installments will unfold just as He planned them.

The passage is about Jesus making His final appearance in Jerusalem. The curtain is closing on the snow folks. He tells two of His followers to go and get the colt tied to a post and what to do when someone asks what they are doing. He is sharing with them, just like the messages He gives us today if we are listening. He’s telling us what to do as well. I bet those guys were probably scared going to get a colt they had no money for, following a word from their friend. That’s what it’s like for me when I’m told to start helping the youth through sport. Beginning to write these posts was all frightening to me, but I had to trust that I am and will continue to do the work that has been placed in my path.

– Where do we go from here?

I know I’ve felt tugs and pulls on my heart to take action just as I explained above, but I was afraid to respond. Have you? What does it look like to respond in faith when we hear the call, “The Lord needs it?” Perhaps we will never see the fruit of our actions, and perhaps we won’t know how it all fits together. But I do know that after we take that first step, responding to those tugs and whispers becomes easier and more natural each time. Where are you feeling that tug today? May you take that first step in faith, for the Lord needs it!

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you very much for including us in your work in the world. Open our hearts and ears to your whispers, guiding us to step out in faith. Grant us the courage and strength to respond faithfully. Amen.