Today’s Community Scripture – 2/11/2025

“Why are you so polite with me, always saying ‘Yes, sir,’ and ‘That’s right, sir,’ but never doing a thing I tell you? These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on. “If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss.”

                              Luke 6:46–49 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Do our lives honor that affirmation?

Jesus is Lord. Each week during worship, we affirm this belief, declaring that Jesus reigns over all creation and our personal lives. But do our actions reflect this affirmation? (ouch) Sometimes, we view Jesus as a condiment or dipping sauce—an optional add-on that enhances our lives rather than a fundamental part of them. We sometimes treat Jesus like mustard for a hot dog or BBQ sauce for chicken nuggets. We want Jesus to enrich our lives but not to dictate them. By doing so, we fail to embody our declaration that Jesus is the Lord entirely.

– Where do we go from here?

What does it mean to revere Jesus as Lord? I see it as a lifelong commitment to discipleship. We strive in prayer to embody Jesus more deeply in our lives. We surrender every facet of our existence to him – our careers, relationships, parenting, finances, aspirations, beliefs, holidays – all of it. Sometimes, this requires us to reflect on ourselves and seek to make changes with God’s guidance. Other times, it invites us to embrace the grace and love that greet us just as we are. We establish our lives on Jesus as our cornerstone and rely on him for direction in every aspect.

Our Prayer for Today

Jesus, you are the Lord of our lives. Help us to live out that affirmation with integrity and faithfulness. Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach