Today’s Community Scripture – 1/13/2025

Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus. Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

                            1 Peter 4:6–11 (MSG)

– Reflection:

               Learn To Think Like Him

God has created each of us with unique gifts and talents aimed at helping others. However, many of us leave these gifts untapped because we fail to invest time in their development. We often lack the discipline to study, improve, and grow. Our talents remain underused as we cling to our comfort zones, hesitant to step beyond our routines. We settle for the mindset of, “I’m doing good enough,” yet this level of satisfaction does not define our true potential. Sometimes, we find ourselves stuck due to intimidation. We allow fear and doubt to dissuade us: “You’re not fit for that management role. You can’t lead that Bible study. Without voice training, you won’t be able to join the worship team.” We are plagued by “what if” questions. “What if you try and fail? What if you end up embarrassed on stage?”

Where do we go from here?

Negative “what if” statements can significantly hinder your life, causing you to doubt your abilities and what God has instilled in you. This is precisely what Satan desires, as he believes he still has a chance as long as you don’t embrace Christ as your Lord and Savior. But imagine if you rise up, achieve success, ascend to a new level, or set a higher standard for your family. Don’t allow fear to block your path to your destiny. Begin to stretch yourself and take steps of faith to unlock the gifts that God has placed within you.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, we are grateful for the calling You’ve placed on our lives and for the unique gifts and talents You have bestowed upon us to achieve our destiny. We appreciate the honor of serving others and maximizing the resources You’ve provided. We affirm that we will not allow fear to prevent us from sharing our gifts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach