The MPC Podcast

Scripture: JOHN 15:1-8

Contributor: DEACON CATHY BEASLEY

EMBRACING RENEWAL AND GROWTH

1.“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

JOHN 15:1-8 NIV

Thought

In John 15-1-8, Jesus tells a story about a grapevine to explain how much we need Him to grow spiritually: Spiritual growth depends on us remaining connected to Jesus the source of life, while allowing God to renew our minds by pruning away distractions and sins. We must surrender and trust that God’s pruning is for our benefit.

Like a gardener God uses the process of pruning as a path toward growth and renewal. When God prunes the following happens:

• Removes the Deadwood: God carefully trims away the “dead” parts of our lives that are preventing us from growing and glowing. 
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• Strengthen the Core: Even though it might seem scary (painful) to lose some of our branches, it’s a way to renew the tree. Pruning makes us stronger and helps us grow even more fruit than before.
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• Pruning renews our minds and helps us get rid of "overgrowth" like bad habits or selfishness, and unforgiveness so we can have a fresh start and grow even stronger in His love. 

Just like a real branch needs to stay " connected" to the vine to grow grapes, we also need to stay connected to Jesus to grow "spiritual fruit". This fruit isn't physical fruit like apples or oranges; but spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we stay close to God through prayer and scripture, His life flows through us, helping us grow into better, kinder, loving, people. 

Let us pray: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of this new day and the opportunity to be renewed and to grow in your world. Lord, I confess that I have often tried to grow in my own strength, knowing that apart from You, I can do nothing. Today, I ask for spiritual renewal. 

I surrender to Your pruning process. Though it may be painful, I trust Your hands. Remove the the deadwood in my life—the habits, distractions, and worries that hinder my growth. Strengthen my core by the power of Your Word, so that I may be a healthy branch, capable of bearing even more fruit. Renew my mind and teach me what it truly means to be connected—to the vine. As I remain connected to you, let the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, and peace—grow abundantly in my life to bring others to your kingdom.

In Jesus name, Amen!

SUBMITTED BY DEACON CATHY BEASLEY

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Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:2–3

Contributor: ELDER PAUL SAMMS

EMBRACING WILDERNESS

2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 8:2–3 (NKJV)

In Deuteronomy 8:2–3, God reminds Israel that the wilderness was not random. He used those years to humble them, test what was in their hearts, and teach them that they needed Him more than comfort or control. In my own “wilderness” moments—when life feels heavy, uncertain, or not going to plan—God is still training my heart to depend on His character and His word one day at a time, not just on what I can manage or see. As I look back, I can see that I didn’t carry myself here—God did, and that gives me confidence to trust Him with whatever comes next.

Let us pray:

Lord, thank You for leading me in every season, even the hard and confusing ones. When I feel pressure, stress, or anxiety, help me to turn my trust back to You. Remind me of Your faithfulness and teach me to live not by what I see and hear, but by every word that comes from You.

As I keep walking with You, let every wilderness moment draw me closer to Your heart and deepen my trust in Your sustaining presence. Amen.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER PAUL SAMMS

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Scripture: Matthew 16:24-26

Contributor: PASTOR SCOTT WILLIAMS

SO YOU WANT TO BE A DISCIPLE?

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?  

Matthew 16:24-26 NIV

During this Lenten season, we’ve been challenged to give things up that matter to us, things that bring us joy and satisfaction, things that have become part of our routine. But when we surrender certain creature comforts, we become resentful, agitated and bothered. We begin to ask ourselves, “Why are we doing this? Is it just a ritual? Will we get anything out of this period of denial?” All reasonable questions. And I believe this text from Matthew’s Gospel addresses our mid-Lenten queries.

After Jesus taught some powerful lessons, He challenges His learners (and us modern day disciples) by saying if they really wanted to hang with Him and learn from Him, they had to do three things:

1. Deny themselves. This is important to us on this Lenten journey. If our desire is to be close to Jesus, we must say “NO” to ourselves!
2. Take up their individual crosses. Jesus had a cross that He suffered on. Each of us will have crosses to carry. And while suffering is part of being a Christian, Jesus showed us how to deal with the crosses of this life
3. Follow Him. He is our Leader. Following Him is not optional. It is mandatory. And when we consistently and intentionally follow Jesus, we’re assured of recurring success 

Let us pray:

Gracious Lord, we thank you for the challenge you have laid before us. We want to be near you but we also know that along with that desire, we must deny, understand that suffering is part of our call and that followship is a necessary part of discipleship. Help us to be good disciples. In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen.  

SUBMITTED BY PASTOR SCOTT WILLIAMS

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Scripture:Psalm 62:5-8

Contributor: E. Magalene McClarrin, CRE

I WILL REST IN THE LORD

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”

Psalm 62:5-8

I am not my own; my soul cries out to her Creator, “You are the source of my strength and the strength of my whole being”. Father God, where can I go and You are not there? You are my universe; my world revolves around Your Son. Who can I turn to when despair overtakes me, fear overwhelms me, and hopelessness pounds me senseless? Whom do I turn to? If not the Rock of my salvation? If not the Author and Finisher of my faith? 

You, Lord, You alone keep me from drowning in the vicissitudes of life, from the quicksand of each new day’s uncertainty; from the shattering frailty that lurks in every decision contemplated and every action taken.

Yes, my rest is in You and You alone. My hope is wrapped in the loving arms of my Savior; my honor and my heart are kept safe in the fortress of my God. Hallelujah that You love me. Praise Your holy Name, my Father, my Brother, my Redeemer and Friend, the Guide who leads me down the paths of righteous. Amen and Amen.  

Let us pray, “Oh, heavenly Father, hallowed is Your name in all the earth. You are the Rock of our salvation. The Stone of shalom, the Precipice of peace and comfort. You are righteous in Your judgment and merciful in justice. Thank You, Lord, for loving us by giving Your Son, our Savior, Jesus the Christ, who abides with us by the power of the Holy Spirit”. 

AMEN.

E. Magalene McClarrin, CRE

Pastor, Presbyterian Church in Garden City

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Scripture: Luke 18:9-14 NIV

Contributors: DEACONS STEVE AND TANYA MCCALLUM

EMBRACING SURRENDER AND REPENTANCE

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 18:9-14 NIV

As we prepared for this devotion, we asked ourselves, "What does it mean to truly surrender?" In today's scripture, Jesus told the parable of The Tax Collector and The Pharisee. The Tax Collector's prayer came from a posture of total arrogance. The Pharisee's prayer came from a posture of great humility.

As we embrace surrender and repentance, The Lord wants us to come just as we are: raw, with all of our flaws and imperfections for He already knows the matters of our hearts, ready to meet us at the point of our needs. Most importantly, when we enter into His presence, let us come with a heart of reverence and humility, for those who humble themselves will be exalted.(v.18)

Let us pray:

Lord God, as we enter into your throne room of grace and mercy, help us to decrease so that you 

may increase. Help us to release 

our need to control the outcome, placing all of our trust and faith in you. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

SUBMITTED BY DEACONS STEVE AND TANYA MCCALLUM

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Scripture: Romans 12: 1-2

Contributor: Deacon Chioma Okoro

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12: 1-2

Thought

To embrace renewal is to release what no longer serves us like, old mindsets, wounded narratives and patterns that quietly hinder our Becoming. Growth begins when we courageously examine the lens through which we view our lives.

There is a saying: “Change the way you see things and the things you see begin to change.” For a long time, I struggled to understand that truth. I considered myself optimistic, yet I had to confront that even optimism can be misinterpreted sometimes used to silence truth or diminish purpose. In those moments, I would retreat inward, questioning my adequacy and wondering if I had failed. I felt like both the villain and the victor in my own unfolding story.

Renewal began when I embraced reflection instead of resisting it. I realized that the light placed within me by Christ could not be extinguished unless I surrendered it. That revelation shifted my perspective. I began renewing my thoughts, adjusting how I interpreted interactions, and changing how I spoke to myself after difficult moments. I resisted the urge to internalize the shortcomings of others and instead focused on refining my own growth.

My optimism was not denial it was endurance. It carried me through grief, through unanswered questions, through the pain of losing my mother too soon and navigating a world that did not understand my sorrow. Renewal did not erase the pain; it transformed my posture toward it. God did not remove the weight, but He strengthened my spirit to carry it with grace.

Through Christ, I learned that renewal is a daily surrender. It is allowing God to reshape my understanding, refine my responses, and restore my joy. It is choosing to align with His light even when shadows linger. And in that alignment, growth becomes not just possible it becomes inevitable.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging that You are the Author of renewal and the Giver of growth. Lord, I lift up every person who reads this devotion. You know their private struggles, their silent griefs, their unanswered questions, and the burdens they carry behind their smiles.

Lord Jesus, renew their minds where doubt has settled. Restore their confidence where disappointment has weakened resolve. Heal the tender places shaped by loss, misunderstanding, or weariness. Teach them how to release what no longer serves their purpose and to embrace the transformation You are cultivating within them.

Loving God, help them to see their lives through Your perspective. When they are tempted to internalize rejection or personalize the frailties of others, remind them of their identity in You. Strengthen their spirits to endure, not in denial of pain, but in the assurance of Your sustaining grace.

Father, awaken within them the courage to grow. Let Your light illuminate areas that need refining, and grant them the humility to surrender daily to Your shaping hand. Where there is heaviness, breathe fresh hope. Where there is confusion, bring clarity. Where there is fatigue, pour out renewed strength.

May Your promises anchor them. May Your love steady them. And may Your Spirit empower them to walk in continual transformation, reflecting Christ in both their joy and their trials.

We trust You to complete the good work You have begun in them. In Jesus name, Amen.

Submitted by Deacon Chioma Okoro

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Scripture: Isaiah 58:6–12

Contributor: ELDER NORMA HAUGHTON

“Here is the way I want you to fast.

“Set free those who are held by chains without any reason.

    Untie the ropes that hold people as slaves.

Set free those who are crushed.

    Break every evil chain. 

Share your food with hungry people.

    Provide homeless people with a place to stay.

Give naked people clothes to wear.

    Provide for the needs of your own family.

Then the light of my blessing will shine on you like the rising sun.

    I will heal you quickly.

I will march out ahead of you.

    And my glory will follow behind you and guard you.

    That’s because I always do what is right.

You will call out to me for help.

    And I will answer you.

You will cry out.

    And I will say, ‘Here I am.’

“Get rid of the chains you use to hold others down.

    Stop pointing your finger at others as if they had done something wrong.

    Stop saying harmful things about them.

Work hard to feed hungry people.

    Satisfy the needs of those who are crushed.

Then my blessing will light up your darkness.

    And the night of your suffering will become as bright as the noonday sun.

I will always guide you.

    I will satisfy your needs in a land baked by the sun.

    I will make you stronger.

You will be like a garden that has plenty of water.

    You will be like a spring whose water never runs dry.

Your people will rebuild the cities that were destroyed long ago.

    And you will build again on the old foundations.

You will be called One Who Repairs Broken Walls.

    You will be called One Who Makes City Streets Like New Again.

Isaiah 58:6-12 NIRV

Why do I Fast?  Fasting deepens my connection with God and enhances my spiritual awareness. God instructs us on how to feast, emphasizing the importance of faith and action.

Isaiah 58 stresses that true fasting involves kindness and fairness to all, not just abstaining from food. God instructs us to prioritize treating the poor and weak over our religious beliefs.

Faithful action promises a life-changing transformation. God breaks oppression, sets us free, and brings light, healing, and protection. He guides us, gives us strength, and transforms our lives into thriving gardens that can withstand any challenge. 

Let us pray:

Gracious Lord, you’ve shown me that true fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food, but about breaking the chains of injustice in my life and others. 

Heavenly Father, I humbly seek your guidance in demonstrating compassion and sharing my resources with those who are in need.  

Lord  I want my life to be a beacon of light in the darkness. As I serve the oppressed and honor You, I ask for Your promises to be fulfilled in my life. I pray for quick healing, like a well-watered garden or a spring that never dries. Lord, protect and guide me and my people. 

In Jesus’s name,

Amen.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER NORMA HAUGHTON

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Scripture: Luke 24:15-35

Contributor: Deacon Sergio Spencer

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.  Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”  Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Thought:

This passage gives us a lot of reasons to be hopeful, mainly that Jesus defeated death for all of us. It gives other examples of how Jesus can show up in our lives. Jesus appeared to Cleopas and an unnamed person. It doesn’t seem like either one of these men had significant social standing. It's encouraging to know that we can connect with Jesus regardless of our status. Jesus met these men while they were distressed in the aftermath of the crucifixion. Verse 17 said the men’s faces were “downcast.” Jesus listened to them and guided these men as they were processing what happened. This reassures us that Jesus knows our burdens and listens to us when we reach out to him. The men didn’t realize they were walking and talking with Jesus because they “were kept from recognizing him.” Even when we’re not kept from seeing Jesus, we can get so caught up in our own world that we can’t see him at work in our lives. We have to be intentional about seeking Jesus, and looking past the distractions of life. Later, Jesus challenged the men for not believing the prophecies about him. But, when they get to the village and invite Jesus to stay, he accepts. Jesus is always ready to accept the invitation into our lives. Even if we’re not considered important… Even if we’re distressed…. Even when we show a lack of faith…. We have hope because we can still invite Jesus into our situations and he will be there.

Prayer:

Father God, Thank you for sending your son to pay the cost for our sins. Thank you for meeting us where we are. Thank you for revealing yourself to us through your Word. In the name of Jesus, Amen.  

Submitted by: Deacon Sergio Spencer

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Scripture: Matthew 25:31-40

Contributor: Deacon Juanita Dingle

MINISTERING TO THE LEAST

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:31-40

In this passage, Jesus divides humanity into two groups based on their actions.

The "Sheep" represents the righteous who cared for the needy.

The “Goats" represent those who fail to show compassion.

The righteous in this scripture didn’t even realize they were serving Christ; they simply responded to the needs of those who were hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, or imprisoned. 

They took the time to slow down to notice and to look beyond being inconvenient. They started a “Movement of Compassion”.

No matter how much we repent, fast, or pray, we cannot leave out compassion in our daily lives.

During this season can we start a visible movement of Love and Compassion? 

By feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and welcoming strangers 

Demonstrating generosity by being a modern-day Good Samaritan 

Asking for forgiveness from those who have hurt us. 

Being a listening ear to that neighbor or coworker, rather than passing judgment 

Serving without recognition 

Sending an encouraging text

Offering a ride to church, to medical appointments or treatment

Cooking a meal for those on our sick and shut in

Jesus in not asking us to seek Him in just our spiritual experiences (Sunday service, conferences, or concerts). He wants us to actively seek him through meeting the tangible needs of “the least of these”.

Let us pray:

Dear God,

As we continue to journey through this season of Lent, search our hearts and purify our motives. Teach us that devotion is not only spoken in prayer but demonstrated in acts of love.

Helps us to be mindful of those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, or imprisoned, and that showing compassion matters.

Open our eyes to see you in unexpected places. Open our hands to give freely. Open our daily agendas to make time for those who need. Open our hearts to love unconditionally. 

Transform us so that we can recognize Your Voice, Your touch, and Your Grace so that we do not miss you when you come disguised “as the least of these.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

SUBMITTED BY DEACON JUANITA DINGLE

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Scripture: Proverbs 21:3

Contributor: DEACON GRACE SMALL

“The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer Him sacrifices.”

Proverbs 21:3

Life Application Study Bible

Sisters and Brothers,

I often wonder if I’m doing enough as a Christian, to please God. Do I tithe enough, do I attend enough church events, do I pray long enough?

Our good deeds and offerings are not bribes to make God overlook our character faults or points to scores to make Him love us more. His love for us is complete. He sent his only Son to die for our salvation. That was the greatest sacrifice.

Like the people of Israel, are we trying to appease God by our works? Good works and rituals are not what God wants. He requires changed lives. He wants us to be just and to do what is right. Honor Him with our whole being. God wants sincere people who come to Him for everything.

When we take time to feed the hungry, say a kind word to a stranger, smile with an unhoused person, love someone who’s done us wrong, God is pleased.

In this Lenten period, let us fill our Treasure Chest with love, justice, mercy. Let us walk humbly and please our God.

Let us pray:

Our Heavenly Father,

Teach us to honor You with sincere and selfless actions, not with false sacrifices. In our personal and business lives we want to be fair, we want to please You. We come humbly before Your throne asking for forgiveness for the times we acted with wrong intentions.

We love You Lord,

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

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