The MPC Podcast

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

                                                                                                        John 15:9 KJV

No matter your education, occupation or socioeconomic status, everyone needs love.

From the nicest to the meanest person, we all want and need to be loved. Many may not acknowledge or accept that fact. They may scream loudly, "l don't need anyone and l don't need to be loved" but underneath they do.

In today's meditation, we’re reminded of just how much we are loved. Jesus compares His love for us to how much The Father loved Him.

"As He has loved Me, so have l loved you.” What a comforting thought. As you go through your day, as you face life's challenges, as you encounter negative attitudes remember that you are loved and that this love is forever.

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the way you love me. I am grateful that l will never be without it. Ours is a "forever relationship" and I appreciate your continuous presence in my life. Help me to be present for others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. 

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“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”                                                                                                                                   John 13:34-35 NIV

I chose to fast from some of my favorite carbs for Lent.  Sometimes, I intensely crave them, and I'm tempted to break my fast. Then I remind myself of Jesus's ultimate sacrifice in love for me and I'm encouraged to stick with it.  In addition to eating less carbs, I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to be more obedient to Jesus’s command to love others, as He loves me.  Truth be told, I'm not always obedient to His command to love everyone.  Jesus blesses me with His sacrificial, unconditional love, even though I am unworthy and at times unlovable.  And He  commands me, as His disciple, to show the same kind of love to everyone, even those who are not easy to love.  Ouch!!  Loving everyone is not an option if I want to be known as a disciple of Jesus.  I am to give to others, the same love, mercy, and grace, that I receive from God.  Living out this command is a challenge.  However, it can be achieved with the help of the Holy Spirit.  I will strive to be more obedient to God’s command to love others by praying for the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to help me show unconditional love, mercy, and extra grace to everyone.

Let us pray:

Dear Abba Father, to You be all glory, honor, and praise.  Thank you for your great mercy, grace, and love.  Keep us mindful of your amazing unconditional love demonstrated for us through Your Son and our Savior Jesus, and His sacrifice on the cross.  Thank you, Jesus. Empower us through Your Holy Spirit to love others unconditionally, as You love us. Help us to grow and increase our love for others, especially our enemies.  In Your awesome name, Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”                                                  Ephesians 3:20 NIV

Our Lenten theme is, “Doing Less, Becoming More.” The scripture above is from a letter written by Paul telling the Ephesian Church that God’s purpose is doing more than we can imagine. It’s not for our worldly success but for his glory.

During this Lenten season and beyond, we must challenge ourselves to do more, and trust more in God, pray more, dream more and set more goals and expect Him to go above and beyond our wildest dream. We should stop focusing on circumstances or obstacles around us that might be blocking our paths. Remember “He who is in me is greater than he would is in the world” and if something is in His will, it will be done.

Let us pray:

Dear Father, I want to thank you for all you have done. Father God, I ask that You help us break our limitations and help us to see the unimaginable, unthinkable power You have instilled in us. Give us the strength to understand that we are more because of You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen

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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”                                                                                                                           James 1:2-4

Thought:

In life when facing trials and tribulations, it’s easier for some of us to give up or walk away.  I’ll be the first to tell you, that I’m quick to walk away from a situation where I feel conflict or constant upset.  But just as quick as I walk away, I feel regret because I gave up, simply put I lost faith that this too shall pass.

You see in James 1:2-4, James says “Whenever” YOU face trials, not “IF” you face trials. So, in other words, we’re going to face trials, sometimes daily.  In fact, some of us are enduring trials right now but we must do what James says and “Count it all joy!”  When our world is in disarray, and those closest to us are suffering and in pain, one cannot begin to fathom how to see joy amid it all. True joy doesn’t derive from our circumstances, but rather from our trust and relationship with Jesus Christ.  James isn’t saying that we must pretend there’s no pain in the trial.  But what he is saying is that we should practice patience in action and look for the positives in the situation and most importantly PUSH THROUGH!

Recently, I challenged my 3rd-5th grade scholars to create a self-affirmation to motivate them when facing academic challenges, and when I read James 1:2-4, all I could hear the Holy Spirit say is that “God’s word never comes back void”. In our session, my scholars came up with Push Through, Persevere, and Never Back Down!  So, my dear brothers and sisters, I challenge every one of you to PUSH through those trials, PERSEVERE in your circumstances, and NEVER back down from situations.  You MUST have faith that God can and will carry you through it all, pray fervently, and praise God in advance for what He’s about to bring you through!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your grace is sufficient for every trial and difficulty that we will face in our lives.  May we be ready and willing to patiently learn the lessons that You would teach us in each situation in life, knowing that we are being perfected in the process. Help us to learn to patiently endure with joyful thanks. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

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Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.         Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

As a young person, showing kindness toward another person seemed very easy. Becoming a part of the world’s version of growth by developing the mindset of “I’m better than” and sharing negative gossip about another person’s character is not of God. Once I was exposed to the actions of the world, it became a little difficult to show kindness to those that were unkind towards me.

During this season of Lent, reflecting on our theme, Doing Less, Becoming More, I’m reminded not to repay negative with negative. I’m required to be my brother’s & sister’s keeper and show kindness. We’re all going through something and running an errand for someone who is unable to get out of the house or allowing a person to go ahead of me in the checkout line, or simply saying have a good day seems easy enough. The reactions to these gestures have been remarkably interesting, almost shocking. I never know if my act of kindness is the only version of Christ a stranger, family member or friend will experience for the day, but God said to do this, so I do it.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing back to mind the ways of my youth, like having a compassionate heart and patience with others. You never said this walk would be easy, however by intentionally being committed to doing less complaining and negative thinking allows a reset, with Your continued guidance, to be more like You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

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But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.                                                          Isaiah 40:31                                                                      

When I was growing up, my parents had a very special friend who would always promise to take my sisters and I to the amusement park. We would get dressed and wait for him by the window. Unfortunately, most times he never showed up. Although he had good intentions, as children the feeling of disappointment surfaced every time. As children of God, we know that life's journey will bring us moments of disappointments. Sometimes, these moments leave us disheartened and questioning our faith. The good news is that during these moments, we can hold on to the unshakable conviction that our God is sovereign and he has a plan and purpose for our lives. We can also take comfort in the fact that whatever He has for us will be worth the wait!

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for being a sovereign God. A God who not only knows all things but who loves us with an everlasting love. Thank you for being with us and loving us during our moments of victories and our moments of disappointments. Help us to wait on you so our strength can be renewed and we can soar as eagles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.                                     Mark 1:35 

When I was a child, television was black and white. There were six channels. At the end of the broadcast day, at 12:00 a.m., you saw the American Flag and heard the National Anthem. Shortly after that, the screen turned to static. Broadcasting didn't resume until 6:00 a.m., yet now we have programming 24 hours a day seven days a week. Hundreds of channels and streaming content is available online to individuals of all ages. We have to make a conscious decision to turn off electronic devices and tune in to God's Word. Jesus took time to find a quiet place to commune with His Father. By drawing near to God, He will come near to us. May we seek him early each day before our busy day begins.  

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your son's sacrifice for our sins. May we be ever mindful of it and help us to live lives that are pleasing in your sight. Protect us as we travel today and may we return home safely. Give us a word to share with someone who doesn't know you today. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. 

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Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.                                                                                          1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)

As we watch television, read social media fact and fiction information, talk to family and friends we often feel anxious, afraid, worried and stressed. So many wars, so much poverty, health issues, so much conflict in our country and our neighborhoods. It’s frightening. We sometimes forget to look to the only One who can calm our worried minds and hearts, the One whose mighty hand we are under.

Friends, we can feel secure because our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally. Regardless of what is happening in the world, in our country or in our personal lives, we must strive to do less worrying and become more dependent on God.

Let us pray:

Holy and precious Father, we thank you for never leaving or forsaking us. When we are going through stress, hardship and grief, please help us to remember that You hold the universe in Your hands. You will get us through. We trust you Lord and we thank you.

Amen.

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“In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.”                                                                                                                                 Psalm 5:3

We’re constantly being challenged in life whether it is financially, mentally, or physically. On life’s journey, we’re not created to walk alone. God sent His son Jesus, in the form of human flesh to die for the sins of mankind. He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us on all of life’s journey. Every day, we should make time from our busy schedule, go into our closet or find a quiet place and talk to God about our concerns and ask for continual guidance. He has promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. All we need to do is ask and have faith because He is able.

Let us pray:

Father God, I humbly come before you to ask that you walk with me in this life. I pray for your hedge of protection as I navigate my day-to-day living. You will always be my constant companion who will not leave me nor forsake me. I will wait patiently to hear from you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

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When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”  And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.   Luke 5:4-7 

As an avid fisherman myself, I love this scripture.  I can imagine myself in the boat with Simon and Jesus. Please give me grace so that I can use my imagination to paint a picture of what I’d be experiencing at that moment. My story begins – Well, you know I’m just a hired hand on this boat. Just an ordinary oarsman that Simon hired to row the boat to the fishing grounds. I really don’t know this man, Jesus, other than he’s a friend of Simon’s and his teaching that I just heard stirred my heart, but you know I fish these waters every day except on the sabbath and there ain’t no fish to be had today.  I wanted to tell Jesus this but he was talking to Simon and I better mind my place, but I was thinking it.   Besides, I’m tired because I was rowing all over this lake all night long. Then Simon tells me and the other oarsmen to row out to the deep water…AGAIN! Doesn’t this Jesus know we’ve fished these waters for years and the fish just aren’t biting today? Nevertheless, Simon listens to Jesus and we headed out to deep water. Okay, I say to my tired self, what a waste of time. When we finally make it to the deep water, and we let down our nets, You wouldn’t believe what happened!  In mere minutes, our nets were bursting with so much fish that we started to sink!  How could this be? How did He know? Who is this man named Jesus? Then Simon yells to his brother and the other boats on shore – “we need help, our nets are breaking!”

From that day forward, I joined the crowd that followed Jesus. I’m now glad to just be in the number to hear Jesus speak. I witnessed ‘A Nevertheless Faith’, in Simon, and witnessed  that Jesus honored this type of faith, which gives me strength to this very day.

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father we pray that even if we don’t understand the things that are happening around us, or to us, or to our friends and families, that You will grant us that mustard seed faith to trust in You and say “ Nevertheless, Lord,“ we will do what You say to do. Help us, Lord, to not allow our pride or “know it all” attitude to get in the way of your blessings in our lives. Grant us, Lord, a changed mind, a willing heart and open ears to hear your voice and follow your directions. It’s in the matchless, majestic and mighty name of Jesus, we do pray, Amen!

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