SPIRIT ABLAZE: A podcast of the Northeast GMC

Devotional for March 26, 2026 with Rev. Steven Taylor

As we enter Week 6 of our Chiseled Lenten series, Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor invites us to look at the one thing we might still be holding back from God. Following Jesus isn't just about what we do - it's about what we are willing to surrender. Listen to this week’s devotional, "Resistance to Surrender," and join us as we pray for the courage to let go of control and follow Him fully. 
“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor… then come, follow me.’”  Mark 10:21
 
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Devotional for March 19, 2026 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Welcome to Week 5 of our devotional series, Chiseled. What comes into your mind when you think about God? As the Master Carver continues His work on our hearts, we now move into something foundational: how we see the Father. Join Rev. Steven Taylor as he discusses the "false views" of God that act as barriers to our faith. Will you allow the Master Carver to chisel away the false narrative so you can see the Father as He truly is?
“...But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20
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Devotional for March 12, 2026 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Discipleship was never meant to be "silent." This week, as we continue our 'Chiseled' Lenten series, Rev. Steven Taylor explores a barrier many of us face: the "muzzling" of our faith. Are fear or social pressure keeping you from sharing what God has done in your life? Join us for Week 4 as we learn from the blind man in Luke 18, who refused to be quieted until he reached the feet of Jesus.
“Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” Luke 18:39
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Devotional for March 5, 2026 with Rev. Steven Taylor

We’re in Week 3 of our Lenten series, Chiseled, with Rev. Steven Taylor. This week, we’re asking the Master Carver to remove a layer that isn't always loud or rebellious, but is incredibly dangerous: Spiritual Apathy. If you've felt your fire fading or your surrender stalling, join us as we dive into Luke 14 and ask God to chisel away indifference and reignite our passion for the cross.“Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27
 
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Devotional for February 26, 2026 with Rev. Steven Taylor

What are you leaning on today? Often, the biggest barrier between us and God isn't just our "sins," but our lack of trust. In Week 2 of our Chiseled series, Rev. Steven Taylor invites us into the wilderness with Jesus to look at the "raw wood" of our lives. If you feel like you’re in a dry or uncomfortable season, remember: the wilderness isn't a punishment - it’s a workshop. Are you willing to ask the hard questions and allow the Master Carver to remove the barriers of self-reliance?
 
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. — Luke 4:1-2
 
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Devotional for February 19, 2026 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Yesterday we received ashes as a sign of humility; today, we begin the work of transformation. In the first installment of Rev. Steven Taylor's new devotional series entitled Chiseled, we’re looking at the workshop of the Master Carver. We may arrive as unfinished blocks of wood, but God sees the masterpiece within us. Lent is our time to stop long enough to allow God to identify - and then begin removing - whatever keeps His image from being revealed in us.
 
“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”  Ephesians 2:10
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Devotional for February 12, 2026 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Welcome to the final installment of our devotional series, The Great Invitation. Over these past weeks, we’ve walked step by step through Jesus’ call - coming and seeing, choosing to follow, discovering what it means to be blessed, living as salt and light, and allowing Christ to reshape our hearts from the inside out. Today, join Rev. Steven Taylor as we turn our attention to how Jesus brings his teaching to its most challenging (and most beautiful) conclusion.
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:44–45 (NRSV)
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Devotional for February 5, 2026 with Rev. Steven Taylor

In part five of our series, The Great Invitation, we move beyond outward rules to the deeper, more challenging work of heart transformation. Following Jesus means more than coming and seeing, choosing to follow, receiving God’s blessing, and living as salt and light. It also means allowing Him to reshape our hearts from the inside out. Join Rev. Steven Taylor as we discover how Jesus calls us past technical obedience and into a life of true kingdom integrity.
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:20 (NRSV)
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