SPIRIT ABLAZE: A Podcast of the Northeast Global Methodist Church

Agreeing with God: When Prayer Changes Us
If you’ve ever felt like your prayers weren't changing your circumstances, this week’s devotional is for you. In "Agreeing with God: When Prayer Changes Us," Rev. Steven Taylor unpacks how prayer is less about changing God's mind and more about letting Him change ours. Listen in to explore what it means to pray in alignment with His heart, pause for reflection, and lean into deeper trust.
Focus Scripture: "Your Father knows what you need before you ask him."  Matthew 6:8
Read the full reflection here: PRINT DEVOTIONAL

SpiritFruit: Making Room for the Holy Spirit
If you've been relying on your own determination to grow in love, peace, or self-control, today’s devotional is for you. Join us as Rev. Steven Taylor draws on Galatians 5:22-23 and reminds us that spiritual fruit isn't something we manufacture through sheer willpower - it’s what the Holy Spirit produces when we stop striving and simply stay close to Jesus. Read today’s reflection to discover why the secret to growth isn't trying harder, but remaining closer. 
Focus Scripture: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  Galatians 5:22–23
Read the full reflection here: PRINT DEVOTIONAL

The Thirteenth Disciple – Living in the Mercy of Christ
 
How do we respond when we fail, and where does Judas Iscariot's story intersect with our own? In this week’s devotional, Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor reminds us that while we all stumble, sin never has to define us - because the mercy of Jesus is always greater than our greatest failures. 
 
Focus Scripture: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."   1 John 1:9
 
Read the full reflection here: PRINT DEVOTIONAL
 
 
 

 
More Jesus, Less Me - Preparing the Soil of Your Heart
We often focus on trying to fix our external circumstances, but God is always more interested in transforming our hearts. When life gets crowded with endless distractions, busyness, and worry, the spiritual soil of our lives can easily become hard or crowded out. In this week's devotional, Rev. Steven Taylor shares a beautiful reflection on the Parable of the Sower, reminding us that our only job is to stop striving and start making room for more of Jesus.
 
Focus Scripture: “But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit…”  Matthew 13:23
 
Read the full reflection here: PRINT DEVOTIONAL

Jesus: Unwrapped - Sharing the Greatest Gift
What is the greatest gift you’ve ever received? Some presents are quickly forgotten, but the Good News of Jesus Christ changes lives forever! In his latest devotional, Jesus: Unwrapped - Sharing the Greatest Gift, Rev. Steven Taylor shares how anyone can pass this life-changing gift to the next generation. You don’t need to have all the answers - just an authentic faith that reflects the Savior. 
Focus Scripture: “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14
Read the full reflection here: PRINT DEVOTIONAL

Everyday Love: Love in Truth and Action
True love is much more than a feeling - it’s something we practice through ordinary acts of faithfulness. Drawing on 1 John 3:18, Rev. Steven Taylor shares a powerful message on moving past indifference and practicing real, active love in our daily lives. 
Focus Scripture: "Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in deed and in truth."  1 John 3:18 
Read the full reflection here: PRINT DEVOTIONAL

Week 7
The Path: Keep Walking (Reprise)
Over the last six weeks, we have walked through Solomon’s wisdom together on "The Path." Now, as this devotional series concludes, the true journey of daily discipleship is just beginning. Join Rev. Steven Taylor for his final message, "Keep Walking," and discover why the Christian life is about walking faithfully, not perfectly. 
Focus Scripture: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  Psalm 119:105
Read the full reflection here: PRINT DEVOTIONAL

Week 6
The Path: When the Destination Changes
What do you do when the dream you’ve been chasing suddenly becomes unreachable? In life, closed doors and changed plans can leave us feeling weary. In this sixth lesson of our devotional series, "The Path," Rev. Steven Taylor explores what happens when our expected destination changes and how God’s grace meets us in the unexpected.
Focus Scripture: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12
Read the full reflection here: PRINT DEVOTIONAL