SPIRIT ABLAZE: A podcast of the Northeast GMC

Day 22 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Max Furman

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Max Furman and I am the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania Northwest (Williamsport) district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church.  Welcome to Day 22 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The eleven churches of the Pennsylvania Northwest (Williamsport) district are located in the North Central part of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  What I love about our district are the pastors, dedicated supply speaker, and the people in the churches they minister with. As pastors and the supply speaker, we get together monthly by way of the marvels of modern technology. Through this, we have strengthened our bond as partners in ministry. Though separated by many miles, we are certainly one in the Spirit and one in the Lord.
Our churches are Antes Fort, Genesee Community, God’s County, Keating Summit, Middle Ridge, Oriole, Oval, Pine Creek Valley, Ulysses, Wingate Faith, and our newly planted church, New Life.   Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the Pennsylvania Northwest (Williamsport) district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from James 5:16-18: 
16  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17  Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.  18  Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
The second Northeast Annual Conference begins in less than a week. Our task over these past many days of prayer and fasting has been to ask for a rain of God’s blessings when we gather. For many of us coming from other denominations, previous denominational gatherings were dry and barren, sources of tension, and a dreaded annual ritual. Center your prayers this day on a fresh spirit of anticipation and eagerness for all participants in this Annual Conference. Pray for God’s outpouring of his Spirit to wash away those arid, fruitless years of the past. Pray earnestly for God’s refreshing, healing rain.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
Send your rain, O God.When your people hungered in the wildernessMoses prayed;and you rained bread from heaven.When the land was parched because of sin,Elijah prayed for rain;and the heavens filled with clouds and wind.Send your rain, O God.Forgive us our sin, heal us,so that the prayers of the righteous be powerful and effective.Pour out your blessings upon the faithful who will soon gatherat the Northeast Annual Conference.Wash away lingering resentments and dread from the past,so that these steps into your promised futureare taken on well-watered, fertile ground.In the name of Jesus, send your rain, O God. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Devotional for May 1, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Have you ever had a season where life just felt... blah? You know Jesus is alive. You know the tomb is empty. You believe — but somehow, life feels gray, directionless, and heavy. You’re not alone. Join Rev. Steven Taylor as he examines Luke 24:27 and how our perspectives in life sometimes require going back to the basics.
"Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures." Luke 24:27
 

Day 21 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. David Layser

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is David Layser and I am the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania Northeast (Wilkes-Barre) District in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 21 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 4 churches of the Pennsylvania Northeast (Wilkes-Barre) District are located in the northeast part of the state of Pennsylvania. What I love about our district is the way our pastors and congregations have a hunger to learn and grow in disciple-making. When we connect together as local church pastors, I see a shared passion to be servant leaders who are seeking to really live out the mission of every-day disciples who make disciples, who make disciples, in our churches and communities.  We long to see a movement of God in our region. We learn from one another, we sharpen one another, we talk about what we’re discovering about making disciples and what it means to spread scriptural holiness. When I interact with our congregations, I see willingness and eagerness to live into this shared mission whatever our context looks like - to find new ways, for a new day. This is so exciting, and such a blessing.  
Our churches are, from north to south, North Jackson Community Church, Meshoppen Community Church, Bethany Church of Berwick, and Trinity Church Danville.  (There are also 1 or 2 more congregations in this region in the process of joining the Global Methodist Church, so we’re very excited to be able to welcome them in the future!) Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the PA Northeast district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May. We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Hebrews 10:19-25: 
"19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.  
Today’s Prayer Focus
The author of Hebrews encourages his audience to have confidence to enter into God’s presence. With the assurance that comes through faith in Christ, ordinary places and events can become places of holiness when God is invited into them. Center your prayers this day on the necessary business of life together as an Annual Conference. Pray that the ordinary business of the Annual Conference gathering next week becomes extraordinary when placed in God’s hands. When we meet together, as Hebrews urges, let us spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Today’s Suggested Prayer (This Day: A Wesleyan Way of Prayer, by Laurence Hull Stookey. Copyright © 2004 by Abingdon Press. Used by permission. p. 143, alt.)
O God, to the delegates of the Annual Conferenceyou have entrusted the task of governing.Make them faithful in their service.Keep their hearts centered on your Good News,lest they wander off into pursuits of their own.In their discussions, grant them clarityand understanding of different views.In their voting, give them wisdom and integrity.For the sake of fulfilling your missioncause them to be good stewards of all of the resourcesof talent, time and moneyat their disposal.Your will be done, through Christ our Leader. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 20 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Thadius Sales

Greetings in the name of Christ. 
My name is Thadius Sales and I am the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania West York/Adams district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church.  Welcome to Day 20 of the 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The eight churches of the Pennsylvania West York/Adams district are located in the south-central part of the state of Pennsylvania. As the churches, laity, and clergy in our district continue to draw closer to one another, I find that there is an increasing hunger to grow in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ, with churches around our district hosting many opportunities to grow and learn together. People in our district not only serve in their local church contexts but also in a variety of ways around the Annual Conference. There is a desire for service, for being the hands and feet of Jesus, and a desire to see this movement of the Global Methodist Church grow in strength, effectiveness, and most importantly faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
The churches that currently make up this district are Calvary Methodist Church of Dillsburg, Centenary Global Methodist Church, Chestnut Grove Church, First Church Hanover, Grace Church of Hanover, Idaville Global Methodist Church, Mt. Victory United Christian Church, and York Springs Global Methodist Church. We are asking that you pray for us today that we will faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the Pennsylvania West York/Adams district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Acts 2:37-42
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
A new thing was happening in those heady early days of the Church, and those touched by the Gospel message did not know what to do next. “Repent and be baptized,” Peter said. Words as true today as they were then. But, then what? The Book of Acts says that those thousands gathered together. Center your prayers this day on the communal aspect of life together. Among the many who will gather at the Northeast Annual Conference, most will be new to each other. As the participants learn together, eat together, and pray together for three days in May, pray that such fellowship results in new connections, new friends, and renewed spiritual encouragement for the journey ahead. 
Today’s Suggested Prayer (based on “And Are We Yet Alive,” by Charles Wesley, and “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” by John Fawcett)
And are we yet alive, O Lord?Out of all the troubles we have seen,the mighty conflicts past,fightings without and fears within,are we yet alive?We are alive, for you, Lord,have brought us through by your love.As those who gather at Annual Conferencelearn, pray, and share meals together,forge among them the blest tie that bindsso that hearts united in Christian love,and the fellowship of kindred minds,is like to that above.We ask this in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on theConference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 19 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Joe DiPaolo

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Joe DiPaolo, and I am serving in Southeastern Pennsylvania, within the territory of the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 19 of 27 Days of Prayer, in preparation for the Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
Right now, the churches in my area are in a unique situation. Some 52 congregations, who are theologically aligned with the GMC, are involved in legal action seeking to depart from the United Methodist Church. Several of them have already been preapproved to join the Northeast Conference when able, the others taking things one step at a time. These churches range in size from quite small to rather large, and all are committed to maintaining an orthodox Wesleyan witness. Please pray that these churches will soon end their legal odyssey, to freely unite with you in the GMC’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in Eastern Pennsylvania encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from 2 Kings 19:14-19:
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: “LORD, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Give ear, LORD, and hear; open your eyes, LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. 17 “It is true, LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. 18 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. 19 Now, LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all thekingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, LORD, are God.”
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
A powerful enemy surrounded God’s people. Many others had fallen before the might of Assyria. A message was sent to Hezekiah, King of Judah, promising the same fate for him and the people trembling in fear behind the walls of the city. Hezekiah does the right thing … he spreads the threats before the Lord. Center your prayers this day on the Prayer Walks to occur both in the city of Cortland, NY, and around the walls of Grace Christian Fellowship on Wednesday, May 7. Pray that those who participate in the walk spread all fears and doubts before the Lord, so thatthe Lord can send the enemy away. Discern if you are being called to be part of the Prayer Walks on May 7.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
Lord, God of all kingdoms of the earth,you alone protect your people.Soon, your people will be walking and prayingaround the city of Cortland, New York,and the walls of Grace Christian Fellowship.Whether they go right or left, a short distance or a long one,use their prayers, and this prayerto protect those in the Northeast Annual Conferencewho will gather there.As they encircle that space they will spread at your feetthe fears and doubts of your people.Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see.Drive out before them all the evil spiritsthat would seek to disrupt and distract the Northeast Annual Conference.Lift, especially, the burden of uncertainty and the legal challengesthat surround those churches in the Southeastern Pennsylvania areawho would long to be part of this fellowship in the GMC.Use these Prayer Walks so that all may run to youand all the earth may know that you, alone, are God.This we ask in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 18 of "27-Day of Prayer & Fasting" with Rev. Eugene Liddick

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Eugene Liddick and I am the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania Central (Harrisburg) district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 18 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 11 churches of the Pennsylvania Central district are located in the central part of the state of Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers run through this part of the state. What I love about our district is traveling along these rivers to be with pastors and to go to the churches where they serve. Our churches are:
▪ Baughman Church▪ Browns Church▪ East Salem Community Church▪ Locust Run Church▪ Mt. Gilead Church▪ Otterbein Global Methodist Church of East Salem▪ Snyder's Church▪ Thompsontown Methodist Church▪ Trinity GMC of New Kingstown▪ Turkey Valley Church▪ Young's Church of Mechanicsburg
Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe. We in the Pennsylvania Central district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May. We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Psalm 63:1-4:
1  You, God, are my God,    earnestly I seek you;I thirst for you,    my whole being longs for you,in a dry and parched land    where there is no water.2  I have seen you in the sanctuary    and beheld your power and your glory.3  Because your love is better than life,    my lips will glorify you.4  I will praise you as long as I live,    and in your name I will lift up my hands.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Worship, passionate worship, comes from a place of earnest need for God. Once that need for God’s presence is met, once that deep thirst has been quenched, praise flows from lips that once were parched. Center your prayers this day on the worship experience at your church. Pray for those who lead worship, that God’s Spirit will use them to touch the hearts of others. Pray for our worship leaders at Annual Conference, too. For they seek to bring us into God’s presence through their gifts. 
Today’s Suggested Prayer
As the deer pants for the water, O God,our souls thirst after you.As we come to worship you this Lord’s Day,lead us and guide us to your holy hill,bring us together with joyful conversationto the place of prayer.Grant that we would hear your Word,with the understanding of your Spirit.that we would sing your praiseswith the voices of your heavenly host.Prepare us through this day’s worship on earth,to participate in the unending praise around your throne.We ask this in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 17 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Rick LaDue

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 
My name is Rick LaDue and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Rochester district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 17 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 7 churches of the New York Rochester district are located in the western part of the state of New York surrounding the city of Rochester.  I grew up here and I love the unique geography that includes the port on Lake Ontario, the locks along the Erie Canal and the waterfalls and rapids that make up the Genesee River.  I respect the rich history here where two civil rights leaders, Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony, lived and transformed America.  And, if you’ve never had a garbage plate, well, you need to stop in and find out what you’ve been missing.  (Also, to be honest, I could do without the winters.)  What I love about our district churches is that we are all like-minded in orthodox theology.  There is unity in having survived the disaffiliation process together and come out healthier on the other side.
Our churches are Clyde, Farmington, Hamlin, Kendall, North Ontario, Rose and Webster (where I serve).  Please pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the New York Rochester district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Matthew 6: verses 5-8:
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Prayer is for God’s ears, not so that other people will hear and admire our fine words. Polished language and long, babbling prayers are not what God desires. Powerful prayer is often prayer done in secret. Center your prayers this day on those who will be praying behind the scenes at Annual Conference. Pray for spiritual strength for those volunteers on the Northeast Conference Prayer and Intercession Team. You may not always see them, for they will often be in the rooms at Conference dedicated to prayer, but they will be praying for you.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
O God, who hears before we ask,lift up those called to the ministry of prayer at Annual Conference.Grant boldness and courageto those who will stand in the gap,to those who will intercede for others,Grant that they will pray with authority,yet humbly recognize the source of all spiritual power.Give them the faith to know that you hear,and the trust to know that your will shall be done.Clothe them with the full armor of God,so that the flaming darts of the evil one do not harm them.This we ask in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of the 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 16 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey with Rev. Jack Ford

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Jack Ford and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Rome district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 16 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 11 churches of the New York Rome district are located in the central and northern parts of the state of New York.  What I love about our district is, first of all the beauty of central and northern NY can’t be beat, the Mohawk Valley and the Adirondack Foothills are some of the most beautiful places in NY State. I also love the fact that some of the churches in our district are churches I have known all throughout my 21 years in ministry and I like that I already have a good working relationship with them and their pastoral leadership. I am also grateful for the opportunity to meet and work with new congregations and leaders like those I have met in the Northern part of NY - Our churches are Kendrew Methodist Church, DeKalb Methodist Church, Ava Hilltop Church, Boonville Methodist Church, CenterPoint Church, Church of Cold Brook, Floyd Methodist Church, Hannibal Methodist Church, Mount Pleasant Church, Salisbury Community Church, and Stittville Methodist Church. Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the New York Rome district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Philippians 4:4-6: 
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Paul’s repeated encouragement is to rejoice always, at all times, in every situation. The Lord is indeed near, and the nearness of that presence should calm all anxiousness. Center your prayers this day on becoming a person of rejoicing, one who is not anxious, one who has the peace of God, and one who shares it.
Today’s Suggested Prayer (Prayer of St. Francis, from Our Great Redeemer’s Praise, Copyright © 2022 by Seedbed. #706.)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love.Where there is injury, pardon.Where there is doubt, faith.Where there is despair, hope.Where there is darkness, light.Where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master, grant that I may not so muchseek to be consoled as to console,not so much to be understood as to understand,not so much to be loved as to love;for it is in giving that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,it is in dying that we awake to eternal life. Amen.
~St. Francis of Assisi
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of the 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 15 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. PJ Pasieka

Greetings in the name of Christ. 
My name is P.J. Pasieka and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Jamestown district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church.  Welcome to Day 15 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The Eleven churches of the New York Jamestown district are located in the Western part of New York.  What I love about our district is the love, partnership, support  and friendship we have among our pastors and leaders. It is a great feeling to know that, while we are serving in different locations and contexts, we are all on the same team, striving to make and equip disciples of our Lord, Jesus. 
The churches of the Jamestown district are: Bemus Point, Charlotte Center, East Randolph, Gerry, Grace Gathering, Kidder Memorial, Little Valley/Bridge of Hope, Napoli, Park Church, Trinity Church, and Wheeler Hill. Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the New York Jamestown district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in all of us. 
Today’s Scripture passage is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22, where the Apostle Paul writes this…
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Paul encourages the church to get along when it gathers. He asks that those who work hard for the church be acknowledged by the church. He encourages patience, a diligence in doing good for each other, and ceaseless prayer and thanks. Center your prayers this day on those who will lead during Annual Conference in May. Pray for Bishop Leah Gregory and Conference Superintendent Steve Taylor, and all those who will preach and teach before the gathered church. Pray that their hard work will be rewarded with a rich harvest.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
O Lord, as your Spirit anointed your servants through the ages, setting them apart for the divine tasks to which you called them, so send your Spirit now upon those who will step out into the public places of Annual Conference. Anoint Bishop Leah Gregory, and Conference Superintendent Steve Taylor, and all those called to share your message of hope with the people of the Northeast Annual Conference.
Open the hearts and minds of those they will serve, so that your Spirit not be quenched, and so that the words of their mouthsand the meditations of their hearts,are acceptable in your sight,and edifying to your people.
This we ask in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of the 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Devotional for April 24, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Nothing you've done for Jesus is ever wasted. Listen as Rev. Steven Taylor offers thanks and encouragement, with the reminder that your labor in the Lord is never in vain.
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."  —1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)