SPIRIT ABLAZE: A podcast of the Northeast GMC

Devotional for October 2, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Devotional for October 2, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor
God never lets our pain go to waste. In Christ, our deepest suffering can showcase God's incredible presence and power in our lives. As he concludes his powerful series, "Holy Suffering: Revealing God’s Glory Through the Fire," Rev. Steven Taylor will explore one final, crucial question: How can our suffering reveal the glory of God?“…so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 4:11b (NRSV)FOR A PRINT VERSION OF THIS DEVOTIONAL: Print Devotional

Devotional for September 25, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Devotional for September 25, 2025with Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor
In week three of our series, "Holy Suffering: Revealing God’s Glory Through the Fire," Rev. Steven Taylor confronts another difficult question: what causes suffering? While the sources of suffering are varied, ultimately we are called to a holy response, trusting God to lead us through the fire.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12–13 (NRSV)
FOR A PRINT VERSION OF THIS DEVOTIONAL: Print Devotional

Devotional for September 18, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Devotional for September 18, 2025with Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor
In week two of our series, "Holy Suffering: Revealing God’s Glory Through the Fire," Rev. Steven Taylor tackles the question of "why." Why would a good and loving God allow us to suffer? Tune in as he offers four distinct and compelling reasons rooted in Scripture.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6–7 (NRSV)
FOR A PRINT VERSION OF THIS DEVOTIONAL: Print Devotional

Devotional for September 11, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Devotional for September 11, 2025with Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor
Today, marks the beginning of a four-week devotional journey called, "Holy Suffering: Revealing God’s Glory Through the Fire." Each week we’ll look honestly at suffering - not to despair, but to see how God works through hardship to refine our faith and reveal His glory. In this first segment, join Rev. Steven Taylor as he explores four distinct characteristics of suffering.
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1–2 (NRSV)
FOR A PRINT VERSION OF THIS DEVOTIONAL: Print Devotional

Devotional for September 4, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Devotional for September 4, 2025with Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor
Today, we turn to one of Jesus' most challenging parables: the Good Samaritan. True discipleship is more than just doctrine; it's about putting God's commands into merciful action. In the conclusion of his "Faith Hacks" series, Rev. Steven Taylor shares three actionable steps to help us care for others as Jesus would.
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”  Luke 10:36–37 (NIV)
FOR A PRINT VERSION OF THIS DEVOTIONAL: Print Devotional

Devotional for August 28, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Devotional for August 28, 2025with Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor
For followers of Jesus, the motivation for healthy living goes far beyond personal wellness. It’s deeply connected to our calling to glorify God. In this fourth installment of his devotional series, "Faith Hacks," Rev. Steven Taylor encourages us to examine our daily choices and offers three Faith Hacks to live healthy lives in a mostly unhealthy world.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”  1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NIV)
FOR A PRINT VERSION OF THIS DEVOTIONAL: Print Devotional

Devotional for August 21, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Devotional for August 21, 2025 with Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor
As believers committed to scriptural holiness, our words are powerful indicators of what’s inside. After all, "Out of the mouth the heart speaks" (Luke 6:45). In week three of his current series, "Faith Hacks," Rev. Steven Taylor addresses the subject of profanity and offers some practical ways to change the conversation.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Ephesians 4:29
FOR A PRINT VERSION OF THIS DEVOTIONAL: Print Devotional

Devotional for August 14, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Devotional for August 14, 2025 with Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor
Technology is a powerful tool that can be used for God's glory, but it can become a problem when we allow it to control our time and attention. In this second installment of his summer series, "Faith Hacks," Rev. Steven Taylor challenges us to ask ourselves this question: "Are my devices helping me glorify God, or are they distracting me from Him?"
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)