SPIRIT ABLAZE: A Podcast of the Northeast Global Methodist Church

Today we’re launching a brand new devotional series, Vision.Church. In Week 1, Rev. Steven Taylor reminds us that Resurrection Sunday wasn't the end of the story - it was the beginning of God's vision for the Church. Every church, every ministry, every life is being built on something. What is your foundation?
 
Focus Scripture: Acts 2:22–36
Verse for Today: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11
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Easter may be over, but the transformation is just beginning! Join Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor for the final installment of his "Chiseled" devotional series. As we move past the celebrations of the empty tomb, we’re leaning into the beautiful, messy, and life-giving work of becoming a "new creation" in Christ. If you’ve felt the Master Carver working on your heart this Lenten season, this message is for you. Take a moment to breathe, reflect, and pray with us today. 
 
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”  2 Corinthians 5:17
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As we enter the stillness of Holy Week, we reach the conclusion and the heart of our Chiseled series. We’ve talked about letting God shape our lives, but today we face a powerful truth: there are some burdens only the Cross can remove. Join Conference Superintendent Rev. Steven Taylor for a special Maundy Thursday devotional as we look at the ultimate work of grace.
 
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42For print version: PRINT DEVOTIONAL
 

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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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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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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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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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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