SPIRIT ABLAZE: A Podcast of the Northeast Global Methodist Church

Merry Christmas!
On this Christmas Day, we come to the final week of our Advent journey, The Perfect Gift. Over the past weeks, we have unwrapped Jesus as the Word of God, the Messiah, and Immanuel, God with us. Today, as homes are filled with light, voices, and celebration, we turn the gift one last time and look into the manger itself. Join Rev. Steven Taylor as he invites us to pause and behold the Christ Child: the Light of the World who has come to change everything forever.
Scripture Readings
“Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10–11
“In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:4–5
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Welcome to Week 3 of our Advent devotional journey, The Perfect Gift. So far, we have unwrapped Jesus as the Word of God and Jesus as the Messiah, the One who speaks truth and brings salvation. This week, join Rev. Steven Taylor as he turns the gift once more to discover Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. This is the promise that God has not remained distant, but has chosen to draw near, to enter our lives, and to stay.
Focus Scripture:
“All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us.’”  Matthew 1:22–23
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Welcome to Week 2 of our Advent journey, "The Perfect Gift." Last week, we saw Jesus as the Word of God, speaking life, truth, and transformation - the first side of this gift. Join Rev. Steven Taylor this week as he turns the gift and unwraps the second side: Jesus, the Messiah, the promised Savior who fulfills God’s covenant and brings hope to the whole world.
Focus Scripture: 
“Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope… so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Romans 15:4–6
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Welcome to Week 1 of our Advent devotional journey, "The Perfect Gift." As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we’ll take time each week to unwrap a different “side” of the greatest gift God has ever given us, His Son, Jesus Christ. Join Rev. Steven Taylor in these weekly reflections that will help you slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover Jesus with fresh anticipation. 
Focus Scriptures: 
“In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains… and many peoples shall come and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord… that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’” Isaiah 2:2–3
“You know what time it is… now is the moment for you to wake from sleep… The night is far gone, the day is near.”  Romans 13:11–12
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Devotional for November 27, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor
Happy Thanksgiving!
As we gather around tables, travel to be with loved ones, or pause for moments of quiet gratitude, let us remember that every good thing in our lives flows from the hand of our generous God. Today, we celebrate His greatest gift: Jehovah Jireh, who provides salvation and the promise of everlasting life through Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Join Rev. Steven Taylor as he unpacks this powerful truth in the final episode of our current series, “Provider.”
“I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.” — Ezekiel 34:11
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The season of Thanksgiving invites us to pause and reflect on what we are grateful for in our lives. But do we think about where our loyalty lies and what shapes our choices? Drawing from Joshua 24 and the covenant God made with Abraham, we are reminded that every gift and every hope for the future comes from God’s faithfulness. In week two of our devotional series, "Provider," Rev. Steven Taylor challenges us to examine our hearts, choose whom we will serve, and hold fast to the assurance that God’s promises in Christ give hope, strength, and guidance for every day. 
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15
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Today, we're kicking off a brand new, three-week series: "Provider." As we approach Thanksgiving, we're taking time to focus on God's abundant provision, which goes way beyond material things. Join Rev. Steven Taylor as he shares the powerful truth that God, through Jesus, provides redemption and hope for every area of trouble in our lives.
“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble." Psalm 107:2
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We’ve come to the final week of our series, “Unashamed Worship: The Heart for Worship the Father Seeks.” Throughout this journey, we’ve explored what worship is, who we worship, why we worship, and how we worship. Now, it’s time to look inward. Join Rev. Steven Taylor as he reminds us that authentic worship begins in the depths of the heart - where God’s Spirit meets ours.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 (NRSV)
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