Each Wednesday, a devotion is posted here, sent via email to our email list and also posted on our Facebook page. If you would like to be part of our email list please contact the church office. In addition, check out past Devotions on our Facebook page. 

I often receive feedback that the devotions are rich in content and are complex. Reading devotions whether short and concise or longer and complicated should never be read once quickly. All types of devotions should be read multiple times using contemplation, reflection and pausing. In those spaces of contemplation and reflection we experience the Holy Spirit interacting with us. Sometimes, individuals will reach out and provide their thoughts and reflections on their devotion. My intent has always been to create a dialogue. So read these in the way that best works for you to experience the Holy Spirit and create a dialogue with others in our community.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Hi St. Andrew’s UMC Community …

It is the day before Thanksgiving. How is your soul? Where is your heart? Today we consider what it means to give thanks. In addition to the devotion, here is the link to the thanksgiving service - https://youtu.be/Vu-XLQj4KqE.

Let’s Give Thanks

Psalm 69:30

When is giving thanks easy for you? When is it difficult for you? Psalm 69, prior to verse 30, is about an innocent person suffering and pleading with God for relief. Then in verse 30, regardless of the suffering, they say: I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. (NRSVUE).

In the challenges you have in your life right now, can you praise God with song and give thanks to God for all God is? What would block you from that? What does it take to give thanksgiving to God in the issues you are navigating? This psalm is reminding us that no matter how difficult life is, we have a choice to give thanks to God.

Do you find it difficult to give thanks to God when you don’t get what you want? Do you find it challenging to say thank you God when your prayers are not being answered? In my life, I have come to a place of and with God. Even in those times my prayers are not answered, or I don’t feel God’s presence or I wonder where God is, I can say that I don’t understand and I can give thanks to God. Can you be and with God?

Dear God, thank You. I don’t always get what I want, thank You. I don’t always understand how You are working, thank You. My pain is great sometimes and I don’t feel well, thank You. Regardless of my life circumstances, thank You. Amen.

(Image from: https://www.scripture-images.com/desktop-wallpaper/kjv/psalms-69-30-kjv-hd-wallpaper.php)

by Rev Dave Piltz