Ministries

Weekly Devotions

St. Andrew's is focused on providing opportunities for all to experience the love and grace of Jesus. We offer a variety of ministries that allow everyone to grow closer to God.

"Serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13)

"Be devoted to one another in love; honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10)

"Look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4

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, September 9, 2026

Hi St. Andrew’s UMC..…

Today we consider how challenging it is for us to live out the love Jesus taught. Today’s story is not an easy one, yet it reminds us how we want to respond and where Jesus calls us to respond!

Regardless!

Luke 9:51-16

There was a story I heard once that a youth in a youth group was angry and impulsive and had outbursts. One time, the outburst was yelling at the youth leader about how awful he was and the youth leader’s response was that’s ok, I still love you. What a response! I wish I could do that! One year as a youth leader, I was playing basketball in a church gym when this bigger youth intentionally rammed into me, thinking it would be funny.  As my back popped — and you could hear it — my response was pushing him into a door that broke. I felt awful. He was fine and thought nothing of it. His parents said to me, "Wow, if you pushed him into the door, he deserved it, as you have incredible patience. I am sorry." Again, another response of love.

Jesus was focused on his mission of going to Jerusalem and along that path, a village didn’t want him. James and John responded with intention to harm them for their inability to show hospitality to them. Jesus rebuked James and John and essentially said we love regardless and continue to love no matter what.

Regardless of the behavior of another, Jesus consistently teaches us to still respond out of love. Regardless of the behavior of another, the disciples consistently teach us that responding out of love is the most difficult thing to do. What situations in your life are difficult to show love? How do you show love to someone who is ungrateful? Jesus teaches us that our loving response is simply, OK and moving on. Jesus teaches us that our loving response is to not react. Can you follow what Jesus teaches?

Dear Jesus, thank You for teaching me to respond out of love by not reacting. Let me be open to being filled with Your strength to respond out of love by not reacting! Amen.

 

 (image from: https://godsbless.ing/commentary/luke/luke_9_51-56/)

 

 by Rev. David Piltz