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, July 8, 2026
Hi St. Andrew’s UMC Community....
Today, no matter what you are experiencing, you can rest assured that Christ is solid for you to rest and stand on. It may not always feel it and yet it is true. Be well!
Solid Rock
1 Corinthians 3:11
A cabinet maker, Edward Mote, in 1834 was walking to his workshop and the chorus “On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand....” appeared in his mind. By the end of the day he penned the entire song, "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less." (From [https://hymncharts).com/2024/04/08/the-story-behind-the-solid-rock/]https://hymncharts).com/2024/04/08/the-story-behind-the-solid-rock/).
What does the chorus mean to you? In times of strife, illness, challenge, pain, heartbreak, loss, etc., what do the words "On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand" mean to you?
In Chapter 3 of Corinthians, Paul is describing the challenges and pitfalls of division and that if Christ is the center, there should be no division. We have witnessed this to not be true. And yet, when Christ is the foundation, life is different. It doesn’t mean that challenges disappear, but it means to learn to live into calmness and not worry.
Let’s take a moment of reflection.
What do you hear/feel/think/picture when you read:
On Christ the solid Rock, I stand
(pause)
What do you hear/feel/think/picture when you read:
On Christ the solid Rock
(pause)
What do you hear/feel/think/picture when you read:
On Christ
(pause)
What do you hear/feel/think/picture when you read:
On Christ
(pause)
What do you hear/feel/think/picture when you read:
On Christ the solid Rock
(pause)
What do you hear/feel/think/picture when you read:
On Christ the solid Rock, I stand
What percentage of your life is built on "On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand"? What blocks you from living 100% on Christ? What fears would you need to give up? Or if you do live 100% on Christ, how can you teach others?
Christ, thank You for being the foundation I can build my life on regardless of how life occurs. Christ, help me to remove all barriers so I can build 100% of my life on Your foundation. Amen.
(Image from: https://bible.art/p/Y9ctUIkroeFccShha7uM/1-corinthians-3:11-for-other)
by Rev Dave Piltz
