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 October 30, 2024
Hi St. Andrew’s UMC Community ….
Tension. That seems to be what is happening in our country and in our world. Tension of division, how to treat people, leadership, disagreements, illness, pain, etc. Tension. It is a common experience, and yet God didn’t design us for tension, but designed us for love. What would it take for you to transform the tension you carry into love of self and others...and love of justice, mercy and grace of all kinds? It seems that we are at a crossroads in 2024 – a road of tension and division, versus a road of love and care. The road of tension lets us continue to protect ourselves from what can harm us, and the road of love and care provides us a way to exist in disagreement and choose no harm. Where are you today? What tension do you hold? The pain of a medical issue? The challenge of jobs and finances? The difficulties of relationships? Today we focus on how everyone is included in God’s family.
Everyone will say Yes!
Philippians 2:9-11
All Saint’s Day (https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/all-saints-day-november-1.html; https://www.britannica.com/topic/All-Saints-Day) is a time to remember those who have passed.
To this day the following is still debated:
- Does a non-believer go to heaven?
- Does a non-repentant person go to heaven?
- Does an abuser, or murderer, or one that does harm but says they are a believer, go to heaven?
What are your thoughts? The scripture reminds us that everyone will eventually say yes to Jesus. That means everyone, at some point in their life, will say yes to Jesus. Do you believe that? That means every atheist who actively denies a God exists will eventually say yes to Jesus?
How do you say yes to Jesus? What blocks you from saying yes to Jesus? Often times my own wants and desires make me say: no-way Jesus. What about you?
Regardless of your beliefs around "if everyone will say yes to Jesus," in the midst of your life where do you need to say yes to Jesus? Where do you need to lessen your grip on this world, and your wants, and say yes to Jesus? Where do you need to surrender more to Jesus?
Dear Jesus, help me to say yes to You. Help me to loosen my grip on what I want and to be open to what You have for me. May I say yes to You every day! Amen.
(Image from - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hG1hP9rCvY)
by Rev. Dave Piltz