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 29, 2026
Hi St. Andrew’s UMC Community….
How do you make decisions? What criteria do you use? Have you ever used the Bible to decide what shirt or taco shells to purchase? What if every decision you made was based on the Bible, from the time you wake to the time you sleep. What would be different about life? Today, we consider the power of living out scripture.
My Favorite
Deuteronomy 11:18; Proverbs 4:20-21; Proverbs 6:21-22; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 40:8
What is your favorite scripture? Why? How did it become your favorite? Or do you not have a favorite? For years, I struggled with this as I didn’t have a favorite and undoubtedly, I would find myself in some workshop, staff meeting and/or meeting at the conference, retreat, etc. that would ask the question, what is your favorite verse and why. Honestly, I would just make it up but then I had to remember what I said for the next time and that wasn’t going to happen. Can you relate?
So, I took time to consider what God means to me and why I follow God. And after much reflection and skimming and reading, I settled on 1 John 2:15-17. God means to me that this world is only temporary and God is everlasting. So, focus on God and not this world. This verse has helped me navigate the world and any challenges I have faced and will face.
Once I settled on this verse, it seemed to become seared in my mind and heart. And when I remember, situations that seem challenging or impossible are solvable. Maybe not in the way I want, but solvable nonetheless. In fact, this verse is the foundation for me to understand a God of abundance and provisions. For when I let go of what I want and focus on God – amazing things occur.
The Hebrews (descendants of Abraham) and the Israelites (descendants of Jacob) and Jesus all knew the importance of not just memorizing scripture but living the memorization. Do you live the scripture you memorize? Or do you just recall it? What would it take to live out the scripture you memorize? What would you have to give up? Are you willing to release it and let it go and live scripture?
If you are still searching for a favorite verse, take the time to skim and read scripture and focus on those verses that seem to have meaning. And then consider the meaning of them. If they feel like it would be a way to live, memorize it but most importantly, live it out.
Our early ancestors and Jesus taught the importance of not just knowing scripture but living it out. What do you need to do to live out scripture?
Dear God, thank You for providing all I need to live life by living out scripture. Dear Jesus, thank You for teaching me how to live out scripture. Dear Holy Spirit, thank You for always guiding me to live out scripture. Amen.
(Image from: google.com)
by Rev Dave Piltz
