Andy Talks

In our series focused on the Apostles' Creed, today we look at the first part, I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth. What does it mean for us to confess these words?

Today in our morning reflections, we look at Ephesians 2: 1-10.  Today is a day set aside to remember Martin Luther.  We remember his call to the church, which is also Paul's message - we are saved by grace through faith.  Our life is not lived out to make God love us.  Our life is lived out as a response to God's love.  

In our Ash Wednesday service, Andy shares with us from Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21.  Throughout scripture, there is always a time of preparation before the next thing that God calls His people to.  Let us prepare for wherever God is calling us.  

This morning we look at Psalm 51 as we begin the season of Lent together.  Hear this blessing and reflect upon the words of David.  God doesn't desire the outward ritual. What He desires is a broken and contrite heart.  Join us at 12 Noon (CST) for our Online Ash Wednesday Service at www.stm-umc.org/live

Today we look at John the Baptist's mission.  He knew that he was to point to Jesus, in all things.  He had clarity of mission and purpose.  We exist for the same reason, but we often don't find fulfillment because we substitute other things for that mission.  Those things are fool's gold.  Only finding life in Jesus, and pointing others to Jesus, that is the purpose we all seek.  

Today we read from Deuteronomy 6: 10-15.  In this passage we see the reminder of God, when you come into the Promised Land and gain all spoils of victory, do not forget God.  Do not think that you have done this, or gained this victory, but remember that God has done this. Do not forget the Lord your God.  This is a  great reminder for us today.  Remember the Lord your God.

In our message from February 14, Andy shares with us from the final line of the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6: 9-13.  What does it mean to ask God to let us not into temptation and deliver us from evil?

Today in our readings, we look at 2 Timothy 3: 14-16.  This is a passage that you have read many times before and have heard preached before, all of scripture is useful for teaching, correction, and training. All scripture.  Not just the parts we like, but all of it.  The same spirit that inspired the writing of scripture is the same spirit to speaks to us now with it.

Tonight in our Wednesday Night Bible Study we are looking at James and the role that our good works play in our evangelism.  Our works have to make our words for the Gospel to be proclaimed.

In our reflection today, we look at Mark 10: 13-16.  In this passage, little children come to Jesus and the Disciples try to stop them.  Jesus is indignant against this action because He has just taught about this.  He welcomes the children, but He also does not give up on the Disciples, even though they got it wrong.  He didn't give up on them.  Let's not give up on ourselves.