Join Andy Stoddard as he shares with us his daily reflection. Along with an occasional surprise.
In this Friday reflection on 1 John 2:18–28, John's warning about "the antichrist" gets reframed in a way that's far more practically useful than the endless game of identifying one singular villain — whether that's Mikhail Gorbachev's birthmark in the '80s or whoever's being cast in that role today. John's real concern is the plural: many antichrists, defined simply as anyone who denies the Father and the Son. The more honest question for us is how we ourselves deny Christ — not in our stated beliefs, but in our actions, our words, and the company we keep on social media and beyond. The reflection lands on a pointed diagnostic: look at the voices you allow to speak into your life, and ask what they're producing in you. If the fruit is anger, contempt, and division, those voices are pulling you away from Jesus regardless of how righteous they sound. John's closing word is simple: abide in him — and be very careful what you let shape your soul.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%202%3A%2018-28&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://andystoddard.substack.com/
In this Thursday reflection on 1 John 2:7–17, John's "old-but-new" commandment turns out to be exactly what we talked about yesterday: love. And love, John argues, is the most reliable marker of whether we're actually walking in the light — because you can't claim to be in the light while hating your brother or sister. Actions don't save us, but they do reveal us, the way fruit reveals what kind of tree you're dealing with. Drawing on Matthew 25, Tertullian, and the witness of the early church, the reflection makes the case that love for one another — across doctrinal lines, across differences, within the whole household of faith — is the thing that should make the watching world stop and take notice. Then John flips the contrast: don't love the things of the world — wealth, status, the approval of others, the endless desire for more — because all of it is passing away. What's eternal is love: love of Jesus, love of neighbor, love that is God's own perfect love shed in our hearts. That's the mark. That's what lasts.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%202%3A%207-17&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://andystoddard.substack.com/
In this Wednesday reflection on 1 John 2:1–6, the phrase "the love of God has reached perfection" becomes a springboard for a pastoral tour through one of Methodism's most distinctive — and most misunderstood — doctrines: Christian perfection. The passage holds the same honest tension as the previous chapter: we are going to sin, Christ has atoned for it, and we have an advocate. But the deeper question is what perfection actually means. The reflection pushes back against the common assumption that holiness is a legalistic checklist of moral performance — don't play cards, don't see movies, don't listen to secular music — and argues instead that Christian perfection, in the Wesleyan sense, is never about perfect action but about God's perfect love being restored in us through sanctifying grace. The goal of salvation, as Wesley understood it, is the recovery of the image of God — which enables us to keep the greatest commandment: love God fully and love your neighbor as yourself. That's what holiness looks like. And it's why the means of grace — Scripture, prayer, communion, fasting, community — matter so much: they are the channels through which that love grows and changes us.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%202%3A%201-6&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://andystoddard.substack.com/
In this Tuesday reflection on 1 John 1:5–10, the light-and-darkness imagery that runs through John's Gospel flows directly into the letter — God is light, and walking in fellowship with him means being called continually out of the dark. The key distinction John makes is not between sinning and not sinning — we all sin, and to claim otherwise is to make God a liar — but between remaining in darkness and walking in the light, where the blood of Jesus keeps cleansing us as we go. The pastoral heart of the reflection centers on verse 9: if we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Crucially, confession doesn't trigger God's forgiveness — God's forgiveness isn't transactional or conditional on our performance. Rather, confession is the moment we speak our failure aloud and hear back the words our souls most need: you are still beloved, you are forgiven. There is no greater gift.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A%205-10&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://andystoddard.substack.com/
In our Traditional message from April 12, Andy shares with us from John 20: 19-31. We see the story of "Doubting" Thomas. We all have our doubts, and we serve a God who has overcome the grave itself. He can handle our questions.
In this Monday reflection opening a new series through First John, the focus falls on the letter's opening declaration: we tell you what we have seen, heard, and touched — which John frames as the foundation of Christian fellowship and the source of complete joy. Drawing on the Southern tradition of testimony and Revelation 12:11, the reflection makes the case that our testimony is one of the most powerful tools we have — and that testimony isn't just the story of our conversion, but the ongoing story of what Jesus is doing in our lives right now. The heart of the passage, and of the message, is this: experiencing Jesus is never meant to stop with us. John wrote so that others could join the fellowship, and our joy becomes complete when the people we love come to know Jesus too. The practical challenge is simple — tell your story this week, to your family, your friends, and when you're feeling brave, to someone who doesn't know Jesus yet.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A%201-4&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://andystoddard.substack.com/
In this Friday reflection on Luke 24:1–12, three threads from the resurrection account are woven together into a single pastoral encouragement. The angel's question — "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" — becomes a call to move beyond a faith that is merely routine or historical and into one that is truly alive and built around Jesus. The moment when the women "remembered his words" becomes a word of grace for anyone who feels behind in their faith journey: growth takes time, the Spirit moves at its own pace, and not understanding something the first time isn't failure — it's the normal shape of discipleship. And finally, the fact that it was the women, not the apostles, who first believed and testified is a reminder to stop looking only to those up front and start paying attention to the whole body of Christ — because God has a way of speaking most clearly through the people we least expect.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024%3A%201-12&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://andystoddard.substack.com/
In this Thursday reflection on Matthew 28:16–20, the Great Commission is unpacked through one central question: what does it actually mean to make disciples? Drawing on Matthew's deeply Jewish framing — including the parallel between the disciples going to "the mountain Jesus directed them to" and the Old Testament pattern of God calling his people to mountains he would show them — the reflection highlights that even face-to-face with the risen Jesus, some still doubted, reminding us that faith is always a challenge. The heart of the message is the distinction between making fans of Jesus and making disciples — people who don't just know who Jesus is, but who build their entire lives around his teachings, for whom the Beatitudes, enemy-love, forgiveness, and peacemaking are non-negotiable. Before the church can make disciples, each of us must ask whether we are one ourselves. And we pursue this mission not in our own strength, but anchored in Jesus's closing promise: I am with you always, to the end of the age.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028%3A%2016-20&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://andystoddard.substack.com/
In this Wednesday morning reflection on Matthew 28:11–15, the focus turns to the guards who witnessed the resurrection firsthand and then accepted a bribe from the chief priests to spread a cover story — that the disciples had stolen Jesus's body. Using this often-overlooked post-Easter passage as a jumping-off point, the reflection asks a pointed question: what is your integrity worth? While the guards sold theirs for money, the greater temptation for most of us isn't financial — it's the approval of others, the comfort of going along with the crowd, the pull of cultural Christianity that lets us mouth the words of faith without truly living them. Drawing on Kierkegaard's insight that "the hardest thing is to be a Christian in Christendom," the reflection closes with a simple but weighty call: the Gospel isn't complicated — it's just hard. So follow Jesus today, even when it costs you something.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028%3A11-15&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://andystoddard.substack.com/
In the Gospel of Mark 16:9–20, even with its textual complexity, we see a clear message: Jesus Christ is risen, He appears to His followers, and He sends them out with both a mission and His power. While the passage includes signs that may feel unusual, the heart of it is that there is authority in Jesus' name over fear, evil, and anything that tries to hold us captive. Because of the resurrection, we don't have to live bound by fear, guilt, or uncertainty—we are free to live with hope, courage, and joy, trusting that if even death could not defeat Christ, then nothing we face has the final word.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2016%3A%209-20&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CSubscribe through Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2e9rjDSwcdX6ZsZhSasBMKSubscribe through Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/andy-talks/id1313107515
In our Easter message, Andy shares with us from Matthew 28: 1-10. We see that we sin, death, and the grave are liars. We are not defined by them. We are free. But that freedom can be scary. What will we do with the hope that we have?
On this Monday after Easter, we begin living in the reality of the resurrection by reflecting on the Gospel of Mark 16:1–8, where the women are the first to discover the empty tomb and carry the good news of Jesus Christ's resurrection—reminding us that God often uses unexpected people who are simply willing. Like them, we live in a world of both “terror and amazement,” where life can feel overwhelming and beautiful at the same time, and we may sometimes feel inadequate or tempted to write others off. But Easter teaches us not to do either, because the story isn't over—life, not death, has the final word. Our calling is simple: be faithful and tell the story of what Jesus has done, trusting that God will use it in ways we may not even see.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2016%3A%201-8&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://andystoddard.substack.com/
In our Maundy Thursday sermon, Andy looks at 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26. Every time we take communion, we retell our family story. We are forgiven. We are loved. But never forget what it cost.
On Good Friday, we remember that while the day was not “good” for Jesus Christ, it is good for us because of what was accomplished on the cross. This is where Jesus atoned for our sin—taking on all the brokenness of humanity and making us right with God—while the resurrection to come will defeat the consequence of that sin, which is death. As described in Book of Isaiah 53, He was “pierced for our transgressions” and bore the iniquity of us all, meaning there is nothing left for us to earn or repay. The cross shows us that God's love is complete and that His wrath has been satisfied, so we can live in the freedom of knowing God is not against us but for us, holding onto hope as we wait for the victory of Easter.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2053&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
On Maundy Thursday, we remember both the command and the example given by Jesus Christ in Gospel of John 13: to love one another as He has loved us and to live that love out through humble service. In washing the disciples' feet—a task reserved for the lowest servant—Jesus shows that true love is not about status or appearance, but about self-giving care for others. This day, marked by communion and the stripping away of the altar, reminds us that we must walk through darkness to reach the light of Easter, and it calls us to examine our own lives: are we willing to serve as Christ served? As followers of Jesus, we are given clear marching orders—to love, to serve, and to trust that this kind of sacrificial love is how God transforms both us and the world.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013%3A1-20&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
On Holy Wednesday, often called “Spy Wednesday,” we see a quiet but pivotal moment in Holy Week where Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus Christ, set alongside the beautiful act of a woman anointing Jesus with costly ointment in Gospel of Matthew 26. While the disciples focus on practicality and missed opportunity, Jesus highlights the deeper meaning of her act—an expression of love and preparation for His burial—reminding us not to overlook beauty in our faith. Judas, likely frustrated that Jesus was not becoming the kind of Messiah he expected, chooses betrayal when Jesus doesn't meet his expectations. The passage challenges us to reflect on our own hearts: will we trust and follow Jesus even when we don't understand His plans, or will we try to shape Him into what we want Him to be?Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026%3A%201-16&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
On Holy Tuesday, Jesus spends much of the day teaching, most notably delivering the “seven woes” in Gospel of Matthew 23, where He strongly rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees for their hypocrisy. While they had mastered the outward appearance of faith—focusing on rules, status, and religious image—they had neglected the heart of God's law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus warns against becoming like “whitewashed tombs,” looking righteous on the outside but being spiritually empty within. This challenges us, especially as we approach Easter, to examine our own faith—not just what we do or how we appear, but why we do it—calling us to move beyond religious optics and live with genuine devotion to God.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2023&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In our Traditional sermon from Palm Sunday, Andy shares with us from Matthew 21: 1-10. We see the people throw a parade for Jesus. But, the kingship they are looking for is not the kingship Jesus came to give. What will that do when Jesus is what they want? What do we do?
On Holy Monday, reflecting on Gospel of Matthew 21:12–17, we see Jesus cleansing the temple—not out of random anger, but to remove barriers that were making worship difficult and exploitative. The money changers and sellers had turned a place meant for prayer into a system that took advantage of people and hindered their access to God. This moment challenges us not to focus on what “tables” we want to flip, but to examine our own lives: are we, in any way, making it harder for others—or ourselves—to draw near to God? Holy Week invites us to remove those barriers, repent, and create space for deeper connection with Christ.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2021%3A%2012-17&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In our Traditional sermon from March 22, Andy concludes our series on the Lord's Prayer by examining the phrase "Deliver us from evil." We talk about temptation; how we all face it; what it looks like; and how do we stand against it. God is always with us, even in temptation.
In our Traditional sermon from March 15, 2026, Andy continues to share with us from the Lord's prayer as found in Matthew. We talk today about why some churches say "trespasses," others "sins," and others "debts." This simple phrase tells us a lot about who we are and the depth of God's grace.
As we continue our look at the Lord's Prayer during this season of Lent, Andy shares with us what it means to pray "thy kingdom come, thy will be done." This is a dangerous prayer, but it is a prayer that can change the way we look at our lives.
As we begin looking at the Lord's Prayer in this season of Lent, we turn to Matthew 6:9-13. What does it mean to pray to Our Father, who art in Heaven? What does it mean for us to say that His name is Holy?
In our Traditional message from February 15, Andy shares with us from Hebrews 10: 19-15. He explains why he considers himself a moderate. A moderate is not someone who does not have real theological or political thoughts and opinions. They will not break relationships over those differences. This has been the historic reality of the United Methodist Church, and may it remain so
In our INTERSECTION message from February 8, 2026, Andy shares with us from Philippians 4:4-7. We have a God to whom we can take all things in prayer. As we seek Him in prayer, we find His love, grace, and mercy.
In finishing Luke's Gospel, we see that the Resurrection is not a ghostly myth but a physical reality that affirms the goodness of our own bodies and our physical presence in the world. We recognize that Jesus opens our minds to Scripture not for mere head knowledge, but for heart transformation, turning us into witnesses who carry His love to all nations—from our neighbors to our enemies. We understand that the Ascension is the ultimate victory, placing Jesus at the right hand of the Father where He lives to intercede and pray for us personally. Ultimately, we are called to live victoriously rather than defeated, knowing that because Christ has conquered sin and death, we are "clothed with power" to tell the story of His grace to the entire world.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024%3A36-53&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
The walk to Emmaus provides a powerful template for how we encounter the resurrected Christ in the midst of our own ordinary, and often discouraged, journeys. As Cleopas and his companion walked away from Jerusalem, trapped in the "we had hoped" stage of grief, Jesus met them in the mundane rhythm of their commute, proving that He is never absent even when our eyes are too heavy with sorrow to recognize Him. Through the dual "shorthands" of Scripture—where He traces the messianic promise from Moses through the Prophets—and the "breaking of the bread," He reveals that the Cross was the centerpiece of God's plan rather than a tragic detour. This encounter teaches us that our "burning hearts" are a spiritual signal of His presence, urging us to look for Him not just in the sanctuary, but in every conversation, every meal, and every mile of our daily lives.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024%3A%2013-35&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
As we sit with the early morning rain today, I'm leaning into that powerful question the angels asked the women at the tomb: "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" It's a challenge for all of us to stop searching for Jesus in the "dead" places of our lives—our past mistakes, our old shames, or the general ugliness of the world—and instead look for Him where life, grace, and beauty are actually breaking through. Even though the very first sermon of the Resurrection was dismissed by the apostles as an "idle tale," those women stayed faithful to what they had seen, reminding us that while we can't control whether people are ready to hear the Good News, we are still called to proclaim it. We should take heart knowing that even when our witness feels ignored, God is often at work in the "wondering" hearts of those around us, and our only job is to keep pointing toward the One who is fully alive and walking beside us today.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024%3A%201-12&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In reflecting on the death and burial of Jesus in Luke 23, we see a profound contrast between those who viewed the crucifixion as a mere "spectacle" and those who responded with genuine faithfulness and sacrifice. We recognize that while the crowds were drawn to the drama of the event, the Centurion recognized Jesus' innocence, and the faithful women remained present even when the world seemed to have won. We understand that Joseph of Arimathea's gift of a costly tomb serves as a model for how we can offer our best to the Lord, even in moments of perceived defeat. Ultimately, we are challenged to move beyond the search for spiritual "adrenaline rushes" and "cosplay" and instead embrace the quiet, consistent devotion of those who stayed by Jesus' side until the very end, trusting that the stillness of the Sabbath is not the conclusion of the story.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A%2044-56&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In Luke 23, we see the profound theme of mercy unfolding through the final moments of Jesus' life. From the physical burden shared by Simon of Cyrene to the spiritual grace extended to those mocking and crucifying Him, Jesus consistently chooses forgiveness over retaliation. This mercy is most poignantly captured in His promise of paradise to the repentant thief, reminding us that no matter the "size" of our sins—whether they are public acts or private struggles with pride and envy—we all stand in equal need of God's grace. Ultimately, this passage challenges us to move beyond our own suffering to reflect that same transformative mercy to the world around us.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A%2026-43&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In our sermon from February 1, 2026, Andy shares with us from Colossians 3:16-17. We are supposed to marinate ourselves in God's Word, let it drench up every part of who we are. And when we do that, it will change how we live our very lives.
In examining the exchange between Pilate, Jesus, and the crowd in Luke 23, we see the dangerous consequence of choosing political convenience over moral truth. We recognize that by demanding the release of Barabbas—a violent Zealot—and the crucifixion of Jesus, the crowd chose the way of earthly power and insurrection over the way of the Kingdom of God. We understand that Pilate's failure to stand on his convictions, despite knowing Jesus was innocent, serves as a warning that "peace at any price" often leads to greater destruction in the long run. Ultimately, we are challenged to have the courage to stand for what is right and holy, trusting that even when the path is difficult, our true allegiance belongs to the King of Kings rather than the demands of the crowd.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A13-25&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In examining the interrogations of Jesus by Pilate and Herod in Luke 23, we recognize the human tendency to view Christ through the lens of our own personal interests and convenience. We see that while Pilate sought political peace and Herod sought entertainment, neither was willing to confront the reality of Jesus' true identity or authority. We understand that our faith cannot be something "moderately important" or a means to get what we want from a "heavenly genie," but must instead be a total surrender to His Lordship. By looking past our own desires and distractions, we commit to following Jesus not for the "signs" He might perform or the comfort He might provide, but because He is the King of Kings whose will must become our own.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A1-12&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In reflecting on the mockery and trial of Jesus in Luke 22, we see the profound power of His restraint and His unwavering commitment to the Father's mission. We recognize that while we often feel a natural impulse to defend ourselves and lash out when treated unfairly, Jesus chose the path of silence and submission, trusting that God's plan for redemption was greater than His current suffering. We understand that this "endgame" was not a result of weakness, but of a deliberate "not my will, but yours" posture that prioritized the salvation of the world over personal safety. Ultimately, we find encouragement for our own difficult paths—whether they involve health, finances, or relationships—by looking to the example of Christ, who trusted in the beauty of the final destination even when the road was paved with trials.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A63-71&version=NRSRVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In reflecting on Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, we see the profound depth of His humanity and the intensity of His spiritual struggle. We recognize that Jesus' plea to "remove this cup" validates our own moments of weakness and fear, showing us that true faith involves being honest with God about our burdens. We understand that while the disciples struggled to stay awake due to the sheer exhaustion of grief, Jesus remained alert, choosing to align His will with the Father's even as His body bore the physical toll of His anguish. By following the example of the one who submitted to God's plan despite the cost, we find the courage to bring our own "heavy cups" to the Lord, trusting in His presence as we walk toward the challenges ahead.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A%2039-46&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In reflecting on the transition from Jesus' command to carry swords to His healing of the servant's ear, we recognize the tension between fulfilling prophecy and practicing the ethics of the Kingdom. We understand that while the disciples were quick to use force to protect their interests, Jesus' firm "no more of this" sets a definitive boundary against violence and retaliation. We acknowledge that in our own lives, especially in the heated climate of social media, we are often tempted to "lop off ears" in a show of misplaced righteousness. By following the example of the one who healed His enemy even in the moment of His own arrest, we commit to the difficult path of peace, trusting that God's purposes are never achieved through the "power of darkness" but through the transformative power of humble service and healing.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A%2035-38%3B%2047-53&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In our Traditional sermon from January 25, 2026, Andy shares from John 17:1-3. Jesus tells us here what eternal life is: know Him. We experience it every day, and when Jesus is in the center of life together, we have unity.
In reflecting on Peter's denial in Luke 22, we see that our failures, no matter how bitter, are never outside the reach of God's foreknowledge and grace. We recognize that Jesus' prayer for Peter was not that he would avoid the "sifting" of trial, but that his faith would endure and his future leadership would be defined by his return to the Lord. We understand that while our sin and betrayal cause genuine pain—as evidenced by Peter's bitter weeping—they do not alter God's fundamental commitment to us. Ultimately, we find hope in the truth that Christ has already "baked in" our mistakes to His plan for our lives, inviting us to turn back, receive His gaze of love, and find a purpose that extends far beyond our greatest stumbles.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A%2031-34%3B%2054-62&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In reflecting on the disciples' dispute over greatness in Luke 22, we see a sharp contrast between worldly power and the logic of the Kingdom of God. We recognize that while the world defines greatness through authority and status, Jesus calls us to a life characterized by the phrase "not so with you," where the greatest is the one who serves. We understand that even in the aftermath of the most sacred moments, like the Lord's Supper, we are prone to the human desire for prestige and control. By following the example of Christ, who stood among us as one who serves, we commit to seeking a "superpower" found in humility and service, trusting that the path to true greatness involves laying down our earthly ambitions for the sake of others.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A24-30&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In exploring the institution of the Lord's Supper in Luke 22, we recognize that this meal is the most sacred act of our Christian worship. We understand the Wesleyan perspective of the Real Presence, acknowledging that while the bread and juice remain physically unchanged, Christ is truly and fully present with us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We see the sacrament as a vital Means of Grace that sustains us on our journey and works to sanctify our hearts, drawing us closer to the holiness of God. Ultimately, we approach the table not because we are worthy, but because we are invited into a mystery that transforms us, unites us with the global Church, and offers us a tangible experience of God's mercy.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A14-23&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In reflecting on the preparations for the Passover meal, we recognize the beauty of "quiet faithfulness" in the life of the anonymous homeowner who provided the Upper Room. We understand that just as Jesus orchestrated the details for His disciples then, He provides opportunities for us to serve Him in our everyday lives now. We acknowledge the shift from a youthful desire for "greatness" to a mature pursuit of "faithfulness," realizing that even the smallest acts—like providing a room or a cup of cold water—can have an eternal impact far beyond our understanding. By staying alert to the small doors God opens today, we commit to being faithful stewards of the tasks set before us, trusting the Lord with the ultimate results.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A7-13&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In our Traditional message from January 19, 2026, Andy shares with us from Matthew 5: 13-16. We all want to leave a mark, we want to leave a legacy. By being salt and light, we see what a true legacy looks like.
As we begin the narrative of the Passion in Luke 22, we are confronted with the sobering reality of Judas's betrayal. We recognize that even those closest to Jesus, those trusted with the community's resources and called to His side, are susceptible to the influence of spiritual darkness when they prioritize their own agendas over God's will. We understand that while improving our society through education and resources is a vital Christian duty, these clinical solutions cannot reach the spiritual root of sin. We acknowledge our own agency and accountability, realizing that we must keep our hearts guarded and focused on Christ, who is the only ultimate answer to the brokenness within us and around us.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A1-6&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
As we conclude Jesus' public teaching in Luke 21, we recognize that the call to be "alert" is not just about watching the skies for the end of the age, but about keeping our hearts sensitive to God's presence in the present. We understand that the "worries of this life" can weigh us down and numb us just as much as any vice, causing us to miss the ways Jesus comes to us every day in the "least, last, and lost." We acknowledge that if the devil cannot make us "bad," he will often try to make us "busy," distracting us from our primary task of following Christ. By looking for Jesus in the intersections and crosswalks of our daily lives, we ensure that we are ready for His ultimate return while staying faithful to His work today.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021%3A29-38&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In studying Jesus' apocalyptic teaching, we confront the reality that the permanent structures of our world—much like the stones of the ancient Temple—are temporary. We recognize the tension between knowing that no one can predict the day of Christ's return and our call to live with a constant, hopeful expectation of His "any-moment" arrival. We understand that the Second Coming is not a source of dread or a "horror movie" scenario, but the long-awaited moment of our ultimate redemption when all brokenness is healed. By choosing to stand tall and raise our heads even in the midst of global turmoil or personal suffering, we demonstrate a faith that relies on God's presence to sustain us until His Kingdom is fully realized.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021%3A%205-28&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In reflecting on the widow's two copper coins, we recognize that while her individual generosity is an inspiring model of faith, the passage also serves as a sharp warning against religious systems that exploit the vulnerable. We understand that by reading this story in the context of Jesus' condemnation of those who "devour widows' houses," we are called to examine how our own lives and structures treat the poor. We acknowledge that our Wesleyan calling is to ensure that our faith is not merely a matter of "religious optics" or long prayers, but a commitment to protecting and elevating the "least among us." Ultimately, we seek to align our hearts with Jesus by moving beyond the abundance of our own comfort to care for those living in the scarcity of poverty.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021%3A1-4&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
As we conclude Luke 20, we reflect on Jesus' warning against a faith built on "optics" and public approval. We recognize the temptation to use our religious "uniforms"—whether literal or metaphorical—to gain respect and status, while our hearts remain untransformed. We understand the profound danger that our virtues can pose when they lead to self-righteousness and pride, effectively blinding us to our own need for grace. By choosing to prioritize an inward-seeking devotion over outward-facing performances, we guard ourselves against the hypocrisy of the Scribes and ensure that our lives authentically reflect the humility and love of Christ.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2020%3A41-47&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In our INTERSECTION message from January 11, 2026 Andy shares with us from Matthew 3: 13-17. In our baptism we remember who we are. We remember whose we are.
In our reflection on Jesus' encounter with the Sadducees, we recognize that our faith is rooted in the "God of the living." We understand that while the religious leaders of the time tried to trap Jesus with complex legalities, He pointed us toward a higher reality where our earthly categories of marriage and status are superseded by our identity as "children of the resurrection." We acknowledge that in the life to come, we will not become a different kind of being, but rather will be restored to the fullness of our humanity—healed of the sickness, addiction, and pain that plague this age. By holding onto this eternal hope, we find the strength to push back against despair in the present, knowing that our ultimate victory is secured in Christ.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2020%3A27-40&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In exploring Jesus' response to the trap regarding Roman taxes, we recognize the call to navigate our dual roles as citizens of an earthly nation and the Kingdom of God. We see that while we are called to fulfill our civic obligations and work for the "peace and prosperity" of the communities where God has placed us, our ultimate devotion and identity are reserved for the One whose image we bear. We understand that being a disciple means making our neighborhoods better places because of our presence, balancing social engagement with a clear-eyed focus on our primary allegiance to Christ. Ultimately, we seek to be faithful stewards of our earthly lives while remaining fully surrendered to God's eternal authority.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2020%3A%2020-26&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
In our study of the Parable of the Tenants, we confront the sobering reality that while we are precious to God, we are not indispensable to His ultimate plan. We recognize that the religious leaders of Jesus' day missed the blessing of obedience because they were more concerned with their own power and public opinion than with the truth standing right in front of them. We understand that God does not need us to accomplish His mission, but He deeply wants to include us in it. By shifting our perspective from viewing service as an obligation to seeing it as a joy-filled opportunity, we move from a checklist-driven faith to a life sourced in the "Cornerstone," ensuring we don't miss the profound blessing of being used by an amazing God of grace.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2020%3A%209-19&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
