Andy Talks

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul makes a bold claim: if there is no resurrection from the dead, then the entire Christian faith falls apart. In today's reflection, Andy explores the cultural and theological background behind Paul's argument, including the Jewish debate over resurrection and why the early Christians were so focused on Christ's return. Paul insists that the resurrection isn't a peripheral belief—it is the foundation of Christian hope. If Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile. But if Christ has been raised, then death is not the end, and we can live this life with confidence in the life that is still to come. Andy reflects on what it means to live fully in the present because our ultimate hope is found in eternity.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds the church of what is truly "of first importance": Jesus Christ—his death for our sins, his burial, his resurrection, and his appearances to the witnesses. In today's reflection, Andy explores what it means to keep the main thing the main thing in our faith. There are many theological questions and denominational differences that matter deeply to Christians, from baptism and Communion to predestination and spiritual gifts. But Paul reminds us that these things, important as they may be, are not all of equal importance. At the center of our faith is Jesus. Andy reflects on the importance of knowing what belongs at the center of our faith and being careful not to turn matters of secondary importance into the things that divide us.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

What does Paul mean when he says that worship should be done "decently and in order"? In today's reflection, Andy finishes 1 Corinthians 14 by exploring Paul's teaching about orderly worship, spiritual gifts, prophecy, tongues, and the controversial passage about women speaking in church. Rather than reading that verse in isolation, Andy considers it alongside Paul's earlier instructions in chapter 11, where women are explicitly described as praying and prophesying. From a Wesleyan perspective, he explores why context matters when we interpret Scripture and why the goal of worship isn't a particular style or tradition, but creating space for the people of God to encounter God together.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here. 

In our Sunday Sermon from August 9, 2026, I share from Deuteronomy 31: 1-8. We see God telling the people and Joshua to move forward, even in the uncertainty. They can jump because they know that God will be there on the other side. So can we. 

Why do some Christians speak in tongues while others don't? In today's reflection, Andy continues through 1 Corinthians 14 by exploring Paul's discussion of tongues and prophecy. Along the way, he explains the Wesleyan roots that connect Methodists and many Pentecostal and charismatic traditions, while reflecting on what spiritual maturity ultimately looks like. Whether expressed through extraordinary gifts or ordinary faithfulness, the goal of the Christian life is the same: to grow in the love of God until our lives reflect the love of Christ.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

We often hear 1 Corinthians 13 at weddings, but Paul wasn't writing about romance—he was addressing a divided church. In today's reflection, Andy explores the famous "love chapter" in its original context and shows why love is the greatest spiritual gift of all. Knowledge, faith, sacrifice, and even miraculous gifts mean nothing if they are not shaped by love. As followers of Christ, both our beliefs and our actions should ultimately lead us to love God and love our neighbor.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

What happens when we spend more time comparing ourselves to others than using the gifts God has given us? In today's reflection, Andy continues through 1 Corinthians 12 as Paul describes the Church as the body of Christ. Every member has a purpose, every gift matters, and no calling is more important than another. Whether you're an eye, an ear, or even a spleen, God has uniquely equipped you to strengthen His Church. The challenge isn't becoming someone else—it's faithfully becoming the person God created you to be.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

What are spiritual gifts, and why does God give them? In today's reflection, Andy begins exploring 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul reminds us that every gift—from wisdom and faith to teaching and service—comes from the same Holy Spirit and is given for the common good. Through a personal story about his wife Holly's remarkable gift of faith, Andy reflects on how God uniquely equips each of us, not to elevate ourselves, but to strengthen the body of Christ. The focus is never on the gift itself, but on the Giver who empowers us to serve.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here. Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.  You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here. 

What really happens when we come to the Lord's Table? In today's reflection, Andy continues exploring 1 Corinthians 11 by looking at the meaning of Holy Communion through the Wesleyan tradition. More than a ritual or remembrance, Communion is a sacrament—a means of grace through which Christ meets us in a real and powerful way. Together, we'll reflect on why the Lord's Table is central to Christian worship, how Communion retells the story of Jesus, and why we should always come with expectant hearts, ready to encounter the living Christ.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.  You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In our sermon from August 2, 2026, as we continue to talk about what it means to tell our story, we talk about Christmas in August. We read from John 1: 1-14, and we talk about what it means for us and for the entire world for the Word to become flesh and dwell among us. 

What does Paul really mean when he warns about taking Communion "in an unworthy manner"? For many Christians, these verses have been associated with fear and anxiety about approaching the Lord's Table. In today's reflection, Andy explores 1 Corinthians 11 in its original context and explains why the Wesleyan understanding of Communion is rooted in grace rather than gatekeeping. By looking at what was actually happening in the Corinthian church, we discover that Paul's concern wasn't hidden sin as much as it was divisions, exclusion, and failing to welcome one another. It's an invitation to see the Lord's Table as Christ intended—a place where grace is offered freely to all who come.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here. Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In today's episode of Reflections with Andy, we explore one of the more challenging passages in 1 Corinthians as Paul discusses head coverings, worship, and cultural customs in the church. Rather than reading these verses in isolation, we consider the importance of understanding Scripture in its historical and literary context. This passage reminds us that while cultural practices may change, the gospel does not. As we learn to read the Bible carefully and faithfully, we discover that our focus should always be on honoring Christ, loving our neighbors, and keeping the good news of Jesus at the center of our lives.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In today's episode of Reflections with Andy, we explore 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 and Paul's reminder that Christian freedom is always guided by love. While we may have the freedom to do many things, our first calling is to seek the good of others and to live in a way that points people toward Christ. Ultimately, Paul reminds us that every part of life—from our work and relationships to the ordinary routines of each day—belongs to God. Whatever we do, we are called to do it all for His glory, making our entire lives an act of worship.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.  You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In today's reflection on 1 Corinthians 10:1–22, we look at how Paul uses Israel's story as a warning and an encouragement for us. He reminds us that all of Scripture — Old and New — teaches us, challenges us, and reveals our need for grace. Paul lists sins in a way that catches all of us, showing that idolatry isn't just ancient statues but anything we trust more than God. And when it comes to temptation, Paul gives us hope: every temptation we face is common to humanity, and God always provides a way out. Temptation is a lie, but God is faithful. As we learn from Scripture and from each other, we can stand firm in the face of testing.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.  You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In today's episode of Reflections with Andy, we conclude 1 Corinthians 9 as Paul declares that he has become "all things to all people" for the sake of the gospel. What does that mean for us today? It means learning to listen before we speak, seeking to understand people before we try to persuade them, and remembering that every person matters because every person matters to God. Our calling is to meet people where they are and lovingly point them to Jesus.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here, Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In my sermon from July 26, 2026, we continue looking at our story. Today, we look at Psalm 90, and we remember. Remember how God has forgiven us, how He has saved us, and how He will use us. Remember who you are and whose you are. 

In today's episode of Reflections with Andy, we begin exploring 1 Corinthians 9:1–14, where Paul defends his ministry and discusses the support of those who proclaim the gospel. Along the way, we consider what it means to honor the gifts God has entrusted to us. Whether it's our finances, our abilities, or our opportunities, everything we have is ultimately a gift from God, and faithful stewardship means using those gifts wisely, generously, and for the building of God's kingdom.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In today's episode of Reflections with Andy, we explore 1 Corinthians 8 and Paul's teaching about food sacrificed to idols. While the specific issue may seem distant from our lives today, Paul's principle is timeless: Christian freedom should never come at the expense of someone else's faith. We talk about the difference between legalism and love, why our witness matters, and how asking, "Does this help my neighbor or harm my neighbor?" can shape the way we live every day.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In today's episode of Reflections with Andy, we conclude 1 Corinthians 7:25–40 by exploring Paul's teaching on marriage, singleness, and keeping our priorities in the right order. While Paul speaks into the realities of his own time, his larger message is timeless: even the best gifts in our lives can never take the place of Christ. Whether we're married or single, our deepest identity and greatest devotion belong to Jesus alone.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In today's episode of Reflections with Andy, we reflect on 1 Corinthians 7:17–24, where Paul encourages believers to be faithful in the circumstances where God has placed them. Along the way, we address one of the Bible's most challenging topics—slavery in the ancient world—and consider how the larger story of Scripture points toward freedom, dignity, and new life in Christ. Ultimately, this passage reminds us not to wait for some perfect future before living faithfully. God has given us today, and today's faithfulness is where discipleship begins. Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word. You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here. 

In today's episode of Reflections with Andy, we explore 1 Corinthians 7:1–16 and Paul's teaching on marriage, singleness, and Christian relationships. While some of Paul's instructions can be difficult to interpret, the heart of his message is remarkably clear: our lives are not our own. Whether we're married or single, our identity is found first in Christ, and we're called to love God and others before ourselves. It's a timely reminder that the healthiest relationships begin when Jesus—not our spouse, our family, or even ourselves—sits on the throne of our hearts.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In my message from July 19, 2026, I share from Revelation 12:11. We see that our testimony plays a huge part in how evil is defeated. It is not always the great and powerful things. It's sometimes simply telling the story of what God is doing in your life. 

In today's Reflections with Andy, we explore 1 Corinthians 6:12–20, where Paul reminds us that not everything we can do is actually good for us. We talk about the difference between freedom and wisdom, why our bodies matter to God, and what it means to glorify Him with every part of our lives. Along the way, we unpack the biblical meaning of "the flesh," the dangers of living only to satisfy our desires, and the beautiful reminder that, through Christ, our bodies have become temples of the Holy Spirit.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In today's Reflection with Andy, we explore 1 Corinthians 6:1–11, where Paul challenges believers to handle conflict differently from the world around them. Rather than rushing to judgment or insisting on our rights, Paul calls Christians to pursue reconciliation, value relationships, and even risk being wronged for the sake of the gospel. Along the way, we wrestle with one of our deepest fears—being taken advantage of—and ask what it would look like to extend the same generous grace to others that God has so freely given to us.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here. Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

As we continue through 1 Corinthians, we come to one of Paul's most difficult chapters—a passage about church discipline, accountability, and protecting the witness of the Christian community. Rather than encouraging judgmentalism, Paul calls the church to lovingly confront patterns of unrepentant sin that damage both individuals and the body of Christ. In this episode, we explore the difference between condemnation and accountability, why integrity matters for the church's witness, and how grace and truth always belong together in the life of a healthy Christian community.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In this Wednesday reflection on 1 Corinthians 4:14–21, Paul's shift from sarcasm to direct fatherly warning crystallizes around one line: the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power. It's easy to mistake the volume of our talking about faith for actual faithfulness — to feel like we're participating in the gospel because we say the right things, while our actions tell a different story. Paul is coming to find out which it is, and his arrival will come either with love and gentleness or with correction, depending on what he finds.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In our Tuesday reflection on 1 Corinthians 4:1–13, Paul's biting sarcasm — already you have become kings! — skewers the Corinthians' tendency to boast about their gifts as though those gifts were their own achievement. Paul's point is simple: if what you have is a gift, the praise belongs to the giver, not the recipient. Humility is the only appropriate response to grace. But the heart of the reflection lands on verse 10 — we are fools for the sake of Christ — and the deeply countercultural math of the gospel. When reviled, bless. When slandered, speak kindly. When persecuted, endure. None of that makes sense by the world's standards, and that's exactly the point. Grace that makes too much sense probably isn't grace — real grace is always a gift that wasn't earned, always looks a little strange from the outside, always challenges the world's ledger of fairness and retaliation. Christianity should be a little weird. We serve a God who was raised from the dead, and we ought to live like it — foolishly, joyfully, and fully.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In my message from July 12, 2026, we read from Genesis 50: 20 and Romans 8:28. I share my testimony about all that has happened in my life, and I remind us that all things work for good, but not all things are good.  Our pain shapes us, but it does not define us.  The world does not need a perfect church. The world needs a broken church redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

In today's Rooted in Christ reflection, we continue through 1 Corinthians 3, where Paul confronts the divisions within the Corinthian church and reminds believers that true spiritual maturity is marked by unity, not rivalry. We explore why Paul insists that neither the one who plants nor the one who waters deserves the credit—only God gives the growth—and what that means for pastors, churches, and our own faith. Along the way, we consider the importance of building our lives on the only foundation that can withstand life's fires: Jesus Christ. This episode is an invitation to pursue unity through the Holy Spirit, resist placing our trust in human leaders, and rest confidently in the faithfulness of Christ, our firm foundation.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.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

What does it mean to have "the mind of Christ"? In today's reflection, we conclude 1 Corinthians 2 by exploring the work of the Holy Spirit in shaping our hearts and minds. Paul reminds us that God's wisdom isn't discovered through human intellect alone but is revealed through the Spirit, who sanctifies us and helps us see the world through Christ's eyes. Through Scripture, prayer, worship, Communion, and serving others, the Holy Spirit transforms us day by day. If we want to grow in faith, the path is beautifully simple: read your Bible, pray, worship with God's people, and allow the Spirit to form the mind of Christ within you.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.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.  You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here. 

In our reflection on 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, Paul's declaration — I resolved to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified — becomes a call to keep the main thing the main thing. Drawing on C.S. Lewis's concept of mere Christianity and the historic framework of the Apostles' Creed, the reflection distinguishes between the foundation of the faith — Jesus Christ, his life, death, resurrection, and return — and the secondary issues that denominations and theological traditions legitimately differ on. Those secondary things matter, but they are not the foundation, and it's dangerously easy in our current moment to spend most of our energy arguing about them while neglecting the simple gospel the world is actually hungry for. Paul's deliberate weakness is equally instructive: he came not with rhetorical power but in fear and trembling, so that faith would rest on God's power rather than human persuasiveness. Your preacher didn't save you. No theological tradition saved you. Only Jesus. And it's only Jesus the world needs to hear about today.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.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

Why does Paul call the message of the cross "foolishness"? In today's reflection, we explore why the Gospel challenged both Jews and Greeks in the first century—and why it still challenges us today. Rather than trusting in human wisdom, religious achievement, or personal strength, Paul reminds us that Jesus Himself is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. God doesn't call us because we've got life figured out; He calls us because of His grace. Our greatest witness isn't how impressive we are—it's simply telling others what Jesus has done for us. So today, if you're going to boast, boast in the Lord.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. Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

In today's reflection, we begin to see the divisions that plagued the church in Corinth as believers argued over their favorite leaders instead of keeping their focus on Christ. Paul reminds us that pastors and teachers are simply servants whose calling is to point people to Jesus, not themselves. Along the way, we also see Paul's wonderfully human personality shine through—a reminder that God doesn't wait for us to become perfect before using us. Ultimately, every disagreement, preference, and personality must give way to the cross of Christ, because the church has always been, and always will be, about Jesus.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. Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

In his first message at FUMC Starkville, Andy shares a little about what he believes and the foundations of his ministry. It's all about Jesus and His love! 

In this episode, Andy begins a new journey through 1 Corinthians, introducing Paul's deeply personal letter to one of the most diverse—and divided—churches in the New Testament. After exploring the background of Corinth and why this letter remains so relevant today, Andy reflects on Paul's opening words of grace, gratitude, and encouragement. Before addressing conflict, Paul reminds the church of who they are: people being transformed by God's grace. The central message is one we all need to hear—God is faithful. No matter what this week brings, God is still at work in our lives, strengthening us, calling us, and inviting us to live each day with purpose and hope.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.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here. 

In this final standalone reflection before beginning a new Bible study series, Andy reflects on Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17:20–24, where Jesus prays not only for His first disciples but for everyone who would one day believe—including us. Exploring the difference between unity and uniformity, this episode considers why Christian unity is so difficult, why it matters so deeply to Jesus, and how only the Holy Spirit can shape us into a people who truly love one another. As we celebrate Independence Day and prepare for a new season together, we're reminded that one of the Church's greatest witnesses is not that we all think alike, but that we love alike.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.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.You can subscribe to my Substack here. 

In today's reflection, we turn to Zephaniah 3:14–18 and one of the most beautiful images in all of Scripture: a God who rejoices over His people with singing. Together we'll explore what it means to be loved by God, why the prophets continue to speak hope into seasons of uncertainty, and how our understanding of ourselves changes when we remember that the Bible begins not with humanity's failure, but with God's declaration that His creation is "very good." This reflection offers an encouraging reminder that God's grace is greater than our past, His love is constant, and every new day is an opportunity to hear His voice calling us His beloved.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. Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST.You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.  

Today we look at Isaiah 43:18–21, and are reminded that God is always at work doing "a new thing," even in seasons of uncertainty and transition. Spoken originally to Israel as they faced exile, God's promise to make "rivers in the desert" demonstrates that He brings life and hope where none seems possible. While our past experiences—both successes and failures—shape us, they do not define us. Like Peter, Paul, and John Wesley, we are continually renewed by God's grace. The invitation is to stop living captive to yesterday, trust that God is already working ahead of us, and faithfully join Him in the new work He is accomplishing today. 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%2043%3A18-21&version=NRSVUE Click 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/vtYqtb6C You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

Today, we start a new season of our Reflections as we reflect on Lamentations 3:21–25, We see that new beginnings are grounded in hope. Looking to the example of Jeremiah, who proclaimed God's faithfulness while witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem, we remember that following Christ does not guarantee an easy life, but it does offer a meaningful one sustained by God's steadfast love. Faith is trusting God's presence even when circumstances are painful or uncertain, believing that His mercies are "new every morning." Whether life is joyful or difficult, we hold fast to God's faithfulness, knowing that every new day is evidence of His grace and that hope remains because God never abandons His people.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=Lamentations%203%3A%2021-25&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 reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

In my final service at St. Matthew's, we read from Romans 16. We are reminded that our church is not any one person, but it's all of us together. But in the end, none of that truly makes our church what it is. Jesus is all that really matters.

In our Traditional message from May 31, Andy shares with us one of his many, many favorite passages of scripture. In this passage, we see what the worldview and path are for us as Christians.  Love. The life and path we are called to walk as Christians is love.

In this final reflection on Ecclesiastes 12, the Teacher brings the entire book to its ultimate conclusion after wrestling with wisdom, pleasure, mortality, anxiety, and the fleeting nature of life. After exploring nearly every avenue for meaning, Ecclesiastes ends with a simple but profound truth: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of everyone.” The devotion explains that fearing God is not about terror but about reverence, awe, and recognizing God's greatness and holiness. From that reverence flows obedience, which Jesus ultimately summarizes as loving God and loving neighbor. The reflection closes by emphasizing that, after all the searching and existential struggle in Ecclesiastes, the purpose of life is found not in wealth, success, or control, but in faithfully loving God and others.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=Ecclesiastes%2012&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 reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

In this reflection on Ecclesiastes 11, the Teacher continues offering wisdom sayings while wrestling with anxiety, uncertainty, and the temporary nature of life. Though Ecclesiastes often feels filled with angst and existential frustration, the chapter also points toward an important truth: life is fleeting, and recognizing that reality can bring wisdom and clarity. The devotion explores how human beings naturally worry about aging, death, and the uncertainties of the future, yet Scripture invites believers to hold those fears in perspective. While this life is beautiful and full of meaningful gifts, it is not ultimate. The worries consuming us now will eventually fade in light of eternity, and Christians can live with hope because there is something greater still to come in 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=Ecclesiastes%2011&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 reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

In this reflection on Ecclesiastes 9:17–10:20, the Teacher continues exploring the value and limitations of wisdom. While wisdom is portrayed as better than foolishness, stronger than weapons, and worthy of pursuit, it still cannot remove life's uncertainty or guarantee control over the future. The devotion contrasts the Teacher's growing cynicism with the Christian conviction that wisdom itself is not the ultimate goal—Jesus is. The reflection wrestles honestly with anxiety, uncertainty, and the human desire to control outcomes, ultimately suggesting that true wisdom is not found in mastering the future but in trusting that God is already present there. Even when life feels uncertain, believers can rest in the promise that wherever the future leads, God will meet them there.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=Ecclesiastes%209%3A%2017-18%3B%20Ecclesiastes%2010&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 reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

In Ecclesiastes 9, the Teacher points out that life is uncertain, death comes for everyone, and the things we often chase—success, power, recognition, possessions—cannot give lasting meaning. The Teacher's repeated call to “eat, drink, and be merry” is understood not as a call to shallow living, but as an invitation to find meaning in community, shared meals, conversation, and time with the people we love. The heart of the message is that relationships, not achievements or possessions, are where lasting value is found, so we should intentionally prioritize the people who matter most to 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=Ecclesiastes%209&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 reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

Ecclesiastes 8:9–17 wrestles honestly with the unfairness and brokenness of life in a fallen world. While the Teacher becomes cynical as he sees evil rewarded and justice delayed, the message for Christians is different: we are called neither to deny injustice nor to surrender to it. Instead, we are called to resist evil, remain faithful, and hold on to hope because we belong to the God of resurrection. For believers, even the worst things—including death—are not the last things, because God is still at work and his final word is not despair, but hope.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=Ecclesiastes%208%3A%2010-17&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 reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

In our Traditional message from Pentecost Sunday, Andy shares with us from Acts 2: 1-21. We see how God restores what sin has taken. In Babel, sin leads to division, but Pentecost restores that, and through the Spirit, we have unity.

In this reflection on Ecclesiastes 8:1–9, the Teacher wrestles with the complicated relationship between wisdom, authority, and faithful living. While Scripture calls believers to respect and pray for governing authorities, the Bible also shows prophets confronting unjust leaders, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ rather than any earthly power. Drawing from examples like Nathan confronting David and Augustine's reflections in The City of God, the devotion explores the tension of living as citizens of both the “city of man” and the “City of God.” Christians are called to work for the good and flourishing of their communities, but politics, patriotism, or civic identity can never bear the full weight of the soul. Only Jesus can serve as the true foundation of meaning and identity, and faithful civic engagement should flow from that deeper allegiance to 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=Ecclesiastes%208%3A%201-9&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 reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

In this Thursday reflection on Ecclesiastes 7:15–29, the Teacher's closing observation — God made human beings straightforward, but they have devised many schemes — frames the whole passage as a meditation on wisdom and its limits. The Teacher says it's good to take hold of wisdom without letting go of the acknowledgment that you might be wrong, and the reflection develops that into a pastoral word about the relationship between conviction and humility. Drawing on Dr. Harold Bryson's memorable line — show me a man who thinks he's wrong — and the calculus principle that the right work built on a wrong assumption still produces the wrong answer, the reflection argues that humility isn't weakness but a commitment to staying teachable. We should believe what we believe with conviction. But we should hold that conviction with enough openness to keep growing, keep learning, and keep giving the Spirit room to correct us. The Teacher keeps bumping into his own imperfection throughout Ecclesiastes, and that's actually a healthy place to live — because if you don't think you need to grow, you won't.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=Ecclesiastes%207%3A%2015-29&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 reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

In this Wednesday reflection on Ecclesiastes 7:1–14, the Teacher's seemingly morbid observations — that the house of mourning is better than the house of feasting, sorrow better than laughter — are rescued from mere pessimism and read as genuine wisdom about suffering and formation. The reflection is careful not to romanticize suffering or suggest we should seek it out; Christianity calls for life, not martyrdom. But suffering, when it comes, has a way of refining us, forming us, and pulling us closer to God in ways that easier seasons simply cannot. Drawing on Stephen Colbert's striking observation — you grow to love the thing you wished had never happened — and the lived experience of painful rebukes from trusted mentors, the reflection makes the case that we learn our most important lessons not in the feasting but in the mourning. For those in a hard season: God has not left you, his rod and staff are with you, and Romans 8:28 is still true. For those in an easier season: hold onto what the hard times taught you, because those lessons are worth keeping.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=Ecclesiastes%207%3A%201-14&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 reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

In this reflection on Ecclesiastes 6, the Teacher continues wrestling with the emptiness of life when meaning is sought in wealth, pleasure, work, or achievement. Though these things are not inherently bad, they cannot bear the full weight of the human soul or provide lasting peace and purpose. The passage serves as a warning against building our identity on temporary earthly things—whether money, politics, sports, approval, or success—because all eventually fail under the weight we place on them. Only Christ can serve as the true “load-bearing wall” for our souls, providing the lasting meaning and identity we were created to find.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=Ecclesiastes%206&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 reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org