Andy Talks

Jephthah is always one of the more interesting stories in the Bible to me. He is a judge who makes a hasty vow that comes at a great cost to his daughter.  This is a cautionary tale to us to be careful of promises and vows. I was raised to take very seriously my promise, and if I promise something, I mean it.  Our vows to God matter.  Let me be clear, Jephthah is no hero in vows. But even in this, we can learn a lesson in Scripture. 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=Judges%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 in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Our VBS will explore different Road Trips in Scripture, so throughout the summer, in our sermons, we will examine various individuals who traveled with God. Today, we'll look at Abraham and the road trip of faith that takes us, with all of our faithfulness and faults.

We see the Israelites fall into sin and slavery again today.  We take a few moments to unpack again what idolatry truly is.  It is not a golden calf on top of the TV, or some pagan pole in our backyard. It is the thing that we give our allegiance and security to, other than God. What is the thing, other than the Lord, that we trust in? That is where our idol is.  But then, we see the Lord, when the people repented, free them. We truly do not understand the depth of the Father's love for us.  You loved today.  Never forget that. 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=Judges%2010%3A%206-18&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/

We see the story today of two judges whom we do not know much about.  And saying we see their story isn't really right, either. We don't see their stories. We see their names and that's about it. We don't know anything about them, really. We just know this, they were faithful.  They were judges. They served. They were faithful, but we don't know anything about them. Being faithful doesn't mean that we will always be famous or well-known. In fact, many times, it may mean just the opposite.  We should be chasing fame, or fortune, or anything like that. We should chase faithfulness.  That is what God desires from us. That is what God desires for 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=Judges%2010%3A%201-5&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/

We see the conclusion of what started yesterday with the parable. Abimelech reaped what he sowed. One thing that is really important for us to realize is that as Christians, we do not believe in karma. That is not a Christian concept. It says that we get what we deserve. That is not what we believe. We believe that we get grace, which is not what we deserve. We cry for mercy, not judgment. However, while we do not believe that we get what we deserve, we do believe that we reap what we sow. If we sow love and grace, we will reap those things, and if we sow hatred and malice, we will reap that as well. What are we sowing 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=Judges%209%3A%2022-57&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/

We see a beautiful parable today about trees and power. In this parable, the trees go to two other trees, the olive tree and the fig tree, and ask them to be their king. But, they say no, because while they do not have power, they have purpose.  They are giving to others, and in that giving, they find purpose. Then they go to a vine and it says now, because likewise it has purpose. Finally, the thornbush, the bramble, says, Sure, I'll be your king. It has no purpose; it only seeks power. Because of that, everyone will be destroyed. Today, are we living for what we can get?  Or what can we give? Are we trees? Or are we bramble? 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=Judges%209%3A%207-21&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/

We see Gideon die today, and while he told the people that he, nor his children, would be king of them, one of his kids, Abimelech, sees the power that could be his if he were king. So, he begins to do terrible things, and even kills his brothers. All in the pursuit of power.  Power is a dangerous thing, friends. But for us as Christians, power does not come from the ways of the world; power comes through service. Through love. Through God's Holy Spirit. Today, let's seek after true power. 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=Judges%208%3A%2029%20-%209%3A6&version=NRSVUEIf you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text your name and number ‪(601) 691-4868‬ to sign up.You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Sunday sermon from May 18, 2025, Andy shares with us from Acts 11 1-18, the Lord pushes Peter to be uncomfortable, and to love people who can be hard to love. Let us not look at the world and see enemies where the Lord sees a harvest. 

The people come to Gideon and ask him to be king. He responds in the right way, no, that is not what you need. So, he gets that right. But then asks for golden earrings and makes an idol from these earrings. So, we see here an idol that will trap the people. Friends, there are always idols. There will always be idols that whisper to us. It would be easier if they were as obvious as a golden idol. But they are there, whispering to 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%208%3A%2022-28&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Gideon is chasing the Midianites and stops to ask for help. He is refused. No one will give him bread. And this is after being fussed at for not letting a certain tribe come to the battle. We see here that everyone is after their own interests. No one is thinking about how to help one another or how to pull together. They are all only thinking about themselves. We see that remains true in the New Testament, and we see it remains true, even today. Working together is often one of the hardest things we can do. But it is also the only way forward. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%208%3A%201-21&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We see Gideon's battle today. But it isn't what you may expect. First, there's no battle. Gideon and his troops are standing, blowing their trumpets, smashing their jars, but not fighting. The Lord confuses them, and they actually turn on each other. But what is even more is the Lord culls Gideon's herd, leaving him with the smallest, the worst, and the weakest of all the troops. There is no way that Gideon can claim he won this battle. It is the Lord. The Lord wins this battle. God is always for the underdog. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%207&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Bless Gideon. Over and over, he must have worn the Lord out, because he keeps testing the Lord. He asks the Lord to do this, then to do that. He says to the Lord, If you are really going to do this, then do this. Then he says, Well, do that. Over and over, he tests God. Now, I'm not saying that you or I should do this. But the Lord's patience is something, because the Lord knows that Gideon's story was not over. Today, the Lord knows we are human. And He is patient with us, even when we don't deserve it.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%206%3A%2036-40&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We see more of Gideon's story. Gideon's story is our story. Today, we are going to read that he gets it right. He blows the horn, he rallies the troops. He is faithful. Now, yesterday, he didn't exactly get it right. And he isn't going to do great tomorrow. But today, he was faithful. We are like that. We are Gideon. Some days, we get it right. Some days, we don't.  But we are reminded, it's not about our faithfulness. It's always about God's faithfulness to 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%206%3A%2028-35&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Today we meet Gideon. He is called a mighty warrior. He is anything but that.  He is hiding when the Lord comes to him. He eventually does what the Lord wants (after testing the Lord), but he does it at night because he is afraid. But how does the Lord greet him?  As a mighty warrior. The Lord sees something in Gideon that Gideon doesn't see in himself. The Lord is with him.  Today, as we look back, when has the Lord failed us?  He hasn't.  He is always with us. Trust Him, even when it is hard.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%206%3A%2011-27&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We see in Judges 6 the same pattern we have seen so often thus far. The people sin, and they fall into slavery and oppression. But we see something different today. We see a prophet warn them not to worship the gods of their neighbors. They are told to worship God alone. But the challenge is hard. It's hard for them to lose everything.  It is hard to hold onto God when things are hard. Faith is easy when it is easy. It is hard when it is hard. We face the same challenges in our lives as well. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%206%3A%201-10&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

After the victory, we see Deborah and Barak sing. This is a song that recounts the battle that was just fought, and adds some additional context. This is an important thing for us to see in scripture, singing is a vital part of faith. So often in the Bible, something will happen, and the people will begin to sing. We should follow that pattern. The hymns and songs we sing in worship, we are not the audience in these moments; we are the participants. Even for folks like me who do not like to sing, there is something beautiful and holy about lifting up our voices together in song. It really does matter. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%205&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We see one of the more well-known stories of a judge today, the story of Deborah.  In this story, we see three people who have different responses. We see Deborah and Jael, who use God's gifts to be faithful and overthrow the evil king and general. But we also seek Barak, who God uses, but because of his lack of faith, God cannot fully use him as God may like. The people that God can fully use are people who have a variety of gifts, but regardless of their gift, they are willing to be used by God. Today, will we use the gifts for God's glory, no matter how great or small they may be? 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%204&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We see the story of Ehud today. He is an interesting judge. He is a left-handed judge, and while the Bible doesn't necessarily say that is a bad thing, it does seem to be a little different. He used that to his advantage today.  He snuck into the king's chambers, and with his sword being a place the guards would not have checked, was able to kill the king and lead the people to freedom. This was a brave thing. It may have failed. But he tried something. He was willing to try something good and big for God. Today, when was the last time you tried something? Let's get out of our comfort zone and do just that.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%203%3A%2012-31&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Traditional message from May 4, 2025, Andy shares with us from John 21: 1-19. We see Jesus restore Peter. He forgives Peter's sin and restores him.  He calls Peter by his name. Today, Jesus will restore. Listen for Him calling your name.

Today, we see that pattern that we talked about truly emerge.  After reading this passage, you've pretty much read Judges. But as we see the pattern of freedom, sin, captivity, repentance, and a judge begin, let's pay attention to two things. First, we see where it all starts. They forgot God.  We forget. How do you remind yourself of God's goodness every day?  And second, the land rested. When was the last time you rested in the goodness of God? These two things can help break up the pattern of sin in our 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%203%3A%207-11&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We see several interesting things happening in our text today. First, like yesterday, and like tomorrow again, we see the dangers of being influenced by the world.  We have to have our identity and being deeply and firmly rooted in Jesus, first and foremost. He is where our life is found. But see another warning. The people drifted away after Joshua because they put too much of their identity in him, not in God. Leaders, even Godly ones, will fail. Only Jesus is perfect. Because of that, we need to share our story of faith, especially with our children and grandchildren. Tell them about Jesus. They need to know, they need to hear from us. Pass on your story to the next generation, so they know the truth of our faith! 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%203%3A%201-6&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We see a pattern emerge in the book of Judges. It is the same pattern we struggle with today.  We see the people have freedom, but then they fall into sin. After the fall into sin, they are captured and oppressed by their neighbors. They will eventually repent and cry out to God for help, and God will raise up a judge. That judge will lead them to freedom, and they will be free for as long as the judge lives. However, after the judge dies, the same pattern resumes. Sin to oppression to repentance to judge to freedom to sin, and over and over again it happens. We have the same patterns in our lives. What are we to do about it? 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%202%3A%2011-23&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We see several interesting things happening in our text today. First, like yesterday, and like tomorrow again, we see the dangers of being influenced by the world.  We have to have our identity and being deeply and firmly rooted in Jesus, first and foremost. He is where our life is found. But see another warning in this text. The people drifted away after Joshua because they put too much of their identity in him, not in God. Leaders, even Godly ones, will fail. Only Jesus is perfect. Because of that, we need to share our story of faith, especially with our children and grandchildren. Tell them about Jesus. They need to know, they need to hear from us. Pass on your story to the next generation, so they know the truth of our faith! 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%202%3A%201-10&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

As we move back into the Old Testament, we'll take some time to walk together through the book of Judges. This is a very interesting book; it has some stories we all know, as well as some that we are unfamiliar with. We see in this book that God can use anyone to accomplish His will, but we also see the danger that comes when we become too enmeshed in the world. Judges is our warning to be in the world, but not of the 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%201&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We resume our week by looking at the post-resurrection accounts of Jesus and seeing his encounter with Thomas. As you've probably heard me say before, I think Thomas gets a bad rap because of his doubt.  Most, if not all, of us will doubt at some point; this teaches us the power of finding faith, even in our struggles. Thomas, though, has to let go of his hurt and disappointment to truly find God's power. That's a great example for us as well.  For us to live into the future God has for us, we often have to let go of the past. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020%3A%2024-29&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We continue looking at Jesus's post-resurrection encounters, and today we see Him coming to the disciples in John 20. This is one of my favorite passages from John. It talks about the disciples meeting together, but their doors were locked out of fear. I think that's such a powerful image. How often do we lock the doors, especially the doors of our hearts, out of fear? But even there, Jesus can find 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020%3A%2019-23&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Easter sermon from our Traditional service, Andy looks at the story of John, Peter, and Mary, and how they came to believe in the resurrection. We don't need any gimmicks. We have the greatest story of all time, as Christians. He is Risen!  He is risen indeed! 

This week, we will look at five different encounters that people have with Jesus after the Resurrection. Today, we'll start by looking at the Walk to Emmaus. In this story, two disciples are walking, and Jesus walks alongside them. They tell Him (Jesus) all that has happened in Jerusalem, and Jesus then unpacks all the Bible, and shows them how it is all pointing to Him. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024%3A%2013-35&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

As we wait for Easter Sunday, we take a few moments to consider Holy Saturday. There is no direct biblical example of what happened on Holy Saturday, but in many traditions, this is the day when Jesus “Harrows Hell.” In some versions of the Creed, it says He “descended to the dead” or “descended to hell.” We'll look at several biblical passages to unpack a little of what that could mean. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here -  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%201%3A%2017-18%3B%20Ephesians%204%3A%208-10%3B%201%20Peter%203%3A%2018-22%3B%201%20Peter%204%3A%206&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Maundy Thursday service, Andy preaches from John 13. Before He goes to the cross, Jesus leaves with His disciples, and each of us, three things. An example of service. The promise of presence. And a new command. 

Good Friday is essential to Easter. We cannot rush through it. We must not rush through it. It is not easy. It is not fun to sit with and in our sin.  We don't like it. We don't like that way because of the way that it makes us feel. But if we do not sit with and realize our sin, we cannot truly feel forgiven. Without Good Friday, without the cross, without this, we truly don't realize or experience the joy, healing, and hope that is Easter. Sit with it 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2053%3A%201-10&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Maundy Thursday is one of my “favorite” days of the church year. I put that in parentheses because it's also a hard day. The day Jesus was betrayed. The day the journey to the cross really picks up speed. So, before He leaves, Jesus shows us what matters.  Service. Presence. And Love.  They will know we are His disciples not by our opinions, our politics, or our worship. But by our love. That was His command. Love. And that is how the world will know that we are His. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013%3A%2031-35&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

As we continue walking through Holy Week, Wednesday marks a subtle but significant turning point. Monday and Tuesday were filled with teaching, challenge, and public presence. But today, we move quietly yet definitively toward the cross. Though Scripture doesn't give Holy Wednesday a dramatic narrative like the days that follow, it carries a deep spiritual weight. Some Christian traditions even refer to it as Spy Wednesday—a name that draws our attention to the act of betrayal that would set the passion of Christ in motion.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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026%3A%2014-16&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Tuesday of Holy Week is traditionally remembered as a day of teaching. In Matthew's Gospel, chapter 23 stands out as one of the most intense and honest teachings Jesus gives during his final week. It is a direct and passionate rebuke of religious hypocrisy, but in the end, we see how deeply He loves even these religious leaders. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2023&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our traditional Palm Sunday message, Andy shares with us from Luke 19: 28-40. On this Palm Sunday, we see Jesus enter Jerusalem. The energy is eclectic. But the next step for everyone is always the hardest step.

We begin our time together for Holy Week by looking at the cleansing of the Temple. This is an interesting story, and also one that can be a danger to us. We see Jesus flip tables and make a whip. It is tempting for us to run first to “that” Jesus. If we are going to be honest, very few of us have the spiritual maturity to run to flip tables. I know that I don't. But what is actually happening here? We'll take a few minutes to talk about what the cleansing of the Temple is really about, and how this affects our prayer.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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2021%3A12-17&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

The first line of today's Psalm is one that most of us know quite well, and it is one that is always associated with defeat. It is one of the last things that Jeuss says upon the cross - My God, my God, why have you forgiven me.  It starts with despair and pain, but when you keep reading, what do you find? You find victory. This Psalm ends with hope for what the Lord has yet to do. So, Jesus was not defeated upon the cross; He was victorious. This is not a Psalm of defeat, but a Psalm of victory! 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2022&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Today, we'll start a two-day look at the Psalms. We'll read Psalms 131-133. These Psalms come near the end of that section of the book. Psalms of ascent are very specific things; these are psalms that were intended to be sung as the pilgrims were climbing Mt. Zion, as they were on the way to the Temple. These are some of the most beautiful Psalms in scripture. The ones we will read today focus on calmness, understanding who God is, and God's desire for unity. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20131-133&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We finish up James with one of its most well-known verses. It's one of those verses I can't help but say in the old King James - “The prayer of the righteous availeth much.”  The Bible tells us, in several passages, that somehow, our prayers have an effect on God. How does that work?  How do our prayers change God? I have no idea. But it does make us stop and ask the question. Do we pray like our prayers will make a difference? Do we pray like our prayers really matter?  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%205%3A%2013-20&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

James gives us some words that I believe are helpful for every relationship.  Let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no.”  Mean what you say and say what you mean. Every relationship, from time to time, will have issues with communication. We spend some time today talking through some helpful tools with communication, and then James reminds us once again about the importance of patience to our faith and spiritual growth. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%205%3A%207-12&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Traditional message from April 6, 2025, Andy shares with us from 1 Corinthians 15: 20-22. All are dead through Adam, but through Christ, all can live. We are more than our failures. We can live because of Jesus!

Today, we see James' harshest condemnation of the rich. It is easy for us to hear this passage as a condemnation of the church and all that the church has. But in James's day, the church was poor.  It has nothing. This is actually a condemnation of those outside the church who are persecuting the church. It's a good reminder for us to think about what is happening in this text. But this text does force us to ask this question ourselves. Are we being good stewards of all God has given 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%205%3A%201-6&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Today is another day where Jaems feels like Proverbs. James talks to us about two things: judging others and making plans for the future. In both of these, his message is this. You are not God. How can you judge?  You are not the lawgiver.  Only God is the lawgiver. Judging is His domain, not ours.  Likewise, how can you say what tomorrow will hold?  Only God can do that.  This perspective gives us peace; it helps us. It is not all up to us. It is up to God. We just need to be faithful and trust in God for all the rest. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%204%3A%2011-17&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

James reminds me of a New Testament Proverbs. There is so much good stuff there within it.  Today, we see such good advice about lament and pain; we also are told to resist the devil, and he will flee. We are not bound up in our sins. But the main thing that we talk about is this. What does it mean to say we should not be friends with the world? Yet, at the same time, we are called to be holy. How do we stand against the world while we still love the people who make up the 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%204%3A%201-10&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

James teaches us today that there are two types of wisdom. I struggled with thinking about this at first, as I don't think of worldly wisdom as “wisdom” at all because I think of wisdom as thinking or seeing from God's perspective. There are, without a doubt, worldly ways of thinking, and as we see with the fruits of the spirit versus the works of the flesh, what we are producing shows where we are rooted.  In our lives today, as we look for peace, where are we getting our wisdom?  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%203%3A%2013-18&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Traditional message from March 30, 2023, we look at Jesus's third temptation. This one cuts the heart of all other temptations.  Who are we? Where does our allegiance lie? We also learn this truth - temptation is always a lie.

Today, we look at one of the passages where James really goes from preaching to meddling.  He talks about the tongue. We live in an age of cell phones and social media, and we forget that the person on the other side of our online argument is someone made in the image of God. All are made in the image of God, and Jesus died for everyone. That means that how we speak to and about each other really, truly matters. Our tongue is a fire that we cannot control. But it will burn so much down. As the children's song tells us, be careful, little mouth, what you say!  Great harm can come if we are not careful. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%203%3A%201-12&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Today is the section that Martin Luther did not like at all. James today tells us that faith alone does not save us but that we are saved by our works. It was his works that saved Abraham, not faith alone. Doesn't this contradict Paul?  Didn't Paul say the exact opposite thing in Galatians?  What does this mean?  We'll take a few minutes to explain how Paul and James speak from the same hymnal. The key is to understand what Paul means by works and what James means by works.  James is clear, though: faith without works is dead. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%202%3A%2014-26&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

We return again to Matthew 4: 1-11 as we look at Jesus's temptation.  In our INTERSECTION service from March 23, 2025, Andy shares with us the great choice for Jesus. Would He trust the Father to take care of Him? We face the same choice today. 

James, in chapter two, continues to get all up in our business. He continues to warn us about the dangers of showing partiality.  He says that God will show His spiritual riches to the poor, but we so often dishonor them by how we treat them. This is a constant refrain from James and all across the Bible. Then he calls us to obey the royal law - love your neighbor. We are legalistic about so many things. But what if we were legalistic about love? What if love was the non-negotiable for us? What would things look like?  What if we focused on keeping the royal law? 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%202%3A%201-13&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Today's reading is at the heart of James' book. Today, we see what true religion looks like. It is not enough that we hear the word; we are to do the word. We talked early this week that for James, religion is not just an intellectual agreement to a collection of facts, but faith is a life submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Today, James tells us exactly what that life should look like. Today, we see true religion. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201%3A%2019-27&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/