Simpson UMC- Old Bridge

10/07/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Hump Day!
Today is National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day, National Coffee With A Cop Day, and National Propane Day!
On this day in 1868 Cornell University opens in Ithaca, NY, in 1913 Ford Motor Company introduces the first moving vehicle assembly line, in 1952 American Bandstand, starring Dick Clark, premieres on television, in 1960 The TV series Route 66 premieres, and in 2008 Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon launch the music service, Spotify.
Now ya know. . .
Make the most of your day and carve out a few minutes for our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for October 7, 2026

God Answers Prayers

By Lori Derror (Michigan, USA)



Read Psalm 66:16-20

As for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7 (NIV)


My two young grandsons were playing together in our backyard, competing to see who could kick their shoe the highest. Sounds of laughter and fun eventually turned to yelling and frustration.

As I made my way over to them, I saw that my oldest grandson was in tears. He pointed up. One of his brand-new sneakers was now stuck in a clump of branches, high up in a maple tree. He was terribly upset and yelled out, “I prayed to God, but he hasn’t done anything to help!” After taking a minute to console him, my cousin and I retrieved a ladder and broom and worked together to knock the shoe down to the ground.

Reflecting on the situation, I was pleased that my grandson relied on prayer during a difficult circumstance. As Christians, we know that praying should be our first response in times of trouble. But, as I later explained to my grandson, we must keep our eyes wide open to see the creative ways God answers our prayers. God didn’t solve my grandson’s problem by having the shoe instantly fall from the tree. Instead, God sent two capable adults to comfort and problem solve.

As we meet daily challenges, let’s remember to pray for God’s help and guidance and to be patient and watchful for God’s wisdom and creative problem solving.

Today's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, help us remember to rely on prayer during trying times. Please grant us patience as we wait for your blessings of guidance and wisdom. Amen.

RIVER
Sight Psalm for October 7, 2026
Christ is the living water and our source of strength.
Photo by Nicki Braden

10/06/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Tuesday!
Today is National Noodle Day and National Taco Day!
How appropriate!
On this day in 1893 Nabisco invents Cream of Wheat hot cereal, in 1961 President Kennedy officially advises Americans to build fallout shelters in the event of nuclear war, in 1979 Pope John Paul II becomes the first Pontiff to visit the White House, and in 2010 Instagram is founded.
Now ya know. . .
Enjoy the crisp start to the day and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for October 6, 2026
Peace to Guard our Heart
By Peter Caligiuri (Florida, USA)

Read John 14:1-7

The peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (CEB)

Here in Florida from late fall to late spring we have month after month of sunny, generally warm, and tranquil weather. But on the first of June, hurricane season begins. Those of us who have lived here a while know that means stocking up on batteries and water and keeping our cars filled with gas. We do this not because we live in fear but because we know that preparedness is our best friend when a storm heads our way.
Just as we prepare for hurricane conditions, in the same way, God’s peace does not spare us from storms, but rather it prepares us for them. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul tells us God’s peace is a guard, keeping watch over our hearts and minds. It is not a fragile or delicate peace; it is powerful and fearless, protecting everyone who seeks God. Because of the cross of Jesus, this peace can be ours. It is God’s gift for everyone who believes, receives Jesus as Lord and Savior, and seeks him with all their heart!

Today's Prayer
Dear Father, when we struggle with worry, doubt, and fear, help us to trust you. Thank you for your peace that guards our hearts and minds. As Jesus taught us, we pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:9-13, NIV). Amen.

CREATIVITY
Sight Psalm for October 6, 2026
"When we move toward our own creativity, we move toward our Creator. Our creativity and our spirituality are so closely interconnected they are in effect one and the same thing."
— Julia Cameron
Photo by Linda Ann Bales Todd

10/05/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Monday!
Today is National Apple Brown Betty Day, National Rhode Island Day, and National Do Something Nice Day!
Nothing wrong with committing a random act of kindness today, or any day!
On this day in 1921 the World Series is broadcast on the radio for the first time, in 1951 The Honeymooners premieres on television, and in 1970 PBS(Public Broadcasting System) founded.
Now ya know. . .
Make it a great day and spend a few minutes with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Don't forget to look for ways 'reconnect!'
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for October 5, 2026
I Will Give You Rest
By Livys Lora Caro (Atlántico, Colombia)

Read Psalm 91:1-8

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (NIV)

It had been a long night filled with many thoughts, tears, and questions until finally I prayed and asked the Lord to allow me to sleep. I had so many things going on in my mind, and yet at that moment they ceased and I was able to sleep. Tomorrow would be another day to tackle the chaos and burdens of my life.
The following morning, I was grateful to God for the rest I got the night before. However, the turmoil of the previous day promptly resurfaced, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest. In that moment, I remembered the words of Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (NRSVUE).
I entered into God’s presence, and asked God to help me experience the peace that surpasses all understanding — peace to empower me to move forward and leave the burdens behind. Realizing the impossibility of resolving the chaos around me on my own, I released my burdens to God, and God gave me rest. Thanks be to God!

Today's Prayer
Dear God, give us the wisdom to surrender our burdens to you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

DESCENT
Sight Psalm for October 5, 2026
Guide our steps, O Lord, each and every day.
Photo by Laura Norris

10/04/2026

Back To Church/Fellowship Sunday
THE WORD Romans 8:14-17
Communion Meditation: “Ready! Set! Reconnect!”

10/02/2026

Good afternoon Church Family & Friends!
We pray you have had a wonderful, restful, fun summer!
As we jump into a new season of mission and ministry together, you are cordially invited to join with your church family this Sunday, October 4th at 11:00 am for a "Back to Church" Sunday celebration.
We'll begin with a modified communion worship service and transition into a time of food and fellowship!
Just know, if you haven't been with us for a while, you have been missed, and it would be great to see you there!
See ya Sunday!
Blessings,
PK

10/01/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Friday Eve!
Make the most of your day and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for October 1, 2026

Encourage One Another

By Stacy LS Siegele (Kansas, USA)



Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NRSVUE)


I once participated in a four-mile run at the Kansas City Zoo. There were over two thousand runners. All of us had different paces, different styles, and different ways of being a runner. Even with those differences, all of us had the same finish line as our goal.

The course was confusing, so there were volunteers throughout, pointing out where we should go. Sometimes we were on paths, sometimes on back roads only the zookeepers see, and once we went right through the yard of the petting zoo! Along the way, the volunteers not only kept us on the right course, but they yelled encouragement: You can do it! Way to go! You’re more than halfway!

When the path got tight and curvy, there were traffic jams, and we had to slow down for others and be mindful of those in our way. But there were no negative, judgmental comments. People were supporting and encouraging each other. The sense of community was amazing.

This is the kind of community Paul calls us to be in today’s scripture.

Paul tells us to encourage each other. We are one in Christ. When we refrain from judgment and lift others up, we set a positive example, pointing the way to the shared finish line of drawing closer to Jesus.

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to recognize that there are many ways to connect with you. May we encourage one another, supporting each other in Jesus’ name. Amen.

FORWARD
Sight Psalm for October 1, 2026
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." Isaiah 43:18 (NIV)
Photo by Dave J

09/30/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Hump Day!
Today is busy! It is National Chewing Gum Day, National Hot Mulled C***r Day, National Women's Health & Fitness Day, and National Love People Day! So, let's get out there and participate!
On this day in 1630 the village of Shawmut Massachusetts changes its name to Boston, in 1882 Thomas Edison's first hydroelectric & light plant begins operation, in 1939 the first football game is televised on NBC, and in 1960 The Flintstones premieres on ABC.
Now ya know. . .
Enjoy the beauty of the day and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for September 30, 2026
Counting Pebbles
By Jeremy K. Mullen (Pennsylvania, USA)

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Once you were alienated from God. . . . But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death, to present you before God as a people who are holy, faultless, and without blame.
Colossians 1:21-22 (CEB)

In my classroom, I used to have five glass bowls — one for each group I taught. When the students obeyed the rules, I added a pebble to the bowl for their class. When they disobeyed the rules, I took a pebble out of the bowl. After a while, I would count the pebbles in each bowl, and the class with the most pebbles won a pizza party.
Many people think this is what it’s like to be a Christian: God gives us a bunch of rules to follow and adds pebbles to our glass bowl when we obey and takes them out when we disobey and then counts our pebbles to see if we’ve earned the reward of heaven. But this is not what Christianity is. Christianity is not about obeying rules to score enough points to win admission into heaven or to get on God’s good side. Being a Christian is about living in relationship with God. That’s why the apostle Paul calls the gospel the “message of reconciliation” in today’s reading from Second Corinthians. It’s the good news of how we are reconciled to God through Jesus. And this is God’s gift given freely to us and not something we earn.

Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for inviting us to live in a loving relationship with you by faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to share this good news with others. Amen.

JOURNEY
Sight Psalm for September 30, 2026
The path may begin in shadow, but God always leads us toward hope, purpose, and light.
Photo by Lissy Buckner

09/29/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Tuesday!
Today is National Coffee Day! I'm celebrating that while I write these devotions!
Enjoy the sunshine after the storm today! Make some time for our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for September 29, 2026

God, My Strength

By Norma Maldonado (Nuevo León, Mexico)



Read Psalm 40:1-13

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NRSVUE)


A few years ago, though I lacked for nothing, I could not find joy in being the mother of two lovely children and the spouse of a good man. Given these circumstances, I simply could not understand my tendency toward sadness and despair, which prompted feelings of taking my own life.

One day, I listened to a reading of Psalm 40. It spoke directly to my heart because I was deep in the pit of despair. I began to repeat this psalm, reclaiming God’s promise to “set my feet on a rock and give me a firm place to stand” and let God guide my steps.

In time, I gained the assurance that God was fulfilling that promise. I sought treatment for my condition, and with constant prayer, God lifted me out of the pit of despondency and placed my feet on solid ground. I hold that experience as a reminder of how God rescued me from the darkest moment of my life and sustained me. God truly is our strength and our deliverer.

Today's Prayer
Dear God, your promises remain true, even when we struggle to accept them. Remind us that you continue to love us, bless us, and hold us in your care. Amen.

SIMPLICITY
Sight Psalm for September 29, 2026
Open your eyes today to the simple beauty all around you.
Photo by Victoria Kubasak

09/28/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Monday!
Praying that you have all weathered this horrible nor'easter well!
Please take some time to pray for all of our brothers and sisters who have suffered severe damage during this storm up and down the coast especially.
Pray for me this week that as a Disaster Response Coordinator, I go to assist in damage assessment to church owned properties in the Cape Atlantic District.
As the clean up and clean out continues, make the most of your day and spend a few minutes with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for September 28, 2026

Checking In

By Sheryl McDonald (North Carolina, USA)



Read Matthew 6:25-34

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)


As the owner of a new puppy, I enrolled us in a training class. Along with “sit” and “stay,” we learned something new to me: the “check-in.” The dog is supposed to turn and look at you every few minutes while walking on a leash, checking in with you as the handler. The purpose is to keep the dog from harm and on the right path and to create a bond of trust.

One training requirement is that the dog check in first, without being prompted, before receiving any praise or reward. The check-in is supposed to be a voluntary act, rather than a response to a command. I quickly learned that my dog rarely, if ever, checked in with me. Instead, she was distracted by everything around us, pulling this way and that. I wasn’t happy, and she wasn’t getting any praise.

Then I wondered, How often do I check in with God? Do I pause what I’m doing and take time to express gratitude for what God has done in my life or to seek direction for the path ahead? Perhaps I’m so involved with the distractions of this world that I don’t think to look to God as often as I should. And perhaps I’m also missing out on the reward of God’s guidance. No matter how busy I am, I now make it a regular habit to check in with the Lord.

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, as we seek to do your will, help us always to look to you for guidance. Amen.​

FLOOD
Sight Psalm for September 28, 2026
"Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more." Job 11:16 (GNT)
Photo by Laura Norris

09/27/2026