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10/29/2026

Devotion October 29 2026
Arms of Love

Scripture 1 John 4:18: " There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear."

Probably unknown to many people, but today is National Cat Day. So, I thought it only fitting to share with you a piece written by Terry Clifton from a book titled Faithful Purrs. It is a great example of how God uses all of His creation to share His goodness and mercy with us. Enjoy this piece:

"A bolt of lightning flashed, and then a deafening clap of thunder rattled the windows of my office. Our hypersensitive Manx cat, Barney, dashed under my chair and let out pitiful yowls of fear at each crack and sharp clap of thunder. As an elderly cat, he usually ambled from room to room, but he became an Olympian track star when thunder rumbled or lightning flashed.

After leaning over the side of my chair and hyperextending my left arm, I managed to lift up my overweight black Manx. Usually he would have gone feral on me. Although loving, Barney was a rescued street cat who would take a swipe at anyone he felt was threatening him, including me, his cat Papa.

My wife and I couldn't have kids, so we had cats. Barney was my older boy. We had adopted him from a shelter. He and his three brothers were found abandoned in a shuttered manufacturing plant. We never knew what happened to His mother. Due to his fragile health, we almost lost him in the first months, but miraculously he survived to become the big strapping cat he was now.

“See,” I whispered in his ear after parking him in my lap, his head nestled under my arm. “Papa's loving arms are round you now. You'll be just fine. Nothing can hurt you.” He answered with a soft guttural purr.

As I thank the Lord for Barney, I realized that Papa God was showing me what His love for me was like, so complete and encompassing that whenever I called upon Him, He was there surrounding me with His loving presence.

Please pray with me: Lord, thank You for your loving arms that hold me whenever I need it. Amen."

I hope your day is a beautiful day. And if by chance you have cats, then don't forget to give them an extra hug because lots of God's lessons come through His beloved creation. Have a great day.

10/28/2026

Devotion October 28 2026
Taking Sunday into your Week

Scripture Genesis Genesis 27:30-38
After Isaac finished blessing him, and Jacob had scarcely left his father’s presence, his brother Esau came in from hunting. 31 He too prepared some tasty food and brought it to his father. Then he said to him, “My father, please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.” 32 His father Isaac asked him, “Who are you?” “I am your son,” he answered, “your firstborn, Esau.” 33 Isaac trembled violently and said, “Who was it, then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came and I blessed him—and indeed he will be blessed!” 34 When Esau heard his father’s words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me—me too, my father!” 35 But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” 36 Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? This is the second time he has taken advantage of me: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!” Then he asked, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?” 37 Isaac answered Esau, “I have made him lord over you and have made all his relatives his servants, and I have sustained him with grain and new w**e. So what can I possibly do for you, my son?” 38 Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” Then Esau wept aloud.

The Blessing that could not be Taken Back

Some moments change everything. A signed contract. A spoken vow. A verdict announced in the courtroom. Once the words are spoken, there's no going back.
In Genesis 27, Isaac discovers that he has blessed Jacob instead of Esau. The deception has been successful. Jacob has received the blessing intended for his brother. Esau returns from the hunt, expecting his father's blessing, only to discover that it has already been given away.

What follows is one of the most heartbreaking scenes in scripture. Esau cries. Isaac trembles. The family fractures.

Yet beneath the human drama stands a greater reality. God is accomplishing His purposes. God made a covenant with Abraham, promising him that He would make him the father of many nations. This covenant has passed down through Isaac and now stands at the time of this passage.

What takes place here teaches us that God's covenant purposes can't be thwarted by human sin, that our mistakes don't cancel out God's grace and God's blessings ultimately lead us to the greater gift we have in Christ.

First of all, let's remember that God keeps working even when people make a mess of things.

In verse 33, we read Isaac, “trembled violently.” Isaac's trembling is remarkable. All along Isaac intended to bless Esau. He preferred Esau, He sought to pass the covenant blessing to the son God had not chosen. Long before the boys were born, God had declared, “The older shall serve the younger.” Isaac knew God's promise, yet he attempted to act according to his own preference. When the truth emerges, Isaac realizes something profound. He has not merely been deceived by Jacob. He's been overruled by God. The trembling is the recognition that he has encountered the sovereign will of God. As J. I. Packer writes in Knowing God, “All events that make up a person's life are divinely planned, and each of them has its own place in God's purpose.” Isaac suddenly realizes that he's not in control of the covenant blessing. God has been at work all along. That is uncomfortable for people who want control. Isaac thought he was directing the future. In reality, God was directing the future. We often live the same way. We make plans. We form preferences. We attempt to engineer outcomes. Then God does something unexpected. This passage shows us that God's purposes are stronger than our plans. Even when people make a mess of things, God keeps working to accomplish what He has promised. The point isn't that Jacob and Rebecca did the right thing. They didn't. The point here is that God is bigger than their mistakes and still accomplished what He had promised. The good news is not that people are faithful enough for God's plan to succeed. The good news is that God is faithful enough to fulfill His promises despite human failures.

Now let's look at Esau. We need to be reminded that we should not take God's blessings for granted. Verse 34 says, “Bless me, me too… my father.” Esau's cry is one of the most painful cries in Scripture. He realizes that something precious has been lost. The unknown writer of Hebrews even reminds us in Hebrews 12:16, “See that no one is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.” Esau wanted the blessing eventually, but he had not valued it consistently. Earlier, he despised his birthright, but now he desperately wants the blessing attached to it. His tears are real. His sorrow is genuine. His pain is profound. You might get a sense of this sorrow if you think back to a time you said “no” to your child and they cried great big crocodile tears and begged you to change your mind. But there's a difference between wanting God's gifts and wanting God. There's a sobering warning here. Many people want God's gifts without wanting God Himself. They want peace. They want forgiveness. They want heaven. They want purpose. But they do not desire the God from whom those gifts come. Esau reminds us that spiritual opportunities should not be treated carelessly. This story invites us to do more than shake our heads at Esau's mistake. It invites us to look at our own hearts. Are there things God has given us that we aren't really valuing? Are we putting off a response to God because we assume there will always be more time? The gospel proclaims God's patience, but it also calls for today's obedience.

As we move on, let's take a look at the blessing. God's blessing is irrevocable, we learn. Verse 33 says, “Yes, and he shall be blessed.” This statement forms the center of the passage. Isaac doesn't revoke the blessing. He can't. For Isaac and his family, a blessing was more than a few encouraging words. It was a sacred promise that carried lasting significance. Once spoken, Isaac recognizes that God's hand is upon the blessing. “Yes, he shall be blessed.” Notice the certainty here. Not “perhaps.” Not “if circumstances change.” Not “unless I reconsider.” “He shall be blessed.” This points us beyond Jacob. The promises of God are dependable because they rest upon God's character. What God decrees, He accomplishes. What God promises, He fulfills. When God says “yes,” no one else gets the final word. For believers, this becomes a source of immense comfort. We live in a world of uncertainty. Relationships fail. Markets fluctuate. Bodies weaken. Yet God's promises remain secure. The God who kept His covenant promise through Jacob is the God who keeps His promise to His people today.

At this point, we must ask an important question. Why does this story matter to the church? The answer is that Jacob's blessing is ultimately part of the story that leads to Jesus. The covenant promised to Abraham, passed to Isaac, and then to Jacob. From Jacob came the nation of Israel, and then from Israel came the Messiah. God preserved this blessing because through it He intended to bless the nations. The tragedy of Genesis 27 points forward to a greater reality. In many ways, we’re all like Esau. Sin has left us separated from the life and blessing God intended for us. We stand empty-handed. We cannot secure the blessings ourselves. But then Jesus came as the Son who was completely faithful. Jacob received a blessing through trickery, but Jesus received the Father's blessing through perfect obedience. Where Jacob put on someone else's clothes to gain favor, Jesus took on our humanity to save us. And where Esau's tears could not restore what was lost, Jesus's sacrifice makes restoration possible. Through Christ, God's promise to Abraham reaches all people. In Him we find forgiveness, a place in God's family, and an inheritance that will never fade away.

Genesis 27 is filled with flawed people. A father playing favorites. A mother manipulating things. A son who is deceiving. And a brother who is raging mad. Yet above all of them stands a faithful God. The story is not ultimately about how clever Jacob is or how tragic Esau is. It's about the God whose purposes stand. The blessing remained because God's promise remained. And today we are invited to trust that same God. When our plans fail, His purposes still stand. When our sins expose us, His grace remains available. When we wonder whether God's promise will hold, the Cross and Resurrection declare that they will. The question for us is not whether God will keep His word. The question is whether we will trust the One who always does. Amen

Please pray with me: Holy and Living God, we give you thanks for the promises that You have made to Your people which have traveled down through the years. In considering them all, help us to never take your blessings for granted and to follow Your Will in our lives. Amen

10/27/2026

Thomas UMC would like to invite you to its annual All Saints Day celebration and honoring. This faith community stretches beyond space and time. We commune with Christians around the world, believers who came before us, and believers who will come after us. This is our time to celebrate saints who have finished their race and those who walk among us today. Our celebration will be Sunday, November 1 at 10:30am. Even if you don't worship with us regularly you are welcome to come and celebrate your loved ones with us. Please feel free.

November 1 @ 10:30am Thomas UMC 504 First St, Oxford

10/27/2026

Devotion October 27 2026
Forgive and Forget

Scripture: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D. who writes for Leading the Way on Crosswalk has written our devotion for today. His main focus is that God does not condemn us for our past mistakes, but redeems us for a life with Him. Consider these words:

"Some people understand God’s redemptive plan for their lives, and yet they fail to see how He can use them for His Kingdom work. They feel as though their lives have been stained too deeply by sin, disqualifying them from service. This is not true.

God’s plan for our lives is one of hope. He never looks back and reminds us of our past transgressions. He never says, “If only you had not done this or that, then I could use you.” These are words the enemy uses to discourage us and keep us from being all that we can be for the Lord.

God’s purpose in saving us was not just to save us from eternal death and torment. His purpose was to save us so that we could learn to love Him the way that He loves us. Once He forgives our sins, He forgets them. What a glorious reminder of God’s unconditional love.

However, just like Paul, we were not saved merely to enjoy God’s love. We were saved with a purpose in mind: to tell others about His saving grace. This is what Paul did. Once Christ saved him, once Christ returned his earthly sight, and once Christ prepared him, Paul began to do some serious Kingdom work. And you can, too.

Maybe you have struggled with an emotional problem and have received God’s deliverance. Won’t you be available for God to use you in someone else’s life? You may think, “No one could possibly struggle with the sin that I have fought.” Many have—and many need to know there is a way through the darkness through Jesus Christ.

Please pray with me: Lord, it is hard to understand how You could possibly use me for Your glory, but I know this is exactly what You want to do. I give my life to You and ask that You would use me so that others will experience Your wondrous grace. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

It is my hope that you will have a great day today. If there come times of weakness for you today, don't forget that God is always with you and even if you make mistakes He will forgive you and lead you forward. Have a great day!!

10/26/2026

Devotion October 26 2026
Don't Put God Off Until Later

Scripture Ecclesiastes 12:1-7: "Remember your Creator
in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come
and the years approach when you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them”—
2 before the sun and the light
and the moon and the stars grow dark,
and the clouds return after the rain;
3 when the keepers of the house tremble,
and the strong men stoop,
when the grinders cease because they are few,
and those looking through the windows grow dim;
4 when the doors to the street are closed
and the sound of grinding fades;
when people rise up at the sound of birds,
but all their songs grow faint;
5 when people are afraid of heights
and of dangers in the streets;
when the almond tree blossoms
and the grasshopper drags itself along
and desire no longer is stirred.
Then people go to their eternal home
and mourners go about the streets.

6 Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
and the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
and the wheel broken at the well,
7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it."

My daily devotion, Glorify, brings us devotion for today. It is a powerful piece reminding us of how important it is to listen to God's Call.

"Not long ago, you were younger than you are today.

It is a simple thought, but one that can feel strange when we really stop to consider it. The years that once seemed so far away have slowly become the years we are living now.

We often imagine that the important things can wait. That there will be another season to focus on God, another opportunity to serve, or another moment when life feels less busy. But time reminds us that every day is a gift we receive only once.

On September 8, 2022, the world said goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II after seventy years as monarch of the United Kingdom. Her life was unlike most people's. She witnessed generations change and carried responsibilities that few will ever know.

Yet, even with all her influence and achievements, she face the same reality as everyone else. Time passed. Her strength faded. And eventually, her life on earth came to an end.

Maybe that is why Solomon, after looking back on everything he had experienced, wrote: "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in the'" (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Solomon was inviting us to give our lives to God before everything else begins demanding our attention.

It is easy to tell ourselves that we will seek Him more seriously later. But later is never guaranteed. The strength and opportunities we have today are gifts from God, and they are meant to be offered back to Him.

The beautiful thing about walking with God is that no season of life is wasted when it is lived with Him. Youth, adulthood, and old age all have purpose in His hands,.

The question is not whether we will have time for God someday. The question is what we are doing with the time He has already given us.

One day, our earthly life will come to an end. Our hope is that, when our days on earth come to an end, we will know that they were not spent only chasing things that fade, but walking with the One who gives life its true meaning.

Please pray with me: Father of mercy, may Your holy name be praised. My life is only a breath, and sometimes I cannot even realize how quickly time passes. In this brief journey, help me dedicate my days to You and live with Your glory always before me. Do not allow me to waste the life You have given me, but remind me that You are the most important treasure I have. May my days be spent knowing You, serving You, and walking in Your presence. In Jesus' name. Amen"

As you begin this last week of October, I hope you have a beautiful day. As you walk through your day continually look for blessings that God gives to you. Dedicate each day to Him and seek to walk with Him through everything. Have a great day!!

10/25/2026

The Blessing that Could not be Taken Back

10/23/2026

Devotion October 23 2026
Life's Hurdles

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1: “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”

Today's devotion comes from the Upper Room and was written by Jim Seymour. In this piece, we are reminded how much God helps us every step of our day and how He is always willing to help us get over hurdles that we run into. Please consider his words:

“My high school track team had two hurdlers: One was graceful and fluid, hardly ever tipping over a hurdle. The other hit and tripped over many of the hurdles as he ran. The not-so-graceful hurdler was the faster of the two.

Even though I was not a hurdler, I had my own obstacles to overcome as a miler on the track team. Because of some physical limitations, I often finished well behind the top finishers in competitions, but it was not for lack of desire or preparation. I never gave up and always finished every race.

In life, we face many hurdles and challenges. Many seem insurmountable. We may not want to face these difficulties and we may want to give up. But with God's help, we can gain the strength to overcome any obstacle, even those we face every day. When we share our concerns, God will show us the way. All God asks us to do is to run the race set before us with faith in God's ways.

Please pray with me. God of all strength and compassion, help me to seek You in times of need so that I may continue to run the race that you have set before me. Amen.

As you finish another week, I hope you have a beautiful day. We are almost at the end of another month and I know this month has seemed to go by quite fast. But as we enter another month, we must enter it knowing that God will help us through it. Don't forget that God will help you over every hurdle that you encounter. Have a great day!

10/21/2026

Devotion October 21 2026
Taking Sunday into your Week

Scripture Ephesians 5: 15-20 & Psalm 111:10
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on w**e, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.

God's Work following God's Will

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to move through a day on autopilot? You drive to work and barely remember the roads you took. You fold laundry while thinking about something else entirely. You sit in a meeting, nodding along, but your mind is already on dinner plans. I know some of us here have found ourselves in those positions --- it came up in discussion earlier this week. A few years ago, a pastor told the story of a man who walked into his kitchen, opened the refrigerator, stared at the shelves, and then said out loud, “I don’t even know what I’m looking for.” He wasn’t hungry. He wasn’t searching for anything specific. He was simply moving — without purpose, without intention — just drifting through the moment. And the pastor said, “That’s how many Christians live their spiritual lives — refrigerator door open, but no real awareness of what God is calling them to do.” That is also how many churches go through each new year.

A couple of weeks ago we talked about fall and how God uses this season to help us drop off things we no longer need and He prepares us for the new season of birth and growth. This time and God-driven purposes are vital not only in the life of the church, but also in the life of this country. That is why we as a church find ourselves taking a look at and discussing our committee work, what we have accomplished this last year, our plans for the next year, during this time of year. It is also why elections are held during the fall --- not just because of a 1792 law the scheduled them, but because it is the time where those same things are looked at --- giving us a time to work into a new season of birth and growth.

So, the question becomes: Are we living intentionally, or are we drifting? Are we doing the work of the church with purpose, or are we simply going through motions? Our Scripture this morning speaks directly into that question. Paul invites us to step out of autopilot and into Spirit filled intentionality — not just in our personal lives, but in the shared work of the church.

Paul begins with a call to wisdom: “Be careful how you live… not as unwise but as wise.” Wisdom in the church is not about being clever; it is about being aligned with Christ. It asks whether we are serving in ways that truly meet the needs of our community, whether we are investing our energy where God is actually moving, and whether we are listening before acting. And here wisdom confronts a mindset that often creeps into church life: “I’ve already done my part. I served my years. Now it’s someone else’s turn.” But wisdom reminds us that God’s will is not measured in turns — it is measured in faithfulness. God’s will is not a rotation schedule; it is a calling that continues to shape us throughout our lives. There may be seasons where our role changes, but there is no season where God stops inviting us to participate in His work.

Paul then urges us to make the most of every opportunity “because the days are evil.” This isn't urgency driven by fear. It's urgency driven by purpose. Every Sunday is an opportunity for someone to encounter grace. Every outreach moment is a chance to reveal Christ’s compassion. Every conversation may be a doorway to healing. And this urgency challenges the idea that we can step back simply because we have done something before. We step forward because God is still giving us opportunities. The mindset of “someone else’s turn” often comes from fatigue or frustration, but urgency reminds us that God’s will is always now. If God places an opportunity in front of us, it is not an accident. It is an invitation.

Paul’s next words deepen the call: “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” This verse reminds us that wisdom is not only about careful living but about discernment — learning to see life through God’s purposes rather than our own. Understanding the Lord’s will means listening for His direction in both sacred and ordinary moments, allowing His Spirit to shape our decisions, our service, and our relationships. Each day, we humbly pay attention and trust that God’s will is good and life giving.

Paul continues by contrasting being “filled with w**e” with being “filled with the Spirit.” Spirit filled ministry is not powered by charisma, cleverness, or busyness. It is not sustained by human strength or by repeating old tasks out of obligation. It is shaped by prayerful leadership, Spirit led imagination, and a willingness to let God renew our strength. Sometimes “I’ve already done that work” is really “I don’t think I have the energy to do it again.” But Spirit filled ministry is not about what we think we have left to give; it is about what God is able to pour into us. God’s will is not that we serve out of exhaustion, but that we serve out of Spirit given vitality.

Paul also describes believers singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Worship is not just a service we attend; it is the fuel for everything else. When worship is central, joy increases, unity strengthens, and service becomes an overflow rather than an obligation. Worship reshapes our mindset. When we worship, we stop asking, “Whose turn is it?” and we start asking, “Lord, what is Your will for me in this season?” Worship moves us from duty to devotion.

Finally, Paul calls us to give thanks to God at all times. Gratitude prevents burnout, softens conflict, builds unity, and keeps us aware of God’s provision. Gratitude also transforms our posture toward ministry. Instead of saying, “I’ve already done that,” gratitude says, “Thank You, God, that I get to be part of Your work — again, still, even now.” Gratitude doesn’t force us into every task; it simply keeps our hearts open to God’s will.

When we consider the work of our church --- God’s church in light of Paul’s words in Ephesians, we see that serving well means planning wisely, staying focused on what God’s Will is, trusting the Spirit, keeping worship at the heart of it all, and being thankful. This is how a church stays awake. This is how a church stays faithful. This is how a church stays fruitful. And perhaps the Spirit is asking us today: Are we living intentionally — or are we drifting? Are we stepping back because we’re tired — or stepping forward because God’s will is still unfolding? May God give us wisdom, urgency, Spirit filling, worship, and gratitude as we do His work together.

Please pray with me: Holy God, Holy God, thank You for speaking to us through Your Word. As we consider Your Word, help us walk wisely, live intentionally, and follow Your will with open hearts. Fill us with Your Spirit so our strength comes from You alone. Free us from the thought that our part is finished, and remind us that You still call each of us to serve in this season. Amen

10/20/2026

Devotion October 20 2026
He Loves Us Too Much to Give Us Lesser Things

Romans 8:38-39. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creative thing, will have the power to separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If God loves us, why does he seemingly withhold his blessings, especially when we're weak or vulnerable? That question has no easy answer. After all, none of us can understand why God does the things He does. But, I'm convinced that the things we sometimes see as senseless suffering are often blessings in disguise.

God sees the entire landscape of our lives from an eternal perspective, and He knows far better than we ever could the value of His grace. God loves us intimately and individually. He loves us too much to offer us lesser gifts, gifts that might somehow distance our hearts from Him.

Have you been troubled by a set back you simply cannot understand? If so, try spending less time asking “why” and more time thinking about God's love for you. His love is infinite and eternal. It's surrounding you right now. Accept it and be grateful.

Please pray with me. Holy God, I give you thanks, that you give me even more than I ask for. Thank you for loving me so much that you offer much greater things. Amen

As you go through your day, I hope it is a beautiful one. If there are times when you wonder. Why? God is doing the things for you that He is doing and you are wondering why? Experiences are such as they are. Please remember that God loves you and He gives you much more than you could ever think about asking for. Because of that. Have a great day.

10/19/2026

Devotion October 19 2026
Staying Faithful in God’s Work When You’re Tired

Scripture “Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due time you will reap if you do not grow weary.” — Galatians 6:9

Serving God when you are tired becomes an act of deep trust, because it shifts the work from your strength to God’s strength working through you. When you feel worn down, your faithfulness becomes worship. Scripture repeatedly shows that God often does His greatest work through people who feel weak—Moses overwhelmed, Elijah exhausted, Paul pressed on every side, and Jesus Himself seeking quiet places to pray. Their tiredness did not disqualify them; it became the place where God’s power was most visible. Tiredness reveals our limits and reminds us that the work belongs to God, not us. When our energy is low, dependence becomes natural, and we lean on God rather than our own ability. Our obedience becomes purer because we are not serving from adrenaline, excitement, or the desire for recognition, but from love. God strengthens what we surrender, meeting us with grace exactly where we feel empty. Paul describes this truth when he says that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. The point is not to glorify exhaustion, but to recognize that God does not wait for us to feel strong before He uses us.
Faithfulness, even in fatigue, often looks small from the outside. A quiet prayer, a gentle word, or a simple act of kindness may seem insignificant, yet these are seeds God multiplies. Showing up matters, even when you cannot give one hundred percent; offering what you have is enough for God to work with. Rest is also part of obedience. Jesus rested, withdrew, and even slept in storms. Rest is not quitting—it is trusting God to carry what you cannot. In moments of weariness, it is important to let God define success. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is continue in faithfulness, even if no one sees it.
When you are tired, imagine placing your small offering—your energy, your willingness, your few remaining drops of strength—into God’s hands. Like the loaves and fish, it may feel insufficient. But God does not ask for what you do not have; He asks for what you are willing to give. Your tired obedience is precious to Him. It reminds you that you are not serving for applause, achievement, or perfection, but out of love. And love offered in weakness is often the most Christlike love of all.

Please pray with me: “Lord, You know my limits and my weariness. Strengthen me to serve You with whatever I have today. Let Your power work through my weakness, and let my small acts of faithfulness honor You. Teach me when to work, when to rest, and how to trust You in both. Amen.”

As you move through this week, consider where God might be inviting you to rely on His strength rather than your own. I hope you have a great week!!

Address

504 First Street, PO Box 399
Oxford, MI
48371

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 12pm
Friday	10am - 12pm
Sunday	10:30am - 12pm

Telephone

+12486287636

Website

https://thomasumchurch.org/

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