West Burlington United Methodist Church

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

As we see the rain pouring outside and the sky dark, we need to think about the devotional word today. Our devotional word for today is "luminous." When the world feels dark, we remember there is light within each of us. So much more than positivity or optimism, our inner light is the presence of God. The conditions of the world have no power over us because we are one with God. Our heart light and our outlook bright, we are the calm in the chaos, the peace in the discord, and the understanding in the confusion. Our commitment to shining our light helps us find the light in others. We see past our differences and our conflicts to discover in them what we feel in ourself - peace, goodness, and the light of God. Together we are luminous, shining bright and dispelling the darkness. In 2 Corinthians 4 verse 6 says: For it is the God who said. 'Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

06/05/2026

This morning we are getting a great rain shower so we welcome it with open arm. Our devotional word for today is "Welcome." Our heart is a welcoming space, filled with love we freely share. Like a welcome mat at our front door, our open heart greets people as they enter our life. Likewise, we make our home a welcoming place. When friends and family cross our threshold, we want them to feel comfortable, to know there is a place for them where they belong. As we prepare to receive company, we bless our home with thoughts of love, knowing our prayerful thoughts lift up all who enter. The presence of God - the presence of peace - is here. We love the opportunity for connection . Our life is full with opportunities for togetherness. We give thanks for all who fill our home with love, laughter, and joy. Each one is a gift. In Romans 15 verse 7 says: "Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

06/03/2026

Our devotional word for today is "care." Sometimes Our heart goes out to a friend or even a stranger who is struggling. Other times, our heart breaks when we learn of another's devastating news. In those moments, we feel the urge to help. We pray, affirming healing, peace, or comfort. We may offer financial support or material goods. We might call on the phone or visit in person. Even so, we may feel our efforts aren't enough, especially when needs are great. But the impulse to care is in many people, the activity of God streaming through so many hearts and hands. As we join my efforts with others, we trust we can lift up even the most dire situation. We are a caring presence, ready to help, serve, and love. In 1 Thessalonians 2 verse 8 says: So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

06/02/2026

We are a spiritual being, a glorious expression of God. As, we live more fully into our divine nature, we better recognize our unity with life. Looking around, we see the beautiful diversity of humanity. We also appreciate the vast variety of creatures on earth. Whether of earth, sky, or water all creatures are glorious components of the universe. We give thanks for each one. We turn our attention inward. The glory of God within each of us is an inner kingdom where beautiful and loving thoughts live - kindness, warm memories, inspired motivation, and peace. As we bring our attention to the realm of our consciousness, we create within us a world of majesty, splendor, and wonder that we also find in the world around us. As we do, we discover the glory of God everywhere. In Psalm 19 verse 1 says: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

05/29/2026

Our devotional word for today is serve. From ancient times, prophetic voices of world faiths have called people to serve God - in whatever way they understood the Divine - through service to humanity. Today we heed this call. It is time to do something, however humble, for a hurting world. We may visit a friend, call people who live alone, volunteer at community services, or serve at a religious center. Our faith in the grace of God becomes an expression of compassionate love when we serve others. Through our service, we turn divine grace and love into constructive, benevolent action. Our service blesses others as it blesses yourself also. We grow in empathy and generosity as we selflessly share our time, talent, and treasure. In Joshua 24 verse 15 says: Choose this day whom you will serve .... but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

05/28/2026

Compassion is an expression of divine wisdom and strength. When we open our heart to others, we see beyond appearances of fear or lack. We are not deterred by thoughts of helplessness. Instead, we are guided by the clarity of divine intelligence. With faith and confidence, we invite Spirit within to inspire our thoughts and actions. We trust whatever we offer -- presence, prayer, or tangible support -- will uplift and empower. Our compassion isn't about fixing anyone; it's about reminding others of their strength, divinity, capacity to meet life with courage and grace. Rooted in love, our compassionate actions become windows of Truth through which others glimpse their wholeness, their worth, and their freedom to live in sufficient and joy. In 1 John 3 verse 18 says: Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in truth and deed.

05/27/2026

Our devotional words for today are: Sometimes uncertainty about how situations will work out shakes our faith, causing us to doubt whether the best outcome is indeed on its way. When we feel this way, we look beyond appearances and discover divine order all around us. From the rhythms of the natural world to the orderly manifestation of human-made creations, we can see how the divine idea of order sustains life. Finding examples of order in the world helps us find it in our life. Remembering times when certain things had to fall into place before a desired result could happen reminds us to be patient. We bolster our faith by affirming divine order and trusting the right outcome is on its way and will happen in its time. In Romans 8 verse 28 says: All things work together for good for those who love God.

05/26/2026

Our devotional word for today is "Welcome." Our heart is a welcoming space, filled with love we freely share. Like a welcome mat at our front door, our open heart greets people as they enter our life. Likewise, we make our home a welcoming place. When friends and family cross our threshold, we want them to feel comfortable, to know there is a place for them where they belong. As we prepare to receive company, we bless our home with thoughts of love, knowing our prayerful thoughts lift up all who enter. The presence of God - the presence of peace - is here. We love the opportunity for connection . Our life is full with opportunities for togetherness. We give thanks for all who fill our home with love, laughter, and joy. Each one is a gift. In Romans 15 verse 7 says: "Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

05/25/2026