Andy Talks

In Luke 8:22–25, Jesus calms a storm while the disciples panic, leaving them in awe and asking, “Who is this, that even the winds and waves obey him?” That’s the heart of the story—not just the calm after the chaos, but the question of who Jesus really is. Some of us grew up seeing God mainly as mighty and holy, while others saw him mostly as close and tender—but the truth is, he’s both. He’s the Lord of creation who commands the seas, and he’s also the God who walks beside us in love. Our response, like Kierkegaard said, is “fear and trembling”—awe that such a powerful God would draw so near. Today, remember both sides: pray bold prayers because he’s able, and rest in his calm because he’s with you.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 Go

In Luke 8:19–21, Jesus’ mother and brothers show up while He’s teaching, but instead of stopping, He says, “My family are those who hear God’s word and do it.” He isn’t rejecting His mom—He proved His love for her at the cross—but He’s redefining family to include everyone who belongs to Him. Luke keeps showing us this theme: Jesus expanding the circle, pulling in women, outsiders, and those on the margins. That means in Christ, we’re family—not because of DNA, race, denomination, or nationality, but because we share the same Savior. And like any family, we may fuss, but we’re still kin in Christ. If you share my Jesus, then you’re my family.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://w

In Luke 8:16–18, Jesus says no one lights a lamp just to hide it, but to shine for everyone to see, and He warns us to pay attention to how we listen. In the context of the parable of the sower, this means when God’s Word takes root in us, it grows and bears fruit—but if we ignore it or hide it, even what we think we have will slip away. The fruit Jesus promises isn’t stuff or success, but the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more—that shines out of us and points others to Him. God already knows everything about us, even our flaws, and still loves us as His children, so why would we hide His light? Today, let’s not keep it to ourselves—let’s shine, because His love never runs out and the more we share it, the more it grows.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 de

This morning in Luke 8:4–15, we looked at Jesus’ parable of the sower and the four kinds of soil — hard path, rocky ground, thorny weeds, and good dirt. Each one represents a different way people receive God’s word, and if we’re honest, most of us have been in more than one category over the years. The goal is to be “good dirt” — to let God’s word take root and grow by tending it daily through prayer, Scripture, worship, and service, just like you’d care for a garden. It takes work and persistence, but the harvest God can bring in our lives is worth it. So today, let’s be good dirt and see what God grows.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=Lu

As we continue our series "Three Simple Rules," we look at what it means to do good. How do our simple acts of goodness make a real difference in the world? How do they help us build our lives around Jesus? 

In Luke 8:1–3, Luke alone records how women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna traveled with Jesus and the twelve, supporting the ministry from their own resources. These women weren’t just passive followers; they were essential leaders and the backbone of the mission, remembered by name for generations. Luke’s Gospel consistently shows Jesus valuing those on the margins and recognizing the quiet, faithful servants who often go unnoticed. This passage challenges us to see and honor those working behind the scenes and to remember that in God’s Kingdom, no act of service is too small.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=Luke%208%3A%201-3&a

In Luke 7:36–50, Jesus is at a Pharisee’s house when a woman known for her sinful reputation shows up, weeping and anointing His feet. The Pharisee is shocked that Jesus would let her touch Him, but Jesus tells a story to show that those forgiven much, love much. The Pharisee doesn’t see his need for forgiveness, so his love is small, but this woman knows how much she’s been forgiven, and her love overflows. When we remember the depth of God’s mercy toward us, it should make us the most loving people in the world—because we’ve been loved much, we should love much.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=Luke%207%3A%2036-50&version=NRSVUEClick

In Luke 7:18–35, John the Baptist, sitting in prison and feeling forgotten, sends messengers to ask Jesus if He is truly the Messiah. Jesus responds not with rebuke but with evidence—pointing to the blind seeing, the lame walking, the deaf hearing, the dead being raised, and good news preached to the poor. Even the greatest prophet had moments of doubt, yet Jesus met him with compassion and assurance. This reminds us that our doubts and struggles don’t disqualify us from God’s love; instead, they are moments where Jesus holds on to us, even when our grip feels weak.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=Luke%207%3A%2018-35&version=NRSVUEClic

In Luke 7:11–17, we see Jesus meet a grieving widow whose only son has died, and He is moved with compassion to raise him back to life. This miracle shows us the heart of Jesus—He sees our pain, meets us where we are, and brings hope when everything feels lost. It’s a reminder that His power and mercy aren’t just for Bible times; He still steps into our broken moments today. Like the crowd who witnessed it and praised God, we’re called to see His hand at work and share the good news that in Him, even death doesn’t have the final word.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=Luke%207%3A%2011-17&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to joi

This morning, we looked at one of my favorite stories in Luke 7, where a Roman centurion shows incredible faith by asking Jesus to heal his servant—not by coming in person, but just by speaking the word. What really stands out to me is when the centurion says, “I also am a man set under authority.” He understands how authority works, and he recognizes that Jesus is under God’s authority too. That’s powerful. Even Jesus submitted to the will of the Father, and that challenges us to think: Who do we submit to? We all need accountability—whether it’s to our church, spouse, or spiritual leaders—because true freedom and spiritual growth come when we live under God’s authority, not just our own.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 Wo

As we continue in our series "Three Simple Rules," we examine Wesley's call to the early Methodists to "Do No Harm." We may not always know the right thing to say, but we generally know what not to do. Sometimes the first step of healing is to avoid doing harm. 

This morning we wrapped up Luke 6, where Jesus gives us a clear and challenging word: if we call Him Lord, we have to actually do what He says. He uses the image of a house with a strong foundation—those who hear His words and act on them are building on rock, while those who don’t are building on sand, setting themselves up for collapse. It’s a reminder that Jesus doesn’t just want our agreement; He wants our obedience. Our lives should be built on Him—our firm foundation—because He’s the only one who won’t fail us. Everything else will eventually crumble, but when we follow and obey Jesus, we’ll stand strong no matter what comes.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.biblegat

This morning, we looked at Luke 6:43–45, where Jesus reminds us that our lives produce fruit based on what’s in our hearts—just like a tree produces fruit according to its kind. If we’re full of grace, love, and mercy, that’s what will flow out of us. But if bitterness or selfishness is filling our hearts, that’ll show too. I shared a bit about flying with my son today (and yes, I’m excited about the free hot dog in Meridian!), but more importantly, we talked about what it means to truly live out our faith—because people should be able to tell we follow Jesus by how we live, not just by what we say. So, what kind of fruit are you producing?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

It’s good to be back in Luke’s Gospel, and today we’re looking at Jesus’ teaching on judgment in Luke 6:37–42. We started with a little fun—Jesus never called it the “Sermon on the Plain” or “Sermon on the Mount,” and He certainly didn’t ask for red pencils! But the message is serious: we’re not called to judge, because we’re all carrying logs in our own eyes. We also talked about why karma doesn’t fit in Christian theology—Jesus didn’t get what He “deserved,” and neither do we. Grace, not karma, is our hope. We give, forgive, and show mercy because that’s what we’ve received. And if we’re going to point at anything, let it be toward Jesus—not at someone else’s speck.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’

This morning we looked at one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings in Luke 6:27–36—his call to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and be merciful just as God is merciful. It’s not easy, and I’ll be honest—I don’t like it. But Jesus wasn’t just tossing out metaphors; he meant what he said. This kind of love isn’t natural—it’s only possible through God’s grace working in us. If we’re going to follow Jesus, we have to ask ourselves: what are we feeding in our hearts—love or hate? Because what we nurture will shape how we live.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=Luke%206%3A%2027-36&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to j

This morning we dove back into Luke 6:20–26, where Jesus lays out blessings and woes that flip the world’s values upside down. On Friday, we looked at the big picture—how Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” compares to Matthew’s “Sermon on the Mount.” Today we focused on the heart of Jesus’ message: our Christian ethics aren’t grounded in this world—they’re grounded in eternity. Jesus says the poor, the hungry, the weeping, and the hated are blessed, while those who seem to have it all now—the rich, the full, the laughing, and the praised—should be warned. Why? Because worldly success is fleeting, but the Kingdom of God is forever. When we live for eternity, we gain purpose, freedom, and a deeper joy in the here and now. So let’s aim at heaven—and trust that God will take care of 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 minu

As we start our new series in August, talking about the "Three Simple Rules," we take time to talk about what it means to have a rule.  We look at Deuteronomy 6:1-8 and talk about how it is, in the busyness of our lives, we build our lives around God.

This morning’s reading from Luke 6:17–26 gives us a version of Jesus’ famous teaching that’s often called the Sermon on the Plain. Like the Beatitudes in Matthew, Jesus speaks blessings over the poor, the hungry, the grieving, and the hated—but Luke also includes a set of “woes” that warn the rich, the satisfied, and the admired. The setting is different too: Luke places Jesus on level ground, while Matthew has Him on a mountain. But both versions are true—Jesus likely shared these core messages many times, and each Gospel writer highlights different angles. Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the new Moses; Luke shows Him as a teacher for everyone. Together, they help us see Jesus more clearly.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

This morning’s passage from Luke 6:12–16 shows us how Jesus called His apostles—but not before spending the whole night in prayer. That alone reminds us to lead with prayer when facing big decisions. From a larger group of disciples, He chose twelve very different people—like Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector, who would’ve naturally been enemies. And yes, even Judas was called. Jesus didn’t pick perfect people; He picked people willing to follow. Not everyone was in the inner circle, and that’s okay—growth takes time, and faithfulness matters more than position. So wherever you are in your journey, stay prayerful, stay open, and trust that Jesus is leading you.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

This morning’s reading from Luke 6:1–11 shows us that faithfulness to God can sometimes challenge our routines and religious structures. The Pharisees had good intentions—they wanted to honor God by protecting the Sabbath—but over time, their focus on rules caused them to miss the heart of the Sabbath itself. Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath is a gift meant for rest, worship, and doing good. When He heals a man on the Sabbath, the religious leaders get angry—not because He did wrong, but because He didn’t follow their rules. It’s a warning for us: we can be religious without being faithful. Jesus calls us to something deeper—not just rule-following, but lives marked by compassion, grace, and Spirit-led obedience.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