Each Wednesday, a devotion is posted here, sent via email to our email list and also posted on our Facebook page. If you would like to be part of our email list please contact the church office. In addition, check out past Devotions on our Facebook page. 

I often receive feedback that the devotions are rich in content and are complex. Reading devotions whether short and concise or longer and complicated should never be read once quickly. All types of devotions should be read multiple times using contemplation, reflection and pausing. In those spaces of contemplation and reflection we experience the Holy Spirit interacting with us. Sometimes, individuals will reach out and provide their thoughts and reflections on their devotion. My intent has always been to create a dialogue. So read these in the way that best works for you to experience the Holy Spirit and create a dialogue with others in our community.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Hi St. Andrew’s UMC Community ….

What motivates you? For me, anytime I consider a chocolate bar is a reward, well, I seem to get things done! Or better yet a nap as the reward! Is thinking about what motivates us what holds us back? Today we consider how fear can hold anyone back and yet God calls us to be Fearless with God!

Fearless with God

Matthew 25:14-20

Alberto ‘Beto’ Perez created Zumba Fitness: an aerobic dance form of exercise that crosses all cultures. From https://www.guidantfinancial.com/blog/5-inspiring-stories-of-successful-hispanic-entrepreneurs/ we read:

Perez has humble roots: He was born and raised in Colombia to a single mother. With hard work, a love of dance, and ambition, he’s an extremely successful business owner today. In an interview with Readers’ Digest, Perez once said, “Have passion and perseverance. It’s like fishing – you have to throw the bait. You throw it once, and the fish might not bite, so you have to throw it again and again, until it bites.”

Perez is the living embodiment of the Matthew text. Three people were entrusted to steward and prosper what they were given. Two of them doubled what they were given, while one, from fear, hid what was given to them. Who are you more like? The one who doesn’t let fear stop them as they continue to work hard to create abundance, or the one whose fear stops them and doesn’t let them move forward easily? Or are you both depending on the situation? 

Choosing fear or trusting God. It’s a hard choice. I have been in many situations of my life where others have said, you need to trust God. That’s hard to live out. Perez didn’t choose fear. What will it take for you to not choose fear and trust God? Where in your life does fear appear? What will it take to trust God, no matter what?

Good and gracious God, thank You for reminding me I do not need to choose fear, I can choose trusting You. Help me to trust You in the midst of my challenges and worries. Amen.

(Image from: https://www.guidantfinancial.com/blog/5-inspiring-stories-of-successful-hispanic-entrepreneurs/)

by Rev Dave Piltz