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, October 14, 2026

Hi St. Andrew’s UMC Community….

Today we consider how sharing that piece of cake can be one of the most challenging aspects of life! Abel was able to share his best but Cain wasn’t able. Why?

Bringing Your Best

Genesis 4:3-7

As a big brother, I often found myself in the position of having to share a piece of cake or have to let my little sister borrow something that I cherished. There was always a little part of me that felt it was unfair that I had to give her the better piece or let her borrow something I liked. And in those times that I gave her the smashed piece of cake or said no to letting her borrow something, I felt guilty. Can you relate? Were you the big brother or sister who had to give things up and you had to be OK with it? Or were you the younger sibling?

Abel gave God his best livestock, or the firstlings, while Cain just gave a portion of what he cultivated. There is a big difference between giving God your best compared to just some of what you have. When you give to God, are you giving God your best or just whatever you have that you can comfortably let go? What blocks you from giving your best to God?

When I was a fledging Christian and tithing and giving of money seemed impossible, I chose to give my time. But even then, the time I gave wasn’t always my best as it was just something I could schedule in my already overwhelmed life. Yet as I walked with Jesus, the concept of giving my best to God became real. I began to consider what was my best when offering my prayers, presence, service, witness, and gifts. And often I would get stuck on witness and gifts.

What does it mean to give my best in my gifts? I ponder that often and I know John Wesley did also. I am learning that giving my best in my gifts is trusting that God provides. And I have experienced God providing in ways I couldn’t imagine. It takes trust in God, which is difficult. Abel trusted God and Cain trusted himself. Who do you trust more in your faith walk – God or yourself?

Dear God, You call me to give back to You my best since You gave Your best first. I struggle to do this, forgive me and strengthen me to trust You. Amen.

(Image from Google.)

by Rev Dave Piltz