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, December 10, 2025
Hi St. Andrew’s UMC …
What can you celebrate today? What can you be grateful for today? Did you think of celebrating God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit? If, yes, keep it going! That means that no matter what you are facing, you are focusing on God and not the concerns. If, no, what would it take for you to celebrate and be grateful for God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit in all areas of your life. Today’s devotion focuses on cleaning the heart!
Preparing Your Heart
Psalm 51:10
When was the last time you were hurt by what someone said? In that experience, how did your heart feel? When was the last time you were betrayed by what someone did? How did your heart feel then?
The heart is not only a vital organ that sustains our life; it is an organ that is critical to our emotional health. For when we keep, hold onto or never let go of our hurts, our emotional life (and even physical life) is diminished. What are those things that need to be cleared from your heart?
Psalm 51 is focused on cleansing and shedding all those things that cause disconnects with God. Advent is a time of preparing one’s life (and heart) to allow Jesus to fully enter one’s life. In verse 10, the word "spirit" is both a reference to the individual’s and God’s spirit. What would it take for you to clear your spirit and let God’s spirit take over? What are the reasons why you want your spirit and decline God's?
During this advent season, taking intentional time to prepare your heart means to let your heart be cleansed. Are you willing to let your heart be cleansed by God and create a new heart? What do you need to do to prepare your heart to fully embrace Jesus in your heart?
Dear God, thank You for always wanting to clean my heart of worldly hurt and pain. Thank You for reminding me that Your spirit will always heal and guide no matter what this world provides me. Help me to allow You to create a clean heart in me so I can fully embrace Jesus in my heart. Amen.
by Rev David Piltz
