The Untidy Methodist: Recent Episodes
Ed Garrett
The Untidy Methodist is a devotional podcast, posting 2 episodes per week. We post on Monday and Friday nights, with occasional special episodes. Your comments, suggestions, and most of all your prayers are most welcome.
Seeing the need is important. But once we see the need, it’s even more important to “do something about it” to the best of our ability. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Being “thankful in all circumstances” isn’t always easy to do. The troubles and trials of life can crowd out the things we should be thankful for. How do we “thankfully remember” all our blessings? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
You may already know about the debates in the United Methodist Church over gender and sexuality. What you may not know is how we got here. This Special Edition of The Untidy Methodist brings you the story of two men and how they changed the course of history for the United Methodist Church.
We’ve raised the idea of multitasking to an art form. But in doing so, we’ve begun to realize how difficult it is to try to work on so many things at once. That’s still true when we look at our walk of faith. And, that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
“Setting our minds on things above” means more than just thinking about how wonderful Heaven can be. It shows in how we live our lives every day, in how we treat each other. Where we “set our minds” lets others know what matters most in our lives. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
How do we guard against those who would misquote or twist Scripture to get their way? “A little knowledge” helps quite a bit. And, that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
It’s easy to stand firm in the faith when times are good. But, how do we stand firm in our faith during difficult times? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Wesley’s Covenant Prayer is beautifully written and describes so well what following Christ can mean. While the level of commitment required by this prayer can be a bit intimidating, it’s still the roadmap to our best relationship with God. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We often refer to our congregation as a “Church family”. And, that is true - or at least it should be. How do we show that kind of love and care to each other and to those around us? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
When times are tough, what gets us through the day? It’s faith, it’s trust, it’s knowing in our heart we are still loved and cared for. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The message of God’s grace is available to everyone, everywhere. What that means, and what we should do about it, are part of what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Sooner or later what we say (and how we say it) will reveal what we are really like. Who we really are. A good heart filled with love and kindness can make a difference in what we say, every day. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
When someone hurts you and wants to make things right, how do you handle it? Do you say “I told you so” and make sure they feel as bad as you once did? Or, is there a better way? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
“Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.” That’s a translation of today’s verse from The Message. Words have more power than we may think, especially when someone is going through a difficult time. We talk about the power of our words in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
This is a truly holy day on our calendar, the day we remember the sacrifice of our Savior on a cross. What makes this day a truly “Good Friday”? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We are told to “test everything” and to “hold fast to what is good” when it comes to matters of faith. How can we “discern” or understand the differences when it comes to our faith? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
A bright light can guide our way. Show us the paths to take. Keep us from falling into danger. What does that mean in our walk of faith? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
How do we place stumbling blocks in our own way and in someone else’s walk of faith? And, how can we instead be a stepping stone that makes that walk easier? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The idea that someone else in our lives could know literally everything we say and do can be unsettling, and yet that’s exactly what God does know. How do we respond to that, and how can we be glad that this is the case? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
John Wesley wrote about spiritual disciplines that he called “Means of Grace”. In this second part of the series, we hear about Works of Mercy, ways that we both experience grace and share God’s love and grace with others. That’s in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Working hard to do your best is not a bad thing - as long as we remember to care for others along the way. Putting the needs of others first is part of what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi are good advice to us today. “Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if necessary”. How do we set the example of Christ’s love? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
There are enough troubles in this world, especially over the last couple of years, that it can be all too easy to be discouraged. Yet, we are continually reminded to look ahead. To not lose heart. To look to the unseen things that are better than any troubles we may have today. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Events going on right now make this a very perilous time. What can we do to bring greater peace in the world, whether far from home or right where we live? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
These are stress filled times, and it’s far too easy to let worry overtake us. But, worry never solved anything, and we’re reminded of that as we talk about worry in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Most of us want to leave something to future generations, for the people we love. How do we do that while helping others in need today? It’s all about priorities, and remembering that “You Can’t Take it With You”. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
It’s important to know who your friends really are. A truly good friend can be as close as family, while an unreliable friend can cause a lot of trouble. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
John Wesley wrote about Means of Grace, talking about the things that work inward to build our faith and connection to God, and the means by which we reach out to others in following God’s will. In this episode we begin with those things that work inward, called Works of Piety. It’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Why do “good works”? Is that a way to “earn” grace? And if not, why do we talk so much about doing good works? Doing good is a response to grace, not the reason for that grace, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Snow is mentioned many times in the Bible, in some cases as a symbol for divinity and purity, and in others as a symbol of God’s forgiveness, as in, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow”. We talk about snow and what it symbolizes in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Having faith doesn’t mean we never have to deal with tough times. It does mean we never have to face them alone. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
If you’ve ever felt like the least likely choice for something, take heart. You may be exactly what God is looking for. It’s the difference between how we look at things and how God looks at us. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Christmastime is full of love, hope, peace, and joy. It’s something we need to remember long after the lights are taken down and the ornaments are put away. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
This is a happy and joyful season for so many of us. But, for those who have gone through loss, this can be a very difficult time of year. How does a Blue Christmas service help, and what can we do to help others as well? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
This is a season we like to celebrate with the people we love, all our friends and family. But there is more to the love that runs throughout this season. It’s the love we all have been given, and the love we all can share. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
This season is a time of peace, of hope, and of joy. True joy is more than just a fleeting emotion. It’s something we can choose to keep in our hearts that can get us through the toughest of times. We talk about Joy in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
This is a wonderful time of year, but it can also be one of the most hectic. As we make all our preparations, don’t forget to enjoy the Peace that the season brings. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We have entered Advent, the beginning of the Christian year and a time of anticipation and preparation. It’s also a time of hope. Of hope for better times Of hope fulfilled. Of hope in the face of whatever problems we face in life. We talk about hope in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
How well do we welcome people who are new to us? To those who are visiting? How well do we show Christ’s love to the world? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
When others say things that are not-so-nice to you on social media, do you want to say something just as bad right away? Sometimes discretion really is the better part of valor, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
An ambassador to another nation carries the responsibility of representing the values and interests of their home country. They are an example, maybe the definitive example of what their nation is like to people in that other land. If we are called ambassadors for Christ, what does that mean for us and how we should live out our own faith? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Sometimes our faith gets tested by the slings and arrows of life. Yet, that is when we most need that faith, when we most need to be able to trust in a God that loves us all. Placing trust when things are down is what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
A grudge can last a very long time, and it generally doesn’t solve anything. A grudge can be a bigger harm to the person holding it than to anyone else. So, why do we hang on to grudges? And, what can we do about it? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
In a warning against hypocrisy, Jesus reminded His followers that you can’t really hide from God. Increasingly today, we can’t hide from the world, either. Not in a social media world that chronicles all our lives. It’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
There are different ways of worship, from formal to contemporary and more. We don’t always agree on everything as Christians. But, what we do agree on can be summed up in a creed many of us say routinely every Sunday. Whether it’s the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed or another statement of our faith, it’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Right now, a little encouragement could make a big difference for someone we meet. It can also be a boost for us as well. It’s part of lifting each other up in the faith, and it’s what we talk about today in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Today’s passage has some wise advice for any parent. How we teach our children, how we guide them, and the example we set for them, can make a big difference in their walk of faith. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
In Biblical days, it was the widow and orphan who needed someone to speak up for them. In today’s world there are even more who need us to speak up, to stand up, and to help as best we can. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Having faith is easy when the reward is right in front of us. But, there’s more to faith than what we get right now. We believe and have hope, even if we can’t see the end result right now. We trust, we believe, we have faith. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
It’s not easy for many to keep their energy and enthusiasm going in today’s world. How can we get the “Energy Boost” we need to keep going? That’s what we talk about in today’s episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We conclude our series on “Love Above All” with one more look at the qualities of love Paul writes about in this very familiar passage. It’s all in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Love isn’t rude or selfish. Love isn’t easily angered and it doesn’t hold a grudge. That’s part of the message from this very familiar passage. And, it’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Love is patient and kind. It isn’t boastful or jealous. And, while these words are most read at weddings, they are meant to be a guide for all our lives. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
All the great gifts and abilities we have in this world are made meaningful by the love we put behind them. It’s love that matters most, as we hear in this very familiar passage. It’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
There are great examples from our childhood of people speaking with gentleness, kindness, and grace. We are challenged to keep that in mind when we speak with anyone, even today. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The troubles and trials of today are wearing so many people down. It’s hard to keep a positive, loving, and compassionate outlook going. But, that’s what makes it so important that we keep going. That we don’t allow ourselves to become weary in doing good. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
It’s always important to help those in need. But, how we look at those in need, and how willing we are to help, matters just as much. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Life is a shared journey, and how well we share the ups and downs of life with each other makes a big difference for all of us. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Who we are, what we truly are at heart, will be seen by the world sooner or later. Just what is reflected in the way we live our lives? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Jesus ate with the tax collectors and sinners, showing us that grace is available to all. How well do we reach out to others, and how well do we show care and compassion when we do? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
It’s easy to fly off the handle. It even seems to be celebrated at times. But, how we handle situations that make us angry reveals our character. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
If even a sparrow matters to God, how much more are each of us worth? It’s sometimes hard to remember how much we matter, how much we are truly loved. But, the truth is we all matter, we are all loved, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Everyone is a precious child of God, an example of God’s own handiwork. Each of us has been given the ability to do good, to help others, to share God’s love with the world. That’s our challenge, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The far-sighted, astute person can avoid a lot of the pitfalls that others fall into. Being watchful about the paths we are taking is what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Generosity, real generosity comes from the heart. We share what we have, what we are, and what we are able to do because we love others. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Some of the least likely people have done great things when called by a God that not only loves, but forgives. We talk about how that impacts each of us in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Joy is sometimes used as a synonym for happiness, but there is an important difference. It’s the difference between a momentary feeling and something that can last a lifetime. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
What do we do when the things we hope for keep us waiting? When we’ve waited for so long that it’s hard to hold on to that hope? There are things we can do, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
It’s in part about who we allow to influence us in our lives. It’s also about whether we are the right influence for someone else. That’s what we talk about today on The Untidy Methodist.
Paul writes that we are called to be free, and that’s what we are through grace. But, it’s what we do with that freedom that shows who we are, and to whom we belong. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We admire people who show integrity in their words and in what they do every day. All too often, we find people who don’t live up to that standard. At times, we may even fall short of that standard. Still, striving for that quality in our lives is an important part of our walk of faith. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We spend so much of our time talking more than listening. Even arguing more than hearing out what the other person has to say. Yet, wisdom is found in listening, and in taking good advice. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We celebrate John Wesley as the founder of Methodism. But, even Wesley had his moments of doubt. That all changed for him at Aldersgate. How do we apply that to our own lives today? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We all have good times and bad times, and we don’t always know which is coming up next. How do we stop and smell the roses when times are good? And, how do we deal with the toughest of times? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The important thing about any parent is the love they have for their children. It’s the unconditional kind of love God has for us as well. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Our emotional well-being can have an effect on how we feel physically as well. While it’s not a panacea, it does make a difference. How can we make that difference for others as well as ourselves? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Do we judge people by outward appearances? Or, do we look deeper, into what kind of person they truly are? What is in their hearts? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
That may sound like a contradiction, but it’s exactly what we need to do. To trust and to stay spiritually still and calm - and to act on faith as we are led to do. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
A lot of us spend much of our lives trying to get ahead. We look for things that convey the status we have somehow “done well” for ourselves. But, is true greatness found in that kind of status? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Gossip can be entertaining, but it also can be hurtful. It can break apart relationships and leave lasting impacts that are hard to heal. It’s a different kind of “bad word”, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We conclude our series with a “hope that does not disappoint us.” All the signposts have been leading us here, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We’ve talked about how faith is at the heart of our signposts to hope, and how making it through tough times can give us the endurance we need for whatever lies ahead. All of that can lead to the kind of character you have, and that’s what we talk about today on The Untidy Methodist.
We continue our series based on a passage that takes us from the troubles of today to a hope that does not disappoint. Faith in tough times can lead to endurance, the ability to withstand the troubles that may come our way. That’s what we talk about today on The Untidy Methodist.
We begin a series based on a passage that takes us from the troubles of today to a hope that does not disappoint. All that begins with faith - and that’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Is it okay to complain when we pray to God? What’s the difference between griping and a lament? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We have opportunities every day to do good, to be better, to learn and grow. What we do with each day matters - and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Forgiveness is something we talk about a lot in our walk of faith, especially when we talk about God’s forgiveness for us. But, forgiving others can be another matter entirely. It’s something we are called to do, but it’s not always easy. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Today’s passage tells us that we need to have the faith of a child. Just what does that mean, and how do we get back to that as adults? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Being wise means more than just having a lot of facts in our heads. Seeking true wisdom can involve some surprising qualities - and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
It’s far easier to justify things to ourselves than to admit we were wrong. But, that kind of “justification” only fools ourselves and keeps us from being who we can be in our walk of faith. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
In Biblical days, the shepherd’s rod and staff were important tools for guiding and keeping a flock safe. They were often used symbolically to describe God’s love and guidance for our lives. What exactly are the shepherd’s rod and staff, and how do they apply today? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
In our busy world, it’s not always easy to hear what God is calling us to do in our lives. Whatever our gifts may be, there are things we all can do, and things each of us are called to do. Following God, we can find joy, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
There are so many things in this world that can pull us down, that can pull us away from being the kind of people we should be. It’s so important to “guard your heart”, to stay centered in the love we should be sharing with others. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
With the use of social media, what we say and do is more and more on display to the world 24/7. What we say and do, and how we live out our faith when we think no one is looking has become more important every day. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Paul reminded those strong in the faith that it’s important to build each other up. Not to tear others down or think too highly of themselves. Building each other up is what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Jesus ate with publicans and sinners, or rather, the kind of people pushed aside by the polite society of the day. What can that teach us about our own outreach today? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The Good News of Easter was hard for Jesus’ disciples to believe at first. Their hopes had been dashed at the foot of the cross, until they understood what happened on the third day. Even today, our worries and fears can get in the way of our own hope. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
In this 100th episode of our Devotional Series, we focus on Good Friday. It’s such an important day in our faith, in no small measure because this is not the end of the story. We are an Easter people, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Some in the crowds that cheered Jesus on Palm Sunday turned into a mob against Him on Good Friday. When we tear down each other, are we any better than that - and if so, what can we do about it? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
It isn’t just about what we give up, what we may sacrifice for a time to help us grow in our faith. God calls us to do something more, to help others who may be in need. It’s that “something more” that we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
With tragedy and hate all around, it’s sometimes hard to remember just how powerful love can be. We talk about love and the difference it can make in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Speaking rashly can lead to a lot of problems. Sometimes it’s even better to say nothing at all. Speaking in a way that reflects who we should be as followers of Christ is what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The Bible is full of stories of great things done by some of the least likely people. When we think we are not good enough, God has a different opinion and a different plan. We are never too broken for God’s love, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Saying we love everyone is easy, until we realize that it also means loving our enemies. That’s one of the toughest things Jesus asked of us all, and it’s what we talk about today in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Character isn’t what we say we are, it’s who we really are at heart. It’s easier today than ever before to spot that difference. Acting with integrity, showing good character, is what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
A kind word can help someone in need, and a compliment can make a difference in someone else’s day. But, how often do we miss the opportunity to share those words with others? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We refer to some people as a “friend at work” or a “friend from school”. But, this brief verse tells us a lot more about who is really our friend - and what kind of friend we should be. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist
There is so much that we have been given the ability to do in this world by a loving God. What we do with those talents is in part what we are talking about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
What we say and do can have a huge impact on someone else’s life. It’s important to remember that as we live out our faith, so that our actions help instead of hinder others. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist
Living out our faith requires us to stay strong in our beliefs, and at the same time to do everything with love. Doing both at the same time is not always easy, but it’s important. That is what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Most of us have heard that phrase all our lives, “It is better to give than to receive”. Sounds great, but just how does that work? And, how does a giving spirit build upon itself and spread to others? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
There are courses for leading prayer that give you the right words to say in almost any setting. But, what about when it’s just you and God? Are particular words needed, or do we simply say what’s on our hearts? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
This episode of The Untidy Methodist is a bit different than our usual content. After 85 Devotional Episodes (and counting), it's time to give a look behind the scenes to tell you more about the podcast itself. This is how The Untidy Methodist came to be, how it became a devotional podcast, and how each episode comes together.
Paul wrote that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Not hardship, not height nor depth - and not even the troubles and trials of today. That's what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Most of us are guilty at some point in time of making a snap judgment about someone else. Yet, we are told to “judge not lest you be judged”. Judging, or rather avoiding being judgmental, is what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Paul challenged us to carry each other’s burdens, while at the same time to carry our own load. It's all about "How we care and what we do" in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
During His ministry, Jesus lived through many of the same joys and sorrows that we experience today. In doing so Jesus set an example of empathy and compassion that we try to follow. Just how well do we follow that example? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
There are times in our lives that we find ourselves called in a different direction than we had planned. While the Magi went home by another way and Joseph, Mary and Jesus fled to Egypt, our “different direction” might take a very different form. That’s what we talk about today on The Untidy Methodist.
How well do we show the love of Christ to the world? The world watches us, and others who claim to be like us to see what being a Christian is all about. Do we sometimes push people away with our words and actions, or are we truly welcoming to all? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
As we put away the old year and move into the new, could it be the right time to get back the qualities of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience that show the world who we are as a people of faith? And, is this something we can keep going even when times are tough? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
This year has been one for the record books...and we are all more than ready to say goodbye to 2020. Can we hang on for those better days ahead? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas in a very unusual year, the reason we celebrate stays the same. The birth of a baby in Bethlehem changed the world - and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The Nativity scene has been recreated countless times, all around the world. It’s beautiful, and yet it’s also humble. That’s important - and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
As part of the Christmas story we remember the Wise Men and their precious gifts for the baby Jesus. What their visit meant, and how their gifts are reflected in what we do today, are what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We remember the shepherds’ role in the Christmas story in every Christmas pageant. But have we ever thought about why the Angels were sent to them to tell the tale? The reason is important - and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
When Mary met her cousin Elizabeth, it was a great time of celebration for them both. In a year when some of the ways we celebrate are more difficult, can we still keep that joy and excitement in our hearts? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Joseph’s figurine is a part of just about every Nativity scene. But, how much do we really talk about Joseph? And, what does his example say to us today? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The Angel Gabriel greeted Mary with the news that she would become the mother of our Savior. While she was troubled when Gabriel first appeared, she willingly took on the honor and the responsibility of this most important calling. What are we being called to do...and how will we answer that call? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The Advent season has already begun, and we enter the season with anticipation...and with a different set of expectations than normal. We talk about Advent, how it began, and what it means in this unusual year, in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Having someone there for you, to have your back when things are tough, makes a big difference in our lives. The encouragement and support we give each other is even more important in these times, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We’ve heard it before - “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.” But, it isn’t just about looking back at the end of it all. It’s also a challenge to do good, now. Just how do we “fight the good fight”? That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Payback, giving someone everything we think the other person deserves and more, has become welcomed and even admired today. That’s especially true in social media but it’s true throughout our society. Paul’s message takes a different angle on this idea of payback, and that’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The problems of today may not seem like a good reason for praise, so just why and how can we join in with “everything that has breath” praising God? And, how do we help others get to that place as well? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Jesus set the example of being welcoming to one and all, even sharing meals with those looked down upon by society. How well do we follow that example in our daily lives? Being truly welcoming is a commitment that goes far beyond the doors of our sanctuaries. It’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Keeping your cool is one way we talk about self-control. But, self-control has a whole host of meanings when we apply it to our walk of faith. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Gentleness is all too often associated with “weakness”. But, gentleness can still be powerful. Being gentle can still make a difference in this world. And, gentleness is one of the Fruits of the Spirit that we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Being faithful, someone you can truly rely on, isn’t always easy. It’s something that we develop over time as we continue to grow in our faith. Becoming someone who can truly say “You can count on me” is what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Goodness is a quality that we don’t always fully recognize in ourselves. But, goodness is something we can find in others. And hopefully, goodness is something others can find in us. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Patience may be a virtue, but practicing patience in real life can be tough. We’ll talk more about “waiting on the Lord” in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
When we say, “the peace of Christ be with you”, what kind of peace do we mean? It’s not easy to define, especially when peace in the world seems to be in short supply. We talk about peace, and peacemaking, in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Defining joy in a biblical sense is not as easy as it sounds. Joy and happiness may be linked in the dictionary. But, joy in this sense can be something we experience even when happiness seems far away. That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The word “Love” is used hundreds of times throughout the Bible. Yet, it all too often seems in short supply. God loves us, sometimes in spite of us, and commands us to love one another. The meaning of this kind of love, the kind we are expected to have for all of God’s children, is what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Kindness seems to be in short supply these days. Yet, that may be just the thing we need the most. A little kindness can change hearts, change lives...even change the world. That’s what we talk about today on The Untidy Methodist.
The worries of today can easily get us feeling down. Just “letting go and letting God” isn’t as easy as it may sound...but it is still something we need to do. That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
There are times in our lives that we may give up on someone...times we may even give up on ourselves. But, does God ever give up on us? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
There are plenty of reasons to feel worn down today. But, there is hope...and help for us. And, we can also provide that hope and help for someone else. That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The Golden Rule is one of the most familiar passages of the Bible, and of almost every religion and culture in the world. But, living it out isn’t always as simple as that rule would make you think. How do we make that work in our daily lives? That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
57 years after Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I have a dream” speech, we still have a long way to go. We go back to his speech, and the challenges and hope that still speak to us today, on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
When bad times strike, that question is one of the most common things we ask. But, are we asking the right question? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We all go through difficult times in life - and sometimes they leave us all a little bit broken. What does it mean when God mends our hearts and our lives? That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We are finding in multiple studies that money is no guarantee of happiness. So, what really is “living the good life”? Is it a life of leisure, or is it something that takes a lot more effort? That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth about the differences and divisions that were cropping up among them. Sad to day, that’s something that still happens today. What can we learn from the divisions of the past, and how can we be more united today? That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
When life’s most difficult times arrive, we often hear that “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Is that what the verse really means? How DO we get through the toughest of times? That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
In a world searching for wisdom, focus is the key. It’s true in the sense of being able to find what you are looking for. Even more, it’s true in the sense of being able to retain that wisdom once you find it. For the way we learn and grow in our faith, it is in no small measure a matter of focus. That’s what we talk about today, on The Untidy Methodist.
Each of us has gifts and talents that can be used to “let your light shine before others”. That’s not always easy to do. Will our gifts make a difference? Are our gifts good enough to share? We all have something we can do to shine - and that’s what we talk about today, on The Untidy Methodist.
What we say, and how we say it, can reflect who we really are as Christians. It’s important before we speak to “Remember Who You Are”... and to Whom we belong. That’s what we talk about today on The Untidy Methodist.
How we help a child start their path in life can make a big difference as they grow up. But, how much credit or blame should we take from the paths they take as adults? That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
The Methodist movement has contributed so much to the music of our faith over the years. Today, there are even more styles of music, all composed and sung to praise God. Is it all just “joyful noise” or is it truly music to God’s ears? That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Paul wrote to Timothy about interacting with both old and young people in Ephesus. The gifts of every generation are important, even and especially today. Whether young or old, we have important roles to play. We talk about that in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
There’s a lot more to “sharing each other’s burdens” than you may think. It’s easy to say we are there for someone when things are going great - but what about when things are really tough? How do we show love and care when someone truly needs it? How do we help someone through difficult times in their lives? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist
We hear the phrase in Psalm 103, “as far as the east is from the west”, and we use it to describe how our relationship with God is healed and renewed. It is something we say we believe...but is it something we truly, fully accept? We talk about that in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We don’t always associate gentleness with powerful action. But, a gentle nature can still change the world. We can all find “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” as we let our “gentleness be evident to all”. We talk about gentleness in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
John Wesley was a “man of one book” - and he gave Methodists a good framework for studying and interpreting the Bible. That’s a lifelong process - and it’s important not only to understand what is in the Bible...but also what’s not to be found there. We talk about studying the Bible in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
In one of the more familiar passages in the Bible, Jesus tells someone to “go and sin no more”. It brings up the question for all of us - What’s Next for us as individuals, and as a people when we recognize where we fall short and when we receive God’s grace? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Through all the changes we see swirling about us, there are just as many opportunities for us as people of faith. What happens next depends on how we embrace the new beginnings we find every day. That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
It’s easy to love people we know, and to be afraid of or even hate people we don’t know. How does Jesus’ talk with the Woman at the Well fit in with the worries, fears, and hate we see in today’s world? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
1 John tells us that words aren’t enough - that God calls us to love “with actions and in truth”. Other people judge us more by what we do than what we say...and it’s only when we follow through with actions that we show God’s love to the world. We talk about that, and more, on The Untidy Methodist.
As we get older, we often wistfully remember days gone by. We often think of those days as “the good old days”. But, we can’t just live our lives in the past...and in some ways, the “good old days” were not quite as good as we remember them. Today is the day in which we can make a difference for God’s Kingdom. We talk about that and more, in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
Patience may be a virtue, but does it mean simply tolerating things as they are? Or, does it call us to keep trying when things go wrong? That’s what we talk about today, on The Untidy Methodist.
In 1980, singer-songwriter Mac Davis had a hit with a song titled, “It’s Hard to Be Humble”. While we may not be as full of ourselves as the character in that song, it’s also hard for us at times to show the kind of humility we read about in the Bible. Real humility, putting others’ needs above our own, is what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
We often talk about and even repeat well-known blessings as part of our services. But, there are two important questions when it comes to the blessings we share. Are we ready to accept blessings when they come our way? And, are we ready to be that blessing to someone else in need? That’s what we talk about today, on the Untidy Methodist.
In the wake of the death of George Floyd, protests are being heard in all 50 states and even in other lands. “No Justice, No Peace” is often heard in these demonstrations. But, what IS justice? What does it mean for our society? What does it mean for us as Christians? That’s what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
In a time of unrest across the country, John’s call means even more to us. How can we deal with so much fear, anger, and hate? That’s what we talk about today, on the Untidy Methodist.
God calls on us to never give up, to keep praying, and to know that our prayers are heard. That’s not always so easy to remember in times like these, but it’s so very important. That’s what we talk about today, on The Untidy Methodist.
This is turning into the summer of our discontent (to turn a phrase), and it’s all too easy to give in to worry, fear, and even anger. How did Paul find a way to feel “peaceful happiness” in any circumstance...and how can we find that contentment today? That’s what we talk about in this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
At a time that we haven't been able to gather for in-person worship, the question comes up...what IS the church? Is it just a building where we go on Sunday? Does it matter what we do when it's safe to return? That's what we talk about today, on the Untidy Methodist.
When people look at us, what do they think a Christian is like? Do they see the change that Christ's love has made in our lives? That's what we talk about on this episode of The Untidy Methodist.
"Each day has enough trouble of its own" has never been more true than today. How do we keep the worries and fears of today from overwhelming us? From taking our focus away from God's will for our lives? That's what we talk about today, on the Untidy Methodist.
It's what we do when no one else is looking that shows who we really are. It's what we do when we don't have to do it that matters. That's what we talk about in today's Untidy Methodist.
Today we look at the shortest verse in the Bible. But, it is also one of the most important. Jesus wept, even though He knew what was coming next. What does that say to us today?
There is a time and a season for everything. How do we deal with the seasons of today? And, how do we hold on to the hope of better times ahead? That's what we talk about today, on the Untidy Methodist.
Episode 17 of our Devotional Series is up! We have arrived at the third of Wesley's Three Simple Rules - "Stay in Love With God". These Three Simple Rules are still a great guide for us today. More about the Third Simple Rule today, on The Untidy Methodist.
We continue our look at John Wesley's Three Simple Rules with, "Do Good". It's not as easy or as simple as it sounds...but it's well worth the effort.
John Wesley's Three Simple Rules - Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love With God - are still a great guide for us today. In Part One, we look at that first rule - "Do No Harm".
We know the story of the "Widow's Mite". What can we give of ourselves today? That's what we talk about in today's Untidy Methodist.
What are you afraid of? The Bible has hundreds of quotes telling us not to fear, and the reason is...what we are talking about today on The Untidy Methodist.
Thomas doubted, and so do we at times. How does the story of Doubting Thomas speak to us today, in the challenging times in which we find ourselves?
Forgiveness is sometimes easy to receive but hard to accept. What does Jesus' question to Peter, "Do you love me more than these?" mean for us today?
Holy Saturday was full of sadness and fear and gloom. Easter morning was coming, but it was hard to hold on to that hope. How are we like Jesus' disciples on that Saturday, and how do we hold onto the hope of a better day to come?
Even to His words from the Cross, Jesus' words reflected the prophecies of His coming and His sacrifice on this first Good Friday. We look at the clues that were there all along, to those who were willing to see.
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus gave His disciples a New Commandment, to love one another "as I have loved you". Let's look at that New Commandment together on The Untidy Methodist.
In Holy Week, this is sometimes known as "Spy Wednesday", when Judas went to the Sanhedrin and offered to betray Jesus. What can we draw from this night for today? That's what we will discuss today on The Untidy Methodist.
For Holy Tuesday we look at the Chief Priests and Elders as they challenge the authority of Jesus...and we see Jesus' response to them. How does that challenge us as well?
In this episode of The Untidy Methodist - Devotional Series, we look at Jesus overturning the tables of the money changers...and what we can take from that day for our own lives.
Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger...great advice for the pressures of today.
For the third episode of our devotional series, we take a look at the parable of the Good Samaritan. It's so much more than just helping someone in need, and that's where we start in this episode.
Episode 2 of this Devotional Series looks at what our world can be like after the pandemic has ended. It depends on what we do now - and how we show the Light of Christ to the world.
The Untidy Methodist begins a devotional series in a new format. We hope you will find something that helps you in this series, and we welcome your comments...and most of all your prayers.
A 16 member group of Bishops and other Methodist leaders have proposed a plan that would end the debates that have divided the United Methodist Church for decades. It would allow the formation of a new traditionalist Methodist Church that would split away from the UMC. What does this plan do? For more, check out this episode of the Untidy Methodist.
The United Methodist Church is at a crossroad over issues of same sex marriage and the ordination of gay pastors. How did we get here? It all started with a simple question from a man from Indiana, and a single phrase from a man from Texas. Those combined to change the course of history for the United Methodist Church. We have their stories, and how we got to where we are today, right here in The Untidy Methodist.