Andy Talks

Sometimes, we can get so comfortable in our lives that we don't want to, for we may even forget how to follow Jesus.  Today we see the religious leaders; they didn't like Jesus disrupting things.  He was messing with the way things always were.  He was calling them out of their comfort and on to being faithful.  That's hard.  We may not always want to do it.  But let us never mistake being comfortable for being alive.  Jesus calls us to faithfulness.  Not to comfort.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+23%3A23-24%3A9&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Today is Halloween.  Do you know the religious history of this day?  A lot has happened throughout church history, from Martin Luther to the celebration of our saints and those who have passed into the Church Triumphant.  After all, we are surrounded by a mighty cloud of witnesses!  So, while we may not think about it, today has some deep religious meaning!   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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012%3A1-3&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Sometimes, we feel the pressure that it is all up to us. Don’t worry. God’s got this.  We see that Paul is nearly killed. There is a plan to ambush and kill Paul. But, Paul is saved, and in his saving, Paul is headed further down the road to where God wants him, in Rome, preaching. We may not always understand what is happening at the moment. It may not always make sense. But we know that God is at work, and we know that we can’t mess up the plans of God. Our job is to be faithful. We can trust that God is at work and knows what He is doing. God’s got this.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+23%3A12-22&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Traditional sermon from October 29, 2023, we hear the story of the widow and Elijah. She had given all that she could give, and now Elijah wanted more?  You can't get blood from a turnip. But when we look closer, we see that her call to give was actually her call to live.  When we give, we actually find life.         

We see Paul continue to be very smart.  The Lord has told him that he was to go to Rome and testify about Him. That is where all this is headed.  But before we get there, we see some internal conflict among the religious leaders. We see a fight among the Sadducees and Pharisees. But who were these people?  Who were these groups?  What did they represent?  What did they believe?  Today, we’ll look a little bit deeper at the Sadducees and Pharisees and learn who they were.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+22%3A+30+-+Acts+23%3A+11&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Paul plays his Roman citizen card today.  Paul tells the soldiers beating him that he is a citizen of Rome, and they stop what they are doing immediately. They are not allowed to do that.  Paul’s destination to Rome continues.  He is heading there, for the glory of God. It is interesting that Paul had been telling the people his testimony, telling them what God had done, but they would not listen. They would not open their ears; open their hearts. They would not listen. Today, do we listen to what God is saying? Do we listen to where God is calling? God is still speaking. We need to grace to hear.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+22%3A+22-29&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy

Paul finishes his testimony today.  He tells of how Jesus has changed him.  Jesus changes lives, y’all.  We see that Paul told all the folks all that he did, and after he was saved, folks didn’t want to believe him. They knew all that he had done, and it was hard to let go of his actions.  We should learn to forgive ourselves for our past mistakes and, in the same way, learn to forgive others of their past mistakes.  I’ll forgive you, and you forgive me. And we’ll live in God’s goodness.  Let’s remember today that Jesus changes lives.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+22%3A+6-21&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Paul gives us his background today. We see all that he has done, all he has learned from, all that has happened in his life. He was uniquely positioned to make a difference for the kingdom by bridging the gap between the Gentiles and the Jews. He had that ability because of who he was.  Today, God has you where He has you for a reason. Maybe that reason is to learn. Maybe it is to act.  Prayerfully listen to the Spirit today. He will reveal.  He will show you.  Listen, and you will learn why God has you where He has you.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+21%3A+37+-+22%3A5&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Traditional message from October 22, 2023, Andy shares with us from 2 Timothy 2: 1-10.   Why do we teach?  We find that when we pour into others, we are the ones who are blessed. It is in the giving that we receive!

Today, we see Paul begin to really see the opposition that was going to come to him. Individuals stir up much trouble and try to even kill him. They assume the worst about Paul, that he did something to offend them when in reality, he went out of his way to avoid doing just that.  Their worst-case assumption leads to riots and much trouble.  Today, do we assume the best of each other or the worst of each other?  Those assumptions will shape much of how we live together and how we serve together.  This world pushes us to assume the worst. Let’s push back against that and assume the best of each other! 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+21%3A+27-36&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revan

Paul gets to Jerusalem today.  There was much concern among the Jewish believers that Paul had been telling Jews to ignore the law, so the church leader asked Paul to participate in some of the rituals. Because for Paul, it wasn’t about the rituals; it was about Jesus.  It is easy for us to confuse the means for the end. The end is knowing Jesus. That’s what matters. The means is how we do it, and that may look different for every one of us. Let’s focus on the end, knowing Jesus. Let’s not expect everyone to have our “means.”  That may look different and probably will look different for all of us. What matters is that we know Jesus. That’s the point of all this.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+21%3A+17-26&ver

Paul is told twice today, don’t go to Jerusalem.  If you do, it will end badly for you.  You will die. But Paul says he is called to go, even if it means his death.  He is called by God to do this, so he has courage.  Courage is not being afraid. Courage is being afraid and doing the right thing anyway. Stay rooted in the Spirit. Listen to God, listen for His voice, and stay rooted in His call.  He will give us the courage for whatever may happen. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+21%3A+1-16&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Paul gives his last words today to the church in Ephesus. He knows he is heading towards Jerusalem, and while he doesn’t know exactly what awaits him there, he knows that it will not be good.  He knows through the Spirit that suffering will come.  So, as he leaves these people he loves, he shares his last words for them with them. Protect and love the church.  This is what Paul wants them to know. Today, what would your last words be?  If you were leaving those whom you loved, and you could give them one final word, what would it be?  We see Paul’s last words to Ephesus today. What would your last words be? 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A+13-38&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https:

Stealing a title from John Wesley today!  We see Paul preach for so long that a young man falls asleep and falls to his death. But, the text tells us several times about the “breaking of bread,” or Holy Communion. And we see this young man is brought back to life. Communion is a gift from God.  It brings us back to life. It restores us.  It gives us the grace necessary for the living of life.  Wesley encouraged us to take it constantly.  So, let us look to the next taking of communion for the joyous gift that it is, this gift that gives us life! 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A+7-12&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

When we think of encouragers in Scripture, we don’t always think of Paul first. But when we read today, that is exactly what we find. Paul encourages his disciples. Then, he goes to Macedonia and encourages the Christians there. Even when forced to flee from a plot against him, Paul takes folks with him on the journey and pours into them. We don’t always think of Paul as one who encourages. But that is exactly what he did today. And that is our call today. Look around.  Who can use some encouragement in your life? Who could use just that?  Today, be like Paul. Be an encourager. And see just what God will do with that.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020%3A1-6&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form he

A riot breaks out in Ephesus.  It’s going bad, bad, bad. But Alexander speaks up, and he speaks peace to a bad situation. This is such a wonderful example for us.  Our lives and our world are filled with things that create such negativity. That creates such worry.  Paul tells us to think on things that are noble and pure.  This passage, I think, asks two questions for us. First, what are we filling our minds with? Are we filling them with things that bring peace, things that are good, noble, and pure? Or are we filling them with things that create negativity and worry?  And second, do we speak peace in the worry and anxiety of the world?  Do we de-escalate situations?  Are we means of peace in a tense world?  This is a great example of just what we can do when we learn to speak peace. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, te

Today, we see God doing great things through Paul. So great that folks begin to try to try to imitate Paul, casting out demons not “in Jesus” name but “in the name of Jesus who Paul proclaims.”  In other words, these people didn’t know Jesus.  They knew about Jesus.  It isn’t enough for us to just know about Jesus. We have to know Jesus. Our faith is personal; it is about that relationship that we have with Jesus.  My faith is mine, and I have to walk daily with Jesus, just as you do.  Today, it isn’t about knowing who Jesus is. It is about knowing Jesus. 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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2019%3A11-20&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Today, we see Paul talk about conversion and baptism. Like Apollos before, Paul meets some people who do not have the full story of salvation and the Gospel. Paul explains the truth to them, and they are baptized in Jesus’ name.  You may have met some churches that baptize in “Jesus’ name.”  We take a few minutes to unpack what is happening here.  But always remember that baptism, and salvation, are a Trinitarian experience. We are made right with the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit. Our very salvation is an act of the Trinity.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2019%3A1-10&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Today, we meet a person who is very important to Paul's ministry in Corinth.  Apollos.  We learn from the Word that he is a gifted speaker and very powerful.  He is doing amazing things for the Kingdom. But he also doesn't know the full story. This passage forces us to ask two questions of ourselves. Who in our lives are we pouring into or mentoring?  And who in our lives is pouring into or mentoring us?  We need both. To pour into others and to have others pour into us. When we are living, when we are doing both of those things, then we will truly see our faith blossom.  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.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+18%3A+24-28&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Traditional message from October 1, 2023, Andy shares with us from John 15: 9-17. Our colleges do a great job of "making disciples," even better than the church. They provide identity and community. So should we, so must we, as the church. How can we do just that?