MonroeOHUMC

Thursday, July 31 – The Lord Is My Light Read Psalm 27:1 . “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” Fear is natural when the future is uncertain. But David’s confidence was not in his own strength; it was rooted in God’s unchanging presence. Theologians call this divine constancy—God’s faithfulness doesn’t waver like our emotions. Faith isn’t the absence of fear. It’s trusting God’s light more than the darkness. Reflect: What fears could you lay at God’s feet today? How would trusting His light change your perspective? Pray:  Lord, replace my fear with trust. Remind me You are my light and my salvation. Amen. 

Wednesday, July 30 – A Light in the Darkness Read John 8:12 here. Jesus doesn’t simply provide light; He IS light. Theologically, He reveals God’s glory ( John 1:14 ) and guides us like the pillar of fire in the wilderness ( Exodus 13:21 ). With Christ, even the darkest path is illuminated. Following Jesus doesn’t mean we avoid darkness. It means we’re never alone in it. Reflect: Where do you feel like you’re groping in the dark? What would following Jesus into that place look like? Pray:  Jesus, Light of the World, guide me through the shadows and fill me with Your life-giving light. Amen. 

Devotion - Tuesday, July 29 – Chains Fall Off Read Acts 16:15–26. Paul and Silas were bound in a Philippian jail, yet they sang hymns in the midnight hour. As they worshiped, an earthquake shook the foundations, doors flew open, and chains fell loose. This isn’t just history; it’s a spiritual reality. When we praise God amid struggle, something shifts. Worship doesn’t always change our circumstances, but it always changes us—and sometimes it shakes the very things that bind us. Reflect: What chains—fear, guilt, bitterness—might God want to break in your life? Pray:  Lord, break the chains holding me back from fullness of life with You. Fill my midnight hour with songs of praise. Amen.

Devotion - Monday, July 28 – God Sees in the Dark Read Psalm 139:11–12 . There are corners of our lives we’d rather keep hidden—regrets, failures, fears. Darkness feels safe because it hides. But Psalm 139 reminds us that even our darkness is light to God. He sees—and still loves. Theologically, this is the doctrine of omnipresence: God’s presence fills all space, even the shadows of our souls. And it’s good news. He isn’t put off by what we hide. Instead, His light exposes and heals. Reflect: What part of your heart have you kept hidden from God? How might His light bring healing there? Pray:  God, You see every shadow and love me still. Shine Your light in the hidden places of my life. Amen.

Sunday, July 27 – He Comes Into the Chaos Read Mark 5:1–20.   When Jesus steps out of the boat in the region of the Gerasenes, He isn’t greeted with smiles. He’s met by a man living among the tombs—naked, tormented, and bound in chains. To everyone else, this man was a lost cause. But to Jesus, he was beloved. This is the beauty of Christ’s incarnation: He enters our mess. He doesn’t stand at a distance from our pain or avoid the chaos of our brokenness. Instead, He walks straight into it and calls us by name. The man didn’t come running to Jesus because he had it all figured out. He came because his life was unmanageable. Isn’t that true for us too? Reflect: Where in your life do you feel surrounded by chaos? What would it look like to invite Jesus to step into that space? Pray: Lord, You meet me even in the graveyards of my life. Bring Your peace and Your presence where I need it most. Amen. 

Devotion - Saturday, 7/26/2025 – Jesus Multiplies Read Matthew 14:13–21. Five loaves and two fish seemed laughably small compared to the needs of a hungry crowd. But in Jesus’ hands, they became more than enough. God delights in using ordinary offerings to accomplish extraordinary things. You don’t have to have it all together or bring a perfect gift. Bring what you have, however small—it’s not the size of the gift but the size of the God who receives it. Reflect:  What small gift—time, kindness, resource—can you place in Jesus’ hands today? Pray:  Lord, take my little and multiply it for Your kingdom. Amen.

Devotion - Friday, 7/25/25  – God’s Strength in Our Weakness Read Isaiah 40:29-31. Exhaustion is part of every journey. Isaiah reminds us: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Waiting on the Lord isn’t passive—it’s an act of trust that exchanges our weakness for His strength. As eagles soar not by flapping but by riding thermal currents, so too can we learn to lean on God’s power, not our own. Reflect: Where are you weary and in need of renewal? What would it look like to hope in God today? Pray: Lord, I’m tired. Fill me with Your strength so I can keep moving forward in faith. Amen.

Devotion - Thursday, 7/24 – God Guides the Way Read Psalm 32:8-9. In a noisy world, God’s voice can be hard to hear. Yet Psalm 32 reassures us: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” God doesn’t just issue directions from afar—God walks with us, gently guiding each step. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to see the entire roadmap. But God often gives us only the next step—and asks us to trust God's wisdom for the rest. Reflect:  Where are you seeking clarity or direction? How can you practice listening for God’s counsel today? Pray:  Lord, teach me to trust Your wisdom for the next step, even when the whole path isn’t clear. Amen.

Devotion - Wednesday, 7/23/2025 - Calm in the Storm Read Mark 4:35-41.   The disciples were seasoned fishermen, yet this storm left them terrified. As the waves threatened to swamp their boat, they cried out to Jesus, “Don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus stood and spoke three words: “Peace! Be still.” The winds obeyed, but His question pierced deeper: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Jesus doesn’t promise a storm-free life. But He does promise His presence in every tempest—and sometimes His peace calms us more than it calms the waves. Reflect:  What storm are you facing today? Can you invite Jesus into it and trust His voice of peace? Pray:  Jesus, steady my heart with Your peace even when the winds rage. Amen.

Devotion - Tuesday, 7/22/2025 - "Trust in the Lion's Den" Read Daniel 6:10-23. Daniel’s faith was unshaken even in the face of death. When the decree forbidding prayer went out, he didn’t hide or waver—he opened his window and prayed as usual. That simple act of trust landed him in a lions’ den. Yet God shut the lions’ mouths and revealed His power. Trust doesn’t always keep us out of danger, but it does carry us through it. Like Daniel, we’re called to consistent, courageous faith—not because life is safe, but because God is sovereign. Reflect:  Where is fear tempting you to compromise your faith or hide your convictions? How can you practice courage today? Pray:  God, give me the courage to trust You no matter the cost. Amen.

Daily Devotion - Monday, 7/21 - Running from God Read Jonah 1:1-17 here. When God called Jonah to go to Nineveh, his gut reaction was to run in the opposite direction. He booked passage on a ship, hoping to escape both God’s call and his discomfort with the mission. But Jonah soon discovered that no distance could separate him from God’s pursuit. Even as the storm raged and Jonah sank into the sea, God was already at work preparing a rescue in the form of a great fish. We all have moments when we resist God’s nudges—perhaps out of fear, doubt, or a desire to stay comfortable. Yet God’s mercy doesn’t leave us stranded. He meets us in our rebellion, in our storms, and even in our self-made messes. His pursuit isn’t about punishment; it’s about redemption. Reflect:  Where in your life might you be running from God’s call? How might He be inviting you to stop, turn, and trust? Pray:  Lord, I confess the times I’ve run from Your voice. Help me turn back and trust Your way. Am...

Saturday, July 19 – He Stilled the Storm Psalm 107:28–31 is today's scripture. “They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and God stilled the storm to a whisper.” God hears our cries and answers—not always by changing the situation, but often by changing us within it. What storm in your life needs Jesus’ whisper of peace? Prayer: Lord, quiet the storms in my heart and lead me to Your peace. Amen.

Friday, July 18 – Anchored in God's Love See today's scripture: Romans 8:35–39 Life’s storms can leave us feeling tossed about, untethered. But Paul reminds us of a powerful truth: nothing—not storms, not loss, not fear—can separate us from Christ’s love. His presence is our anchor, holding steady even when we can’t. When waves of worry rise, this anchor doesn’t remove the storm, but it keeps us from drifting. Being “more than conquerors” doesn’t mean we’re never afraid—it means we’re never alone. Take a quiet moment to imagine Jesus as your anchor. What fears or hardships can you hand over to Him today? Prayer: Lord, remind me that nothing can separate me from Your love. Anchor my heart in You through every storm. Amen.

Thursday, July 17 – Trusting When We’re Afraid See Joshua 1:9 here. Fear comes easily when we face unknowns. But God’s words to Joshua—“Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you”—are for us too. Courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear; it means moving forward anyway because God is there. What small act of courage can you take today? Prayer: Lord, when fear rises, remind me You are with me. Amen.

Wednesday, July 16 – It Is I; Don’t Be Afraid Read John 6:16–21 here The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first; fear distorted their vision. But He came near, speaking peace: “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Sometimes God shows up in ways we don’t expect—quietly, steadily—if we’ll just listen. What fear clouds your vision today? Pause and ask, “Jesus, help me see You here.” Prayer: Jesus, speak peace into my fears. Help me see You clearly. Amen.

Tuesday, July 15 – When You Pass Through the Waters Read Isaiah 43:1–2 here. Reflection: “You are mine,” God says. He doesn’t promise we’ll avoid deep waters, but He promises we’ll never face them alone. When we’re overwhelmed, His presence is our rescue. Application: Name a “deep water” moment in your life. How might God have been present even there? Prayer: Lord, remind me You walk with me through fire and flood. Amen.

God Is Our Refuge  Click to read Psalm 46:1–3. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” The psalmist names it honestly—earthquakes, floods, roaring waters. Yet he declares confidence in God’s steady presence. Refuge isn’t about calm circumstances; it’s about knowing where to run when the chaos comes. Application: Where do you turn first in times of trouble? Try making prayer your first refuge this week. God, when the world shakes, anchor me in Your love. Amen. Prayer:

  Saturday 7.12.25 – Romans 10:13–15 Read Romans 10:13-15 here. How will people hear the good news unless someone tells them? That’s Paul’s question—and it’s ours too. Every follower of Jesus is also a messenger. You don’t need a pulpit to preach. Your words, actions, and presence speak. Who might need encouragement or hope today—and how could you be the one to bring it? Reflect: Picture yourself as the messenger bringing good news. What does that look like in your daily life? Pray: God who sends, make me bold to share hope and truth. Use my words and actions to draw others toward you. Amen.

  Friday 7.11.25 – 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 here.  The Apostle Paul had something in his life—a 'thorn in the flesh'—that he wanted removed. Instead, God said, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' This flips the script on how we think about strength. God’s power shows up most in the places we feel weakest. Where are you feeling weak today? Instead of hiding it, offer it to God as a place where grace can shine through. Reflect: How might your weakness be a doorway to someone else experiencing God’s grace? Pray: Loving God, help me stop pretending to be strong on my own. Let your strength shine through my weakness. Amen.

  Thursday 7.10.25 – Jeremiah 1:4–10 Read Jeremiah 1:4-10 here. Jeremiah was young and insecure when God called him. His immediate reaction? 'I can’t speak—I’m too young!' But God wouldn’t take no for an answer: 'Do not be afraid—I am with you.' That same promise echoes for us today. God equips those who are called—and often calls those who don’t feel ready. What excuse have you been giving God lately? Maybe it’s time to hear God's reassurance again. Reflect: Imagine God speaking directly to you: 'Do not be afraid—I am with you.' What do you need to hear in those words today? Pray: God of courage, speak into my fear. Remind me that you are with me and will equip me for what you call me to do. Amen.

  Wednesday 7.9.25 – Matthew 4:18–22 Read Matthew 4:18-22 here. Jesus met Peter and Andrew at work—casting nets—and simply said, 'Follow me.' They dropped everything. No résumé, no interview, just an invitation. What would prompt someone to leave their livelihood so quickly? Perhaps they sensed that this invitation wasn’t just to follow a man—but to follow the One who gives life purpose. What are you holding onto that might be keeping you from fully following Jesus?  What 'net' do you need to drop? Reflect: What emotions might the disciples have felt as they dropped everything to follow Jesus? Pray: Jesus, I hold on to many things too tightly. Help me release what holds me back from fully following you. Amen.

Tuesday 7.8.25 – Isaiah 6:1–8 Read Isaiah 6:1-8 here. Isaiah had a vision of God’s holiness so overwhelming that he cried out, 'Woe is me!' That feeling of unworthiness—of not being enough—is familiar to many of us. But God didn't push Isaiah away. Instead, God forgave him and then called him to serve: 'Whom shall I send?' Isaiah said, 'Here I am. Send me.' You don’t have to be perfect for God to use you. You only have to be willing. Today, listen for God's question, and be ready with a bold, if trembling, 'Here I am.' Reflect: Have you ever felt too unworthy or unqualified for something God was nudging you to do? Pray: Holy God, when I feel unworthy, remind me that you call me anyway. Help me say yes to your invitation. Amen.

  Monday 7.7.25 – John 21:1–14 Read John 21:1-14 here. Even after denying Jesus three times, Peter returned to fishing. Perhaps he thought he had disqualified himself. But then Jesus appeared—again at the lake—and repeated the miracle. Once more, empty nets became overflowing. It wasn’t just breakfast Jesus served—it was grace, a fresh start, and a reminder that failure isn't the end. Where do you need a second chance today?  What failure is Jesus meeting you in, ready to redeem it with grace? Reflect: If you were Peter, how would you feel seeing Jesus again after your failure? Pray: God of grace, thank you for never giving up on me. Restore what is broken in me and help me begin again. Amen.

Sunday 7.6.25 – Luke 5:1–11 Read Luke 5:1-11 here After a long, frustrating night of catching nothing, Simon Peter was tired and likely discouraged. That’s exactly when Jesus climbed into his boat and asked him to try again—this time in deeper waters. It made no logical sense. Yet Simon responded with a phrase that still echoes in faithful hearts today: “Because you say so, I will let down the nets.” His obedience brought not just a miraculous catch of fish, but a calling that changed his life forever. What part of your life feels fruitless right now?  Where have you given up? Jesus might be inviting you to trust Him again—not because it’s logical, but because it’s Him. Reflect: What might Peter have felt in that moment of obedience and amazement? Imagine yourself in that boat—how would you respond? Pray: Lord Jesus, help me trust you even when I don’t see results. Give me courage to follow your voice into deeper waters. Amen.