MonroeOHUMC

Breakfast with Jesus—Rediscovering Purpose Through Grace Based on John 21:1–19 It’s one of the most human, holy moments in all of Scripture. The disciples have returned to what they know—fishing. The excitement of the resurrection is real, but so is the confusion. What now? What comes next? Jesus is alive… but Peter still carries the weight of failure. He had denied his friend. He had sworn loyalty and then ran away. So Peter goes fishing. It’s what he knew before Jesus. Maybe it’s what he thinks he deserves now. But Jesus doesn’t let that be the final word. Early in the morning, as the sun rises over the Sea of Galilee, Jesus stands on the shore. “Friends,” he calls. “Have you caught anything?” It mirrors a moment from the beginning of their story—another empty net, another miraculous catch. But this time, it’s even more personal. Jesus invites them to bring some fish and sit with him. He’s already made a fire. There’s bread. There’s warmth. There’s welcome. And then comes th...

When Life Hits Pause—Finding God in the Waiting Reflections from John 21:1–19 and Acts 9:1–20 Have you ever felt stuck? Like you’re doing everything you know how to do—praying, working, trying your best—but nothing is changing? Peter knew that feeling. So did Saul. After the resurrection, Peter doesn’t run to start a ministry or preach in the streets. He goes fishing. The one who once walked on water is now casting nets again. It’s not rebellion. It’s more like resignation. “I guess this is just who I am now.” Life has hit pause, and Peter doesn’t know what else to do. Then there’s Saul—driven, determined, going full speed toward destruction. He has his plan and his mission, and then: the blinding light. Everything stops. For three days, Saul sits in darkness, waiting for clarity, unsure of what comes next. Two very different stories. One filled with silence. One filled with shock. But both are about waiting. And both are about what God does in the pause. We don’t like to wa...

Monday, April 7, 2025 Scripture: Psalm 126 Devotion: Psalm 126 begins with a memory: “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” It’s a snapshot of pure joy—a return from exile, a turning of the tide. Laughter replaces sorrow. Tears turn to shouts of joy. But the psalm doesn’t end in nostalgia. It becomes a prayer for now: “Restore our fortunes again, Lord.” It acknowledges that while there was joy in the past, they still need healing in the present. The hope is that what God has done before, God will do again. This is the heart of a different kind of church—a place where we remember what God has done, but also long and work for more. A space where tears are seen as seeds of something beautiful to come. A community that lives in the tension of grief and joy. Action Steps: Write down a time when God brought joy out of sorrow in your life. Offer a prayer of restoration for someone or something you love. Smile at someon...

Thursday, April 3, 2025 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16–17 Devotion: Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are new creations. The old has passed away. The new is here. This isn’t just about a clean slate—it’s about a transformed identity. So often we define ourselves—and others—by past mistakes, old labels, and lingering guilt. But Paul urges us to see differently. When we are found by God, we are made new. Our story doesn’t end where we thought it would. You are not who you used to be. You are not your failures. You are a new creation. Action Steps: Look in the mirror and speak truth: “In Christ, I am made new.” Shred or throw away something symbolic of “the old you.” Journal a vision of who God is helping you become. Prayer: God of new beginnings, thank you for recreating me. Help me live in the freedom of your grace—not in the shadow of my past. Amen. Breath Prayer: Inhale: The old is gone… Exhale: The new has come.  

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Scripture: Luke 15:11–24 (The Lost Son Returns) Devotion: The son had wasted everything. He rehearses a speech, hoping to return—not as a son, but as a servant. But his father sees him from a distance, runs to him, embraces him, and restores him completely. This is the gospel in motion. God doesn’t wait for perfect words or a flawless track record. God moves toward us in grace. There’s no shaming, no scolding—only joy at our return. Many of us carry shame. We believe we’ve ruined our chances with God or with others. But Jesus shows us that no matter how far we’ve run, there’s still a robe, a ring, and a feast waiting for us . Action Steps: Write a short letter to God expressing what’s on your heart—no filters. Is there someone you need to forgive or ask forgiveness from? Make the first move. Listen to a song about grace and reflect on the father’s welcome. Prayer: Merciful God, when I feel unworthy, you still call me y...

Monday, March 31, 2025 Scripture: Luke 15:8–10 (The Lost Coin) Devotion: A woman loses one of her ten silver coins. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully until she finds it. When she does, she calls her neighbors and rejoices. Jesus is saying: you are worth the search. God doesn't give up when we feel spiritually misplaced. Instead, God illuminates the dark corners, lifts the rugs, and patiently seeks us—until we're found. There are times we may feel like a coin—valuable, but forgotten in a dark corner. The good news is that God is not indifferent to our silence or suffering. God shines light into our hidden spaces and never stops until we’re restored. Action Steps: Light a candle and sit in stillness. Invite God’s presence into any “dark corners” in your heart. Consider a space in your life that needs clarity or healing. Name it and write a prayer. Look for someone who is usually overlooked and offer a kind w...

Sunday, March 30, 2025 Scripture: Luke 15:1–7 (The Lost Sheep) Devotion: Jesus tells a short story about a shepherd with 100 sheep. When one wanders off, he doesn’t write it off as acceptable loss—he leaves the 99 to go after the one. When he finds it, he joyfully places it on his shoulders and calls others to rejoice with him. This is not a story about sheep management. It’s a story about how God sees people. The world may see one lost person as insignificant, but God does not. The story reveals the divine heart that sees every life as worthy of pursuit. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve wandered too far, Jesus wants you to know: you matter enough for God to come looking. You are not disposable. You are deeply loved. And when you're found, heaven celebrates. Action Steps: Write down a time you felt lost and what helped you feel found again. Reach out to someone who might feel forgotten and let them know you see them. If you're feeling spiritua...