Grow • Pray • Study
daily Devotional Guide
Our Grow • Pray • Study (GPS) Guide offers daily readings and thoughts that follow along the Scriptural themes of our Sunday Worship services.
In the month of May, we'll focus on the Gospel of Matthew. Join us as we highlight Matthew's emphasis on God's faithfulness to the people of Israel even as God surprises us with Jesus. The GPS will be updated weekly, so check back here often!
In the month of May, we'll focus on the Gospel of Matthew. Join us as we highlight Matthew's emphasis on God's faithfulness to the people of Israel even as God surprises us with Jesus. The GPS will be updated weekly, so check back here often!
G•P•S - Grow, Pray, Study Guide, 6/23/25 – 6/28/25
Faith UMC
MONDAY 6/23/25: Romans 14:13-23, Strive for the things that bring peace
Paul lays out a similar argument here in Romans, the issue here is how people judge other by the way they worship and/or eat. Again, caring for others above self is the key component to our Christian practice. Does this make “right” contextual? How does that sit with you?
TUESDAY 6/24/25: Mark 3:20-30, What spirit controls you?
As Jesus’ movement gains popularity, the nay-sayers come out (as they always do). This time, their attacks charge Jesus with being the king of demons, since they listen to his words. But Jesus makes it clear that there is a definite distinction between himself and the forces of evil. In fact, to say that he’s controlled by evil spirits is a way to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. How do we accurately call evil evil, and how do we accurately call good good? What spiritual practices help us in this discerning activity?
WEDNESDAY 6/25/25: Psalm 16, You won’t abandon me to the grave
Ideas about the next life were very different in the Old Testament. There, everyone goes to Sheol, usually translated as “the grave” or “the dead.” However, this psalm (and other passages in the Prophets) begin to testify to a hope that “the grave” is not the final word. There is hope in God, we won’t be abandoned. How does this hope change the way we live and act now?
THURSDAY 6/26/25: Exodus 5:1-23, Bricks without straw
Moses finally agrees to let God use him, heads to Egypt, finds his brother Aaron, goes to Pharaoh, and . . . makes life worse for the people he came to rescue. This campaign is not off to a good start. The Israelites grumble at Moses (a recurring theme, we’ll see) because they do not have the long-view. They’re only aware of how difficult their current task or circumstance is, but God has a larger plan in view. How do we identify with the Israelites? Can we imagine God’s bigger plan?
FRIDAY 6/27/25: 1 Corinthians 4:6-13, You have every blessing
Paul is attempting to quiet the fighting and end the divisions in this church. One of the fights is about who is wiser and who is more blessed than who. Paul pleads with them, “You all have everything you need! You are rich in wisdom and blessing! But remember, it’s all a gift from God, so there is no need to boast!” Think about your blessings. Recognize that they are gifts. Let your life be a constant pouring of gratitude, not pride.
SATURDAY 6/28/25: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, The Most Spiritual Gift
Famous for being read at weddings, the Love Chapter, as it’s become known as, has nothing to do with weddings! Rather than a poem musing about the virtues of love, this chapter is actually an instruction for a community at each other’s throats! Join us in worship tomorrow as we unpack how this teaching on love changes our every days, not just wedding days. You matter to God!
Faith UMC
MONDAY 6/23/25: Romans 14:13-23, Strive for the things that bring peace
Paul lays out a similar argument here in Romans, the issue here is how people judge other by the way they worship and/or eat. Again, caring for others above self is the key component to our Christian practice. Does this make “right” contextual? How does that sit with you?
TUESDAY 6/24/25: Mark 3:20-30, What spirit controls you?
As Jesus’ movement gains popularity, the nay-sayers come out (as they always do). This time, their attacks charge Jesus with being the king of demons, since they listen to his words. But Jesus makes it clear that there is a definite distinction between himself and the forces of evil. In fact, to say that he’s controlled by evil spirits is a way to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. How do we accurately call evil evil, and how do we accurately call good good? What spiritual practices help us in this discerning activity?
WEDNESDAY 6/25/25: Psalm 16, You won’t abandon me to the grave
Ideas about the next life were very different in the Old Testament. There, everyone goes to Sheol, usually translated as “the grave” or “the dead.” However, this psalm (and other passages in the Prophets) begin to testify to a hope that “the grave” is not the final word. There is hope in God, we won’t be abandoned. How does this hope change the way we live and act now?
THURSDAY 6/26/25: Exodus 5:1-23, Bricks without straw
Moses finally agrees to let God use him, heads to Egypt, finds his brother Aaron, goes to Pharaoh, and . . . makes life worse for the people he came to rescue. This campaign is not off to a good start. The Israelites grumble at Moses (a recurring theme, we’ll see) because they do not have the long-view. They’re only aware of how difficult their current task or circumstance is, but God has a larger plan in view. How do we identify with the Israelites? Can we imagine God’s bigger plan?
FRIDAY 6/27/25: 1 Corinthians 4:6-13, You have every blessing
Paul is attempting to quiet the fighting and end the divisions in this church. One of the fights is about who is wiser and who is more blessed than who. Paul pleads with them, “You all have everything you need! You are rich in wisdom and blessing! But remember, it’s all a gift from God, so there is no need to boast!” Think about your blessings. Recognize that they are gifts. Let your life be a constant pouring of gratitude, not pride.
SATURDAY 6/28/25: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, The Most Spiritual Gift
Famous for being read at weddings, the Love Chapter, as it’s become known as, has nothing to do with weddings! Rather than a poem musing about the virtues of love, this chapter is actually an instruction for a community at each other’s throats! Join us in worship tomorrow as we unpack how this teaching on love changes our every days, not just wedding days. You matter to God!