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.
G•P•S - Grow, Pray, Study Guide, 11/17/25 – 11/22/25
Faith UMC
MONDAY 11/17/25: 2 Corinthians 5:13-6:2, Being in Christ & New Creation
In multiple places in Paul’s writing, he speaks of being “in Christ.” That’s a unique way of talking about connection with the divine, but is linked to Jesus’s teaching about “abiding” with him. We often hear about welcoming Jesus into our hearts, but what does it mean for us to be “in Christ”? What are the benefits for the world if we are?
TUESDAY 11/18/25: Mark 14:53-65, Jesus on trial
The testimonies against Jesus didn’t even agree, but Jesus never protests. In fact, Jesus answers with some highly religious language that he knew would likely anger his opposition even more. “Why doesn’t Jesus fight back?” we might ask, but what could Jesus possibly say that would dissuade the crowd and avoid the fate of the cross? The sin of the world will inevitably kill the innocent. Jesus chooses to be the killed. He accepts the effects of evil upon himself.
WEDNESDAY 11/19/25: Psalm 46, Be still and know
This psalm paints a picture of the world falling apart! Even if the earth shakes, the mountains crumble, the seas consume everything, God will be our shelter. God is able to quiet the world and bring wars to an end. Be still. Very few things in our world encourage us to be still, but here in the midst of the world falling apart, the Scriptures tell us to be still and know that God is God. Take a moment right now to know that you are cared for and loved by the Creator of the universe.
THURSDAY 11/20/25: Numbers 22:1-21, God working through foreigners
The story of Israel in the desert leaves Moses and the Israelites for a moment to illustrate how God is working in other nations. Balak, the king of Moab, has heard about Israel’s victories, and in fear has sought out a seer, named Balaam, to curse Israel. God intervenes, telling Balaam not to curse Israel. Why? Would Balaam’s curse be so great that God could not overcome it? I doubt it. Perhaps God is at work in Balaam for Balaam’s sake, that he would know God and be changed.
FRIDAY 11/21/25: Galatians 2:11-21, Jews and Gentiles
Think of the early church like a house being built. It has a foundation of Christ, but little else. Even more, Christians have to live in this house while it’s being built! In many ways, they are figuring it out as they go. This is why Cephas (Peter) might be embarrassed of his association with non-Jews. Not all the church was on board with letting in outsiders. They were still figuring it out. What does this encounter say about the church today? What are we still figuring out? How do we treat outsiders?
SATURDAY 11/22/25: Micah 6:1-8, Making things right
The Hebrew Bible was compiled, edited, and written in response to the experience of forced migration and exile. Micah is likely responding to the destruction of the northern Kingdom of Israel, and the question on the hearts of the people is, “What does God want from us?” Surprisingly, the prophet answers that it is not worship or sacrifice, but loving kindness, doing justice, and walking humbly with God. What is our connection with God if it does not produce justice and reconciliation in this world? Join us as we wrap up “embodying faith” this Sunday, focusing on our work in making things right with God!
Faith UMC
MONDAY 11/17/25: 2 Corinthians 5:13-6:2, Being in Christ & New Creation
In multiple places in Paul’s writing, he speaks of being “in Christ.” That’s a unique way of talking about connection with the divine, but is linked to Jesus’s teaching about “abiding” with him. We often hear about welcoming Jesus into our hearts, but what does it mean for us to be “in Christ”? What are the benefits for the world if we are?
TUESDAY 11/18/25: Mark 14:53-65, Jesus on trial
The testimonies against Jesus didn’t even agree, but Jesus never protests. In fact, Jesus answers with some highly religious language that he knew would likely anger his opposition even more. “Why doesn’t Jesus fight back?” we might ask, but what could Jesus possibly say that would dissuade the crowd and avoid the fate of the cross? The sin of the world will inevitably kill the innocent. Jesus chooses to be the killed. He accepts the effects of evil upon himself.
WEDNESDAY 11/19/25: Psalm 46, Be still and know
This psalm paints a picture of the world falling apart! Even if the earth shakes, the mountains crumble, the seas consume everything, God will be our shelter. God is able to quiet the world and bring wars to an end. Be still. Very few things in our world encourage us to be still, but here in the midst of the world falling apart, the Scriptures tell us to be still and know that God is God. Take a moment right now to know that you are cared for and loved by the Creator of the universe.
THURSDAY 11/20/25: Numbers 22:1-21, God working through foreigners
The story of Israel in the desert leaves Moses and the Israelites for a moment to illustrate how God is working in other nations. Balak, the king of Moab, has heard about Israel’s victories, and in fear has sought out a seer, named Balaam, to curse Israel. God intervenes, telling Balaam not to curse Israel. Why? Would Balaam’s curse be so great that God could not overcome it? I doubt it. Perhaps God is at work in Balaam for Balaam’s sake, that he would know God and be changed.
FRIDAY 11/21/25: Galatians 2:11-21, Jews and Gentiles
Think of the early church like a house being built. It has a foundation of Christ, but little else. Even more, Christians have to live in this house while it’s being built! In many ways, they are figuring it out as they go. This is why Cephas (Peter) might be embarrassed of his association with non-Jews. Not all the church was on board with letting in outsiders. They were still figuring it out. What does this encounter say about the church today? What are we still figuring out? How do we treat outsiders?
SATURDAY 11/22/25: Micah 6:1-8, Making things right
The Hebrew Bible was compiled, edited, and written in response to the experience of forced migration and exile. Micah is likely responding to the destruction of the northern Kingdom of Israel, and the question on the hearts of the people is, “What does God want from us?” Surprisingly, the prophet answers that it is not worship or sacrifice, but loving kindness, doing justice, and walking humbly with God. What is our connection with God if it does not produce justice and reconciliation in this world? Join us as we wrap up “embodying faith” this Sunday, focusing on our work in making things right with God!