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, 7/27/26 – 8/1/26
Faith UMC
Continue the conversation from Sunday:
What are “new laws” that Christians are tempted to impose upon ourselves?
When have you been suprised by the ease of God’s grace?
How do you grow in love for God and neighbor?
MONDAY 7/27/26: Galatians 5:1-15, Love fulfills the Law
One of the first conflicts for the early Christians was whether or not new converts must take on the law and tradition of circumcision. Given that many converts were adults, you could understand why the practice was contended! Paul and the Apostles were champions of freedom from such laws—freedom borne on the grace of Christ. The only requirement is love. What does that spark in you, today?
TUESDAY 7/28/26: Luke 14:7-24, Who sits at your table?
Jesus gives several examples of when we should put others before us. He finishes off by teaching how God invites all to his kingdom, getting the poor, crippled, blind, and lame out from the streets. God’s welcome is unconditional. As Christians, our welcome and friendship should likewise be unconditional. Think of ways that you could build friendship with people who are in need or not a part of your usual circle of friends.
WEDNESDAY 7/28/26: Psalm 145, Ancient poetry about God
Psalm 145 is an acrostic poem – every line of the psalm begins with the letter from the Hebrew alphabet in consecutive order. Verse one begins with Aleph, verse two begins with Beth, etc. We belong to a tradition that has always delighted in making art, poetry, and songs to express our feelings to God. In a corporate Christian world, its easy to let “professionals” write our songs and prayers, make our stained glass, and create our art. When was the last time you made something or wrote something beautiful for God?
THURSDAY 7/30/26, 2 Samuel 14:1-33, Absalom is forgiven
This chapter ends with David kissing his son Absalom. Absalom has murdered his brother and was in exile. David’s mind was on Absalom. Having been forgiven for killing Uriah and taking Bathsheba, now David forgives Absalom. When have you ever seen forgiveness like this? Why does David forgive?
FRIDAY 7/31/26: 1 Timothy 5:1-25, Caring for widows and selecting ministers
Here we get a glimpse of early church life. The church and ministers are given practical instruction on care for widows: those needing the most care receive it first; families closest to widows are held to their responsibilities; and younger widows are encouraged to remarry. There is no need for us to apply these instructions literally. Rather, what are the Christian principles behind these instructions, and how do they instruct our living today?
SATURDAY 8/1/26: Mark 9:2-9, Mt. Tabor and a Transformed Hope
The next mountain in the Gospels is Mt. Tabor, or the Mount of the Transfiguration. What is happening here? This is a strange episode that bridges between Jesus’s teaching/ministry and his crucifixion and resurrection. Before descending into the coming suffering, the disciples get a glimpse of glory that will no doubt provide some help for the dark times ahead. Join us in worship as we continue our study of the Bible from mountain to mountain. You matter to God.
Faith UMC
Continue the conversation from Sunday:
What are “new laws” that Christians are tempted to impose upon ourselves?
When have you been suprised by the ease of God’s grace?
How do you grow in love for God and neighbor?
MONDAY 7/27/26: Galatians 5:1-15, Love fulfills the Law
One of the first conflicts for the early Christians was whether or not new converts must take on the law and tradition of circumcision. Given that many converts were adults, you could understand why the practice was contended! Paul and the Apostles were champions of freedom from such laws—freedom borne on the grace of Christ. The only requirement is love. What does that spark in you, today?
TUESDAY 7/28/26: Luke 14:7-24, Who sits at your table?
Jesus gives several examples of when we should put others before us. He finishes off by teaching how God invites all to his kingdom, getting the poor, crippled, blind, and lame out from the streets. God’s welcome is unconditional. As Christians, our welcome and friendship should likewise be unconditional. Think of ways that you could build friendship with people who are in need or not a part of your usual circle of friends.
WEDNESDAY 7/28/26: Psalm 145, Ancient poetry about God
Psalm 145 is an acrostic poem – every line of the psalm begins with the letter from the Hebrew alphabet in consecutive order. Verse one begins with Aleph, verse two begins with Beth, etc. We belong to a tradition that has always delighted in making art, poetry, and songs to express our feelings to God. In a corporate Christian world, its easy to let “professionals” write our songs and prayers, make our stained glass, and create our art. When was the last time you made something or wrote something beautiful for God?
THURSDAY 7/30/26, 2 Samuel 14:1-33, Absalom is forgiven
This chapter ends with David kissing his son Absalom. Absalom has murdered his brother and was in exile. David’s mind was on Absalom. Having been forgiven for killing Uriah and taking Bathsheba, now David forgives Absalom. When have you ever seen forgiveness like this? Why does David forgive?
FRIDAY 7/31/26: 1 Timothy 5:1-25, Caring for widows and selecting ministers
Here we get a glimpse of early church life. The church and ministers are given practical instruction on care for widows: those needing the most care receive it first; families closest to widows are held to their responsibilities; and younger widows are encouraged to remarry. There is no need for us to apply these instructions literally. Rather, what are the Christian principles behind these instructions, and how do they instruct our living today?
SATURDAY 8/1/26: Mark 9:2-9, Mt. Tabor and a Transformed Hope
The next mountain in the Gospels is Mt. Tabor, or the Mount of the Transfiguration. What is happening here? This is a strange episode that bridges between Jesus’s teaching/ministry and his crucifixion and resurrection. Before descending into the coming suffering, the disciples get a glimpse of glory that will no doubt provide some help for the dark times ahead. Join us in worship as we continue our study of the Bible from mountain to mountain. You matter to God.