July 2024 - Page 2 of 3 - First United Methodist Church of Galax

Devotion July 16, 2024

July 16, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection (July 14, 2024)

July 15, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection upon “Inviting and Hospitality”

God invites us to obey Him and find life despite knowing our past actions (Isaiah 1:16-20). In the book of Genesis (18:1-15), Father Abraham demonstrated exceptional hospitality to three strangers, one of whom was the Lord. This act of hospitality starkly contrasts the lack of it in Sodom and Gomorrah. The Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, stress the importance of being hospitable and inviting. The book of Hebrews tells us that every act of hospitality, no matter how small, carries a divine potential, reinforcing the spiritual significance of being hospitable. No matter who they are, a person in need requires our attention (Hebrews 13:1-3).

Jesus invites us to take his yoke and learn from him (Matthew 11:28-30). We learn from him by taking up the yoke that Christ bears with us. We understand ways of being inviting and hospitable. By practicing hospitality and openness to others, we follow Christ’s teachings and the teaching of the Torah to create a warm and welcoming community where everyone, without exception, feels included, cared for, and loved..

Prayer for the Week (July 14, 2024-July 20, 2024)

July 15, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray to be faithful to the light we have received: Father, may the light of your truth guide us to your kingdom through a world filled with lights contrary to your own. May our love make us what you have called us to be in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
(Sunday Missal, alt.)

Sunday Sermon July 14, 2024

July 15, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Devotion July 10, 2024

July 10, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Devotion July 9, 2024

July 9, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection (July 7, 2024)

July 9, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection upon 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Have you ever found yourself reasoning like Paul? “If I could only rid myself of this ‘thorn in the flesh,’ then I would be perfect and ready for God’s work.” God reminded Paul and us that divine power works through us despite our limitations and weaknesses. We don’t need to be flawless or in perfect circumstances to be instruments of God’s love, kindness, and compassion. This is a universal truth that transcends our individual circumstances, and regardless of our location, position, or relationship, we can all be instruments of God’s love, kindness, and compassion.

Recognizing our imperfections is a crucial step toward spiritual growth. It also makes us more gracious, kind, and patient with others. We all have limitations and weaknesses, but through the Holy Spirit’s guiding influence, which includes comforting, teaching, and empowering us, and following Jesus Christ’s teachings, God works through us and draws us closer in communion and fellowship with God and one another. This divine guidance gives us a sense of direction and support in our journey towards spiritual growth.

Prayer for the Week (July 7, 2024-July 13, 2024)

July 9, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray that we reject not the Word of God coming among his own: God, our Father without equal, your Son, your Word, came among us as one of our own, our own flesh and blood. Dispose us to welcome him always and to listen to what he tells us through the Holy Spirit, even when his Word upsets and disturbs us, for it is a Word of life and grace. Give us the courage to pass on his Word to one another, so that it liberate us all and lead us to you as your one people.Amen.
(Claretian Publications)