Day: June 18, 2026

Different on Purpose: The Character of a Methodist

Wednesday June 3, 2026

Scripture: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35

Reflection:

One of the questions early Methodists regularly asked each other as they gathered for small group was, “How is it with your soul?” Not, How busy are you? How successful are you? How much have you accomplished this week? But, How is your soul?

John Wesley believed the Christian life was not about appearances. It was about transformation. He wasn’t primarily interested in what label someone wore or what group they belonged to. He wanted to know whether the grace of God was changing their heart.

That may be one of the hardest questions for us to answer today. We live in a culture that teaches us to measure ourselves by achievement, productivity, and appearance. We know how to tell people we’re busy. We know how to tell people we’re fine. We know how to tell people what we’ve accomplished. But how often do we stop long enough to ask what is happening in our soul? Wesley believed that a transformed heart would eventually produce a transformed life. The evidence wasn’t perfection it was growth. The evidence was becoming more like Jesus. So maybe instead of focusing on everything you need to accomplish, take a few moments to pay attention to your soul. Ask yourself, Am I growing closer to God? Am I becoming more loving? Am I showing grace to others?

Is Christ shaping my character? What kind of person is God’s grace producing in me?

Again friends the goal is not perfection it’s transformation.

Consider This:

1. Ask someone you trust, “How is it with your soul?” Then take the time to truly listen.
2. You may discover that one of the greatest gifts we can offer another person is simply being present, listening well, and reminding them that they are not alone.

Prayer: Lord Jesus,Thank You for loving me exactly where I am and too much to leave me there. Help me to slow down and pay attention to my soul. Reveal the places where I need Your grace, Your healing, and Your guidance.Shape my heart so that my life reflects Your love. Help me to grow in kindness, humility, compassion, and faithfulness. Make me less concerned with appearances and more concerned with becoming the person You created me to be.Continue Your transforming work in me.In Jesus’ name,Amen.

Wednesday June 17, 2026

The Journey Begins

Scripture: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

Reflection: Every journey has a starting point. Rte. 66 in Chicago was that starting point for millions of people. Some were looking for opportunity. Some were looking for a fresh start. Some were just trying to find a better future, but they all shared the fact that they had no idea what lay ahead. Friends, we spend most of our lives wondering what comes next. We wonder about our families, our health, our careers, our relationships, and our future. We want to know where the road is leading and what waits around the next bend. But Genesis takes us back to the One who was there before any road existed at all. The Bible begins with God. Before there was anything, there was God. The opening words of Scripture remind us that God is not reacting or improvising to anything already here. God stands before all things and over all things. That matters because many of us live as though our circumstances are bigger than God. We focus on the diagnosis, the financial struggle, the broken relationship, the unanswered prayer, or the uncertain future. Those things are real and important, but before our problem, there is God. Before our fear, there is God. Before our failure, there is God. Before our doubt, there is God. Genesis also reminds us that creation was intentional. The universe is not an accident. You are not an accident. Scripture tells us that we were created in God’s image. That means every person has dignity, value, and worth. That is important to know because many people define themselves by their mistakes, regrets, labels or by things that were done to them. But Genesis says you are created known and loved by God. Throughout our lives we have failed, doubted, and even walked away from God but again and again God comes looking for us. God came looking for Abraham, Moses, David, the disciples and God comes looking for us. The entire story of the Bible is the story of a God who refuses to stop pursuing the people He loves. The same God who stood at the beginning of creation walks beside you today. The same God who guided His people through deserts, storms, victories, and failures continues to guide us now. Friends, you may not know everything that lies ahead but you can know who travels with you. And when the One who created the road is walking beside you, that is more than enough.

Consider this:

1. Are you defining yourself by God’s love or by your failures?
2. How have you seen God pursuing you throughout your life?

Prayer: Creator God, Thank You for being present and faithful through every chapter of life. When I become overwhelmed by my circumstances, remind me that You are greater than anything I face. Help me remember that I am created in Your image, loved by Your grace, and held in Your care. Thank You for never abandoning me and for constantly calling me home. Guide my steps this week and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, the destination of every faithful journey. Amen.