Andy Talks

What does it mean to have "the mind of Christ"? In today's reflection, we conclude 1 Corinthians 2 by exploring the work of the Holy Spirit in shaping our hearts and minds. Paul reminds us that God's wisdom isn't discovered through human intellect alone but is revealed through the Spirit, who sanctifies us and helps us see the world through Christ's eyes. Through Scri...

In our reflection on 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, Paul's declaration — I resolved to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified — becomes a call to keep the main thing the main thing. Drawing on C.S. Lewis's concept of mere Christianity and the historic framework of the Apostles' Creed, the reflection distinguishes between the foundation of the faith — Jesus Christ, his l...

Why does Paul call the message of the cross "foolishness"? In today's reflection, we explore why the Gospel challenged both Jews and Greeks in the first century—and why it still challenges us today. Rather than trusting in human wisdom, religious achievement, or personal strength, Paul reminds us that Jesus Himself is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. God do...

In today's reflection, we begin to see the divisions that plagued the church in Corinth as believers argued over their favorite leaders instead of keeping their focus on Christ. Paul reminds us that pastors and teachers are simply servants whose calling is to point people to Jesus, not themselves. Along the way, we also see Paul's wonderfully human personality shine through—a reminder th...

In this episode, Andy begins a new journey through 1 Corinthians , introducing Paul's deeply personal letter to one of the most diverse—and divided—churches in the New Testament. After exploring the background of Corinth and why this letter remains so relevant today, Andy reflects on Paul's opening words of grace, gratitude, and encouragement. Before addressing conflict, Paul reminds the...

In his first message at FUMC Starkville, Andy shares a little about what he believes and the foundations of his ministry. It's all about Jesus and His love! 

In this final standalone reflection before beginning a new Bible study series, Andy reflects on Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17:20–24, where Jesus prays not only for His first disciples but for everyone who would one day believe—including us. Exploring the difference between unity and uniformity, this episode considers why Christian unity is so difficult, why it matters so deeply to Je...

In today's reflection, we turn to Zephaniah 3:14–18 and one of the most beautiful images in all of Scripture: a God who rejoices over His people with singing. Together we'll explore what it means to be loved by God, why the prophets continue to speak hope into seasons of uncertainty, and how our understanding of ourselves changes when we remember that the Bible begins not with humanity&a...

Today we look at Isaiah 43:18–21, and are reminded that God is always at work doing "a new thing," even in seasons of uncertainty and transition. Spoken originally to Israel as they faced exile, God's promise to make "rivers in the desert" demonstrates that He brings life and hope where none seems possible. While our past experiences—both successes and failures—shape us, t...

Today, we start a new season of our Reflections as we reflect on Lamentations 3:21–25, We see that new beginnings are grounded in hope. Looking to the example of Jeremiah, who proclaimed God's faithfulness while witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem, we remember that following Christ does not guarantee an easy life, but it does offer a meaningful one sustained by God's steadfast love....

In my final service at St. Matthew's, we read from Romans 16. We are reminded that our church is not any one person, but it's all of us together. But in the end, none of that truly makes our church what it is. Jesus is all that really matters.

In our Traditional message from May 31, Andy shares with us one of his many, many favorite passages of scripture. In this passage, we see what the worldview and path are for us as Christians.  Love. The life and path we are called to walk as Christians is love.

In this final reflection on Ecclesiastes 12, the Teacher brings the entire book to its ultimate conclusion after wrestling with wisdom, pleasure, mortality, anxiety, and the fleeting nature of life. After exploring nearly every avenue for meaning, Ecclesiastes ends with a simple but profound truth: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of everyone.” The devotion explains...

In this reflection on Ecclesiastes 11, the Teacher continues offering wisdom sayings while wrestling with anxiety, uncertainty, and the temporary nature of life. Though Ecclesiastes often feels filled with angst and existential frustration, the chapter also points toward an important truth: life is fleeting, and recognizing that reality can bring wisdom and clarity. The devotion explores how human...

In this reflection on Ecclesiastes 9:17–10:20, the Teacher continues exploring the value and limitations of wisdom. While wisdom is portrayed as better than foolishness, stronger than weapons, and worthy of pursuit, it still cannot remove life’s uncertainty or guarantee control over the future. The devotion contrasts the Teacher’s growing cynicism with the Christian conviction that wisdom itself i...

In Ecclesiastes 9, the Teacher points out that life is uncertain, death comes for everyone, and the things we often chase—success, power, recognition, possessions—cannot give lasting meaning. The Teacher’s repeated call to “eat, drink, and be merry” is understood not as a call to shallow living, but as an invitation to find meaning in community, shared meals, conversation, and time with the people...

In our Traditional message from Pentecost Sunday, Andy shares with us from Acts 2: 1-21. We see how God restores what sin has taken. In Babel, sin leads to division, but Pentecost restores that, and through the Spirit, we have unity.

Ecclesiastes 8:9–17 wrestles honestly with the unfairness and brokenness of life in a fallen world. While the Teacher becomes cynical as he sees evil rewarded and justice delayed, the message for Christians is different: we are called neither to deny injustice nor to surrender to it. Instead, we are called to resist evil, remain faithful, and hold on to hope because we belong to the God of resurre...

In this reflection on Ecclesiastes 8:1–9, the Teacher wrestles with the complicated relationship between wisdom, authority, and faithful living. While Scripture calls believers to respect and pray for governing authorities, the Bible also shows prophets confronting unjust leaders, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ rather than any earthly power. Drawing from examples like...

In this Thursday reflection on Ecclesiastes 7:15–29, the Teacher's closing observation — God made human beings straightforward, but they have devised many schemes — frames the whole passage as a meditation on wisdom and its limits. The Teacher says it's good to take hold of wisdom without letting go of the acknowledgment that you might be wrong, and the reflection develops that into a pa...

In this Wednesday reflection on Ecclesiastes 7:1–14, the Teacher's seemingly morbid observations — that the house of mourning is better than the house of feasting, sorrow better than laughter — are rescued from mere pessimism and read as genuine wisdom about suffering and formation. The reflection is careful not to romanticize suffering or suggest we should seek it out; Christianity calls for...

In this reflection on Ecclesiastes 6, the Teacher continues wrestling with the emptiness of life when meaning is sought in wealth, pleasure, work, or achievement. Though these things are not inherently bad, they cannot bear the full weight of the human soul or provide lasting peace and purpose. The passage serves as a warning against building our identity on temporary earthly things—whether money,...

In this Monday reflection on Ecclesiastes 5, the chapter's three movements — reverence, humility, and contentment — are unpacked with practical pastoral honesty. The call to guard your words before God and take your vows seriously is a word about integrity: promises to God and to each other matter, and we shouldn't make them lightly. The observation that oppression and injustice are ever...

In our message from May 17, 2026, Andy shares with us from Acts 1: 6-11.  Jesus sends us out to the people we know and love, as well as to the people we are tempted to hold with contempt, to be His witnesses, to show all the world His goodness and grace.

In this Friday reflection on Ecclesiastes 4:9–16, we see the Teacher's familiar refrain of vanity gives way to a genuinely hopeful word: two are better than one, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. The reflection unpacks Wesley's concept of social holiness — often misunderstood as primarily about social action, when Wesley actually meant something more intimate: the communal acco...