The Moxie of God
January 3, 2025
In a recent sermon, I shared an intriguing story about a toy that captured my attention—the Moxie robot. Marketed as the first AI companion for children aged 5 to 10, this robot promised to chat, engage, and even befriend its young owners with a touch of artificial intelligence.
Like most smart devices, Moxie relied on an internet connection to function properly. Unfortunately, the company behind Moxie recently announced its closure, leaving these once-beloved robots unable to operate. Without ongoing support or updates, Moxie robots would eventually stop working entirely.
Parents of Moxie owners faced the difficult task of explaining to their children that their robot friends, in a sense, were “dying.” What had become a cherished companion for many children would soon be gone—a poignant reminder of loss that some children experienced for the first time.
This story reminded me of a similar moment from my childhood: watching the opening scene of Bambi and encountering the concept of death. For those children, the end of their Moxie robot was more than a toy breaking—it was an emotional lesson on the impermanence of life.
But here’s the good news. In Luke 18:16-17, Jesus offers us a beautiful contrast:
“Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'”
Unlike toys, devices, or even the things we cherish most on this earth, God never breaks down. He doesn’t need a software update. He doesn’t run out of power. Nothing can separate us from His love.
God is a good and faithful Father who invites us to trust Him with childlike faith—a faith that knows He will never fail, never fade, and never leave.
As we step into 2025, I pray to embrace this truth even more deeply, trusting fully in the eternal love and presence of our God.
Practical Questions for Pastors When Feeling Aimless
January 2, 2025
Preaching is a unique profession in many ways, especially when it comes to managing your schedule. It’s a curious blend of flexibility and rigidity. During the week, there’s often plenty of room to adjust and adapt. However, Sunday worship is non-negotiable—it’s a fixed anchor point in your week. Funerals, too, demand an immediate and unwavering commitment, making them challenging to reschedule.
Between those immovable commitments, there can sometimes be a sense of aimlessness. What do you do when your day doesn’t have a clear “what’s next”? Over the years, I’ve found these questions helpful in navigating those moments.
- Who needs a call from me today?
- Who can I spend time praying for?
- Who can I quickly go and visit?
- Who do I need to carve out time to go and visit?
- What do I need to spend time studying?
- What meetings are coming up in the next three weeks? How can I be prepared for them?
- Do I have a good grasp of the church calendar and what is upcoming this quarter? In the next 12 months?
- Who can I write a thank you note to today?
- Where do I feel stuck?
I hope you find this helpful.
What are some other questions you have for when you get stuck?
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About David Wesley Donnan
I write online about Methodism, devotional insights, and personal reflections. My primary goal is to organize my thoughts and explore meaningful topics. Along the way, I hope my writing inspires and encourages others on their journey.
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Our Word for 2025: Growth
January 1, 2025
Do you have a word for the year? While I didn’t have one last year, I’ve often embraced the practice of selecting a word or theme to guide me through the year ahead.
On New Year’s Eve, my wife and I were out for a walk, reflecting on some of the goals we’ve set for 2025. As we talked, she noticed a common thread running through them—a focus on growth. Without even realizing it, I had stumbled upon our word for the year: growth.
We’ve outlined some specific goals that reflect this theme, but we know the journey won’t be confined to what we’ve planned. Life has a way of surprising us, and we’re curious about the unexpected ways we’ll be called to grow over the next 12 months.
While working out recently, I caught a snippet of Andy Miller’s final 2024 episode of the More to the Story podcast. He shared a powerful idea: taking his word for the year and weaving it into John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer. I found the concept both inspiring and deeply personal. In fact, we had prayed this prayer as a congregation during our final Sunday morning service of 2024, making it an especially meaningful connection.
Here’s how I incorporated our theme of growth into Wesley’s famous prayer:
“I am no longer my own, but Yours.
Put me to what you will for my growth, rank me with whom You will.
Put me to doing for my growth, put me to suffering for my growth and holiness.
Let me be employed by You or laid aside for You for Your Glory and my growth,
exalted for You or brought low for You.
Let me be full, let me be empty in ways which help me grow closer to you.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to Your pleasure and disposal even my own desire to grow if it gets in the way.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
You are mine, and I am Yours. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”
As I was writing this prayer out I got a sense my growth goals, while not bad, may be a little different to God’s goals of growth in me. I am looking forward to exploring this concept in 2025.
Do you have a word or driving value for your 2025?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
About David Wesley Donnan
I write online about Methodism, devotional insights, and personal reflections. My primary goal is to organize my thoughts and explore meaningful topics. Along the way, I hope my writing inspires and encourages others on their journey.
David Donnan 