Luke Powell Daily Devotions: Recent Episodes
Luke Powell
In Mark's Gospel chapter 1, Jesus said the words “come and follow me.” And then he goes on to say, “I'll send you out to fish for people.” And then verse 18 says, “At once they left their nets and followed him.” Isn't that a powerful phrase?
I wondered about the immediacy of our willingness to follow God. And when God calls us and God engages with us, I think He gauges our love for him by our obedience. To love and obey all kind of inextricably linked; to love somebody is to do what they want. And the desire of our hearts is we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength to do what He wants us to do.
And so the passion for the world that God has, is to say, “I wish you to fish for people”. Now Matthew 28:19 and so on speaks about making disciples of all nations. And therefore, the word “éthni”, you know, “nations”, is every single level of the ethnicities within our cultures. And so there is a Harley Davidson culture or there is a yuppie culture or there is a hip hop culture, or there is whatever - you with me?
All these subcultures are the groups that you have affinities with. And Jesus says, “You don't have to go and climb mountains. You don't need to go the furthest ends of the world. You just need to go to the affinity groups of the people that you know and love. And those are the people that you need to fish for!” Those are the levels of the cultures in which we live that God has placed us so that we can make disciples in those contexts.
Think about your affinity groups. Think about the people that you rub shoulders with. How can you help them in that - their gathering moments - to say, “Maybe today we could think of reading a verse and just hearing what God says to us today” and evolving that into a moment where you share the Scripture? Three people: one person with the Scripture, another person reads the Scripture in another translation, and a third one paraphrases it and you say, “What is God saying to us today?” And then God draws the people to himself.
The book Miraculous Movements tells us that right around the world, these affinity groups are the multiplying ways in which God is growing the kingdom amongst us. So think about the people you could rub shoulders with and how can you turn your affinity groups into an encounter with God so that it can be an incredible blessing. Because that's how we are obedient to going to fish for people.
Spend time today thinking and praying about the people that you can bring into a loving community where you can experience the risen Jesus.
As we continue in Mark's Gospel, I pick up the second part of chapter 1 verse 17, and Jesus says, having said, “Come follow me”, he now goes on and says, and “I will send you out to fish for people.”
There is a powerful thing which we don't really take seriously enough in our world today, and that is the word “go”. And sending out is the nature of the church. The word “ecclesia” is the Greek word for church and it's the called out ones, the sent ones, the summoned ones. And so right from the beginning of Jesus's ministry, he's modeling for us what church should really be. And that's a church that is being sent. And he says, “and I will send you out”.
Now the word “go”... Just think for a moment as you read the Bible, have you encountered the word “go”? The word “go” appears in the Bible over 1500 times. And so if we are not going, then we are simply a gathering of disobedient Christians, because right at the essence and the beginning of Jesus's ministry, he says we should “go”.
The word “stay” in the Bible only appears about 60 times. He is saying to us, only 6% of the time, “stay here, be replenished, be able to recover and be strengthened in the spirit.” But the dominant 94% of the times Jesus is saying “go”! Stay, yes, but go 94% and therefore we are encouraged to be those who follow Jesus in the going.
The going is to people who need the good news, people who need to hear that God loves them. And so we are transmitters of God's love and power. We are passing that on. We don't have to invent the good news. It's already there for them to know that they are utterly, irrevocably, unconditionally, extravagantly and eternally loved.
That's our offer to people: Come get to know this, Jesus, and I've been sent to you in his name. And so today, be prayerful around the names of people that come to mind, but also the people you rub shoulders with. Maybe God is sending you to that person to be an instrument of good news in this day and you can drop a seed into their life of the Gospel of God's love.
Plant seeds of God's love in every conversation. God bless you.
Today we're picking up verse 17 where Jesus continues in his engagement with people and says to these folk, both Simon and Andrew and others, “Come, follow me.”
Let's stay with those three words for the moment. Understand that God is the inviting God! As Dallas Willard reminded me, God is the great includer. And He continues to invite - invite to the banquet, invite into his presence, invite children.
Jesus looks at you in the face today and says, “Come, come to me, come to me.” This is a personal encounter. This is not just religiosity. This is not a religion. This is not a set of rules and regulations and oughts and shoulds and musts and have tos and things that are tasks for us to do to be religious. This is Jesus seeing us for who we are and saying, “Come to me. This is deeply personal, this is deeply real, and I take you seriously. I know you by name. I know who you are. I've seen you through your entire life. And I want for you to experience something that is about you and me in a relationship.” That coming is great because Jesus says, “come as you are, and I will do something with you.”
Then the second and third words are “Follow me.” And there are many books written in our world today about leadership. But show me the number of books that are written about followership. And so therefore, Jesus is saying, “I will be your leader. I'm the greatest leader that ever lived.” Not that he used those words himself, but we know him to be.
He's saying, “Come follow me. Live your life as if I was you. Live as I lived. And follow my example. Follow me. Because I go with you into those experiences.”
And so today, as you enter into whatever you are doing, Jesus invites you into his presence throughout the day and invites you to follow Jesus’ example in each of the events and every encounter through this day today.
God bless you.
dailydevo #dailydevotional #bibleteaching #bibleverse #dailybible
Rev. Christopher Harrison is sharing with us this week!
We’re journeying this week through Mark’s gospel chapter 1 verse 16, where Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee and saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting nets and so on. Let's hold on to this. In our world today, Jesus is the risen one who's walking alongside of you, and He is the one who is incarnate. He walks amongst us, holding into our presence the love of God right here and right now.
We're not just talking about a historical figure. So picture your day today, that Jesus is walking beside you. He's your closest companion. He's your deepest friend. He's the one who knows you best and has the best desire for your life.
But then the verse goes on and says, “He saw Simon.” Understand this: Jesus is seeing you. You’re not just a number. He looks into your face and sees you. And one of the most powerful things is to realize that the most magnificent person who ever lived, to ever walk on the face of this earth, Jesus Christ - sees you, sees what you are doing, and takes you seriously.
As you journey through today, as you go through the events of the day that is in front of you, as you meet the people that you engage with as you go about the work that you are to do, pick picture the fact that Jesus accompanies you in that experience and is seeing you - that you matter, and what you do matters to Jesus and the world in which you live, because you are a reflection of God's glory.
You are created by Jesus Christ to do good works. And in this day, God is working alongside you and is seeing you do what you do and says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Work alongside Jesus today in everything that you do. God bless you.
Rev. Christopher Harrison joins me to talk teach from Mark 1 this week!
As we dip into the Scriptures this week, taking us to Mark's Gospel chapter 1 and verse 15. “The time has come,” says Jesus. “The Kingdom of God has come near.”
Just think about that at the moment - what we think about is time. How are we using our time? And of course there is lineal time, which is - kind of - starts and ends in a kind of a line.
But there’s Kairos time, and that is God's time, and God invites us into the Greek word “zoe” life. That's a life that's outside of time, that's eternal, that's abundant, extravagant. And so when we think of living in God's timing, we are stepping into the reality of God's world, which is the Kingdom of God, the place where God's rule is, where His will has sway, where God's life is flowing into us. And we are living according to God's life.
So I'm inviting you today to realize that the time that you have through this day has been given to you by God. And so live an eternal perspective of the time that you have today. What can I do with my time today that has eternal significance? What can I do with this moment that God has entrusted to me to reflect something of God's kingdom vision for the world?
So don't just waste your time today. Make the most of every opportunity. Because Jesus is saying to you, believe this good news I've given you this day. Use it for Kingdom values and Kingdom vision. May God bless you in this day.
Abram built altars for the glory of God. Should we do the same today?
dailydevoswithluke #dailydevotions #dailybible #bibleverse #abram #blessings #altar #altars
Abram was called to a godless culture, to shine God's light. Nothing has changed! We have the same calling.
dailydevoswithluke #dailydevotions #dailybible #bibleverse #abram #blessings
It's great to bless others out of the abundance you have - but ultimately, we need to bless them with the saving love of Jesus, which has eternal benefits.
dailydevoswithluke #dailydevotions #dailybible #bibleverse #abram #blessings
God blessed Abram - why? So that he could bless others. He does the same for you and me.
dailydevotions #blessed #blessings #bibleteaching #bible #dailydevos #abram
Abram was called to leave his country, his people, and his family. Obedience often takes sacrifice - but it's worth it.
dailydevotions #sacrifice #bibleteaching #bible #dailydevos #abram
Do you feel like you don't have what it takes to share the faith? Don't worry. None of us do. But we have the Spirit of Jesus with us, and it He who does the work, not us.
GreatComission #evangelism #evangelist #sharethelove #sharingyourfaith #bibleteaching #dailydevotional #dailydevotions
Ron Rand's FRIEND evangelism is a great way to learn about sharing faith in different stages.
GreatComission #evangelism #sharethelove #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #bibleteaching
Paul didn't bludgeon people with the truth! He took it case by case and humbly shared the gospel in thoughtful ways. We can learn from his thoughfulness.
GreatComission #evangelism #sharethelove #bibleteaching #dailydevotional
Why do we share our faith? Because it is our joy to do so! And how great to have others share in the joy we found in Jesus.
GreatComission #evangelism #sharethelove #dailydevotional #bibleteaching
Jesus' final words show his great desire for us to live out the "Great Comission" - to share the good news with others.
GreatCommission #evangelism #sharethelove #dailydevotional #bibleteaching
Our sacred places are important, but we are called to go out from them into the world to bring light into darkness.
light #dailydevotional #go #sent #bibleteaching
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David welcome those who were under attack, promising to protect them. Jesus does the same for us today. Do you need to run to him for protection in the midst of an attack?
The only place to find contentment is in Jesus. When we are discontent, we can run to him, and find the satisfaction we desire.
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dailydevotional #dailydevotions #bibleteaching #content #contentment
Those in debt joined David in his cave. How blessed are we to have King Jesus, who forgives us our debts.
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When King David hid from Saul in a cave, the distressed in the land joined him. Jesus offers the same for us today. Go to him, if you are in distress, and find rest.
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Dr. Carla Sunberg shares the story of Church of the Nazarene's founder Phineas Bresee always saying "Good Morning!" no matter what time of day it was. Why? Because good things were always on the horizon.
goodmorning #nazarene #bibleteaching #dailydevotional #hope
Dr David Busic shares a powerful truth - that the church is not on the defence, but hell is on the defence as the church of Jesus attacks!
hell #spiritualwarfare #dailydevotion #bibleteaching #nazarene
God is wanting to pour out truckloads of love over you. Do you know this? Do you believe it?
GodsLove #LoveofGod #dailydevotional #bibleteaching #nazarene
Dr Crocker reminded us that while God could've accomplished the work of redemption any way He wanted, He chose to say "follow me" to ordinary people like you and me.
followme #followJesus #nazarene #dailydevotions #bibleteaching
Dr. Eugenio Duarte inspired us to live at Jesus speed - slow enough to tend to the needs of others, but not too slow that we don't go where he sends!
dailydevotion #dailydevotional #bibleteaching #nazarene #GA2023 #Jesus
How will you respond to the testimonies of God himself, Jesus' life, and John along with countless believers?
testify #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #bibleteaching #believe #respond
Jesus pointed to Scripture to prove that he was who he claimed to be. But the Pharisees scoured Scripture and still missed him!
Bible #HolyBible #Bibleteaching #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #testify
The greatest testimony to Jesus' claims was the very voice of God booming down from heaven on three separate occasions.
Jesuschrist #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #bibleteaching #godthefather #testify
Don't just believe Jesus' words about himself. Look at his life and see how his works prove that he is who he claims to be!
jesusislord #dailydevotional #jesuschrist #dailydevotion #bibleteaching
Jesus told people to look at John the Baptist, because his life testified to the truth about Jesus. Could he point to us, saying the same thing?
devotional #dailydevotional #bibleteaching #scripture #testify
False repentance is worthless. Ahab seemed outwardly to repent, but his heart stayed godless. Have you truly repented?
The worst thing King Ahab did was to go after idols instead of putting God first. How often we find ourselves doing the same thing!
Sometimes God says 'you're not ready for that. I don't want you to take possession of it.' Do we respond like Ahab, forcing our way and taking it anyway?
Lying to make others look bad - this was a trick used by King Ahab and Jezebel to get what they wanted. Don't be like them.
When King Ahab didn't get his way, he sulked and pouted. Are you like him? Take your sulking to Jesus and find freedom and joy.
Andrew Murray knew that each child of God is called to work for Him, and pray to Him. Are we taking these calls seriously, like he did?
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Facing failure in his ministry, Andrew Murray chose to see God's provident hand at work. How do we deal with failure?
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Andrew Murray realised the scolding and scaring people into the kingdom didn't work. He believed that threatening instead of loving did a disservice to the gospel.
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When another church threatened the powerful Dutch Reformed Church, Murray responded with remarkable grace and wisdom. We could learn from his mature outlook.
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Andrew Murray may have been a giant in the faith, but he had his struggles to believe too. He is not high and above us, but just one of us!
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Andrew Murray's father learned a profound lesson from his own brother - that nothing it too small to bother God with.
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Andrew Murray learned to revere God as a child. What do you respect and admire most? God should top the list!
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Andrew Murray's mother was deeply content. Why? Because of her close relationship with God.
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The great South African minister and writer Andrew Murray grew up in a home of much worship, Scripture and prayer. Is yours such a home?
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John says that Jesus makes us all priests. What does this mean? Not that we all wear dog collars, but that we can go directly to God.
Jesus loves us, even though he is high and exalted. When we understand how great He is, we start to glimpse the depth of His love.
Who is Jesus? John describes him as the faithful witness. He is the witness of all the truth of God, and came to earth to teach it to us.
The Psalmist tells us that God remembers us in our low estate. Do you need to hear this today? He cares for you, He loves you, He is with you. Hold to Him.
Should we, like the Psalmists, pray that God will kill the evil rulers of our time? No. We should pray for their salvation and transformation by the cross of Jesus.
The Jews saw the exodus as the greatest act of saving grace God could perform. But we see the cross and we know that Jesus' sacrifice there once for all bought our salvation.
God has made a beautiful world by His creative power! Are we helping to preserve it, or are we destroying it?
God is generous in so many ways. Are we thankful for His generosity? Or are we just paying lip service to God?
Where can I find hope? The ultimate source of hope in these broken times is the cross of Jesus Christ.
Seeking intimacy in cold, uncommitted relationships, or images on a screen? There is a better way. Jesus heals and brings us the intimacy we need.
Should we try escape our past? Our try find healing from it? The cross of Jesus offers healing for sinful pasts.
We were born to matter! Steve Deneff's book More Than Forgiveness shows us how our need for significance has been distorted by sin, but is healed at the cross of Jesus.
I want to worship God as my life in this world ends - knowing I'll be singing forever in the next life too.
10 000 reasons for my heart to sing is too few. There are countless more reasons, when we know God!
God is rich in love, and slow to anger. His name is great, and His heart is kind. Will you worship Him for these reasons? And all sorts of other ways that He is good?
"Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing til the evening comes". This is the Christian life - singing praise all through the day, whatever happens.
Matt Redman and Jonas Myrin's modern classic song inspires us to worship from the heart, not just with our lips. That's what true worship is!
If I want to live for God, I need to be disciplined and choose what is good over what I feel like.
We all have specific callings from God, to be lived out in our day to day lives. What is yours?
Reminding myself that God has filled me with his Spirit and sanctified me is what enables me to live for Him.
Every day I like to remind myself that I am loved and forgiven by the God of the universe.
Paul is clear in his writing that revenge is not for us. Why? Because Jesus died even for the sins of those who've hurt us.
The early Christians helped the weakest in their camp. How can you help somebody who is weak today?
Paul was a great encourager, in a time when Christians surely got discouraged quickly. Do you need courage today? Find it in Jesus!
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Paul's Words of Encouragement
In 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Paul says to his people, "We urge you, brothers and sisters, encourage the disheartened." Encourage the disheartened. That's a great lesson for us today. Are you encouraging that disheartened?
You don't need to look very far to see people who are disheartened in this life, and I pray that we will always encourage those who are disheartened. I pray that our churches are places of encouragement that we don't further discourage our brothers and sisters when they are with us.
Getting Discouraged
Remember, in those days, the Christians were going through some really great persecution and tribulations, and I imagine that they would have gotten disheartened pretty quickly. Today, God's people are also under attack in different ways, and it's easy to get disheartened in the faith.
Being Encouraged
Friends, take courage today! I want you to know that God is with you. And I want you to know that whatever difficulties you're going through, he will give you strength and he is still in control. You can trust in him. Keep believing. Keep walking. Get up and keep going today. Don't let your situation paralyze you. But get up and keep going. And I promise you God will be with you if you call on him.
The word "encourage" means to give courage to. Do you need courage today? Take courage in Jesus. Take courage in your Saviour. He has got power for you today, even if you are not feeling it yourself. Lean on him. Lean on him and find new courage.
And all through the day, preach to yourself. Preach the good news to yourself. God is with me. God is encouraging me. God is my strength and my rock and my salvation.
I know how hard it is to keep your head up sometimes, my friends. I do. I know how easy it is to get shaken by the things that the world throws at you.
I pray that these things will not kick you down even further today, but with God's spirit in you, you will rise and walk in freedom because your faith pulled you out of that slump. Take hold of his outstretched hand and walk with courage today, my friends.
He is with you. He is with you.
Paul told the early Christians to always strive to good - and that meant warning those who were idle and disruptive. Do we need to hear his warning today?
"Some day you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am. I was born of the flesh in 1837. I was born of the Spirit in 1856. That which is born of the flesh may die. That which is born of the Spirit will liveforever."
dailydevotional #death #dailydevotion #Jesus
One of Moody's great evangelistic meetings was very much influenced by the prayers of 2 ordinary women. You can also pray like them!
dailydevotional #dailydevotion #prayer #evangelism
Once sentence about giving God your everything changed DL Moody profoundly. Maybe it will do the same for you?
dailydevotional #dailydevotion #consecration #surrender #Jesus
When a man criticized Moody's grammar, his reply was epic! Think before you criticize.
dailydevotional #dailydevotion #criticizing
DL Moody was a Christian, but it was only when he led a few people to Christ that a real fire for God was lit in his heart! Hear the story here.
dailydevotion #dailydevotional #evangelist
Which roads are your feet walking down? Be careful not to walk away from God!
Dailydevotional #wisdom
Our eyes are prone to drifting! How often they land on ungodly things. Proverbs 4 warns against this, as does Jesus.
dailydevotional
wisdom
Proverbs 4 teaches us to watch our mouths - speaking only words of grace and glory. Jesus too warned of using our words wrongly.
dailydevotional #wisdom
Proverbs 4 teaches us to guard our hearts from the things that aren't of God. Are we keeping things out, or just letting the world into our hearts?
dailydevotions
Proverbs 4 teaches us a wise way of living - firstly by making sure we listen to God's Word more closely than anything else.
dailydevotions #dailydevotional #wisdom
Jesus is the door to God. Our church doors should always be open to those who need redemption.
dailydevotions #church #easter
Only God can save us from our prisons. The risen Christ proves it!
dailydevotions #easter
We all have our school of hard knocks. The good news - Jesus can free us from those hurts.
dailydevotions #easter
We like to reflect something of ourselves to the world, but what's going on behind the scenes? God is the one who can heal whatever it is we hide.
dailydevotions #easter
Rev Derek Wilson's Easter day sermon from 2008 inspires us this week. Today we learn that the things we lock away in vaults don't need to defeat us. We can find freedom in Christ who blows open the vault doors!
dailydevotion #easter
Trophies and crowns may come... but when we meet with Jesus one day, we will cast them down at his feet!
dailydevotional #castmycrowns #calvary
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Will you ever be true to the cross? Glory awaits for those who do.
dailydevotional #glory #cross #calvary #heaven
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Christ's death brings about two great works - the pardoning of sinners, and the sanctifying of saints.
dailydevotions #cross #calvary #grace #justification #sanctification
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The world can't understand the cross - but to those who are saved, it is a wondrous attractions!
dailydevotional #calvary These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell
Even though the cross is an emblem of suffering and shame, Christians love that cross! Because of what Jesus did there.
calvary #easter #dailydevotions
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Not even Jesus made demands of God the Father. But the enemy tempts us to do exactly that today.
dailydevotions #faith #prayer
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The enemy tries to tempt God's people away from Him. Let us hold firm!
dailydevotions #desconstruction
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The enemy likes to tempt us with legitimate needs, distorting them to be fulfilled in the wrong ways.
dailydevotions #temptation
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Satan tries to convince Adam and Eve that God isn't so serious about sin. A lie that he still pushes around today!
dailydevotions #sin
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One of the enemy's main schemes is to get us doubting God's Word.
Bible #dailydevotions
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Lucado reminds us today that we are gallery guides - and our job is not to move into the spotlight, but to move out of it! Even our own stories are about God's glory, not our own.
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As Lucado says in his book, our bodies are instruments for God's glory. We are just house-sitters, looking after the place where he lives - and we shouldn't redecorate or let the house go to ruin!
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When you succeed in life, do you take the glory? Or is your success like a frame which showcases the glory of God?
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Max Lucado talks about how our suffering is like a frame, displaying the glory of God. Can we see our suffering in this way?
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Max Lucado's book It's Not About Me inspires us this week. Today we see how we are to be moons - reflecting the light of the Son!
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Even a hardcore atheist could tell that real Christianity transforms lives. If we serve God by serving others, the world will see what Jesus is all about!
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When times are tough, we can hold fast to God, clinging to Him! He is solid and unflinching, when we are weak and frail.
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For Joshua, as with Jesus, obeying God was essential. An Abraham Lincoln story illustrates the importance of obeying God today.
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Joshua encourages the Israelites to love God. Like Jesus, he knew that we can only honour God if we love Him more than all else.
dailydevotional #loveGod #Jesus
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Joshua counsels the people of God to live carefully - much like Paul would do many years later. Are our lives carefully lived to the glory of God?
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#dailydevotion #dailydevotional #bible #Scripture
All Christians through the years have discovered that life is tough - but that God accompanies them through the darkest times.
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When life gets tough we can make it through by entrusting our lives into God's hands. That's how we make it through.
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Are Christians called to be pessimists? Surely not! We are to consider it joy when we face trials, because we know that God is at work even in our difficulties.
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If we are expecting life to be a bed of roses when we become Christians, we must think again! The Bible is full of people who found out that life was tough - but that they had a God who could get them through.
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If we present the gospel as a kind of "quick fix" for life's problems, we are dong God a disservice. Jesus said that we WILL have trouble in life - Christian or not.
Judy Huffman's essay "Practical Holiness" reminds us that to be holy as God is holy means seeing people the way He does.
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holiness #holinessmovement #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #dailydevotions #bible
How can we be holy? It is not just a matter of following rules. It comes from a deep relationship with a holy God.
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holiness #holinessmovement #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #dailydevotions #bible
Where do we get the power to be holy? It doesn't come from fear of God's punishment - but from faith in God's love.
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holiness #holinessmovement #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #dailydevotions #bible
What does holiness look like? It looks like God the Father, Son and Spirit, living in harmony and love. What a great model for our own relationships. These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell #holiness #holinessmovement #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #dailydevotions #bible
Judy Huffman's essay "Practical Holiness" shows us that holiness is not about following rules - it's far more than that!
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holiness #holinessmovement #dailydevotional #dailydevotion #dailydevotions #bible
Beppie has lived a remarkable like - excelling in her field, an SA champ in bowling, swimming the Midmar Mile, and more. Though she can't see, she hasn't allowed that to stop her! What excuses do you have? God can do great things through you, if you are willing.
Beppie's story: https://youtu.be/REYVbe1ivts
Many people ask Beppie how she can be so happy? The secret is that she finds her happiness in her God, not in her circumstances.
Beppie's story: https://youtu.be/REYVbe1ivts
Beppie's faith rests firmly on God's promises. The Scriptures she shared in her testimony video show us this! What 'life-verses' do you have? Hold onto God's Word in faith, and find strength to go on.
Beppie's story: https://youtu.be/REYVbe1ivts
Like many people who are differently-abled, Beppie has heard many awful words from Christians saying that she would be healed if she had more faith. But her perspective is different - instead of healing Moses, God provided help for him through other people. He does the same today!
Beppie's story: https://youtu.be/REYVbe1ivts
Beppie Summersgill may have lost her sight - but her faith is as strong as ever. How is this so? For one thing, God has placed many angels in her lives who have helped her along the way. How blessed we are when God sends us people to assist when we need it most!
Beppie's story: https://youtu.be/REYVbe1ivts
One picture of Jesus that nobody has seen yet is him on the clouds, coming again. What a day that will be! Are we waiting in expectation, ready for this picture?
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Jesus' death on the cross would have meant nothing if he didn't rise again and conquer death! Thank God that the grave is empty today.
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One picture of Jesus that Mary would have wanted to forget was him on the cross. Is there a reason that Catholics have Jesus on the cross in their churches? It's because what he did there has the utmost significance for us in our faith journeys.
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Jesus was a healer. But even those he healed physically died eventually. The only lasting healing he gives is healing of the soul!
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Jesus was called 'Rabbi'. People flocked to hear his words! Do we pay close enough attention to the things he taught?
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A precious day in the life of Jesus - the day he was baptised. Notice - he was baptised with others, connecting with them even though his was for a different reason.
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What was Jesus like as a boy? One story in Luke's gospel gives us a clue. He was growing in grace, but still effective for God.
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Jesus in a manger - what a picture of glory and humility! He came to be "God With Us". Praise Him today.
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Where was Jesus in the Old Testament? Everywhere! And in particular, appearing on earth as the Angel of the Lord.
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Jesus existed long before he became human. Our first picture of Him must be when He, along with the Father and the Spirit, created the world!
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David knew that true joy came from God. So did George Mueller. When we come to God in the morning, let's avoid just ticking the boxes and being on our way. We must come to Him for joy!
Though he had sinned, David was still welcomed into God's presence, because he was loved by God. We can ALL find forgiveness and grace at God's feet, and have our shame washed away. Every morning come to God and remember His great love for you!
Daily devotion:
We all know our weak points. In the morning, let's come to God with these, and ask for new strength and power to resist them and live the holy lives we are called to. David did!
Daily devotion:
When David spent time with God in the mornings, he would present his requests to God, and wait expectantly for answers. Yet how quick we are to rush off into our day without giving God a chance!
Daily Devotion:
In the morning, pray! This is how David started his day, as we see clearly in Psalm 5:1-3. There is nothing quite like giving your morning to God - how else could the day go peacefully!? #dailydevotional
At 92 years old, Ruth Garlock was still leading people to Christ. She didn't leave her missionary spirit in the tribal lands! She lived it wherever she was. How about us?
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Cornered by a murderous tribe who spoke no English, Henry Garlock prayed and asked God to help him. He began to speak, and to his surprise, words that he had never learned came pouring out of his mouth. Speaking in strange tongues is a gift from God - but could it be that God assists us in speaking different languages when needed?
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Facing a murderous angry mob, Henry Garlock believed his time had come. He prayed for God's protection and began repeating the name of Jesus - and God intervened in an amazing way. You have to hear this story!
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Henry Garlock fell dreadfully ill on a journey through the forest. At the same time, across the ocean, his father awoke feeling the need to pray for his son. His prayers proved effective! How important for us to pray when God prompts us to.
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When Ruth Garlock saw her tribal friends perform a strange ritual where the blood of a chicken was sprinkled on their heads, she asked what it was about. Their answer proved that we all seek atonement - but truly, it is only the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, that can assure us of forgiven sins.
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Henry Garlock experienced an extraordinary miracle - being transported across a raging river without knowing how. But on the way back a more ordinary miracle happened - crossing the same river one step at a time. Surely both were miracles!
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Ruth Garland's mother was reluctant to let her precious child become a missionary in a dangerous land, until she learned the meaning of Romans 12:1 - offering ourselves as living sacrifices to our God. She offered her daughter as a living sacrifice, and what great work she ended up doing for God as a result!
On a train to New York, Henry Garlock felt a prompting from God to disembark earlier than planned. As it turned out, the place he ended up in needed a preacher, and was able to bless him in a great way as he began his ministry. When God prompts, let us listen!
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Determined to be a missionary, Henry Garlock set off for Bible school, only to be called back home on urgent business. But his own convictions and his Bible reading convinced him to keep going and not look back. Has God called you somewhere? Go, and keep your eyes forward.
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Henry Garlock's alcoholic father had a radical encounter with God which changed him forever. But it took a drastic step for him to get there! Do you need to wrestle with God until something happens in your life?
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When God makes a way, it is for his people. We are not meant to try walk the road alone, but with others!
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The Exodus and the Exile both teach us a great spiritual truth: that God saves his people from their sin, and reconciles them back to him. Don't just ask him to get you through the tough times - he makes a way to SAVE you, and bring you back to himself.
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As we walk through deserts, we have One who will quench our thirst - the Living Water, Jesus! Let's take great big gulps of living water this year.
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God makes a way through the waters. When it seems like he won't, because there are enemies one side and floods the other... he opens up a way. Trust in His timing this year!
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God always makes a way for his people! Let's trust that in 2023, He will make a way for us.
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2023 will certainly have its challenges. But let's decide now to trust in the faithful, consistent God.
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2023 could be a great year if we keep singing His praise! Old, new, in-between - let songs of praise ring in your life this year.
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Let's make 2023 one to remember, by finding our joy in Christ, however we might be feeling.
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Let's make 2023 a great year, by remembering our calling to tell the world what God has done in our lives!
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Let's make 2023 a great year by resolving to be thankful, like David did in Psalm 9.
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John Wesley's last words were 'best of all, God is with us!' Perhaps they can be our last words of this year, as we look back and recognize how he accompanied us each day.
God has called each of us to do his work in different ways. Let's look back and see how we followed his call this year, and consider how we might continue to answer his call next year.
As we look back on the year, there are probably blemishes that we want to forget. Let's learn from them, and then move past them!
2022 has been a tough one. Many of us have faced very hard times. Let's remember them as we look back on the year, and be grateful for God's hand in helping us through them.
Let's look back on 2022, and be grateful for God's blessings! I am particularly blessed by your support of my ministry in the last year. THANK YOU all!
Why did Jesus come to earth? One reason He Himself gives, is to call sinners to repentance.
Why did Jesus come to earth? In his own words: to provide abundant life for his people.
It's almost Christmas! Why did Jesus come to earth? His own words explain it this week, starting with his purpose to fulfill the law.
Christmas is a time to feast! But let's remember that our food should be to do the work of God - this is the food Jesus spoke of.
Some people love Christmas trees, some hate them as a pagan tradition. This year, we're doing something different with ours!
December is a time of much spending! But the best thing we can spend our time and resources on is the work of God.
Christmas lights fill our homes and shops this time of year. But let's remember the ultimate light who came into the world - Jesus.
Who doesn't enjoy getting Christmas gifts? But let's remember the ultimate gift that Christmas brought us.
Jesus' first coming was a great wonder - and his second will be too. Let's look back at when he first came with joy, and look forward to his next coming with hope.
Every Christmas we talk of angels who sang at the birth of Christ. Will we, the church, also sing heavenly songs in praise of our God this Christmas?
The wise men came bearing gifts... will the world find wise men and women in the church this Christmas?
When our feelings go up and down, does our faith fluctuate with it? Let's have a stable faith this Christmas!
TRUE Christmas spirit doesn't come from the cultural traditions, but from the spirit of God. Let's make sure that the festive spirit doesn't quench the Holy Spirit this year!
David claims to be blameless before God. Could he make such a claim?
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David calls out to be saved. Today we know the true depths of God's saving power - he saves us from the deep waters of sin and guilt and pulls us onto the dry land of forgiveness and holiness. What a Saviour!
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Great news from Psalm 18: the power of God is here for those who are His! Paul confirms it in Ephesians 1. Hold onto Him for the power that only He can give today.
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How amazing that the God of the universe "condescends" and become a helper and a servant to flawed people like us!
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David calls God his strength, his rock, his fortress, as Psalm 18 opens. Is He yours, as the year begins to close? How we need His strength as the tiredness sets in!
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As things start going wrong, Hagar decided to leave her difficult situation, only for the angel of the Lord to meet her in the desert and tell her to go back. Do you need to go back into a difficult situation today, to do the work God called you to do there?
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Sarai is quick to try and shift the blame when things go wrong! How often we have a similar lack of responsibility. But people of God - of all people - should be the ones who own up and make amends.
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When sin enters their lives, the relationships between Sarai, Hagar and Abram start to take strain. This is what happens when we don't do things God's way - our relationships suffer.
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When Sarai suggests something sinful, Abram goes along with it! How often we have a similar lack of conviction in our lives, following the cultural norm instead of standing firm in the ways of God.
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Instead of waiting on God's timing, Sarai tried to force God's hand by doing her own thing. How often we have a similar lack of faith!
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The only time I heard Uncle Cockie preach was at my gran's funeral. His words about heaven took on new significance when I heard he had died. Listen to what he had to say about coming face-to-face with Jesus.
Oom Cockie was a hard worker right up into his nineties. His example had a profound impact on may people - including Bishop Mokwena, who eulogy we listen to in today's devotion.
Oom Cockie compared faith to a good vehicle and hope to petrol. Listen to him talk here, and hear the hope that he had in his Lord!
Uncle Cockie knew the Holy Spirit's empowering, turning him from sinner to saint. What an example he was to us!
My great uncle Cockie died a few weeks ago. He was a humble man of God! He made me think of Jesus' words in Matthew 6 about treasures in heaven. Perhaps you can be blessed by his life too as you listen to this week's devos.
Our good works don't save us... but we ARE called to good works as a result of our salvation. They are the "fruit", not the "root"! Let's hear Jesus' words commanding us to live holy lives in His honour.
Jesus is our judge, but for those who are saved by His grace, there is no fear of condemnation. What wonderful words of hope we hold onto today!
Will there be a day of judgement? Jesus' words point to it. Don't think that nobody can judge you - there is One who has that right!
As the religious leaders pushed him, Jesus startled them with the claim that he was equal to the Father. Some people deny this today... is it true?
When questioned about his authority, Jesus didn't hold back! First, he told how he and his Father are always at work. Isn't that encouraging today - that, even if we can't see how, God is at work in our lives and in the world. Hold onto this in faith today.
Peter says that God's people are called out of darkness into light, in order to praise God! How vibrant our praise would be if we remembered why we are praising.
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Peter calls the church 'God's special possession'. Do you know that you are treasured by God?
Peter calls God's people a "royal priesthood". Do you know that if you're in Christ you're not only royalty, but you're a priest?
What was the secret of Duma's great effective ministry of compassion and healing? One word: PRAYER.
Spending time at a dying woman's bedside, Duma encouraged her to confess something to her husband, and encouraged her husband to forgive what she confessed. Both of them found great peace in that moment. Do you need to confess something today? Or do you need to forgive someone today? What peace awaits us when we do these things in His name.
Pastor Duma tried desperately to lead a young man to God, but he kept resisting! One morning the young man was close to making a decision but resisted again.... and seconds later suffered a fatal accident. Time is short friends, don't wait too long to say your 'yes' to Jesus.
Ministering to the King of Swaziland, Duma boldly proclaimed that only Jesus was the true King of kings. How did the Swazi king react? Listen and find out.
When a woman burst into his church wielding a knife, Duma and his congregation feared the worst. But God did what only God can do.
William Duma refused to take glory for himself. He was a man of self-denial, a man who surrendered all to God. What an example to us!
One morning William Duma lamented that he was a fisher of men with an empty net. He held his net up to God saying "fill it today!" And less than a few hours later... God had put somebody in his path who he led to Jesus.
Perhaps we should join Duma in his prayer today, and determine that our nets never be empty!
With such a powerful healing ministry, William Duma could well have become proud and self-reliant. But God reminded him to watch and pray so that pride would not take root in his heart. Are we praying against pride? It has no place in our Christian lives.
Pastor Duma encountered whispers of doubt from the enemy before he prayed with people. He had to stand against those whispers and stand on the Word of God. Is Satan trying to trip you up today? Stand firm in the Word of God!
William Duma's life story is an amazing read! A South African Baptist pastor with a wonderful healing ministry, he was hugely impacted by his Uncle Vika who stood up for Jesus boldly, and spoke out against the traditional godless ways of his family. How much good would come if we stood up for Jesus more?
For David, joy was a choice. Is it for us too?
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In spite of his many problems, David CHOSE to trust in God. Who are we trusting in in our tough times? David's words give us direction here.
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Jesus said Psalm 31:5 aloud while on the Cross. What was so special about those words? Listen to find out:
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We all know the ways in which the enemy tries to entice and trap us in sin. We can choose - will we walk into his traps? Or will we walk in God's ways?
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In Psalm 31:2-3, David repeats how God is his rock and fortress. Is God these things to you today?
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Inspiration from Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg's book. Jesus was a Rabbi, and his teaching referred back to the Old Testament far more regularly than we Gentile Christians know.
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Inspiration from Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg's book. Paul taught us to "pray without ceasing". Perhaps we can learn from Jewish tradition and pray blessing prayers to help us do this.
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Inspiration from Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg's book. Why did the suffering lady reach for Jesus' fringe? Perhaps to touch the holy tassles that Jesus wore.
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Inspiration from Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg's book. Jesus valued togetherness. It was in groups that his spirituality was lived out, as is the Jewish tradition. Let's not over-individualize our faith!
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Inspiration from Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg's book. Today we see how sitting at the feet of our Rabbi can benefit our lives.
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Instead of just saying he would pray, Joseph took action to help people in need. Do we?
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With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
yetnotibutchristinme
To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
yetnotibutchristinme
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave
yetnotibutchristinme
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley He will lead
Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
yetnotibutchristinme
The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Saviour He will stay
I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed
yetnotibutchristinme
'To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh how strange and divine, I can sing, "All is mine"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me'
yetnotibutchrist
"What gift of grace is Jesus my Redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace"
yetnotibutchristinme
Jesus said that God does not will for one of his sheep to perish. How about us - since even "the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives"?
God rejoiced when we came home with Him. Do we rejoice when others find Him? Or do we judge?
Today we consider challenging words from Jesus - to not despise even one of his children.
We Christians believe that Jesus will come again! We wait excitedly for the day, and share the good news with all, so that all may come to know his saving grace and not be without God for eternity.
What is the church all about? The Nazarene Church's Articles of Faith #11-14 show us - we are a united body of believers who are on a mission, and we celebrate Jesus together at worship. Two sacraments - baptism and the Lord's Supper - shape our worship.
A passion for holiness defines all Christians! How are we made holy? By God's sanctifying grace. Today we look at the Church of the Nazarene's 10th Article of Faith to show us this glorious truth.
What is the gospel? It is the good news that though we are sinful, God's grace enables us to repent and be made right with him. The Church of the Nazarene's Articles of Faith 5-9 guide us as we reflect on this wonderful truth today.
Let's get back to basics this week! Using the Church of the Nazarene's Articles of Faith we will have a look at what it means to be a Christian.
First, let's remember that we serve ONE God who is revealed in three persons. Are the Father, Son and Spirit all part of your faith?
Rooted in Christ, we always have joy. For, as manning says "whatever happens, the Lord is risen!"
Discipleship without sacrifice is hardly discipleship at all. Manning reminds us today that when we follow Jesus, we must be stamped with his signature - the cross of suffering.
When we are in Christ, we see the world as a good creation, not an evil one. Jesus redeemed us - not only reconciling us to God and each other, but to the good world! Let's see the world as God does - saying "it is good".
Paschal Spirituality - centred on the death and resurrection of Christ - was never meant to be lived in isolation. We are a family in faith, and loving each other is how we express our love for God!
Paschal Spirituality is rooted in Christ's death and resurrection... and it means Christ being formed in us. A story of two prisoners illustrates this today.
During his time doing mission work, Uncle Howard had many moments that can only be described as miracles! Today he tells 2 stories - of lepers holding a cement arch in place, and a fire changing directions at a crucial moment - explained only by the God we serve.
Doing mission work in the Congo, Howard and Pam encountered many snakes. One particular incident became a "living parable" to them, reminding them of evil's presence in our lives.
Uncle Howard spent many hours tending to a young boy on crutches named Debonair. Years later, Debonair wrote to Howard to tell him what an impact this had on his life. What small act of kindness could you do today? It might just change someone's life.
Howard and Pam gave up everything for God... and at one point, Howard "lost it" with the Lord as he contemplated the struggles they were facing. But, he came to see, that it was when they had nothing but Jesus that they truly learned to live the faith life.
This week, my Uncle Howard shares some stories of his time in the mission field, as described in his book Living Parables.
Today he shares about his call to this type of work, and reminds us that we are all COMMANDED to make disciples - accept that, and God will show you where and how he wants you to do it.
Let's get practical about fasting! Fasting FOOD is the way to go, unless you have health issues that prevent it. Don't fall for the popular "fast from negativity, complaining, and anxiety" idea - that's not a fast at all. When you fast, you go without something good to rely more deeply on God.
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Be careful not to fast with the wrong motives! The prophets and Jesus warn against this. If you want to know what kind of fast honours God, have a look at Isaiah 58.
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Fasting is powerful when we are focusing on the prayer needs of others. Consider a time of fasting and prayer, interceding for someone who is need.
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Fasting is both a physical and a spiritual discipline. Marilyn Hickey's explanation of the benefits of a fast might encourage you to start one up!
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Why should we fast and pray? Because Jesus did, and because he assumed we would... and some other great reasons!
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Unlike our words which are fickle and often evil, the words of God are flawless and trustworthy.
We have no reason to boast about ourselves - but every reason to boast in what Christ has done.
Flattery is the art of telling someone exactly what they think of themselves. Cut out flattering words - not only coming from your mouth, but coming to you from the mouths of others.
"Everyone is so untrue" sang Billy Joel. "Everybody lies with their lips" sang King David. But God calls us to honesty!
Turns out I never even hit the storm I was so afraid of. How often has God rerouted me out of a storm? More times than I know!
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It's not just fast drivers who are a danger on the road - it's drivers who are paralyzed with fear and drive too slowly. On the road of life, cultivate God-confidence, so that you are strong in Christ and can get where you are going.
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As I drove into a big storm, I noticed that some drivers took no caution but were reckless and dangerous!
On the road of life, beware those who might cause danger. Stay in convoy with those who keep you with God!
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When we're driving into a storm, we can hold onto His promise: to go through the waters with us.
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Great news! I am starting an English congregation at Church of the Nazarene Boksburg (www.cotnboksburg.co.za). Come and join if you are in the area - and learn a lesson from my story: trust in God's timing.
As a friend of mine says, "if God says it, believe it, it's done!" The family of Jesus laughed at Jesus' words, but then they found it He had been telling the truth. Stake your life on the words of Jesus - it's the best way to live.
As Jesus walks to the home of Jairus, a woman reaches out to touch the edge of his cloak. Jesus lauds her great faith. Reach out to Jesus today! Don't just let him walk by - reach out.
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After Jairus seeks Jesus out, Jesus gets up and goes with him. What a picture of what Jesus does in our lives!
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Instead of asking "if" Jesus could heal his daughter, Jairus simply states his trust in Jesus and leaves the rest to him. What a great pattern for prayer.
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When Jairus come to Jesus, he kneels in reverence. Do we enter Jesus' presence in this way?
Perhaps the most powerful parts of Michael Cassidy's book were the stories of forgiveness and reconciliation, such as his friend Festo's bold cry "I love Idi Amin!" even after Amin had just killed one of their friends.
Are we able to forgive? With Christ, the answer is "yes we are".
Michael Cassidy and the African Enterprise team did a great deal of good work during a tumultuous time in South Africa's history. Without their prayers, we would perhaps have faced much more violence and bloodshed during the 90s. Pray for peace in our land! God will surely honour our prayers, as he did theirs.
Michael Cassidy learned that even if he was facing difficulties, God promised to help him through. What difficulties might be holding you back today? Launch out on God in faith, because if he trusted you with the possession of difficulties, he will walk with you as you deal with them.
As he began an evangelistic organisation called African Enterprise, Michael Cassidy decided to give his all - without fearing mistakes. He knew that God would complete His will, even through Michael's own flaws. Are you paralyzed by mistakes today? Move forward in faith!
African Enterprise did many mission trips to local schools in South Africa in the 60s and 70s, causing many young people to put their faith in Christ. Where is God calling YOU to share the good news? Who knows who might find God if you take the time to share His love.
Again and again in his life, Michael Cassidy discovered that God DOES answer prayer. Will you go to Him in prayer today?
Michael's friend Terren felt that he was too far gone for God to love or save. What a tragedy! Nobody is too far from the saving love of our God.
Michael Cassidy spent a lot of his life knowing about Jesus, without ever committing to him fully. When he finally surrendered to Jesus completely, great things happened! Have you fully given your life to Jesus?
Even with his great success in ministry, Michael Cassidy knew that he was only a "weak vessel", and that God had achieved great things in spite of him, not because of him. What a humble outlook, which all Christians should have.
Michael Cassidy "claimed" Africa for Christ, and God did great things through him! What do you need to to "claim" for Christ today?
Jacob's named changed to Israel - because he was one who "wrestled with God". Isn't that what we should all do?
Jacob knew that God had been with him throughout his life. A father-daughter story today reminds us that the same is true for us.
God always has an answer to our prayers - whether it's yes, no, or wait! Jacob found it to be true - may you too.
Jacob has his family go through a time of cleansing. But we must remember Jesus' warning - that outer cleansing means little if we haven't been cleansed on the inside.
When Jacob returns to Bethel, he worships. Are our homes places of worship?
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God the Father is with His children to the very end - not even death can separate them from Him, and He takes them by the hand to lead them home when their time comes.
How amazing to know that the God who holds creation in His hands, holds you and I in His arms.
Not only do we wait on the Lord, but he waits for us in the secret place, longing to bless us. Draw near to Him!
Some children wait excitedly for their father's arrival at home... others wait in fear. Children of God have the privilege of waiting for their loving Father in joyful expectation - for He loves them so.
Unlike our earthly fathers who need sleep, God "never slumbers"! Inspiration from Gavin Towsen's song "Father" this week.
Weeping by the river longing for the death of your enemies is a pointless way of life. Instead, actively "put to death the misdeeds of the body" and walk in holiness! That will do you, and the world, much better.
As they wept in captivity, the Israelites began to long for the destruction of their enemies. How different from the way of Jesus who said "love you enemies and pray for those who persecute you". Are we praying for those we struggle with?
The Israelites considered Jerusalem to be their highest joy... but Jesus taught that location is secondary when it comes to worship. It is worship in spirit and truth that matters to God, regardless of where it happens.
Weeping in captivity, the Israelites in Psalm 137 refused to sing. But beaten, flogged and locked in a prison, Paul and Silas sang hymns of praise. Who do we resemble?
The Israelites in captivity wept for the way things were... but Paul forgot the past and pressed on to take hold of new life in Christ. Which will you do?
The Holy Spirit's power raised Jesus from the dead... and will raise believers to new life too. But more than that - the Spirit gives us new life in Christ now, while on earth.
How did Jesus endure such suffering on the cross? The Holy Spirit was his helper. This is the secret to enduring our suffering too.
The Spirit was there when Jesus was baptised, and in our baptism too. If you haven't been baptised, consider it... if you have, remember that the Spirit has been with you ever since.
The Holy Spirit was there when Christ was born... and when each one of us was born. His prevenient grace is at work in our longs long before we're aware!
A day without an "I love you" is a wasted day! Say it to the people who need to hear it most today... what a difference it might make.
It was Paul who said "don't let the sun go down on your anger". An story from early church history illustrates how we can make this a rule of our lives.
Birds go to sleep on their perches without falling off, because their bended knees help them hold onto their perch tightly. What's the secret to holding things that are precious to us? The secret is in the bended knee of prayer.
How privileged we are to have our own Bibles in these times. Yet, how often the sun goes down with our Bibles still unopened or unread. Let's change that! The Word of God brings truth... even when it doesn't bring peace.
Elton John's song "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" has become something of a prayer for me, after a day when I climbed into bed not doing what I wanted to. Life's too short to live this way!
Jude ends his letter with a famous benediction that many churches still use to close their services: "Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling… be glory and majesty, dominion and power…" Great words reminding us that when we stay worshipful, the rest falls into place.
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Jude's warned his people not live apart from the Spirit of God. Are you filled with the Spirit today, and living in His fullness and power?
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Jude reminded his readers to show mercy to the doubters. While he was passionate about holiness, he was not "holier-than-thou"… he was kind to those who needed mercy. Are we?
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Jude's letter is known as the "Acts of the Apostates". He was deeply concerned about his people being led astray by teachers who were not truly committed to God. A story from AM Hills reminds us of the call to stay faithful today.
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Jude could've boasted about his connection to Jesus (they were half-brothers), but he called himself a servant of Jesus! Are we humble in our faith?
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Kindness is difficult to give away, because it keeps coming back to you! The more you show, the more is shown to you. Let's be generous in our kindness, as God is with His. Thanks Derek for a great week of devos!
Billy Graham once said that we receive with our left hands and give with our right. Are we generous with our giving? Another story from Derek challenges us in this regard today.
It takes a conscious act of willing obedience for us to practise forgiveness. Derek shares a story about a little boy and ice cream to show this in today's devotion.
God love us just as we are, as he calls us to give our love away. Another story from Derek illustrates this today.
Derek Wilson joins me today to talk about generosity - and how the Christian life is a life of giving. Listen to his story about "Mr Twister" to kick off the week.
When Jesus saved Paul, ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛'𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒. He 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗺 and help him grow. Who is your Ananias? Which group of disciples helps you in your faith? Be sure to connect with them today.
Paul didn't buy into a "ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ" prosperity gospel. He was determined to spread the news of Jesus 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗺 (and it eventually did). Let's remember that health and wealth must not be our main priorities - but spreading the news of Jesus must be top of our list.
Paul went 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑎 ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒-𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑎 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. He preached that even the most religious person has gained nothing 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞. South Africa's Nelson Mandela has a similar story - going from a murderer to a messenger of love. 𝑨𝒏𝒚 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆.
Paul considered himself "𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠". But Jesus forgave him when he surrendered his life… If God could take Paul and make him a messenger of the gospel, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂!
Saul 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬 when he encountered Jesus. Do we have the same sense of God's greatness and power? Let's not forget that the same gentle Jesus we love ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠.
Jesus predicted that Peter's death would bring God glory. We speak often about living for God's glory - but ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑑𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑦? May we all give God the glory - even in those very last few moments.
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Peter didn't deserve a second chance - 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒔 𝒈𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒐𝒏𝒆. He'll give you one too. And many more. Follow him today - for the first or thousandth time - 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘪𝘮!
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When we say we love Jesus, 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤. If we aren't doing this, perhaps we haven't really loved him in the first place. 𝐿𝑒𝑡'𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑢𝑡 and tend to the people in our lives today.
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Jesus didn't ask Peter if he believed in Him (after all, even the demons believe)… 𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐦. Do you love 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 of the gift more than the gift itself?
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Peter's special sacred place was surely the Sea of Galilee. What amazing things he had seen there! Do you have a sacred place where you encounter God in a special way? Why not return to it, or create one afresh…
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Jesus breathed on his disciples and 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 - even when he ascended to heaven they had His Holy Spirit alive in them. 𝑊𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑙𝑦 𝑆𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡 - pray with me in today's devotion, and let us be anointed and filled again!
Jesus has called each of his followers to 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝 - to love like he did and share the good news. Each of us has this great purpose - 𝑤𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑡 wherever God has placed us.
When Jesus rose again, the disciples weren't quietly impressed. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐣𝐨𝐲! Just as Jesus had predicted. Are our meetings with Jesus 𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑗𝑜𝑦?
Twice in his encounter with the disciples in the Upper Room, Jesus promises them peace. And even though their lives were not trouble-free after that, they were filled with peace knowing that Jesus was alive and with them. How about you?
When Jesus first met the disciples after rising from the dead, they were together. There is power in corporate worship. Don't miss the blessing of spending time with the risen Christ together with others.
When encountering the risen Christ, the women were sent out by Jesus to go and tell the good news. Jesus turned the "come-see" Jewish faith into a "go-tell" Christian faith. Are we telling the good news? How the world needs to hear our testimony.
The risen Christ promises peace and a calming of our fears. Bring your fears to Him today and may you find the peace that only He can bring.
When the women first saw the risen Christ, their default setting was to worship Him in adoration! How about us? Do we default to worship when we meet with Jesus?
Jesus meets you when you seek Him. I am often amazed at how little I seek God at times... but Mary and the other woman went looking for Jesus, and he came to them. The same happens when we seek after Jesus. Seek Him today.
Jesus was a walking miracle - born of a virgin, risen from the dead. And His power is still active in our world today. Praise God - He is a God of miracles!
During my recent stay in hospital, I was blessed to spend time in prayer and conversation with Sister Maureen, a nun from St Dominic's Convent in Boksburg. Together we marveled at our Lord's sacrifice - how dare we complain of our own suffering when he suffered so much? Consider what HE did for you today... and as you bear your own cross, don't forget to get help from your own Simon of Cyrene.
I was blessed by the best at Sunward Park Hospital in Boksburg. From the ER staff, the High Care and General Ward nurses, physios, dieticians and of course Dr Magagula the surgeon, I felt completely cared for and looked after. What a team!
They remind me of the words of Paul: "whatever you do, work at it with all your heart" (Col 3:23). If we can all work with the same care and compassion as the Sunward staff who cared for me... we'd surely be glorifying God.
Soon after my surgery I experiences a time of deep spiritual darkness. I felt depressed and oppressed. Strange images filled my mind every time I closed my eyes.
But my family, my prayer warrior friends, and all of you were praying - and in a moment of wrestling prayer I experienced an amazing victory over the darkness.
Praise God for that "the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never overcome".
During my 13 days in hospital I was blessed by many special "appearances" from family and friends - messages, calls, and visits. These were absolutely life-giving to me. How I appreciated each one! I also believe God used me in the hospital to make an "appearance" in other patients' lives, praying and talking with them when they needed it.
Make an "appearance" in someone's life today - it'll mean so much.
After 13 days in hospital after major surgery, I've had time to think!
One of the most powerful parts of my stay was feeling anchored by the prayers of you all.
What a privilege to have people pray for you in your darkest hours - I felt so safe as your prayers surrounded me.
Thank you!
Some people struggle to say "I love you". But Mother Teresa's last words were "Jesus I love you"! May our prayers be filled with these words, because if He loved us so, He deserves our love too.
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God is willing and able to change you from old to new. Will you pray for him to change your heart every day?
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Instead of filling your day with "well done me" statements, perhaps it's time to fill it with "thank You Lord" prayers, because in the end, everything you have is a good gift from Him.
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Jesus promised us a "Helper" to get us through the tough moments. Yet so often we try and go at it alone. Don't forget to pray "help me Lord" many times a day! He is willing and able to provide you the help you need most.
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An oxygen prayer is a short prayer to pray for when you need a boost during the day. Try praying "come Lord!" as an oxygen prayer - not just to look ahead to Jesus' second coming, but also to remind yourself that He is near to you right now.
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Toplady ends his great hymn by reflecting on his fleeting breath, and the fact that he would face God in judgement one day. But thank God - a story from Peter Marshall reminds us of the great work of Jesus which will protect His children on judgement day.
Toplady's words are drenched in humility… His desperate need for His Saviour is obvious from the words of his hymn. Jesus always seemed to prefer the company of the humble. Will you humble yourself today and sing "foul, I to the fountain fly, wash me Saviour, or I die"?
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August Toplady was a fierce opponent of John Wesley. Toplady was a Calvinist, Wesley believed in free-will. Today the debate between these camps rages on - but let's focus on the truth that no works, no zeal, no tears can make us right with God. HE must save us alone!
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Christ's sacrifice brings us a double-cure from the water and the blood that flowed from his side. His blood cleanses our guilt, His water cleanses and purifies us. Let's live cured today - saved from wrath and made pure in Christ.
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The God who is solid, unflinching, unmoveable - the Rock of Ages - was cleft or "split apart" on the cross to open the way for us to come to God. Let's sing "Rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee" today.
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Dr Seth could've kept his great discovery to himself… but he found people who needed what he'd given to Melissa, and offered it to them to. Who could benefit from your sharing your knowledge, your calling, and your experiences? Find ways to help others with what you've gone through, and God will surely honour that.
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Dr Seth's idea to perform an experimental surgery changed the world! Or at the very least, it changed Melissa's world. What ideas has God given you? Go through with them friends.
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A prayer before Melissa's surgery was meaningful and helpful. Are we praying for our sick family and friends… as well as for our doctors, nurses, paramedics and more? The truth is, even a tragic time in hospital is an opportunity for prayer.
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Melissa and Dr Seth's story is one of miracles… there were simply too many seeming coincidences to believe otherwise. Believe that God is working miracles in your life today!
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Having lost an arm, Melissa Loomis was wise - she focused on what she could do going forward, rather than on what she had lost. What a good example for you and I.
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Dr Seth realised that negativity is a dangerous infection which could damage his mind ahead of the operation. You can't afford to let negativity take over friends! Instead, fill your minds with some truths from Scripture.
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Dr Seth felt that God was calling him to do something great with his life - not to settle for "safe". What about you!? What great things might God be calling you to do?
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Dr Seth, like other doctors, came to see that God is in control in the end. What solace we take in this, because we know He is working all things out for our good.
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Melissa Loomis learned that losing a hand was a price worth paying to save her life. Jesus had taught something similar in spiritual terms many years before.
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When Melissa Loomis lost her arm, she could've complained and moaned. Instead, she faced it with a calm spirit that shocked even her doctor. As Christians, we can also face our struggles with dignity and strength… with God's help.
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Isn’t it wonderful news that God offers us the washing of rebirth? And not only that, but we are renewed by the Holy Spirit. Come to him in faith today and receive these free gifts of grace.
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Do you sow division, or do you sow unity in your community of faith? How the enemy loves it when we bicker and fight and get divisive. Let's stick together instead.
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Have you ever thought that small acts of kindness are the staple of our daily happiness?
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I pray, that like my friend Des, one day when you and I are laid to rest, people will stand up and say “he or she was devoted and always ready to doing good”.
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Our allegiance is always to God first. Yes we must be obedient people who obey the rules of the land, but most important, we must have a deep deep desire to obey God rather than humans.
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How we need His grace poured out into our lives! It not only saves us, it enables us. May we live in the rhythm of grace today.
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Thank God we are not slaves to our employers. But let’s do our work - or whatever we do - in such a way that our trustworthiness, our excellence, our kindness, and all about us… point people to the God we serve, and make His truth attractive.
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The joy of living in community is learning from one another - old teaches young, young grows in the wisdom of their elders. Be a mentor, and seek mentors. Life is much better when we help each other out!
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As followers of Christ, we don’t need to gossip and slander to make us feel better about ourselves and superior to others; we don’t need wine or beer to numb ourselves to the pains of life. We have Jesus! We have His Spirit living in us.
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What would Jesus have looked like at 80 years old? Physically we don't know, but maybe this list of Paul shows us the type of person he'd have been. Let's all learn from these qualities today.
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Beware of teachers who have no accountability with no other Christian teachers around to keep them sound in the faith… and silence the false teachers in your life!
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The leaders that I look up to are not perfect, they are flawed… but they live humble, repentant lives of goodness. I hope that you will find teachers like that to inspire you.
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Just like the early church, we must beware of false teachers whose focus is dishonest gain. Find godly leaders you can trust!
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Beware of false teachers that say "DO xyz to be saved". Only believe! And then do all you can for God as a result of the free gift that He's given you.
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The true gospel is a precious jewel… don't be clumsy and drop it! Hold tightly and tenaciously to the truth.
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Without self-control and discipline in our lives, we'll get nowhere. Being a disciple means being disciplined. What a year it could be for us if we put good habits in place.
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Do the things we love give us opportunities to delight in God more, or take us away from God? Above all, we should be lovers of good.
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Paul says that an elder shouldn't try get dishonest gain. Once God is your greatest treasure, you don't need to live for more gain!
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"You cannot be in leadership and be nasty to folks and expect to be respected because of your title"… Think about how you treat the nobodies, and the people you work with. Are you quick-tempered, or kind and reaching out in love?
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When we say that God is faithful, we are marveling at the fact that He is dependable, and we can count on him. Let's be Christians who are faithful and dependable.
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Reflections on Paul’s letter to Titus.
We Christians have a deep, unshakeable assurance that in Him, though we die, yet we will live on. When we live with the reality of our death, we can live in the gladness of His love.
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Reflections from Paul's letter to Titus.
This world needs people like Jesus - who are loving like Jesus, who are pure like Jesus, who are passionate about God's things like Jesus was - that's what godliness is all about.
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Reflections from Paul's letter to Titus.
Don't reject knowledge, pursue it. But avoid being so into knowledge that faith goes out the window! Further your faith and your knowledge, but hold the two in tension.
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Reflections from Paul's letter to Titus.
There is a sense in which we are all called to be apostles - sent with God's authority to go and spread the gospel. Maybe like Paul you need to see yourself as both a servant and an apostle - doing the will of God, and especially anointed by His Spirit to do it.
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Reflections from Paul's letter to Titus.
What does it mean to be a servant of God? It means to do the will of God, and trying to live like Jesus did.
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We sing for joy every day because we know at the core of our being that we are loved and cherished by the God of the universe!
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When we cling to God… when we call Him our greatest delight and our greatest treasure, then we can sing for joy even in our darkest moments.
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If we want to become effective communal worshippers, it will help us greatly to become effective personal worshippers first.
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Sing with others... get into a church and sing songs of worship together. Don't worry about what you sound like... give God the glory alongside your family in Christ, it's a very powerful thing to do!
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Sing a new song, the Psalmist said... Let's enjoy the best of the past, but let's press on and make new songs that glorify God.
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In spite of his great popularity, AB De Villiers points away from himself and gives the glory to God for his achievements. Can we do the same?
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Even somebody who messed up as badly as Hansie did found redemption when he came back to God in faith… however far you've gone from the faith, there is enough grace in the heart of God for you to find redemption.
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Peter Pollock was "God's Fast Bowler". What ever it is you do with your life, do it for God's sake!
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CT Studd gave up fame and fortune to become a missionary, saying "Only one life, 'twil soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last!" What are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of Jesus and the gospel?
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Marnus Labuschagne writes Bible verses on his shoes and on his bat to remind him of the truth, and so that the word of Christ might "dwell richly within" his heart. How can you remind yourself of the truth throughout your workday?
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John ends his gospel with the focus on Jesus. This is a great way to end any season in your life. Be sure to finish your stories with Jesus in focus, not you.
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It's easy to get overly concerned about what God is doing in the lives of others. But hear Jesus today - saying "what does it matter to you if that person stays alive for 1000 years? You follow me!" Focus on YOUR calling, and leave the rest to him.
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Jesus calls us to follow him - to not only hang around him, but to imitate him. Will 2022 be a year of following Jesus for you?
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Do you love Jesus? Peter sure did. And Jesus commissioned him to feed his sheep. Each follower of Jesus has the same commission - to care for those in the family of God. Will you?
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Jesus invited his friends to a meal with him. What if we approach every meal as an invitation to be with Jesus?
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Like Paul, Edwards knew that our sinful ways will bring us down if don't kill them every day. Crucify your sinful desires and walk in holiness and love this year, by the grace of God!
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2022 won't be a bed of roses! So let's resolve with Edwards today to face our difficulties with strength, and always seek to grow in faith through them.
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Edwards' resolutions reminds us that love, mercy and grace are at the heart of the Christian's life. Let's resolve to love like Christ did, to forgive and see the best in people, in 2022.
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Jonathan Edwards was resolved to live each moment with all his might - after all, "if only" are the saddest words in the English language. Let us make the most of every opportunity this year.
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Jonathan Edwards' resolutions still inspire us today - especially his own decision to only do that which brings God glory. Let's do the same in 2022!
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As 2022 beckons, let's stand with Joshua and resolve to serve the LORD only in the year to come!
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God offers two great gifts to those who repent - grace to forgive, and grace to empower. As you spend time repenting for your worst moments of 2021, don't do it without asking for His amazing grace!
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Paul tells us to examine ourselves to see that we are in the faith. Let's search our hearts, and see how we have grown or gone backwards this year, and ask God for grace to move forward positively.
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As you look back on your year, relish the good moments! Praise and thank God for the enjoyable memories and good times.
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Jesus is the Sun of Righteousness who rose again, with healing in His wings. May He touch your life in a powerful way, bring you the healing you need, and make you new as you worship Him this Christmas.
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As the year comes to an end, let's use St Ignatius' prayer of Examen as we look back. Step 1 is to recognize God's presence with us now, and throughout the ups and the downs of the year. How faithful He has been!
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Jesus was born so that his people be "born again" and transformed by His power. Come to Jesus this Christmas in faith, and be born again!
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What a miracle that Jesus came "veiled in flesh" to be our Immanuel - God With Us. The good news is that He has left us His Spirit, so we can still experience Him as Immanuel in 2021.
Christmas is a time of "great joy", as the angels said. But we will only find real joy if we seek it in Christ. Let HIM be your highest joy, this Christmas.
This Christmas, hark! Or pay attention… to what the angels are singing. For it is the glory of the newborn King that is the reason for it all.
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During my four years at this church, I have learned that God is always at work, even when we don't recognize it. I am grateful for the opportunities He gave me, and for the way He used me in this time. Do your best where he has placed you, and see what He does!
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The one thing I regret, as I leave my church, is the lack of grace I have sometimes shown to those I disagreed with. We must learn to "agree to disagree" and still love one another. How blessed I was to have people who treated me this way at eMseni.
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As I prepare to leave my church of 4 years and begin ministry in another, I am particularly grateful for the love and grace I have found at eMseni. Find yourself a loving church community, you'll be blessed if you do.
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I'm leaving my church after 4 happy years! One thing I am grateful for is the spiritual mentorship I have found here. Do you have mentors in the faith? Find some... and thank God for them.
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In the midst of his suffering, Andrew Brunson couldn't figure out what God was doing. But later on he learned just how God was using his suffering for good. His suffering wasn't the end of his story - and neither is yours.
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When the news of Andrew Brunson's imprisonment began to spread, believers all around the world began to pray for him. Later when he was released, Brunson sat at the desk of his president who had fought to have him freed, and prayed with him. How's your prayer life? Recommit to prayer today. Because mighty things happen when God's people pray!
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Andrew Brunson stood up in Turkish court and declared Jesus to be the only Saviour, and forgave those who had falsely accused him. What a witness, in a dangerous place! What's stopping us from sharing our faith? Fear, shame? Let's learn from Andrew today, and share our faith boldly.
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Andrew Brunson's spirit of perseverance is inspiring. Whatever came his way, he decided to ride it out and praise God as he did. What difficulties are you facing? Praise God anyway, and persevere in faith!
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In a prison full of militant Muslims, Andrew Brunson was not ashamed. He was Andrew of the Cross! Let's stand up for our faith and be glad to be His today.
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Following the lead of another imprisoned missionary Richard Wurmbrand, Andrew Brunson danced in his prison cell, and sang God's praises, even if he felt nothing and was struggling. May our homes and workplaces be filled with joyful dancing and singing before our God!
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When doubts and worries began to suffocate his faith, Andrew Brunson learned to lock them away in an imaginary box, and rob them of their power as he did. Try it. It helped him in prison, and it will help you today!
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While in prison, Andrew Brunson was desperate for God's Word. When he was eventually given his Bible, it sustained him through the dark nights. Let's have the same thirst for God's Word.
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In his darkest moments, Andrew Brunson declared his faith boldly and found strength as he did - even through tears. How about you?
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When Andrew Brunson was unfairly arrested and thrown into a Turkish prison… he prayed. Whether short repetitive prayers or firm prayers of faith, he prayed! Are we praying, in our respective difficulties?
Luke Powell is creating Daily devotions, music and more. | Support on Patreon
There are many ways for us to glimpse the glory of God throughout our days. But even these are just glimpses. One day we will see face to face, and then, as Billy Funk's song says, our souls will truly be satisfied.
Jesus offers us living water that never runs dry… but we often try fill up our cisterns with the wrong things, and find ourselves thirsty. But as Billy Funk's song says, just one drink of God's water leaves our soul satisfied. Where will you drink from today?
Why was the curtain in the temple torn when Jesus died? This line in Billy Funk's song gives us a clue. What a privilege for us to come into the holy of holies… by His grace.
Billy Funk's song reminds us not off ourselves to God as living sacrifices. His words echo those of Paul is Romans 12:1-2, where we are shown what TRUE worship really is. Are we TRUE worshippers?
Billy Funk's worship song reminds us that God invites us to come to Him. He takes that first initiative, but then we have to respond and come to Him! After all it was James who wrote "come near to God, and He will come near to you".
Christians don't wait to gleefully see evil ones punished in eternity. They pray and work for even the most evil to come to faith in Christ. Consider how he has forgiven us… Now let us bring that good news to even "the vilest offender" that they may believe and find grace.
Words from the Psalms and from Paul remind us of the sobering truth that evil will ultimately be punished by God in eternity. If we believe in the Christian view of eternal life… than surely this is good enough.
Like Jesus, true Christians are to be committed to bringing justice to their communities. As John Wesley taught, our holiness comes from our works of piety, and our works of mercy. Be sure to do both, as you seek to be like Christ!
God weeps at the injustice in this evil world. Do we? If we are aiming for a heart like the heart of Jesus… we must.
Churches with no concern for justice are, according to Scripture, hated by God. Let us not lose our focus - for our mission is to be committed to justice as our God is.
Why do we praise God? To stroke his ego? No! For a much more profound reason, which CS Lewis reveals.
David's response to God's greatness was to give himself to God completely, with no reservations. What a lesson for us! Let's live with undivided hearts of commitment to Him.
David and Paul both held two great truths in balance: they knew that life after death was assured, but they knew that life on earth was precious and to be lived to the full. Let's follow their example.
David reminded himself that God is forgiving, good, and abounding in love. What a great verse to write on our hearts today.
David cried out to God - not just to anyone, TO GOD! In his low moment he made sure to connect with his Saviour. How about you and I?
The people tried to make Jesus a worldly king… and he withdrew. But when they came to arrest and kill him… he didn't. He wants to be King of your life, if you will receive him!
God can fill baskets full of leftovers with whatever offerings you bring to him. You don't have to bring much… but give him your time, your talents, your resources… and see what how he multiplies it to bless many!
Jesus pauses to pray over his food. What an example for us! Pause, reflect on God's goodness, and give thanks when you enjoy God's blessings… and don't forget to share your blessings with others.
When Jesus tested Philip, it wasn't to shame him, but to help him grow. How might Jesus be "testing" you, for your growth, right now?
Many people followed Jesus for the thrill of seeing him do cool things, but left when he taught hard truths. Don't make the same mistake!
We are a forgiven people, and forgiven people forgive! Extend forgiveness to those who have hurt you… and find peace.
Life’s too short to have ruined relationships because you don’t want to say you’re sorry. Ask for forgiveness… and find peace.
King David asked for God's forgiveness… and received it. So can you. Don't wait - ask for it now in faith, and find peace.
God is faithful and just, and will forgive even the largest debts… when we come to him in repentance. What peace is ours when we experience this!
Is your relationship with God a "union of two forgivers"? We can both receive forgiveness from him, and share it with others.
Booker T Washington gave a famous address in Atlanta which went viral before going viral was a thing. His message was for people everywhere to "cast down their bucket where you are", and thrive in this life where they have been placed with kindness and compassion.
Booker T's great mentor General Armstrong taught him a great lesson - to refuse to be bitter. He learned that "great men cultivate love, and that only little men cherish a spirit of hatred". How different would our country look, if we all lived this way, instead of holding to our prejudices!
One of Booker T's great passions was to teach his people that there is dignity in labour. For him, it was in doing work to the glory of God that he found great joy. He learned to love labour for its own sake. This is a great lesson for modern people - there is beauty and dignity in the work we do, especially if we do it for God.
Booker T Washington was taught by a mentor to love the Bible, and he always found time to read a piece of Scripture before he started his day. Many people have discovered that this is a great way of life! Have you put your hope in His Word?
Booker T Washington discovered that the happiest people are those who do the most for others. This is a great lesson for life - it is in serving others with the love of Christ that we will find our deepest joy.
Booker T's great mentor in life was General Samuel Armstrong, and he says "I do not believe he ever had a selfish thought". What a man he must have been! Do you have a mentor like this to look up to? Or could you be a mentor like this for someone else to look up to?
One thing you can say about Booker T, is that he was determined to do good. His life mission was to do good and make a difference. We Christians must remember that God will reward his people according to what they have done, as Paul said in Romans 2.
Booker T Washington's strict boss Mrs Ruffner eventually became a good friend. How like our relationship with God - going from fear to friendship as we walk with Him!
Booker T Washington was born into slavery, but he had a spirit of great determination and ended up becoming very successful. What an inspiration for us! He was determined to overcome his obstacles with no self pity. How we can learn from him.
As a young man, Booker T Washington's brother did something so kind that it impacted him in a great way. Christ carried our burdens for us as he went to the cross. Are we bearing each other's burdens?
Two men go to the same church service: one walks out irritated, the other walks out blessed. The difference? What they were looking for during the service. As you worship this weekend, look for God's truth and blessing, and He will surely give it to you.
When we don't connect with a local church, our faith quickly becomes very self-centred. But when we commit to a congregation, we are reminded time and again of our mission - to spread the love of Jesus and make disciples for him.
What makes a church different from a social club? For one thing, we keep each other accountable as we try to live lives that honour Christ. Find yourself some friends in the faith who help you in this way - we can't do the Christian life without them.
GK Chesterton once said that we’re all in the same boat, and we’re all seasick. This is church - a place where we come with our mess, and lean on each other as we journey!
Church is a place where we find common ground in spite of our differences. Come and be part of a family that strives to be "one and undivided" in Christ.
Why bother with church when you can hear the best preachers and the best music from around the world online? One word: fellowship. You need a local church to be your family in faith!
How do we remember to forget? Sangster says by replacing the memories with good things, when they pop into our minds. When the enemy tries to get you to dwell on the past, remember… to forget and move forward in grace.
Sangster said "only by the special hope of God can you deal with your deep resentments, but the help is available. Claim your help now! Ask God in His mercy to make you forget." Yes you can be free from bitterness, if you take it to the great forgiving God.
The Good News of the gospel is that when you come to God in faith and confess your sins, he is faithful to forgive and "remember your sins no more". So why remember them yourself? Receive his forgiveness and walk in freedom like Paul did.
So often we allow ourselves to be crippled by the mistakes of the past. But friends, what embarrassed you in the past can empower you for the future if you let it. Sangster's wise words guide us in this today.
William Sangster's great sermon teaches us that we can find healing from the pain of our past, through our great God. Will you go to him with your past pain today?
The great promise of God is to bring his people joy as they seek him. Oh, seek joy in HIM today!
In a world where many Christians are killed for their faith, and others have their bodies ravaged by sickness, how do we make sense of the words of Psalm 97:10? The answer is found in Jesus' words in Matthew 12:28. Earthly harm does not cause us fear, because we believe the Father will deliver us from it all one day.
A righteous God cannot accept sin - he hates it, and so should we. But we always love people! Be cleansed of your sin today, and pray for God's work of grace in the lives of many, so that sin no longer had a hold on us.
If the foundation of God's throne is righteousness and justice, what is the foundation of our lives as His followers? Amazing things could happen in this world, if we lived for these two values like God does.
Many people reign in their respective jobs, but there is only ONE who reigns the earth, only ONE causes the mountains to melt like wax, only ONE whose righteousness is proclaimed by the heavens themselves. Remember today that our God is mighty, and that He reigns!
Closing our week on perseverance, we hear some wise words from Winston Churchill during the second world war. Never never never never give in! Because these are great days and there is a mission to be accomplished. Church of God, let us rise to the occasion and endure like Jesus did, whatever may come our way.
Jesus refused to be ashamed by his suffering. Even though it cost him his dignity in every way, he endured it for joy and scorned the shame. People of God, may be do the same!
Enduring our crosses with joy is a great way to witness to Christ. Christians who pretend to have it all together don't attract non-believers, but Christians who endure their pain with joy have something that all people want.
How did Jesus endure such an awful time of suffering? The writer to the Hebrews tells us that it was for the joy set before him that he endured. We too have joy on the other side of our suffering to look forward to , and so with His help, we can endure.
In these difficult days, how to we make it through? By fixing our eyes on Jesus, who had the crown jewel of character traits - endurance.
Our hearts are prone to wander from God - into sin, or into anxiety. Come home to him today and find rest.
It is only by grace that we are saved, as Paul said. A story of a bird flying into a church services illustrates this today.
We can search for peace in all sorts of places, but it can only come from within - when we've invited God's Spirit to dwell within us.
Jesus alone can make us whole! When we meet him and experience his touch, we are made whole. A story by John Powell shows us this truth today.
Are you filled to the brim? Many of us Christians receive the Spirit but aren't filled with his power. Surrender to him totally today, and be filled.
When her husband was killed by militant extremists, Emily Foreman and her family could have been bitter. But they chose forgiveness and faith instead. Let's follow their example.
For the Foremans, no price was too large to pay, if it meant doing God's work. Stephen concluded that having given his life to Christ already, he had nothing left to lose. And so, even when he DID pay the ultimate price, his family could celebrate through their grief.
Jesus never called his followers to safety, but to obedience! And he promised joy and peace to his followers, even if they were facing persecution. The Foremans were bold for their faith even in when it could have put them in danger.
In a culture were the lowly were despised, Stephen Foreman's kindness towards even the poorest people was a vivid picture of the love of Christ. How are we treating those that society looks down on? Let us love them like Jesus did.
While living in the desert doing mission work, the Foremans had to maintain an attitude of gratefulness, and quit complaining. We can learn from them today!
The Foremans did God's work in a Muslim country, helping and making friendships with the people there and sharing the gospel as they did. Such work needs support from people like you and I. Would you be willing to give - money or prayer - to the work of missionaries who spread the gospel in non-Christian countries?
While working in a prison, serving the prisoners there, Stephen Foreman developed a friendship with a man who offered to finish out his Father's prison sentence and let him go free. This is a great picture of the gospel - Jesus became a substitute prisoner for you and I.
When the Foremans told their American friends that they were going to minister to Muslims, some withdrew their support, because 9-11 was still so raw in their lives. But Jesus taught us to love, save and redeem our enemies.
Emily Foreman was worried that her past disqualified her for ministry. But she learned that Jesus didn't throw stones… but he writes his story of grace and redemption on the hearts of those who come to him. Have you received his forgiveness?
The Foremans were called by God to preach the gospel in a different context, and they were inspired by the words of Oswald J Smith: "No-one has the right to hear the gospel twice while there remains someone who has not heard it once". Are we willing to go where the gospel hasn't been heard? The Foremans were, and were blessed as they went for God.
It's not so much what we say, but it's who we are, that influences people. Are we spreading the aroma of Christ through the lives we live? One last devotion from Frank Mussel's book inspires us today.
Christians have the enormous privilege of not grieving like the world grieves… because in Christ we have eternal life. Frank Mussel speaks of how instead of mourning the death of loved ones, we can celebrate their passing into glory.
When life gets tricky we can go all sorts of places to find guidance. But it is in prayer and being filled by the Spirit that we find the better way. Frank Mussel's words remind us today.
Frank Mussel shows us that remembering what God has done in the past can give us great hope for the future.
Frank Mussel's great book guides us this week. Today he reminds us that a word or act of encouragement can change someone's life. Who can you encourage today?
A great early Methodist "pioneer preacher" was Francis Asbury. His dedication to prayer gave him remarkable passion and zeal for his calling. Let's learn from his prayerfulness today.
John Berridge was a brilliant preacher - but he knew that it took more than preaching to sustain the people. They needed community. So do we.
William Grimshaw would leave church before the sermon to quickly invite anybody he could find in to hear the good news. How committed are we to inviting others to hear? How could someone's life change if we simply invited them?
Early Methodist preachers were persecuted and often hurt. But they harboured no bitterness or unforgiveness to their persecutors - much like Jesus on the cross forgiving the soldiers. What about us?
It was not just John Wesley who formed the Methodist movement - he had helpers! Take John Fletcher, a man who everyone revered greatly. All he wanted in life was "more of God's grace". Are we content like him?
In a dark world, we need a light to guide us. The Psalmist writes that God's Word is a lamp, leading the way. Is it for you? Perhaps you need to take on AW Tozer's challenge and go deeper into the Word for the next month.
Jeremiah said that God's people had forsaken the living water and built their own cisterns. Have we? Or can we sing with John Barnett today, "Your Spirit is like water to my soul"?
Is the name of Jesus sweet like honey on your lips? Perhaps your spiritual taste buds have been by too many godless things. May it be that Jesus is the sweetest thing to your soul today!
Without the Resurrection, Jesus would have just been another deluded prophet who died a martyr's death. But no - he rose triumphant, and conquered death and sin forever. Exalt him today!
John Barnett's lovely worship song from the 80s reminds us today that Jesus is more than just a good man - he was the holy and anointed one from God. Worship him!
Can a Christian be blameless? Yes, by the power of the Spirit. Not that there is no room for growth in godliness, but there is great power over sin for those surrendered to the Spirit. Be blessed today, by believing this in faith!
Those who trust in God find great peace and joy. Be blessed today, by saying along with SL Brengle, "I trust him, I trust him, I trust him!"
Christians don't have to make a pilgrimage to the temple… but we are on a pilgrimage to our final heavenly home! Be blessed today as you journey with God.
There are many places to find strength… but lasting strength is found in God alone. His mighty power is in you - be blessed today as you surrender to him.
The Israelites in exile longed and yearned to get back to worship in their temple… today we know that we can worship anywhere, because God doesn't dwell in the temple only, but in our hearts. Be blessed today, worshipping him who dwells within you.
Across South Africa the call is sounding for the people to live and strive for freedom together. What is true freedom? It is only truly found in Christ.
The South African national anthem pleads with God for his protection - echoing the words of the Lord's Prayer "deliver us from evil". Do we pray this over our nation?
The South African national anthem asks God to hear our prayers and petitions. God's Word reminds us that nations need to humble themselves and turn to God for Him to hear us. How do we do this? We start with the person in the mirror.
The South African national anthem gives us some helpful guidelines for prayer. But - instead of praying for our nation to be glorified, let's pray for GOD to be glorified in our nation.
After a rough week in South Africa, we've been reminded of the importance of praying for our nation. Are we, the people of God, rising up in prayer for our nation? Paul urged the early church to do so.
At age 103, Jim was still sharing the love of Jesus however he could. To please his Maker remained his primary mission, his whole life... How about you and I?
Jim's greatest challenge as a Christian was to forgive the man who had orchestrated the Pearl Harbour attack. General Fuchida had become a Christian, and discovered the mercy of God for even him.
Do you have someone to forgive today? If God can forgive Fuchida, so you and I are to forgive those who have hurt us.
When a typhoon threatened to bring chaos on a local town, Jim and his fellow Christians began praying earnestly for God's intervention... and sure enough, the typhoon reversed its course and disappeared.
Are you praying boldly today?
Jim Downing was deeply admired by his friends and peers. Someone said of him "his life means more to me than all the sermons I ever heard"... The example of a life lived in Christ is perhaps the greatest sermon you or I could ever preach.
Jim Downing survived Pearl Harbour, and realized how urgent was the mission to share the love of Jesus. In today's world of COVID, with death all around us, surely we can learn the same lesson.
In the midst of the attack of Pearl Harbour, Jim experienced something amazing - the overwhelming peace of God.
Do you have peace in the battles of life? Give up worrying, and focus on God.
On the infamous day of the attack on Pearl Harbour, Jim rushed to defend his country, and as he went his wife shouted a Bible verse after him! She had that verse ready to go for the time of disaster. This is a great practice for us as Christians. Let's be people of the Word.
When God prompted Jim Downing to share the gospel with a friend, he chickened out. A few days later that man was dead.
Don't ignore His nudgings!
Jim Downing finally gave his life to Christ - no reservations - and found great fulfillment and joy, even in a dusty and dark place. Have you made such a commitment? Do it today!
Navy man and Christian Jim Downing's book inspires us this week. Early in his life church meant little to him, but later on he was inspired by a friend who had a different approach to faith. How do you pursue God?
How can we know what God is expecting of us? Weatherhead gives us some helpful pointers and then reminds us to take courage and move in faith.
God's omnipotence doesn't make him pull humanity's strings like a puppet master. Instead, it means that no evil can finally defeat His good purposes.
Weatherhead describes how even if evil brings about bad circumstances in our lives, by faith, we can rise above them and still fulfill God's purposes.
Leslie Weatherhead's words show us that no evil is ever God's intention - that we cannot identify as God's will something for which a person would be locked in jail.
When we begin declaring our faith to others, we find new passion and power! Tell another Christian, tell a non-Christian, and tell the devil when he starts trying to knock you off course.
Josiah makes a full commitment to God - not turning to the right or left! Let's recognizes that the power of Jesus is not just to forgive, but to give us victory over sin. Commit your everything to him, and walk in faith, relying on His spirit.
Josiah received God's love when he humble admitted his sins. Once we believe that God has given His Son for us, we have found saving faith. And boy, does He love us!
When he heard the Word of God being read to him, Josiah tore his clothes in grief, as he realised the level of sin that the people had sunk to. The first step to making a covenant with God is admitting our state of sinfulness.
Josiah's great legacy was renewing the covenant that the people of Judah had forsaken. The good news is that God is willing to forgive and let us renew our covenant with him.
When people came to worship even though they ceremonially unclean, Hezekiah had compassion and let them worship, begging God to forgive them. Here he foreshadows Jesus, who did the same thing many times. Know today that you can come as you are to a God who cares... and Christian, be Christ-like, not Pharisee-like, in the way you treat others!
Hezekiah's great legacy was reopening the temple for worship. Jesus too was committed to communal worship. Whether in-person or online, are you engaging with others and being a part of communal worship, rather than just personal worship? You will find a blessing there, if you do.
Hezekiah was dealt a bad hand, but instead of making excuses he took responsibility and made changes where he could. What an example for us!
Hezekiah made sure that the temple was cleansed of all the things that defiled it. Paul teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We cleanse ourselves of the things that defile us - not because that's what the rules say, but because we want to be rid of things that weigh us down in our walk with God.
Christianity is not about avoiding a list of "don'ts". It's about doing what's good and true and faithful. King Hezekiah was a man who seemed to understand this!
There was one blemish on Jehoshaphat's life - he made alliances with the wrong people. Be reminded today that the people you align yourself with can bring you closer to God or pull you away from God. Choose wisely!
When an army advanced against Judah, Jehoshaphat realised that Judah was too weak to withstand the onslaught. In a wonderful prayer, he resolves to keep his eyes on God and face his foes. And God promises to give him and his people strength and courage to go out and fight. Hear the same words from God, spoken into your life today: "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.”
Unlike his father Asa, who didn’t consult God at a crucial moment in his life, Jehoshaphat always seemed to seek God, through God's Word, through God's people, and through fasting and prayer. Do you need God's guidance in your life at the moment? Use these three methods, like Jehoshaphat did, and see how God reveals himself to you.
Jehoshaphat didn't live out his faith with a joyless sense of duty… His HEART was devoted to God. Let us follow God wholeheartedly today.
Jehoshaphat's life is defined by his devotion to God. How easy it is to be slack and half-hearted in our faith! Let's commit again to being fully devoted to the God who is fully devoted to us.
In a touching scene, a 10-year old autistic boy laid hands on his Sunday School teachers and prayed for them. You think God can't use YOU? He used Connor, and He will use anyone who is willing.
Craig's greatest storm in life brought about his greatest purpose. What purposes could your storms be bringing? Approach them through the eyes of faith, and see what God has in store for you.
Craig learned that he could either try protect his autistic son Connor, or he could free him. How often we stay inside where it is safe and dry, instead of playing out in the rain and living life to the full!
When Craig Johnson's little boy was diagnosed as autistic, he heard the voice of the enemy trying to break him down. But Craig decided to speak words of life and truth over his son instead - and this changed everything!
What words are you speaking into your situations? Speak words of life.
How do you deal with unexpected changes in life? When Craig Johnson and his wife learned they were expecting (even after surgeries to prevent it from happening!) they started panicking. But then they remembered that God's plans can be trusted, and that He gives us grace to walk the road we're on.
The Spirit of Truth not only guided the disciples to remember Jesus' words and write the truths we find in the New Testament, but the Spirit guides you and as we read the Bible and seek the truth. Have you received the Spirit's anointing? Receive it by faith today!
Charles Spurgeon tells of real bookworms that would eat their way through the books on his shelf. Are we bookworms, devouring God's true word, so that we hear the voice of truth and not the voice of the enemy?
Jesus said that God's Word is the truth that sanctifies us (John 17:17). In a world of relativism, how good to know that we can rely on the true Word of God to guide us.
Pontius Pilate asked "what is truth?" when the personification of truth was right in front of his eyes! Are you close to the truth but still denying it? Jesus IS the essence of truth. Believe in His words and actions today.
The world teaches that truth is relative - what you believe is true for you. But John - and the whole Bible - is based on the objective truth: that God is real and Jesus is King.
Like John, Paul knew that God is life. He could say that to live meant to focus on Christ, and to die one day would be gaining a new life in Christ's presence. Will you find life to the full by living this way?
The great promise of Jesus is that the dash between our days is not all we have! But if we believe in Him, we will have eternal life. So live with all your might while you do live, and look forward to another life on the other side.
Jesus promised those who are born again life to the full. Have you surrendered to Him? When you do, the dash between your days takes on a whole new meaning and purpose.
Your birthday is a sacred day! Your birth was a true miracle, a day worthy of celebration. And it's all because God knit you together in the womb. Truly, life itself is a wonderful work of God - thank Him, that you are alive today.
Freddie Mercury's song "There Must Be More to Life Than This" reminds us that even with all the fame and fortune in the world, without Jesus, something is missing in our lives. David's song in Psalm 63, on the other hand, shows us that God's love is better than life.
When you truly get that GOD IS LOVE, you are always inspired to love others with the same love He has given you. How can you show someone that God is love today?
When you think of the phrase GOD IS LOVE… remember, sometimes this love includes discipline.
Sometimes God’s touch and his words can sting a little. But he will do whatever it takes to transform you into the person he made you to be, even some tough love.
Whenever you hear the phrase GOD IS LOVE… please remember, that it is not a cheap, easy love that he offers.
It is a costly love… A love that sent God himself to a cross in our place.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) Have you allowed these word to touch your heart? God's love is, at its core, the love of a parent.
The sentence "God is love" can rock your world when you get it. For a man named Jim, it meant everything to him even when he could remember nothing else.
Much like the moon, the human heart has no light of its own. It can only reflect the light of the sun. If you've received the light of God's love... go out and share it with others by living like Jesus did.
Only the light of the world - Jesus - can lead us safely ashore. Be careful that you are not following false lights! His Word is "a lamp for your feet, and a light for your path".
When God shines his light into our hearts and lives, our eyes are opened! Not only do we begin to see everything around us in a new way... but we see our own darkness exposed. Thank God, that his light exposes us not to shame us, but to help us be clean.
Jesus is the light of the world, shining brighter than the sun. When he was on earth, He was shining God’s light of perfection in his character. Worship him today as the one truly pure, good and perfect one.
The most powerful light on earth was created by physicists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It's one billion times brighter than the sun... but still not as bright as the God of the universe, whose radiance is truly unparalleled.
Do you sing a benediction to close your church services? Years ago Rich wrote this one to be used at our church, and we recorded it for the new CrossRoad album. Listen and enjoy, and may the Lord bless and keep you.
Listen to the song here:
How many versions of Psalm 23 have you heard? Rich wrote this new CrossRoad version in a modern ballad style. Listen and be blessed be these timeless words.
Listen to the song here
This new CrossRoad rocker is a co-write by Rich and I - he wrote the riff, I fit words from Psalm 13 to it. David's words teach us how to pray - be honest with God, ask God for help, and remember to trust and praise.
Listen to the song here:
Rich's new CrossRoad song shows us that even when we get it wrong and don't love God as we should... He loves us still. What a comfort to know that it's not about how we love him... but about how he loves us.
Listen to the song here.
A new CrossRoad power ballad reminds us that God accepts us as we are - broken - and that we can be healed because our Saviour was broken for us on the Cross.
Listen to the song here.
I wrote this new CrossRoad when I was in a bad way. But what I found, as I always do, is that when storms come God meets me there. Please know this today, that whatever you're going through, He meets you where you are and accompanies you.
Listen to the song here
A Craig Groeschel book called "Weird" helped me to see that all my money is God's, not just the tithe. And I wrote a Bob Seger style song about it. Me and the CrossRoad guys have fun rocking it out, and it's always a reminder - it ALL belongs to Him.
Listen to the song here.
A Status Quo style worship song? Why not!? Our joy in Christ is greater than anything the world can give - and our music must reflect this. So tap your feet and dance along to this new CrossRoad song!
Listen to the song here
God has a way of using the little people to do great things. If you think God doesn't notice you, think again - he's gonna do great things through you if you just live for him.
Listen to the song here
The first song on the new CrossRoad album has a Billy Joel inspired piano intro and is called "This is Your Moment". No matter who you are, Jesus is willing to save you and make you new. What if tomorrow is only one day too late? Take his hand now!
Listen to the song here
God's great or "considerably above average" love for us is what defines Him (and us!). Know today that you are loved by Him.
God is also "considerably above average" when it comes to dependability. You can depend on Him to faithfully accompany you through any dark passage.
God could have created a boring world, but instead He created something beautiful and full of wonder! Worship Him today, because He is "considerably above average" in beauty.
How is God "considerably above average"? Certainly in His intelligence! Who else could create such a wonderfully complex world?
The God of the Bible is "considerably above average" in every way. Do you know him? No other gods can compare!
Praying "stay with me" as you go about your business today might be the best prayer to pray.
On that walk to Emmaus, Jesus led what was probably the greatest Bible study ever... and the disciples' hearts were burning passionately as they heard him speak. We can still find that fire in the Word today - don't leave your Bible on the shelf friends, open yourselves to hear His voice through the written Word!
Jesus wants to walk with us and talk with us along the narrow way. It's a friendship, a journey. I hope you'll welcome him into your journey today.
The disciples so revered Jesus because of His resurrection! It was their go-to line to prove He was the Messiah - that He rose from the dead. And so they went and told Jesus' story everywhere. We should do the same today!
Like kids on Easter searching for eggs, we all have a way of seeking pleasures that don't fulfill. Are you looking for life among the dead? Jesus offers something much, much better!
Will you cherish the old rugged cross today? If you do, one day you will be able to exchange it for a crown.
Listen here: https://youtu.be/_TqlJigrfxw
The last thing Jesus prays before heading to his cross is for his followers to be united. Can we be united even with our differences? Our common ties make us one as Christians, and they're deep enough to transcend that which divides us. Let's cherish our union rather than our divisions, so that more people come to see Jesus in all His glory through us.
Jesus also prays for his followers to be sanctified - made holy, or set apart for God. Justification is what God does FOR us, and sanctification is what God does IN us. Are you striving to be sanctified, striving to become holy with His help?
Jesus knew that difficult times would come for his disciples, but he prayed for their protection: so that their suffering wouldn't pull them away from their faith.
Jesus' great prayer in John 17 begins much like the Lord's prayer: with a plea for God to be glorified. Pray the same prayer today! For that is the purpose of our lives as His followers.
Why did Jesus teach the disciples all these lessons? For their own joy! We can find joy in Jesus, joy that nothing else can bring.
Jesus' great command to his disciples was for them to love one another - just as he loved them and laid down his life for them. His command to us is the same!
Jesus teaches his disciples to stay connected to Him, because apart from him you will wither. Are you doing all you can to stay close to Jesus?
One thing Jesus wanted his followers to know that night was that He loved them. Up until then he had often spoken about God's love for the world, but now he tells them of his personal love for them. Do you know that He loves YOU too?
John 15 shows us some of Jesus' last life lessons. His words are the words of life! In today's information age there are plenty of life lessons going around... but His are the best of all.
The last gift the disciples are promised on that night to remember was a new power from the Holy Spirit. All the other gifts flow from an infilling of the Spirit. Do you know the Spirit today? Pray for an infilling and receive it in faith, and walk in His power today.
While Christians have the great hope of a place in eternity, Jesus never intended us to be "so heavenly minded that we're no earthly good". He wanted us to live passionate, purposeful lives of love like He did. And this is a gift he promises his followers - a new purpose that can be lived out whatever you do, wherever you do it.
Another great gift that every Christ follower receives is a place in eternity in the presence of God. And so there is no fear of death - why would there be, if we are with Him on the other side?
If you're a follower of Jesus, one wonderful gift he offers is peace that passes all understanding. When we place our trust in him, we can have peace even in troubles come, because our hearts are his.
As the crazy night leading up to Jesus' arrest continues, he stops and tells them all about the wonderful gifts he is leaving them. Stop and look around at the gifts he's given you today... they are many!
Why did Jesus wash feet? Yes, out of love for his friends, but also to set them an example. He influence them to become servant leaders. Is he influencing you? There's no greater role model for you and I than Jesus Christ. Serve, like He did.
Jesus knew that two of his friends were about to betray him and deny, and yet what does he do? He kneels down and washes their feet. What love! A night to remember. Let's serve people, even those who hurt us.
Jesus knew that he had all the power in the universe at his fingertips... and yet he kneels and washes feet. We need more leaders who know that the power of love is greater than the love of power.
What would you do if you knew you only had hour to live? Would you have a night to remember? Jesus chose to spend his precious remaining time washing feet. What a love He has!
Have you ever had a night to remember? The night Jesus was arrested was surely a night the disciples would never forget... such drama all around. And how does it all start? With their Saviour washing their feet.
Jesus' life was marked by faith, hope and love... and our lives can be too, if we are born again by the Holy Spirit and given new life. Surrender today!
Above all, Christians are marked by love, because God first loved us. When we grasp how deep His love for us is, we can only love others with the same love we've received.
Another birthmark that Christians have is unshakeable hope. Even when the lights go out and we are surrounded by darkness, we can still see Jesus, and we still have hope.
One birthmark that new Christians get is faith. But it's more than just a belief in truth... it goes much deeper!
John Wesley famously preached "The Marks of The New Birth" in 1748. When we are born again as Christians, we get some 'birthmarks' - faith, hope and love. Is your life in Christ marked by these things?
We can be as fierce as can be, but without love it is pointless! Let's love fiercely today and every day, always striving to love God and others.
Paul tells us to be strong - but we all have our weak days. The good news is that even when we are physically or emotionally weak, God's Spirit is available, and he never gets weak! Be strong be relying on Him today.
Deep in each human spirit is a longing to live a courageous, fear-free life. Not a thoughtless life, but fearless in the face of persecution, and fearless in the sharing of our faith. Will you be courageous today?
Paul, and Moses, and Jesus tell their people to stand firm in the face of persecution and trouble. In other words, be fierce in your faith!
Paul encourages the Corinthians to a fierce faith - being on their guard against the wrong teachings and the wrong behaviours. Here Paul echoes Jesus' own warnings. Are you ready for whatever life throws at you?! Remember to be fierce and committed today.
Jesus closes this great prayer asking God for protection. When you pray "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil", remember to wear your armour of God and walk in His strength. With Him at your side, the devil's arrows will bounce off you.
Every day we should confess our sins and ask for mercy... and bring our own resentments and broken relationships to God too, to find the strength to offer them the same forgiveness God offers us.
If you find you don't need to pray "give us this day our daily bread" for God to provide your next meal, then use this line in the Lord's prayer to thank Him for the blessings you have.
Jesus teaches us to pray for God's purposes - for His kingdom to come (and for us to be agents in bringing it), and for His will to be done (putting our trust in Him). Don't just recite this line... pray through it!
The Lord's prayer opens with praise. Do your prayers ring out with God's praise and worship?
While it's important to confront God in prayer, let us not forget to seek a way forwards. Wallowing in our anger only gives the devil a foothold... but coming to God for a way out of our anger leads to healing.
Sometimes it's ok to yell at God. When you need to confront Him, don't try be polite and use churchy language, just speak from the heart.
Pent-up anger has all sorts of bad consequences. But letting your anger out - even if it's anger with God - is cathartic and helpful. Don't withdraw.. confront in faith! And find healing.
Confronting God is better than ignoring God. Don't give Him the silent treatment... come to Him in faith, even in your anger.
If Abraham, Moses, Job, David and even Jesus could confront God in prayer... so can you.
Dan Schutte wrote this classic song for a friend who was about to be ordained a deacon. Listen to his own words about this song here:
God is calling each one of us to something for him - and whether it's to go to the ends of the earth to preach the Word, or to simply witness to the people around you today, that call is real. Will you go where he sends? Will you hold his people in your heart? Don't just sing it... do it.
Verse 3 of Dan Schutte's song reminds us that the God of wind and flame cares enough to provide a feast for his children - a feast to satisfy each heart. Jesus is the Bread of life - all we have to do is come to him and let him fill our hearts, and satisfaction awaits!
Dan Schutte's song tells us that there is a God who not only sends snow and rain on the earth, but who bears our pain and weeps for love of his children. Is your heart set like stone against Him? Come to Him today and let Him break the walls down and fill your heart with love alone.
Dan Schutte wrote a classic worship song in 1981 which we still love singing! Today, take heart that the God of sea and sky still hears his people cry and gives us light in our darkness.
Wilberforce spent his whole life fighting for the abolition of the slave trade, persevering through much abuse and taunts with great patience. He didn't let anything get in the way, and right near the end of his life, victory came.
What do you need to persevere through today? Take courage and hold on, and God will see that your efforts won't be wasted!
Wilberforce's great passion in life was to end the slave trade - to relieve the distresses of those treated as less than human, and give them the respect and dignity they deserved. And yet 200 years later, we still have our divisions. Let's remember today that each human being is a precious child of God - and abolish any divisive notions in our own hearts.
The defining characteristic of Wilberforce - as it should be for any Christian - was his love. His life was "given up to the service of people". Let's not just have a cold, abstract belief in God, but give our lives up to serve others.
Wilberforce worked hard to become more patient, gentle and considerate of others. It was something he had to practise until he had mastered it... You and I also need to train ourselves to do this, with the help of God's Holy Spirit.
John Wesley was famous for writing letters, and his last letter was to William Wilberforce, encouraging him to carry on with the good work he was doing. Is there someone you can encourage with a letter - or even a WhatsApp or phone call - today?
Wilberforce was a very busy man, but he still found time for prayer, devotion and meditation. In these busy times, how we can learn from his dedication!
Wilberforce's great friend was William Pitt. They had their differences, but still managed to stay friends, even when they opposed each other. Do you have a special friend who can "wound" you in love, for your own good?
We can learn from Wilberforce's commitment to self-improvement: he often searched his motives and conduct to make sure they were God-focused. Christians have done this throughout the years, and maybe we should do it more often!
Wilberforce agreed with Christian thinking for some time before it really "hit his heart". When he finally gave himself to God fully, everything changed, and he had a great peace like never before! Maybe you need to move from just agreeing intellectually with Christianity, to surrendering to the God who loves you.
William Wilberforce was well respected - even by people who didn't agree with his religious or political views, much like Demetrius in the Bible. Can the same be said of us? May we be so committed to good, that all people can respect us as Christ-followers.
Without the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can easily read the Bible and yet miss the great truths it contains. Be sure to pray, pray, pray - before you read, while you read, and after you read!
If you want to reap the rewards of inspiration and delight the Bible offers, be sure to read it consistently and not haphazardly. You wouldn't only eat every other day - don't treat your spiritual health that way either!
If you see the Bible as a textbook you will surely get bored of it. But it you see it as a love letter, or a treasure chest, what a difference it makes! Search the pages of your Bible for God's beauty and wonder this year - read to be amazed and find joy in the God who loves you.
The Bible is a great source of advice, inspiration and help for all people. As someone has said, it is our Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth. Let's go deep into our Bibles this year!
John Wesley was very well read - yet he called himself a "man of one book". How committed to Bible reading will we be in 2021?
Wesley taught his followers to strive for "perfect love" for God and others - something the Corinthian believers seemed to embody. But Paul had to remind them to also excel in giving. Will 2021 be a year of much love and much giving for us? May it be.
It's so easy to slip into "cruise-control" when it comes to our faith, over the Christmas/New Year period. But let's remember our desperate need for GOd and seek Him earnestly this year.
Another thing Paul commended the Corinthian Christians for was their excellent knowledge. Will you pursue greater knowledge of God this year? If you do, be sure not to get puffed up by what you learned - rather be humbled.
According to Paul, the Corinthian believers excelled in speech. Are you and I ready to explain our faith and hope if someone asks? Will we also "excel" in our speech when we tell others of our God?
Paul commended the Corinthians for excelling in faith. Let's also excel in our faith this year!
It's 2021! Let this be a year of recommitting to God totally. Let's go deeper than ever in our faith. Let's follow Jesus with all our hearts. Let's reach the end of the year having walked with Him faithfully.
COVID has been relentless... but perhaps it's time for you and I to relent, or "let go" and trust God once again. 2020 has not changed the fact that He is faithful, and we can still rely on Him.
It's not too late to repair the broken relationships that 2020 caused. Forgive... apologize... while you still can.
Can we rejoice for 2020? If our joy is in our circumstances, then no... but if our joy is in our God, then yes!
What words will define 2020 for you? How about "realize"... Before the year is done, REALIZE that He was with you every step of the way.
Scrooge learned to honour Christmas in his heart and became "as good a man" as he could be. With Christ is our hearts this is possible! May you be blessed this Christmas, and may Christ transform you from a crusty Scrooge to the person you are called to be.
The Cratchits enjoy a Christmas of love and laughter and warmth - even though they have little material gain to show for it. Will you find joy in simplicity this Christmas?
A little boy on crutches reminds the world that the one we celebrate at Christmas was a healer and a compassionate friend. This is what Christmas is about - reaching out to the vulnerable.
Scrooge reminds us that living for the idol of Gain creates hearts that are bitter and hard. But hearts that count Christ more valuable than any gain - these hearts are filled with Christmas joy and peace.
In Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol", many spirits are wandering the earth trying to do good to others, but discovering that it's too late for them to help. Let's remember Paul's wise words on doing good whenever we have the opportunity!
Mary sings a wonderful song of praise in Elizabeth's home, where her soul magnifies the Lord. Will our homes magnify the Lord this Christmas?
Elizabeth's husband doubted the good news he was given... but Mary accepted it in faith, and Elizabeth encourages her for her faith. How is your faith doing this Christmas? After a tough year, it would be easy to doubt God. But trust - His promises will still all be fulfilled!
Elizabeth and Mary were both humble servants of God - and this is why he chose them to play such vital roles in his mission. Will yours be a home of humility this Christmas?
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit as she celebrated Christ! As Christians we can only live the life God calls us to with the Spirit's help. Are you asking for the Spirit's filling and empowering this Christmas?
Elizabeth welcomed Mary into her home warmly, when she probably faced rejection at her own home. Will your home be a welcoming one this Christmas?
Forged Through Fire is a great story of hope. Dr Mark McDonough's hardships inspired him to become a reconstructive surgeon and help those going through similar trials to him. God will do the same for you and I - he will turn our tragedies into triumphs if we let him!
As Dr Mark McDonough lay in hospital recovering from his many burns, a friend showed him true compassion. Sometimes instead of giving advice to those in need, all we need to do is be present.
During a surgery, Dr Mark McDonough wakes up, and then has a near death experience. The bliss on the other side is real... but if you're still alive, it's because God has a plan for you.
Inspiration from Dr Mark McDonough's book "Forged Through Fire". During his recovery Mark received great encouragement from some special people. Perhaps you need to hear these words too today... or tell them to somebody else...
This week we are getting inspiration from "Forged Through Fire" - the story of Dr Mark McDonough. As he recovered from the burns he sustained in a terrible fire, Mark learned what it really means to thirst. Are you grateful for the gift of being able to drink water? And have you tasted the living water that only Jesus gives?
After years of humble faithfulness, Moses (like all of us) loses it for a moment... and asks "must I do everything around here?" He forgot (as we all do) that every good gift comes from God.
As Moses' mountaintop turns into a desert, he asks yet another question: why is God allowing this to happen? We've all asked that one. One thing is certain: when we are in the desert, God is with us.
God does amazing things in Moses' life, and so he asks another question: who is like our God? Moses remembers to praise God during his big moments. Do you?
As God spoke to Moses through a burning bush, Moses asks a question: who am I? How can I do what you're calling me to? But eventually he stopped making excuses and followed his call. Will you?
Reading the life of Moses, we see that he often asked questions. It's ok to ask God questions in our journey with him.... because it's in Him that we find our answers.
When we hang out with our great Friend Jesus, we begin to look more like him... and this means offering mercy to people just as He did to us.
The greatest gift we receive from our friend Jesus is His forgiveness - the cancelling of our debts thanks to His payment on the cross. A story from John Ortberg illustrates this today.
We may all be sinners, but we know some good news: that Jesus is the friend of sinners!
It's not popular to admit we're all sinners in modern times, but it's true. We're not junk... we're not trash... but we've all fallen short.
Jonathan Edwards is famous for his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". But is God angry, or merciful? Perhaps this event in Jesus' life tells us the story.
Paul talks about being a fool for Christ. David dances before the Lord with all his might. A couple donates their land to the church instead of selling. Are we willing to give all we have for His glory - even if the world thinks we look foolish?
Two great evangelists - Charles Templeton and Billy Graham - dealt with their doubts differently. One chose to hold onto his doubts, the other, his faith. Choose wisely friends!
God uses things that seem foolish to the world, to achieve wise and wonderful things. Believe, and you will see!
While we are called to be fools for Christ is one sense, we are not called to an ignorant, thoughtless faith. Christianity is an intelligent, rational way of seeing the world.
Paul tells us to carry one another's burdens. Could it be that you are weak and weary because you have taken on too much? Spread the load, and find new strength.
Two analogies - one of bees, one of cars - remind us that we find strength when we MOVE. Take the time to rest in God, and then get going again, and He will strengthen you as you go.
Jesus tells us to come to Him when we are weak and weary. What are you trying to fill your tank with? Go to Him - for He alone can give you the strength you need.
Even the strongest leaders grow weak and weary... but God never falls asleep at the wheel. This is why we trust in Him, not people!
Some preachers will teach that you that all the answers are found within. But the truth is that all the answers are found in God. Don't look within - look to Him for the things you lack!
As I ran the mountainous Clarens-Golden Gate road, I forced myself to keep pushing up the hill. But eventually I realized that it's ok to pause and take a breath, and gather some strength to carry on. Don't forget to do the same in life!
The highlight of our time away was a tough hike up the mountains in the Golden Gate National Park. When people came past us at a speed, we started to get down on ourselves for being so slow. But then we remembered - why compare? Don't let other people's achievements get you down. God made you to be YOU, nobody else!
Clarens is filled with shops - how tempted we were to buy all sorts of little things! Of course, there's nothing wrong with buying nice things, but let's remember that Jesus taught us to be on our guard when it comes to spending. Life is so much more than stuff.
As we walked down to the river on De Molen Farm we were accompanied by two joyful dogs whose enthusiasm was infectious! Let's remember that the joy of the Lord is our strength today.
We witnessed an amazing thunderstorm at De Molen Farm in Clarens last week! Amazed at God, we also remembered just how badly the country needs rain. The God of thunder and lightning will provide... let's rise up and pray for Him to do so.
Why do we celebrate Holy Communion? Because in that moment, Jesus' presence is manifested in a special and tangible way.
Sometimes the best way to feel God's presence is to simply be still. When we learn to encounter him in the stillness, how much easier it is to find him in the busyness!
Brother Lawrence's classic book "The Practice of the Presence of God" teaches us to always be in conversation with God... to worship Him before, during and after each thing we do. Maybe this can help you recognize just how close he is in the busy day!
Even before you knew Him, God was at work in your life. His "prevenient grace" went ahead of you!
Perhaps the greatest gift Jesus ever gave humankind is his constant, faithful presence in our lives!
Perhaps the greatest words you can hear from Jesus are the words of mercy: "neither do I condemn you". Let them wash over you today!
Jesus' words were never cruel or vindictive, but sometimes he issued a harsh warning to those on the wrong path. Are we mature enough in our faith to listen to Jesus' harsh words?
Maybe today you need a word of assurance from Jesus. Let Him remind you today that you are precious in the eyes of your Father, and you can trust in Him!
Do you need a word of encouragement today? Jesus has one for you! Look up and see Him coming, and hear Him speak these words: "take courage! It is I."
A moment with Jesus will usually involve His words - because His words are the words of life!
Do we have "hands off" signs on our hearts? Let's let the Master in to bless us with His touch today.
Leslie Weatherhead said "all evil intentions and thoughts and desires fly from His searching glance as bats fly from a dungeon when it is opened to the blaze of day." The touch of Jesus always cleanses!
The touch of Jesus heals - physically and emotionally. What wounds are you living with? Bring them to him today.
We have learned the hard way that many people have been hurt by the touch of others. But Jesus' touch is always pure, it's always loving. He never forces his touch on anyone.
The "Midas Touch" seems like the most powerful touch in the world... but it falls far short of one: the touch of Jesus.
Geoff Bullock's "The Power of Your Love" is a modern church favourite. Here's Luke singing it.
The chorus of this song is a classic. First we find that relationship with God is more than just mental - it's affectionate. Then we remember that our spirits can soar with God when we wait on him in trust and faith. Sing along and may these words be in your heart all weekend!
Geoff Bullock's "The Power of Your Love" is a modern church favourite. Here's Luke singing it.
Paul talks Christians not conforming to the world but being transformed, by the renewing of their minds (Rom 12:2). Are you praying for a renewed mind today? Are you drawing closer to God to find this transformation?
Geoff Bullock's "The Power of Your Love" is a modern church favourite. Here's Luke singing it.
"Lord unveil my eyes, let me see you face to face"...
May your eyes be unveiled today, to see God in all His glory and splendour and love!
Geoff Bullock's "The Power of Your Love" is a modern church favourite. Here's Luke singing it.
"Lord I've come to know, the weaknesses I see in me will be stripped away by the power of Your love..."
Today we remember with gladness that Jesus empathizes with us since he too faced the same temptations we do. And we also celebrate that God has given us power to put on a "new self" and leave our old ways behind.
Geoff Bullock's "The Power of Your Love" is a modern church favourite. Here's Luke singing it.
Verse 1 talks of being changed and renewed by the flow of God's grace... but we first have to come to God so that the change can happen. Are you coming to him daily?
We know that we should thank God in spite of our trials, but have you ever tried thanking Him FOR them? In doing so, we rob the darkness of its power.
How often we say we'll pray about something and we don't! But perhaps when we are prompted or asked to pray about something, we should stop and pray right then. Maybe something wonderful will happen when we do!
Merlin Carothers, while a Christian minister, dabbled in other forms of spirituality before realizing what dangerous ground he was on. Don't be deceived - it is only in Christ that we find the fullness of God!
Merlin Carothers' life was changed when he discovered that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was HIS father too. If God could change Merlin's heart, he can change yours!
An invitation to church changed Merlin Carothers' life. Who can you invite to hear the gospel today?
Today let's remember the greatest news of all: that though God is holy and we are sinful, He loves us and has made a way for us to be accepted by Him.
What does the way you speak ABOUT God communicate? If we truly value Him, let's share Him with the world more.
The Bible only repeats one of attribute of God threefold: and it's to tell us that He is holy, holy, holy. Let's honour Him for this today!
Whether in good our bad times, our prayers should be ringing with praise, trust and thanksgiving.
A good measure of your spiritual health is your level of gratitude. Are you able to thank God for your blessings today, whether in good times or bad?
A great illustration reminds us today that even if we can't see the full picture the great Painter is still at work on our canvas. We can trust him.
A classic Matt Redman song reminds us that whether God gives or takes away, His name is to be praised!
Whether in good or bad times, Paul found his strength in Jesus. Perhaps life is great for you today, or perhaps it sucks... will you find your strength in Christ like Paul did?
James rightly says that it's not right for praising and cursing to come from the same mouth. Jesus goes as far as to say that calling someone an idiot puts you in spiritual danger. Let's rather pray when we feel tempted to curse!
Two rules for the way we speak: if you have nothing good to say, don't speak; and if you have something good to say, say it!
Where our sin increases, God's grace increases all the more. Can the same be said of the way you talk to others? Does grace increase in our speech?
Some people enjoy dwelling on the dirt in others... but will you be the type who finds gold instead?
J. Sidlow Baxter wisely says that "one of the first things that happens to a person when they are filled with the Spirit is not that they speak in tongues, but they learn to hold the one they have!". Are your words piercing or healing people?
Perhaps the best way to heal our inner monologue is to turn it into a dialogue with Jesus. Let's turn our "I" thoughts into "we" thoughts as we journey with Jesus our friend every step of our days!
If our words are too focused on us, perhaps we are gazing at the wrong person. Jesus is to be the centre of our lives, and when he is, then our inner monologue begins to heal rather than hurt.
If you still look in the mirror and hate what you see, remember that there is a God calls you his masterpiece! He knew you would struggle, but he cherishes you anyway. Quit beating yourself up, and speak words of truth to your heart: that you are loved by a perfect God.
When it comes to the words we speak to ourselves, one danger we must avoid is pride. Does your inner monologue puff you up, or humble you? Jesus favours the humble.
Paul David Tripp wisely teaches that "no one is more influential in your life than you are because no one talks to you more than you do.” Are the words you speak to yourself building you up or breaking you down?
A flat hike is a boring hike! The ups and downs make it what it is. Whether you're on a mountaintop or in a valley, remember that the Maker of heaven and earth is with you.
Hiking teaches you an old truth: that it's about the journey, not the destination. Are you enjoying the journey you're on now? Or is the end goal distracting you?
Hiking is much better with friends - not only more fun, but safer. Much like our Christian journey.
After a difficult hike with the wrong shoes and no hiking, Shereen and I learn a valuable lesson: be prepared. Our Christian journeys are much the same!
Shereen and I have been hiking a lot lately, and we are learning a lot. After taking a wrong turn and doing a 10km backwards, we learned to follow the signs!
A Max Lucado story reminds us that Jesus aligns himself with the victims - because Jesus himself knows what it is to be a victim.
We often get irritated with people in need, but Jesus took time for them. His parable of the good Samaritan reminds us that we can be "religious" people who still fail to take time for those in need.
In a world where lepers were despised, Jesus had compassion on him. Are you able to value people, even those you normally want to distance yourself from? Do you recognize God in them?
Have you heard of Simeon Stylites? He lived most of his life on top of a pillar, to get away from people. Imagine if Jesus did the same! Thankfully, he didn't.
Nicole Dickson from Institute for Creative Conversation joins me today to share on the power of our stories, as we reflect on the chorus of a favourite hymn: "this is my story, this is my song"...
Inspiration from the classic hymn. It turns our that "perfect obedience" leads to "perfect rest", being "happy and blessed" with Jesus our Saviour. And so let us set our hearts on minds on things above and be "lost in his love"!
Inspiration from the classic hymn. Today we learn that "submission" and "delight" are in fact connected when it comes to God. We can find "echoes of mercy, whispers of love" throughout our days, when we submit to God.
Inspiration from the classic hymn. We are "co-heirs" with Christ - promised a wonderful inheritance from our Father. Are you living like an heir today?
One of the world's all time favourite hymns is "Blessed Assurance" by Fanny Crosby. May you receive the wonderful gift of assurance so that you too can sing "Jesus is mine" and mean it!
We close our devotions on I'll Push You as learn what real church looks like. It's not about the building - it's about the life in community, journeying together and pushing each other up the hill.
Please check out www.illpushyou.com to find out more about these guys! Buy the book, watch the documentary, be inspired...
Sometimes we are so busy looking for physical miracles, that we miss miracles right in front of us. It took the faith of his friend Justin to show Patrick what a real miracle could look like. What miracles might you be missing out on, because you're looking for the wrong one?? Wisdom from I'll Push You today.
On his I'll Push You journey Patrick discovers a wonderful truth about Sabbath: that it doesn't only have to happen once a week, but can be a daily practice in the way we respond to others.
Will you be fully present to the people you come across today?
Perhaps the most touching part of I'll Push You is the joy Patrick finds in serving Justin... and the joy Justin find in letting Patrick serve.
What joy might you missing out on, living for yourself? True joy is found in serving.
More inspiration from I'll Push You this week (do yourself a favour and buy the book!)
Justin and Patrick faced much criticism and discouragement on their journey. But they didn't let those negative voices dissuade them. How about you?
Justin and Patrick finally begin their Camino, and immediately face all kinds of challenges. But at the end of the first day, they're on top of a mountain! The easy road is never the rewarding one - take the long and hard road and find more joy on the top of the mountain!
I'll Push You is a story of deep friendship. Do you have a friend you trust with your life? Are you a friend that someone trusts with their life? Be inspired today by the wonderful friendship between Justin and Patrick.
As the I'll Push You guys began to prep for their journey, people came forward and gave money, time and more to help them out.
This is the Jesus way - giving of ourselves to help others. Are we valuing people above our money and stability?
Inspiration from a great book called I'll Push You - which you MUST buy.
Today we learn that if your WHY is strong enough, then the HOW will follow. What dreams are you not pursuing because the HOW scares you?
This week we are getting inspiration from I'll Push You (go buy the book!!).
Today we learn from Justin Skeesuck in his wheelchair, who decided to rather dwell on the things he could do rather than become bitter about what he couldn't.
If there was ever a moment where the devil thought he's outsmarted God, and humanity thought there was no more hope, it was when Jesus hung on a cross. But God had a plan! He can never be stumped or surprised, since his wisdom is unlimited. We can praise Him today for this reason, even in this storm!
The Psalmist reminds us that God sustains his people - like a sustain pedal on a piano, which keeps a note going even when it should have already stopped. We can praise God even in our storms for being our sustaining strength! Listen here:
The Psalmist tells us that God is a compassionate, caring God, healing the brokenhearted and binding up wounds. Why could Paul and Silas praise God in a prison cell? Because they knew he was caring for them even in their difficult time. Praise Him today, and know that nobody cares for you like He does!
We only praise what we delight in. Could it be that praising God would give us greater joy in this difficult time?
The early Methodists sang praise in the midst of their storms... Paul and Silas sang praise in their jail cell... Let's be people who praise our way through the COVID-19 crisis.
Paul's lament in Romans 9 shows his deep concern for those who do not know Jesus. He would have willingly traded his place in God's kingdom if it meant his Jewish friends could come to Jesus. Let's remember to do all we can to share Christ with those who don't know him!
Many of the laments in the Bible were written when the writer became aware of their sinfulness. Do we still feel the same grief at our sin today? Let's learn a lesson from Hansie Cronje - who began to heal when he lamented his sin.
Christians don't simply lament their own suffering, they lament when anyone suffers... and then they do all they can to help alleviate the suffering they see.
The writer of Lamentations 5 cries out in horror at the things going on in his world. Today, 2500-odd years later, the world looks quite similar. Perhaps today we can lament along with him, as we see the state of things.
The Bible contains many songs of lament. In Western culture today, we often try to bury our feelings, but the Bible writers certainly let their feelings out! Today, know that it's OK to lament the state of things - but direct your lament to God.
Those who delight in God have great assurance: that he delights in them, and watches over them with care and compassion. Do you need this reminder today?
The Psalmist paints a sad picture of those who don't learn to delight in God. Their ways lead to destruction, but the way of Jesus leads to life in all fullness. Which will you choose?
The Psalmist says that when we delight in God, we become like strong trees beside streams of water. What does this mean? Some thoughts.
We need to see the Bible as not just a textbook of answers, but as a delightful way of getting to know God! What are you delighting in today?
The Psalmist tells us to watch who we associate with... but then Jesus was known as a "friend of sinners". Let's be friends of all, but avoid partnering with those who leads us in the wrong ways.
Even while he was alive, people who knew Bill Wilson spoke of him with the same respect and kindness you usually only hear at funerals. Such was his character of Christ-like love and deep faith. Be inspired by him today.
Bill Wilson died on an adventure gone wrong. When he realised he would never make it home, he wrote some moving letters to those he loved, ensuring them that "all is well". His faith in Christ gave him great peace, even in the face of death.
When times were tough on the adventures that Bill Wilson went on, his faith enabled him to still find joy. Much like Paul, who said "rejoice always!" Are we able to show the joy of Christ to others, even when things aren't going our way?
Today Bill Wilson reminds us that joy is not only found in bigger and more extravagant things, but in small blessings.
Bill Wilson was said to live 3 days to everybody else's 1! Are we using our time wisely like he did?
Bill Wilson was a great artist, and saw his talent as his way of sharing God's love. What gifts and talents do you have? Are you using them to point others to God?
Bill Wilson was a nature lover - preferring to meet God under the sky than in a church! Let's remember that God is God wherever it is we are.
Some words from Bill Wilson remind us that our beliefs and doctrines mean little if they are not lived out practically. Are we Christ-followers on paper only?
When Bill Wilson went through difficult times, he could see them as opportunities for learning. Is this tough season in our lives teaching us and growing us?
Inspiration from explorer, doctor and Christ-follower Bill Wilson. The people around him could tell of his devotion Christ without him even speaking of it. Is the same true of you and I?
Reflections on Tim Hughes' worship song. When you look at the cross, you are looking at the price tag of our salvation. It cost God the life of His precious Son. This salvation is a free gift for all - but Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us that while free, it is still costly.
Reflections on Tim Hughes' song. What do we do in response to a God who is thoroughly, completely, altogether lovely and worthy? We bow down in worship.
Reflections on Tim Hughes' classic song. Hughes wrote this song in response to reading Philippians 2, which says that Jesus humbled himself, giving up his divine glory in heaven to die on a cross. Why did he do it? He did it all for love's sake...
Can we say that we too do what we do "all for love's sake"?
Reflections on Tim Hughes' famous song. God is our servant King! He was King from the very first day of creation... He will be King every day until the end... but most importantly, is He your King today?
Reflections on Tim Hughes' famous song. The first verse reminds us that no matter what darkness we face in the world, Jesus is our light, opening our eyes to his beauty and presence.
When the Spirit speaks, it is rarely without a challenge. Be careful what you wish for! If you wish to hear the Spirit's counsel, don't be surprised if the message that comes is a challenging one.
Even though we have the manual, sometimes we just don't understand what it says. Sometimes we need others to help us discern the Spirit's counsel. Do you have people in your life who help you do this? Really, this is what the church family is all about.
If you want to hear the Spirit's counsel, the best place to look is in the Bible. God has given us the manual - let's use it!
God sometimes talks in strange ways - as he did to me just last week. Today, a lesson from Bruce Almighty and a reminder to keep our eyes and ears open!
On days when you just don't know what to pray anymore, how about trying "Holy Spirit pray for me"? Because as Romans 8:26 says, when we have no words, the Spirit intercedes for us.
David prayed that God would search his heart and reveal any offensive things within him. Would you have the courage to pray the same thing? Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you today, that you might turn from the sins you don't know are hurting you.
The Spirit of God is our great comforter, helping us cope with difficult times. Whatever it is you might be going through, stop and pray "Holy Spirit, comfort me" throughout the day, and as you do, may you be reminded that God is as close to you as the air you are breathing.
It is said that as a ship is moved through the water by wind in its sails, so the biblical writers were inspired by the Spirit’s leading. Can we say the same of God's work in our lives? Today, pray "Holy Spirit lead me" follow where the Spirit sends you.
As many South Africans return to the workplace after lockdown, we need the filling of the Holy Spirit more than even! Will you pray "fill me" throughout the day, and rely on the Spirit for your strength and joy?
One of John Wesley's most famous statements is "I look upon all the world as my parish!" Today Rev. Tim Attwell challenges us not to live in a religious bubble, but to follow in Wesley's footsteps in sharing God in all situations and cirumstances.
While Wesley may seem like a spiritual superhero, let's remember that he also dealt with failure. A disastrous mission trip to Georgia made him question even his own salvation. Today Roxanne Steyn from Bedfordview Methodist Church reminds us even when we fail, God is at work in us.
Wesley's time at Oxford certainly shaped him in many ways, as Rev. Ralph Afghan from Coronation Avenue Methodist shows us today. It was there that the Wesley brothers formed the "Holy Club", which - while mocked by some - formed them and many others for deep discipleship. Let us remember the importance of accountability in small groups, and let us not fear the mocking words of those who don't understand the ways of Jesus!
As a young boy living with his family in Epworth, John Wesley nearly lost his life in a fire. Rev. Lea Marumo from North Rand Methodist Church joins us today to remind us that even in the fires of life, our mighty God is with us.
The pivotal moment in John Wesley's life came one evening at a church meeting in Aldersgate - and as the Spirit filled him, nothing would ever be the same. Rev. Pete Veysie from George Methodist Church reminds us that we too can have an "warmed heart" moment like Wesley did.
John Wesley worked tirelessly to help the poor in his day. Today Deacon Quinton De Beer from Northfield Methodist challenges us to act on behalf of the less fortunate - not only because God calls us to, but also for our own growth in grace.
John Wesley knew that Christians need other Christians. Today Rev. Hilton Volkwyn from Benoni Methodist Church teaches on Wesley's system of small groups, and how we are always stronger when we do life together in community.
Methodism was born in song! Rev. Rowan Rogers from Newton Park Methodist Church shares today on the power of singing and music in the early Methodist movement, and in our churches today.
John Wesley was passionate about "spreading scriptural holiness throughout the land". Today Rev. Raymond Keet from Krugersdorp Methodist Church shares on what this means: avoiding harm, doing good, and attending the ordinances of God.
John Wesley was convinced that a vital spirituality was always a disciplined one! Today Rev. Trevor Hudson reminds us that the words "disciple" and "discipline" go together, and that by adopting certain spiritual disciplines we place ourselves before God, allowing his transforming love to flow into our lives.
In an age where women could "think much but speak little", Susanna Wesley stands out. Today Rev. Faith Whitby of Aldersgate Methodist Church Glenhazel gives us three reasons that Susanna was ahead of her time.
Rev. Terry Booysen from Penryn College in Nelspruit joins us today, to show how Susanna Wesley's life reminds us of the power of the Christian home, and the call on each of our lives to teach and model a life of faith to the next generation.
Susanna Wesley lived a difficult life. What was the secret of her strength? Rev. Dawn Brown from Witfield Methodist Church shares on how Susanna found strength "under her apron" in special times with God.
Rev. Louise Wernich from Northfield Methodist Church joins us today to share how Susanna Wesley embodied Jesus' words to "seek first the kingdom of God". She was a person of great devotion - let's learn from her and follow her example today.
John Wesley and his mother had a special relationship - and it seems she had a stronger influence on his spiritual life than his minister father did. Be grateful for your mother today!
Rev. Angus Kelly is with us today to explain Wesley's "Christian perfection" - not a state of sinlessness, but a state of perfect love for God and for others. Let us press on to achieve this perfection each day.
Rev. Ron Robertson joins today to teach us Wesley's wonderful view on assurance. In a pivotal moment in his own life, Wesley came to know that even HE was loved and saved by God, and this changed everything for him. May you and I find the same assurance in the saving love of God today.
Rev. Wesley Olivier from Pretoria North Methodist Church joins me today, to teach us that all CAN be saved. Wesley was a firm believer that God's grace is available to all people, but not all choose to respond to it. Will you respond to His loving call today? Whoever you are and whatever you've done, He is willing to welcome you with love.
Rev. Ralph Yelverton joins to teach us the first "all" in Methodism - that all people need salvation. Wesley himself discovered that his devout and disciplined Christian life could never "earn" God's love. He needed to be saved - as do each you and I!
John Wesley was ahead of his time in his inclusiveness - striving to help and strengthen those of different denominations and traditions. What about us? Can we "agree to disagree" with those with different emphases to us?
At some point, we all have to hear Jesus say "stop doubting and believe!" May today be that day for you!
Our faith can't be resurrected in isolation. It takes people. Are our churches safe places for doubting Thomases? Let's learn to be gentle with those who struggle - and let's stay in community when we doubt.
Faith doesn't take a click of the fingers, sometimes it takes a long time to be resurrected. Thomas himself waited a week for Jesus to reveal himself again. How long have you been waiting? Don't give up - He is coming.
Rev. Zack Eswine gives a usual analogy about faith - like venturing out onto a frozen pond, one step at a time. If your faith isn't the size of Everest, that's OK: because as Jesus said, even faith the size of a mustard seed will sustain you.
We often talk about having bold faith, but if Peter and Thomas - two of Jesus' disciples - could have moments of doubt, then surely we can too.
Rev. Ray Goddess joins us once more to teach that the dove which appears at Jesus' baptism might have more meaning than we realize...
Rev. Ray Goddess shares on Jesus' baptism - which was not necessary for repentance, but which declared Jesus as God's Son.
Rev. Ray Goddess is back to teach us to rely on God's timing. Jesus only began his ministry at the right moment - but we tend to get frustrated and impatient with God's timing. Let's trust in Him fully, and remember that His timing is always perfect.
Rev. Ray Goddess teaches that each one of us has a calling from God. Are we being obedient is answering the call?
Rev. Ray Goddess teaches us lessons from Mark 1. Who is Jesus? He is human, able to understand us fully, and He is also fully God. Only He can set us free.
The risen Christ offered forgiveness to those who had hurt him so. As we reflect on Easter let's remember that our unfaithfulness never has the last word - but His forgiveness is always greater.
Baptism is a picture of the Easter story: burying our old lives in the tomb, and rising with Christ into new life. Have you been baptized? Maybe it's time! Or if you have, let Easter remind you of the resurrected life you have.
If Jesus' resurrected body was so glorious, why did he still have the wounds on his hands, feet and side? Bernard Wuellner's book gives us some answers. Let's praise Him today, because by his wounds we are healed.
Reflections from Bernard Wuellner's book. Christ appearing on earth in his new body may be the greatest act of love He ever performed!
Reflections from Bernard Wuellner's book. As the spirit of Easter lingers this week, let's seek Jesus just as the disciples did at the tomb.
Rev. Derek Wilson shares on how when Jesus was in the tomb... the King still had one more move. It seemed like defeat, but in fact it was victory! Let's celebrate our risen Saviour today.
Rev. Derek Wilson is with us again to share on how Jesus knows what it's like to be in crisis - and died for you and me.
Rev. Derek Wilson reminds us that when Jesus cried "it is finished", it was not a cry of defeat, but a cry of victory.
God has a way of working for the good of his people, even if they don't see or feel him at work. Can we believe that He is at work even now, in our COVID-19 crisis?
God is our light which the darkness can never overcome. And the people of God are to carry His light into to the dark world, even today in our time of crisis!
If there's one thing that God can be trusted to do, it's to keep His promises! What promises do you need to hold on to today?
God is a miracle worker, and we praise Him for the great things He has done! But Jesus was tough on those who didn't repent after seeing his miracles. Are we thirsty for miracles but unprepared to commit to the ways of God?
Throughout Scripture we see God making a way for his people - even when there seems to be no way. In today's COVID-19 crisis, could it be that God is still making a way?
I hope we all have used this time of lockdown to nurture our relationships - with God, and with those close to us.
In lockdown, it feels like we are all waiting in limbo. Let's remember today that those who wait on God will renew their strength and fly on wings of eagles!
The second "O" is for "offer". What a wonderful opportunity to deepen our prayers lives, in this time of lockdown. Let's offer prayers for all affected and for those who are leading our nation through this crisis.
Not only can we dwell IN God's presence in this time, but we can dwell ON His goodness and find our fears calmed.
The "K" in "lockdown" is for "know". Christians can have assurance, and know that God is with them, because they have gotten to know His voice.
Who you gonna call? Not ghostbusters... but Jesus! When a blind man called his name, Jesus went to him, and he'll come to you if you call on him.
While listening to God's voice is important, it's pointless without obeying what He says. Let's use this time of quiet to not only pay attention to His voice, but to obey it!
During this time of self-isolation, we can quit our Martha-like busyness and like Mary, listen closely to the words of Jesus.
When John Wesley was caught in a deadly storm, he panicked... and marveled at the faith of his Moravian friends who simply sat calmly and sung in peace. He learned that his faith was too small. Are we trusting that death is not the end for us as Christ-followers? When death comes, let us not be found cowering in fear, but singing for joy.
A prayer for the South Africans going into the 21 day lockdown at midnight , 26 April 2020.
While WE must follow protocol by social distancing, let's be reminded that God's hand of love is still reaching out to us. Jesus touched the lepers, and he reaches us out to us even today.
How do we make it through COVID-19? Nobody knows, but one thing we DO know is this: God will be with us. Let us acknowledge Jesus' presence with us today and say "thank God You're here!"
Let's be reminded today that God has a plan, even if we can't see it. While things look bleak from our side, we can trust that God has something beautiful up his sleeve.
As COVID-19 continues to spread, what can a Christian do? One thing we must NOT do, is panic. Instead, let's turn our eyes upon Jesus.
God is not a cosmic killjoy! But when the lost ones come home, he throws a party. Yes, God wired us to enjoy good things in life.
Maybe our worship would be transformed if we came to church on Sunday to celebrate the lost ones being found!
The Father is excessive in his compassion - laying aside even his dignity, to love his children. Jesus, too, laid aside his dignity to die a shameful death for his loved ones. Know today that you are loved this much by the God of the universe.
The Father climbs over mountains to find the lost ones and bring them home. But we can still reject him! As He stands at your door today, what are you going to say to the Prodigal Father? Will you turn him away? Or will you take his hand and head on home?
God our Father is prodigal in his generosity. What pleasures have you enjoyed in your life? Let Kristofferson's humble words be yours today: "Why me Lord? What have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I've known?"
"Prodigal is a good description of the younger son in Luke 15... and also of the Father. Know today that the Father is excessive in His love for you!
Above all the older prodigal seems to have a grace problem - wanting the rebel to get punished instead of mercy. But this is not the way of the Father! Let's come home and ask the Father to change our hearts to be more like His own. And let's not leave it - we don't know if the older prodigal ever repented, but we can make sure we come home as we repent today.
The older prodigal is so jealous of his brother than he misses out on a great celebration - much like I was once at a Casting Crowns concert! Is jealousy clouding your view? Give it up, and come in to the party.
The older prodigal thinks he is better than his younger brother, because he didn't rebel in a far-off land. This superiority complex is common in the church! Are we following Paul's words and considering others better then ourselves? Be humbled today, and come home.
The older prodigal serves without joy, and that doesn't bring glory to the Father or encourage anyone else to come home. Do we need to reconnect with Jesus, who said that when we live with him, NOTHING can take away our joy? Let's come home and recover the joy that only the Father gives.
If we don't run to a far-off land like the younger prodigal, the enemy will probably convince us to stay close to God but far from God in our hearts! The older prodigal has an anger problem. Are we slow to anger like God? Or do we fly off the handle? Come home and give God your anger today.
Have you rejected the Father's love? Squandered His gifts? Tried to earn back His love and found that you can't? Come home today.
As the prodigal journeys home he is overwhelmed by the love of a compassionate Father. Not one of us is good enough to earn his love, but not one of us is bad enough to be spurned by Him. Instead, when we turn and come home, He runs to meet us!
The prevailing religious belief is that a person has to earn the acceptance of God. But the prodigal finds out the good news of the gospel - that no good deeds can ever make up for the sin in our lives. We simply need to come home to the Father.
Not only does the prodigal reject the Father, but he takes his undeserved gift and wastes it. We all do the same in various ways... It's time to come home.
Why did the prodigal reject the Father? Was he a rebel with a cause or without a cause? Or was he trying to run away from pain? We're all prodigals in some way, and we reject our loving Father. Perhaps for you it's time to come home.
Rev. Bill Meaker closes our week, teaching us to take our faith seriously! Lent is a time for us to renew our love for God, taking it seriously, and being a follower rather than a fan.
Bill joins us again to remind us that Lent can be a time to spring-clean our souls - through repentance and giving to the poor. Let's go deeper this Lent, turning from our sins and finding people who can do with our help.
Bill Meaker teaches us on this Ash Wednesday, reminding us what fasting is all about - cleansing the body, mind and soul and bringing us closer to God. What are you fasting this Lent?
Peter reminds the early Christians that the way they respond to the tough times they go through will be a witness to their love for Christ. The same is true for us! If we withstand our trials with hope and joy, people will wonder what is that gives us such strength - and we'll have an opportunity to witness for Jesus.
How can we be witnesses, when we didn't actually see Jesus die and rise from the dead? We can still testify firsthand about what He has done in our lives. This is our witnessing - telling the truth about how He has changed our hearts.
The good news is that when we serve in God's house, we are not treated like servants, but like loved sons and daughters!
The servant's ultimate role is to point people to his Master's greatness. We must be kind to people in every way - including the ultimate kindness of pointing them to the only One who can save them.
What is the role of the servant? To tend to the needs of the people, rather than to sit at the table and be served. Which are you doing? Sitting at the table? Or getting your hands dirty and serving? Follow the example of Jesus.
The disciples were obsessed with their status and title in this world. But Christ showed them (and us) a better way: the way of service, which leads to true greatness.
When his disciples were showing their self-serving bias, Jesus said something radical: that greatness comes through serving others. Who are you serving today?
Surrendering our pleasures doesn't mean living a pleasure-less life... it means finding our deepest pleasure and joy in our relationship with God. We renounce worldly pleasures to enjoy superior pleasure in Him.
We are not owners of our possessions, instead we surrender our ownership to God and become stewards of HIS blessings. A lesson today from a six year old named Blake.
Instead of living for our glory and greatness, we live for His greatness - devoting our life to making Him look great.
When we surrender to God, we give him our plans, and yield to whatever plans HE has in mind for us.
What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus? It means surrender - giving up that which you consider your own, to Him.
"The Christian who has stopped repenting has stopped growing" - John Blanchard.
Repentance should be a lifestyle, not just a once-off! And remember, such a lifestyle is so much better with friends to support you.
The call to repentance is not a moralistic scolding! ANYONE can improve their morals, but what Jesus calls for is a change of heart, which results in a greater commitment to good. Give him your heart, and see your morals change flowing out of your new love for him.
"Remorse is being sorry... repentance is being sorry enough to stop." Have we confessed without repenting? Jesus calls us to do more than confess - he calls us to repent and change our ways.
Some people think that they are basically good, and so they don't need to repent. But Jesus calls us all - the good, the bad, the ugly - to repent and believe the good news.
What teaching does Jesus start his ministry with? Love one another? Blessed are the poor? Do unto others? No: his challenging opening words are for us to repent.
Some challenging words in Wesley's prayer teach us to be humble, and not worry about our rank in life. Whether we are placed high up or low down, our mission is the same: to love God, and care for the people around us with humility. Pray this prayer today, and gladly accept the position God leads you to.
Wesley's covenant prayer encourages us to let go and step aside when the time is right. This is a sign of great spiritual maturity - trusting God and letting go when he asks you to. Samuel did it in the Old Testament - let's follow his example, and pray these words along with Wesley today.
Wesley's covenant prayer challenges us to suffer for the sake of the gospel. The early Christians suffered greatly, and Paul said that suffering for Christ is a privilege! How deep is our commitment to our faith? Are we only committed to go as far as is comfortable? Or are we willing to suffer when God leads us into tougher places? He will always be with us, to get us through whatever we face.
Wesley's covenant prayer challenges us to put our hand and volunteer to be employed for God - to go for Him, wherever He may send us. But, like Isaiah, it is only when we know we are forgiven that we are ready to go for God.
Wesley's covenant prayer reminds us who we belong to. His words remind us of God's great commitment to us - he has called us by name, and we belong to Him.
Paul tells us to be different from the world - not fitting into its mold. But let's remember that while we are not OF the world, we are still IN it, and that we are different for a purpose: to draw people to the God who has saved us.
John was not different for the sake of being different. He didn't try draw attention to himself, but he pointed away from himself, saying that Jesus must become greater and he should become lesser. THIS is the different that the world is thirsting for - not our quirkiness, but Christ's greatness.
John the Baptist dared to be different, by speaking out against the evil he saw around him. Are we staying silent instead of standing up for what we believe in?
In a world where accumulating possessions was normal, John (and Jesus) dared to be different, by treasuring God and people above STUFF. How about us?
John the Baptist dared to be different... but not just on the surface. His values and passions set him apart. Can we dare to be different, not just in shallow ways, but from our hearts?
My favourite lyric from Crosby's hymns teaches us to live in great hope for the life to come, where we will have new bodies, new sight, and new joy.
At 82, Fanny Crosby was full of like and joy, reveling in each new that God blessed her with. Can we be this joyful too, whether young, old or somewhere in between? If SHE could, then WE should!
Fanny Crosby learned a great lesson in humility from her principal. In today's world it's easy to get puffed up and self-centred. But let's learn to be humble, because every ability we have comes only from our loving God.
Despite someone blinding her at six weeks old, Fanny Crosby refused to be bogged down by unforgiveness. Who do you need to forgive today?
Fanny Crosby was blinded at six weeks old, and yet she resolved to be grateful for the many other blessings she did enjoy. Are we miserable because of the blessings we don't have, forgetting the joy of the ones we do have?
Before we look too far into 2020, let's remember that God is our God TODAY. Embrace the 24 hours God has just placed in front of you, and live for His glory one day at a time.
Maybe a "new you" in 2020 means moving from a self-focused faith to a mission-focused faith. Will you be a missionary wherever it is God has placed you?
Great is His faithfulness, as the old songs goes. Perhaps this year we can be newly confident in His trustworthiness - which has never changed.
A lesson from a Spotted Dikkop today! God saves us from drowning, but so often we then begin to reject him. May 2020 be different, as we are newly grateful for His consistent love for us.
Two great promises to start a new decade: that God will always stay the same, and that we can always be changed in Him.
Let's honour God in all ways this year! Let's give him our hearts, and our bodies, and our minds, and being wholistic followers of Christ.
As the year starts, I pray that our hearts will turn towards God. Let's be honest - distractions are going to come, and the world will try direct our heart away from God. But we must turn to Him this year, for only He can fulfill us.
Happy new year! I pray that in 2020 we will find the great peace of God filling us, in whatever situations and circumstances come our way.
If God were to look back on the year that just passed, what would he think? Let's rest assured: not a split second went by where he wasn't in control. Trust in him today, as the year comes to a close, for he is trustworthy!
How will you look back at 2019? Try this: remember the good times gladly, and learn from the bad times. God was and is using it all for your good.
The magi come to Jesus with treasures and gifts. What are you bringing to Jesus as the year ends? Bring your treasures, and bring your broken heart too. He will accept them both and love you deeply.
Are worship and rest compatible? Yes they are. Worship Him today, even if you're having a restful Boxing Day!
Merry Christmas! Look for Jesus today. He is in the eyes of those around you. And if you open the door to your heart, he's living in you too.
The ordinary shepherds hear the best news of all! They investigate it, and then when they find out it's all true, they share it passionately. As should we.
Most royal births are full of pomp and splendour, with the elite being first to the party. But in the case of Jesus, it was the ordinary, working class shepherds who heard the good news during the world's first flash mob!
Herod thought the king of the Jews would rule with domination! Instead, Jesus came to be a Good Shepherd. Come to the Shepherd today.
When things didn't go his way, Herod got angry and even murdered. How do we react in these situations? Paul reminds us the way of Jesus - one of gentleness, kindness and goodness.
Herod was a liar, and his life did not match his words. Are we Christians the same? Let's search carefully for the Child this Christmas.
The presence of Jesus is a person's life can be disturbing, or threatening even! For He comes to take over and become King of your heart. Don't be like Herod and resist His Kingdom: surrender to this new King today.
South Africa celebrates the Day of Reconciliation on 16 Dec. Paul says that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation - let us be reconciled to God and to one another this Christmas.
Joseph loved Jesus as his own, even though Jesus wasn't his flesh and blood. This love is an example to us! Let us love all those near to us as if they were our own family.
Jesus was full of grace. Perhaps he learned this grace, in some way, from watching how Joseph treated Mary! Christmas is no time to hold grudges. Let's be full of grace and mercy.
Joseph was faithful to God, even at the cost of his own reputation. Let us have the same dedication this Christmas!
We need good men in this world! Men of respect, love, strength and dignity. Men, in other words, like Joseph.
Instead of getting caught in the hype, Mary ponders and treasures the right things about Christmas. Let us follow her example!
Mary doesn't take the glory for herself, but she humble points to God. Jesus does the same later on - did he learn this from her? Let's also point to Him this Christmas.
Unlike other people in the Bible, Mary says "yes!" to God straight away. Let's learn from her today, and be willing servants when God calls us.
Society saw Mary as a "nobody" - but in God's eyes she was highly favoured! If he could use her, he will use you.
Mary must have been a special lady. Do you have a special lady in your life? Maybe a wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend etc... How blessed you are if you do.
God isn't lonely in heaven - though Jesus relates to our loneliness. But God's phone-line is not just for the pope or pastors... He became one of us, so that we could each have a direct line to Him!
We see the face of God when we see the face of Jesus. Yes, without the Son, we cannot see the face of the Father! And as we look at His face, our own faces begin to reflect his glory and love.
The great mystery of the Christian faith is that God WAS one of us! He became a human being, but instead of being a slob, he showed us true holiness. Do we see HIM in everyone, including strangers around us?
Does God's greatness and God's goodness bore us? Or thrill us? Joan Osborne's song reminds us to keep rediscovering our awe for our God.
Can Christians get anything from Joan Osborne's song "One Of Us?" Today we look at the first line and remember the wonder and holiness of God's name.
A lesson from an old CrossRoad song on loving with the love of Jesus, so that people can come to see the truth. Full song here: https://open.spotify.com/track/6idfC7FJ8HEPIpCMeVbAJS
Jesus didn't say "neither do I condemn you, go now and carry on as you were." Instead, he guides us away from our lives of sin, from a place of love. We must do the same for one another.
Truth flows from love, not the other way around! Do people know you as FULL of love? Like Jesus, let us always love people first, and from that place of love, we can show them the truth.
Jesus shows us in John 8 that waiting for the right moment to speak is wise. Instead of shooting our mouth off and speaking words that aren't true or loving, we are slow to speak.
Truth without love is no truth at all... love without the truth will not last... But Jesus was full of grace, and full of truth. Are we keeping our balance here?
We are His hands and feet, and we are to share His good news with everyone! Let's take responsibility, and try our best to bring Jesus to the world.
Even though God has given us salvation for free, we still TRY to please him. Not to earn His love, but BECAUSE he loves us already.
Sometimes we try our best but things don't pan out the way we had planned. In times like these we have only one option: to TRUST in God's plan, which is going ahead anyway.
Sometimes we need to trust God to do what we cannot; other times we have to take responsibility. One place we can't afford to get this wrong is when it comes to our salvation: we can't TRY to earn our own salvation, we must TRUST in Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
South Africa are rugby world cup champions! And captain Siya Kolisi is not ashamed to give all the glory to God. Let's learn from his bold faith today.
The Bible talks more about THIS life than the life to come. The Good News is that Jesus came so that we might find life to the full here on earth. Bill Meaker teaches us from his book.
Sometimes God breaks through into our dimension to tell us that He is here. Some would say these are co-incidences... but the Christian knows that these moments are a tap on the shoulder from a loving God.
Bill Meaker shares thoughts from his book about heaven. Heaven is infinitely better than any image or illustration anyone has come up with.
Bill Meaker teaches about heaven from his book. Today, heaven is not up, and it is not far away. It is much closer than you think.
Bill Meaker joins us to teach from his book. Christians need not fear death, because we have an unshakable hope in the afterlife.
Leslie Weatherhead was a champion for ecumenism, and worked to bring the people of God together rather than being divided by our differing opinions. Let us remember that those who proclaim the name of Jesus Christ are our brothers and sisters, even if we disagree on the little things.
The Weatherheads' housekeeper teaches us a lesson in attitude. Let us not grumble and complain, but hold fast to our faith.
Weatherhead had a deep love for his Bible! Do we still delight in God's Word? Psalm 119 shows its worth. Let's recover that deep love for God as revealed in the Bible.
Weatherhead saw the Christian life as a great adventure with Christ as his captain. How about you? Are you bored in your faith? Maybe it's time to ask your captain to send you on an adventure for him.
Lessons from Methodist minister Dr Leslie Weatherhead. He was known for his genuine love and care for the people in his life. Will the same be said of you and I one day?
God heals broken hearts, holding us close when we are crushed. And then he breaks our hearts again - because a person after God's own heart is crushed to see hurt and pain in this dark world.
For many people their sin keeps their hearts from God. They'd rather hang onto their sin than be healed by the Great Surgeon. Perhaps today we need to pray "create in me a clean heart" along with David.
Hard hearts are hard to detect in ourselves. Our pride and entitlement gets in the way - like Pharaoh in the Old Testament. But God can break our hearts of stone and give us hearts of love and compassion, if we give our hearts to Him.
A lesson from Kenn Kington's heart! Are our hearts so congested and full of stuff that there's no room for God? Let God unblock your heart and fill it with Himself today.
Taking care of our physical hearts is vital... but what about our "spiritual hearts"? When we need a new heart, there is a Great Surgeon willing to heal.
So many of us want the free gift of salvation, and we forget that we are "saved to serve". Let's not just grab salvation for ourselves and keep living for ourselves! Jesus' salvation offers us so much more.
What do we have to do to be saved? All we have to do is believe that Jesus is our Saviour.
Compared to Christ, ALL fall short! And ALL of us need a Saviour. If you feel guilty, or if you feel like you're decent, you need a Saviour, and Jesus is willing.
The Bible tells us that Jesus saves us from our sins. What does this mean? William MacDonald shows us how we are saved from the penalty, the power and the presence of sin.
Many people (including some famous ones) think they don't need a Saviour - that they can save themselves. But there is one man who can save us - Jesus Christ.
Reflections on songs from my album "I Owe You Everything". The last song is a slow, thoughtful version of the Lord's Prayer, to help us pause and reflect on the words. I hope you'll listen, and find the familiar words coming alive!
Reflections on songs from my album "I Owe You Everything". Today's song I wrote after reading about God being bigger than you think. He is infinite, He is without measure. Is your view of God too small?
Reflections on songs from my album "I Owe You Everything". Today my favourite song, about finding your deepest pleasure and treasure in God, because only He can satisfy your soul.
Reflections on songs from my album "I Owe You Everything". Today the title track, which was written during a classic South African load shedding evening. The heart of our faith is gratitude - we owe Jesus EVERYTHING, for the grace He has poured on us.
Reflections on songs from my album "I Owe You Everything". Today we sing and pray for our country South Africa, and rise up as God's people to lead the way in unity and compassion.
The writer to the Hebrews tells us to encourage one another daily. Perhaps you can find a few people in your life and aim to encourage them every day! What a difference that could make in your relationships.
A story about the first Presbyterian church in Acapulco, and the power of saying "thank you". Who can you encourage today with a simple word of thanks?
The early church encouraged each other in their faith - spurring one another on to living deeper lives of Christian devotion. Let's encourage each other - not just generally, but in our spiritual journeys!
A well timed word of encouragement for someone who is disheartened can change someone's life. Are your words encouraging people? You never know what kind words might do.
The way of Jesus is encouragement. Are you and I being encouragers, or are we breaking each other down?
Peter and John astonished the people with their courage as witnesses for Jesus. How short I fall of their standard! Let's take courage today and tell the world the good news without fear.
Guilt and shame are great courage-sappers. Come to God today and be encouraged, because he doesn't treat us as our sins deserve.
Knowing that someone is praying for you can make a big difference... imagine if Jesus told you he was praying for you! Be encouraged today, because your Saviour is interceding for us.
When you have the right person on board, even storms seem less daunting. Be encouraged today, in the knowledge that God is with you.
There's a big difference between the cowardly lion on his way to Oz, and a lion in the Kruger Park! Which one do we look like as Christians? Our God is a Great Encourager.
The last three lines of Darlene Zschech's song remind us to always stand for God, and of the great promises which He gives us, to which nothing can compare. What a song! But more importantly, WHAT A GOD.
Today we look at that great chorus of Darlene Zschech's song! Do you have a sense that all of creation is shouting the praise of God? Let's join in, and give Him all of our praise and worship today.
We continue reflecting on Darlene Zshech's song Shout to the Lord. Today we are reminded that every breath we take is an opportunity to worship, and that all parts of us should we worshipping God!
Reflections on Darlene Zschech's modern worship classic. Today we look at three great images of God, which come straight out of the Bible. Perhaps today you can hold onto God as your comfort, your shelter, or your tower of refuge and strength.
Reflections on Darlene Zschech's classic worship song. Do you know Jesus as YOURS? As your Lord and your Saviour? He knows you as HIS child.
When the artist adds dark blots to the picture, he's not done yet... We trust in God to bring about good, even through the evil actions of people in this world.
While praying is vital, we need to do more, in light of the evil around us: we need to get up off of our knees and get active, overcoming evil with good!
How do we respond to evil around us? Instead of wallowing in our anger, we let our anger draw us to our knees, and we pray.
How do we respond to the evil around us? We get angry - because people of God aren't indifferent when it comes to evil... instead they are outraged, as Jesus was.
Last week was one of South Africa's darkest, with kidnapping, rape, murder, xenophobia, strikes and more dominating the headlines. Is there any hope in such a dark world? The answer is YES.
One last inspiring message from Peter Marshall! Today, some words from a sermon of his about leaving our problems in God's hands, and not interfering as he does he work.
Inspiration from "A Man Called Peter". Today we hear some words of wisdom from a Peter Marshall sermon - reminding us to close the gap in our minds between worship, work and play, and to find God in the ordinary things too.
Inspiration from "A Man Called Peter". Though he was a good man of God, Peter Marshall knew that he would one day account for his sins before God. BUT he knew grace! And trusted that Jesus had already covered for him. Do you know this grace today?
Inspiration from "A Man Called Peter". A reporter spoke of leaving Peter Marshall's presence with "a song in my heart!" Do we leave people singing, because they've seen Jesus in us?
Inspiration from "A Man Called Peter". God closed doors in Peter Marshall's life so that he could go where God wanted him to go. Do you see your closed doors as God's guidance?
Above all, we are thankful for the great saving love of God - for what Jesus did on the cross and for the empty tomb! Even if we have nothing else to be grateful for, we have this good news.
Paul models a life of great thankfulness for people. Remember, thankfulness is only half done if you haven't expressed it to the person you are thankful for!
God has blessed most of us in more ways than we really need. Are we grateful for all these things? Or, if we woke up tomorrow with only the things we were thankful for today, would we lose it all?
We take between 17000 and 23000 breaths a day. That's a whole lot of reasons to be thankful!
Did Paul leave a fruit off of his list in Gal 5:22-23? Probably not - but this one could easily fit the list. It's a common theme throughout all of his preaching...
The last "R" word in our fight for self-control is "repeat". Instead of thinking we are standing strong, we repeatedly resist, rely and redirect as we seek to honour God.
Instead of simply resisting temptation, we need to redirect our thoughts to something good, something better, something outside of ourselves: God Almighty!
Even unbelievers can practise self-control through resisting.. but Christians rely on the Holy Spirit for their strength. The enemy will try to empty us of the Spirit, but we need to yield to the Spirit and be filled to find strength for resisting.
The first step in having self-control in the face of temptation is to RESIST. James says when we resist the devil, he will flee from us. When the stakes are high enough, we have remarkable ability to resist!
As the Proverb goes, "A person without self-control is like a city with broken down walls". What threats and dangers to your soul could you avoid if you had more self-control?
Does gentleness make us weak? Or does being gentle show a different kind of strength? Some words from David Mathis inspire us to true strength and gentleness today.
A lesson from the great preacher Charles Spurgeon on gentleness. As the Proverb goes, "a gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."
Jesus reached out gently to the people who were burdened and overwhelmed. Are we treating people with the same gentleness?
A beautiful song by Michael Card reminds us that Jesus the Gentle Healer is alive and well and living in Boksburg - and in whatever town you find yourself today.
Jesus' parable in Matthew 25:14-30 gives us hope of those words "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Are we faithfully using the gifts He has given us, or are we burying them in the ground?
God has given us each gifts and talents to use for his good purposes. Are we using them well, reflecting God's faithfulness in our own trustworthiness?
God can do more with someone who is present and willing than someone who is able and absent. Are there some areas of your life where you need to start showing up?
What does a faithful Christian look like? First, we are to give our worship to God and God alone.
Billy Joel, Cat Stevens and King David all wrote songs saying people can't be trusted. But there is ONE who we can always trust! Great is HIS faithfulness.
Moral goodness means little to God if we are not doing good deeds to help and love others. Today we are reminded to devote ourselves to doing good, because faith without good works is dead.
Jesus spoke of good people storing up good things in their hearts. Are filling our minds with good or bad things?
Paul tells us that bad company corrupts good character. Do the people you hang out with point you to God? Are there people you need to cut out of your life? There is no being GOOD in a godly sense without good people supporting you.
Any goodness of our own is only a reflection of the only One who is truly GOOD! Meet the Good God today.
Two hugely influential artists wanted the world to see them as bad! But Jesus taught us that GOOD people bear GOOD fruit. Who will you follow today?
The height of hypocrisy in the Bible is a religion without kindness. There are endless opportunities for words and deeds of kindness all around us. Are we being generous with our kindness?
A modern Good Samaritan reminds of of Jesus' teaching to be kind to our enemies. Can we really do this?
Do you need a Bicker Bucket in your house? Our loved ones are often the recipients of our cruelty rather than our kindness.
How can we find kindness to give to others, if we aren't kind to ourselves first? An Andrew Peterson song reminds us to be kind to ourselves.
Christianity has often been associated with cruelty rather than kindness. It's time to change that!
A lesson from "Evan Almighty" about how God works! He gives us countless opportunities to grow in patience. Are we open to them?
When we are delayed or slowed down, God usually has a plan. Today, a lesson in patience and awareness from Michael W. Smith.
Peter says to God a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. Are we patient in the long haul in this life? Are we patient enough to hang in there and trust God to do what He said He will do?
God shows remarkable patience with his children. Are we affording the same patience to others as God as shown us?
The modern human is the least patient creature in history! Today, Paul and Solomon both challenge us to a wiser way - the way of patience.
Not only can we find peace for ourselves, but we are to live in peace with those around us, or as the Prayer of St Francis says, we can be channels of God's peace.
The peace Jesus promises is peace that transcends all understanding, according to Paul. You can have this peace!
Jesus promises us peace that the world won't understand. Will you come to Him and receive this peace?
Today a reminder that even though the hills are majestic, our hope is not in them, but in the Lord. Whatever mountain you are lifting your eyes to - remember that the Creator is bigger than them all.
Lessons from a week away in the Drakensberg! Today a reminder to take care of your heart, by getting away or spending time in quiet and rest.
The Christian life is a mingling of joy and sorrow. We may have sorrow in the moment, but our joy remains regardless of the situation.
Why does God want us to delight in him? Because that is what glorifies him, and ultimately satisfies us.
Rev. Derek Wilson joins us again to teach us on love. Today, insert the words "I am" into 1 Cor 13, and see if you match up!
Rev. Derek Wilson joins us to explain the Greek word "agape", which informs our understanding of the first fruit of the Spirit: love.
A lesson in faith from a girl named Confidence, and from Jeremiah the prophet, and from a song called One Thing Remains.
Proverbs talks of not fearing Winter, because we have warm clothes. Let's be grateful for our warm clothes, and help those who don't have what we have!
Why does the Spirit fill us, empower us, encourage us and teach us the truth? So that he can SENS us into the world as witnesses for Jesus.
When we are "Spirited", we are guided to the truth by the one who fills us. Without His guiding hand the truth tends to go in one ear and out the other!
The Spirit of God is the ultimate expert in the ministry of presence. Be encouraged today, knowing that if you've yielded to Him, the Spirit is with you.
Acts 1:8 - the Spirit empowers believers, not just with the ability to do supernatural things, with the ability to endure life's struggles and difficulties.
The Acts of the Apostles might better be called "The Acts of the Holy Spirit" or "The Gospel of the Holy Spirit". It is the Spirit doing the work in Acts, filling the believers like a hand in a glove.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit isn't a once off. Paul tells us to be full of the Spirit always!
There is no Christian life without the power of the Spirit! We are commanded to be filled - but it's not an oppressive command. It's a gracious gift of life-giving spiritual oxygen.
Before Pentecost, only the spiritual giants received the Holy Spirit. But now, we can ALL receive this amazing gift of God's Spirit.
Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost - the day the believers were filled with the Spirit. What does it mean to be "Holy Spirit-ed"?
Lessons from Elizabeth Goudge's biography of St Francis of Assisi. Francis knew how to forgive those who had hurt him. Do we have the same courage?
Lessons from Elizabeth Goudge's biography of St Francis of Assisi. It's common for people with ascetic tendencies to neglect people. Not Francis! His love for people was deep and powerful.
Lessons from Elizabeth Goudge's biography of St Francis of Assisi. Today we are reminded to treat animals with love and respect, as Francis did.
Some more thoughts from Elizabeth Goudge's biography of St Francis of Assisi. Today we learn to delight in hardships, because we have much good in sight at all times.
Some more thoughts from Elizabeth Goudge's biography of St Francis of Assisi. Today we are inspired by his friend Brother Lawrence who was pelted with stones when trying to speak the truth.
How are we blessed when we give? We find more contentment when we look for people to help, instead of only trying to help ourselves.
How are we blessed when we give? We find more contentment when we treasure and delight in GOD more than when we treasure our money and possessions.
How are we blessed when we give? We find more contentment when we trust in GOD than when we trust in money and possessions. And so we gladly give!
Jesus teaches us that we are blessed more by giving than by receiving, in this memorable verse in Acts.
Matt Redman shares the story behind his popular song "The Heart of Worship", as we learn that nourishing, soul-satisfying worship is a heart thing, not a music thing.
Sunday worship nourishes our souls by refuelling us for our Great Mission! Worship which doesn't give us a sense of mission is just a religious farce to God.
Sunday worship nourishes our souls by connecting us with God - the reason for it all! As we worship him and "go hard after him" in worship, we find what we need.
Sunday worship nourishes our souls by connecting us with other believers, who care for us.
Prayer is an important part of caring for our souls. Today we learn from Jesus' great prayer in Gethsemane, and we see him repeat his prayer. God doesn't get tired of hearing us pray the same prayers!
Prayer is an important part of caring for our souls. Today we learn from Jesus' great prayer in Gethsemane, and we see him surrender his will to his Father. This is the only way to peace in prayer!
Prayer is an important part of caring for our souls. Today we learn from Jesus' great prayer in Gethsemane, and we see Jesus being honest in prayer - not pretending he is fine, but honestly sharing his requests with his Father.
Prayer is an important part of caring for our souls. Today we learn from Jesus' great prayer in Gethsemane, and we see how he acknowledges the Father's power in his prayer. We can do the same - preaching hope to our souls as we do.
Prayer is an important part of caring for our souls. Today we learn from Jesus' great prayer in Gethsemane, and we see how he began his prayer with intimate words to his Father.
We care for our souls by dedicating our time to reading Scripture. The Psalmist continually shows us how to delight in the Word of God. Let us learn a lesson from him and grow closer to God as we spend time in His Word, delighting in Him!
Election day in South Africa! We pray for good godly leaders, but remind ourselves where our hope truly lies.
We care for our souls by dedicating our time to reading Scripture. The Psalmist teaches us the great value in memorizing passages of the Word to strengthen us when hard times come.
We care for our souls by dedicating our time to reading Scripture. But why read the Bible when we can hardly remember what we read? An old story gives us a clue.
Lessons from Saint Francis of Assisi, taken from his biography by Elizabeth Goudge. Today, some inspiring last words from Brother Bernard of Francis's order, showing us to treasure Christ more than any other.
Lessons from Saint Francis of Assisi, taken from his biography by Elizabeth Goudge. Francis knew what joy was all about - and that everlasting joy could only be found in the everlasting: God. After all, what good is a gloomy Christian?!
Lessons from Saint Francis of Assisi, taken from his biography by Elizabeth Goudge. Francis was radically generous - giving away his possessions and taking a vow of poverty. Let us too be generous, counting it more blessed to give than receive.
Lessons from Saint Francis of Assisi, taken from his biography by Elizabeth Goudge. Francis was deeply committed to prayer. Let us learn from him today and rededicate ourselves to praying without ceasing.
Lessons from Saint Francis of Assisi, taken from his biography by Elizabeth Goudge. Francis had a deep desire to do God's will - much like Jesus in Gethsemane. What is our deepest prayer?
Rev Ralph shares the last "R" - reporting. We are witnesses, reporting the Good News to all.
Rev. Ralph Yelverton shares the third R of responding to the resurrection: returning. Many of us need to return to our first love, and come back to the God who saved us.
Rev. Ralph Yelverton joins us again to share the next R of responding to the resurrection: remembering. We need to be slow to forget the great truths of God.
Rev. Ralph Yelverton joins us to share the 4 R's of responding to the resurrection: firstly, rejoicing the way the early disciples did.
A Good Friday reflection based on the CrossRoad song "A Mile in My Shoes" by Richard Pratt.
What can we learn from Palm Sunday this year? Individual worship is necessary, but corporate worship in a crowd of believers is a powerful moment that we must not neglect.
What can we learn from Palm Sunday this year? The disciples worshipped in loud voices that day. Maybe there is space for loudness in worship!
What can we learn from Palm Sunday this year? The disciples worshipped joyfully that day. Authentic worship is always joyful - even if we sing through tears.
What can we learn from Palm Sunday this year? First: that worship is a response to what God is done.
Our mission as Christ-followers is to invite others to the great feast. Let us look for opportunities to do this each day.
Once we make it into the feast by grace, we need to clothe ourselves in God's love and holiness.
When the original guests reject God's invitation, he begins invited the poor, blind, lame and crippled. Do we have the same commitment to the struggling?
God sends out invitations to His great feast. The first go to those He already knows - the Jews (or perhaps, us modern Christians).
Peter responds to Jesus' question about his identity in a remarkable way. Jesus was God in the flesh, the Anointed One! Can we say we believe this?
So many people see Jesus as simply a good man, an excellent teacher of morals. He surely was... but was he more than that?
Jesus poses an interesting question to his disciples - and to us today. Dare we be honest?
Reflections on Peter Storey's great book. Today, a challenge from Jesus to live out our faith in places of testing rather than ease.
Reflections on Peter Storey's great book. Today we remember a tragedy - the death of Stompie Seipei - and remember to give our lives for something worthwhile, and use our anger in good ways.
Reflections on Peter Storey's great book. He started Life Line SA. Are we Christ-followers giving the people around us a "life line"?
Reflections on Peter Storey's great book. Today, a reminder to balance personal faith with social justice.
Seeing Queen's "Made in Heaven" album with gospel-eyes. Today we look at Roger Taylor's great song "Heaven For Everyone", and remember how Jesus brought heaven to earth, and how we too can be part of bringing God's will to our earth.
Seeing Queen's "Made in Heaven" album with gospel-eyes. Today we look at a very worship-like song, and let it remind us how we should feel about worshipping our God.
Seeing Queen's "Made in Heaven" album with gospel-eyes. Today we look at John Deacon's song "My Life Has Been Saved", and humbly thank God for saving us.
Seeing Queen's "Made in Heaven" album with gospel-eyes. Today we look at the title song, and how God uses all things for good.
Seeing Queen's "Made in Heaven" album with gospel-eyes. Today we look at the first song on the album, It's a Beautiful Day", and remember our reason for hope.
Learning to resist the evil one with the acronym FIGHT. T is for "Tell someone". Sin thrives in secrecy, and we need accountable relationships as we fight the evil one.
Learning to resist the evil one with the acronym FIGHT. H is for "Honour God" - not just resisting evil, but seeking pleasure in the right places.
Learning to resist the evil one with the acronym FIGHT. G stands for "Grab your Bible" - we need to stand on promises in Scripture as Jesus did in his fight with the devil.
Learning to resist the evil one with the acronym FIGHT. I stands for "involve" - we must involve God in the fight and not kick him out of the ring.
Learning to resist the evil one with the acronym FIGHT. F stands for "flee" - we must flee temptation when it comes our way.
Fasting is not only about saying no, but let it also be about saying "yes!" to good things.
During the Lenten period, are you going to fast? Be sure to do it for the right reasons!
Today we remember our human frailty, and perhaps decide to live life more fully while we still can.
Lessons from the very short Psalm 117. The Psalmist reminds of us some truths about God that stand even today.
Lessons from the very short Psalm 117. The Psalmist pleads with all people to praise God - every tongue, tribe and nation.
God promises a crown of compassion and love - for our benefit, and the benefit of others.
God promises the benefit of healing - perhaps in this life, perhaps in the life to come.
God promises us great "benefits" when we follow Him. Will you accept them, or run away from them?
The Psalmist believes God will grant him long life. Jesus followers hold onto the promise that God grants eternal life!
You are unlikely to see a mother in God if you don't see something of God in your mother. Take a moment to acknowledge that your mother was created in God's image.
Jesus saw the value in women before anyone else - because He knew they were created in God's image and had equal value. Are we men doing the same? Do women know they are cherished equally?
The Bible describes God as having both fatherly and motherly qualities. Today, a Spotted Dikkop reminds us of God's motherly protection.
The Bible describes God as having both fatherly and motherly qualities. Today we see how God comforts as a mother.
The Bible describes God as having both fatherly and motherly qualities. Today we see that God transcends gender.
God gets his hands dirty touching the "untouchables" - he cares more about reaching out than soaped up hands.
How is God like a Father to us? Today Luke reflects on God disciplining us as a Father.
How is God like a Father to us? Today Luke reflects on God providing for us as a Father.
What might Paul's New Year's resolutions be? Perhaps 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 gives us an answer. Today he teaches us to always be grateful.
What might Paul's New Year's resolutions be? Perhaps 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 gives us an answer. Today he teaches us to pray without ceasing.
What might Paul's New Year's resolutions be? Perhaps 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 gives us an answer. Today he teaches us to rejoice always.
Reflecting on a resolution of Jonathan Edwards. Are we resolving to glorify God in the new year?
Reflections on Matt Maher's song "Lord I Need You". Today we talk about turning to God when temptations come our way.
Reflections on Matt Maher's song "Lord I Need You". Today we talk about the tension between sin and grace.
Reflections on Matt Maher's song "Lord I Need You". Today we talk about our hourly need for God.
Reflections on Matt Maher's song "Lord I Need You". Today we speak about resting in God.
Reflections on Matt Maher's song "Lord I Need You". Today we talk about the importance of confession, both to God and to other believers.
Looking back at 2018 and forward to 2019. Today, as we look back at our blessings, we explore some options for fasting as Jesus has told us to.
Looking back at 2018 and forward to 2019. Today we look back and thank God for our blessings over Christmas and New Years, and plan to share our blessings with others.
Looking back at 2018 and forward to 2019. Today we look back and forgive God, and look forward with a plan to love God.
Looking back at 2018 and forward to 2019. Today we look back and forgive ourselves, and look forward with a plan to love ourselves.
Looking back at 2018 and forward to 2019. Today we look back and forgive others, and look forward with a plan to love others.
Ed Jordan's song "African Christmas" inspires us to share the spirit of Ubuntu as Christ followers.
Reflections on Simeons's song in Luke 2. Simeon tells the truth even though it hurts. Bring your pain to the manger this Christmas.
Reflections on Simeons's song in Luke 2. Simeon marvels at Jesus, and his marvelling begins to spread outwards!
Reflections on Simeons's song in Luke 2. Simeon reveals that salvation in Jesus is for ALL people. Let us love all people
Reflections on Simeons's song in Luke 2. Simeon was a Spirit-filled person - as we should be this Christmas.
Reflections on Zechariah's song from Luke 1:67-79. John followed his father's example and pointed away from himself, to Jesus.
Reflections on Zechariah's song from Luke 1:67-79. We are called to serve God, not just take from Him.
Reflections on Zechariah's song from Luke 1:67-79. Instead of trembling in fear, we now tremble at the wonder of the baby Child.
Reflections on Zechariah's song from Luke 1:67-79. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, and that is how we are saved from them.
Reflections on Zechariah's song from Luke 1:67-79. Zechariah's first words are words of praise.
Reflections on the Magnificat. Mary prases God for filling the hungry with good things but sending the rich away empty.
Reflections of the Magnificat. God does great things for us - not just big things, but small things too.
Reflections on the popular worship song "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong. "You have no rival, You have no equal Now and forever, Our God reigns Yours is the Kingdom, Yours is the glory Yours is the Name, above all names!"
Reflections on the popular worship song "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong. "Death could not hold You, the veil tore before You You silenced the boast, of sin and grave The heavens are roaring, the praise of Your glory For You are raised to life again"
Reflections on the popular worship song "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong. What a beautiful, wonderful, powerful name it is!
Reflections on the popular worship song "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong. "You didn't want heaven without us So Jesus, You brought heaven down My sin was great, Your love was greater What could separate us now?"
Reflections on the popular worship song "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong. "You were the Word at the beginning One with God, the Lord most high Your hidden glory in creation Now revealed in You our Christ"
The closest friends are truly honest - even if honesty hurts. Jesus is a friend who you can trust to be honest.
Reflections on the book by W.E. Sangster. To be in Christ and to have Christ in us means that our "I" thoughts become "we" thoughts as we walk with Him.
Reflections on the book by W.E. Sangster. Radiance comes when we make time for God, and when we turn our waiting moments into time with Him.
Reflections on the book by W.E. Sangster. When we are sure our desire is aligned with God's will, we can pray affirmative prayers instead of asking God for things.
Reflections on the book by W.E. Sangster. Coveting is only bad when directed at the wrong things. Coveting Christ's mind should be a daily practise.
Reflections on the book by W.E. Sangster. In order to be radiant we need to be free of guilt and know that in Christ, we truly are clean and forgiven.
Reflections on the book by W.E. Sangster. Often times we lack radiance because we complain about small things.
Reflections on the book by W.E. Sangster. Jesus was gloriously positive. We can be too - and we must be, if we seek a radiant life!
Reflections on the book by W.E. Sangster. Materialism is another common barrier to radiant life. Money and possessions never satisfy.
Reflections on the book by W.E. Sangster. Another barrier to radiant life is resentment. Like Christ, we can learn to let go of resentment and learn forgiveness.
Reflections on the book by W.E. Sangster. One of the barriers to a radiant life in Christ is our pride. Instead, we must be humble like Him.
Reflections from W.E. Sangster's book. Knowing and being aware of the secret makes all the difference in our Christian living.
Reflections from W.E. Sangster's book. We need to invite Christ in to be King of our hearts.
Reflections from W.E. Sangster's book. We can ALL be radiant personalities if we know the secret.
A quote from David Mathis reminds us to come to the Word to feast! Also, download YouVersion Bible App, if you haven't already.
Have a plan when you read the Bible, and pray through every verse. You might find the acronym "CHRIST" to come in handy.
We are blind to God's glory unless He opens our eyes. Pray before you read the Bible and ask for His help!
William Tyndale gave his life so that we could have an English Bible. Do we honour his legacy in our reading habits?
One of the most powerful moments in War Room comes when Miss Clara says this to Elizabeth: “You need to plead with God to do what only God can do. And then you need to get out of the way and let him do it!”
Are we pleading with God in prayer, or going through the motions?
Paul teaches us to pray without ceasing. We can pray 5-second prayers throughout the day to do this.
We need a strategy when we pray, or else we are at a loss for words too often. One such strategy in an acronym: P-R-A-Y.
War Room teaches us to set aside time - and a place - to pray. The Gospels say that Jesus often withdrew and prayed alone. Are we setting aside time to pray?
Even families in the Bible were dysfunctional. All our families are - but God is the Redeemer.
We must learn to love our family with the love of Christ, because family is where our ministry starts.
Jesus tells us that anyone who loves their family more than Him is not worthy of Him (Matt 10:37). But that doesn't mean we neglect our family, or put our ministry above our family. Loving Christ more teaches us how to love our family the way we should.
W.E. Sangster, the great Methodist minister, teaches us gratitude even in the hardest times.
Lessons from W.E. Sangster, the great Methodist preacher. In his biography, his son talks of Sangster's "obsession with God".
A lesson in restfulness from a Christmas card by W.E. Sangster. From his biography "Dr Sangster".
Reflections from W.E. Sangster's biography. Today, thoughts from Sangster on making the most of a day by reflecting Christ's image.
Colossians 4:17. Paul sends a message to Archippus who is thinking of quitting the work he's called to do. We must be sure to finish the task God gives us!
Colossians 4:12. Paul commends Epaphras, who wrestles in prayer for his people. Are we wrestling in prayer for our people?
Colossians 4:10. Paul welcomes Mark back into the community despite his failures. Do we offer the same grace?
Colossians 3:17. A great life verse from Paul, teaching us to do everything in the name of Jesus.
Colossians 3:12-14. Paul's life advice to the Colossians, to clothe themselves with love, compassion and forgiveness.
Paul's big view of Jesus overflows into zeal and energy to proclaim His greatness. Colossians 1:28-29.
Paul prays for the people in the church to endure, through God's power. Colossians 1:11b
Paul prays that the people in the church live worthy, fruit-bearing lives. Colossians 1:10