Devotionals

I’ve always been someone who loves to know what the plan is. It’s not that I am overly organised, but I like to know what to expect and to be clear in the details. So I find it unnerving and confusing when things don’t happen in the way I expect.

Following my devotional last week I feel the Lord wants to draw us deeper and deeper into his Father heart.

I had a deep sense today that the Father wanted to touch each of us with his affectionate love, showing us that he cares and feels the pain of our struggles.

I was reading Isaiah 61:1-4 and was really struck by the words in verse 4: They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated. They will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Sometimes, when someone says they’ve got me a special gift I feel a bit anxious.

I sense that someone feels very stuck today and can hardly believe that things will ever change for you, but Jesus is saying, ‘Don’t be afraid.

On a train journey yesterday, I was confused when my friend suddenly jumped up, pulled me to my feet and said that we needed to get off.

I sense that someone feels very stuck today and can hardly believe that things will ever change for you, but Jesus is saying, ‘Don’t be afraid.

I was reading Psalm 145 and saw that David gives us keys to how we might grow in our joy.

I’ve been enjoying the longer days of sunshine and as someone who loves the early morning, it’s a joy to see the dawn of each new day transforming the darkness of the night.

Following the momentous events of Easter, I’ve been drawn to this account of Jesus making himself known to his disciples after his resurrection.

Today on the cusp of Easter and all the depths of emotions it brings, I am drawn to Hebrews 12:2 which expresses so clearly Jesus’ heart in going to the cross.

When life hits us, where do we turn? Sometimes I think, if God is really for us and loves us, why is life so hard at times?

Sometimes I feel very weak and lacking in strength to go forward or even to know how to make a wise decision.

When life hits us, where do we turn? Sometimes I think, if God is really for us and loves us, why is life so hard at times?

Now that we are well into Lent, I am finding my thoughts turning towards how we view ourselves and how deeply we take on board that we are forgiven and pure in God’s eyes.

Life can seem very shaky sometimes. We think we are walking on level ground and suddenly our footing slips when we hear bad news or a relationship suddenly changes.

I am a worrier and I guess most of us are.

Do you like to think ahead and plan your diary with meticulous detail or do you prefer spontaneously responding to the most pressing needs and deadlines?

When I watch the news and see the global reports of war,violence, disasters and political manoeuvrings, I feel so small. What can I do to change anything?

As I stood holding the glass of brown water, I sensed the Lord speaking to me.

As Christians we can be blasé at times and even imply that it’s wrong to mourn as it shows lack of faith.

As I was praying about this week’s devotional, I sensed that some of you are going through very hard times. Hope seems like a distant memory and your days feel full of struggle.

We can all hit those times of sudden barrenness in our lives. Maybe God has been blessing you but now everything seems futile, your prayers feel like empty words, serving him is a struggle and it’s a long time since you felt any joy.

I have given you a sound mind not a spirit of fear. (1 Tim 2:7) Even in those times when you don’t know how to plan because life seems uncertain and you feel out of control, be sure that I know the end from the beginning. I AM in control and am drawing all things together for your joy and growth. Relax in me my beloved.’

As I came to write this, I had a deep sense that you always feel deep down that God won’t be interested in your prayers. Others are more spiritual than you and it will be their prayers that matter. You feel insignificant and passed over in life and believe that God will pass you over too.

It’s the New Year and Christmas is beginning to fade in to the background as we face the challenges of a new season. Jesus is our living hope and wants to fill our hearts with the light of deep conviction that He is with us and our future is in His loving hands.

It’s Christmas! Maybe you are celebrating with loved ones and your home is full of laughter and activity or maybe you are on your own and facing a Christmas that seems lonely and quiet?

As we continue into Advent the demands of life - our work, Christian service, family and loved ones can seem overwhelming and maybe you feel completely inadequate to fulfil what you need to be and do in this busy season?

As we progress through advent and the promised coming of Jesus, I am thinking about how God loves to invade our lives and change our landscapes.

As we enter advent, I realise how important it is to make time in this busy season to reflect on God’s amazing love for us.

I felt God wanted to bring both deep comfort and challenge as we consider how God dealt with both Elijah and the widow.

If you are struggling with the feeling that you don’t belong in church, it’s my prayer that you will know the God of love holding your little ‘toe’ of pain close to his heart and ministering His healing and grace.

I’ve been thinking these last couple of weeks about celebration.

I’ve been pondering the amazing fact that God has lifted us up to be with Him.

I’ve recently been celebrating a special birthday, and some friends decorated our house with lovely gold and cream helium balloons including a huge pair of golden numbers.

Will I let myself live life’s adventure or let myself be flattened by false guilt and shame?

How can we change from existing to living? Is it just a nice idea or can it ever become a reality for me?

When I really stop to think about it, and of course, to pray, I am sure that God isn’t bothered at all about me being deaf or visually impaired and their effects.

As you declare Lord, ‘you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Sonship.’ (Rom 8;15)

You and I are a celebrated and rejoiced over, child of God, chosen and loved forever.

I am not a nobody. I need not live in shame. I am a chosen branch, a carrier of Jesus life and beauty. Even in the storms I am held safe in Him.

I said goodbye to my mum this week. After a month of feeling the sadness of her death, I was faced with seeing a polished wooden coffin covered in flowers and a lovely photo. Was that mum?

I walk this path with Him, I receive His comfort in the many, many ways it comes. Comfort is His gift to us all when we mourn. I reach out my hand in the dark and know He has hold of me and we walk together into the light of hope.

I was chatting with a man the other day who said that throughout his childhood his dad would say that he wasn’t his father and wanted nothing to do with him.

You are on that same path and the good news is that in Him, we have the victory. As He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.’

I am battling with feeling bad about myself and hating the fact that I never seem to change despite my best intentions. These feelings are springing out of a whole host of things buzzing round my mind, people I’ve failed to be in touch with, promises I’ve not kept...

It’s funny how shame messages sneak in so subtly. I can be going about my day quite happily but out of the blue a thought comes in that propels me back onto that pathway of pain and shame.

Sometimes I make it, many times I don’t! But He is walking that journey with me and all of us and never ever gives up on us.