Category Archives: Devotionals

Scripture Minute – John 16:7

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7)

In this verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure, indicating that He will be leaving them. He tells them that although His physical presence will no longer be with them, it is advantageous or beneficial for them that He goes away. He explains that if He does not go away, the Comforter, also known as the Holy Spirit, will not come to them. However, if He departs, He promises to send the Comforter to them.

In this verse, Jesus is referring to His approaching death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. He is assuring His disciples that His departure will bring about the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will provide guidance, comfort, and support to them in His absence.

Strengthening our Relationship with Jesus

In the course of time, some new believers might ask, “What am I missing in my relationship with Jesus?” It is also natural for seasoned, or mature believers to ask the same thing. This question often arises during some of the most difficult times in life, or when facing challenging situations.

Hopefully the following will be of assistance.

Prayer
Regular and sincere communication with Jesus through prayer can help foster a closer relationship. Share your joys, struggles, and concerns with Him, and listen for His guidance and wisdom.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (CSB)
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Scripture Minute – Isaiah 26:8

“Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.” (Isaiah 26:8)

This verse expresses a deep longing and anticipation for God’s judgments and divine guidance. The verse speaks of patience in waiting for the Lord’s judgment, emphasizing a strong desire for God’s name and remembrance. It is clear that this is a plea for God’s presence and intervention – seeking His wisdom and righteousness to guide their actions and decisions.

We can apply this verse in our lives by cultivating a patient and trusting attitude towards God’s judgments and timing. Instead of rushing into decisions or seeking instant gratification, patiently wait for God’s guidance and direction in our life. We can develop a sincere desire for God’s presence and remember His name in all aspects of our life, seeking to honour and live according to His principles. We should allow this verse to remind us to prioritize our connection with the Lord above all else, valuing His wisdom and seeking His will in our choices and actions. By aligning our desires and aspirations with God’s purpose for our life, we can find fulfilment, guidance, and peace in our journey of faith.

Faithful in All Circumstances: Following Jesus Through Life’s Darkest Moments

In the journey of life, we often face challenges, trials, and storms that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and even hopeless. In these moments, it is essential to remember the unwavering love and faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how difficult the situation may be, He remains our constant companion, guiding us through the darkest moments and leading us toward a life filled with hope, joy, and eternal significance. Let’s take a closer look at a few passages from the Bible and discover the unyielding assurance we have in following our Lord Jesus, even through the worst situations in life.

(1) The Promise of God’s Presence
” When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:2)

In times of trouble and despair, the Lord promises to be with us. Just as He protected the Israelites through the Red Sea and preserved Daniel in the lions’ den, He will never abandon His children if they remain faithful to Him. The waters may rise, the flames may rage, but our faith in Jesus allows us to trust in His provision and guidance.
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Scripture Minute – 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Apostle Paul was inspired to write a thorough message about the life-changing power of being in a relationship with Jesus Christ. This verse is only one example of Paul’s testimony about having a new life in Christ. When someone becomes a genuine follower of Christ, that person undergoes a fundamental change in their identity and nature. A believer is referred to as a “new creature” or a “new creation.” This transformation exhibits itself as a departure from one’s previous way of life. The past sins, burdens, and patterns of ungodly behaviour no longer define the “new creature”. Instead, they are given a fresh start, and their life takes on a new direction and purpose, encapsulated by the statement “all things are become new.”

Being in Christ brings about a radical transformation in a person’s life. The believer experiences a departure from their old self and a complete renewal of their identity and purpose. By accepting Christ, the believer is freed from the weight of their past and given a fresh start, embarking on a new journey guided by faith and a closer connection to God through the Holy Spirit.

Trusting in the Heavenly Father

“Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, American Standard Version)

In the journey of life, there are moments when we face challenges, uncertainties, and trials that test our faith and strength. It is during these times that our trust in the Heavenly Father becomes even more crucial. Trusting in the Lord is not always easy, especially when our own understanding is limited, and circumstances may seem overwhelming. Yet, when we anchor our trust in God, our hearts find solace and our souls find rest.

The book of Proverbs beautifully captures the essence of trust in the passage above. It encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, acknowledging that our human understanding is insufficient to navigate life’s complexities. Our finite minds can often lead us astray or cause us to doubt, but when we place our trust in the infinite wisdom and providence of our Father, we find stability and security.
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Scripture Minute – Titus 2:14

He “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14, KJV)

In his epistle to Titus, here Paul is writing about Christ’s sacrificial act for humanity. The Holman Christian Standard Bible reads: “He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works.” This verse speaks about the fact that Jesus willingly offered Himself on behalf of humanity in order to redeem us from sin and condemnation. Through His sacrifice, Jesus Christ seeks to cleanse and purify us, creating a distinct community of believers who are faithful in the Word and zealous for righteousness. This particular verse focuses on the life-changing power of Christ’s selflessness and its impact on shaping a righteous and sanctified body of believers.

A Beacon Illuminating our Path

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

In the depths of darkness and uncertainty, when our path seems obscured by shadows, there is a guiding light that shines forth with unwavering brilliance. It is the light of God’s Word, a lamp unto our feet and a beacon illuminating our path. The words penned by the psalmist in Psalm 119:105 resonate with timeless truth and offer solace and direction to our weary souls.

In a world fraught with distractions and conflicting voices, the Word of God stands as a steady source of light, leading us along the right path. It serves as a divine compass, showing us the way to walk and providing clarity amidst the complexities of life. Just as a lamp reveals the next step we should take in a dark room, the Word of God shines its light upon our circumstances, guiding us in our decisions, relationships, and endeavours.
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Scripture Minute – Psalm 40:11

“Lord, you do not withhold your compassion from me. Your constant love and truth will always guard me.” (Psalm 40:11, CSB)

In this verse, we see that the psalmist David makes a plea to God asking for His mercy and loving-kindness to be bestowed upon him. David expresses his desire for God’s compassion and faithfulness to always protect and sustain him.

In broader terms, this verse helps us to see the importance of relying on God’s mercy and loving-kindness in times of need. It acknowledges our loving Father’s role as a source of support, preservation, and truth in our life. The verse reflects a deep longing for the continuous presence and care of God.

The Way, the Truth and the Life

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Before we begin, let’s turn to an oft-quoted passage in the Bible – John 14:6.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus’ declaration, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” encapsulates the very essence of our faith and offers us the only path to follow, the only truth to embrace, and the only life to experience in Him. Let’s take a closer look at each of these aspects and how they shape our walk as Spirit-filled believers.
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