A Devotional Life

Matthew 26:36-46. Do you ever have one of those mornings where you get up, take a shower, put on your work clothes and then go back to bed to grab just a wee more sleep before the train time ... because your body is screaming for rest. Yeah, I sometimes have that, it's called Monday mornings. In the passage, Matthew paints a vivid picture of a prayer struggle. On the one hand, the disciples are struggling with prayer. They fell asleep, again and again, and again (vv40, 43, 45). While on the other hand, Jesus is struggling in sorrow, so He prays, again and again, and again (vv39, 42, 44). At the end of the Gethsemane visit, they rise up (v46) and Jesus faces crucifixion in the strength of the Spirit and the will of the Father, while the disciples desert Him alongside Peter's denial. (v75, Mark 14:50) The passage reminds us of the importance of prayer: Like sleep a...

Mark 10:13-16. Praise God! Happy new year!!! There's a phrase every parent has said at some point, "Stop nagging me" or "Will you give it a rest". Or maybe you have a unique response to a constant "Are we there yet?", "Can I have ice cream for breakfast?"... or something else a little kid will invent just to call for your attention. The passage conveys one of Jesus' teachings on the kingdom of God. (The Kingdom of God, now referring to the lordship of the crucified and risen Christ - His reign - the life He gives) In the first century, children and women were not held in high regard publicly - a societal norm that Jesus frequently addressed. Sadly we see this reflected in the passage as the disciples rebuked people for bringing little children to Jesus (v13). In response to this, Jesus rebuked his disciples. He then invited the little ...

John 1:29-34. Can you recall your recent response at the sight of a baby or even a little kid? It's always one of delight and love, isn't it! We suddenly notice their cuteness, smile and even refreshing presence (literally, as one CNN article presents the outcome of research on how kids help the elderly live longer.) But we all know that kids outgrow this unsolicited cuteness, haha. In the passage, Matthew introduces another baby, Jesus, whom from infancy through eternity would still be worth beholding, "behold the Lamb of God" (John's gospel) because: He saves the world from sin (v29) - redeems us from the power of sin and death, giving us a new life in God. Romans 6:1-11. He baptises us with the Holy Spirit (v33) - who refreshes and empowers us to live for God. Although John the Baptist begins by beholding and testifying about Je...

Psalm 136. When I think of allocating time to a to-do list, I think more about spending time on "getting things done" and not on things that are already done. But making time for reflection can be very peaceful, as well as productive, and also create space for thanksgiving - which is God's will for us (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) and an act honouring to God (Psalm 50:23). In the passage in Psalm 136, the Psalmist models a kind of thanksgiving that can be very helpful in expressing our deep gratitude to God: He begins by thanking God for His good and loving nature, His sovereign nature, His wonder, His power and creativity (v1-9) - a good way to set our hearts on God. He tells a story - of specific moments of God's goodness to people (Israel - v11,14; his people - v16; his servant - v22) and of personal experiences of God's goodness (...

Joshua 1:1-9. After years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites are finally able to enter the promised land. But before that, they must wage battles against their enemies. It was to this end God called Joshua as a leader. He was going to fight Jericho, Ai, ... and lead a journey of so many battles, but this time it wasn't going to be with Moses, which he was accustomed to (as in Exodus 17:8-16). So how does he proceed? What's the plan? In the passage, God lays out a strategy for Joshua. God reminded Joshua that: He would need the Word as a constant reminder of God's promises and faithfulness. (v8)  He was to go through the battles by being confident (strong and courageous) in the fact that God is always with him. (v9) Like Joshua, sometimes we have seasons of (so many) battles: a health battle, a career struggle, a relati...

2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Let's take a trip down memory lane. Can you remember when you came to faith in Jesus? Could you replay the words you heard? What was the setup? A phone call, a coffee chat, a pub catch up, a sermon, a prayer meeting, a road trip. How was it delivered? Gently, loudly, passionately, nicely, annoyingly. Would you have preferred it any other way? Are you grateful for that moment? As those reconciled to God, we are called to share that wonderful message of salvation (that Jesus died and rose again to reconcile man to God) and witness to His wonderful works in our lives. Psalm 96:1-3. Reflect & Pray What would it look like to create a similar moment for a family member, friend, neighbour or colleague who is not yet saved? Who does God bring to mind? Thank Yo...

Luke 10:38-42. Have you ever had one of those busy and exhausting days when, in the end, you didn't do the main thing(s) you had set out to do? Distractions are inevitable, aren't they? In the passage in Luke 10, Jesus deals with the issue of distractions. How does Jesus see distractions? As things that could quickly spiral into sin if not dealt with (v40-42). Martha starts off being distracted (v40), then got worried and upset (v41) and lost sight of the "one thing" needed (v42). From distractions to worries to idolatry - a dangerous spiral. And this shows how distractions and the things we worry about can often become the centre of our lives. But good news! Jesus offers a solution to distractions and worries. His Presence (the one thing, v42). In response to Martha, Jesus points to Mary's choice - which was to draw close to Him, ...