Daily Devotions

Today’s reflection centres on the theme “The Breath of Life.” In Genesis 2:7 (NIV) we read, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

This verse is one of the most intimate and powerful moments in all of Scripture. God didn’t simply speak humanity into existence, as He did with the rest of creation. Instead, He formed man from the dust and breathed His own breath into him. This was personal. Intentional. Sacred.

From the very beginning, we were not just made by God—we were made with Him, by His touch, and filled with His breath. That breath—the very Spirit of God—gave us life, purpose, and identity.

This truth reminds us that our lives are not random or accidental. We are not merely physical beings. We are spiritual, deeply connected to the One who formed us. The breath in our lungs is a gift, a sign that we are alive with purpose and dignity.

Even more, in Christ, God breathes new life into us again. Just as He breathed life into Adam, Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). As followers of Jesus, we are not just physically alive—we are spiritually alive through Him.

Imagine walking through an art gallery filled with beautiful sculptures. Each one is shaped by a master sculptor—detailed, crafted with care. Now picture this: in the centre of the room is a sculpture unlike the rest. It’s made from simple clay. It’s not polished with marble or bronze—but the sculptor spent more time on it than any other piece.

You watch as the artist leans in, places his hands on the clay, shaping every curve with intention. But then—something unexpected happens. The artist does what no sculptor has ever done. He leans in close, and He breathes into the sculpture.

And suddenly… the sculpture opens its eyes. It breathes. It lives.

That’s not just art—that’s love. That’s Genesis 2:7. God didn’t just create us with His words; He formed us with His hands and gave us life with His breath.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I truly value the life God has given me—physically and spiritually?
2. In what ways can I live each day with greater awareness of God’s breath within me?
3. Am I allowing the Spirit of God to shape my words, actions, and purpose?

Prayer:

Lord God, thank You for shaping me with Your hands and breathing Your life into me. Help me never take for granted the gift of life and the purpose You’ve placed in me. Fill me again with Your Spirit so I may live fully for You—body, mind, and soul. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Daily Devotions

We live in a world obsessed with image—where billions are spent trying to enhance or even completely change how we look. But this November, we’re taking a different approach. Instead of focusing on outward appearance, we’ll be reflecting on what God’s Word says about our true image—our identity as followers of Jesus.

So we start with Genesis 1:26-27 ESV “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

From the very beginning, God made it clear: we were created with purpose, value, and divine intention. Unlike anything else in creation, humanity was crafted in the very image of God—a reflection of His nature, His creativity, His love, and His authority.

This truth answers one of the deepest questions in every heart: Who am I?

We are not a mistake. We are not defined by our past, our appearance, or what the world says about us. We are image-bearers of the living God.

Being made in God's image means we are created to reflect His character—His holiness, compassion, justice, and grace. It also means every human life has inherent dignity and worth. That truth should shape how we see ourselves and how we treat others.

In a world that often distorts identity and chases after superficial beauty, God calls His people to remember who they really are. As disciples of Christ, we are not just created in God's image—we are also being renewed into it daily (Colossians 3:10), becoming more like Jesus, the perfect image of the invisible God.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I believe and live like I am made in the image of God?
2. How does knowing I reflect God’s image affect the way I see myself—and others?
3. In what ways can I better reflect His character in my daily life?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for creating me in Your image. Remind me that my worth comes from You, not from the world. Help me to reflect Your love, truth, and goodness in everything I do. May I see others as image-bearers too—worthy of love, respect, and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional for Sunday 2 November

Luke 19:10:

“For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”  

Reflection

In the book of Habakkuk we find the prophet crying out in frustration: violence, injustice and wrongdoing appear rampant; God seems silent and the vision seems delayed. Yet God answers: “Write the vision; make it plain… For the righteous live by their faith.” (Habakkuk 2:2-4)  

This reading invites us into honest lament — into recognising the brokenness of the world and our longing for God’s justice. But it also points to a crucial truth: the righteous live by their faith. Not by having everything sorted, not by seeing the full resolution now — but by living in trust and expectancy.

Psalm 119 picks up the theme of faithfulness: “Your justice is everlasting… grant me understanding, that I may live.”   The psalmist doesn’t pretend life is easy; there is trouble and distress. Yet the commandments of God are embraced, the word is held dear.

In 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes: “we must always give thanks … because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of everyone of you for one another is increasing.” (2 Thess 1:3)   The Christian life is faithful living in community, love in action, faith that grows.

Then in Luke’s gospel we meet Zacchaeus — a tax-collector, rich and socially disapproved. Jesus invites himself into Zacchaeus’s house, declares that salvation has come, and Zacchaeus responds: half his goods to the poor and restitution four‐fold. (Luke 19:1-10)   The message is clear: God comes to find the lost, and when one meets Christ, change happens.

So what connects these readings for us this Sunday?

• Faith in waiting: even when God seems distant, we hold onto the promise. Habakkuk’s vision may “tarry”, yet it will come.  

• Faith in community: our faith is not solitary. Psalm 119 and 2 Thessalonians call us to hold God’s word together and care for each other.

• Faith in transformation: meeting Jesus means change. Zacchaeus is found, challenged, changed, restored.

As disciples today we are invited to live out this faith: to trust when the horizon is unclear, to love one another practically, and to be open to transformation ourselves.

Questions for reflection

• In what parts of your life do you feel you are waiting for God’s vision or justice?

• How is your faith growing in love for others around you?

• What might God be inviting you to change in response to meeting Jesus?

Prayer

Gracious God,

you do not ignore our cries or hide from our pain. You invite us into your vision and call us to live by faith.

Grant us the courage to wait faithfully, the humility to live in community with our brothers and sisters, and the openness to be transformed by your grace.

Meet us in our lost places — as you met Zacchaeus — and lead us to lives of renewal and compassion.

May our faith be seen in love, our hope in action, and our lives reflect the one who came to seek and to save the lost.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hymn verse for Singing the Faith

Here is a verse you might use (either alone or adapted) to accompany the service:

1 “Lord of mercy, Spirit-light,

We who wander seek your sight;

In our waiting, grant your grace,

Faith to run the chosen race.

Lord of mercy, draw us near,

Turn our hearts and calm our fear.”

Daily Devotions

Saints Spread Hope and Joy—Making the World Bright”

Paul knew this when he wrote, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Disciples of Jesus are more than followers—they are messengers of light. In a world often dimmed by despair, anxiety, and brokenness, disciples carry something powerful: hope and joy that cannot be shaken.

This hope isn’t wishful thinking. It’s anchored in the unchanging truth that Jesus has conquered sin, defeated death, and is coming again. And this joy isn’t based on circumstances—it flows from knowing who we are in Christ, no matter what life brings.

Wherever true disciples go, the atmosphere changes. Their joy lifts heavy hearts. Their hope gives people something to hold on to. Their presence becomes like sunlight breaking through the clouds—because it’s not about them, it’s about Christ shining through them.

We don’t have to have all the answers. We don’t have to pretend life is easy. But we are called to be people of resilient hope and contagious joy, walking evidence that Jesus is alive and still transforming lives.

Let the joy you carry brighten someone's darkness. Let the hope within you remind the world that God is not finished. Through you, God makes the world just a little bit brighter.

Reflection Questions:

1. Am I living in a way that reflects Christ’s joy and hope to those around me?
2. Who in my life needs a word or gesture of hope right now?
3. What can I do today to brighten someone's world with the joy of the Lord?

Prayer:

Lord, fill me with Your joy and hope, so full that it overflows into the lives around me. Make me a light in dark places, a voice of encouragement, and a reflection of Your goodness. Help me spread hope and joy so that the world may see You through me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Daily Devotions

Saints Are True Examples of Love—They Light the Night”

Jesus was specific as to how his followers should illuminate the world with Godly light. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16 (NIV)

The world can be a dark place—full of division, hatred, fear, and pain. But Jesus calls His disciples to be different, to be Saints. Not just to walk in love—but to be examples of love so real, so radical, that they shine like stars in the night.

Love isn’t just a feeling or a kind word. In the life of a disciple, love is action, sacrifice, and presence. It's forgiving when it’s hard, serving when it’s inconvenient, and standing beside the broken when others walk away.

Jesus said the world would recognise His disciples not by their preaching, their knowledge, or their success—but by their love (John 13:35). That love is the light that breaks through the darkness.

When we love without conditions, when we show compassion to the overlooked, when we live generously and walk humbly—we light the night with the flame of Christ. Saints don’t blend into the world—they shine in it.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what ways am I showing Christ’s love in my everyday life?
2. Who in my life is living in a dark place that needs the light of love today?
3. What does it look like for me to “light the night” this week?

Prayer:

Jesus, You are the Light of the world—and You have called me to shine for You. Teach me to love like You: selflessly, boldly, and consistently. Help me be a light in someone’s night and a reflection of Your heart wherever I go. In Your name, amen.

Daily Devotions

Saints Don’t Seek Glory—They Take a Stand

We discover through John The Baptist a simple yet profound declaration at the beginning Of the ministry of Jesus,“He must become greater; I must become less.”    John 3:30

The world teaches us to build platforms, gather followers, and fight for recognition. But true disciples of Jesus live by a different code: they don’t seek self-glory—they seek to glorify Christ. Their aim is not to be admired, but to be faithful.

When John the Baptist's followers told him that Jesus was gaining more attention, his response was not jealousy—but joy. He knew his role was to prepare the way for Jesus, not to compete with Him. John said, “He must become greater; I must become less.” That’s the heart of a disciple.

Disciples don’t stand in the spotlight—they shine it on Jesus. But this humility doesn’t mean weakness. In fact, true disciples are among the boldest people on earth. They don’t seek fame, but they are willing to take a stand when the world pushes against truth. Like Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, they say, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

They may not have crowds chanting their name, but they have heaven’s applause. Their stand is for the Gospel, for justice, for love, for truth—and it comes from a place of deep humility and deep courage.

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there areas in my life where I've been seeking recognition more than Christ’s glory?
2. When was the last time I boldly stood up for my faith, even when it came at a cost?
3. How can I decrease today, so that Jesus increases through my life?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to walk humbly like You. Teach me to reject the world’s pursuit of fame and instead pursue faithfulness. Make me bold when it’s time to take a stand and humble enough to know that all glory belongs to You. May my life point to Jesus and not myself. In His name, amen.

   

Daily Devotios

Carrying One Another’s Burdens

In the New Testament, saints are not a select few set apart by extraordinary holiness, but all believers—ordinary disciples who have been made holy by Christ. Our sanctity doesn’t come from perfection, but from God’s grace received through faith.

As followers of Jesus, we are called not only to walk with Him but also to walk with one another. Life inevitably brings seasons of hardship—grief, illness, financial strain, emotional pain. In these moments, Jesus doesn’t ask us to keep our distance and simply offer a prayer. He calls us to draw near—to share the load and bear one another’s burdens.

Supporting others in times of need is more than an act of kindness; it is an act of obedience and love. When we sit beside the grieving, bring a meal to the weary, or simply listen without judgment, we reveal the very heart of Christ. Jesus never turned away from the brokenhearted; He always moved toward them with compassion.

True discipleship is marked by this kind of self-giving love. We are not meant to live in isolation but in community, where strength is shared and hope is renewed. When we help carry someone else’s burden, we make it lighter—and often discover that our own hearts are strengthened in the process.

Paul writes in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This “law of Christ” points us back to Jesus’ command in John 13:34: “Love one another as I have loved you.” Supporting one another is not just a kind gesture—it is love in action, rooted in Christ’s command.

As today’s disciples, we might pause and reflect:

• Is there someone in your life carrying a heavy burden right now?

• What practical step could you take this week to support them—through prayer, presence, or provision?

• How have others helped carry your burdens in the past? How did that shape your faith and gratitude?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for carrying my burdens and inviting me to share in carrying the burdens of others. Open my eyes to the needs around me and give me a heart that responds with compassion. Help me to love as You love and serve as You served.

Amen.

Amen.