Daily Devotions

In Mark 12:10-12 we find Jesus facing opposition as he quotes a verse from the Psalms, “Don’t you remember reading this verse in the Scriptures? ‘The Rock the builders threw away became the cornerstone, the most honoured stone in the building! This is the Lord’s doing and it is an amazing thing to see.’”

The term cornerstone can be used in three context. In Construction it is the first stone set in a masonry foundation, which determines the position of the entire structure. Cornerstones are often placed in a prominent location on the outside of a building, and may include inscriptions or time capsules.

When used as a Metaphor it is describing the basic element or foundation. For example, you might say "information and education have always been the cornerstones of consumer policy"

It can also indicate a person or thing of prime importance: For example, you might say "the cornerstone of the whole argument".

Jesus through his message can be seen as cornerstone of our lives - the guiding truth and love that gives security and conviction to all of life. All love and goodness is created through him. The way we live and try to live by his gospel is the Lord's doing also. Life itself and love are gifts of God, the touchstone of God's continual creation of us all.

Later in in Ephesians 2:19-20 we are reminded, “You are . . . members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the chief cornerstone.” I wonder how aligned we are to Jesus Christ the chief cornerstone. 

God, our Father, our lives are sometimes crooked and uneven, but you build us up in Christ—the most reliable, true, and solid foundation we could ever hope for. Thank you! In his name we pray. Amen.

Daily Devotions

Have you ever been asked to describe yourself in three words, or even in just one? A question like this is often used in job interviews, in icebreakers for small groups, or at orientations for academic or church programs. We want to learn about each other in a quick way, and so we ask everyone to boil down their most important qualities and characteristics into a few words.

If we were to describe ourself as “joyful,” “honest,” and “hard-working,” we would not be saying that we never faltered in any of these characteristics. There are days we feel lazy, mornings that bring frustration and stress instead of joy, and sticky situations where we find ourself telling a lie. 

But when we read Christ’s own ‘about me’ statements in John 14:6, where he states that he is the Truth, the Life, and the Way, we see a self-description that is more definitive. He is not just a way, a truth, a life. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When we affirm faith in Christ as He is revealed in the Word, we aren’t saying that he is pretty truthful or even perfectly truthful.

So, when Jesus referred to himself as “the way, the truth, and the life”, this was a startling multi-faceted claim that was without precedent. By calling himself “the way”, Jesus was saying not only that he was the destination of life, but also its very means.

By calling himself “the truth”, Jesus wasn’t referring to propositional truth, as in true statements versus false statements. Instead, Jesus was saying that he himself was the only genuine means to reality.

By calling himself “the life”, Jesus was claiming not just to have life, but also to be the very essence and source of life itself.

These statements deserve our deep reflection.

Dear Lord, Thank You for being my Way, my Truth, and my Life. Guide me in Your path, let Your truth govern my choices, and fill me with Your life-giving Spirit. In times of doubt, confusion, or fatigue, remind me that You are my compass, my clarity, and my vitality.

Daily Devotions

The phrase “Son of Man” comes originally from Daniel’s vision in the seventh chapter of his book in the Old Testament. Daniel sees someone, clearly a divine figure, “like the son of man” who comes in the clouds of heaven and approaches the throne of God, where he is given power and authority and the kingdom.

He then gives what he has received to his people, who have been suffering terrible oppression.

While Jesus was on earth, the “Son of Man” was the favourite name he used to refer to himself. The term, Son of man, is used by Jesus 80 times as a way to refer to himself but in all these references, Jesus is the speaker; no one ever addresses him as Son of man.

As he did so, the people could not have helped thinking about Daniel’s prophecy.

Two notable examples of are found in Matthew 8:20 “And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’” And in Matthew 20:28 “… even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus was claiming he was the one who would receive the kingdom and save his people. The designation Son of Man means, for Jesus, both that he is human as we are, a son of Adam, and that he is the coming Messiah, who has been given authority by the Most High and reigns over his kingdom through his weakness, seen most clearly at the cross.

What are the implications of the title Son of Man for us? It is clearly seen in Matthew 20:26-27 “whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Thank You Jesus, that you became human, in every sense and every way, to identify Yourself with me, even in my weakness and frailty. Thank You Lord, that You’re not far away, looking down upon me from Your perfect holiness, but that You came close to me, alongside me. What grace! Thank You Jesus! Amen 

Daily Devotions

Today we consider the I am title Christ took as his own. The Lord God appeared to Moses at the burning bush and commissioned him to rescue his people from Egypt (Exodus 3). He told Moses that “I Am” was the special name by which he was to be known by his people throughout all generations. In John 8:58 we read, “Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.”

That’s why, when Jesus announced himself as “I am” to the Jewish people, they tried to stone him for blasphemy, for claiming to be God. If you pay attention, you will see that Jesus uses the name “I am” throughout the gospels to particularly highlight his divinity.

He didn’t hide who he was. He is the great “I am,” the eternally present one.

Again the evangelist portrays Jesus as belonging to a higher world than his hearers. Death is the human condition, but Jesus lives beyond the borders of death. He is simply different. In my prayer I need not try to puzzle these things out. Instead I simply accept in faith the wonderful mystery of Jesus.

Jesus is saying: ‘If you want to see God, here I am!’ What should be a wonderful moment of revelation becomes horribly negative. Execution by stoning was the punishment for asserting that one is equal to God. Lord, I find you in some safe place and try to comfort you. What more can you do to show people who you are?

Jesus used the same phrase “I AM” in seven declarations about Himself. In all seven, He combines I AM with tremendous metaphors which express His saving relationship toward the world. In a way Jesus is saying I am so that you may be.

It is wonderful to know that God does not measure and judge you based on your performance today. Instead, He looks at Jesus, and as Jesus is, that is how He sees you. His Word declares that “love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.”

Jesus thank you for being the light of the world. Thank you for loving the world and for loving me so much to come and save me from darkness. Strengthen me in my present circumstances. Help me to face them with joy, patience and endurance, knowing you are with me in them and you promise to never leave me in darkness. Amen

Daily Devotions

In the book of Revelation, the author adds another name to the list of names of Jesus when he calls him the “bright and morning star”. This star is understood to be Venus, the brightest of the universe’s “stars”.

Although we know now that Venus is a planet and not a star, the ancients didn’t know the difference.They simply recognised Venus as the first, brightest, and most beautiful star.

In the same way, Jesus is different to all others. He is the first, the brightest and the most beautiful.

Andrew Bonar, a minister of the Free Church of Scotland wrote in his diary on Tuesday 18 June 1849 “This morning early I had awakened and looked out. It was about four o’clock. The morning star was shining directly before our window in a bright sky. One part of the window was misty with frost; the other part clear, and through the clear part the star shone most beautifully. I thought of Christ’s words, ‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star’ (Rev 22:16). Christ is all this to me in this world till the day break. I fell asleep, and when I next awoke the sun was shining through my room. Shall it not be thus at the Resurrection?”

The identification of Jesus as the ‘bright Morning Star’ points us to his return, which he promises repeatedly in the final chapter of Revelation: “Look, I am coming soon!” The one who brought life from death, who turned the darkness of the tomb into resurrection morning, is coming. Nothing is more certain than this.

Light of the world, keep me on the path that is guided by You, the morning star, so that I do not lose my way. In all humility and gratitude, I follow You, knowing that every step I have taken to get me where I am today was only taken because You lit the way. Praying this in Your name. Amen.

Daily Devoion

Particularly in Old Testament times, the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah consisted of rugged wilderness, inhabited by wild beasts, and lions in particular. The lion was renowned for its fierceness and strength.

Jesus was descended from David and, therefore, from the tribe of Judah. In the book of Revelation, Jesus is most often referred to as a lamb. However, he is also called the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” This highlights his power and fierceness in defending his people, by protecting them and defeating their enemies.

This title goes back to Jacob's final blessing of his sons before his death. In that blessing he calls Judah "a lion's whelp" ( Genesis 49:9). If Judah himself is a lion's whelp, it is fitting to call the greatest member of the tribe of Judah The Lion of Judah. In the books written between the Testaments this became a messianic title. 2 Esdras speaks of the figure of a lion and says: "This is the Anointed One, that is, the Messiah" ( 2 Esther 12:31). The strength of the lion and his undoubted place as king of beasts make him a fitting emblem of the all-powerful Messiah whom the Jews awaited.

The lion of Judah has long been a symbol of bravery, nobility, and strength. This symbolism is used in the bible over 150 times but is most commonly equated with the House of Judah and the descendants of the House of Judah, including Judah himself, King David, King Solomon, and finally Jesus.

For me, the most startling part of Jesus courage was that he seemed to have a very clear idea of what was going to happen. As his ministry slowly weaved its way towards Jerusalem he knew exactly what he was walking towards.

When we stand up for something good even though it will cost us, or when we put someone else’s needs above our own, or perhaps we decide to sacrifice something so that others can prosper then we are immersing ourselves in the courage of Jesus. That’s real courage.

Almighty Father, thank You for giving me another day to share my blessings with others and live out Your will. I offer this courage prayer to You, humbly asking that You grant me the courage to overcome any challenges I may face today. I know I can do anything with You, so I pray that You continue to watch over me today. May I find the courage to push through and come out of today’s troubles stronger than ever. This I ask through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Daily Devotions

Following on from our last devotional regarding Jesus as the Vine we now turn to Christ the Branch. In the Old Testament, the promised Messiah was referred to as “the branch”. Jeremiah 23:5 says, "The days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land"

So, the Messiah  was to be a descendant, a branch of the human family, and of king David. A branch was something easily overlooked, as one branch among others, just as Jesus was in his humanity.

As a branch grows and bears fruit, so too would Christ.The name “Nazareth” which was Jesus’ hometown, is related to the word “branch”.Because of the prophecies about the “branch” in the Old Testament, the designations “of Nazareth” or “Nazarene” are also considered messianic titles when they are applied to Jesus.

The word “Branch" is capitalised six times in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word used in five of them, semah, is fairly insignificant. It simply means "sprout, growth or branch." The remaining occurrence has the word netser, meaning "branch," "shoot," "sprout," or "twig." We can see, then, that the literal meaning leads to a more metaphorical one.

The Hebrews and other Semitic peoples used the term in a genealogical sense, meaning that a certain person belongs to or descends from a particular family line. To give the same sense, we might use the term "heir," "descendant," "seed," or "scion." Like Hebrew, English links trees and genealogy in such phrases as "family tree" and "the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree."

When Jesus is referred to as the branch, this is no insignificant bough as it indicates Kingship, speaks of Servanthood and in particular the branch by which we are joined with all humanity.

Loving God,

in the communion of Christ, 

we are joined with the trials and sufferings of all. 

Be with those who endure the wind and rain/flooding.

Protect those in the path of danger. 

Open the pathway of evacuations.

Help loved ones find one another in the chaos. 

Provide assistance to those who need help.

Ease the fears of all

and make your presence known in the stillness of your peace;

Through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

Daily Devotions

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was called “the vine” (Psalm 80) and was considered the source of all good things, since it provided not only fruit and juice, but also shade and beauty. The juice of the grape was a symbol of blood and, therefore, of life itself.

By the time of the New Testament, the Jewish people had become arrogant and proud in their status as God’s special people. However, Jesus calls himself the “true vine” (John 15:1) to remind the people they are not the source of life and fruitfulness, but he is.

A vine can easily run wild. It needs careful tending of the soil and constant pruning, otherwise it shows barren branches. Jesus' image suggests the intimate bond between vine and branches, the sap flowing, the buds fruiting.

The fruits of our Christian life are the work of God. Each of us can see the life and work of God in others - in ministry, in love, in commitment, courage, endurance, and ordinary daily kindness and compassion. Each of us, too, is gifted in some unique way. We can bear fruit for God in a way nobody else can. The tone of the gospel is different in everyone who spreads it. Prayer helps us recognise the fruits, develop them and offer them in the service of God and God's people.

The Great Vine of Hampton Court,  is now 256 years old and is the largest grape vine in the world. It was planted in 1768 while Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was in charge of the gardens at Hampton Court.

By 1887 it was already 4 foot around the base. It is now 13 foot around the base and the longest branch is 120 foot long. The average crop of black dessert grapes is about 600lbs, however in the autumn of 2001 it was 845 lbs - the best crop ever. What is clear, that no matter how far the branch stretches as long as it is joined to the core root it will bear fruit.

Lord, we would grow with you

New shoots reaching out

Hands stretched upward

Like leaves newly formed 

Soaking up your light and warmth

Lord, we would grow with you

Lord, we would grow with you

In sunshine and rain

In darkness and light

In cold days and summer days

From Springtime to Winter

Lord, we would grow with you

Lord, we would grow with you

And bring forth fruit

That is pleasing to you

Fed by your living water 

Giving sustenance to others

Lord, we would grow with you

Daily Devotions

One of the most characteristic names by which God calls himself in the Old Testament is the “Rock.” This is because the Israelites were traditionally a people of the hills and not of the plains.

They found protection from their enemies among the rocks of the high places.

In the New Testament, it is Jesus who is specifically called the “Rock” (Matthew 7). Ultimately, he alone is solid, immovable, and trustworthy. Eugene Peterson in the Message paraphrase puts it this way, “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.”

Building on rock is difficult, challenging and time-consuming. It may sometimes seem that our prayers are like that! If only we would allow God to take the time to set the solid foundation, to do the slow work of careful measuring as together we built what we gradually realise is something solid and dependable.

Think of coastal erosion, and you can picture a house gradually collapsing because it was built on sand. Foundations are weak. Soon it will disappear altogether. Jesus uses the everyday example of building on rock. The same is true for our decisions and purposes in life. If we build on the rock of finance, reputation, control, we can collapse. Love of God and love of neighbour are the rock of a life that is fully human, fully alive, fully Christ-like.

A sailor was shipwrecked and thrown onto a rock where he clung in great danger until the tide went down. Later a friend asked him, “Jim, didn’t you shake with fear when you were hanging on that rock?” “Yes, but the rock didn’t,”

May we sing with assurance;

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand. Amen 

Daily Devotions

In the Old Testament, God revealed himself as the “fountain of living waters”. This had special significance in a land that was mainly dry and arid. A place where water was scarce and needed, not just for refreshment, but for life itself.

The Hebrew term for "living water" is mayim chaim, which is a biblical phrase that appears in both the Old and New Testaments. The phrase refers to water that comes directly from God and is associated with God's Spirit

In the New Testament, Jesus takes up this name and the associated imagery, and announces himself as the true source of living water, from which all who drink of it will live forever.

When we drink of the living water that is Jesus, we will become conduits of this living water for others. In John 4:10 we find Jesus speaking to the women at the well, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

So, there are two parts to being refreshed by this living water, Jesus the source and we the ones called to drink from this full supply.  

A man is wandering through a desert with bottles of water on his shoulder. He conserves his water careful until it is all gone and then he begins to get thirsty. That thirst gets deeper and deeper until he sees a pump and runs to it. He lifts the handle and pulls it down but all he hears is the sound of metal on metal. 

He starts to panic. Then he sees a tin can at the bottom of the pump and in the tin can is a message. “Dear traveller do not despair there is enough water here, just follow the instructions. Lift the handle of the pump, bring it down and when you hear the sound of metal on metal discouraging you here’s what you do. Under the pump in front of you there is buried under the sand a bottle of water. Do not despair. Pick up the bottle of water pour it into the cylinder and start priming the pump. The moisture will get the system to work. A rush of water will start gushing out of the pump. You can drink all of the water you want, fill all your bottles but do not forget to fill up the bottle again and leave it for the next passerby. 

Warning: you’re going to be tempted, when you see this one bottle of water, to drink it. But you’ll be so thirsty again and so will everyone else who goes by. Empty it out as instructed and you will have all the water you want and so will everybody else going by”

Heavenly Father, we come today thirsty for You and the living water that only You can provide. Help us to set aside the things that don't satisfy our souls. Open and prepare our hearts to encounter You. Amen