Devotionals

Good afternoon church family, Today we continue our Lenten journey,and this is the scripture to focus on today in the lectionary: ““Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wallContinue reading “Friday, 5 March 2021 – The Vineyard”

Good morning church family Today we continue our Lenten journey, and this is the scripture to focus on today in the lectionary: “Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the SabbathContinue reading “Thursday, 4 March 2021 – The Carpenter”

Good afternoon church family Today we continue our Lenten journey, in all seasons we should meditate on the scriptures: “But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the LawContinue reading “Tuesday, 2 March 2021 – Sacrifice of Atonement”

Good afternoon church family Today as we continue our Lenten journey and meditate on the following scripture: ““But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees andContinue reading “Friday, 26 February 2021 – I take no pleasure in death”

Good morning church family Today we continue our Lenten journey and meditate on the following scripture: “When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went outContinue reading “Thursday, 25 February 2021 – For such a time as this”

Good morning church family Today as we continue our Lenten journey, let’s meditate on the following scripture: “As the crowds were increasing, He began to say, “This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign,Continue reading “Wednesday, 24 February 2021 – Greatest Wisdom Ever Known”

Good morning church family Today as we continue our Lenten journey, let’s meditate on the following scripture: “Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake hisContinue reading “Tuesday, 23 February 2021 – Shouts of Joy”

Good afternoon Church family As we proceed with Lent today, let’s focus on the following scripture set by the lectionary today, “Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of YourContinue reading “Friday, 19 February 2021 – Condition of the Heart”

Good afternoon Church family We are now officially in the season of Lent, a forty day period in the lead up to Easter. When I was training at Bible College, I was amazed to discover the richContinue reading “Thursday, 18 February 2021 – Lent Season”

Good morning Church family Have you ever wondered why God put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden and then told Adam and Eve not to eat of it? “The LORD GodContinue reading “Wednesday, 17 February 2021 – Good and Evil”

Good morning Church family Today as I was reading Luke 18, the first verse jumped out of me: “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and notContinue reading “Tuesday, 16 February 2021 – Pray at all Times”

Good afternoon Church family For me as we journey through the gospel of John, or Hebrews as we are doing at Bible Study, there is one underlying word that seems to keep coming up. It’s perseverance. IfContinue reading “Friday, 12 February 2021 – Strength to the weary”

Good afternoon Church family Many of you would be familiar with this scripture: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equalityContinue reading “Thursday, 11 February 2021 – Human Form”

Good morning Church family This morning I was looking at the parable of the Sower in Luke. In light of what we have been learning in John, the following verses jumped out at me. “The seed whichContinue reading “Tuesday, 9 February 2021 – Good Soil”

Good morning Church family Last week in my sermon, I spoke about obedience being our greatest weapon. To follow the path set before us by Christ will keep us safe and lead us to live a fulfilledContinue reading “Friday, 5 February 2021 – Our greatest weapon”

Good morning Church family In my quiet time at the moment I am working my way through Luke. It is interesting to see how people respond to Jesus’ ministry particularly when He healed people. Luke 5:26 saysContinue reading “Thursday, 4 February 2021 – Remarkable Things”

Good afternoon Church family One of the things I spoke about on Sunday was that God abides with us. The word abide means a state that is ongoing and never ending. How blessed we are to haveContinue reading “Wednesday, 3 February 2021 – Abide”

Good morning Church family Life can change so drastically sometimes and head in a direction you are least expecting. It can be hard to know firstly what to do and even harder to anticipate the outcome. YetContinue reading “Tuesday, 2 February 2021 – Establish your Plans”

Good morning Church family Isn’t it wonderful to be a part of a Church family! Hebrews 10:24-25 says “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving upContinue reading “Friday, 29 January 2021 – Together”

Good afternoon Church family I thought I might share a little God moment that happened for me this morning. I was having a delightful conversation with some lovely people over at the rest home. We were speakingContinue reading “Thursday, 28 January 2021 – Getting There”

Good afternoon Church family Have you ever sat down and thought about what life was really like for Jesus. We read so many amazing stories, miracles and great parables, that one can often forget that Jesus hadContinue reading “Wednesday, 27 January 2021 – Opposition”

Good afternoon Church family The verse for today in the Bible App is “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what isContinue reading “Tuesday, 26 January 2021 – Destined for Eternity”

Good morning Church family This morning in my quiet time I have been reading the account of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane in Mark 14. Verses 35-36 stood out for me “And He went a littleContinue reading “Friday, 23 January 2021 – Possible”

Good morning Church family This morning I really enjoyed reading Psalm 103, A Psalm David wrote in praise of God’s mercies, would you join me in meditating on it this morning, it is glorious and deeply encouraging.Continue reading “Thursday, 21 January 2021- Psalm 103”

Good afternoon Church family Today reading Mark 6, I was amused to see the people’s astonishment at Jesus’ teaching, added to the disciples astonishment at the miracle of Jesus walking on water right after they had seenContinue reading “Wednesday, 20 January 2021 – Take Courage”

Good afternoon Church family It’s so good to be back in the office this morning and I’m looking forward to catching up with everyone on Sunday! This morning in my quiet time I was reflecting on Jesus’Continue reading “Tuesday, 19 January 2021 – Accept It”

Good morning Church family Christmas is two days away now, we are almost there! So what can we do this advent in final preparation for the day when we reflect on the Hope we have been givenContinue reading “Wednesday, 23 December 2020 – Repent”

Good morning Church family As I was reading scripture during my quiet time this morning I came across this set of verses. ““Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king ofContinue reading “Tuesday, 22 December 2020 – Strong and Courageous”

Good afternoon Church family 1 Corinthians 9:23 says “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” This is how I felt coming to the end of what hasContinue reading “Friday, 18 December 2020 – For the Sake of The Gospel”

Good afternoon Church family A verse we are all familiar with is “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towardContinue reading “Thursday, 17 December2020 – The Blessing”

Good afternoon Church family Don’t you sometimes wish you could have been a fly on the wall on the night Jesus was born! Imagine yourself in the midst of your usual routine, watching the flocks by night,Continue reading “Wednesday, 16 December 2020 – Visit with Jesus”

Good morning Church family Today in 2 Chronicles 15, I was reading about King Asa who ruled over Judah and Benjamin at a time when there was a split in the kingdom of Israel. It seems asContinue reading “Tuesday, 15 December 2020 – Found”

Good afternoon Church family Christmas is a time of wonder, especially for children! They get excited and there is great expectation for what is to come. The children at playgroup are such a joy, everything is newContinue reading “Friday, 11 December 2020 – Bubbles”

Good morning Church family Last night at Bible Study we had some wonderful discussion. We realised how important sharing the gospel is but we also saw that we must do so from within a united church communityContinue reading “Thursday, 10 December 2020 – Growing Together”

Good afternoon Church family Today during my quiet time I was reading Psalm 75 and verse 3 jumped out at me: “When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.”Continue reading “Wednesday, 9 December 2020 – Force Field”

Good afternoon Church family Today one of our sisters helped me to put up the nativity in the church. Seeing those figures made me think what a glorious night it must have been when Jesus was born.Continue reading “Tuesday, 8 December 2020 – The Angel said it best”

Good afternoon Church family In my devotional today I came across this beautiful portion of scripture, “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwardContinue reading “Friday, 4 December 2020 – My Portion Forever”

Good morning Church family Chances are if you have been to the supermarket lately or even to the mall you would have heard Christmas carols playing in the background. Some are contemporary yet others are deeply spiritualContinue reading “Thursday, 3 December 2020 – Carols”

Good afternoon Church family As I was having my quiet time I was struck by the celebration David had when the ark of the covenant, which held the presence of God among the people, was returned fromContinue reading “Tuesday, 1 December 2020 – Shout for Joy”

Psalm 121 – A song of ascents I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – heContinue reading “Wednesday, 25 November 2020 – Song of Ascents”

Good afternoon Church family “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” says Psalms 3:3 NIV. The Lord God is a shield about us, our protector, the oneContinue reading “Friday, 20 November 2020 – Our Shield”

Good afternoon Church family “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 This is such an interesting verse. FirstContinue reading “Thursday, 19 November 2020 – Steadfast Love”

Good morning Church family, The verse for the day in the YouVersion bible app is this: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if heContinue reading “Wednesday, 18 November 2020 – Comfort in Grief”

Good morning Church family, One of the questions we often ask in the hard times is where is God? It can be hard to see Him at work when everything seems dark, yet Psalm 139 v 11-12Continue reading “Tuesday, 17 November 2020 – God is with You”

Good afternoon Church family As a Christian it is really important that we know how God has equipped us. 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power andContinue reading “Friday, 13 November 2020 – Power and Courage”

Good afternoon Church family I found this verse particularly comforting this morning. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go,Continue reading “Thursday, 12 November 2020 – Reassurance on Repeat”

Good afternoon Church family Something that I have realised about God and I am sure you know this too, is that His timing is His. We often wonder when He will act and if He has reallyContinue reading “Wednesday, 11 November 2020 – God’s Timing”

Hi Church family Have you ever wondered how exactly God is at work in the world and in our lives. In my quiet time today I was reading the prophet Zechariah and this verse jumped out forContinue reading “Friday, 6 November 2020 – By my Spirit”

Good morning Church family Last night at Bible study we looked at the pattern of God’s kingdom that emerges throughout the Old Testament. What we discovered is that we are to be God’s people living under God’sContinue reading “Thursday, 5 November 2020 – Pride and Humility”

Good morning Church family, How blessed we are to live in New Zealand, sheltered in many respects from many of the burdens of the world today. In watching the news and seeing a return to lockdown forContinue reading “Wednesday, 4 November 2020 – Habakkuk’s Prayer”

Good morning Church family, 1 Chronicles 16:34 says “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” In fact I think we might have sung this song on Sunday. It is a wonderfulContinue reading “Tuesday, 3 November 2020 – God’s Love”

Hi Church family, One important characteristic that we need to develop and hold onto in our faith journeys is perseverance. Often God’s timing is not necessary our timing. One thing to remember is that God never stopsContinue reading “Friday, 30 October 2020 – Persevere”

Good afternoon Church family, At Bible Study the last few weeks we have been looking at God’s overall story that is seen recorded throughout Scripture. At first reading, it seems like the God of the Old TestamentContinue reading “Thursday, 29 October 2020 – Grace First”

Good morning Church family, Yesterday as I was writing the daily devotional, I noticed something intriguing about Psalm 1:1-3. A reminder of what it says again: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step withContinue reading “Wednesday, 28 October 2020 – Don’t walk with the Wicked”

Good morning Church family, Throughout scripture we see those described as following the Lord and His ways as blessed. Often described as a tree planted in a good spot and bearing fruit. “Blessed is the one whoContinue reading “Tuesday, 27 October 2020 – Trees bearing Fruit”

Good afternoon Church family Throughout history we see times when the people of God humble themselves and give their hearts back to the Lordship of God and begin to living in the wisdom only He can provide.Continue reading “Friday, 23 October 2020 – This is the way”

Good morning Church family This morning as I have been researching what it means to be wise in scripture as part of our series on wisdom, I was amused to find many verses referring to the tongue.Continue reading “Thursday, 22 October 2020 – The Tongue”

Good morning Church family If I was to ask you what is the goal for all of us as disciples of Christ what would you say? As we have been focusing on wisdom, what is the eventualContinue reading “Wednesday, 21 October 2020 – Need Milk”

Good morning Church family Last week we learnt how Jesus is the Wisdom of God and this week I would like to continue on with that theme. So I thought I might share with you a verseContinue reading “Tuesday, 20 October 2020 – Serpents and Doves”

Good morning Church family Jesus is the wisdom of God, we will learn wisdom as we follow Him and discern the will of God. This means we don’t just follow our hearts, we test what we areContinue reading “Friday, 16 October 2020 – Let wisdom guide you”

Good afternoon Church family Today we continue to unpack what wisdom is. Yesterday we learnt that in order to be wise we must follow in the footsteps of Jesus who is the wisdom of God. Ephesians 5:15-17Continue reading “Thursday, 15 October 2020 – Wise people discern God’s will”

Good morning Church Family Let’s begin our quest for wisdom today. Where do we start? 1 Corinthians 1:18 says “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who areContinue reading “Wednesday, 14 October 2020 – Wise people follow Jesus”

Good morning Church Family This morning during my quiet time I was seeking God on what to share next in my devotionals to you and I strongly felt him prompt me to do a series that unpacksContinue reading “Wednesday, 13 October 2020 – Get Wisdom!”

Good morning Church Family Have you ever read the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 and how it came true. God sure does have a sense of humour. You see the King had a problem withContinue reading “Friday, 2 October 2020 – Pride Problem”

Good morning Church Family “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver usContinue reading “Wednesday, 30 September 2020 – In the Fire”

Good afternoon Church Family Today I have been reflecting on costly obedience. Costly obedience is when God asks us to follow and trust in Him in situations we might perhaps struggle to understand the reason behind. SoContinue reading “Tuesday, 29 September 2020 – Costly Obedience”

Good afternoon Church Family James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Today this verseContinue reading “Friday, 25 September 2020 – Powerful and Effective”

Good afternoon Church Family “But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” Psalms 3:3 NASB. Have you ever thought about what stands before you as you face theContinue reading “Thursday, 24 September 2020 – Our Shield”

Good afternoon Church Family At the moment I am working my way through the book of Ezekiel. It is an Old Testament book written by a prophet. As I have read, a trend has emerged, God isContinue reading “Wednesday, 23 September 2020 – God is God”

Good afternoon Church Family Today the verse I want us to focus on is “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you,Continue reading “Tuesday, 22 September 2020 – Blessed are the Persecuted”

Good afternoon Church Family Today I have been thinking about hope. Every human being needs hope to overcome and survive the challenges that life throws at us. So what is hope exactly, what are it’s characteristics andContinue reading “Friday, 18 September 2020 – Hope Needed”

Good morning Church Family Psalm 37:23-24 says “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” AsContinue reading “Thursday, 17 September 2020 – Firm Steps”

Good afternoon Church Family I was just thinking today, boy this has been a tough year! A year none of us expected; none of us knew we would be facing a pandemic alongside the usual ups andContinue reading “Wednesday, 16 September 2020 – Grief into Joy”

Good afternoon Church Family Today I was reading Psalm 34 and verse 7 stood out for me, it says “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” I wonder howContinue reading “Tuesday, 15 September 2020 – Encamping Angel”

Good afternoon Church Family 2 Corinthians 6:18 says “And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”” It’s Father’s Day this Sunday! We are so blessedContinue reading “Friday, 4 September 2020 – Father’s Day”

Hi Church family, One of our church members shared this lovely video on our messenger chat group, it was so good I thought we would use it for our daily devotional today. Here is the link  ApparentlyContinue reading “Thursday, 3 September 2020 Finish the Race”

Good morning Church Family Today in my quiet time I was reading the account in Jeremiah of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. This was due in part to the unfaithfulness of the people of Israel.Continue reading “Wednesday, 2 September 2020 – The Faithful Few”

Good morning Church Family Psalm 29:1-2 says “Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendour ofContinue reading “Tuesday, 1 September 2020 – The Lord’s Holiness”

Good afternoon Church Family Do you know who you are in Christ, are you aware of how special you are to Him? Colossians 3:12 begins with “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved… Have youContinue reading “Friday, 28 August 2020 – Know who you are”