Devotion – November 2024

Conversations: Jesus and … Mary and Martha when Lazarus died Please read John 11:17–44. An account which is rich with emotional depth and powerful conversations with Jesus. Mary and Martha’s grief: Picture: the sorrow and grief of Mary and Martha as they mourn the loss of their brother and feel their desperation as they express their pain to Jesus. Personal Reflection: Do I bring my pain and sorrow of grief and loss to Jesus, trusting …

Devotion – October 2024

Conversations: Jesus and … Jairus In Mark 5:21–24, 35–43 we read an account of a person’s deep faith, desperation, and the compassionate nature of Jesus. Jairus, a synagogue leader, approaches Jesus in desperation, pleading for the healing of his dying daughter (20 words). Jesus responds with compassion and reassurance, ultimately raising the girl from death to life (23 words). A dialogue of few words. Desperation: Recall moments in your life when you felt utterly helpless, …

Devotion – September 2024

Conversations: Jesus and … The Paralysed Man Read: Mark 2:1–12. This account is also recorded in Matthew 9:1–8 and Luke 5:17–26. Visualise the scene: A crowded house in Jesus’ hometown, Capernaum, including the Pharisees and teachers of the law from every town in Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. As we read the account of Jesus healing the paralysed man in Mark, we are drawn into the depth of faith, the power of Jesus’ words, …

Devotion – August 2024

Conversations: Jesus and … A Rich Young Man “What must I DO to …?” Have you ever found yourself asking this question of an “expert” in relation to achieving an improved outcome in a particular area of your life? Maybe: a doctor and your health, a teacher and your child’s progress at school, a financial advisor and your retirement, or a pastor and your relationship with Jesus. During your inquiry, you may have found yourself …

Devotion – March 2024

Curiosity and an inquiring mind are triggers for gaining further information and knowledge about a particular topic. Recall a time when you carried out some research to become more deeply informed. Was it when buying a product, to obtain accurate facts, or just to enrich some prior understanding with a thirst for further knowledge?

What source of expertise did you use? A person, a book or “Mr Google”?
Read Margaret’s full devotion …

Devotion, February 2024

A Drink of Water and a Conversation with Jesus No doubt you have been asked to provide someone with a drink of water. Recall a situation. Who was the person: a child, an adult, a visitor, someone visited, a stranger? When and/or where did this request occur? Did an extended conversation follow? Read John 4:5–42 Here is a conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman. This conversation is more than a mere exchange of words. …