Music is such an intrinsic part of Christmas and for celebrations of life. In this, the penultimate of Pam’s devotions for our magazine, she encourages you to ‘refresh your soul…’ with music during December.
Read her full devotion here …
Devotion – August 2022
We are all familiar with the sign that says: TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED!
It means that you need permission to be in the place where you are. It means don’t go there, stay out. There will be consequences for disobeying. Still, we mentally measure up the risk and decide whether it’s better to rely on forgiveness rather than get permission. Human nature is at work. Human nature is aligned with St Paul when he writes in Romans 7:14,15 (NLT) about the struggle we have with God’s Law which clearly points out our sinful nature. So, the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead I do what I hate…
Read Pam’s full devotion here …
Devotion – July 2022
“Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift. That’s why we call it, ‘the Present’ ”.
Interested to find the source of this quote I turned to Mr Google and discovered it is the title of a book of inspirational quotes for kids written by Eleanor Roosevelt.
A little more googling and I found a version by Bill Keane which I liked better to begin our devotion on the Fourth Petition. Bill was the creator of a series of cartoons called The Family Circus, you may already know his work and I intend to research him further.
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present”.
Read Pam’s full devotion about the fourth petition “Give us this day (today) our daily bread” …
Devotion – June, 2022
Give us this day (today) our daily bread
Daily bread is everything we need to support this body and life.
As I write this devotion, there are people who are wondering: where is their daily bread, even where is their God? Floods have left all that they need to support this body and life piled up in muddy, mouldy heaps outside their homes. Homes are washed away or uninhabitable, businesses and livelihoods in ruins. Lives were taken. This is happening all along the east coast of Australia…
Devotion – May 2022
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
It began in the Garden of Eden. You know the story. The devil tested Eve and Adam and they disobeyed. Genesis 3, and following, describes the entry of sin into the world and God’s punishment for sin here on earth and in eternity. God’s will was disobeyed and people were separated from God.
God was not going to let the people of his creation go, for he is a God of love who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). As we journey through the Old Testament stories, we learn of God’s plan for all nations to be saved. He chose faithful men like Noah, Abraham, and Moses to save and lead his chosen people. Nothing worked.
Devotion – April, 2022
Have you ever come across something which seemed very simple and clear only to find, as you continued, it became more intricate and complex? Think of an invitation, a job offer, a dress pattern, a recipe, knitting instructions, even a marriage proposal. They all start very simply, just a few words or a picture to get your focus. Then, WOW, as you proceed further, they open up in a whole new unexpected way.
The Second Petition of the Lord’s Prayer starts very simply as we pray just three words ‘Your Kingdom come’, and this request comes without our praying for it. Here in these words, we ask that it come to each of us.
Devotion – March 2022
The naming of a child is done with much thought. From conception, parents spend time discussing what their longed-for child will be called. They look for names to suit the child which are meaningful, remember cherished relatives or friends, fashionable, even unique in spelling – teachers love these.
God has many names which describe his characteristics and actions. To Abraham, he revealed himself as El Shaddai, God Almighty. Moses asked God what name he should use to affirm his authority to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. I am Jahweh – the Lord, God replied with a name he had not revealed to his covenant people before. God’s name is holy and he wants it kept that way. He has given us only two names which express his being.
Devotion – February 2022
Our Father in Heaven
Apparently, women enjoy spending time in conversation with each other. We have so many opportunities: a phone call, text, or email keep us in touch instantly. Sharing the joys and woes of life with a coffee lightens our day. A card or letter means someone has taken thought and time to share with us.
Prayer, in its simplest form, has been described as a conversation with God. Jesus’ disciples had watched him spending time in prayer, often alone. Perhaps they thought it was something special that had to be learnt. They asked Jesus, “Lord teach us to pray”. Jesus’ reply is recorded in Matthew 6:9–13 and Luke 11:2–4 and is described by Luther as the “most excellent of all prayers”.
Devotion – January 2022
Praise You in the Storm Psalm 34:1 (NLT) I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. It’s the start of a new year, and I don’t know about you, but I am finding myself praying for a better one than the year before. Last year was a difficult one for many. For me and my family it was one of lockdowns, isolation, and sometimes loneliness. There were times throughout …
Devotion – December 2021
Good News and Praise Luke 2:16–20 (NIV) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and …
Devotion – November 2021
Isaiah 30:15b: In quietness and trust is your strength. (NIV) Those who know me well know I am not a fan of quiet. I don’t like being by myself, and if I ever find myself in a situation where I have to be, you will hear music, background television, or simply my voice singing, so there is no silence. I have often wondered what it is I don’t like about silence, and I have never …
Devotion – October 2021
Having three children, there are often disagreements. Cruel words are spoken, feelings (and sometimes bodies) are hurt, and relationships are damaged. These occasions usually occur because of selfish choices. Someone saw something they wanted and so they took it, regardless of whose it was. The cry of “Hey that’s mine!” and “But, I want it!” can often be heard and sometimes a verbal or physical altercation ensues. As adults, we like to think we have a better handle on our selfish behaviour but, in truth, our natural tendency is still to satisfy ourselves first. At its core, this could be sin’s definition. When we focus on ourselves and what we want, we sin. God’s plans and promises are forgotten or ignored, and we go our own way.
Read more …