27th April 2026.
Deuteronomy 32:7-12
As parents, we have all had those moments when we hovered over our children anxiously but ultimately realised that the Lord is the perfect parent who nurtures His children, comforting us in difficult times.
In the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord reminded His people how, when they were wandering in the desert, He cared for them as a loving parent who hovers over its young. He never left them, but was like an eagle “that spreads its wings” to catch its children and “carries them aloft” (v.11). He wanted them to remember that although they experienced hardship and strife in the desert, He didn’t abandon them.
We too may face challenges of many kinds, but we can take comfort and courage in this reminder that our God will never leave us. When we feel that we are falling, the Lord like an eagle will spread His wings to catch us (v.11) as He brings us peace. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Our God hovers over us in love.”
…Pastor Ross.
Deuteronomy 32:7-12
As parents, we have all had those moments when we hovered over our children anxiously but ultimately realised that the Lord is the perfect parent who nurtures His children, comforting us in difficult times.
In the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord reminded His people how, when they were wandering in the desert, He cared for them as a loving parent who hovers over its young. He never left them, but was like an eagle “that spreads its wings” to catch its children and “carries them aloft” (v.11). He wanted them to remember that although they experienced hardship and strife in the desert, He didn’t abandon them.
We too may face challenges of many kinds, but we can take comfort and courage in this reminder that our God will never leave us. When we feel that we are falling, the Lord like an eagle will spread His wings to catch us (v.11) as He brings us peace. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Our God hovers over us in love.”
…Pastor Ross.
24th April 2026.
John 20:24-29
God has a way of bringing good out of difficult circumstances that are not easy to see at the time.
The apostle Thomas, it seems, didn’t expect God to bring good out of the greatest challenge of his faith–Jesus’ crucifixion. Thomas wasn’t with the other disciples when Jesus came to them after the resurrection, and in his deep grief he insisted, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were…I will not believe”. See verse 25. But later when Jesus appeared to all the disciples together, out of the dust of Thomas’ doubts God’s Spirit would inspire a striking statement of faith. When Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!” (v.28), he was grasping the truth that Jesus was actually God in the flesh, standing right in front of him. It was a bold confession of faith that would encourage and inspire believers in every century that followed.
Our God is able to inspire fresh faith in our hearts, even in moments when we least expect it. We can always look forward to His faithfulness. Nothing is too hard for Him! So reflect on this SLM:-
“God can change our doubts into bold statements of faith.”
…Pastor Ross.
John 20:24-29
God has a way of bringing good out of difficult circumstances that are not easy to see at the time.
The apostle Thomas, it seems, didn’t expect God to bring good out of the greatest challenge of his faith–Jesus’ crucifixion. Thomas wasn’t with the other disciples when Jesus came to them after the resurrection, and in his deep grief he insisted, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were…I will not believe”. See verse 25. But later when Jesus appeared to all the disciples together, out of the dust of Thomas’ doubts God’s Spirit would inspire a striking statement of faith. When Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!” (v.28), he was grasping the truth that Jesus was actually God in the flesh, standing right in front of him. It was a bold confession of faith that would encourage and inspire believers in every century that followed.
Our God is able to inspire fresh faith in our hearts, even in moments when we least expect it. We can always look forward to His faithfulness. Nothing is too hard for Him! So reflect on this SLM:-
“God can change our doubts into bold statements of faith.”
…Pastor Ross.
22nd April 2026.
Colossians 4:7-18
Back in the 1950s and 60s actresses Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Wood, and Deborah Kerr thrilled viewers with their compelling musical performances. Their singing successes however were actually due in large part to Marni Nixon who dubbed their voices and went without any real recognition for a long time.
In the body of Christ there are often people that faithfully support others who take a more public role. The apostle Paul depended on exactly that kind of person in his ministry. Tertius’ work as a scribe gave Paul his powerful written voice (Rom 16:22). Epaphras’ very consistent behind the scenes prayers were an essential foundation for Paul and the early church (vv.12-13). Lydia generously opened her home when the weary apostle needed rest (Acts 16:15). Paul’s work could not have been possible without the support he received from these fellow servants in Christ (vv.7-18).
We may not always have highly visible roles, yet we know that God is pleased when we obediently play our essential part in His plan. When we “give [ourselves] fully to the work of the Lord” (1Cor 15:5), we will find value and meaning in our service as it brings glory to God and draws others to Him (Matt 5:16). So reflect on this SLM:-
“The secret of true service is absolute faithfulness wherever God places you.”
…Pastor Ross.
Colossians 4:7-18
Back in the 1950s and 60s actresses Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Wood, and Deborah Kerr thrilled viewers with their compelling musical performances. Their singing successes however were actually due in large part to Marni Nixon who dubbed their voices and went without any real recognition for a long time.
In the body of Christ there are often people that faithfully support others who take a more public role. The apostle Paul depended on exactly that kind of person in his ministry. Tertius’ work as a scribe gave Paul his powerful written voice (Rom 16:22). Epaphras’ very consistent behind the scenes prayers were an essential foundation for Paul and the early church (vv.12-13). Lydia generously opened her home when the weary apostle needed rest (Acts 16:15). Paul’s work could not have been possible without the support he received from these fellow servants in Christ (vv.7-18).
We may not always have highly visible roles, yet we know that God is pleased when we obediently play our essential part in His plan. When we “give [ourselves] fully to the work of the Lord” (1Cor 15:5), we will find value and meaning in our service as it brings glory to God and draws others to Him (Matt 5:16). So reflect on this SLM:-
“The secret of true service is absolute faithfulness wherever God places you.”
…Pastor Ross.
20th April 2026.
2 Samuel 22:17-20
Life savers do a wonderful job in keeping swimmers safe.
After experiencing God’s aid in battle against the Philistines (vv.15-22), David likens his rescue to being drawn out of “deep waters”. See verse 17. David’s very life and that of his men was in serious danger from his enemies. God buoyed David as he was drowning in disaster. While lifesavers are there to ensure the safety of swimmers, God, on the other hand, saved David because of His delight in him (v.20). My heart leaps for joy when I realise that God doesn’t watch over me and protect me because He’s obliged to but because He wants to.
When we feel overcome by the troubles of life, we can rest in the knowledge that God, our Lifesaver, sees our struggle and, because of His delight in us, watches over us and protects us, particularly in the spiritual realm. So reflect on this SLM:-
“God delights in saving His children.”
…Pastor Ross.
2 Samuel 22:17-20
Life savers do a wonderful job in keeping swimmers safe.
After experiencing God’s aid in battle against the Philistines (vv.15-22), David likens his rescue to being drawn out of “deep waters”. See verse 17. David’s very life and that of his men was in serious danger from his enemies. God buoyed David as he was drowning in disaster. While lifesavers are there to ensure the safety of swimmers, God, on the other hand, saved David because of His delight in him (v.20). My heart leaps for joy when I realise that God doesn’t watch over me and protect me because He’s obliged to but because He wants to.
When we feel overcome by the troubles of life, we can rest in the knowledge that God, our Lifesaver, sees our struggle and, because of His delight in us, watches over us and protects us, particularly in the spiritual realm. So reflect on this SLM:-
“God delights in saving His children.”
…Pastor Ross.
17th April 2026.
Psalm 37:1-6;37:23-27
I think it was gospel singer Guy Penrod who said “It’s not how far you’ve travelled; it’s what you’ve brought back.”
Psalm 37 could be considered David’s list of what he “brought back” from his journey of life, from shepherd to soldier and king. The Psalm is a series of couplets that contrast the wicked with the righteous, and affirming those who trust the Lord.
“Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong for like the grass they will soon wither” (vv.1-2).
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (vv.23-24).
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread” (v 25).
From our experiences in life, what has God taught us? How have we experienced His faithfulness and love? In what ways has the Lord’s love shaped our lives?
It’s not how far we’ve travelled in life, but what we’ve brought back that counts. So reflect on this SLM:-
“As the years add up, God’s faithfulness keeps multiplying.”
…Pastor Ross.
Psalm 37:1-6;37:23-27
I think it was gospel singer Guy Penrod who said “It’s not how far you’ve travelled; it’s what you’ve brought back.”
Psalm 37 could be considered David’s list of what he “brought back” from his journey of life, from shepherd to soldier and king. The Psalm is a series of couplets that contrast the wicked with the righteous, and affirming those who trust the Lord.
“Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong for like the grass they will soon wither” (vv.1-2).
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (vv.23-24).
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread” (v 25).
From our experiences in life, what has God taught us? How have we experienced His faithfulness and love? In what ways has the Lord’s love shaped our lives?
It’s not how far we’ve travelled in life, but what we’ve brought back that counts. So reflect on this SLM:-
“As the years add up, God’s faithfulness keeps multiplying.”
…Pastor Ross.
15th April 2026.
Psalm 119:33-40.
It is my firm belief that if we spent just fifteen minutes a day reading God’s Word, we could say with the psalmist, “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word” (vv.36-37).
Fifteen minutes a day adds up to ninety-one hours a year. But for whatever amount of time we decide to read the Bible each day, consistency is the secret and the key ingredient is not perfection but persistence. If we miss a day or a week, we can start reading again. As the Holy Spirit teaches us, God’s Word moves from our minds to our hearts, then to our hands and feet–taking us beyond education to transformation.
“Teach me, O Lord to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end” (v.33). So reflect on this SLM:-
“The Bible is the only Book whose Author is always present when it is read.”
…Pastor Ross.
Psalm 119:33-40.
It is my firm belief that if we spent just fifteen minutes a day reading God’s Word, we could say with the psalmist, “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word” (vv.36-37).
Fifteen minutes a day adds up to ninety-one hours a year. But for whatever amount of time we decide to read the Bible each day, consistency is the secret and the key ingredient is not perfection but persistence. If we miss a day or a week, we can start reading again. As the Holy Spirit teaches us, God’s Word moves from our minds to our hearts, then to our hands and feet–taking us beyond education to transformation.
“Teach me, O Lord to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end” (v.33). So reflect on this SLM:-
“The Bible is the only Book whose Author is always present when it is read.”
…Pastor Ross.
13th April 2026.
(1Chronicles 28:9-20)
I’m told that whitewater rafting is a white knuckle experience as the guide in the back of the raft takes you through one set of rapids after another.
Transitions in our lives can be like whitewater experiences. The inevitable leaps from one season of life to the next, school to career, new jobs, leaving home to marry, career to retirement, youth to old age are all marked by uncertainty and insecurity.
In one of the most significant transitions recorded in Old Testament history, Solomon assumed the throne from his father David. I’m sure he was filled with uncertainty about the future. His father’s advice? “Be strong and courageous, and do the work…For the Lord God, my God, is with you” (v.20).
We’ll have our fair share of tough transitions in life. But with God in our raft we’re not alone. Keeping our eyes on the One who is navigating the rapids brings joy and security. He’s taken lots of others through before. So reflect on this SLM:-
“God guides us through the rapids of change.”
…Pastor Ross.
(1Chronicles 28:9-20)
I’m told that whitewater rafting is a white knuckle experience as the guide in the back of the raft takes you through one set of rapids after another.
Transitions in our lives can be like whitewater experiences. The inevitable leaps from one season of life to the next, school to career, new jobs, leaving home to marry, career to retirement, youth to old age are all marked by uncertainty and insecurity.
In one of the most significant transitions recorded in Old Testament history, Solomon assumed the throne from his father David. I’m sure he was filled with uncertainty about the future. His father’s advice? “Be strong and courageous, and do the work…For the Lord God, my God, is with you” (v.20).
We’ll have our fair share of tough transitions in life. But with God in our raft we’re not alone. Keeping our eyes on the One who is navigating the rapids brings joy and security. He’s taken lots of others through before. So reflect on this SLM:-
“God guides us through the rapids of change.”
…Pastor Ross.
10th April 2026.
(1 Corinthians 10:1-13).
Certain road signs are strategically placed to warn us of the wrong way.
Just so God’s Word cautions us to stay away from the “wrong road” of sin and temptation: “Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way” (Prov 4:15). But Scripture doesn’t just say “leave it if you can.” It offers assurance and tells us where to turn: “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (v. 13).
The promise that God will not allow us to be tempted above our ability to withstand is an encouraging reminder. When we turn to God in the moments when temptation comes, we know He is more than willing to help us stay away.
The Bible affirms that Jesus is able “to empathise with our weaknesses.” But He was “tempted in every way, just as we are–yet he did not sin” (Heb 4:15). Jesus knows the way out of every temptation. He will show us as we run to Him! So reflect on this SLM:-
“God promises to help us when we are tempted.”
…Pastor Ross.
(1 Corinthians 10:1-13).
Certain road signs are strategically placed to warn us of the wrong way.
Just so God’s Word cautions us to stay away from the “wrong road” of sin and temptation: “Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way” (Prov 4:15). But Scripture doesn’t just say “leave it if you can.” It offers assurance and tells us where to turn: “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (v. 13).
The promise that God will not allow us to be tempted above our ability to withstand is an encouraging reminder. When we turn to God in the moments when temptation comes, we know He is more than willing to help us stay away.
The Bible affirms that Jesus is able “to empathise with our weaknesses.” But He was “tempted in every way, just as we are–yet he did not sin” (Heb 4:15). Jesus knows the way out of every temptation. He will show us as we run to Him! So reflect on this SLM:-
“God promises to help us when we are tempted.”
…Pastor Ross.
8th April 2026.
(Acts 17:22-32).
When the apostle Paul stood before the people of Athens, he let them know that he knew their culture. He told them that he had noticed their altar to “an unknown god,” and he quoted one of their poets. Of course, not everyone believed Paul’s message about Jesus’ resurrection, but some said, “We want to hear you again on this subject”(v.32).
As we interact with others about Jesus and the salvation He offers, the lessons of Scripture show us to invest ourselves in others–to learn their language, as it were–as a way to open the door to telling them the good news. See also 1Cor 9:20-23.
As we find out the “lingo” in others lives, it will be easier to share what God has done in ours. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Before you tell others about Christ, let them see how much you care.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Acts 17:22-32).
When the apostle Paul stood before the people of Athens, he let them know that he knew their culture. He told them that he had noticed their altar to “an unknown god,” and he quoted one of their poets. Of course, not everyone believed Paul’s message about Jesus’ resurrection, but some said, “We want to hear you again on this subject”(v.32).
As we interact with others about Jesus and the salvation He offers, the lessons of Scripture show us to invest ourselves in others–to learn their language, as it were–as a way to open the door to telling them the good news. See also 1Cor 9:20-23.
As we find out the “lingo” in others lives, it will be easier to share what God has done in ours. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Before you tell others about Christ, let them see how much you care.”
…Pastor Ross.
6th April 2026.
(Psalm 22:1-10).
In our prison systems solitary confinement is considered our harshest of punishments. This is because we are intended to live and relate in relationships and community, not in isolation.
Isolation is the agony Christ suffered when His eternal relationship with the Father was broken on the cross. We hear this in His cry captured in Matt 27:46: “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? (which means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).” As He suffered and died under the burden of our sins, Christ was suddenly alone, forsaken, isolated, cut off from His relationship with the Father. Yet His suffering in isolation secured for us the promise of the Father: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb 13:5).
Christ endured the agony of the cross for us so that we would never be alone or abandoned by our God. EVER. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Those who know Jesus are never alone.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Psalm 22:1-10).
In our prison systems solitary confinement is considered our harshest of punishments. This is because we are intended to live and relate in relationships and community, not in isolation.
Isolation is the agony Christ suffered when His eternal relationship with the Father was broken on the cross. We hear this in His cry captured in Matt 27:46: “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? (which means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).” As He suffered and died under the burden of our sins, Christ was suddenly alone, forsaken, isolated, cut off from His relationship with the Father. Yet His suffering in isolation secured for us the promise of the Father: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb 13:5).
Christ endured the agony of the cross for us so that we would never be alone or abandoned by our God. EVER. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Those who know Jesus are never alone.”
…Pastor Ross.
3rd April 2026.
(Mark 14:32-39).
On the night before His death, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives overlooking the city of Jerusalem. There, in the garden called Gethsemane, He prayed to the Father, knowing what lay ahead of Him.
The word Gethsemane means “place of the olive press”– and that perfectly describes those first crushing hours of Christ’s suffering on our behalf. There, “in anguish, he prayed…and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Lk 22:44).
Jesus the Son suffered and died to take away “the sin of the world” (John 1:29) and restore our broken relationship with God the Father. “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering…He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa 53:4-5).
Our hearts cry out in worship and gratitude. So reflect on this SLM :-
” Gone my transgressions, and now I am free–all because Jesus was wounded for me” (W.G. Ovens).
…Pastor Ross.
(Mark 14:32-39).
On the night before His death, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives overlooking the city of Jerusalem. There, in the garden called Gethsemane, He prayed to the Father, knowing what lay ahead of Him.
The word Gethsemane means “place of the olive press”– and that perfectly describes those first crushing hours of Christ’s suffering on our behalf. There, “in anguish, he prayed…and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Lk 22:44).
Jesus the Son suffered and died to take away “the sin of the world” (John 1:29) and restore our broken relationship with God the Father. “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering…He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa 53:4-5).
Our hearts cry out in worship and gratitude. So reflect on this SLM :-
” Gone my transgressions, and now I am free–all because Jesus was wounded for me” (W.G. Ovens).
…Pastor Ross.
1st April 2026.
(Luke 23:32-34).
Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith, with our Saviour extending forgiveness even when He was dying on the cross. Jesus loved those who nailed Him there, uttering a prayer asking His Father to forgive them. He didn’t hang on to bitterness or anger, but showed grace and love to those who had wronged Him.
This Easter is a fitting time to consider before the Lord any people we might need to forgive as we follow Jesus’ example in extending His love to those who hurt us. When we ask God through His Spirit to help us forgive, He will come to our aid-even if we take what we think is a long time to forgive. When we do, we are freed from the prison of unforgiveness. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Even on the cross, Jesus forgave those who hurt Him.”
….Pastor Ross.
(Luke 23:32-34).
Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith, with our Saviour extending forgiveness even when He was dying on the cross. Jesus loved those who nailed Him there, uttering a prayer asking His Father to forgive them. He didn’t hang on to bitterness or anger, but showed grace and love to those who had wronged Him.
This Easter is a fitting time to consider before the Lord any people we might need to forgive as we follow Jesus’ example in extending His love to those who hurt us. When we ask God through His Spirit to help us forgive, He will come to our aid-even if we take what we think is a long time to forgive. When we do, we are freed from the prison of unforgiveness. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Even on the cross, Jesus forgave those who hurt Him.”
….Pastor Ross.