Shedding Light Moments

19th February 2025.
(Gen. 29:16-30);(Romans 5:8).
Have you ever felt insignificant or second best? I’m sure Leah felt that way because Jacob preferred her sister Rachel.
It’s seen in the names she chose for her first three sons (vv.31-35). Rueben means “See, a Son”; Simeon means “Heard”; and Levi means “Attached.” Their names were all plays on words that indicated the lack of love she felt from Jacob. With each son’s birth, she desperately hoped she would move up in Jacob’s affections and earn his love. But slowly Leah’s attitude changed and she named her fourth son Judah, which means “Praise” (v.35). Though she felt unloved by her husband, perhaps she now realised she was greatly loved by God.
We can never “earn” God’s love, because it’s not dependant on what we do. In truth, the Bible tells us that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. See Romans 5:8. In God’s eyes, we are worth the best that heaven could offer—the gift of His precious Son. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Nothing speaks more clearly of God’s love than the cross.”
…Pastor Ross.
17th February 2025.
(2 Cor 3:1-11).
Have you ever thought about the idea that our lives tell a story? In every situation whether good, bad, or indifferent people around us are watching and listening to the story we are telling. Not only through our words but how we respond to life’s buffetings and blessings.
Paul reminds us that as followers of Jesus, our lives are like letters “known and read by all men… a letter from Christ… written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God” (vv.2-3).
What is the story that those around us are reading through the letter of our lives? Stories of forgiveness? Compassion? Generosity? Patience? Love?
If you’ve experienced the joy of a grace filled life that comes from the Spirit of God in you, then welcome to the joy of being one of God’s great storytellers! Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Let your life tell the story of Christ’s love and mercy to the world around you.”
….Pastor Ross.
14th February 2025.
(Isaiah 55:6-13).
There are a lot of things that intrigue me about Jesus. One of the aspects of His ministry that has always produced jaw dropping, head scratching responses is His upside-down teaching about life.
For instance consider these paradoxical propositions: to live you must die (Mark 8:35); to gain you must give (Matt 19:21); “blessed are those who mourn” (Matt 5:4); to rule you must serve (Luke 22:26); and suffering has a purpose (Matt 5:10-11).
It is pronouncements like these that make people think Christ is strangely out of touch. But we are the ones out of touch. He is not upside down; we are! We’re like children who think they know better than their parents what is best.
No wonder God has told us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). So, rather than relying on our mixed-up instincts, let’s ask Him to help us reflect His ways. Consider this SLM:-
“What may seem upside down to us is right-side up to God.”
….Pastor Ross.
12th February 2025.
(James 5:13-18).
James says that “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (v.16).
But does “powerful” and “effective” mean the harder we pray, or the more people we ask to pray, the more likely God is to answer with a yes? Well, we have all had enough “no” and “wait” answers to wonder about that.
Prayer is powerful, but it’s a mystery. We’re taught to have faith, to ask earnestly and boldly, to persevere, to be surrendered to His will. Yet God answers in His wisdom, and His answers are best. I’m just thankful personally that God wants to hear our hearts and that no matter the answer, He is still good.
Someone has well said: “Prayer and helplessness are inseparable. Only those who are helpless can truly pray…Your helplessness is your best prayer.”
We can do helplessness quite well. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Prayer is the child’s helpless cry to the Father’s attentive ear.”
….Pastor Ross. ).
10th February 2025.
(Luke 19:1-10).
Zacchaeus, the tree-climbing tax collector, met Jesus and was changed. He vowed to repay four times the amount of money he had dishonestly taken from others (Luke 19:8). In those days, tax collectors frequently overcharged citizens and then pocketed the extra funds. Zacchaeus’s eagerness to pay back the money and to donate half of what he owned to the poor showed a significant change of heart. He had once been a taker, but after meeting Jesus he was determined to make restoration and be a giver.
Zacchaeus’s example can inspire us to make the same kind of change. When God reminds us about items we have taken, taxes left unpaid, or ways we have wronged others, we can honour Him by making it right. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“A debt is never too old for an honest person to pay.”
…Pastor Ross.
7th February 2025.
(1John 2:5-11).
A Non Christian friend of mine recently asked if being a Christian was about keeping rules or if instead God wanted to be involved in all areas of our life.
Sometimes we make the mistake of viewing the Bible as a list of rules. Certainly obeying God (John 14:21) and spending time with Him is important, but not because we need to be rule-keepers. Jesus and the Father had a loving relationship. When we have a relationship with God, we desire to spend time with Him and obey Him so we can become more like Jesus. John said, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did” (1John 2:6). He’s the example we follow.
When we want to understand how to love, or how to be humble, or how to have faith, or even how to set our priorities, we can look at Jesus and follow His heart. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Jesus calls us to follow Him.”
…Pastor Ross.
5th February 2025.
(Ephesians.6:5-9).
Passion is a key aspect of our personal lives. Our heart attitude toward the Lord is revealed in how we serve Him. The apostle Paul said that our service includes the way we go about our daily work. In Ephesians 6:6-7, we read that we are to approach our work not with eyeservice “but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”
The key words in those verses are “from the heart”. We have a heavenly Father who loves us deeply and sacrificed His Son for us. How can we do anything less than give our very best for Him?
The passion to live for God that comes “from the heart” provides our best response to the One who has done so much for us. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“The love of God motivates us to live for God.”
…Pastor Ross.
3rd February 2025.
(Ephesians 1:15-21).
When people trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour they are endowed with spiritual sight. Yet, at times a “fog” rolls in and our spiritual vision becomes cloudy and unclear. That happens when we neglect our relationship with Him.
In Paul’s fervent prayer for believers’ spiritual sight, we see how important it is to fully appreciate all that God has done and will do for us through Christ. He prayed that the eyes of our understanding would be enlightened that we “may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints”(v 18).
Each believer has been given new eyes to discern spiritual truth. As we keep our hearts tuned to God, He will help us to see with our spiritual eyes all that He has given to us in Christ. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“I once was blind but now I see!”
…Pastor Ross.
31st January 2025.
(Psalm 90:7-17).
In times of crises, our sense of what is truly important in life often comes into clearer focus.
In Psalm 90, “A prayer of Moses,” this man of God looks at life from beginning to end. In light of the brevity of life (vv.4-6) and the realisation of God’s righteous anger (vv.7-11), Moses makes a plea to God for understanding: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (v.12).
Moses continues this Psalm with an appeal to God’s love: “Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love” (vv.13-14). He concludes with a prayer for the future: “May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us” (v.17).
Our numbered days and the brevity of life call us to embrace God’s eternal love and, like Moses, to focus on the most important things. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Our numbered days point us to God’s eternal love.”
…Pastor Ross.
29th January 2025.
(Josh 24:14-18).
We live in an era of time when people seem to be choosing and worshipping different gods.
Celebrities and sporting people are worshipped as gods. I am told that in some online games based on Greek mythology people are asked to “choose your god” as they register for the game. In a game, that choice may be insignificant but in the real world that choice has eternal consequences.
To a generation of Israelites surrounded by the gods of their day, Joshua declared that they must choose their god–but it must not be done in a cavalier way. He set an example as he said, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”. See v.15.
Today, as in the days of Joshua, there are many “gods” from which to choose. But there is only one wise choice–the true God. Joshua made the right choice. “We will serve the Lord.” Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Nothing can fill the emptiness in your heart except God.”
….Pastor Ross.
27th January 2025.
(Matt 23:23-31);(Prov. 20:11).
Sadly, many who profess to be believers don’t “Walk the Talk”.
But according to the writer of Proverbs, conduct is the best indicator of character. If someone says he is a godly person, his words can only be proven by consistent actions (Prov 20:11). This was true of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day as well. He condemned the Pharisees and exposed their sham of professing godliness but denying that profession with sin in their lives (Matt 23:13-36). Appearances and words can be deceiving; behaviour is the best judge of character. This applies to all of us.
As followers of Jesus, we demonstrate our love for Him by what we do, not just by what we say. May our devotion to God, because of His love for us, be revealed in our actions today. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Conduct is the best proof of character.”
…Pastor Ross.
24th January 2025.
(2 Tim 3:14-17).
Karl Elsener’s Swiss Army Knife has made many campers feel well equipped for the wild.
Christians also need something to equip us to survive in this sinful world. God has given us His Word, a kind of spiritual knife for the soul. Paul writes: “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (vv.16-17).
The word translated equipped means “to furnish or fit completely.” How then does the Bible equip or fit us for life’s journey? It provides spiritual truth in doctrine; reproof in showing our imperfections; correction by revealing our sinful failures; and instruction in living a righteous life. There’s not a more valuable tool than God’s Word to make us fully equipped for spiritual survival and personal growth. So reflect on this SLM:-
“The Bible contains the nutrients we need for a healthy soul.”
…Pastor Ross.
22nd January 2025.
(Matt 11:25-30);(Matt 11:29).
When Jesus came to earth, He offered an “easy” and “lighter” yoke compared to the yoke of the religious leaders of His day (v30). They placed “heavy burdens” of laws on the people, which no one could possibly keep (Matt 23:4; Acts 15:10).
God knew we would never be able to measure up to His standards (Rom 3:23), so He sent Jesus to this earth. Jesus obeyed His Father’s commands perfectly and bore the punishment of death for our sins. As we humble ourselves and recognise our need of forgiveness, Jesus comes alongside us. He places His yoke on us, freeing us from guilt and giving us His power to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Are you in need of Jesus’ help? He says, “Come to Me…Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me” (Matt 11:28-29). He longs to put His arm around you. So reflect on this SLM:-
“God’s easy yoke does not fit on stiff necks.”
…Pastor Ross.
20th January 2025.
(John 16:25-33).
Recent weeks seem to have brought with them a tsunami of sorrow. Friends we have loved have slipped unto eternity, their physical presence no longer with us.
John 16:33 tells us, “In this world you will have trouble.” Even God’s children are not promised a life of ease, of prosperity, nor of good health. Yet we are never alone in our trouble. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us that when we pass through deep waters, God is with us. Although we don’t always understand God’s purposes in the trials we experience, we can trust His heart because we know Him.
Our God is a God of abundant love and “neither death nor life nor things present nor things to come will ever separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). When trouble comes, His presence is His promise. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Faith is simply believing that God is present when all we hear is silence.”
…Pastor Ross.
17th January 2025.
(Romans 5:1-8).
The expression “red tape” simply describes the annoying way that bureaucracy prevents things from getting done.
Bureaucratic red tape is almost legendary, but there is one place in the universe where it’s never an issue–the throne of God. In Romans 5:2 Paul speaks of Christ, “through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” When our hearts are broken or our lives are troubled, there is no red tape hindering our access to God. Jesus Christ paved the way so that we can have access to enter boldly into the presence of the King of heaven (Heb 4:16).
Remember, when your heart is hurting, you don’t have to cut through a lot of red tape to present your needs to God. Through Christ, we have full and immediate access. So reflect on this SLM:-
“God’s throne is always accessible to His children.”
…Pastor Ross.
15th January 2025.
(John 21:15-22).
Most of us have at some point attended a children’s choir concert at a school presentation. We are not surprised when the children look everywhere but at the director.
That reminds me that Christians are often like singers in a children’s choir. Instead of looking at Jesus, the great Conductor of the symphony of life, we are busy squirming or looking at each other or watching the audience.
Jesus admonished Peter for such behaviour. After Jesus told him what would be required of him, Peter pointed to John and asked, “What about him?”
Jesus answered with a question: “What is that to you? You must follow Me” (v.22).
Sometimes we are distracted by what others are doing. We think God’s plan for their life is better than His plan for ours. But God’s plan for each of us is the same: Follow Jesus. When we watch Him intently, we’ll not be distracted by God’s plan for anyone else. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Every child of God has a special place in His plan.”
…Pastor Ross.
13th January 2025.
(Psalm 146).
Despite our many pursuits total happiness is an elusive thing and continues to escape our grasp.
Why? In large measure it’s because the things we tend to pursue do not touch the deepest needs of our hearts. Our pursuits may provide moments of enjoyment, distraction, or pleasure, but the cry of our hearts go unheard–the cry for help and hope. That is why the psalmist points us to a better way when he says, “Happy (blessed) is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God (Psa 146:5).
Should we then make it a point to pursue happiness? Yes–if we are seeking the happiness found in the Lord. It is only when we entrust ourselves to God and His care that we can find the true happiness we seek. Our hope and help are found only in trusting Him. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Those who put God first will have happiness that lasts.”
…Pastor Ross.
10th January 2025.
(1John 5:10-15).
While watching the replay of last year’s Rugby League Grand Final between Penrith and Melbourne I couldn’t believe how calm I felt. Undoubtedly it was because I knew the result and didn’t have to be concerned about the ebbs and flows of the game and the twists they can bring.
Life is often like watching live sporting events. There are shocks and surprises, frustrations and fears, because we are unsure of the outcome. But followers of Christ can draw comfort, however, from the fact that though many of life’s situations are uncertain, our eternal outcome is settled by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The apostle John wrote , “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life”(v.13). Life may present us with surprises along the way, but because of Christ’s work we can have peace. He has already settled our eternal outcome. Reflect on this SLM:-
“Peace rules the day when Christ rules the heart.”
…Pastor Ross.
8th January 2025.
(Isa.40:17-31);(Isa.41:10).
In recent days we have seen strong storms leave many people without power to their homes.
Like a storm of nature, a personal tragedy can often leave us feeling powerless and in the dark. During such times, God’s Word assures us of His help: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”(Isa.40:29).
At our lowest point, drained of emotional resources, we can place our hope in the Lord and find our strength in Him. He promises us that, for each new day, “Those who hope (wait) in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (v 31).
God is our spiritual power source in every storm of life. So reflect on this SLM:-
“It takes the storm to prove the real shelter.”
…Pastor Ross.
6th January 2025.
(Hebrews 12:1-4).
When I peer into the night sky and see the star formation of the Southern Cross I am reminded of an even greater cross–the cross of Christ.
When we look at the stars, we see the handiwork of the Creator; but when we look at the cross, we see the Creator dying for His creation. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to “[look] on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The wonder of Calvary’s cross is that while we were still in our sins, our Saviour died for us (Rom 5:8). Those who place their trust in Christ are now reconciled to God, and He, like the sailors of old who used star formations like the Southern Cross for navigational purposes navigates them through life (2 Cor 1:8-10). Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the greatest of all wonders! So reflect on this SLM:-
“Christ’s cross provides the only safe crossing into eternity.”
…Pastor Ross.
3rd January 2025.
(Ephesians 6:10-18);(1 Pet 5:8).
The roaring lion is the legendary “king of the jungle.” But the only lions most of us see are the lethargic felines that reside in zoos.
In their natural habitat, however, lions aren’t always living a laid-back life. They crouch and pounce on their victims using the element of surprise.
Peter used “a roaring lion” as a metaphor for Satan. He is a confident predator, looking for easy prey to devour (1Pet 5:8). In dealing with this adversary, God’s children must be vigilant at putting “on the whole armour of God” and thus they can “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
The Good news is that Satan is a defeated adversary. While he is a powerful foe, those who are protected by salvation, prayer, and the Word of God need not be paralyzed in fear at this roaring lion. We are “kept by the power of God” (1Pet 1:5). James 4:7 assures us: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you”. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“No evil can penetrate the armour of God.”
….Pastor Ross.
1st January 2025.
(Micah 6:3-8).
Many of us make promises to ourselves to mark the beginning of a new year. Perhaps a better approach might be to ask ourselves: “What does the Lord desire of me?”
Through the prophet Micah, God has revealed that He wants us to do what is right, to be merciful, and to walk humbly with Him (Mic 6:8). All of these things relate to soul improvement rather than self improvement.
Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on our own strength. The Holy Spirit has the power to help us as believers in our spiritual growth. God’s Word says He is able to “strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (Eph 3:16).
So as we begin a new year, let’s resolve to be more Christlike. The Spirit will help us as we seek to walk humbly with God. So reflect on this SLM:-
“He who has the Holy Spirit as a resource has already won the victory.”
…Pastor Ross.