14th May 2025.
(John 8:12-20).
Sir Christopher Wren designed and built more than fifty church buildings in London during the late 1600s. Wren preferred clear glass windows as opposed to the stained glass so popular in the churches of that era. Wren stated that “God’s greatest gift to man was light.” Allowing light to bathe people as they worshipped was, to Wren, a celebration of that gift.
In the Genesis account, on the first day of creation God made light (1:3). The light God created is more than just a means by which to see. It’s a picture of what Christ brought when He entered this darkened world. In John 8:12 our Lord said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” To the follower of Christ, light is one the great reminders of the character of our Saviour and the quality of the life He has given us through His sacrifice on the cross.
Wren was right. God’s greatest gift to man is light–Jesus Christ, the Light of the world! So reflect on this SLM:-
“Jesus came to give light to a dark world.”
…Pastor Ross.
(John 8:12-20).
Sir Christopher Wren designed and built more than fifty church buildings in London during the late 1600s. Wren preferred clear glass windows as opposed to the stained glass so popular in the churches of that era. Wren stated that “God’s greatest gift to man was light.” Allowing light to bathe people as they worshipped was, to Wren, a celebration of that gift.
In the Genesis account, on the first day of creation God made light (1:3). The light God created is more than just a means by which to see. It’s a picture of what Christ brought when He entered this darkened world. In John 8:12 our Lord said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” To the follower of Christ, light is one the great reminders of the character of our Saviour and the quality of the life He has given us through His sacrifice on the cross.
Wren was right. God’s greatest gift to man is light–Jesus Christ, the Light of the world! So reflect on this SLM:-
“Jesus came to give light to a dark world.”
…Pastor Ross.
12th May 2025.
(Acts 12:1-11).
Many of us make decisions based on the odds.
Acts 12:1-6 describes a situation in which Peter’s odds of survival were very low. He was in prison, “bound with two chains between two soldiers and sentries stood guard at the door” (v.6). His fate undoubtedly was nothing short of bad (vv.1-3). A gambler would not have put any money on Peter getting out of this alive.
Yet God’s plan for Peter included a miraculous deliverance that even those who were interceding for him found hard to believe (vv.13-16). They were astonished when he showed up at their prayer meeting.
God can operate outside the odds because He is all powerful. Nothing is too hard for Him. The One who loves us and gave himself for us is in charge of our lives. In ordinary circumstances and impossible situations, God can reveal His power. Whether we are showered with success or sustained in sorrow, He is with us. So reflect on this SLM:-
“God is always in control behind the scenes.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Acts 12:1-11).
Many of us make decisions based on the odds.
Acts 12:1-6 describes a situation in which Peter’s odds of survival were very low. He was in prison, “bound with two chains between two soldiers and sentries stood guard at the door” (v.6). His fate undoubtedly was nothing short of bad (vv.1-3). A gambler would not have put any money on Peter getting out of this alive.
Yet God’s plan for Peter included a miraculous deliverance that even those who were interceding for him found hard to believe (vv.13-16). They were astonished when he showed up at their prayer meeting.
God can operate outside the odds because He is all powerful. Nothing is too hard for Him. The One who loves us and gave himself for us is in charge of our lives. In ordinary circumstances and impossible situations, God can reveal His power. Whether we are showered with success or sustained in sorrow, He is with us. So reflect on this SLM:-
“God is always in control behind the scenes.”
…Pastor Ross.
9th May 2025.
(Gen 40:1-14, 23).
In life many of us feel trapped and alone, set aside either by fair or unfair circumstances. Sometimes we even experience what the Old Testament character Joseph did: people failing to remember us when there’s every reason they should.
Genesis 40 describes Joseph’s experiences when he was trapped in prison. The cupbearer had been freed and returned to the king’s service, just as Joseph told him would happen (vv.9-13). Joseph had asked to be mentioned to Pharaoh, but the cupbearer forgot him (vv.14, 23).
We may feel forgotten. Yet, like Joseph, we are not (42:9-13). Jesus sits at the right hand of God, and our prayers reach the throne of the King without fail because our Saviour is our Mediator. When we feel alone, let’s remember to rest in the confidence of Jesus’ promise to be with us forever (Matt 23:20). So reflect on this SLM:-
“Jesus never abandons or forgets His own.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Gen 40:1-14, 23).
In life many of us feel trapped and alone, set aside either by fair or unfair circumstances. Sometimes we even experience what the Old Testament character Joseph did: people failing to remember us when there’s every reason they should.
Genesis 40 describes Joseph’s experiences when he was trapped in prison. The cupbearer had been freed and returned to the king’s service, just as Joseph told him would happen (vv.9-13). Joseph had asked to be mentioned to Pharaoh, but the cupbearer forgot him (vv.14, 23).
We may feel forgotten. Yet, like Joseph, we are not (42:9-13). Jesus sits at the right hand of God, and our prayers reach the throne of the King without fail because our Saviour is our Mediator. When we feel alone, let’s remember to rest in the confidence of Jesus’ promise to be with us forever (Matt 23:20). So reflect on this SLM:-
“Jesus never abandons or forgets His own.”
…Pastor Ross.
7th May 2025.
(Col 3:12-17).
Sometimes it doesn’t hurt us to upgrade and tidy up the way we look and dress a little bit.
Scripture often calls us to “put on” attitudes and actions that match our identity in Christ. Sometimes we are known by the clothes we wear; but we can make Jesus known by wearing attitudes and actions that reveal His presence in our lives. The apostle Paul advised us to set the fashion standard by modelling the wardrobe of Jesus’ compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and of course forgiveness (v.12-13). And he added, “And over all these virtues put on love…And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” See verses 14-15.
Clothing ourselves in Jesus’ likeness begins with spending time with Him. If you hear Him say, “You can’t go out like that!” let Him lovingly help you change so He can clothe you with His likeness. It’s always an upgrade!…So reflect on this SLM:-
“Clothing ourselves with Jesus’ attitudes and actions shows His presence in our lives.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Col 3:12-17).
Sometimes it doesn’t hurt us to upgrade and tidy up the way we look and dress a little bit.
Scripture often calls us to “put on” attitudes and actions that match our identity in Christ. Sometimes we are known by the clothes we wear; but we can make Jesus known by wearing attitudes and actions that reveal His presence in our lives. The apostle Paul advised us to set the fashion standard by modelling the wardrobe of Jesus’ compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and of course forgiveness (v.12-13). And he added, “And over all these virtues put on love…And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” See verses 14-15.
Clothing ourselves in Jesus’ likeness begins with spending time with Him. If you hear Him say, “You can’t go out like that!” let Him lovingly help you change so He can clothe you with His likeness. It’s always an upgrade!…So reflect on this SLM:-
“Clothing ourselves with Jesus’ attitudes and actions shows His presence in our lives.”
…Pastor Ross.
5th May 2025.
(Heb 10:19-39).
When our world is rocked by tragic events and the fires of evil acts, we long for the day when evil will finally be destroyed and God will bring history to a close and finally establish His kingdom. Until that time, however, the Lord gives us His grace to live purposeful lives of faith as we await His coming. In Hebrews 10 we are urged to draw near to God with sincere hearts (v.22); hold fast or unswervingly to the hope we possess (v.23); spur each other on to love and good works (v.24); and not give up meeting together for encouragement “and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (v.25).
Until the time God puts out the fires of evil forever, He gives us His grace and strength to endure the trials of life as we look forward to His return. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Jesus is coming–perhaps today”
…Pastor Ross.
(Heb 10:19-39).
When our world is rocked by tragic events and the fires of evil acts, we long for the day when evil will finally be destroyed and God will bring history to a close and finally establish His kingdom. Until that time, however, the Lord gives us His grace to live purposeful lives of faith as we await His coming. In Hebrews 10 we are urged to draw near to God with sincere hearts (v.22); hold fast or unswervingly to the hope we possess (v.23); spur each other on to love and good works (v.24); and not give up meeting together for encouragement “and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (v.25).
Until the time God puts out the fires of evil forever, He gives us His grace and strength to endure the trials of life as we look forward to His return. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Jesus is coming–perhaps today”
…Pastor Ross.
2nd May 2025.
(Heb.6:13-20).
Sometimes in high winds and choppy seas boats come adrift from their moorings because their anchor doesn’t hold.
When it comes to our salvation, our hope is anchored in the promise of God and the work of Jesus Christ. The winds and waves of doubt, discouragement, and spiritual attack by Satan can cause us to think that we are adrift and that salvation from God is not secure. Not so! God has given His promise that our salvation is sure, and He cannot lie (vv.18-19). Our hope is securely fastened in Jesus Christ who redeemed us once and for all when He died, rose again, and ascended to heaven.
Our anchor is the Rock unmovable who is Jesus Christ. His limitless love holds us sure and steadfast. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Our anchor is the Rock, Jesus Christ who cannot be moved”
…Pastor Ross.
(Heb.6:13-20).
Sometimes in high winds and choppy seas boats come adrift from their moorings because their anchor doesn’t hold.
When it comes to our salvation, our hope is anchored in the promise of God and the work of Jesus Christ. The winds and waves of doubt, discouragement, and spiritual attack by Satan can cause us to think that we are adrift and that salvation from God is not secure. Not so! God has given His promise that our salvation is sure, and He cannot lie (vv.18-19). Our hope is securely fastened in Jesus Christ who redeemed us once and for all when He died, rose again, and ascended to heaven.
Our anchor is the Rock unmovable who is Jesus Christ. His limitless love holds us sure and steadfast. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Our anchor is the Rock, Jesus Christ who cannot be moved”
…Pastor Ross.