26th April 2024.
(Eph 5:1-13).
When the flag is flying over Buckingham Palace in London it’s a very public statement that the King is present with his people.
While thinking about that, it occurred to me that our King Jesus is in residence in our hearts as our “never leave you nor forsake you” Monarch (Heb 13:5). As wonderful as that is to us personally, I wonder if those around us would recognise that He is in residence based on the way we live? If He is within us, that will show on the outside. As Paul says, we are to be “imitators of God” and to “live a life of love, just as Christ loved us”(vv.1-2). As we do, we will display joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).
So let’s fly the flag of His presence…the flag of His grace, righteousness, and love…so that others may see Him through us. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Fly the flag of Christ’s presence to show that the King is in residence in your life.”
….Pastor Ross.
24th April 2024.
(1Sam 17:32-37).
To the Israelites, Goliath looked invincible. But David knew better.
While Goliath may look like a giant and act like a giant, in contrast to the living God he is small. David has a right view of God and therefore a right view of the circumstances. He sees Goliath as one who is defying the armies of the living God (v.26). He confidently appears before Goliath in his shepherd’s clothes, armed with only his staff, five stones, and a sling. His confidence is not in what he has but in who is with him (v.45).
What “Goliath” are you facing right now? What situation? With God all things are small in comparison. Nothing is too big for Him. Charles Wesley reminds us in one of his hymns: “Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, and looks at that alone; laughs at impossibilities, and cries it shall be done.” God is able to deliver you if that’s His desire, and He may do so in ways you don’t expect. Reflect on this SLM:-
“Don’t tell God how big your giants are. Tell your giants how big your God is.”
…Pastor Ross.
22nd April 2024.
(John 16:25-33).
Over the years I have observed that most people tend to view life based on their expectations.
We tend to expect that life should always be happy and pain-free. But that is not what the Bible teaches. For the believer, this world is a place of spiritual development through both good times and bad. Jesus was realistic when He explained what to expect in life. He told His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”(v.33). In facing life’s blessings and bruises, we can have the inner peace that God is orchestrating events according to His sovereign plan.
Christ’s presence in our lives enables us to “take heart” even in the midst of pain. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“In the midst of troubles, peace can be found in Jesus.”
…Pastor Ross.
