3rd September 2025.
(Matt 20:29-34).
As you study the life of Jesus you find that He often interrupted His schedule to minister to people He met along the way. In Matthew 20:29-34 we read that He stopped and healed two blind men who called for help, ignoring the crowd that tried to keep the two quiet. On another occasion, Jesus rebuked His disciples for keeping little children away from Him (Luke 18:15-17).
Author Henri Nouwen mirrored this sense of service. For the last ten years of his life he ministered at a home for the seriously disabled, taking two hours every morning to bathe, shave, dress, and feed a profoundly disabled man.
Serving a man incapable of responding may seem inefficient to us. But when we look at the example Jesus set, we learn that love and service are never a waste of time!…So reflect on this SLM:-
“Serve God by serving others.” …Pastor Ross.
(Matt 20:29-34).
As you study the life of Jesus you find that He often interrupted His schedule to minister to people He met along the way. In Matthew 20:29-34 we read that He stopped and healed two blind men who called for help, ignoring the crowd that tried to keep the two quiet. On another occasion, Jesus rebuked His disciples for keeping little children away from Him (Luke 18:15-17).
Author Henri Nouwen mirrored this sense of service. For the last ten years of his life he ministered at a home for the seriously disabled, taking two hours every morning to bathe, shave, dress, and feed a profoundly disabled man.
Serving a man incapable of responding may seem inefficient to us. But when we look at the example Jesus set, we learn that love and service are never a waste of time!…So reflect on this SLM:-
“Serve God by serving others.” …Pastor Ross.
1st September 2025.
(Luke 15:11-24).
No one fully understands the struggle we have with prodigals better than our heavenly Father. The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 is our story and God’s. Jesus told it on behalf of all sinners who so desperately need to come home to their Creator and discover the warmth of a loving relationship with Him.
Jesus is God in the flesh seeing us in the distance and looking on us with compassion and He is God running to us and throwing His arms around us. He is heaven’s kiss welcoming the repentant sinner home (v.20).
God hasn’t just left the porch light on for us. He’s out on the front porch watching, waiting, calling us home. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Our loved ones may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons–but they are helpless against our prayers.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Luke 15:11-24).
No one fully understands the struggle we have with prodigals better than our heavenly Father. The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 is our story and God’s. Jesus told it on behalf of all sinners who so desperately need to come home to their Creator and discover the warmth of a loving relationship with Him.
Jesus is God in the flesh seeing us in the distance and looking on us with compassion and He is God running to us and throwing His arms around us. He is heaven’s kiss welcoming the repentant sinner home (v.20).
God hasn’t just left the porch light on for us. He’s out on the front porch watching, waiting, calling us home. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Our loved ones may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons–but they are helpless against our prayers.”
…Pastor Ross.
29th August 2025.
(Matt 20:20-28).
It is my firm belief that true greatness is shown by humility, not pride. This was powerfully demonstrated and taught by Jesus Christ, who told His ambitious disciples this: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave–just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life a ransom for many”. See (vv.26-28).
When God himself walked on earth as a man, He washed feet, welcomed children, and willingly gave His life to deliver us from the self centred tyranny of sin. His example gives credence to His command.
The greatest Man ever showed humility we can all learn from. So reflect on this SLM:-
“We can do great things for the Lord if we are willing to do little things for others.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Matt 20:20-28).
It is my firm belief that true greatness is shown by humility, not pride. This was powerfully demonstrated and taught by Jesus Christ, who told His ambitious disciples this: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave–just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life a ransom for many”. See (vv.26-28).
When God himself walked on earth as a man, He washed feet, welcomed children, and willingly gave His life to deliver us from the self centred tyranny of sin. His example gives credence to His command.
The greatest Man ever showed humility we can all learn from. So reflect on this SLM:-
“We can do great things for the Lord if we are willing to do little things for others.”
…Pastor Ross.
27th August 2025.
(Matt 10:16-31).
Every time I hear the song “His Eye is on the Sparrow” I think of Jesus words, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father”. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” in verses 29-31 of today’s reading. The Lord spoke these words to His twelve disciples as He sent them out to teach, heal, and bear witness of Him to “the lost sheep of Israel”. See verse 6. He told them that even though they would face persecution for His sake, they should not be afraid, even of death (vv.22-26).
When those threatening circumstances press us, causing us to lose hope, we can find encouragement in the words of this song: “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” We are under His watchful care. So reflect on this SLM:-
“When you put your cares in God’s hands, He puts His peace in your heart.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Matt 10:16-31).
Every time I hear the song “His Eye is on the Sparrow” I think of Jesus words, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father”. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” in verses 29-31 of today’s reading. The Lord spoke these words to His twelve disciples as He sent them out to teach, heal, and bear witness of Him to “the lost sheep of Israel”. See verse 6. He told them that even though they would face persecution for His sake, they should not be afraid, even of death (vv.22-26).
When those threatening circumstances press us, causing us to lose hope, we can find encouragement in the words of this song: “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” We are under His watchful care. So reflect on this SLM:-
“When you put your cares in God’s hands, He puts His peace in your heart.”
…Pastor Ross.
25th August 2025.
(2 Cor 3:17-4:2).
It has been said that we all have lookalikes. People who are unrelated to us yet who very much look like us.
Who do you look like? As you ponder that question, reflect on 2 Cor 3:18, where Paul tells us that we “are being transformed into [the Lord’s] likeness.” As we seek to honour Jesus with our lives, one of our goals is to take on His likeness. That means that the Holy Spirit helps us demonstrate Christlike characteristics in how we live. For example, in attitude (humility) in character (loving), and in compassion (coming alongside the down and out), we are to look like Jesus and imitate Him.
As we contemplate the Lord’s glory by fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can grow more and more like Him. What an amazing thing it would be if people could observe us and say, “I see Jesus in you”!…So reflect on this SLM:-
“Love is the family resemblance the world should see in followers of Christ.”
…Pastor Ross.
(2 Cor 3:17-4:2).
It has been said that we all have lookalikes. People who are unrelated to us yet who very much look like us.
Who do you look like? As you ponder that question, reflect on 2 Cor 3:18, where Paul tells us that we “are being transformed into [the Lord’s] likeness.” As we seek to honour Jesus with our lives, one of our goals is to take on His likeness. That means that the Holy Spirit helps us demonstrate Christlike characteristics in how we live. For example, in attitude (humility) in character (loving), and in compassion (coming alongside the down and out), we are to look like Jesus and imitate Him.
As we contemplate the Lord’s glory by fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can grow more and more like Him. What an amazing thing it would be if people could observe us and say, “I see Jesus in you”!…So reflect on this SLM:-
“Love is the family resemblance the world should see in followers of Christ.”
…Pastor Ross.
22nd August 2025.
(Jude. 17-23).
A good question to ask ourselves is: Is the romance still going on in our relationship with Jesus?
When we first came in faith to Christ, we all experienced the joy of knowing our sins were forgiven and we were adopted into His family. Our hearts were full and overflowing with love for the Lord. We longed to please Him.
As time passes, however, there is a tendency for the zeal of our first love to cool a little. That’s why we need to take to heart the words of Jude in his brief letter. He wrote, “Keep yourselves in God’s love”(v.21).
Jesus used similar terms when He said, “Remain in my love” (John 15:9). We nurture that love when we focus on pleasing Him instead of ourselves.
So keep the romance going. Reflect on this SLM:-
“To renew your love for Christ, review His love for you.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Jude. 17-23).
A good question to ask ourselves is: Is the romance still going on in our relationship with Jesus?
When we first came in faith to Christ, we all experienced the joy of knowing our sins were forgiven and we were adopted into His family. Our hearts were full and overflowing with love for the Lord. We longed to please Him.
As time passes, however, there is a tendency for the zeal of our first love to cool a little. That’s why we need to take to heart the words of Jude in his brief letter. He wrote, “Keep yourselves in God’s love”(v.21).
Jesus used similar terms when He said, “Remain in my love” (John 15:9). We nurture that love when we focus on pleasing Him instead of ourselves.
So keep the romance going. Reflect on this SLM:-
“To renew your love for Christ, review His love for you.”
…Pastor Ross.
20th August 2025.
(Matt 7:21-27).
Jesus Christ told His followers that a stable foundation is critical in building lives. He said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (vv. 24-25). The foundation of Jesus Christ is what will give us the stability our hearts and lives need now and into the future.
By allowing the Lord’s wisdom to guide us in our relationships, decisions, and priorities, we find that He provides the most trustworthy foundation any life could be built upon. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Jesus is the best foundation upon which to build a solid life.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Matt 7:21-27).
Jesus Christ told His followers that a stable foundation is critical in building lives. He said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (vv. 24-25). The foundation of Jesus Christ is what will give us the stability our hearts and lives need now and into the future.
By allowing the Lord’s wisdom to guide us in our relationships, decisions, and priorities, we find that He provides the most trustworthy foundation any life could be built upon. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Jesus is the best foundation upon which to build a solid life.”
…Pastor Ross.
18th August 2025.
(Psalm 125).
Psalm 125 reminds us that we do not need to fear the future. The psalmist praises God because He has promised to protect and preserve His people. As the mountains around Jerusalem will not be moved, the psalmist sang, so the Lord surrounds His people forever (vv.1-2).
God promises to provide us with His grace. We are safe for all eternity because He said so. Jesus said that not one of His own will be snatched from His Father’s hand. See John 10:28. And Paul wrote that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Romans 8:38-39.
This does not mean we are free to go out and sin. Paul wrote emphatically about the inconsistency of practicing a sinful lifestyle when we have “died to sin” in Romans 6:1-4.
We who know the Lord and walk in His ways have every assurance that our future is as secure as the unchanging character of God. So reflect on this SLM:-
“You need not fear where you’re going when you know God is going with you. …Pastor Ross.
(Psalm 125).
Psalm 125 reminds us that we do not need to fear the future. The psalmist praises God because He has promised to protect and preserve His people. As the mountains around Jerusalem will not be moved, the psalmist sang, so the Lord surrounds His people forever (vv.1-2).
God promises to provide us with His grace. We are safe for all eternity because He said so. Jesus said that not one of His own will be snatched from His Father’s hand. See John 10:28. And Paul wrote that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Romans 8:38-39.
This does not mean we are free to go out and sin. Paul wrote emphatically about the inconsistency of practicing a sinful lifestyle when we have “died to sin” in Romans 6:1-4.
We who know the Lord and walk in His ways have every assurance that our future is as secure as the unchanging character of God. So reflect on this SLM:-
“You need not fear where you’re going when you know God is going with you. …Pastor Ross.
15th August 2025.
(John 1:1-14).
When star NRL footballer Jerome Luai moved into our street many thought that they would become close friends with him. But his life was obviously far too busy for any of us to really get to know him personally.
But imagine this: Jesus–the Lord of the universe and Creator of all things–chose to dwell among us! He left heaven and came to this earth. As John says, “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father”. See verse 14. Jesus chose to become intimately involved with all who will come to Him. And, even more significant, for those of us who have received His redeeming love, the Holy Spirit has now set up residence in our hearts to comfort, counsel, convict, lead, and teach us.
When you think of the Babe in the manger, just remember how special it is that He not only moved into our neighbourhood as it were, but that He also did it so He could bless us with the intimate privileges of His residence within us. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Make sure to take advantage of the gift of God’s presence.”
…Pastor Ross.
(John 1:1-14).
When star NRL footballer Jerome Luai moved into our street many thought that they would become close friends with him. But his life was obviously far too busy for any of us to really get to know him personally.
But imagine this: Jesus–the Lord of the universe and Creator of all things–chose to dwell among us! He left heaven and came to this earth. As John says, “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father”. See verse 14. Jesus chose to become intimately involved with all who will come to Him. And, even more significant, for those of us who have received His redeeming love, the Holy Spirit has now set up residence in our hearts to comfort, counsel, convict, lead, and teach us.
When you think of the Babe in the manger, just remember how special it is that He not only moved into our neighbourhood as it were, but that He also did it so He could bless us with the intimate privileges of His residence within us. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Make sure to take advantage of the gift of God’s presence.”
…Pastor Ross.
13th August 2025.
(Mark 2:13-17).
I have come to believe that making friends and loving people is the key to sharing the gospel wherever we are, because that’s what Jesus did.
Some religious leaders were surprised when Jesus openly associated with people they considered undesirable. They said to His disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” in verse 16. Yet Jesus was known as the friend of sinners. He said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (v.17).
A loving heart and a friendly smile go a long way toward communicating the love of Christ to the people we meet each day. May they say of us, “ever smiling, he makes friends wherever he goes.” Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Loving the lost is the first step in leading them to Christ.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Mark 2:13-17).
I have come to believe that making friends and loving people is the key to sharing the gospel wherever we are, because that’s what Jesus did.
Some religious leaders were surprised when Jesus openly associated with people they considered undesirable. They said to His disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” in verse 16. Yet Jesus was known as the friend of sinners. He said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (v.17).
A loving heart and a friendly smile go a long way toward communicating the love of Christ to the people we meet each day. May they say of us, “ever smiling, he makes friends wherever he goes.” Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Loving the lost is the first step in leading them to Christ.”
…Pastor Ross.
11th August 2025.
(Matt 14:22-33).
All of us have experienced that sinking feeling that comes because of fear. At those times we tend to cling to false securities we think will stop us from sinking.
When Peter stepped out of the boat in obedience to Christ’s invitation to come to Him, initially he was supernaturally held up. But he soon became preoccupied with his perilous circumstances of the howling wind and turbulent waves. Fear gripped his heart, and he began to sink.
As Christians we make similar blunders in our relationship with Jesus. We tend to forget His instructions. Then when trials come, instead of relying on His promises we cling to those false securities. Or like Peter, we look at our frightening circumstances and push the panic button.
No matter what happens, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. We will find Him completely reliable. We need never be afraid to trust Him fully. So reflect then on this SLM:-
“You start going down when you stop looking up.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Matt 14:22-33).
All of us have experienced that sinking feeling that comes because of fear. At those times we tend to cling to false securities we think will stop us from sinking.
When Peter stepped out of the boat in obedience to Christ’s invitation to come to Him, initially he was supernaturally held up. But he soon became preoccupied with his perilous circumstances of the howling wind and turbulent waves. Fear gripped his heart, and he began to sink.
As Christians we make similar blunders in our relationship with Jesus. We tend to forget His instructions. Then when trials come, instead of relying on His promises we cling to those false securities. Or like Peter, we look at our frightening circumstances and push the panic button.
No matter what happens, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. We will find Him completely reliable. We need never be afraid to trust Him fully. So reflect then on this SLM:-
“You start going down when you stop looking up.”
…Pastor Ross.
8th August 2025.
(John 15:9-17);(Prov 17:17).
God is a friend of sinners. He knows our heart’s deepest desires and highest hopes, and from eternity He had a plan to fulfill them. In the Old Testament, God called Abraham “My friend” in Isaiah 41:8, revealing His purposes to him and promising to bring them to pass. And in the New Testament, Jesus called His disciples “friends” in John 15:15.
If you are trusting Jesus as Saviour, you are assured of God’s friendship for time and eternity. He’ll stay true to you through life’s severest trials and actually work in them so you can become like Christ. You’ll never find a better friend than that. He is an all-time Friend. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Looking for a Friend? Jesus is looking for you.”
…Pastor Ross.
(John 15:9-17);(Prov 17:17).
God is a friend of sinners. He knows our heart’s deepest desires and highest hopes, and from eternity He had a plan to fulfill them. In the Old Testament, God called Abraham “My friend” in Isaiah 41:8, revealing His purposes to him and promising to bring them to pass. And in the New Testament, Jesus called His disciples “friends” in John 15:15.
If you are trusting Jesus as Saviour, you are assured of God’s friendship for time and eternity. He’ll stay true to you through life’s severest trials and actually work in them so you can become like Christ. You’ll never find a better friend than that. He is an all-time Friend. So reflect on this SLM:-
“Looking for a Friend? Jesus is looking for you.”
…Pastor Ross.
6th August 2025.
(Luke 19:1-10).
Jesus showed interest in Zacchaeus, a shunned tax collector in Jericho, and He included him in the recipients of His salvation plan. A marginalised and hated man because of his profession, Zacchaeus was desperate to see Jesus and climbed a tree to get a glimpse of Him. When Jesus passed by, He saw Zacchaeus’s desire and told him to come down because he had a divine appointment at his house. Some complained that Jesus was spending time with a sinner, but loving attention changed Zacchaeus’s life. He repented and offered restitution for those he had defrauded. Salvation had come to his house.
Jesus’s mission was simple: To diligently search for lost people, whatever their social standing, and offer them God’s salvation plan. As followers of Christ, we too have that as our mission. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Those of us who have discovered salvation need to search for any and all who need Jesus.”
…Pastor Ross.
(Luke 19:1-10).
Jesus showed interest in Zacchaeus, a shunned tax collector in Jericho, and He included him in the recipients of His salvation plan. A marginalised and hated man because of his profession, Zacchaeus was desperate to see Jesus and climbed a tree to get a glimpse of Him. When Jesus passed by, He saw Zacchaeus’s desire and told him to come down because he had a divine appointment at his house. Some complained that Jesus was spending time with a sinner, but loving attention changed Zacchaeus’s life. He repented and offered restitution for those he had defrauded. Salvation had come to his house.
Jesus’s mission was simple: To diligently search for lost people, whatever their social standing, and offer them God’s salvation plan. As followers of Christ, we too have that as our mission. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Those of us who have discovered salvation need to search for any and all who need Jesus.”
…Pastor Ross.
4th August 2025.
(John 6:15-21);(Prov 3:25).
We read in John 6 that Jesus’s disciples were afraid when in the dimness of nightfall they saw a strange figure walking on the stormy Sea of Galilee. But this mysterious figure was not part of a bad dream–He was real. Matthew reports that they “cried out in fear” (14:26). Then the disciples heard a familiar voice: “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20). It was Jesus. Their fears were calmed, as was the sea.
The Saviour speaks the same assurance to us today amid the many fears along our Christian journey. Solomon said, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).
Fears will come, but we are assured that Jesus is always a light in the darkness. So reflect on this SLM:-
“You need not fear the darkness if you are walking with Light of the World.”
…Pastor Ross.
(John 6:15-21);(Prov 3:25).
We read in John 6 that Jesus’s disciples were afraid when in the dimness of nightfall they saw a strange figure walking on the stormy Sea of Galilee. But this mysterious figure was not part of a bad dream–He was real. Matthew reports that they “cried out in fear” (14:26). Then the disciples heard a familiar voice: “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20). It was Jesus. Their fears were calmed, as was the sea.
The Saviour speaks the same assurance to us today amid the many fears along our Christian journey. Solomon said, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).
Fears will come, but we are assured that Jesus is always a light in the darkness. So reflect on this SLM:-
“You need not fear the darkness if you are walking with Light of the World.”
…Pastor Ross.
1st August 2025.
(John 15:9-17);(James 2:23).
Having never fully recovered from the loss of his fiancé on the eve of their wedding Joseph Scriven left Ireland and went to Canada.
There he taught school and living very simply he provided for the destitute people. Considered an eccentric by some he still sought to obey God’s Word as best he could understand it.
In his loneliness, Scriven needed a steadfast friend. Having found that friend in Jesus Christ, he wrote these simple words, which movingly expressed his experience:
“What a friend we have in Jesus/All our sins and griefs to bear!/What a privilege to carry/Everything to God in prayer!”
Even if we have been blessed with deeply enriching friendships, we all need Joseph Scriven’s Friend. But before we can know Jesus as our Friend, we must know Him as our Saviour. Then, through all of our changing circumstances, He will be the one we can depend on–our unfailing Friend. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Christ’s friendship prevails even when human friendship fails.”
…Pastor Ross.
(John 15:9-17);(James 2:23).
Having never fully recovered from the loss of his fiancé on the eve of their wedding Joseph Scriven left Ireland and went to Canada.
There he taught school and living very simply he provided for the destitute people. Considered an eccentric by some he still sought to obey God’s Word as best he could understand it.
In his loneliness, Scriven needed a steadfast friend. Having found that friend in Jesus Christ, he wrote these simple words, which movingly expressed his experience:
“What a friend we have in Jesus/All our sins and griefs to bear!/What a privilege to carry/Everything to God in prayer!”
Even if we have been blessed with deeply enriching friendships, we all need Joseph Scriven’s Friend. But before we can know Jesus as our Friend, we must know Him as our Saviour. Then, through all of our changing circumstances, He will be the one we can depend on–our unfailing Friend. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Christ’s friendship prevails even when human friendship fails.”
…Pastor Ross.