John 14:12 When the disciples heard Jesus say these words, they were doubtless in a state of shock. They had just learnt that their master and friend was going to be leaving them. Given that they had abandoned their previous ways of life to follow Jesus, this was going to mean a colossal challenge. Surely everything, from now onwards, was going to be much worse. But Jesus had a surprise for them. He told them that, in fact, much more was going to happen after he left them. And it would be good. Jesus spoke along the same lines again in John 16. There, he explained it was to the disciples’ advantage that he went away because, “the Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave” (John 16:7, CEV). Jesus wasn’t saying that more powerful miracles would happen after he left, but simply that there would be more of them when the Holy Spirit was poured out. During Jesus’ ministry he accepted the limitations of being human. He could only be in one place at one time. But with the release of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the whole script changed. Suddenly Jesus’ followers were fanned out all over the world. More miracles took place than were ever achieved in the years of Jesus’ own earthly ministry. From time to time, we probably all reflect on how amazing it would have been to have known and walked with Jesus when he was alive. But the truth is that we live in days when even more miracles are happening. Let’s praise God today for the miracles that will be taking place all over the world in the name of Jesus. QUESTIONHow do you think the disciples would have reacted to the news that it was to their advantage that Jesus left them? PRAYERLord Jesus, we praise you for all the miracles that will be happening around the world today as people worship and serve you. Amen

John 14:12 When the disciples heard Jesus say these words, they were doubtless in a state of shock. They had just learnt that their master and friend was going to be leaving them. Given that they had abandoned their previous ways of life to follow Jesus, this was going to mean a colossal challenge. Surely everything, from now onwards, was going to be much worse. But Jesus had a surprise for them. He told them that, in fact, much more was going to happen after he left them. And it would be good. Jesus spoke along the same lines again in John 16. There, he explained it was to the disciples’ advantage that he went away because, “the Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave” (John 16:7, CEV). Jesus wasn’t saying that more powerful miracles would happen after he left, but simply that there would be more of them when the Holy Spirit was poured out. During Jesus’ ministry he accepted the limitations of being human. He could only be in one place at one time. But with the release of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the whole script changed. Suddenly Jesus’ followers were fanned out all over the world. More miracles took place than were ever achieved in the years of Jesus’ own earthly ministry. From time to time, we probably all reflect on how amazing it would have been to have known and walked with Jesus when he was alive. But the truth is that we live in days when even more miracles are happening. Let’s praise God today for the miracles that will be taking place all over the world in the name of Jesus. QUESTION How do you think the disciples would have reacted to the news that it was to their advantage that Jesus left them? PRAYER Lord Jesus, we praise you for all the miracles that will be happening around the world today as people worship and serve you. Amen

August 1st - John 14:12

John 14:6 Jesus had just told his disciples that they knew the way to where he was going. But Thomas denied it. He didn’t know where Jesus was going, so how could he have any idea how to get there? Jesus’ answer is one of the most crucial statements in the whole of the Christian faith, because he makes it clear he is not talking about geography at all. He is talking about relationship. Thomas wanted to know the destination, and then be given a map to get there. But Jesus simply offered himself. He is the true and living way. Religions come in many shapes and sizes, but they all tend to have rules or practices which must be followed, and which lead to understanding or enlightenment. Christianity is different. It is all about a person - Jesus. It is through a personal encounter with Jesus and a relationship with him that we find what life and truth are all about. He is the one who shows us the way to live our everyday lives. When I lived in India, I often struggled to find a particular house in the country area where I was living. I would ask for directions and soon discovered there were two very different ways in which people would direct me. First, there were those who gave me a detailed description of the journey: “Turn left after 100 metres, then right after about 300 metres. Go over a small bridge then, after walking for about 600 metres, turn left. You can’t miss it.” I was always grateful for such instructions, but I much preferred it when a person said: “I know that place. I’ll come with you. I will take you there.” When Jesus said he was the way, the truth and the life, he was not saying that he would give us a list of rules and regulations and, if we followed them perfectly, we would find salvation. Instead, he said that he would come with us on the journey, and remain with us every step of the way. That’s what I call good news! QUESTIONHow would you explain this verse to someone who was not a Christian? PRAYER Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you are the way, the truth and the life. Help me to walk with you this and every day. Amen

John 14:6 Jesus had just told his disciples that they knew the way to where he was going. But Thomas denied it. He didn’t know where Jesus was going, so how could he have any idea how to get there? Jesus’ answer is one of the most crucial statements in the whole of the Christian faith, because he makes it clear he is not talking about geography at all. He is talking about relationship. Thomas wanted to know the destination, and then be given a map to get there. But Jesus simply offered himself. He is the true and living way. Religions come in many shapes and sizes, but they all tend to have rules or practices which must be followed, and which lead to understanding or enlightenment. Christianity is different. It is all about a person - Jesus. It is through a personal encounter with Jesus and a relationship with him that we find what life and truth are all about. He is the one who shows us the way to live our everyday lives. When I lived in India, I often struggled to find a particular house in the country area where I was living. I would ask for directions and soon discovered there were two very different ways in which people would direct me. First, there were those who gave me a detailed description of the journey: “Turn left after 100 metres, then right after about 300 metres. Go over a small bridge then, after walking for about 600 metres, turn left. You can’t miss it.” I was always grateful for such instructions, but I much preferred it when a person said: “I know that place. I’ll come with you. I will take you there.” When Jesus said he was the way, the truth and the life, he was not saying that he would give us a list of rules and regulations and, if we followed them perfectly, we would find salvation. Instead, he said that he would come with us on the journey, and remain with us every step of the way. That’s what I call good news! QUESTION How would you explain this verse to someone who was not a Christian? PRAYER Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you are the way, the truth and the life. Help me to walk with you this and every day. Amen

July 31st - John 14:6

John 14:1-2 The disciples were facing the biggest challenge of their lives. For the previous three years, their life had been defined by Jesus. They had intimately shared all the daily challenges and excitements of his healing and teaching ministry. But now, suddenly, Jesus had told them he will be leaving. His pronouncement was followed by Jesus informing Peter, one of the inner circle of closest friends, that he was going to betray him. They must all have wondered what would happen to them, knowing Peter was the most devoted of all the disciples. There was much to make them very anxious. However, Jesus tells them not to be worried but to trust in him. He was indeed going to leave them, but he promised them a completely secure future. Jesus spoke about the rooms in his Father’s home as if he had booked them all into a hotel. All they needed to know was that the booking had been made, and there was room for everyone. Life can, for all of us, often seem very predictable for a long period of time. Our work stays more or less the same and our friends and family don’t change much. And then, suddenly, something changes and we feel threatened, insecure or anxious. Perhaps someone close to us becomes ill or dies, our work changes or we receive some other really bad news. It’s so important that we prepare our lives in advance of such challenges. We need to place our full trust in God now so that, whatever happens, we can remain calm and confident. In God’s hands we have no need to fear. His eternal home will always have room for us. QUESTIONWhat is your response to the fact that there is more than enough room in the Father’s house for you? PRAYERLord God, I thank you that I never have any need to be troubled. Help me to trust you completely each day, whatever challenges I face. Amen

John 14:1-2 The disciples were facing the biggest challenge of their lives. For the previous three years, their life had been defined by Jesus. They had intimately shared all the daily challenges and excitements of his healing and teaching ministry. But now, suddenly, Jesus had told them he will be leaving. His pronouncement was followed by Jesus informing Peter, one of the inner circle of closest friends, that he was going to betray him. They must all have wondered what would happen to them, knowing Peter was the most devoted of all the disciples. There was much to make them very anxious. However, Jesus tells them not to be worried but to trust in him. He was indeed going to leave them, but he promised them a completely secure future. Jesus spoke about the rooms in his Father’s home as if he had booked them all into a hotel. All they needed to know was that the booking had been made, and there was room for everyone. Life can, for all of us, often seem very predictable for a long period of time. Our work stays more or less the same and our friends and family don’t change much. And then, suddenly, something changes and we feel threatened, insecure or anxious. Perhaps someone close to us becomes ill or dies, our work changes or we receive some other really bad news. It’s so important that we prepare our lives in advance of such challenges. We need to place our full trust in God now so that, whatever happens, we can remain calm and confident. In God’s hands we have no need to fear. His eternal home will always have room for us. QUESTION What is your response to the fact that there is more than enough room in the Father’s house for you? PRAYER Lord God, I thank you that I never have any need to be troubled. Help me to trust you completely each day, whatever challenges I face. Amen

July 30th - John 14:1-2

John 13:34-35 It’s not entirely clear what was new about this commandment from Jesus because the command to love one’s neighbour is firmly embedded in the Jewish Law (Leviticus 19:18). Perhaps Jesus was pointing to the new example of love which he had set for his disciples. Certainly, when he died on the cross not long afterwards their understanding of love would be totally transformed. Jesus knew that the most effective way for the good news to be communicated to the world would be through love. Looking back through Church history, there have been attempts to influence the world through power, prestige, grand buildings, art, poetry, books and music. But the only language which is truly effective is love. The tragedy, of course, is that the Church has so often gained a reputation for the exact opposite. Only the other day, I was talking to a friend who doesn’t go to church. She was saying that all she heard about one of the churches in her village was that they were “always bickering”. I felt so embarrassed on their behalf. But in all humility, we know churches have often given this impression to the world. At the end of the 2nd century, Tertullian noted that pagans looked at the Church and, to their bewilderment, observed: “See how these Christians love one another.” Let’s do everything we can to ensure that’s exactly what people see when they look at our churches today. QUESTION What impression do people gain when they look at your church? PRAYER Loving God, thank you for the perfect love that you have always shown to me. Help me to share your love generously with others today. Amen

John 13:34-35 It’s not entirely clear what was new about this commandment from Jesus because the command to love one’s neighbour is firmly embedded in the Jewish Law (Leviticus 19:18). Perhaps Jesus was pointing to the new example of love which he had set for his disciples. Certainly, when he died on the cross not long afterwards their understanding of love would be totally transformed. Jesus knew that the most effective way for the good news to be communicated to the world would be through love. Looking back through Church history, there have been attempts to influence the world through power, prestige, grand buildings, art, poetry, books and music. But the only language which is truly effective is love. The tragedy, of course, is that the Church has so often gained a reputation for the exact opposite. Only the other day, I was talking to a friend who doesn’t go to church. She was saying that all she heard about one of the churches in her village was that they were “always bickering”. I felt so embarrassed on their behalf. But in all humility, we know churches have often given this impression to the world. At the end of the 2nd century, Tertullian noted that pagans looked at the Church and, to their bewilderment, observed: “See how these Christians love one another.” Let’s do everything we can to ensure that’s exactly what people see when they look at our churches today. QUESTION What impression do people gain when they look at your church? PRAYER Loving God, thank you for the perfect love that you have always shown to me. Help me to share your love generously with others today. Amen

July 29th - John 13:34-35

John 13:14-15 At no time in the history of the Church has foot washing been a regular practice, and I don’t believe that Jesus was suggesting that it should be. He was simply giving his disciples an example of costly service. If we want to live in step with Jesus, we need to be willing to serve others - even though that will often prove difficult and unpleasant, and come as a surprise to those whom we serve. In Jesus’ teaching, the supreme illustration of costly service was that of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). He was willing to expose himself to considerable danger by helping the man who had been attacked by robbers. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho wound its way through rocky desert, and was well known as a place where bandits operated. But he was willing stop and help the wounded man in this potentially hazardous area. He was willing to offer his own donkey, to take the injured man to a place where he would be cared for. And when he got there, he offered to pay the inn keeper enough money to look after him, however long it took. Jesus came to serve and not to be served, and that is our calling today. As much as we love to be cared for and pampered, we are commanded, first of all, to serve others. I first learnt the Prayer of St Loyola at my school’s morning assemblies and it is an inspiring one for us to pray as we serve God today. QUESTIONIn what ways have you experienced the costliness of serving the Lord? PRAYERTeach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve: to give and not to count the cost; to fight, and not to heed the wounds; to toil, and not to seek for rest; to labour, and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen

John 13:14-15 At no time in the history of the Church has foot washing been a regular practice, and I don’t believe that Jesus was suggesting that it should be. He was simply giving his disciples an example of costly service. If we want to live in step with Jesus, we need to be willing to serve others - even though that will often prove difficult and unpleasant, and come as a surprise to those whom we serve. In Jesus’ teaching, the supreme illustration of costly service was that of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). He was willing to expose himself to considerable danger by helping the man who had been attacked by robbers. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho wound its way through rocky desert, and was well known as a place where bandits operated. But he was willing stop and help the wounded man in this potentially hazardous area. He was willing to offer his own donkey, to take the injured man to a place where he would be cared for. And when he got there, he offered to pay the inn keeper enough money to look after him, however long it took. Jesus came to serve and not to be served, and that is our calling today. As much as we love to be cared for and pampered, we are commanded, first of all, to serve others. I first learnt the Prayer of St Loyola at my school’s morning assemblies and it is an inspiring one for us to pray as we serve God today. QUESTION In what ways have you experienced the costliness of serving the Lord? PRAYER Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve: to give and not to count the cost; to fight, and not to heed the wounds; to toil, and not to seek for rest; to labour, and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen

July 28th - John 13:14-15

John 13:8-9 For Peter, everything seemed wrong about Jesus washing his feet. The task of foot washing was such a lowly role that a Jewish slave had the right to refuse to perform it! Peter’s refusal was as strong as he could make it, and totally understandable in the context. He would never let it happen! But then Jesus explained how vitally important it was that Peter should allow him to do so. If Peter were to refuse, he could never be said to belong to Jesus. Peter’s complete devotion to Jesus was such that these words changed his mind instantly and, with predictable enthusiasm, he invited Jesus to not merely wash his feet but the rest of his body as well. This beautiful story makes a very important point which we all need to understand. We can only serve the Lord effectively when we have, first of all, allowed him to serve us. We may be full of ability, energy and enthusiasm but, before we serve God, we need to allow him to first nourish and strengthen us. It takes considerable humility to let the Lord serve us, because we need to be willing to recognise our own weaknesses. This can often become increasingly difficult the longer we are Christians. At first, it is obvious that we are totally dependent on the Lord but, after a while, we acquire qualifications, experience and a reputation. We can be lulled into thinking that we are perfectly capable of serving God in our own strength. But, day by day, Jesus insists on washing our feet. He needs to forgive us, refresh us and renew us with his Spirit. And we need to receive his ministry. QUESTIONIn what way do you need the Lord to wash your feet today? PRAYERLoving God, thank you that you love me so much that you are willing to minister to me. Help me to be humble enough to receive your love and care. Amen

John 13:8-9 For Peter, everything seemed wrong about Jesus washing his feet. The task of foot washing was such a lowly role that a Jewish slave had the right to refuse to perform it! Peter’s refusal was as strong as he could make it, and totally understandable in the context. He would never let it happen! But then Jesus explained how vitally important it was that Peter should allow him to do so. If Peter were to refuse, he could never be said to belong to Jesus. Peter’s complete devotion to Jesus was such that these words changed his mind instantly and, with predictable enthusiasm, he invited Jesus to not merely wash his feet but the rest of his body as well. This beautiful story makes a very important point which we all need to understand. We can only serve the Lord effectively when we have, first of all, allowed him to serve us. We may be full of ability, energy and enthusiasm but, before we serve God, we need to allow him to first nourish and strengthen us. It takes considerable humility to let the Lord serve us, because we need to be willing to recognise our own weaknesses. This can often become increasingly difficult the longer we are Christians. At first, it is obvious that we are totally dependent on the Lord but, after a while, we acquire qualifications, experience and a reputation. We can be lulled into thinking that we are perfectly capable of serving God in our own strength. But, day by day, Jesus insists on washing our feet. He needs to forgive us, refresh us and renew us with his Spirit. And we need to receive his ministry. QUESTION In what way do you need the Lord to wash your feet today? PRAYER Loving God, thank you that you love me so much that you are willing to minister to me. Help me to be humble enough to receive your love and care. Amen

July 27th - John 13:8-9

John 13:6-7 Everything was surprising about the fact that Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. First of all, this was a job for a junior slave, not a rabbi of Jesus’ standing. It was also a job that was done as soon as people entered a house, not when they were sitting down for a meal. So when Jesus approached his disciples to wash their feet, Peter asked what many of the others may well have been thinking. Was Jesus really going to wash their feet? What I find interesting is that Jesus didn’t offer an explanation. He seemed content with the fact that they couldn’t understand what was going on, and simply reassured them that, one day, they would. Very often, this is the way in which the Lord works in our lives, too. So often we want a complete explanation of the way things happen. When we experience failure or rejection, we want to understand why. Or we face some unexpected good news and just can’t understand that either. Peter and the disciples needed to learn they could trust Jesus completely. Even though he was doing something completely surprising, and the very opposite of what they would have expected, they needed to accept it. They needed to rest in the fact that Jesus would only act in this way because it was the way of love. This doesn’t mean we should stop asking questions of God. But it does encourage us to accept that, very often, we have to wait for an explanation. Sometimes it will come much, much later. In this instance, I don’t think it took the disciples very long to work out why Jesus needed to wash their feet - but that certainly isn’t always the case. We need to trust the Lord that, one day, he will tell us everything we need to know. QUESTIONHas anything happened in your life recently that you have found difficult to understand? PRAYERLoving God, help us to trust you with the whole of our lives, especially when things happen to us which are hard to understand. Amen

John 13:6-7 Everything was surprising about the fact that Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. First of all, this was a job for a junior slave, not a rabbi of Jesus’ standing. It was also a job that was done as soon as people entered a house, not when they were sitting down for a meal. So when Jesus approached his disciples to wash their feet, Peter asked what many of the others may well have been thinking. Was Jesus really going to wash their feet? What I find interesting is that Jesus didn’t offer an explanation. He seemed content with the fact that they couldn’t understand what was going on, and simply reassured them that, one day, they would. Very often, this is the way in which the Lord works in our lives, too. So often we want a complete explanation of the way things happen. When we experience failure or rejection, we want to understand why. Or we face some unexpected good news and just can’t understand that either. Peter and the disciples needed to learn they could trust Jesus completely. Even though he was doing something completely surprising, and the very opposite of what they would have expected, they needed to accept it. They needed to rest in the fact that Jesus would only act in this way because it was the way of love. This doesn’t mean we should stop asking questions of God. But it does encourage us to accept that, very often, we have to wait for an explanation. Sometimes it will come much, much later. In this instance, I don’t think it took the disciples very long to work out why Jesus needed to wash their feet - but that certainly isn’t always the case. We need to trust the Lord that, one day, he will tell us everything we need to know. QUESTION Has anything happened in your life recently that you have found difficult to understand? PRAYER Loving God, help us to trust you with the whole of our lives, especially when things happen to us which are hard to understand. Amen

July 26th - John 13:6-7

Psalm 149:4-5 As we read through the book of Psalms, we see that they are full of declarations of how great God is. They constantly remind us that he is the creator of heaven and earth, and is therefore worthy of all our worship and praise. But we also learn a great deal about God’s understanding of us. Even though he knows absolutely everything about us, he looks at us with love and delights in us. He honours us. No wonder the psalmist says that God’s people sing for joy as they lie on their beds. I love that! He is saying that we can praise God wherever we are. As we relax at the end of the day, we can do so joyfully. We can sleep peacefully and calmly because we are in God’s hands. The blessing of the psalms is that they are constantly pushing the boundaries. However great you think God is, the psalmists want you to know that he is much, much greater. But, at the same time, the psalmists also want you to understand that you are more loved, accepted and treasured than you ever imagined. The psalms have come to us from a very distant world. But the important issues that they address are largely unchanged. That’s why it’s so good to spend regular time with the psalms and to make them a foundational part of our worship. And, having done so, we can retire to our beds and sing for joy until our eyelids close on another day. QUESTION In what ways are the psalms important to you? PRAYER Loving Father, thank you for the blessing of the psalms. I pray that I will constantly have a greater understanding and appreciation of your majesty, wisdom and love. Amen

Psalm 149:4-5 As we read through the book of Psalms, we see that they are full of declarations of how great God is. They constantly remind us that he is the creator of heaven and earth, and is therefore worthy of all our worship and praise. But we also learn a great deal about God’s understanding of us. Even though he knows absolutely everything about us, he looks at us with love and delights in us. He honours us. No wonder the psalmist says that God’s people sing for joy as they lie on their beds. I love that! He is saying that we can praise God wherever we are. As we relax at the end of the day, we can do so joyfully. We can sleep peacefully and calmly because we are in God’s hands. The blessing of the psalms is that they are constantly pushing the boundaries. However great you think God is, the psalmists want you to know that he is much, much greater. But, at the same time, the psalmists also want you to understand that you are more loved, accepted and treasured than you ever imagined. The psalms have come to us from a very distant world. But the important issues that they address are largely unchanged. That’s why it’s so good to spend regular time with the psalms and to make them a foundational part of our worship. And, having done so, we can retire to our beds and sing for joy until our eyelids close on another day. QUESTION In what ways are the psalms important to you? PRAYER Loving Father, thank you for the blessing of the psalms. I pray that I will constantly have a greater understanding and appreciation of your majesty, wisdom and love. Amen

July 25th - Psalm 149:4-5

Ezekiel 37:4-6 The prophecy of Ezekiel isn’t an easy read. It records the complete failure of God’s people, and the details of God’s judgment are spelt out in vivid and terrifying detail. When Ezekiel was given a vision of a valley filled with dry, dead bones he must have felt that is was a very apt summary of all that God had said to him. It was a scene of total lifelessness. But God hadn’t given up on his people. He was still longing to breathe on them and bring them back to life. Imagine the scene. The whole valley was full of bones. Nothing else. And then, suddenly, there was a rattling noise. It echoed across the valley as the bones started to come together and form complete skeletons. And then, as he watched, he saw muscles and flesh form over the bones. Finally, skin was stretched in place. This was all very encouraging, but the newly constructed bodies still couldn’t live. They needed breath. And so the Lord breathed on the bodies and they came to life, standing up on their feet like a great army. Wow! The message was plain. God could bring new life to the people of Israel so long as they allowed him to breathe his life-giving Spirit into them. The same is true today. The Church has no life without the breath of the Holy Spirit. However wonderful our buildings and efficient our organisation, without the Spirit of God we are just a collection of dry bones. Nothing more. It is also a deeply personal word to us. We may have health, a wonderful family and every material blessing, but without the Spirit filling our spiritual lungs we are as good as dead. QUESTION In what situations are you seeking the breath of the Spirit today? PRAYER Lord God, thank you that you are able to breathe new life into me this day. Help me to open every part of my life to your Spirit. Amen

Ezekiel 37:4-6 The prophecy of Ezekiel isn’t an easy read. It records the complete failure of God’s people, and the details of God’s judgment are spelt out in vivid and terrifying detail. When Ezekiel was given a vision of a valley filled with dry, dead bones he must have felt that is was a very apt summary of all that God had said to him. It was a scene of total lifelessness. But God hadn’t given up on his people. He was still longing to breathe on them and bring them back to life. Imagine the scene. The whole valley was full of bones. Nothing else. And then, suddenly, there was a rattling noise. It echoed across the valley as the bones started to come together and form complete skeletons. And then, as he watched, he saw muscles and flesh form over the bones. Finally, skin was stretched in place. This was all very encouraging, but the newly constructed bodies still couldn’t live. They needed breath. And so the Lord breathed on the bodies and they came to life, standing up on their feet like a great army. Wow! The message was plain. God could bring new life to the people of Israel so long as they allowed him to breathe his life-giving Spirit into them. The same is true today. The Church has no life without the breath of the Holy Spirit. However wonderful our buildings and efficient our organisation, without the Spirit of God we are just a collection of dry bones. Nothing more. It is also a deeply personal word to us. We may have health, a wonderful family and every material blessing, but without the Spirit filling our spiritual lungs we are as good as dead. QUESTION In what situations are you seeking the breath of the Spirit today? PRAYER Lord God, thank you that you are able to breathe new life into me this day. Help me to open every part of my life to your Spirit. Amen

July 24th - Ezekiel 37:4-6

Ezekiel 16:62-63 These words come at the end of a long and agonising chapter in which God reminds Jerusalem of its rebellion against him. He recalls the fact that the city had heathen roots. Before it became the holy city for the people of Israel, Amorites and Hittites lived in the city. God paints the picture of the city of Jerusalem as a baby, unwanted by its parents and cast out, left to die. This appalling custom was quite common at the time. But God came to this abandoned child and lavished his love and care upon her. The child became a beautiful woman, with whom her rescuer fell in love. She was given status and security, but was unfaithful and freely offered herself to other men as a prostitute. It’s a tragic story, and tells of the way in which God had been consistently rejected and mistreated by his people. God was furious with Jerusalem for the way in which they had treated him, but he was also a God of covenant. He longed for restoration. This reminds us very strongly of the parable of the prodigal son, who abused his father by taking his inheritance and leaving the family home. It was a heartless thing to do, and the outcome was disastrous. The son soon ran out of money and decided his only option was to return home. No doubt the father was deeply hurt by the way in which he had been abused but, overwhelmed by love, he embraced his son the moment he returned. That’s our God. However far we may run and however deeply we may have failed him, he looks at us with love and longs to welcome us back home. QUESTIONHow do you respond to God’s willingness to forgive you and welcome you back home? PRAYERLoving God, I am amazed by your patience with me. Thank you that you are willing to forgive me and restore me, however far I run from you. Amen

Ezekiel 16:62-63 These words come at the end of a long and agonising chapter in which God reminds Jerusalem of its rebellion against him. He recalls the fact that the city had heathen roots. Before it became the holy city for the people of Israel, Amorites and Hittites lived in the city. God paints the picture of the city of Jerusalem as a baby, unwanted by its parents and cast out, left to die. This appalling custom was quite common at the time. But God came to this abandoned child and lavished his love and care upon her. The child became a beautiful woman, with whom her rescuer fell in love. She was given status and security, but was unfaithful and freely offered herself to other men as a prostitute. It’s a tragic story, and tells of the way in which God had been consistently rejected and mistreated by his people. God was furious with Jerusalem for the way in which they had treated him, but he was also a God of covenant. He longed for restoration. This reminds us very strongly of the parable of the prodigal son, who abused his father by taking his inheritance and leaving the family home. It was a heartless thing to do, and the outcome was disastrous. The son soon ran out of money and decided his only option was to return home. No doubt the father was deeply hurt by the way in which he had been abused but, overwhelmed by love, he embraced his son the moment he returned. That’s our God. However far we may run and however deeply we may have failed him, he looks at us with love and longs to welcome us back home. QUESTION How do you respond to God’s willingness to forgive you and welcome you back home? PRAYER Loving God, I am amazed by your patience with me. Thank you that you are willing to forgive me and restore me, however far I run from you. Amen

July 23rd - Ezekiel 16:62-63

Bring some Spirit-filled peace into your hectic schedule every weekday morning with this new Daily Devotional.

Be Still and Know Daily Bible Devotion

Psalm 63:2 NLT 'I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!' Declarations of love trip easily from the lips. However, they can depend on circumstances. I once relished in the beauty and power of declarations such as we have here from the psalmist. I found it much harder to feel any empathy with today’s verse when Katey, my first wife, was struck down with a neurological disease that would take her mortal life. Until then, nothing had seriously challenged my simple understanding of the Bible. Slowly I discovered that it was far more than having an understanding and appreciation of God’s love and acceptance. I required an encounter with the living God in each experience, every day. Somehow, my worship and faith, while sincere, had been a projection of my hopes rather than an experience lived regardless of circumstance. While I yearned to return to the undisturbed rhythms of the past, my new reality was here to stay. Would I find God in my chaos? Or would I cut and run from a God I partly blamed for my circumstances? As I caught glimpses of others continuing to live the life I had lost and that I desperately wanted back, resentment, anger and confusion flooded in. I asked God, what purpose might be served through what I considered a callous destruction of a life and a relationship? Today I still have no answer to that question. But I am reconciled to the fact that God is present in every circumstance. I can say this from my perspective and must leave you to decide if this might be true for you. Much of my gazing on God’s glory had been for my own benefit and to shore up hopes that I might pass through life unscathed. A simple study of scripture would have revealed that it is through “many hardships” that we “enter the Kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). QUESTION: How has your life experience influenced your view of God? Has the truth about God become the reality of God in your life and behavior? PRAYER: May my journey of faith grow and my encounter with you deepen each day.

Psalm 63:2 NLT 'I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!' Declarations of love trip easily from the lips. However, they can depend on circumstances. I once relished in the beauty and power of declarations such as we have here from the psalmist. I found it much harder to feel any empathy with today’s verse when Katey, my first wife, was struck down with a neurological disease that would take her mortal life. Until then, nothing had seriously challenged my simple understanding of the Bible. Slowly I discovered that it was far more than having an understanding and appreciation of God’s love and acceptance. I required an encounter with the living God in each experience, every day. Somehow, my worship and faith, while sincere, had been a projection of my hopes rather than an experience lived regardless of circumstance. While I yearned to return to the undisturbed rhythms of the past, my new reality was here to stay. Would I find God in my chaos? Or would I cut and run from a God I partly blamed for my circumstances? As I caught glimpses of others continuing to live the life I had lost and that I desperately wanted back, resentment, anger and confusion flooded in. I asked God, what purpose might be served through what I considered a callous destruction of a life and a relationship? Today I still have no answer to that question. But I am reconciled to the fact that God is present in every circumstance. I can say this from my perspective and must leave you to decide if this might be true for you. Much of my gazing on God’s glory had been for my own benefit and to shore up hopes that I might pass through life unscathed. A simple study of scripture would have revealed that it is through “many hardships” that we “enter the Kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). QUESTION: How has your life experience influenced your view of God? Has the truth about God become the reality of God in your life and behavior? PRAYER: May my journey of faith grow and my encounter with you deepen each day.

Day 55 - Issue 32

Philippians 2:10-11 NLT '…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' You may know that the word “blessing” means “happy”, as in the Sermon on the Mount. Yet, it has its roots in the idea of blood sacrifice from Proto-Germanic roots, as well as it’s Hebrew meaning of “to bow the knee”. As such, it is highly appropriate as we respond to God’s blessing with an act of humble acknowledgement of God’s authority. When entering or leaving the House of Commons, MPs face the mace, the sign of Parliament’s authority, and bow their heads. They are acknowledging the constitutional monarch’s authority under which Parliament officially meets. When the mace is removed by the sergeant-at-arms, whose role it is to maintain order in the Commons under the direction of the Speaker, then Parliament is no longer able to act as a legislative body. It is why we bless God, for we have no authority, indeed no true existence, beyond God’s royal permission in sustaining life on earth. All too often, our prayer life is silent, mental prayer offered from a sedentary position. Nothing wrong with this. However, we can be far more physical in our prayer and use our bodies to remind us of the nature of our prayer, as well as physically connect us with our prayer actions. I use a liturgy taken from the Orthodox Church, which has a long tradition of bowing in recognition both of God’s authority and our humble submission to God’s Lordship. The Trisagion, “Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal” is said three times and I bow my head for the first phrase, from the neck for the second and from the waist for the third. There is neither magic nor compulsion associated with this. It just helps me acknowledge my love and respect for God’s grace in rescuing and resourcing me. QUESTION: Have you tried kneeling and/or bowing as part of your daily devotions in acknowledging God’s authority and your submission? Why not explore this? PRAYER: I join with the angels in bowing to you, holy and almighty God, my maker and redeemer.

Philippians 2:10-11 NLT '…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' You may know that the word “blessing” means “happy”, as in the Sermon on the Mount. Yet, it has its roots in the idea of blood sacrifice from Proto-Germanic roots, as well as it’s Hebrew meaning of “to bow the knee”. As such, it is highly appropriate as we respond to God’s blessing with an act of humble acknowledgement of God’s authority. When entering or leaving the House of Commons, MPs face the mace, the sign of Parliament’s authority, and bow their heads. They are acknowledging the constitutional monarch’s authority under which Parliament officially meets. When the mace is removed by the sergeant-at-arms, whose role it is to maintain order in the Commons under the direction of the Speaker, then Parliament is no longer able to act as a legislative body. It is why we bless God, for we have no authority, indeed no true existence, beyond God’s royal permission in sustaining life on earth. All too often, our prayer life is silent, mental prayer offered from a sedentary position. Nothing wrong with this. However, we can be far more physical in our prayer and use our bodies to remind us of the nature of our prayer, as well as physically connect us with our prayer actions. I use a liturgy taken from the Orthodox Church, which has a long tradition of bowing in recognition both of God’s authority and our humble submission to God’s Lordship. The <a href="https://bit.ly/2mIfvlt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trisagion</a>, “Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal” is said three times and I bow my head for the first phrase, from the neck for the second and from the waist for the third. There is neither magic nor compulsion associated with this. It just helps me acknowledge my love and respect for God’s grace in rescuing and resourcing me. QUESTION: Have you tried kneeling and/or bowing as part of your daily devotions in acknowledging God’s authority and your submission? Why not explore this? PRAYER: I join with the angels in bowing to you, holy and almighty God, my maker and redeemer.

Day 59 - Issue 32

Psalm 16:7-9 NLT 'I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.' Unlike the psalmist, I cannot with authentically claim that “I will not be shaken”. At times, I really struggle with the challenges life brings. Clinging to God, I acknowledge God is “right beside me”, even if I cannot always sense that presence. This is the nature of faith; something unseen, yet factual and reliable. So, I place my confidence in this unseen truth ahead of my perceptions and their many attendant anxieties. For every crisis I survive, and there have been so many, while I give thanks and even formulate a testimony of gratitude, I know further tests lie around some future corner. The ultimate reality of blessing lies in the fact that I can live at rest with myself, my circumstances and my future. So, I am invited, and consistently instructed by the Holy Spirit, to place my complete confidence in God. The fruit from such confidence is that elusive peace “the world cannot give” (John 14:27). This fruit takes some work. I can see that reality in my garden where, last autumn, the established fruit trees were laden for harvest. Yet, those I have planted since moving into the Oratory as yet only bear a minimal crop. I have to settle into the soil of blessing to fully harvest its riches – a truth that has taken time to be learned. On Day 57, I described a tremendous experience when I woke enfolded in a deep sense of well-being. I was indeed blessed and my thoughts and emotions were touched with a positivity that I do not easily experience. I am normally actively practising a positive approach, but that morning I simply soaked within what felt like a hot and fragrant bath. So, my learning continues to be to bless God, no matter how dark the night that surrounds me. QUESTION: Are you learning to draw comfort from the knowledge that God is beside you always? PRAYER: Thank you for the blessing and promise of the gift of your Holy Spirit abiding with all who believe in Christ.

Psalm 16:7-9 NLT 'I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.' Unlike the psalmist, I cannot with authentically claim that “I will not be shaken”. At times, I really struggle with the challenges life brings. Clinging to God, I acknowledge God is “right beside me”, even if I cannot always sense that presence. This is the nature of faith; something unseen, yet factual and reliable. So, I place my confidence in this unseen truth ahead of my perceptions and their many attendant anxieties. For every crisis I survive, and there have been so many, while I give thanks and even formulate a testimony of gratitude, I know further tests lie around some future corner. The ultimate reality of blessing lies in the fact that I can live at rest with myself, my circumstances and my future. So, I am invited, and consistently instructed by the Holy Spirit, to place my complete confidence in God. The fruit from such confidence is that elusive peace “the world cannot give” (John 14:27). This fruit takes some work. I can see that reality in my garden where, last autumn, the established fruit trees were laden for harvest. Yet, those I have planted since moving into the Oratory as yet only bear a minimal crop. I have to settle into the soil of blessing to fully harvest its riches – a truth that has taken time to be learned. On Day 57, I described a tremendous experience when I woke enfolded in a deep sense of well-being. I was indeed blessed and my thoughts and emotions were touched with a positivity that I do not easily experience. I am normally actively practising a positive approach, but that morning I simply soaked within what felt like a hot and fragrant bath. So, my learning continues to be to bless God, no matter how dark the night that surrounds me. QUESTION: Are you learning to draw comfort from the knowledge that God is beside you always? PRAYER: Thank you for the blessing and promise of the gift of your Holy Spirit abiding with all who believe in Christ.

Day 61 - Issue 32

Psalm 63:4-5 NLT 'I will praise you for as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.' Last autumn I woke one day with a sensation of being bathed in love. I felt a rich and deep inner contentment and well-being. I knew I was with God and this was God’s love. I lay in bed, a smile in my heart, which was reflected on my face. I prayed with hands uplifted. I was deeply satisfied and I took those waking minutes fully to enjoy this state of grace. I always pray, albeit briefly, as my head hits the pillow. I am fortunate in that I quickly fall asleep each night. I want to remind myself of the presence of God with me at all times. It was as though this acknowledgement of both my desire and need for God expressed in prayer even as I entered sleep continued throughout the night. As I woke the next day, not only had I found God without being conscious, but God had found me. We were united and all I could do was give thanks, pray and bask in God’s mercy and grace. All such experiences are subjective, and for good reason. We can accept them as signs of God’s grace or rationalise them with some psychological explanation. I choose to accept such moments as tokens of God’s grace, which lie beyond human rationality. That said, God’s presence is experienced in different ways by each one of us. I am grateful that in our church, Jayne and I are part of a group which shares stories of where we have encountered God during the past week. It is encouraging to learn from each other the everyday struggles and delights in following Jesus. This approach is personal and practical, keeping us from talking about God in a theoretical way. QUESTION: When has God surprised you with a special grace, or moment of encounter? PRAYER: Thank you for the times I have met with you in a deep way. Be close to me today and this night throughout my waking and my sleeping. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 63:4-5 NLT 'I will praise you for as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.' Last autumn I woke one day with a sensation of being bathed in love. I felt a rich and deep inner contentment and well-being. I knew I was with God and this was God’s love. I lay in bed, a smile in my heart, which was reflected on my face. I prayed with hands uplifted. I was deeply satisfied and I took those waking minutes fully to enjoy this state of grace. I always pray, albeit briefly, as my head hits the pillow. I am fortunate in that I quickly fall asleep each night. I want to remind myself of the presence of God with me at all times. It was as though this acknowledgement of both my desire and need for God expressed in prayer even as I entered sleep continued throughout the night. As I woke the next day, not only had I found God without being conscious, but God had found me. We were united and all I could do was give thanks, pray and bask in God’s mercy and grace. All such experiences are subjective, and for good reason. We can accept them as signs of God’s grace or rationalise them with some psychological explanation. I choose to accept such moments as tokens of God’s grace, which lie beyond human rationality. That said, God’s presence is experienced in different ways by each one of us. I am grateful that in our church, Jayne and I are part of a group which shares stories of where we have encountered God during the past week. It is encouraging to learn from each other the everyday struggles and delights in following Jesus. This approach is personal and practical, keeping us from talking about God in a theoretical way. QUESTION: When has God surprised you with a special grace, or moment of encounter? PRAYER: Thank you for the times I have met with you in a deep way. Be close to me today and this night throughout my waking and my sleeping. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.

Day 57 - Issue 32

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OwlTail

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