Rev. Luke Powell Daily Devotions

Many people followed Jesus for the thrill of seeing him do cool things, but left when he taught hard truths. Don't make the same mistake!

We are a forgiven people, and forgiven people forgive! Extend forgiveness to those who have hurt you… and find peace.

Life’s too short to have ruined relationships because you don’t want to say you’re sorry. Ask for forgiveness… and find peace.

King David asked for God's forgiveness… and received it. So can you. Don't wait - ask for it now in faith, and find peace.

God is faithful and just, and will forgive even the largest debts… when we come to him in repentance. What peace is ours when we experience this!

Is your relationship with God a "union of two forgivers"? We can both receive forgiveness from him, and share it with others.

Booker T Washington gave a famous address in Atlanta which went viral before going viral was a thing. His message was for people everywhere to "cast down their bucket where you are", and thrive in this life where they have been placed with kindness and compassion.

Booker T's great mentor General Armstrong taught him a great lesson - to refuse to be bitter. He learned that "great men cultivate love, and that only little men cherish a spirit of hatred". How different would our country look, if we all lived this way, instead of holding to our prejudices!

One of Booker T's great passions was to teach his people that there is dignity in labour. For him, it was in doing work to the glory of God that he found great joy. He learned to love labour for its own sake. This is a great lesson for modern people - there is beauty and dignity in the work we do, especially if we do it for God.

Booker T Washington was taught by a mentor to love the Bible, and he always found time to read a piece of Scripture before he started his day. Many people have discovered that this is a great way of life! Have you put your hope in His Word?

Booker T Washington discovered that the happiest people are those who do the most for others. This is a great lesson for life - it is in serving others with the love of Christ that we will find our deepest joy.

Booker T's great mentor in life was General Samuel Armstrong, and he says "I do not believe he ever had a selfish thought". What a man he must have been! Do you have a mentor like this to look up to? Or could you be a mentor like this for someone else to look up to?

One thing you can say about Booker T, is that he was determined to do good. His life mission was to do good and make a difference. We Christians must remember that God will reward his people according to what they have done, as Paul said in Romans 2. 

Booker T Washington's strict boss Mrs Ruffner eventually became a good friend. How like our relationship with God - going from fear to friendship as we walk with Him!

Booker T Washington was born into slavery, but he had a spirit of great determination and ended up becoming very successful. What an inspiration for us! He was determined to overcome his obstacles with no self pity. How we can learn from him.

As a young man, Booker T Washington's brother did something so kind that it impacted him in a great way.  Christ carried our burdens for us as he went to the cross. Are we bearing each other's burdens?

Two men go to the same church service: one walks out irritated, the other walks out blessed. The difference? What they were looking for during the service. As you worship this weekend, look for God's truth and blessing, and He will surely give it to you.

When we don't connect with a local church, our faith quickly becomes very self-centred. But when we commit to a congregation, we are reminded time and again of our mission - to spread the love of Jesus and make disciples for him.

What makes a church different from a social club? For one thing, we keep each other accountable as we try to live lives that honour Christ. Find yourself some friends in the faith who help you in this way - we can't do the Christian life without them.

GK Chesterton once said that we’re all in the same boat, and we’re all seasick. This is church - a place where we come with our mess, and lean on each other as we journey!

Church is a place where we find common ground in spite of our differences. Come and be part of a family that strives to be "one and undivided" in Christ.

Why bother with church when you can hear the best preachers and the best music from around the world online? One word: fellowship. You need a local church to be your family in faith!

How do we remember to forget? Sangster says by replacing the memories with good things, when they pop into our minds. When the enemy tries to get you to dwell on the past, remember… to forget and move forward in grace.

Sangster said "only by the special hope of God can you deal with your deep resentments, but the help is available. Claim your help now! Ask God in His mercy to make you forget." Yes you can be free from bitterness, if you take it to the great forgiving God.

The Good News of the gospel is that when you come to God in faith and confess your sins, he is faithful to forgive and "remember your sins no more". So why remember them yourself? Receive his forgiveness and walk in freedom like Paul did.