Rev. Luke Powell Daily Devotions

Emily Foreman was worried that her past disqualified her for ministry. But she learned that Jesus didn't throw stones… but he writes his story of grace and redemption on the hearts of those who come to him. Have you received his forgiveness?

The Foremans were called by God to preach the gospel in a different context, and they were inspired by the words of Oswald J Smith: "No-one has the right to hear the gospel twice while there remains someone who has not heard it once". Are we willing to go where the gospel hasn't been heard? The Foremans were, and were blessed as they went for God.

It's not so much what we say, but it's who we are, that influences people. Are we spreading the aroma of Christ through the lives we live? One last devotion from Frank Mussel's book inspires us today.

Christians have the enormous privilege of not grieving like the world grieves… because in Christ we have eternal life. Frank Mussel speaks of how instead of mourning the death of loved ones, we can celebrate their passing into glory.

When life gets tricky we can go all sorts of places to find guidance. But it is in prayer and being filled by the Spirit that we find the better way. Frank Mussel's words remind us today.

Frank Mussel shows us that remembering what God has done in the past can give us   great hope for the future.

Frank Mussel's great book guides us this week. Today he reminds us that a word or act of encouragement can change someone's life. Who can you encourage today?

A great early Methodist "pioneer preacher" was Francis Asbury. His dedication to prayer gave him remarkable passion and zeal for his calling. Let's learn from his prayerfulness today.

John Berridge was a brilliant preacher - but he knew that it took more than preaching to sustain the people. They needed community. So do we.

William Grimshaw would leave church before the sermon to quickly invite anybody he could find in to hear the good news. How committed are we to inviting others to hear? How could someone's life change if we simply invited them?

Early Methodist preachers were persecuted and often hurt. But they harboured no bitterness or unforgiveness to their persecutors - much like Jesus on the cross forgiving the soldiers. What about us?

It was not just John Wesley who formed the Methodist movement - he had helpers! Take John Fletcher, a man who everyone revered greatly. All he wanted in life was "more of God's grace". Are we content like him?

In a dark world, we need a light to guide us. The Psalmist writes that God's Word is a lamp, leading the way. Is it for you? Perhaps you need to take on AW Tozer's challenge and go deeper into the Word for the next month.

Jeremiah said that God's people had forsaken the living water and built their own cisterns. Have we? Or can we sing with John Barnett today, "Your Spirit is like water to my soul"?

Is the name of Jesus sweet like honey on your lips? Perhaps your spiritual taste buds have been by too many godless things. May it be that Jesus is the sweetest thing to your soul today!

Without the Resurrection, Jesus would have just been another deluded prophet who died a martyr's death. But no - he rose triumphant, and conquered death and sin forever. Exalt him today!

John Barnett's lovely worship song from the 80s reminds us today that Jesus is more than just a good man - he was the holy and anointed one from God. Worship him!

Can a Christian be blameless? Yes, by the power of the Spirit. Not that there is no room for growth in godliness, but there is great power over sin for those surrendered to the Spirit. Be blessed today, by believing this in faith!

Those who trust in God find great peace and joy. Be blessed today, by saying along with SL Brengle, "I trust him, I trust him, I trust him!"

Christians don't have to make a pilgrimage to the temple… but we are on a pilgrimage to our final heavenly home! Be blessed today as you journey with God.

There are many places to find strength… but lasting strength is found in God alone.   His mighty power is in you - be blessed today as you surrender to him.

The Israelites in exile longed and yearned to get back to worship in their temple… today we know that we can worship anywhere, because God doesn't dwell in the temple only, but in our hearts. Be blessed today, worshipping him who dwells within you.

Across South Africa the call is sounding for the people to live and strive for freedom together. What is true freedom? It is only truly found in Christ.

The South African national anthem pleads with God for his protection - echoing the words of the Lord's Prayer "deliver us from evil". Do we pray this over our nation?

The South African national anthem asks God to hear our prayers and petitions. God's Word reminds us that nations need to humble themselves and turn to God for Him to hear us. How do we do this? We start with the person in the mirror.