Rev. Luke Powell Daily Devotions

While we are called to be fools for Christ is one sense, we are not called to an ignorant, thoughtless faith. Christianity is an intelligent, rational way of seeing the world.

God has a way of using what seems foolish to the world, for wise purposes.

Paul tells us to carry one another's burdens. Could it be that you are weak and weary because you have taken on too much? Spread the load, and find new strength. 

Two analogies - one of bees, one of cars - remind us that we find strength when we MOVE. Take the time to rest in God, and then get going again, and He will strengthen you as you go.

Jesus tells us to come to Him when we are weak and weary. What are you trying to fill your tank with? Go to Him - for He alone can give you the strength you need.

Even the strongest leaders grow weak and weary... but God never falls asleep at the wheel. This is why we trust in Him, not people!

Some preachers will teach that you that all the answers are found within. But the truth is that all the answers are found in God. Don't look within - look to Him for the things you lack!

As I ran the mountainous Clarens-Golden Gate road, I forced myself to keep pushing up the hill. But eventually I realized that it's ok to pause and take a breath, and gather some strength to carry on. Don't forget to do the same in life!

The highlight of our time away was a tough hike up the mountains in the Golden Gate National Park. When people came past us at a speed, we started to get down on ourselves for being so slow. But then we remembered - why compare? Don't let other people's achievements get you down. God made you to be YOU, nobody else!

Clarens is filled with shops - how tempted we were to buy all sorts of little things! Of course, there's nothing wrong with buying nice things, but let's remember that Jesus taught us to be on our guard when it comes to spending. Life is so much more than stuff.

As we walked down to the river on De Molen Farm we were accompanied by two joyful dogs whose enthusiasm was infectious! Let's remember that the joy of the Lord is our strength today.

We witnessed an amazing thunderstorm at De Molen Farm in Clarens last week! Amazed at God, we also remembered just how badly the country needs rain. The God of thunder and lightning will provide... let's rise up and pray for Him to do so.

Why do we celebrate Holy Communion? Because in that moment, Jesus' presence is manifested in a special and tangible way.

Sometimes the best way to feel God's presence is to simply be still. When we learn to encounter him in the stillness, how much easier it is to find him in the busyness!

Brother Lawrence's classic book "The Practice of the Presence of God" teaches us to always be in conversation with God... to worship Him before, during and after each thing we do. Maybe this can help you recognize just how close he is in the busy day!

Even before you knew Him, God was at work in your life.  His "prevenient grace"  went ahead of you!

Perhaps the greatest gift Jesus ever gave humankind is his constant, faithful presence in our lives!

Perhaps the greatest words you can hear from Jesus are the words of mercy: "neither do I condemn you". Let them wash over you today!

Jesus' words were never cruel or vindictive, but sometimes he issued a harsh warning to those on the wrong path. Are we mature enough in our faith to listen to Jesus' harsh words?

Maybe today you need a word of assurance from Jesus. Let Him remind you today that you are precious in the eyes of your Father, and you can trust in Him!

Do you need a word of encouragement today? Jesus has one for you! Look up and see Him coming, and hear Him speak these words: "take courage! It is I."

A moment with Jesus will usually involve His words - because His words are the words of life!

Do we have "hands off" signs on our hearts? Let's let the Master in to bless us with His touch today.

Leslie Weatherhead said "all evil intentions and thoughts and desires fly from His searching glance as bats fly from a dungeon when it is opened to the blaze of day." The touch of Jesus always cleanses!

The touch of Jesus heals - physically and emotionally. What wounds are you living with? Bring them to him today.