Rev. Luke Powell Daily Devotions

As a young boy living with his family in Epworth, John Wesley nearly lost his life in a fire. Rev. Lea Marumo from North Rand Methodist Church joins us today to remind us that even in the fires of life, our mighty God is with us.

The pivotal moment in John Wesley's life came one evening at a church meeting in Aldersgate - and as the Spirit filled him, nothing would ever be the same. Rev. Pete Veysie from George Methodist Church reminds us that we too can have an "warmed heart" moment like Wesley did.

John Wesley worked tirelessly to help the poor in his day. Today Deacon Quinton De Beer from Northfield Methodist challenges us to act on behalf of the less fortunate - not only because God calls us to, but also for our own growth in grace.

John Wesley knew that Christians need other Christians. Today Rev. Hilton Volkwyn from Benoni Methodist Church teaches on Wesley's system of small groups, and how we are always stronger when we do life together in community.

Methodism was born in song! Rev. Rowan Rogers from Newton Park Methodist Church shares today on the power of singing and music in the early Methodist movement, and in our churches today.

John Wesley was passionate about "spreading scriptural holiness throughout the land". Today Rev. Raymond Keet from Krugersdorp Methodist Church shares on what this means: avoiding harm, doing good, and attending the ordinances of God.

John Wesley was convinced that a vital spirituality was always a disciplined one! Today Rev. Trevor Hudson reminds us that the words "disciple" and "discipline" go together, and that by adopting certain spiritual disciplines we place ourselves before God, allowing his transforming love to flow into our lives.

In an age where women could "think much but speak little", Susanna Wesley stands out. Today Rev. Faith Whitby of Aldersgate Methodist Church Glenhazel gives us three reasons that Susanna was ahead of her time.

Rev. Terry Booysen from Penryn College in Nelspruit joins us today, to show how Susanna Wesley's life reminds us of the power of the Christian home, and the call on each of our lives to teach and model a life of faith to the next generation.

Susanna Wesley lived a difficult life. What was the secret of her strength? Rev. Dawn Brown from Witfield Methodist Church shares on how Susanna found strength "under her apron" in special times with God.

Rev. Louise Wernich from Northfield Methodist Church joins us today to share how Susanna Wesley embodied Jesus' words to "seek first the kingdom of God". She was a person of great devotion - let's learn from her and follow her example today.

John Wesley and his mother had a special relationship - and it seems she had a stronger influence on his spiritual life than his minister father did. Be grateful for your mother today!

Rev. Angus Kelly is with us today to explain Wesley's "Christian perfection" - not a state of sinlessness, but a state of perfect love for God and for others. Let us press on to achieve this perfection each day.

Rev. Ron Robertson joins today to teach us Wesley's wonderful view on assurance. In a pivotal moment in his own life, Wesley came to know that even HE was loved and saved by God, and this changed everything for him. May you and I find the same assurance in the saving love of God today.

Rev. Wesley Olivier from Pretoria North Methodist Church joins me today, to teach us that all CAN be saved. Wesley was a firm believer that God's grace is available to all people, but not all choose to respond to it. Will you respond to His loving call today? Whoever you are and whatever you've done, He is willing to welcome you with love.

Rev. Ralph Yelverton joins to teach us the first "all" in Methodism - that all people need salvation. Wesley himself discovered that his devout and disciplined Christian life could never "earn" God's love. He needed to be saved - as do each you and I!

John Wesley was ahead of his time in his inclusiveness - striving to help and strengthen those of different denominations and traditions. What about us? Can we "agree to disagree" with those with different emphases to us?

At some point, we all have to hear Jesus say "stop doubting and believe!" May today be that day for you!

Our faith can't be resurrected in isolation. It takes people. Are our churches safe places for doubting Thomases? Let's learn to be gentle with those who struggle - and let's stay in community when we doubt.

Faith doesn't take a click of the fingers, sometimes it takes a long time to be resurrected. Thomas himself waited a week for Jesus to reveal himself again. How long have you been waiting? Don't give up - He is coming.

Rev. Zack Eswine gives a usual analogy about faith - like venturing out onto a frozen pond, one step at a time. If your faith isn't the size of Everest, that's OK: because as Jesus said, even faith the size of a mustard seed will sustain you.

We often talk about having bold faith, but if Peter and Thomas - two of Jesus' disciples - could have moments of doubt, then surely we can too.

Rev. Ray Goddess joins us once more to teach that the dove which appears at Jesus' baptism might have more meaning than we realize...

Rev. Ray Goddess shares on Jesus' baptism - which was not necessary for repentance, but which declared Jesus as God's Son. 

Rev. Ray Goddess is back to teach us to rely on God's timing. Jesus only began his ministry at the right moment - but we tend to get frustrated and impatient with God's timing. Let's trust in Him fully, and remember that His timing is always perfect.