Rev. Luke Powell Daily Devotions

Fanny Crosby learned a great lesson in humility from her principal. In today's world it's easy to get puffed up and self-centred. But let's learn to be humble, because every ability we have comes only from our loving God.

Despite someone blinding her at six weeks old, Fanny Crosby refused to be bogged down by unforgiveness. Who do you need to forgive today?

Fanny Crosby was blinded at six weeks old, and yet she resolved to be grateful for the many other blessings she did enjoy. Are we miserable because of the blessings we don't have, forgetting the joy of the ones we do have?

Before we look too far into 2020, let's remember that God is our God TODAY. Embrace the 24 hours God has just placed in front of you, and live for His glory one day at a time.

Maybe a "new you" in 2020 means moving from a self-focused faith to a mission-focused faith. Will you be a missionary wherever it is God has placed you?

Great is His faithfulness, as the old songs goes. Perhaps this year we can be newly confident in His trustworthiness - which has never changed.

A lesson from a Spotted Dikkop today! God saves us from drowning, but so often we then begin to reject him. May 2020 be different, as we are newly grateful for His consistent love for us.

Two great promises to start a new decade: that God will always stay the same, and that we can always be changed in Him.

Let's honour God in all ways this year! Let's give him our hearts, and our bodies, and our minds, and being wholistic followers of Christ.

As the year starts, I pray that our hearts will turn towards God. Let's be honest - distractions are going to come, and the world will try direct our heart away from God. But we must turn to Him this year, for only He can fulfill us.

Happy new year! I pray that in 2020 we will find the great peace of God filling us, in whatever situations and circumstances come our way.

If God were to look back on the year that just passed, what would he think? Let's rest assured: not a split second went by where he wasn't in control. Trust in him today, as the year comes to a close, for he is trustworthy!

How will you look back at 2019? Try this: remember the good times gladly, and learn from the bad times. God was and is using it all for your good.

The magi come to Jesus with treasures and gifts. What are you bringing to Jesus as the year ends? Bring your treasures, and bring your broken heart too. He will accept them both and love you deeply.

Are worship and rest compatible? Yes they are. Worship Him today, even if you're having a restful Boxing Day!

Merry Christmas! Look for Jesus today. He is in the eyes of those around you. And if you open the door to your heart, he's living in you too.

The ordinary shepherds hear the best news of all! They investigate it, and then when they find out it's all true, they share it passionately. As should we.

Most royal births are full of pomp and splendour, with the elite being first to the party. But in the case of Jesus, it was the ordinary, working class shepherds who heard the good news during the world's first flash mob!

Herod thought the king of the Jews would rule with domination! Instead, Jesus came to be a Good Shepherd. Come to the Shepherd today.

When things didn't go his way, Herod got angry and even murdered. How do we react in these situations? Paul reminds us the way of Jesus - one of gentleness, kindness and goodness.

Herod was a liar, and his life did not match his words. Are we Christians the same? Let's search carefully for the Child this Christmas.

The presence of Jesus is a person's life can be disturbing, or threatening even! For He comes to take over and become King of your heart. Don't be like Herod and resist His Kingdom: surrender to this new King today.

South Africa celebrates the Day of Reconciliation on 16 Dec. Paul says that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation - let us be reconciled to God and to one another this Christmas.

We close our look at Joseph by listening to Michael Card's wonderful "Joseph's Song".

Joseph loved Jesus as his own, even though Jesus wasn't his flesh and blood. This love is an example to us! Let us love all those near to us as if they were our own family.