THIS DEVOTIONAL REMINDS ME OF THE HYMN, “WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD IN THE STORMS OF LIFE, WHEN THE CLOUDS UNFOLD THEIR WINGS OF STRIFE? WHEN THE STRONG TIDES LIFT, AND THE CABLES STRAIN, WILL YOUR ANCHOR DRIFT OR FIRM REMAIN?”
Morning all… Have you ever noticed how, in the middle of a storm, everything seems to pause for a moment? The noise of daily life quiets down, and all our attention focuses on the power of the wind and rain around us. This is a reminder that some things are simply beyond our control. Life, like weather, brings sudden storms, unexpected challenges that shake us, scare us, and sometimes threaten to overwhelm us. These storms can take many forms: grief that crashes over us like a tidal wave, fear that rattles our heart like thunder, uncertainty that clouds our vision like thick fog. And yet, amongst these moments, there’s a place of peace that doesn’t depend on the calmness outside but on the shelter we find inside. Psalm 91:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” This is a promise that no matter how fierce the storm, God offers us a refuge. Not a magic shield that makes the storm disappear, but a stronghold where our souls find rest and strength. When we choose to dwell in God’s shelter, we are choosing to trust Him even when we don’t understand the storm. We acknowledge that while we cannot always control the circumstances, we can control where we take refuge. His promises are like a fortress wall, steady, unshakable, and enduring through every gust of wind. Today, God invites you to find your shelter in Him, to rest under His shadow, and to experience a peace that goes beyond your understanding.
I PRAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND. GOD-WILLING BISHOP PAUL WILL BE BACK ON SUNDAY EVENING SO NORMAL SERVICE WILL RESUME ON MONDAY. GOD BLESS!
Morning all… Believe it or not, but back in my youth, I was a very good runner. I remember the thrill of sprinting around the track, the pounding of my feet on the ground, and the freedom of movement. But what I realise now is that the hardest part of any run – then and now, isn’t the run itself. It’s the start. It’s getting out the door. How true that is, not just in running, but in life and in faith. Spiritually, we often find ourselves stuck before we even begin. We wait for the perfect time to pray, to open the Bible, to serve others, or to take a bold step of faith. But the truth is, waiting for perfect conditions can paralyze us. Ecclesiastes 11:4 puts it plainly: “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” If we keep looking for the perfect breeze or the clearest sky, we’ll never plant our seeds or harvest the fruits God has prepared. God doesn’t ask for perfection; He asks for obedience. He wants us to start – right where we are, with what we have, however imperfect it may feel. Take the step – pray even if your words are tangled, serve even if you’re unsure, trust even if you can’t see the whole path. God will meet you in motion. He will guide your steps and strengthen your heart with every stride you take. Remember, the journey of faith often begins with a single step. Don’t be afraid to start.
BISHOP PAUL IS BACK BUT DIDN’T GET HOME UNTIL 4AM THIS MORNING, SO IT’S MATTHEW AGAIN. I’VE SEEN ALL OF HIS HOLIDAY SNAPS AND HE HAS HAD A WONDERFUL TIME.
Morning all… Have you ever noticed how some drivers seem completely out of control? If you’ve ever been to Dubrovnik in Croatia, you’ll know exactly what I mean – especially the bus drivers! They fly down the roads like there’s no tomorrow, swerving through traffic as though the rules don’t apply. Life can be like that too. We can be travelling quickly and confidently, but if we’re on the wrong road, we’ll never arrive where we hoped. John reminds us of this in 3 John 1:4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Notice he didn’t say knowing the truth or believing the truth but walking in it. Truth isn’t just something to admire – it’s something to live. We can know the directions, even quote them, but if you don’t follow them, we’re no better than a reckless driver ignoring the signs. Walking in truth means letting God’s Word shape our daily choices – how you speak, how you treat people, and how you respond when life doesn’t go our way. It’s the steady, intentional steps that keep us on the right path. A map on the dashboard won’t help unless you follow it – and God has given us His Word to guide, not just to decorate our lives. So today, ask yourself: am I walking in the truth or just glancing at it? Remember, speed without direction only leads to danger. But step by step, when you walk in God’s truth, you’ll bring joy to the heart of your Father – and you’ll always reach the right destination.
I’VE MENTIONED THE FOLLOWING HYMN BEFORE, BUT AFTER READING REVD MARK’S DEVOTIONAL, I CAN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD. HERE’S VERSE TWO:
‘I HAVE A FATHER, HE CALLS ME HIS OWN,
HE’LL NEVER LEAVE ME, NO MATTER WHERE I GO…
HE KNOWS MY NAME, HE KNOWS MY EVERY THOUGHT,
HE SEES EACH TEAR THAT FALLS, AND HE HEARS ME WHEN I CALL…’
Morning all… Do you feel that sometimes your efforts go unnoticed? You serve quietly, you give faithfully, you show love in ways others never see. It can feel like you’re overlooked, underappreciated, and forgotten. If this is how you feel today Hebrews 6:10 reminds us: “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” What a comforting truth! Even the smallest act of love never escapes His attention. The smile you gave, the prayer whispered for someone, the hidden generosity – heaven records it all. God sees your service even when no one claps, no one thanks you, and no one notices. And more than seeing, He treasures it. So often we want instant results, instant recognition, but God’s timing is perfect. He knows when to reward, how to reward, and in ways far greater than human praise. That means you can serve without bitterness, love without expectation, and give without looking over your shoulder for recognition. Nothing done for Him is wasted. Today, take courage: you are not forgotten. Stand firm in your faith, keep serving in love, and trust that God – the God who never overlooks, will do a mighty work through your life.
Rev’d Mark Spiers