MONDAY
OUR HARVEST PREPARATIONS BEGAN ON SATURDAY MORNING, VERY EARLY. REVD MARK AND I WERE AT THE WHOLESALE MARKET IN WOLVERHAMPTON AT 4:45AM ONLY TO FIND THAT IT HAD BEEN CLOSED DOWN. WE HAD VISITED THERE EVERY HARVEST FOR 30+ YEARS. PANIC SET IN. WE THEN DECIDED TO TRAVEL TO BIRMINGHAM WHOLESALE MARKET, THANKFULLY ARRIVING IN TIME BEFORE IT CLOSED. REVD MARK UNDERESTIMATES THE DISPLAY AS IT WAS ON EVERY FLAT SURFACE IN THE CHURCH – SEE THE NEWSLETTER.
13th October – Morning all… Yesterday, we celebrated our Harvest Festival at church, what a blessing it was. The tables were filled with fruit and vegetables, bread, and flowers, symbols of God’s goodness and provision. Today, many gifts have been given to those in need and the tables are being set up for our auction this evening, with whatever is left over. But it’s now that the real challenge begins: to live with a harvest heart every day. It’s easy to give thanks when the barns are full – when life feels abundant and things are going our way. But Scripture reminds us that gratitude is not meant to be seasonal. It’s a daily posture of trust and worship. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That little phrase – in all circumstances, changes everything. It means gratitude isn’t dependent on what we have, but on who God is. The same God who provides in times of plenty sustains us in times of need. The same Lord who fills the fields with grain can fill our hearts with peace when life feels barren. So, as the harvest displays are packed away, let’s keep the spirit of thanksgiving alive. Let’s notice the small daily blessings, the morning light through the window, the kindness of a friend, the breath in our lungs. These are reminders that every good and perfect gift still comes from above (James 1:17). Revd Mark Spiers
TUESDAY
I AM HUMBLED BY THIS DEVOTIONAL – THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE SENT A BIRTHDAY CARD OR GREETING.
14th October – Morning all… Today it’s my dad’s birthday – a man I not only call Dad, but also Bishop; a man whose ministry has shaped both my life and the lives of countless others. As I pause to give thanks, I’m reminded that a true calling is not found in his position, but in the heart that beats for God and His people. Growing up under his ministry, I’ve seen what quiet strength looks like, not the strength that demands attention, but the kind that endures storms, carries burdens, and prays through the night for others. I’ve listened to him preach with conviction, lead with grace, and serve with humility. He’s never sought applause, yet his faith has echoed through every sermon, every prayer, and every act of kindness. His life reminds me that ministry begins at home, in how a father loves, forgives, and guides. As I celebrate him today, I realise that the greatest inheritance a father can give is not wealth or wisdom, but faith. His legacy is not just in the churches he has led, but in the hearts of those who have seen Christ in him – including mine. Scripture says, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” (Proverbs 20:7) So, to every reader reflecting on this, may you be encouraged to honour those who have quietly paved the way of faith before you. Remember that every act of faithfulness leaves a trail for others to follow. Happy Birthday Dad! Revd Mark Spiers
WEDNESDAY
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL INVITES US TO REMEMBER THAT EVEN WHEN LIFE FEELS SHADOWED BY UNCERTAINTY OR SORROW, GOD’S LIGHT IS NEVER DIMMED AND HIS PRESENCE NEVER FADES.
15th October – Morning all… There are moments in life when the light feels hidden, when prayers seem unanswered, hope feels fragile, and faith feels more like endurance than confidence. We know in our minds that God is near, but our hearts can still whisper, “Where are You, Lord?” The psalmist understood this tension deeply. In Psalm 139, David reflects that even when surrounded by darkness – whether emotional, spiritual, or physical, God’s presence is not diminished. To us, darkness can feel like isolation, but to God, it’s no obstacle at all. His light penetrates it completely. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:12) The other week I was visiting one of our churches in London, as I was travelling down the morning sun was piercing the fog. Rather than vanishing instantly – it lingered there, hazy and thick, but the light still cut through, soft at first, then stronger, until all visibility returned. That’s how God’s light works in us. It doesn’t always chase the darkness away immediately, but it steadily pushes through until what once felt hidden becomes illuminated by His love. Perhaps today you find yourself walking through a fog – uncertainty, grief, fatigue, or disappointment. The promise of this verse is not that darkness won’t come, but that it cannot overcome His light. Even in our confusion, God sees perfectly. Even in our silence, He is speaking. Remember this – God is already present in the places that feel most obscured. Revd Mark Spiers
THURSDAY
REVD MARK EXPLAINS AN EVENT THAT TOOK PLACE LAST NIGHT AT AROUND MIDNIGHT. WHO DO YOU CALL IF SUCH AN EVENT OCCURS IN YOUR LIFE? THANK THE LORD FOR REVD MARK’S BOLDNESS WHO CAME IN MINUTES IN HIS PYJAMAS TO INVESTIGATE, AND THE WORK OF THE POLICE WHO ACTUALLY CAUGHT THE INDIVIDUAL. I PRAYED FOR HIM AT HOLY COMMUNION THIS AFTERNOON – MAY THE LORD GUIDE HIS LIFE ON A MORE RIGHTEOUS PATH.
16th October – Morning all… Have you ever had something taken from you – not just a possession, but your sense of peace or security? Last night, my dad’s garage was broken into, thankfully nothing was taken. But standing there, looking at the damage, I felt that sinking feeling in my stomach. It wasn’t about what they could have stolen – it was the thought that someone had come where they had no right to be. It made me think of Jesus’ words in John’s Gospel: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) Jesus never hid the reality that there is evil in this world, that there is a thief who comes to take what doesn’t belong to him. But He also reminded us that His purpose is the very opposite. He comes to give, to restore, to bring fullness of life, to heal what’s been broken. This morning reflecting on this, I realised the enemy might be able to steal our tools, our possessions, or our comfort for a moment – but he can’t steal our peace when it’s anchored in Christ. Locks and doors can be replaced, but the security we have in Jesus can never be breached. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) Maybe today, something has been taken from you, your joy, your confidence, your hope. But remember this: Jesus came that you might have life – not a fragile peace that can be broken, but a deep, abiding one that the world cannot touch. Revd Mark Spiers
FRIDAY
IN THE MIDST OF LIFE’S STORMS, WHEN FEAR THREATENS TO OVERWHELM US, REVD MARK’S DEVOTIONAL REMINDS US THAT THE SAME JESUS WHO CALMED THE SEA, STILL SPEAKS PEACE INTO OUR HEARTS TODAY.
17th October – Morning all… Have you ever wondered where God is when everything around you feels like it’s falling apart? When the waves of life crash without warning, and peace feels like something other people have, but not you? I know that the disciples once felt that way. They were experienced fishermen, yet one night a furious storm rose up that left them terrified. The boat rocked violently, water poured in, and fear gripped their hearts. In their panic, they turned to Jesus and found Him sleeping. To them, it must have seemed unthinkable. Didn’t He care that they were about to drown? “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39) With three simple words, Jesus brought peace to what moments before seemed uncontrollable. But He didn’t stop there. He turned to His disciples and said, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (v.40). The same voice that calmed the storm outside also spoke to the storm within. We often ask Jesus to calm the circumstances around us – the conflict, the chaos, the unknown, but His greatest work is often in calming our hearts first. His peace doesn’t always mean the storm ends immediately, but it does mean that we can stand firm while it rages, knowing that He is still in control. Revd Mark Spiers