God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today, we consider a mountain. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary. Amen.

It is really important we understand that we are in a relationship with the God of the mountain. The God of thunder and lightning, and the thick cloud, the trumpet blast, the smoke and fire. The God who makes the earth tremble. Because if we don’t understand that, we reduce God. We turn him into someone who has less power, less authority than he really has; who is less mighty, less able than he really is.

Sometimes we need to stand at the foot of the mountain and witness the extraordinary nature of God to remember he is Elohim - God, Yahweh - I AM, El Elyon - God Most High, El Shaddai – God Almighty, Jehovah Nissi - the banner over us securing our protection and deliverance. We also need to be reminded he is incomprehensibly holy and there is a standard. We must line up our way of living to his way of loving as a witness to the rest of the world.

We don’t need a pocket-sized God, someone who is made in our image. Thank God, he was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Jesus so we could see who he really is.

Let's pray
Lord, remind me today of who it is I am in relationship with. Reveal something of yourself to me. Thank you, Jesus, for the access I have to my heavenly Father because of your sacrifice. I worship you in spirit and in truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today, we're thinking about deserts. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary. Amen.

 A friend bought me a poinsettia for Christmas and I did everything I could to keep it alive but within a couple of weeks it had died. Not from neglect, but from cold. The plant arrived slightly ahead of a really cold snap when both the daytime and overnight temperatures dropped into minus and stayed there for a prolonged period. My poinsettia hated it, which is understandable since it’s natural home is the mainly hot and humid Mexico. It needs different conditions to flourish. It didn't get them, so curled into itself, shivering.

When David writes Psalm 63 he is in the wilderness, in the desert of Judah, a dry, barren place my poinsettia would probably have loved! But it's a place David really doesn’t want to be. He is a long way from comfort, from his family, and particularly from his son Absalom who has threatened to kill him. The conditions are not ones in which David would be expected to flourish, and yet he pours out his love and worship to the Father.

Unlike my picky plant we have to learn, I think, to blossom where we’re planted. The conditions may not be perfect, we may long for things to be different, but we can rejoice in the God who upholds us by his mighty right hand, whatever the current climate. And we can worship.

Let's pray
Lord, help me to hold tight to my memories of those times when I’ve sensed your presence, felt your power, and glimpsed your glory. When I've known you are working to bring all things together for my good. Bring me so close today that whatever the day brings I will know you as the shadow of my right hand, my great friend, my great Saviour. I will praise you through my life today, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today, it's hills and valleys. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary today. Amen.

We live on a hilly country lane which joins a busy ‘A’ road about a mile downhill. Many’s the time I’ve said a quick prayer as I hurtle down the road in my car on an icy morning as there’s really not much room for error at the bottom! The brakes need to be applied well in advance to stop me shooting across the carriageway in front of oncoming traffic.

Over the years I’ve been struck by the significant difference being a few metres about sea level can mean. One year it snowed and the temperature was several degrees higher where we were compared to down in the valley. I have stood in my garden and watched a storm roll up the hill (and had plenty of time to head for cover!). I’ve watched rain lash the road that cuts through the valley while standing up the hill in warm sunshine, mercifully dry. It’s windier on the hill in the summer; I love coming home on a hot, hot day to a cool breeze.

I have to wonder if Jesus remembered Psalm 23 on his long uphill climb as he entered Jerusalem. He knew he faced not just the valley of the shadow of death but death itself. I wonder if he was comforted by the promise his Father would be with him through it, would never desert him. That, eventually, the Father's goodness and mercy would hunt him down and ensure he triumphed.

Take comfort today. The Father is for you! The climb might be arduous just now, but his invitation is to join him at the top of the hill and see what more he has for you.

Let's pray
Thank you, Jesus, my good shepherd. Thank you for your guidance and care every day. Thank you that you lead me well, restore my soul, give me peace, and bring me hope. Take me higher today, Lord. In your precious name. Amen.

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. This week we're starting to look at elements of the landscape. Including dust! Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

Jesus walked miles in sandals. At the end of each day his feet would have been filthy with dust; no wonder foot washing was so much an important and meaningful ritual in his day! I wonder if all the dust ever made him reflect on humanity's origins.

The first human was a genderless being, made from dust. The human (Ha’adam) carried the breath of God in its body and, later, when God separated ha’adam into man (ish) and woman (ish-shah) each half was equally sustained by his breath. And the Lord still gives life to every human being; we have his breath in our nostrils. In fact, Job tells us without the Father’s breath all of us would return to dust.

I find this incredibly sobering. I am only alive because God chooses to give me breath. And that realisation causes me to worship my life-giver. Whatever the circumstances, challenges, disappointments, frustrations, joys, celebrations, moments of overcoming I am thankful. But more than that, I’m in awe that the one who sustains me with his breath but would wash my feet without hesitation.

Let's pray
Today our prayer is an old, old hymn: Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the way you love, and do what you would do. Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure, until my will is one with yours, to do and to endure. Breathe on me, breath of God, so shall I never die, but live with you the perfect life for all eternity. Amen. 

Edwin Hatch (1878)

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today, tables. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through our devotions today. Amen.

There are times when I want to rage. I want to turn the tables on those who benefit from injustice, corruption, and human misery. Those who lie and cheat, and seem - all too frequently - to gloat, believing themselves to be untouchable.

People with the same proclivities were around in Jesus’ day so I find it absolutely fascinating that he reserved his anger for those who were misrepresenting the Father and making money from his name. The contrast between his dealings with the temple traders and Zaccheus are marked. Zaccheus had cheated and defrauded God’s people but Jesus met him, loved him. The temple traders had gone a step further and were fleecing worshippers in the Father’s house. Since Jesus’s priority was to reveal the Father he was incensed to see the sellers in the house of prayer for the nations exploiting the devout, and robbing God of the glory he was due.

Jesus’ intention was to cleanse the temple and restore holy worship. That should be our intention, too. We can take our raging hearts to the Father, ask him to restore us, and then allow him to focus us on what matters - glorifying him in everything we do. Including turning the tables when he calls us to!

Let's pray
Father, your word sets out principles and precepts we need to follow to please you as individuals and nations. You care about the disenfranchised and marginalised, you stand with the poor and powerless. Lead me in the ways of justice and peace, inspire me to confront tyranny and oppression. Help me to focus on actions that bring glory to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today, cups! Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through them. Amen.

There’s an Indiana Jones film in which the intrepid professor of archaeology has to choose which - from a vast display of chalices - he thinks is the holy grail. According to legend, the grail was a cup Jesus drank from at the last supper and which was then used at the cross to collect his blood giving it supernatural powers!

That there is a such thing is, of course, a fallacy but what the film’s director probably gets right is Dr Jones’ choice of chalice. Among all the beautiful gold, silver, and bejewelled chalices laid on a long table the camera shows us a simple wooden cup; exactly the kind of cup a carpenter may have crafted. That is the cup Indiana Jones chooses.

If we look to the Old Testament we see the word “cup” is used as a metaphor to signify our lives and the Scriptures recognise our cups can be full of blessing and salvation, but also loss and horror.  When Jesus uses the phrase “take this cup from me” in the garden of Gethsemane he knows he is destined for intolerable suffering. His commitment to the cross, though, will mean we will be freed to live with our cups perpetually filled to the brim and running over with abundance. Not that we won’t experience bad things, but so we will be strengthened and equipped to overcome despite them.

Drink deep of the Father’s love for you today.

Let's pray
Thank you, Jesus, for taking the cup. Thank for you for agreeing to align with the Father's will. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you that, because of it, I am an overcomer. I bless you, Jesus. In your name. Amen.

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today, we're thinking about wells and buckets. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary. Amen.

We had to have a new fence installed (there is a long back story involving a dog we rescued, but that is for another day!) and decided we would open up the view to the field at the back of our garden. This meant clearing a great many tress, shrubs, and undergrowth and in the process we discovered we have a well in our garden! It shouldn’t have come as a surprise since our house was build in the early 1700s long before mains water was available, but it was still an exciting moment when we found it.

This made me think a lot about the things that can be under our noses but out of sight for a long time before we discover them. I wonder if for some of you during this Lent season the Father has been speaking about clearing things out of the way so he can open up a new view to you. Or perhaps he had been leading you to investigate an aspect of his character or an area of ministry you’ve never considered before. Or maybe he knows you just need to find a well and be excited and refreshed.

The next step with our well is to prize off the huge slab that has closed it off to the world for the last few centuries. Then we will throw a bucket down to see what’s down there. It feels like an adventure waiting to be had. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is inviting you on an adventure, too. Grab a bucket!

Let's pray
Lord, I am ready for a new view, an adventure, some refreshing. I am picking up my bucket, throwing it into the well and seeing what you put in it. Thank you that I know it will be full to overflowing with blessing. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. We're looking over a few days at vessels and utensils. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

This is a truly lovely, faith-filled statement from Paul. He is encouraging his readers to keep on in ministry, despite the difficulties, despite the setbacks, because God sees who they are and what they do and the treasure inside them gives glory to the One who gave it to them.

Many of us will have shared the gospel countless time with people who have never responded to the love of God or understood the purpose of Jesus’ sacrifice. There are times when we feel inadequate for the ministry God has entrusted to us. Paul says all we need to do is stay unfaintingly constant to the call of God on our lives, and it is for God to do the rest.

This comforts me. I am a vessel, created from dust, full of the most extraordinary treasure which God will use as he wants. All I have to be is obedient. You, too!

Let's pray
Thank you, Lord, that it isn't all down to me. I can rest in the truth that my love and obedience is all you want from me. I don't have to stress or worry or pretend to be something i am not. you will use me as you choose. May all the glory go to you, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today, vessels and utensils. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

So many people came together to create everything the Lord had detailed for the Tabernacle just so he could be God in their midst. And it cost them. The ministering women contributed their costly mirrors, the craftsman gave their time and skills, the priests and Levites worked together to ensure everything ran smoothly. It was all for God's glory. Even the pots met the Lord’s exacting standards.

But how did they do it in the wilderness? Where did they get the gold, silver, bronze and fine linens from? Well, from the people who had previously held them captive for hundreds of years. From the Egyptians. Immediately before God led the Israelites out of Egypt  he instructed the women to go to the Egyptians and tell them to hand over enough wealth on which to build a new nation. And, they did!

This is one of the many, many things I love about God - the fullness of his provision. He knew the Israelites could not start again without finance. He also knew they couldn’t build a nation without him, hence the detailed instructions regarding the beauty of his tabernacle that would speak to the other nations about his might, goodness, provision and presence.

Take a moment today. Find something every day - a pot, a shovel, a mirror - and give thanks for the fulness of God’s provision for you. He is in your midst!

Let's pray
You have been faithful to me, Lord, and I bless you for your goodness. Thank you that you are concerned with every detail of my life, you plan ahead, you provide for me, you save me, enjoy being with me and love me. I am so grateful. So very grateful. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. This week vessels and utensils. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

When Paul writes about the great house he is thinking of the Church. In it, he says are both precious and lasting and valueless, everyday items. The enduring nature and beauty of the gold and silver items contrasts starkly with the fleeting and perishable nature of wood and clay.

Jesus would have seen many perishable items in the course of his life time but his focus was always on what is precious and lasting. In fact, he came to reveal the most enduring and beautiful of all beings - his Father - and his encouragement to us is to love the Father with such devotion we can’t help but be transformed by the Spirit into something set aside for the most honourable and significant purpose.

Ephesians 2:10 says we are created for, “good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (NIV) The good works include our careers, volunteer positions, relationships... We might feel unskilled, unqualified or unable to do these effectively but God doesn’t see it that way. He hasn’t set you up to fail by giving you things you can't do or be. You are equipped, supplied, instructed and filled. A vessel of honour. And what you do is precious and lasting.

Let's pray
Thank you, Father, that you a have made me a vessel of great honour. Thank you that when I see nothing but my imperfections and failures, you view me as flawless and successful. Thank you for lining up the good works I can do. Thank you, the privilege it is to serve you with my whole life. In Jesus' name. Amen.