Category: daily devotion

 
The thief on the cross turns to Jesus for dignity and comfort and finds himself drawn into the circle of mercy and grace. Jesus promises him he will not be forgotten. Before the end of the day he will be with Jesus in paradise, the realm of eternal bliss in God’s presence where righteous persons go after death, “God’s garden,” an end-time image of new creation.

Reflection
Turn to Jesus for a taste of paradise today.

QUOTE FOR TODAY
… even death will be overcome in God’s new creation.

(Glenn Packiam, Worship and the World to Come, p. 73)
 

 
Jesus enlists the help of the ravens, the lilies and the grass of the field to teach his disciples not to worry but to trust in God’s provision instead. Consider how God ‘clothes the grass of the field’, with such care and attention. Trust God to do the same for us.

Reflection
Spend time in nature today and ask God to speak to you about your worries and to strengthen your faith.

QUOTE FOR TODAY
The church is to be a people who are straining forward even while our feet are in the moment.

(Glenn Packiam, Worship and the World to Come, p. 67)
 

 
On his way to Rome to stand trial Paul gets the opportunity to present his case to King Agrippa, a sympathetic man, “well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies” (Acts 26:3). Perhaps King Agrippa will appreciate the irony of his situation. Paul is standing trial for his hope in the resurrection, a hope he shares with his Jewish ancestors, a hope more real to him than ever because of his faith in the Risen Lord Jesus.

Reflection
What is your hope based on?

QUOTE FOR TODAY
Our hope is steadfast because our God is faithful. We know this because Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.

(Glenn Packiam, Worship and the World to Come, p. 200)
 

 
At the dedication of the temple Solomon praises God for his faithfulness – promises have come true. It was Solomon’s joy and privilege to build the temple, but it was built on the foundation of David’s relationship with God.

Reflection
What is taking shape in the world as a result of your relationship with God?

QUOTE FOR TODAY
The church … is a community formed in hope.

(Glenn Packiam, Worship and the World to Come, p. 2)
 

 
The New Testament writers constantly point to Jesus as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies. Here we see Jesus do the same, as he identifies himself and his mission with the Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 61:1-2. Notice the phrase, ‘in your hearing’. Jesus often said, ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.’ (Mark 4:9)

Reflection
What scripture do you need to hear and take to heart today? Read it out loud.

QUOTE FOR TODAY
… the experience of God’s presence in the present moment of worship is in and of itself an experience of hope.

(Glenn Packiam, Worship and the World to Come, p. 182)
 

 
Growth is a blessing, but it brings its own challenges. The people of Israel had grown so numerous that their leader, Moses, was feeling overwhelmed. He decided to seek out wise and respected leaders from the different tribes to help share the load.

Reflection
Give thanks for the areas of growth in your life, and ask God’s guidance on how to manage the growth wisely.

QUOTE FOR TODAY
The world to come will be not simply a return to how things were in Eden but the completion and perfection of creation. … Whatever things will be like there, it will be more, not less, than the best we have known here.

(Glenn Packiam, Worship and the World to Come, p. 193)
 

 
Abraham goes to a lot of trouble and expense to find a suitable wife for his 40-year-old bachelor son, Isaac. Abraham is too old to make the long and gruelling journey himself and sends his servant instead, someone he can trust, who knows him intimately and appreciates what is at stake. The servant is not only faithful; he is also God-fearing and wise, recognizing that he won’t succeed in his mission without God’s kindness.

Reflection
Be bold and ask God to make you successful today, relying on his kindness in all you do.

QUOTE FOR TODAY
… this faith is a received faith. It did not begin with us, and it will not end with us. … Like every good story, there is the expectation of a good ending.

(Glenn Packiam, Worship and the World to Come, p. 60)