Church In Wales Daily Devotions

Listening to God every day

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  • 1 Kings 11:29-32,12:19, Psalm 81:8-16, Mark 7:31-37

    1 Kings 11:29-32,12:19, Psalm 81:8-16, Mark 7:31-37

    Sadly today we see God’s warnings fulfilled. Judgement for both idolatry & abuse of power. But also I’m encouraged by the continued grace of God & hope offered, even in the face of our continued disobedience.

    In our OT reading we are seeing the start of the divided kingdom after Solomon’s reign. This was promised by God as a result of Solomon’s idolatry & is also a judgement on his tyrannical abuse of power. God chooses to give to the rebel Jeroboam the northern ten tribes, which will eventually go into exile & disappear. But even in the midst of this political disaster, God remains true to his promise to David. The twin tribes of Judah & Benjamin (the one line through Rachel) will remain true to David’s heirs and form the Kingdom of Judah. Judgement but not abandonment.

    Today’s song from Psalms continues the warning. Because of idolatry, being unfaithful to God, His people are “given over to their stubborn hearts”. How often sin brings its own consequences. It is not so much that a furious Father brings punishment to us for our sins. It’s more like He with a heavy heart sometimes lets us feel the natural consequences of our choices. Sadly we also miss out on the many blessings and protections that He wanted to bring us.

    Even in today’s wonderful miracle from the gospel, we see these twin aspects at play. God’s tremendous grace and power in quietly healing the deaf & mute man. Then, even though they are amazed and delighted by the miracle, the people stubbornly disobey His command. We know from elsewhere in the gospel that such news of healings eventually meant Jesus could no longer go into the towns & needed to continue His ministry from remote countryside. How many people missed out on healing & meeting Jesus just because the people would not obey?

    PUT INTO PRACTICE: Lord, may I remember today that there are consequences to sin & putting anything above you. May I remember and trust more that if I just follow & obey you so much good will come. Believing that you genuinely have my best interests at heart & know what is best for my life. Thank you for your grace & forgiveness all the times I do fall. May I learn to do better, to trust & to see. May I be wiser than Solomon, my King, and stay loyal to you. Amen.

  • 1 Kings 11:4-13, Psalm 132:11-18, Mark 7:24-30

    1 Kings 11:4-13, Psalm 132:11-18, Mark 7:24-30

    A day of contrasts today and contrasts that serve as a sober warning. Once again a time to examine my heart and consider whom I’m more like.

    In our OT reading, we see the sad fall of King Solomon. Despite all the wisdom & success with which God has blessed him, his heart is led astray. His many marriages with foreign wives for the sake of diplomacy, peace & influence have lured him into idolatry. Despite David’s many sins, his heart was always towards God, he was not turned to instead trust in idols or other powers. What turns my heart away from God? Do I need to beware of any influences in my life?

    Sadly, today’s Psalm reminds us how different things were meant to be. Great promises from God for David’s line, if they would stay faithful. As I’ve stressed before, these promises (as most) were conditional on faithfulness. So, Solomon has thrown a lot away by his personal unfaithfulness. Just like our sin is never truly personal, it does impact others.

    It is instructive to read today’s controversial passage from the gospel in the context of Solomon. It is in the context of the surrounding nations so often leading Israel astray or just using the people of God for their purposes, that the new Solomon speaks. His words can sound harsh & even fascinating. But this is a personal test to actually give this woman an opportunity to be blessed. Although she is a gentile, because she proves that she does not just want to use the Jewish prophet but rather is humble & trusts He can do this – she is blest. A great reversal on the example from Solomon.

    PUT INTO PRACTICE: Lord, I recognise I have a choice every day. I can act like Solomon, feeling entitled because of my status with you & letting my heart drift from you. But instead may I follow the woman in today’s gospel. May I remember that I deserve nothing, but persist in coming to you knowing you can do what is needed. Trusting your ability and your love for me. Amen.

  • 1 Kings 10:1-10, Psalm 37:1-7,30-31, Mark 7:14-23

    1 Kings 10:1-10, Psalm 37:1-7,30-31, Mark 7:14-23

    Today I hear a lot about wisdom, having a right heart & guarding our thinking. The interior life if you will. Given current worries for our family with serious health conditions this is timely for my troubled mind.

    In the OT, we read about the famous visit from the Queen of Sheba to Solomon. Her amazement, praise of Solomon’s wisdom & wealth plus her gifts as a result. I was reminded whilst reading this of Jesus’ words that “one greater than Solomon is here”. I re-read the passage as my coming to Jesus as the new Solomon. My opportunity to be amazed by His wisdom & resources. How today could I be one of His servants so that for me: “Happy are these your servants, who continually attend you and hear your wisdom!”

    Today’s song from Psalms continues this theme of the call to trust in His goodness and wonderful wisdom. I noticed the direct calls to practical steps here, which felt like calls to me today. Trust in the Lord. Do good. Take delight in the Lord. Commit your way to the Lord. Be still before the Lord. Wait patiently for Him. I felt challenged again to time in stillness & silence before Him. Time for my inner life to be healed and ordered by God.

    Then in today’s gospel, Jesus teaches where the real root of our troubles and sin is to be found. Our evil thinking and our hearts. Not food or other externals. Not even those things we can see that feed our own specific besetting sin. The root is inside us. From there the full list of sins that Jesus calls our spring forth. Can I hear this as coming from the wisest King of all? If I have come to Him to hear His wisdom for myself & this is His word, what will I now do?

    PUT INTO PRACTICE: As well as putting away anything that is unhelpful or trips me up, my King, help me to let you fix me inside. May I take time to be still before you. To trust you & to let you heal and change my heart. Cure my stinking thinking, Lord. Have your way with my interior life. Please lead me to those spiritual practices that will help to build a beautiful palace for you as king in my heart & mind. Bring right order to the inner me, I pray, my Maker, my King & my loving Father. Amen.

  • 1 Kings 8:22-23,27-30, Psalm 84, Mark 7:1-13

    1 Kings 8:22-23,27-30, Psalm 84, Mark 7:1-13

    Continuing from yesterday’s insight as to the importance of place (which later led me to go & pray in a nearby church) today I hear a balance to that truth. A warning to not get focussed on the externals or slip into thinking I can control God’s ways in my life or at church. A call back to the heart too.

    In our OT reading, following the revelation of God’s presence in the temple, we hear King Solomon’s dedication. What I heard today were two things. First, that Solomon avoided becoming overly focussed on place or religious practices. He remembered that God is omnipresent and never limited by His felt presence in the temple. As well as praying that God will specially hear prayers in that place. Plus, his heart turned with gratitude to God for his faithful mercy, recognising his own need to keep a right heart. One that stays open to God & obedient, not just going through the externals or coming to the right place out of duty.

    That right heart sings through today’s Psalm. Including the famous line “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness”. The Psalmist clearly relishes times of worship & going to the house of God. But he always remembers and is motivated by his love for God, gratitude for His goodness and trust in His care. He doesn’t let the externals become the point.

    Finally, in today’s gospel passage, Jesus explicitly condemns the focus on external religious practices rather than our priorities being genuine love for God & others. Years ago I would have heard this passage as part of a case for Sola Scriptura, for the primacy of the Bible over any church tradition. But I see now that is missing the point. Jesus is not condemning that they have traditions, rather that they let them get in the way of having a right heart towards both God & others. In all our Christian spiritual practices & liturgy we must never let them become the point. They only matter as they help us love God & our neighbours. Plus, right tradition is always in harmony with His Word and wider revelation.

    PUT INTO PRACTICE: As I value holy places, liturgies and prayers passed on by past generations – let me never see these as the point. May I continue with them only as they help me love you Lord & obey you in my life. Holy Spirit have free rein to prick my conscience whenever I let an external spiritual practice or place come between me & you. But thank you for the places and practices you have given your people. Thank you for the rich deposit of faith in the legacy we have to draw from. Feed me Lord and may I become more like you in the process. Amen.

  • 1 Kings 8:1-7,9-13, Psalm 132:6-10, Mark 6:53-56

    1 Kings 8:1-7,9-13, Psalm 132:6-10, Mark 6:53-56

    Today we return to being aligned with the Roman Missal in our readings & although they seem simple on the surface there is much depth here. Through all the layers of potential meaning, I heard about the importance of place and meeting God’s presence.

    Our walk through 1 Kings has reached the time when Solomon has built God’s temple and they are bringing the ark into it. Carrying it rightly, with levites & sacrifice, into its preeminent place in the holy of holies. There is a lot here. The encouragement of the mercy seat being above the law. God choosing to dwell in thick darkness not certainty or clarity. But what I heard this morning was the importance of place. Having obeyed God’s instruction, God’s felt presence chose to dwell in a specific place and make it holy.

    Today’s song from Psalms also celebrates God having a dwelling place with us. A place where we can go to worship Him. During my years in house-churches I would have resisted this message. Believing that holy days & place & vestments etc were wrong and more fitting for the old covenant. Enjoying the liberty of God in me and Jesus’ presence being with us everywhere. It is indeed true that He is omnipresent. Yet, time and again in the old & new testaments He condescends to be present in a special way in a special place. It struck me anew that this is for our sake. We find it easier to have a place where we expect to notice God, to meet with Him, to be open to being changed there.

    In today’s gospel reading, following no doubt the consistent witnessing of the exorcised demoniac, Jesus is welcomed back to the region of Gennesaret (having been expelled last time). Here, I noticed the rush of the people because they needed to be close to Jesus to be healed. They needed to touch Him. Once again, place mattered. Jesus, by His presence, created a holy place of healing.

    PUT INTO PRACTICE: Lord Jesus, thank you for becoming fully human for our sake. Thank you for time & time again condescending to be with us in a way that we could reach & feel. Your true presence in the Eucharist. Your felt presence in our worship. Holy churches where generations have prayed & worshipped you becoming means of grace, like sacraments, where we can find you. God of all, thank you for coming down to me in a way I can reach you. May I cherish such places & your sacraments and make use of them. Amen.

  • Genesis 1:1-2:3, Psalm 136, Romans 8:18-25, Matthew 6:25-34

    Genesis 1:1-2:3, Psalm 136, Romans 8:18-25, Matthew 6:25-34

    Creation Sunday. A time to value and notice the beauty and the gift of God’s creation. I heard in today’s readings how central it is to God’ purposes. Like the importance of incarnation & full bodily resurrection, the physical creation speaks to us of our Creator & our hope.

    In the first creation story, we have the symbolism of a temple being built. Creation itself as a place to worship God. Like the symmetry of 2 rows of 3 pillars each. God creates the heavens, the waters & the earth. Then He fills them with lights & sea creatures, plants & animals. Finally placing a beautiful icon in his temple = us!

    Our song today certainly conveys God’s motive for all he does. “His steadfast love”. This is the driving force behind not just all his actions for the people of Israel, but also creation itself.

    Saint Paul in his letter to the Romans also reminds us that creation is awaiting the resurrection too. That there is a coming release for our fallen frustrated creation. That it too has a future and a hope together with us.

    Then in our gospel passage, our Lord reminds us how creation is supposed to teach us. To show the faithful provision of God. To show the beauty and generosity of his creative work and giving of all we need. Together with our fellow creatures we rely on our loving Maker. Released to focus on His kingdom work and calling, because we sense the beauty & message of the temple in which we live.

    PUT INTO PRACTICE: Thank you for all you have made and provide, my Maker. May I notice the beauty & abundance of your creation today. May I heed its message. Trust you as my creator & provider, plus feel myself part of this divine canvas. Secure and loved in your temple. Amen.

  • 1 Kings 3:3-14, Psalm 119:9-16, Mark 6:30-34

    1 Kings 3:3-14, Psalm 119:9-16, Mark 6:30-34

    I will need to be brief today as about to go on a long drive. But today is all about the importance of our minds & what we prioritise.

    In the OT reading we see Solomon wisely ask for an understanding mind, the understanding to discern what is right. A choice which greatly pleases God & leads to other blessings. Our minds matter, as well as our hearts & bodies.

    In today’s song we hear the attitude with which we should approach learning from God’s word. Yes a right heart attitude & valuing of God’s word as that. But also relishing learning scripture & meditating upon it. Positive food for our minds which we should regularly feed upon and chew over to gain wisdom.

    Then in today’s gospel a reminder for many in ministry or with busy working lives. Take time to rest & be with God. Prioritise spiritual refreshment time. Time alone with God. Hearing Him through His word. Pouring out our hearts to Him in prayer & the benefit of silence just resting in His presence.

    PUT INTO PRACTICE: Prioritise wisdom & seek it in His word. Take time to receive from Him, treasure those words & ponder them in your heart. Today, how can I come away with you Lord to be alone & refreshed by you?

  • Sirach 47:2-11, Psalm 18:30-32,46-50, Mark 6:14-29

    Sirach 47:2-11, Psalm 18:30-32,46-50, Mark 6:14-29

    A tale of two kings today. Kings with very different hearts and responses to God. So, let us reflect on why we want to be like David not Herod.

    Our first reading for a change comes from Sirach. I love the devotional retelling of the Old Testament within Sirach, it is beautiful and helps us see more of the lessons from that history. Here the writer reflects on David and we get to celebrate so much that was good about him. I noticed how he called on the Lord to receive strength as he faced many early challenges. Learning to trust God. I’m impressed by the gratitude he shows & the consistent glory he gave to God for His help.

    What struck me most was the verse “he sang praise with all his heart, and he loved his Maker”. Surely a testimony to be proud of; heartfelt devotion to God. We see this outworked too in the beauty he brought to the liturgy. Making sure the liturgical year was full of beauty in the temple and sweet melody for the services. An inspiration for our church liturgy today. He knew that God his saviour took away his sins & blessed him as a king.

    Our song today, from David, also reflects this devoted and grateful heart. He expresses wonder at God’s perfection and provision. He attributes his victories and all he has to God. He devotes himself to His praise.

    Contrast all that with the villain today. Herod in our gospel passage. Unlike David he has a compromised, divided heart. Fearing that Jesus is John come back to haunt him, we see so much conflict and compromise in him. His guilt aligns with him recognising that John is a holy man. He liked to hear him preach truth but was also troubled as his sin was called out. Unlike David (even though both sinned sexually) the challenge of a prophet does not lead him to repentance. Rather his insecurity and rash promises lead him to send others to commit murder (again like David) with no apparent repentance. Herod is deeply grieved but he still does it & unlike David does not repent.

    PUT INTO PRACTICE: Father, you know my weaknesses. You know how often I fall into sin. So, thank you for the encouragement of David. A man like me who sinned but also repented and came back to you with an open heart. May I follow his example & not Herod. May my recognition of my sin not lead me to close up, but to come to you to be forgiven. Then may I also go on to live a life of gratitude and praising you. Thank you for all that you have given me & forgiven me. I do love you, my Maker. Amen.

  • 1 Kings 2:1-4, Psalm 132:10-18, Mark 6:7-13

    1 Kings 2:1-4, Psalm 132:10-18, Mark 6:7-13

    So we come to the end with David, just as we will also face that final day one day. For me, I heard in today’s messages the authority of God in our lives. The need for us to obey Him in order to enjoy His great and precious promises. Both for our good but importantly also for the good of others.

    Moving forward from the books of Samuel into 1 Kings, we see recorded the death of David. Out of interest if you want a more priestly perspective on this same conversation see 1 Chronicles 29 (which is the song in the Roman Missal today). We have time to pause & despite all the failings of David celebrate how long he reigned and how much God blessed him.

    David also ends well (which is more important for us all than how we started, despite the frequent focus on a ‘magic prayer for fire insurance’). He gives Solomon wise counsel. But I notice again the conditional nature of God’s promise. This perpetual succession of Davidic kings will be if Solomon is strong & obedient. “If your sons take heed to their way…” However great the calling & prophecy/promise, obedience is needed to enjoy the benefits.

    In today’s song also the Psalmist outlines the great promises of blessing and protection from God. Blessings for David’s family and all the city. But only “if your sons keep my covenant…” Turning away from obeying and following Jesus has impact not just on us but also on our families and those we serve.

    Mark’s gospel reading also emphasises authority. It all comes from Jesus. The pairs he sent out should totally rely on God. This time no spare provisions were allowed, just total reliance on God providing food & shelter. With that faithful following came the authority to preach repentance, exorcise demons and heal many. Living under the authority of Jesus can bring tremendous power to our lives. Once again, not just for our good but the good of others.

    PUT INTO PRACTICE: Father, Lord, help me today to take seriously my calling as your follower. My need to obey you and trust in your provision. To trust that you will bless my family and make my work fruitful. Protect me from any pride, envy or laziness. You are the ruler, but help me to also see how much my obedience matters. May others not miss out on the goodness you want for them because I disobeyed. Help me to do right, Holy Spirit. Amen.

  • 2 Samuel 24:2,9-17, Psalm 32:1-7, Mark 6:1-6

    2 Samuel 24:2,9-17, Psalm 32:1-7, Mark 6:1-6

    Today’s readings are a sobering reminder of the problem of sin in our lives, even as (sometimes) committed Christians. We see David fall again & more consequences for his people & his family. We see Nazareth miss out on healings & miracles because of their attitude.

    First, continuing our walk through 2 Samuel, we come to David’s sinful census of the people. Why was this so wrong? Well kings numbered their men for two reasons, taxation & offensive warfare (empire building). Neither is God’s will for Israel. We see both mistakes follow David’s line (even wise Solomon taxed his people heavily to fund his riches). David wisely repents & leaves his punishment to God. But only at the end of the passage do we see the right heart of a leader (including church leaders & fathers). Our heart should be to protect the people in our care & stand in their stead before God.

    Once again today’s song does David credit & reveals his better heart. A vivid picture of conscience giving us no rest (or actual bodily suffering from sins against our body). But again David knows the solution. Confession & repentance. I know I need that daily. Keep short accounts with God & where possible with others. Only such a turning away from sin, honesty & humility before God can bring the deliverance that’s needed (including sleep).

    How does today’s gospel passage tie in with this? Well I saw the pride & resistance to the conviction Jesus brings. The sinful men of Nazareth lack the humility to accept someone they have labelled as not their equal. Just a poor carpenter. Plus the slander implied by “Mary’s son” (not Joseph’s). So, there is again judgement. They miss out on all the blessings Jesus had intended to bring in healings & wisdom. How often do I miss out on God’s best for me due to sin? He wants good for me but I erect a barrier to such blessing in my life due to my pride & sinfulness. God forgive me.

    PUT INTO PRACTICE: Help me Lord, to trust you & confess my sins promptly. May I not seek to make my own plans to enrich myself or make myself seem greater in others’ eyes. You know how dirty & petty my heart can be. Forgive me Lord & may I see you when you offer a word & a way out. Holy Spirit, please heal my conscience that it may be sensitive & loud inside me. May I listen to it and run to you in repentance whenever it calls. Amen.