Category Archives: Prayer and Devotion

Trembling on the brink   :    A devotion for Easter                     (This Easter devotion is being published all in one go. Happy Easter!) Trembling on the brink of life and death, the last breath ebbs away, a sigh of loss so heavy it cracks the earth, and darkness slams shut on all who were looking in loveContinue reading “Trembling on the brink : A devotion for Easter  “

Jesus holds open the door Part 8: Do not be afraid; this cannot be taken from us. That is Jesus, but what about us? Yes, Jesus has played his part, but we acknowledged that we are too weak to take advantage of it. The door may be open, but we will not go through it.Continue reading “Jesus holds open the door. (Part 8)”

Jesus holds open the door Part 7: There is an answer to evil that cannot be extinguished How then, is the door open, and how can we enter? The door is open because Jesus – whoever he was, and is – is a universal person, because he represents the human condition of us all. FromContinue reading “Jesus holds open the door. (Part 7)”

Jesus holds open the door Part 6: We declare: “Grace and truth have come into the world. There is a redeemer”. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never overcome it”. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”. And we have seen his glory – look past the word; we haveContinue reading “Jesus holds open the door. (Part 6)”

Jesus holds open the door Part 5: If we truly look, it is horrific; evil is set to win; yet still there is hope A person on life’s journey confronts reality. “Fear consumes me. Horror overwhelms me. Hatred has swallowed me – and hatred for those who harm me is harnessed with the self-hatred IContinue reading “Jesus holds open the door. (Part 5)”

Jesus holds open the door Part 4: See and hold everything together. The dynamic changelessness of God. We must stay clear-sighted and hold our capacity for both good and evil clearly in mind at all times. Somehow, we have to rejoice at the wonder of life, even while we weep at the suffering of others.Continue reading “Jesus holds open the door. (Part 4)”

Jesus holds open the door Part 3: The human condition is crushing, but it’s in our nature So, Christ holds open his arm in love, but what is he doing? He is holding open a door. How are we, we members of humankind, to cope with the anguish of being human? How do we bearContinue reading “Jesus holds open the door. (Part 3)”

Jesus holds open the door Part 2: God’s masterplan of salvation achieved through the love and sacrificial suffering of Jesus Christ holds open his arms in love, held in place, not by nails, but by his compassion. The love of God cannot be restricted, pinioned in place by human actions; he is always free, unrestrained.Continue reading “Jesus holds open the door. (Part 2)”

(A devotional piece in 8 parts. The style is more analytical than my usual devotions, but, because of the content, I place it as a devotion) Jesus holds open the door Part 1: Introduction: focussing on Jesus Christ Religion is the deepest answer to the needs of humanity.  It is the repository of the wisest,Continue reading “Jesus holds open the door. (Part 1)”

Keeping in step with the Spirit To place the next step securely, with confidence, assurance, To move forward, making progress, delightedly creative, To be focussed, not distracted, not turning aside, To make my way towards my goal, not deterred, not blocked, not confounded by obstacles, To know deep peace in my heart as I travel,Continue reading “Keeping in step with the Spirit”