Andrew Baker | Psalm 105:5 — As we look back on the highs and lows of the past year, may we do more than just ‘recall’ what God has done. Rather, may our hearts be recalibrated as we call to mind the faithfulness of our covenant-making, promise-keeping God.

Andrew Baker | Isaiah 9:2-5, 14:12-15, 24:21, 34:4; Ephesians 6:12; Ezekiel 28:12-17; Daniel 7:13-14,27, 10:12-21; Psalm 82:1; Jeremiah 10:11; Jude 1:6; 2 Peter 2:4; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 8:19-21; Colossians 2:13-15 — Throughout the Prophetic scriptures we see vivid descriptions of evil spiritual forces which oppose God, rebelling against His purposes and influencing earthly events. But alongside these depictions we also see the promise of a great cosmic reversal: a Messiah who would not only achieve salvation for a sinful humanity, but an ultimate and decisive victory over every force of spiritual darkness.

Adam Ritchard | 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; 2 Peter 3:1; Ephesians 3:18-19; Romans 12:1-2; Luke 9:23-25 — As humans we are prone to distraction and forgetfulness - we need reminders to stay on track. Paul’s message to the Corinthian church is a reminder to all believers: Christ’s restorative work on the Cross compels us to live as Christ’s ambassadors, doing all that we do with Him as our master and His love as our motivation.

Adam Ritchard | Psalm 23:3, 51:12, 85:1-7, 126:1; Genesis 50:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Joel 2:25; John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:10; Acts 3:19-21; Revelation 21:5; Job 42:1-6,10 — Throughout scripture we see a God who restores and revives - in the midst of specific situations as well as the brokenness of humanity at large. While we wait in the tension between our life’s circumstances and this unchanging truth, may His restorative power revive our hearts to a deeper revelation of Him.

Andrew Baker | Isaiah 9:2-7, 46:9-10, 53:4-6; Psalm 22:1,16, 110:1,4; Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 5:5-6 — Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies point to the New Covenant’s fulfilment through a Messiah - one who would come to reign and restore. But instead of sending a conquering oppressor, God came Himself; stooping low in human flesh to surrender His life in self-giving love.

Andrew Baker | Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:19-20; Deuteronomy 60:6; Isaiah 53:5-6 — Throughout the Old Testament Prophetic Books, we see God continually calling His people back to covenant relationship with Himself. But, knowing they would continue to rebel, God declared the promise of a new everlasting covenant: freedom from iniquity; forgiveness of sins; and a new heart.

Andrew Baker | Job 42:5; Matthew 26:30; Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Song of Songs 2:16, 6:3, 7:10 — The Bible is not just a historical narrative about God and humankind. In the 'wisdom literature’ books of Job, Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, we see that God speaks directly into the depths of our human experience and the restless longing within each and every soul.

Adam Ritchard | Revelation 2:1-7; Luke 7:36-50, 10:38-42 — In John’s Revelation, the Church at Ephesus was commended by Jesus for their hard work, patient endurance, hate of evil, and sound doctrine. And yet they had abandoned their first love - the love of Jesus. How do we heed this warning and keep ‘the main thing’ the main thing; letting all that we do flow from loving Jesus as our highest priority?

Adam Ritchard | 2 Peter 1:8, 3:14-18; Philippians 1:6; Titus 2:11-14; Romans 6:1-2; Psalm 92:12-15; Luke 4:16; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:15 — To conclude his second letter, Peter instructs his readers to ‘grow’ in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. As in nature, genuine spiritual growth requires hard work, careful attention, and lots of perseverance. But as followers of Jesus this growth is essential, not an optional extra. How are you growing?

Adam Ritchard | Matthew 9:35-38; Isaiah 6:1,8, 59:1; Genesis 18:14; John 4:35; James 5:16; 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Jesus saw the great ‘lostness’ of humanity as an opportunity; a plentiful harvest ripe for the picking. As we consider how God’s Great Story is still unfolding today, may we respond to this same opportunity as He did: with expectant faith, deep compassion, earnest prayer, and urgent action. Just as Isaiah proclaimed, may we too cry “Here I am Lord, send me!”