Category: Saviour

Christ is within!

Ruth Kirk

Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

Christ is within!
Our teacher, our kin;
Our shepherd and guide.

The Saviour who died
Is living within:
Our brother, our twin!

Our gospel, our light,
Our pearl beyond price
Is Jesus, within.

Our Spirit, our King,
Our staff and our rod –
Our Lord and our God!

“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed (John 20:28; NLT).

References

The Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). (Isaiah 7:14; NLT).

Be sure of this: I am with you always (Matthew 28:20; NLT).

Reading: Psalm 23.

The Kingdom of God

Ruth Kirk

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all (Ephesians 4:5-6; NLT).

Our Maker is within us;
Our Saviour is within us;
Our Helper is within us.

Our Maker is in others;
Our Saviour is in others;
Our Helper is in others.

Our Maker is among us;
Our Saviour is among us;
Our Helper is among us.

Not far away: within us;
Not far away: in others;
Not far away: among us.

One God, right here: within us;
One God, right here: in others;
One God, right here: among us.

So let’s seek God within us,
And let’s love God in others –
For God’s Kingdom is among us.

One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you” (Luke 17:20-21; NLT).

No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us (1 John 4:12; NLT).

References:

Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds (Hosea 6:1; NLT).

I am God, and not man; the Holy One within thee (Hosea 11:9; BST).

Christ lives within you (Romans 8:10; NLT).

Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you (Romans 8:11; NLT).

Your immortal spirit is in every one of them (Wisdom of Solomon 12:1; GNTA).

Reading: Mark 12:28-31.

Recognition

Ruth Kirk

These thoughts came to me as I started to pray in bed, just before settling down to sleep …

The two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread (Luke 24:35; NLT).

At times we may long for some recognition, approval, or reward, however small, for all the efforts and sacrifices we make throughout our lives. However:

  • The only recognition
    Which really matters
    Is our recognition of Jesus
    As our Saviour.

  • The only approval
    Which really matters
    Is Christ’s approval
    Of how we love and serve him
    In others.

  • The only reward
    Which really matters
    Is seeing Jesus’ face,
    Hearing his voice,
    And receiving his embrace.

  • Therefore, the only goal
    Which really matters
    Is to become one
    With Christ Jesus our Lord
    For evermore.

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT).

References

In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them (1 John 4:14; NLT).

No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us (1 John 4:12; NLT).

Let love be your highest goal (1 Corinthians 14:1; NLT).

The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NIV).

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV).

Well done, my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21; NLT).

He returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20; NLT).

Feeling hopeless?

Ruth Kirk

Search for Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13; NKJV).

He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood (Luke 22:44; NLT).

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? (Psalm 22:1; NLT).

Feeling hopeless?
Go still deeper.
Search yet harder;
Climb still steeper.

Are you lonely:
Sleeping; waking?
Is Christ distant,
Though you’re aching?

Are you broken?
Tempest louder?
He is waiting:
Shout yet harder.

Christ seems absent?
Love burns steady.
Often silent;
Always ready.

Christ is here:
Our Friend and Saviour!
He who bears you
Will deliver.

I am with you always (Matthew 28:20; NLT).

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up (Psalm 68:19; RSV). 

Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you (Psalm 50:14-15; NIV). 

References

You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend (Psalm 88:18; NLT).

The LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion (Isaiah 30:18; NLT).

Why are you silent? (Habakkuk 1:13; CSB).

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame (Song of Songs 8:6; NIV).

He loves us with unfailing love; the LORD’S faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

Reading #1: Matthew 8:23-7; NLT.
Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

Reading #2: Matthew 14:29-33; NIV.
Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Search for the way

Ruth Kirk

Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him (Psalm 105:4; NLT). 

Search for the way
To the heart of Christ’s gospel.
Search for the truth
In the Lord’s flesh and blood.

Search for your life
In the heart of the gospel.
Search for your light
In the Lord’s faithful love.

Follow his way
To the heart of the gospel.
Realise the truth
In the Lord’s flesh and blood.

Centre your life
In the heart of the gospel.
Dwell in the light
Of our Lord’s faithful love.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12; NLT).

All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us (Revelation 1:5; NLT).

References

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7-8; NLT).

You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13; CSB).

The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it (Matthew 7:14; NLT).

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6; NLT)

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me” (Luke 22:19; NLT).

He took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many” (Matthew 26:27-8; NLT).

A star

Ruth Kirk

A prayer for the world’s urgent awakening to Christ’s gospel.

The star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was (Matthew 2:9; NLT).

A star,
A moon,
A frost
At dawn;

A cry,
A light:
A child
Is born,

To save
Us all
From greed
And hate –

Let’s change,
Before
It’s far
Too late!

Give glory to the LORD your God before it is too late. Acknowledge him before he brings darkness upon you, causing you to stumble and fall on the darkening mountains. For then, when you look for light, you will find only terrible darkness and gloom (Jeremiah 13:16; NLT).

As he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:41-2; NLT).

References

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine (Isaiah 9:2; NLT).

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (Isaiah 9:6-7; NLT).

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12; NLT).

Perhaps even yet they will turn from their evil ways and ask the LORD’s forgiveness before it is too late. For the LORD has threatened them with his terrible anger (Jeremiah 36:7; NLT).

O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8; NLT).

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?” (Luke 9:23-6; NLT).

You did not accept your opportunity for salvation (Luke 19:44; NLT).

At the door

Ruth Kirk

Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends (Revelation 3:20; NLT).

Lord, you’re knocking at my door!
Come in, Jesus! Here I am!
Saviour, you’re so very welcome –
Make your home here, Son of Man.

Now I’m knocking at your door!
Here I am! Please let me in!
You, alone, my God, can help me –
Heal me, and forgive my sin.

Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you (Luke 11:9; NLT).

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies (Psalm 103; 3-4; NLT).

References

Jesus said to them … “I am the door” (John 10:7;9; NKJV).

Here I am! (Genesis 22:1; NLT).

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them” (John 14:23; NLT).

Beat evermore on this cloud of unknowing that is between you and your God with a sharp dart of longing love, and do not give up, whatever happens (The Cloud of Unknowing; Wikipedia).

“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed (John 20:28; NLT).

Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

We are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

Don’t you realise that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? (1 Corinthians 6:19; NLT).

Your will

Ruth Kirk

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing (Psalm 143:10; NLT). 

Yahweh,
May I do your will,
Give all I am,
And love you still,
Accepting
Every bitter pill –
Like Jesus.

Yahweh,
May your will be done
Throughout my life.
Lord God, please come,
And make me
More like Christ, your Son –
My Saviour.

Yahweh,
May you live in me,
Forgive my sins,
And set me free
To serve you
For eternity –
In heaven.

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked (Psalm 84:10; NLT).

 

Christmas Day 2025

Ruth Kirk

Happy Christmas to everyone who visits or follows here. Christmas Day has already begun in some parts of the world, so I am posting early, for their sake! With love from Ruth xxx

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1; NLT).

I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine (Song of Songs 6:3; NIV).

You are my Father,
And you are my Mother;
You are my Sister,
And you are my Brother.

You are my Teacher,
And you are my Healer;
You are my Priest,
My Companion, and Leader.

You are my Partner,
And you are my Lover;
You are my Godhead,
And I want no other.

You are my Shepherd,
In peace, and in danger;
You are my Saviour, Lord,  
Here: in this manger.

“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed (John 20:28; NLT).

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger (Luke 2:16; NLT).

References

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need (Psalm 23:1; NLT).

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep (John 10:11; NLT).

Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11; ESV).

 

Worship

Ruth Kirk

As truly as God is our Father, so truly is God our Mother (Julian of Norwich).

Ah, my Father and my Mother:
God of gods: there is no other;

Holy Spirit: Helper, Sister;
Jesus: Healer, Teacher, Brother –

I love you, and you love me:
Three in One, and One in Three.

You’re my source, my life, my goal;
You’re my breath: my living soul.

The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7; KJV).

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them (1 John 4:16; NLT).