RUNNING GRACE.

When the Father Breaks Shame Before It Breaks You,

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son…” — Luke 15:20

Most of us know the story of the prodigal son.

We’ve heard it preached, read it in devotionals, and perhaps even seen it portrayed in films. But when Jesus first told this parable, His audience heard something far more shocking than we often realise.

In the culture of that day, a son who had squandered his inheritance among the Gentiles brought deep shame upon his family and village. According to Jewish tradition, a public ceremony known as Kezazah could take place, where a clay pot was smashed before him as a declaration that he was cut off from his people. It was a public rejection—a symbol that there was no way back.

As Jesus told the story, His listeners expected exactly that… They expected judgment. They expected shame. They expected rejection.

But then Jesus says something extraordinary: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son…” (Luke 15:20)

Before shame could reach the son…
The father reached him first.

In that culture, respected fathers did not run. Running meant lifting their robes, exposing their legs, and accepting personal humiliation. Yet this father willingly laid aside his dignity to rescue his son from public disgrace.

What a beautiful picture of the Gospel.
Long before we could make ourselves worthy, God came looking for us.

The prophet Isaiah tells us of Jesus:
“He was despised and rejected by mankind… He was pierced for our transgressions… and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:3–5)

Paul writes: “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus took our shame upon Himself so that we could receive His grace.

The Father does not stand at a distance waiting for us to earn our way home.

He runs towards those who turn to Him.

Perhaps today you see yourself in one of the people in this story.

Maybe you are the prodigal, carrying guilt, regret, or the weight of past mistakes. Hear the good news: the Father is not waiting to reject you. He is calling you home.

Perhaps you identify more with the older brother, struggling to rejoice when God shows grace to someone else. Ask the Lord to give you His compassionate heart.

Or maybe you recognise yourself in the crowd—quick to judge but slow to restore. As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect His grace and truth.

The Church should never become a place where shame keeps people away from Christ.

nstead, it should be a place where broken people encounter the love of the Saviour.

John tells us that Jesus came, “Full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Not grace without truth. Not truth without grace. Both perfectly displayed at the cross.

If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, today is your invitation to come home. Christ died for your sins, rose again in victory, and offers forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope to everyone who believes in Him.

The Father is not waiting for you to clean yourself up… He is inviting you to come just as you are. Lay down your shame. Receive His grace. Come home to Jesus.

Discipleship Resource Created by Dave Connolly

Join me in prayerPrayer Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us with a grace far greater than our failures. Thank You that through Jesus Christ our shame is removed, our sins are forgiven, and we are welcomed into Your family. Help us to receive Your grace with humble hearts and to extend that same grace to others. May our churches reflect Your compassion and point people to the hope found in Christ alone. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

When Feelings Speak… Let God’s Word Have the Final Say.

Living by Truth in a World of Emotion.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true… think about such things… and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8–9

We live in a culture where feelings have become the highest authority.
We’re told: “Follow your heart.” “Live your truth.” “If it feels right, it must be right.”

But Jesus calls His followers to live differently.
As Christians, we don’t ignore our emotions—they are part of how God created us. We experience joy, sorrow, fear, excitement and disappointment. These feelings are real, but they were never meant to become our guide.

God’s Word is our guide.
The prophet Jeremiah gives us this sobering reminder: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
Our emotions can be sincere, yet still lead us in the wrong direction. That’s why our feelings must always be tested against God’s truth.

Jesus prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Notice He didn’t say our feelings are truth. He said God’s Word is truth.
Think about the disciples after Jesus was crucified… They felt defeated. They felt hopeless. They felt afraid. Yet none of those feelings changed the truth.

Jesus had already told them He would suffer, die and rise again on the third day. Their emotions temporarily eclipsed what they already knew to be true.

How often do we do the same?

We feel abandoned… But God’s Word says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

We feel anxious… But Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)

We feel unloved… But Scripture declares, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

We feel uncertain about tomorrow… But Jesus reminds us, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

The Christian life is not built on shifting emotions.
It is built on the unchanging person of Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages believers, “Whatever is true… whatever is noble… whatever is right… think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Notice where he begins—truth… Not what feels true. Not what culture says is true. But what God has revealed in His Word.

As we fill our minds with Scripture, the Holy Spirit renews our thinking (Romans 12:2). Our feelings gradually begin to align with God’s truth instead of controlling our decisions.

That doesn’t mean we’ll never struggle emotionally. Even Jesus experienced deep sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane. Yet He submitted His feelings to the Father’s will, praying,
“Not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
What a powerful example for us all.

Today’s Challenge.
The next time your emotions begin to overwhelm you, pause and ask yourself: “What does God’s Word say about this?”

Then choose to stand on His promises rather than your feelings.

Remember this simple declaration:
My feelings are real…. But God’s Word is final.

When truth leads your life, peace follows.

Discipleship Resource created by Dave Connolly

Join me in Prayer.
Heavenly Father, Thank You that Your Word is true and never changes.Help us not to be controlled by our emotions but to be anchored in the truth of Jesus Christ. Renew our minds through the Scriptures, strengthen our faith by Your Holy Spirit, and teach us to trust Your promises even when our feelings tell a different story. May our lives reflect unwavering confidence in Your truth and bring glory to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

NO AMOUNT OF SUCCESS CAN FILL THE PLACE THAT BELONGING WAS MEANT TO FILL.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10

Have you ever noticed that some of the most successful people in the world still seem deeply unhappy?

They have wealth, influence, recognition, and achievement, yet something is still missing.

Why?

Because no amount of success can fill the place that belonging was meant to fill.

That is exactly what we see in the story of Zacchaeus.

Luke tells us that Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and very wealthy (Luke 19:2).

By the world’s standards, he had made it… He had money, power, and influence. But he didn’t have peace. He didn’t have acceptance. He didn’t have true belonging. Although surrounded by people, he was completely alone.

Rejected by society because of his profession and his past, Zacchaeus longed for something money could never buy.

Then Jesus came to Jericho. The crowd saw a sinner. Jesus saw a man who was lost.

While everyone else looked down on Zacchaeus, Jesus looked up into the sycamore tree and called him by name.

“Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5)

What incredible grace!

Jesus didn’t wait for Zacchaeus to clean up his life before welcoming him.
He met him where he was. That’s the heart of the Gospel. Jesus still comes looking for people who feel overlooked, rejected, broken, or ashamed.

Perhaps today you feel like Zacchaeus. You may be successful in your career but empty in your soul. Surrounded by people yet feeling lonely.

Respected for what you do but wondering if anyone truly knows you.
Jesus knows you. He knows your name. He knows your story.And He invites you into a relationship with Him.

Notice what happened after Zacchaeus encountered Jesus… His heart changed. His priorities changed. His generosity revealed that God’s grace had transformed him.

He declared: “Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” (Luke 19:8)

His good works didn’t earn salvation. They were the evidence that salvation had already reached his heart.
Real faith always produces real change.

Jesus then announced: “Today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19:9)

Not only was Zacchaeus restored to God, but his whole household experienced the blessing of God’s saving grace.

What a beautiful reminder that Jesus doesn’t simply improve lives—He transforms them.

This story challenges every one of us.

Are we chasing success more than we are pursuing Jesus?

Have we been trying to satisfy our hearts with achievements, possessions, or the approval of others?

Or have we found our true identity in Christ?

The world says your value comes from what you own, what you earn, or what others think about you.

Jesus says your value is found in being loved by God and welcomed into His family. As believers, we are also called to reflect the heart of Jesus. Who are the “Zacchaeuses” around us? Who feels forgotten, rejected, or unwelcome?

May our churches and our homes become places where people experience the same love, grace, and acceptance that Zacchaeus found in Christ.

Because the Gospel is not about earning belonging.
It is about receiving it through Jesus.

Remember today. Success may impress people.
But only Jesus can satisfy the soul. Only Jesus can forgive your sin. Only Jesus can give you a place where you truly belong.
And that invitation is still open today.

Discipleship Resource created by Dave Connolly.

Will you join me in prayer.
Lord Jesus, thank You for seeking me when I was lost and for loving me when I felt unworthy. Forgive me for the times I have looked for fulfilment in success, possessions, or the approval of others instead of in You. Help me to find my true identity and belonging in Your love. Transform my heart as You transformed Zacchaeus, and help me welcome others with the same grace You have shown me. In Your precious name, Amen.

KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
Living from What God Has Done, Not Just What You Must Do.

Have you ever noticed how much of life is spent trying to prove ourselves?

We strive to be successful, accepted, respected and valued.

The world tells us, “Find yourself,” “Create your own identity,” and “Be whoever you want to be.” Yet despite all the searching, many people still feel lost.

The Bible begins in a completely different place. It doesn’t ask, “Who do you think you are?” It asks, “Who does God say you are?”

The Apostle Paul writes: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!” (2Corinthians 5:17).

What wonderful words!

Notice that Paul doesn’t say, “You might become a new creation one day.” He says, “You are a new creation.”

This is the miracle of God’s grace.

Before Christ, we were spiritually dead and separated from God because of sin (Ephesians 2:1). We could never save ourselves. But through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, everything changed.

When we place our faith in Him, God gives us a new life, a new heart and a new identity.

That means your identity is no longer found in your past… It is not found in your failures. It is not found in your fears. It is not found in what others think about you. It is found in Jesus Christ.

Because of Him… You are forgiven. You are loved. You are adopted into God’s family. You have been born again (1Peter 1:23). You are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 6:19). You are light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8).

These are not goals to achieve—they are gifts to receive.

The enemy loves to whisper, “You’ll never change. This is just who you are.”

But the Holy Spirit reminds us, “That is who you were—not who you are now in Christ.”

This truth changes how we live… We don’t obey God to earn His love. We obey because we have already received His love. We don’t strive for acceptance. We live from acceptance. We don’t fight for victory. We fight from Christ’s victory on the cross.

Friend, if you belong to Jesus, stop introducing yourself by your mistakes.

Introduce yourself by the Gospel.

Every morning, remind yourself of God’s truth… I am forgiven. I am redeemed. I am God’s child. I am a new creation in Christ.

As your mind is renewed by God’s Word, your life will begin to reflect the person God has already declared you to be.
Know who you are. Know whose you are.

And then live each day with the confidence, freedom and joy that are found in Jesus Christ alone.

Discipleship Resource created by Dave Connolly.

Join me in Prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank You that my identity is secure in Jesus Christ. Help me to believe what Your Word says about me instead of listening to the lies of the enemy or the voices of this world. Renew my mind, strengthen my faith and teach me to live each day as the new creation You have made me to be. May my life reflect the beauty and grace of Jesus so that others may come to know Him too. In His precious name, Amen.

GRACE AT THE TABLE.

How Jesus Meets Us in Uncomfortable Places.
Have you ever found yourself in an uncomfortable situation?… A conversation you didn’t want to have. A moment when the atmosphere suddenly changed. A situation where you felt exposed, vulnerable, or unsure what to say.

Most of us try to avoid those moments.
We prefer comfort over discomfort. We would rather stay in familiar territory than step into awkward situations.
Yet when we read the Gospels, we discover something surprising about Jesus.
Jesus never avoided uncomfortable places.

In fact, He often stepped right into them.
Sometimes He even created them.
And through them, He revealed the transforming power of God’s grace.

Jesus and the Uncomfortable Table.
In the culture of Jesus’ day, sharing a meal meant far more than simply eating food together.
A meal communicated acceptance, friendship, and belonging.
People were careful about who they ate with because a table represented relationship.
Yet Jesus repeatedly broke social expectations.

Matthew tells us. “The Son of Man came eating and drinking…” (Matthew 11:19)

Jesus ate with tax collectors… He welcomed sinners. He spent time with those society rejected. He challenged the self-righteous.
And wherever Jesus sat down to eat, lives were changed.

When Grace Disrupts the Room.
One of the most moving examples is found in Luke 7.

Jesus was dining at the home of Simon the Pharisee when a woman known for her sinful life entered the room… She had not been invited. She was certainly not welcomed. Yet she came anyway.

Overcome with gratitude and repentance, she knelt at Jesus’ feet. Her tears flowed freely. She wiped His feet with her hair and poured expensive perfume upon them.

The room became painfully uncomfortable. The religious leaders judged her. The guests whispered among themselves.

But Jesus saw something completely different.
While others saw a sinner, Jesus saw a heart reaching for grace.
Then He spoke words that changed her life forever. “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48)

She arrived carrying shame. She left carrying forgiveness. That is what grace does.

When Jesus Turns the Table.
At the Last Supper, Jesus created another uncomfortable moment.
The disciples expected a meal.

Instead, Jesus picked up a towel. The King of kings knelt before His followers and washed their feet. This was a servant’s task.

Yet Jesus willingly took the lowest place.
Then He said. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

In that moment, Jesus redefined greatness.
The world says greatness is about status and recognition.
Jesus says greatness is about serving others.
The world says climb higher.
Jesus says kneel lower.
Grace transforms not only our relationship with God but also our attitude toward people.

When Grace Comes Looking for You.

Luke 19 introduces us to Zacchaeus… A wealthy tax collector. A man rejected by society. A man curious about Jesus.

Unable to see over the crowd, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of Him… Then something remarkable happened. Jesus stopped beneath the tree and looked up. “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5)

The crowd complained. The religious people were scandalised.

But grace is not controlled by public opinion… Grace seeks the lost. Grace pursues the broken. Grace comes looking for people who know they need help.

By the end of that meal, Zacchaeus was transformed… His priorities changed. His heart changed. His life changed.

Jesus declared. “Today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19:9)

The Challenge.
What uncomfortable place in your life are you avoiding?

Perhaps it is a hidden struggle… A difficult relationship. A painful conversation. A lingering failure. A burden you carry in silence.

What if the very place you are trying to avoid is where Jesus wants to meet you?
Too often we hide the areas where we need grace most.
Yet those are often the places where Christ wants to work most deeply.

For Christians, the challenge is clear… Will we allow Jesus into every area of our lives? Will we extend grace to others as freely as He has extended grace to us? Will we be willing to sit at the tables where Jesus would sit?

For those who are not yet following Christ, the invitation is equally clear.
Jesus does not wait for perfect people.
He comes for broken people.

The Bible says. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Jesus came for people like the woman in Luke 7. He came for people like Zacchaeus… He came for people like you and me…

Final Encouragement.
The wonderful truth of the Gospel is that Jesus meets us exactly where we are… In our mess. In our struggles. In our shame. In our discomfort.

And He does not leave us there… He forgives. He restores. He transforms.

The same Jesus who forgave the sinful woman, washed His disciples’ feet, and changed Zacchaeus’ life is still changing lives today.

So don’t run from the uncomfortable places. Invite Jesus into them. Because when grace sits at the table, lives are never the same again.

Discipleship Resource Created by Dave Connolly

Join me in prayer.
Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your amazing grace. Thank You that You meet us in our weakness, our failures, and our struggles. Thank You that You do not reject us because of our past but invite us into a relationship with You.
Help us to trust You with every area of our lives, especially the places we would rather hide. Fill us with Your love, humility, and compassion so that we may extend grace to others as You have extended grace to us.
May we follow You faithfully and allow Your transforming power to work in our hearts every day. In Your precious name we pray. Amen.

UNLEASHING CREATIVITY.
Embracing God’s Gift in Our Lives.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
A number of years ago I remember one morning as I sat with a cup of coffee, watching the first rays of sunlight break across the horizon, I found myself reflecting on the incredible creativity of God. Every sunrise is different. Every flower carries its own beauty. Every bird sings its own song.
Creation constantly reminds us that our God is wonderfully creative.
The Bible opens with these powerful words. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
Before there was light, colour, music or life itself, there was God—the great Creator.
And then comes one of the most amazing truths in Scripture. “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
If we are made in God’s image, then creativity is not just a gift for a select few—it is part of God’s design for every believer.
Sadly, many Christians say, “I’m just not creative.” Perhaps you’ve said it yourself. Maybe you think creativity belongs only to artists, musicians, writers or inventors.
But the Bible paints a much bigger picture.
Creativity is seen every time a parent lovingly teaches a child… It is displayed when someone finds a wise solution to a difficult problem. It shines through hospitality, encouragement, leadership, craftsmanship and acts of kindness.
God’s creativity is expressed in countless ways through ordinary people who are surrendered to Him.
The Apostle Paul reminds us. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

The word workmanship can also be understood as God’s masterpiece.
Think about that.
You are not an accident. You are God’s workmanship.
His workmanship also means He has equipped you to reflect His character in unique ways.
Jesus demonstrated this perfectly…. He was the Master Teacher. He told stories that captured hearts. He used seeds, vineyards, sheep, fishing nets, coins and children to reveal eternal truth.
Where others saw ordinary objects, Jesus revealed extraordinary lessons about the Kingdom of God.
His creativity always pointed people to His Father.
As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same… Perhaps your creativity will be expressed through writing. Perhaps through cooking meals that bless others. Perhaps through repairing broken things. Perhaps through solving problems at work. Perhaps through encouraging someone who has lost hope.
As a father and grandfather, I’ve discovered that some of the greatest acts of creativity happen in everyday life… Creating bedtime stories. Finding new ways to teach life lessons. Listening carefully to little hearts. Turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. These are not small things. They reflect the patient, loving heart of our heavenly Father. The wonderful truth is that creativity grows as we spend time with the Creator.
James tells us. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” (James 1:5)
As we seek Him through prayer, study His Word and step out in faith, God often opens doors we never imagined… Don’t bury the gifts God has entrusted to you. Don’t compare your gifts with someone else’s. Instead, offer what you have to Jesus.
He delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
Your Challenge This Week.
Ask God to show you one new way to use the gifts He has given you.
Encourage someone.
Create something that blesses another person.
Solve a problem with wisdom and compassion.
Serve quietly where no one else notices.
Whatever you do, remember Paul’s words: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
When we create for God’s glory rather than our own recognition, our lives become a beautiful reflection of the Creator Himself.
Discipleship Resource created by Dave Connolly

Join me in a Prayer.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating me in Your image and for giving me gifts that can bring glory to Your name. Help me never to hide what You have entrusted to me but to use it faithfully in serving others. Fill me with the wisdom, courage and joy that come from walking closely with Jesus. May everything I do point people to the beauty of Christ. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.