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A Revisited Devotional from August 9, 1999
Psalm 18:19 – He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. (NIV)
Romans 5:1-2 – By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us — set us right with him, make us fit for him — we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand — out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. (MSG)
Now and then, I like to visit one of the old Anglo-Irish stately homes — a big house with spacious walled-in parkland. There's a sense of ease and contentment just walking about, admiring the scenery, wondering at the wealth. Some times, I remember the sad history of such places — how this luxurious space was for the privileged few. How many suffered in poverty in squalid hovels, instead of dwelling in stately homes? For how many were the gates closed and the dogs set on anyone who dared scale the wall?
But God in Christ brings us into a spacious place where we may stand tall and shout our praise, no longer restricted, no longer excluded. Nor is it just a matter of a brief sight-seeing trip; Paul promises us "access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." (Romans 5:2b NIV) That means we have the right of living there permanently, and of course, the entrance is free.
Could we not extend the picture a little bit more to suggest that the Landlord's Son, instead of ordering the dogs to chase us out, takes us by the hand to show us personally more and more of the delights of this spacious place?
Prayer: Thank You, our Father, for righteousness, a new relationship of forgiveness, and acceptance not earned or deserved by us, but freely given through faith in Jesus Christ crucified and risen. Help us to see the wonder of peace with You through Jesus Christ. Help us to rejoice in the hope of Your glory which is for ever, and even in our troubles, which are only for a time. May we take Your Son's outstretched, nail-pierced hand, and with Him, realize more and more something new and fresh in Your wide open spaces. Amen.
May God's blessing surround you today as you trust Him and walk in His way. May His blessing within guard and keep you from sin. Go in peace, go in joy, go in love.
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Monday, March 24, 2025 – In the Middle East — We recently received a message telling us that one of our dear local friends has passed away. This was so hard, as we are on home assignment which makes it even harder. Please pray with us that the Lord will comfort his family and children and that Christ's name will be glorified. Help them to stay strong in their faith in the face of opposition..
friend: "Update March 21, 2025; Please continue to pray for Hilde who has had dizziness for many months..." 
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Thanks John, the Daily devotionals will surely be missed by many, blessings to you and your family.
Thank you, John, for how this message still resonates, even after nearly 26 years. The Lord bless you and keep you.
John, thank you for this beautiful description and reminder of the “spacious place” of freedom within God’s redemptive love. Beautifully written.
Oh, one can only imagine John.
Thank you for the uplifting words, and blessing.
I pray that you have a truly wonderful day.
(ON, Canada)
Hello John
Thank you for this encouraging and comforting message today. I pray your closing remarks apply to you also, thank you.
God bless.
I enjoyed reading your very interesting and positive devotional today, John.
Even though it had been written several years ago, your words still hold the same meaning and positivity today. Our continuous faith in Jesus truly gives us the needed Peace and Joy in our daily lives. Blessings for having prepared this devotional writing.
Good morning, it’s a very nice day.
Thank you for writing this devotional.
I need reminders…
To remember all that God has done…
For me.
Thank you.
Blessings.
Dear John,
How wonderful to read your devotional from many years ago. I imagine living in Ireland might have prompted the idea of a “spacious place”. Maybe just my imagination not having been to Ireland. I loved saying your prayer and the hope of God’s blessings. It must be nice to reread one of your devotionals and imagine your faith that many years ago. Blessings.
Hello John,
What an outstanding devotional!!!!
I wrote it into my journal to read over and over!
We have many stately homes here in Canada, but nothing compares to those you have there in Ireland. And so many not welcoming strangers, especially the poor with heavy gates and with dogs ready in case needed.
What a contrast to the welcome they get at God’s open gates!
So glad they bring devotionals from years past, like yours!
Thank you kindly,
(ON, Canada)
Hello ‘farisjohn’ , or more correctly Rev J Faris. When I read today’s devotional and noticed your name and have put 2 and 2 together. You will remember the name McClelland in Maguiresbridge Presbyterian Church, well just maybe because it was a long time ago.
I believe it was you who pastored at my church for a number of years and then went to Cork.
I thought I’d give a shout out for the memories.
I was going to say keep on writing but Rev. Robin Ross who designed and manages the Daily, lives here in British Columbia but is retiring soon, so I’m not sure what will transpire after that.
In the early ’90s Robin and I (I’m a retired builder) worked to build a new dormitory building at our church camp. Camp Douglas on the coast a bit north of Vancouver. It is still going and serves our presbytery and the amazing thing is, a lot of the campers in later years marry and some of them enter the ministry.
Anyway, it’s good to reminisce.