Library
New Creation - Sandy
Sermon Summary
Sandy emphasises that each of us is uniquely created in God's image with a divine calling to be the light of the world, living out our vocation with purpose and integrity for God's glory.
Read More
Today, we gathered around the table of the Lord, seeking fresh bread—fresh insight and nourishment for our souls. The focus was on Jesus as the light of the world, and the audacious truth that, through His death and resurrection, we too are called to be light in the darkness. This is not a calling for the extraordinary, but for ordinary people—each of us, unique and significant, created in the image of God. Our identity is not something we manufacture or borrow from others, but something rooted in God’s creative intent and affirmed by our adoption as children of God.
From the very beginning, God blessed humanity with a vocation: to rule, care for, and cause the world to flourish as his representatives. This calling is not about status or profession, but about living as God’s image-bearers, bringing blessing and harmony wherever we are. The original harmony of creation was broken by sin, but God’s desire remains for us to live in at-oneness with him, with each other, and with creation. This is not a passive existence, but an active participation in God’s ongoing work.
Work itself is not a curse, but a gift. God is a worker, a creator, and we are made to reflect that. The curse entered when humanity chose autonomy over obedience, resulting in toil, scarcity, and fragmentation. Yet, even in a broken world, blessing is possible through obedience and alignment with God’s purposes. The challenge is to resist the compartmentalisation of life—dividing sacred from secular, work from worship—and instead embrace an integrated life where everything is spiritual, and all of life is sacred.
The Western mindset often divides life into sacred and secular, but in God’s view, all of life belongs to him. Our vocation is not limited to religious roles; every calling—whether teacher, parent, mechanic, or artist—is holy when done for God’s glory. We are all priests, God’s representatives, called to declare his praises and bring light into our world. The invitation is to reclaim this priesthood, to live out our unique calling with joy, significance, and blessing, knowing that in whatever we do, we do it for the glory of God.
Key Takeaways
1. You are uniquely created in God’s image, and your identity is not something you must strive for or imitate in others. God delights in your uniqueness and calls you to live out who you truly are, not a copy of someone else. Embracing your God-given identity brings freedom and significance, allowing you to shine as light in the world.
2. Our original vocation is to be God’s representatives, bringing blessing and flourishing to the world. This calling is not about status or profession, but about participating in God’s ongoing work of creation and restoration. To bless is to cause others and creation to flourish, reflecting God’s heart for abundance and harmony.
3. Work is inherently good and part of God’s design, but it becomes toil when disconnected from God’s purposes. The curse of toil and scarcity entered when humanity chose autonomy over obedience, but blessing is found in aligning our work with God’s will. Even in a broken world, we can experience joy and satisfaction in our labour when it is rooted in God’s calling.
4. God desires an integrated life, not a fragmented or compartmentalised existence. Everything is spiritual; all of life is sacred. When we recognise that every aspect of our lives—work, rest, play, relationships—is under God’s domain, we find harmony and peace, living as whole people in a fragmented world.
5. Every follower of Jesus is a priest, called to represent God in whatever vocation or context they find themselves. There is no hierarchy of callings; all are holy when done for God’s glory. Reclaiming your priesthood means living out your unique calling with purpose, bringing light, blessing, and the presence of God into every sphere of life.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Created in the Image of God—Unique and Significant
Scripture:
Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT)
'Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Each person is uniquely created in the image of God, designed with purpose and significance. This means that you are not meant to be anyone else; your individuality is a reflection of God’s creativity and intention. God delights in who you are, and your life is not an accident or a copy of another’s. Embracing your God-given identity allows you to live out your calling with confidence, knowing that you are both loved and chosen. You are not just another face in the crowd—you are God’s beloved, made to flourish and to bless others as His representative on earth.
Reflection:
In what ways have you compared yourself to others, and how can you begin to embrace the unique identity God has given you today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me in Your image and making me uniquely me. Help me to see myself as You see me—valuable, loved, and called to be who I am. May I live confidently in my identity as Your child. Amen.
Day 2: Our Identities as Children of God
Scripture:
John 1:12 (NLT)
'But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
To all who receive and believe in Jesus Christ, God gives the right to become His children. This new identity is not just about being created in God’s image, but about being adopted into His family, loved and cherished as His own. As a child of God, you are given the privilege, responsibility, and joy of living in relationship with Him, empowered by His Spirit to walk in newness of life. This double assurance—created in God’s image and adopted as His child—grounds your worth and purpose, no matter your circumstances.
Reflection:
What does it mean to you personally to be called a child of God, and how might this truth shape your actions and attitudes today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me Your child, created in Your image and loved beyond measure. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can walk confidently as Your beloved child, shining Your light wherever I go. Thank You for making me part of Your family, and for the privilege of being Your child. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Day 3: All of Life Is Sacred—Everything Is Spiritual
Scripture:
Psalms 24:1 (NLT)
'The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
In God’s design, there is no divide between sacred and secular; all of life is spiritual and matters to Him. Whether in work, rest, play, or the mundane routines of daily living, every moment is an opportunity to honour God and experience His presence. The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord, and recognising this truth brings meaning and purpose to even the smallest tasks. Living with this integrated perspective allows you to see God’s hand in every aspect of your life and to offer it all back to Him in gratitude and worship.
Reflection:
How can you intentionally recognise God’s presence in the ordinary moments of your day, treating all of life as sacred?
Prayer:
God of all creation, thank You that everything in this world is sacred and matters to You. Help me to see Your presence in the ordinary and to treat all of life with reverence and gratitude. May my life reflect Your holiness. Amen.
Day 4: The Priesthood of All Believers—Your Holy Calling
Scripture:
1 Peter 2:9-10
'But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Every follower of Jesus is called to be a priest—a representative of God—wherever they are and in whatever they do. This calling is not reserved for pastors or missionaries, but is the privilege and responsibility of all believers. As God’s chosen people, you are set apart to declare His praises, to bring light into darkness, and to serve others in His name. Your vocation, whether in the home, workplace, or community, is holy when done for the glory of God. Reclaiming your priesthood means living with purpose, knowing that your daily life is a ministry and a witness to God’s love.
Reflection:
Where has God placed you to be His representative, and how can you intentionally serve as a priest in your current context today?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, remind me that I am a priest—Your representative in this world. Help me to do all I do for Your glory, whether in my work, relationships, or daily routines. Empower me to live out my calling faithfully. Amen.
Day 5: Do All for the Glory of God—Integrated Living
Scripture:
Colossians 3:17 (NLT)
'And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
God calls you to live an integrated life, where every action—no matter how small—is done for His glory. Whether you are eating, drinking, working, or resting, each moment is an opportunity to honour God and bless others. Rejecting the fragmentation of life into sacred and secular, you are invited to see your entire existence as worship. When you do what you are meant to do, with the gifts and passions God has given you, you become fruitful and a blessing to those around you. Living this way brings deep satisfaction, significance, and joy, as you fulfil your calling as the light of the world.
Reflection:
What is one ordinary task you will do today, and how can you intentionally offer it to God as an act of worship?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for all that I have and all that I am able to do. I am willing to bring You into the smallest most insignificant tasks to the moments of blessing I get to share with others. Help me to remember You throughout my day so that I can worship You and shine Your light continually. Amen.
Day 6: Living as the Light of the World
Scripture:
Matthew 5:14-15 (NLT)
' “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be the light in a dark world. Jesus, who called himself the Light of the World, now trusts us to carry that light into our everyday lives. This is an audacious and incredible calling—ordinary people like you and me, living out the light of Christ wherever we are.
Reflection:
What's one way you can be a blessing and a reflection of Jesus today? How can you shine His light to those around you?
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the Light of the world, and I am called to reflect Your light. Shine through me today, dispelling darkness and bringing hope to those around me. Use me as a beacon of Your love. Amen.
Day 7: Finding Joy and Significance in My Work
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:10
'For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Your work and daily activities are part of your divine vocation. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, nurse, mechanic, or student, your job is sacred. God created work to be good, to bless others, and to bring glory to Him. Living out your vocation faithfully is how you shine His light. Remember, being a follower of Jesus means living intentionally in whatever role you have.
Reflection:
Do you consider your work as divine vocation? How can you faithfully shine in the place God has you right now?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the work You have given me. Help me to find joy and purpose in what I do, knowing it is part of Your plan. Use my efforts to bless others and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Subscribe here to get a weekly SMS link to the latest Daily Hope devotional sermon (Australia only).
