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New Creation - Wini
Sermon Summary
Wini reminds us that God is present in our everyday routines and ordinary tasks, and by practising His presence, living with love and purpose, we can become faithful history makers right where He has placed us.
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Today, we are invited to see our everyday lives—our vocations, routines, and even the most mundane tasks—as sacred opportunities to encounter God and shine His light. Many of us grew up dreaming of being “history makers” in grand, visible ways, but God’s call is not limited to the extraordinary. Throughout Scripture, we see people called to a wide range of roles: from Moses leading a nation to Ruth faithfully caring for her family, from Lydia running a business to Lois and Eunice parenting Timothy. Each vocation, whether public or hidden, is a place where God’s presence can be experienced and His purposes fulfilled.
The story of Brother Lawrence, a humble monk who found God in the clatter of the kitchen and the quiet of the workshop, reminds us that constant awareness of God’s presence transforms the ordinary into the holy. He teaches us that every task, no matter how small or repetitive, can be an act of love for God. This is not about separating the spiritual from the ordinary, but about making our hearts a chapel where we meet God in every moment, whether we are making lunch boxes, doing laundry, or working at our jobs.
Practising the presence of God begins with simply turning our attention to Him throughout the day. It can be as simple as pausing for a moment to recognise that God is with us, or praying as we go about our tasks. Many in our community shared how they bring God into their workplaces through prayer—before meetings, during commutes, or in the midst of stressful situations. This prayerful dependence is not just for the “spiritual” moments, but for every part of life.
We are also called to position our hearts rightly, doing everything without complaint and with love, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our attitudes. Even the never-ending laundry can become an act of gratitude and worship. Finally, we are encouraged to give our best in all we do, knowing that our work itself is holy when done for God. Whether our tasks are seen or unseen, big or small, they hold eternal significance when offered in love.
Let us embrace our ordinary moments as opportunities to encounter God, to serve others, and to be history makers right where we are. In the quiet faithfulness of our daily lives, we write a legacy of love and faith that shines in the world.
Key Takeaways
1. God’s Call Is Not Limited to the Extraordinary
God calls people to a wide variety of vocations, not just the visible or glamorous ones. Whether leading a nation or caring for a family, each role is a place where God’s purposes can be fulfilled. Our ordinary lives are just as significant to God as the extraordinary moments, and He delights in meeting us right where we are.
2. The Practice of God’s Presence Transforms the Ordinary
Brother Lawrence’s life demonstrates that constant awareness of God’s presence can turn even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship. By intentionally turning our thoughts to God throughout the day, we invite Him into every moment, making our hearts a chapel where we meet Him. This practice is life-changing and available to all, regardless of our circumstances.
3. Prayerful Dependence in Every Task
Bringing God into our daily routines is as simple as praying as we work, commute, or care for others. Many find that God speaks most clearly in the ordinary, not just in formal times of worship. Prayerful dependence transforms our work, infusing it with purpose and inviting God’s peace and guidance into every detail.
4. Positioning Our Hearts with Gratitude and Love
Our attitude in the ordinary matters deeply. Doing tasks without complaint and with gratitude—like laundry or making lunch—becomes a form of worship. The Holy Spirit shapes us as we posture our hearts to serve with humility, love, and joy, shining as lights in the world even in the most routine moments.
5. Giving Our Best as an Act of Worship
Whatever we do, we are called to work with all our hearts, as for the Lord. The work itself—whether cleaning, building, teaching, or caring—is holy when done in love and faithfulness. God values not the greatness of the task, but the love with which it is performed, and He transforms our weaknesses into strengths as we offer our best to Him.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: God’s Presence in the Ordinary
Scripture:
James 4:8a
Come near to God and He will come near to you.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JAS.4.8.NIV
God is not only present in our mountaintop experiences or during times of worship, but He is with us in every moment of our daily lives—whether we are making lunch boxes, doing laundry, or working at our jobs. When we cultivate a constant awareness of His presence, even the most mundane tasks become opportunities to encounter Him and experience His peace. Like Brother Lawrence, we can learn to possess God in the midst of busyness and chaos, making our hearts a chapel where we always meet Him.
Reflection:
What is one ordinary task you will do today where you can intentionally pause and become aware of God’s presence with you in that moment?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for being with me—not just in the stillness of worship or the heights of joy, but in the everyday rhythms of life. Let these simple moments become sacred as I invite You into each one. Help me to pause and breathe in Your goodness, to reflect on the mercies that greet me each morning with unfailing faithfulness. Amen
Day 2: Prayerful Dependence in Every Task
Scripture:
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.4.6-7
Devotional:
Prayer is not reserved for church or quiet times; it is a steady hum of communication with God throughout our day. Whether we are driving, working, or caring for others, we can turn our thoughts to God, asking for His strength, guidance, and peace. This prayerful dependence transforms our ordinary routines into holy moments, and God delights in meeting us right where we are, even in the smallest details of our lives.
Reflection:
What is one repetitive or challenging part of your daily routine where you can begin to invite God’s help and presence through short, honest prayers?
Prayer:
Lord, please help me to remember that I can talk to You at any moment, whether I’m driving, working, or caring for others. Teach me to turn my thoughts toward You, to breathe prayers in the middle of my routine, and to invite You into the ordinary. May my daily tasks become holy ground because You are with me. Amen
Day 3: Positioning Our Hearts with Gratitude and Love
Scripture:
Philippians 2:14-15
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.2.14-15
Our attitude in ordinary matters is deeply rooted in God. When we choose to do everything without complaining or arguing, and instead act with gratitude and love, we shine as bright lights in a world that often grumbles and complains. Even laundry and other daily chores can become acts of worship when done with a thankful heart, and the Holy Spirit can shape our attitudes to reflect Christ’s love and humility in every situation.
Reflection:
Think of a task or relationship that often tempts you to complain. How can you approach it today with gratitude and a Christ-like attitude?
Prayer:
Father God, I come before You with an open heart, longing to be aligned with Your will and presence. Teach me, Lord, to posture my heart in gratitude and love, to see Your hand in every moment, to thank You not only in times of joy, but also in seasons of challenge. Amen
Day 4: Giving Your Best as Service to God
Scripture:
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/COL.3.23-24
Devotional:
Whatever our vocation or daily responsibilities, we are called to give our best, working wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord Himself. The work itself—whether seen or unseen, grand or humble—is holy when done for God’s glory. God values not the greatness of the work, but the love and faithfulness with which it is performed, and He can transform even our weaknesses into strengths as we rely on Him.
Reflection:
How can you intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to help you reflect Christ’s peace and hope in a current difficulty you are facing?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of work and the opportunities You place before me each day. Help me to remember that whatever I do, I am to do it wholeheartedly, not for human praise, but as service to You. May my labour bring You glory. And may I never forget that even the ordinary becomes sacred when it is done for You. Amen
Day 5: Reposition our life to be more like Jesus
Scripture:
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PSA.51.10.NIV
Devotional:
In the noise of life it’s easy for our minds to drift toward anxiety, distraction, or self-reliance. We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can choose to reposition our life and hearts toward God. To reposition your heart means to turn toward Him intentionally to be open, soft, and surrendered. A heart positioned before God doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be available. Let today be less about fixing everything and more about facing the right direction.
Reflection:
What has your heart been turned toward lately—peace or pressure, God or distractions? What small habit or practice can help you posture your heart toward God each day?
Prayer
Father, so often, my heart drifts. I get pulled by the distractions of everyday life by fear, and by the weight of my own expectations. Reposition my heart to hear You above the noise, to trust You beyond what I see. Create in me a clean heart. Renew in me a spirit that is steadfast, grounded, and whole. Make my heart a place where Your peace dwells and Your Spirit leads. Amen
Day 6: God’s Peace in the overwhelm of work.
Scripture:
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/COL.3.15.NLT
Devotional:
With the constant juggling of responsibilities of work (including volunteering) and family we can drain ourselves, leaving our minds racing, our hearts heavy and our bodies tired. But God invites us into something radically different: peace. Not the kind of peace that comes when the to-do list is empty (because it rarely is), but peace that exists in the middle of the noise. When anxiety rises, God doesn’t tell us to push through harder—He tells us to pause, pray, and give thanks. In doing so, we make space for a peace that doesn’t always make sense to the world but makes all the difference to our souls.
Reflection:
What is one thing you’re carrying at work or at home right now that feels heavier than it should? How can you invite God into that specific burden today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I choose to let Your peace rule in my heart. When I feel pulled in too many directions, centre me in Your calm presence. Guard me from being led by pressure, fear, or burnout. Instead, lead me with Your peace. Help me to be grateful, not for the chaos, but for Your constant presence in it. Remind me that I’m called to peace, not panic. Amen
Day 7: Being a History Maker in the Everyday
Scripture:
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.5.14-16
Devotional:
Being a history maker for God is not about grand gestures or public recognition, but about the consistent, quiet acts of love, faithfulness, and turning our hearts toward God in the midst of our ordinary routines. Each small, unseen moment holds eternal significance when done for Him, and our legacy is built in the way we love, serve, and shine His light right where He has placed us.
Reflection:
What is one small, faithful act you can do today in your home, workplace, or community to shine God’s light and leave a legacy of love?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You have called me to be a light in this world—a reflection of Your truth, Your love, Your grace and faithfulness. Help me not to hide the light You’ve placed within me but to let it shine boldly in every place You lead me. Amen
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