Simon Benham’s Blog
Hello, and thanks for making it to my blog. My name is Simon and I am the Senior Pastor here at Kerith Community Church.
This blog is a place for me to share thoughts on pretty much anything which takes my interest. This will often be related to things happening in our church community or life lessons I am in the process of learning. It could also be reflections on current world events, reviews of books I am reading or commentary on how well Newcastle United are doing in the league! You just never know what you're going to get...
I hope you find this blog interesting and insightful. If you have any ideas on topics you'd like me to write about, then please email me and I’ll see what I can do. Also, if you’d like to get these blogs sent straight to your email inbox, you can subscribe using the button below.
Happy reading,
Simon
Advent Daily Devotional - Day 22
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)
God’s love is unconditional, shown through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. This passage reminds us to love as God loves—graciously and without reserve. It challenges us to show love in our actions, even toward those who test our patience. As we prepare for Christmas, let us embody Christ’s love in our interactions, bringing joy and grace to every situation, even amidst the challenges.
Advent Daily Devotional - Day 21
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Galatians 4:4-5)
God’s timing is perfect! The birth of Jesus fulfilled centuries-old promises, demonstrating that God’s plan is flawless and timely. Jesus’ arrival in Bethlehem during the Roman Empire's relative stability enabled the rapid spread of His gospel. Fully human and fully divine, Jesus brought redemption, adoption into God’s family, and the promise of eternal hope. This Christmas, embrace the gift of Jesus—God’s ultimate expression of love—and trust in His perfect plan for your life.
Advent Daily Devotional - Day 20
In Matthew 2:12-15, God speaks through urgent dreams, prompting the Magi and Joseph to make immediate sacrifices to protect life and fulfill prophecy. The Magi risked political fallout by disobeying Herod, while Joseph left home, work, and plans behind to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Their obedience reminds us of the cost of faith and the importance of trusting God's direction. As we reflect on their story, let’s also remember and pray for refugees and those displaced by danger, seeking safety and hope.
Advent Daily Devotional - Day 19
The wise men’s journey was marked by wisdom, reverence, and joy. Their reaction to finding Jesus was not merely emotional but deeply spiritual, rooted in the significance of the child they met. Bowing in worship, they offered valuable gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbols of honor, divinity, and sacrifice. Their story invites us to reflect: Are we overjoyed in Christ’s presence? Do we worship with our whole being? And are we giving Jesus our best?
Advent Daily Devotional - Day 17
Herod’s secret scheming to locate baby Jesus mirrored the innocent "invisibility" of a child hiding in plain sight. Just as Levi's father easily spotted him during hide-and-seek, God saw through Herod's manipulative plans. This story reminds us of an unshakable truth: God's divine plan cannot be thwarted by human deception or fear. As we navigate our own struggles, hiding our anxieties or trying to control circumstances, we can trust in the loving, all-knowing Creator who sees us fully and offers grace. This Christmas, may we find courage in surrendering to His perfect plan.