One Thing
"So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed."Luke 5:16 (NKJV)
Life gets busy. Demands and deadlines are constantly knocking at our door. That's not all bad - we are, after all, meant to be diligent at work in our mandate to be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth and have dominion. What we sometimes fail to realise is that all these things were meant to be the overflow or fruit of our intimacy with the Lord. We were never meant to do life outside of Him. Everything we will ever need or want out of life flows from the privilege of knowing God, of having Him living inside us, constantly imparting His love and grace and wisdom to us, and even resting upon us. Learning to steward His Presence well, having it influence every area of our lives - including our responsibilities - is what causes everything we put our hands to, to prosper. Jesus modelled for us how to live in the kingdom of God here on earth. He said it is being in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). Kingdom life is built on our relationship with the Presence of God. Everything else flows from this one thing.
"So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed."Luke 5:16 (NKJV)
Life gets busy. Demands and deadlines are constantly knocking at our door. That's not all bad - we are, after all, meant to be diligent at work in our mandate to be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth and have dominion. What we sometimes fail to realise is that all these things were meant to be the overflow or fruit of our intimacy with the Lord. We were never meant to do life outside of Him. Everything we will ever need or want out of life flows from the privilege of knowing God, of having Him living inside us, constantly imparting His love and grace and wisdom to us, and even resting upon us. Learning to steward His Presence well, having it influence every area of our lives - including our responsibilities - is what causes everything we put our hands to, to prosper. Jesus modelled for us how to live in the kingdom of God here on earth. He said it is being in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). Kingdom life is built on our relationship with the Presence of God. Everything else flows from this one thing.
09/08/2026 https://angusbuchan.subspla.sh/r65mnst
Angus Buchan
09/08/2026
I greet you in Jesus’ precious name! It is Sunday morning, the 9th of August, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today.
We start in the Book of Colossians 4:2, in the New Testament, (Amplified Version): “Be persistent and devoted…
We start in the Book of Colossians 4:2, in the New Testament, (Amplified Version): “Be persistent and devoted…
Fasting in Faith!
"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face..."Matthew 6:17 (NKJV)
In the story of Ruth, Naomi, her mother-in-law, encouraged her to anoint her head; wash her face; and prepare to meet her new husband. It was time to come out of mourning and lack, and begin her new destiny with promise and purpose. Isn't it interesting how Jesus used the same instructions concerning fasting? He said we are to anoint our heads and wash our faces. In other words, we are supposed to both look and smell good, and have an expectant, positive attitude. In this Scripture, anointing your head speaks of putting on a very fragrant perfume. In other words: deliberately choosing to put on a fresh, winning attitude - as though we are expectant to enter a new level in our faith. When we fast, we do so in faith, knowing that whatever breakthrough we are believing for, or answer we are seeking from the Lord, will come - setting us up for fresh purpose and promise. As believers, fasting and praying must be accompanied with joyful faith. Anoint yourself and wash your face, because overwhelming victory is your portion as you expectantly wait on the Lord!
"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face..."Matthew 6:17 (NKJV)
In the story of Ruth, Naomi, her mother-in-law, encouraged her to anoint her head; wash her face; and prepare to meet her new husband. It was time to come out of mourning and lack, and begin her new destiny with promise and purpose. Isn't it interesting how Jesus used the same instructions concerning fasting? He said we are to anoint our heads and wash our faces. In other words, we are supposed to both look and smell good, and have an expectant, positive attitude. In this Scripture, anointing your head speaks of putting on a very fragrant perfume. In other words: deliberately choosing to put on a fresh, winning attitude - as though we are expectant to enter a new level in our faith. When we fast, we do so in faith, knowing that whatever breakthrough we are believing for, or answer we are seeking from the Lord, will come - setting us up for fresh purpose and promise. As believers, fasting and praying must be accompanied with joyful faith. Anoint yourself and wash your face, because overwhelming victory is your portion as you expectantly wait on the Lord!
A Lifetime of Fruitfulness
"And the manna ceased on the day after they ate of the produce of the land; and the Israelites had manna no more, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year."Joshua 5:12 (AMPC)
During the years in the wilderness, God supernaturally supplied manna for the children of Israel. Every morning they could collect the manna, and on Fridays, there was double the amount to ensure no work on the Sabbath. During these forty years, an entire generation was born with no experience in fighting, or any knowledge of farming and cultivating crops. The wilderness was a dry place with no fertile ground. Everyone depended on God's daily provision. Then the time finally came for their new season, the long-awaited promise. The land of Canaan was filled with abundant crops, large fruit, and fertile ground. The moment the people ate from the food in Canaan, the manna supply stopped. They had learnt to have total dependency on the Lord, for even the most basic of needs in the wilderness. Now, the same God Who provided their every need where they could not sow and reap, taught them how to cultivate the land to produce a bountiful harvest. The principles we learn and receive during our intimate times in God's Presence always lead the way to produce more blessing and increase as we learn to apply them in every area of life. He remains our source while teaching us how to extend what He has given us to produce a lifetime of fruitful abundance.
"And the manna ceased on the day after they ate of the produce of the land; and the Israelites had manna no more, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year."Joshua 5:12 (AMPC)
During the years in the wilderness, God supernaturally supplied manna for the children of Israel. Every morning they could collect the manna, and on Fridays, there was double the amount to ensure no work on the Sabbath. During these forty years, an entire generation was born with no experience in fighting, or any knowledge of farming and cultivating crops. The wilderness was a dry place with no fertile ground. Everyone depended on God's daily provision. Then the time finally came for their new season, the long-awaited promise. The land of Canaan was filled with abundant crops, large fruit, and fertile ground. The moment the people ate from the food in Canaan, the manna supply stopped. They had learnt to have total dependency on the Lord, for even the most basic of needs in the wilderness. Now, the same God Who provided their every need where they could not sow and reap, taught them how to cultivate the land to produce a bountiful harvest. The principles we learn and receive during our intimate times in God's Presence always lead the way to produce more blessing and increase as we learn to apply them in every area of life. He remains our source while teaching us how to extend what He has given us to produce a lifetime of fruitful abundance.
Clay Jars, Full of Treasure
“But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. ”.2 Corinthians 4:7 (AMP)
How many times have you been held back in believing God for the impossible, because you feel you fall short in some way? The Word describes us as fragile jars of clay that contain a great treasure! There can be no mistaking that the glorious treasure of His Presence is the only source of the power that flows from our spirits, and has nothing to do with our own merit. The Holy Spirit enables us to become a sign and a wonder through His work in us. He is our connection with the atmosphere of heaven and allows us to be the recipients and conduits of His power - allowing it to flow into our world. It's imperative to recognise that this is what God has called us to. To live inseparably connected to and full of God so that His kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost can be established here on earth. Today, don't be concerned about your own inadequacy; enjoy being empowered and led by the great treasure of the Holy Spirit in you.
“But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. ”.2 Corinthians 4:7 (AMP)
How many times have you been held back in believing God for the impossible, because you feel you fall short in some way? The Word describes us as fragile jars of clay that contain a great treasure! There can be no mistaking that the glorious treasure of His Presence is the only source of the power that flows from our spirits, and has nothing to do with our own merit. The Holy Spirit enables us to become a sign and a wonder through His work in us. He is our connection with the atmosphere of heaven and allows us to be the recipients and conduits of His power - allowing it to flow into our world. It's imperative to recognise that this is what God has called us to. To live inseparably connected to and full of God so that His kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost can be established here on earth. Today, don't be concerned about your own inadequacy; enjoy being empowered and led by the great treasure of the Holy Spirit in you.
The Voice of God
“The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.”. Psalm 29:4 (AMP)
We live in a time that can be described as the battle of the voices. All kinds of voices contend for our attention. When we open ourselves up to their suggestions and opinions, we quickly become as confused as a wave that is tossed around by the wind in the ocean. If you feel exhausted and unsure at just the thought of the future, remember there is one voice that holds the final say. When we pay attention to it and hold it in higher regard than all others, it will protect our minds from fear; fill our hearts with love; and make our countenances shine with peace. That voice is the whisper of the Holy Spirit that brings the written Word of God to life in us. It holds the authority over time and space. It gives comfort and clear direction, purpose and the passion to pursue it. Allow your spirit to tune in to the voice of the Lord today, leading you to all things pertaining to life and godliness. Train yourself to discern His voice of love and mercy as He pulls you towards Himself. Listen to His words of blessing and promise concerning you and your future; and respond to Him by shutting out all other contradicting voices as you give Him your undivided attention and devotion. Let His voice become your own as you declare His truth over your future with faith and authority.
“The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.”. Psalm 29:4 (AMP)
We live in a time that can be described as the battle of the voices. All kinds of voices contend for our attention. When we open ourselves up to their suggestions and opinions, we quickly become as confused as a wave that is tossed around by the wind in the ocean. If you feel exhausted and unsure at just the thought of the future, remember there is one voice that holds the final say. When we pay attention to it and hold it in higher regard than all others, it will protect our minds from fear; fill our hearts with love; and make our countenances shine with peace. That voice is the whisper of the Holy Spirit that brings the written Word of God to life in us. It holds the authority over time and space. It gives comfort and clear direction, purpose and the passion to pursue it. Allow your spirit to tune in to the voice of the Lord today, leading you to all things pertaining to life and godliness. Train yourself to discern His voice of love and mercy as He pulls you towards Himself. Listen to His words of blessing and promise concerning you and your future; and respond to Him by shutting out all other contradicting voices as you give Him your undivided attention and devotion. Let His voice become your own as you declare His truth over your future with faith and authority.
The Power of Praise!
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."Psalm 106:1 (NKJV)
When we praise God, we take all focus off everything else in this world - including our own insufficiencies and trouble - and place it directly on Him. And when we see Him in the words that declare His majesty and power, His goodness and faithfulness, our hearts soar in fresh hope and joy. It's in these moments, that our praise becomes a mighty weapon of warfare. All fear goes at the mention of the Name of Jesus, when it's lifted high from voices filled with faith and adoration. The enemy is silenced, and his plans reduced to confusion when God's people declare their heartfelt devotion and trust in their God. Perhaps the most rewarding gift of praise is the promise that God is attracted to and inhabits our praises. He manifests Himself, in all His glory and splendor, in our midst. No wonder all of hell trembles when God's people begin to praise! To praise God is to attract Him, and to attract Him is to attract all that He is. Where God is, everything changes and conforms to His will - and overwhelming victory is guaranteed! This is the power of praise.
Make a Difference Today
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."Psalm 106:1 (NKJV)
When we praise God, we take all focus off everything else in this world - including our own insufficiencies and trouble - and place it directly on Him. And when we see Him in the words that declare His majesty and power, His goodness and faithfulness, our hearts soar in fresh hope and joy. It's in these moments, that our praise becomes a mighty weapon of warfare. All fear goes at the mention of the Name of Jesus, when it's lifted high from voices filled with faith and adoration. The enemy is silenced, and his plans reduced to confusion when God's people declare their heartfelt devotion and trust in their God. Perhaps the most rewarding gift of praise is the promise that God is attracted to and inhabits our praises. He manifests Himself, in all His glory and splendor, in our midst. No wonder all of hell trembles when God's people begin to praise! To praise God is to attract Him, and to attract Him is to attract all that He is. Where God is, everything changes and conforms to His will - and overwhelming victory is guaranteed! This is the power of praise.
Make a Difference Today
God's Promise Over You!
“ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all”. 2 Corinthians13:14 (AMP)
What a profound proclamation of blessing! Imagine experiencing this promise as your reality every single day! The moment you wake up in the morning, you are aware of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ being yours. That grace gives you unhindered, unlimited access to the presence of your Heavenly Father. It gives you the legal right to access not only His heart, love, mercy, and undivided attention; but to all that is His. Throughout the day, He extends His invitation to fellowship with Him. To reveal the secrets of His heart to you, and flood you with His love that has the power to conquer all, and never fails. Imagine the closeness of the Holy Spirit as He teaches you all things pertaining to the Father... as He leads you into righteous living and fills you with joy. Imagine Him empowering you with purpose and showing you how to pour the richness of what He has given you out to all people. There is nothing in this world more beautiful, more satisfying, and more captivating than seeing another life touched and transformed by His love that He pours out from us. We get to see Him touch lives through us as we extend His compassion and power to set them free, see them healed and set ablaze with His love. Imagine experiencing this promise as your reality every single day!
“ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all”. 2 Corinthians13:14 (AMP)
What a profound proclamation of blessing! Imagine experiencing this promise as your reality every single day! The moment you wake up in the morning, you are aware of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ being yours. That grace gives you unhindered, unlimited access to the presence of your Heavenly Father. It gives you the legal right to access not only His heart, love, mercy, and undivided attention; but to all that is His. Throughout the day, He extends His invitation to fellowship with Him. To reveal the secrets of His heart to you, and flood you with His love that has the power to conquer all, and never fails. Imagine the closeness of the Holy Spirit as He teaches you all things pertaining to the Father... as He leads you into righteous living and fills you with joy. Imagine Him empowering you with purpose and showing you how to pour the richness of what He has given you out to all people. There is nothing in this world more beautiful, more satisfying, and more captivating than seeing another life touched and transformed by His love that He pours out from us. We get to see Him touch lives through us as we extend His compassion and power to set them free, see them healed and set ablaze with His love. Imagine experiencing this promise as your reality every single day!
Things Obey Words
“A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city,And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.”. Proverbs 18:19 (AMP)
Jesus continuously demonstrated how His words carried power. Whatever He spoke to, responded to His words. The fig tree dried up from its roots because of His words. When He spoke to the winds and the waves, they obeyed Him. He taught that all things respond to faith and words (Mark 11:23). Then, He told His disciples that they too can speak words of power. He wanted us to have the revelation that things respond to our words every day. Jesus taught that the thoughts and beliefs we carry produce an energy of faith around us. Our words carry and release that faith energy, and things and people respond to them. Things are responding to your words every day. So speak good things to all that surrounds your life. Pay careful attention to your thoughts and conversations because you give substance to your world through your words, bringing either life or death. Remember, things obey words!
“A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city,And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.”. Proverbs 18:19 (AMP)
Jesus continuously demonstrated how His words carried power. Whatever He spoke to, responded to His words. The fig tree dried up from its roots because of His words. When He spoke to the winds and the waves, they obeyed Him. He taught that all things respond to faith and words (Mark 11:23). Then, He told His disciples that they too can speak words of power. He wanted us to have the revelation that things respond to our words every day. Jesus taught that the thoughts and beliefs we carry produce an energy of faith around us. Our words carry and release that faith energy, and things and people respond to them. Things are responding to your words every day. So speak good things to all that surrounds your life. Pay careful attention to your thoughts and conversations because you give substance to your world through your words, bringing either life or death. Remember, things obey words!
Put on your new identity!
“And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.”Mark 10:50 (NKJV)
Bartimaeus was a blind man who sat beside the road begging passers-by for whatever they could spare. One day he heard Jesus, the Healer, was passing by and he began to cry out at the top of his lungs, in every attempt to get His attention. He caused quite a commotion, and some people scolded him, telling him to be quiet and know his place. But this only made him shout all the louder. When Jesus heard his cry, and knowing full well he was blind, He called for him. Bartimaeus wasted no time. He threw off his garment which identified him as a blind beggar, and came running towards Jesus. His hope was so strong he paid no attention to his disability and let his faith lead him straight to his Healer. He was fully persuaded that a single encounter with Jesus would radically change his life. It would strip away every label man had placed upon him. Throw off the old things that identified you as a slave to this world. Rid yourself of all those labels, and take on the righteousness Jesus has made you to be. From this day on, walk in your new identity of holiness and purity – because you have run to your Redeemer and hidden yourself in Him. You are blessed; you are favoured; you are His!
“And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.”Mark 10:50 (NKJV)
Bartimaeus was a blind man who sat beside the road begging passers-by for whatever they could spare. One day he heard Jesus, the Healer, was passing by and he began to cry out at the top of his lungs, in every attempt to get His attention. He caused quite a commotion, and some people scolded him, telling him to be quiet and know his place. But this only made him shout all the louder. When Jesus heard his cry, and knowing full well he was blind, He called for him. Bartimaeus wasted no time. He threw off his garment which identified him as a blind beggar, and came running towards Jesus. His hope was so strong he paid no attention to his disability and let his faith lead him straight to his Healer. He was fully persuaded that a single encounter with Jesus would radically change his life. It would strip away every label man had placed upon him. Throw off the old things that identified you as a slave to this world. Rid yourself of all those labels, and take on the righteousness Jesus has made you to be. From this day on, walk in your new identity of holiness and purity – because you have run to your Redeemer and hidden yourself in Him. You are blessed; you are favoured; you are His!
Preparing for Purpose
“Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” Jesse replied, “There is still one left, the youngest; he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send word and bring him; because we will not sit down [to eat the sacrificial meal] until he comes here.”1 Samuel 16:11 (AMP)
The young boy David was out in the fields working as a shepherd when Samuel came to anoint a king. It might seem like David was doing nothing of importance, but his season of shepherding trained him to be a mightier king than Saul. While Saul had the external qualities of a fearsome warrior king, David had a heart that recognized and was sensitive to the voice and ways of God - which was exactly what was needed to rule a nation. David kept careful guard over his sheep. He watched for changes in their behaviour as a cue to take precautions against possible attack. Sheep are easily influenced and misled, so he constantly talked to them, ensuring they recognized, knew and listened to his voice. David learned to discern between those who would follow his lead and those who would stubbornly refuse. He was faithful in his role and led his flock well. His cautious attention to the sheep under his care was the training ground for the promotion that awaited him. Embrace every opportunity to be equipped and trained in the things of God, knowing it's leading to a greater purpose. Do everything with excellence and learn how to divide the Word of truth rightfully. Your faithfulness will position you for the more God has in store for your life, just as it did for David.
“Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” Jesse replied, “There is still one left, the youngest; he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send word and bring him; because we will not sit down [to eat the sacrificial meal] until he comes here.”1 Samuel 16:11 (AMP)
The young boy David was out in the fields working as a shepherd when Samuel came to anoint a king. It might seem like David was doing nothing of importance, but his season of shepherding trained him to be a mightier king than Saul. While Saul had the external qualities of a fearsome warrior king, David had a heart that recognized and was sensitive to the voice and ways of God - which was exactly what was needed to rule a nation. David kept careful guard over his sheep. He watched for changes in their behaviour as a cue to take precautions against possible attack. Sheep are easily influenced and misled, so he constantly talked to them, ensuring they recognized, knew and listened to his voice. David learned to discern between those who would follow his lead and those who would stubbornly refuse. He was faithful in his role and led his flock well. His cautious attention to the sheep under his care was the training ground for the promotion that awaited him. Embrace every opportunity to be equipped and trained in the things of God, knowing it's leading to a greater purpose. Do everything with excellence and learn how to divide the Word of truth rightfully. Your faithfulness will position you for the more God has in store for your life, just as it did for David.
A Willing Participant
"By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was still in progress], had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God's] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son..."Hebrews 11:17 (AMPC)
Abraham was called a friend of God because he was always a willing participant of His plans. The truth is he trusted God to always keep His promises. Abraham knew if God was going to have Isaac as a sacrifice, He would raise him to life again – because Isaac was the promise God's nation would be birthed out of. So he willingly went through every step of God's plan, fully confident that whatever God did would certainly work towards a glorious outcome, and he was ready to be a part of that plan. And that's exactly what God was doing. He never intended for Isaac to die that day. He was creating a type and shadow of what was to come. Sometime in the future, God's only begotten Son would be a willing sacrifice for a new people to arise - God's own children. Abraham brought Isaac in faith, God the Father brought Jesus to our world in faith too. What God was willing to do, His friend Abraham was willing to do also. You and I can choose to come on board, as Abraham did, as willing participants in whatever God wants to accomplish through us - because we trust Him. Just as God chose Abraham to be His friend, Jesus said He chose us and calls us friends. Today, be a willing participant, as you trust Him to work His glorious outcome through you.
"By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was still in progress], had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God's] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son..."Hebrews 11:17 (AMPC)
Abraham was called a friend of God because he was always a willing participant of His plans. The truth is he trusted God to always keep His promises. Abraham knew if God was going to have Isaac as a sacrifice, He would raise him to life again – because Isaac was the promise God's nation would be birthed out of. So he willingly went through every step of God's plan, fully confident that whatever God did would certainly work towards a glorious outcome, and he was ready to be a part of that plan. And that's exactly what God was doing. He never intended for Isaac to die that day. He was creating a type and shadow of what was to come. Sometime in the future, God's only begotten Son would be a willing sacrifice for a new people to arise - God's own children. Abraham brought Isaac in faith, God the Father brought Jesus to our world in faith too. What God was willing to do, His friend Abraham was willing to do also. You and I can choose to come on board, as Abraham did, as willing participants in whatever God wants to accomplish through us - because we trust Him. Just as God chose Abraham to be His friend, Jesus said He chose us and calls us friends. Today, be a willing participant, as you trust Him to work His glorious outcome through you.