Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 6th April & for the week ahead:Scripture:“Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)Reflection: We can often dwell on the negative things that happen in the past, normally just as we’re trying to fall asleep and your brain decides to remind you of that embarrassing moment at school. It can be hard to look forwards with optimism, particularly in a fraught political and global climate. But the author of this scripture views it another way. He came from a good background and was a person of influence, but he gave it all up to follow Jesus Christ. His new aim in life is to do that to the best of his ability. He doesn’t focus on what happened and what could have been, only what he can now achieve in the position he has. He strives to work hard to please his God. We know we can all achieve things when we focus, so why not aim for something that will benefit others, not only ourselves? What difference can we make to those people who struggle, whether near or far? Just by doing something, we can help to push towards a better, more selfless goal. Victoria Bray
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 30th March and for the week ahead:Scripture: ‘As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience’. (Colossians 3.12) Reflection:Do you find that your clothes affect the way you feel and act? Do they also affect the way others react or relate to you? The clothing list that St Paul sets out is all about interaction with others. They stand in complete contrast with hostility, disinterest, superiority and impatience. He makes me ask myself ‘How carefully have I chosen what I want to show to others today? What message am I conveying?’ David Harmsworth
