Daily ScriptureHear my crying, O God, and listen to my prayer. For you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. (Psalm 61:1&3) Daily Reflection:We have much to come to God in prayer about in these extraordinary, difficult, and anxious times. We can, of course, shout out at God, demanding to know why He has allowed this pandemic to happen; why he is allowing all this disruption to our lives? We can also plead with God, and ask that this trouble is brought to an end very soon. We could also thank God: for our NHS and the incredible work of all those who are working tirelessly for us; for those who carried out the research to create vaccines so quickly; for those who produce, distribute and administer the vaccines. We could thank God for the technology we have that enables us to still be in contact with family and friends, and enables us to worship together on-line. We could thank God for the spirit of looking out for the needs of our neighbour that has grown during this pandemic. We can do all of that, knowing that God hears all our prayers, and is our refuge.Revd David
Daily Scripture:‘The dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ (Luke 1.78-9)Daily Reflection:Thank God for all the freedoms we enjoy, however curtailed. Lily Ebert has this week been featuring on the news. At 97, she has survived a three-week battle with Covid. At 22 she was liberated from Auschwitz. Dozens of her family died there. She resolved to make it out alive to show the world “what can happen when we are not tolerant to each other. It was very important because you could choose one thing - choose life and carry on, or give up”. After liberation she vowed that she would “tell the world what happened – what can happen when we are not tolerant to each other”. Don't we all need light to guide our feet in the way of peace?!David Harmsworth
Daily ScriptureGod is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains tremble in the heart of the sea. (From Psalm 46)Daily ReflectionI guess, for this generation, this is the most “trouble” - as the psalmist put it - we have been through as a community, as a nation, as a world. But now, when we have a medical and scientific way out of this pandemic, we hear rumours and incredible stories about the very solution we have been waiting for! Why is it that so many are happy to trust something they hear second-hand, whizzing around the internet on social media (adding to the “trouble”) but not highly credible scientists or a front-line nurse or doctor working so hard for us? The psalmist, lamenting all this trouble, goes on and says, The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold…… ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.’ That is the voice I will be listening for; that is the voice I will continue to trust. So speak Lord, and let the storm be stilled. Revd David
Daily Scripture"Who is there who delights in life and longs for days to enjoy good things? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from lying words".(Psalm 34, v 12-13)Daily ReflectionRemember your mother saying " if you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all". Never a truer word spoken! "Keep your tongue from evil" - note how many times in a day you might agree with people who gossip unkindly, and who complain about others. It's probably more than you think! Be aware that the way you live your life, including what you say, is in direct proportion to how much you "delight in life" as the above verse says. James 3 v 8-9 shows us a stark interpretation - it reminds us that we use the same mouth to praise and worship God, that we do to blame, gossip and speak detrimentally about others! Today, don't let your words run away with you - make a concerted effort only to speak words that affirm and strengthen others - and may your joy in life increase! Vicki Young
