Daily Scripture:‘The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ (Psalm 34.18)Daily Reflection:If we were not already aware of it, the television news each evening confronts us with the anxiety, grief and sheer exhaustion of so many people caught up in the pandemic. So many heartbroken at the loss of loved ones, so many lonely and isolated, so many crushed by the burdens, physical and emotional, that they have to carry. And each of us has our own share of stress and anxiety to deal with.Now, more than ever, let us take to heart the compassionate words of Jesus, who promises: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.’Just as I am, thou wilt receive,Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;Because thy promise I believeO Lamb of God, I come. Revd Rosemary
Daily Scripture:Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12 v 4 - 6)Daily Reflection: Wouldn’t it be a dull life if we were all given the same gifts! Just imagine being good at everything, what a terrible burden that would be. You would never have to call on anyone else to fix your roof, cook your dinner, look after your children, study for a PhD, sing in the local choir, do your own accounts - the list would go on and on!! You would be totally exhausted. We have all been given different abilities, different gifts, each of us to use for the common good so that we all benefit as part of our community. You are unique - so cherish the gifts that you have been given by God and use them to the best of your ability to serve not only yourself but those around you. Lyn Hayes ALM
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
