Daily Scripture:‘Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord, or who can rise up in his holy place?’ - ‘Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who have not lifted up their soul to an idol, nor sworn an oath to a lie.’ (Psalm 14.3-4)Daily Reflection:We’re living with graphic illustrations of the destructive force of lies and crazed conspiracy theories. There must be myriad reasons why untruths can be more attractive than the truth, and none of us is likely to feel able to put a clean hand on heart and claim never to have chosen a lie, never to have been tempted down the wrong path. The Psalmist sets it out starkly – to approach the Lord, we need clean hands and a pure heart. Jesus did not compromise on this, just as he did not compromise himself, and yet at the same time in his life and in his martyrdom opened his arms to welcome anyone who wanted to restore integrity, follow the truth and find healing. If we confess, he will forgive us… David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture:‘But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” - these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.’ (1 Corinthians 2:9&10)Daily Reflection:Paul (who was ‘The road to Damascus’ Saul) writes these encouraging words to the early church in Corinth, Greece. He is quoting from a prophet Isaiah about 700 years earlier. We cannot even begin to imagine what God has in store for us. But for those who believe, we get - in this life - a tiny glimpse of this promise through the Holy Spirit….. if only we would be open to hearing and seeing; if only we would trust. But even if you have not caught that glimpse yet, know that a wonderful future awaits for those who love God. Let that give you hope to carry on and endure the present hardships. This world is not all there is…..the best is yet to come. “Don’t believe that?” Then ask God to show you…..pray....today. Revd David
Daily Scripture:‘For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.’ (1 Corinthians 1 vs 18)Daily Reflection:For Christians, the cross is the centre point of their faith. This simple wooden structure upon which the Son of God gave up His life for every person - past, present and future, has no significance unless we admit that our lives aren't perfect, that we say and do things we shouldn't. The Bible calls this sin, and it separates us from our good and perfect God. To get our relationship with God back on track, we simply have to believe that Jesus took all our sin away when He sacrificed Himself on the cross, and live our lives the way he shows us in the Bible... trusting God and loving others. Read the verse above again, and then decide whether this message is foolish, or wise?Vicki Young
Daily Scripture‘As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.’ (Mark 1:16-20)Daily ReflectionHere is a man with clear leadership qualities. Watch him do it: He just goes along, and, as soon as he suggests that they follow him, they get up and leave all behind. There is almost a hypnotic quality to this passage. Many people throughout the ages have had a similar ability to sweep people up, get them enthused for a cause and leave all behind. When you have that power over people, what do you use it for? We have seen in the last week how that power can be abused, inciting the crowd to do mischief, with tragic consequences for all. You might not be Jesus, or the President of America; but my question is for you as well, whatever ability you have to influence and enthuse, for what will you use it? Revd Ylva
