Daily ScriptureAnd when you look up to the heavens and see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, do not be led astray and bow down to them and serve them, things that the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples everywhere under heaven. (Deuteronomy 4:19)Daily ReflectionWe are so fortunate to live where we do. We are fortunate when we can look up into a clear dark sky and see many, many stars. I have said before about being able to come close to God as we look up and see the vastness of creation. If we remember that this is just a glimpse of creation then we should stand in awe. This verse from the Old Testament is a reminder that as incredible as this sight is, as awesome as creation and nature is – that is not what we are to worship. We should remember that there was – that there is – a creator; and if we are in awe of the sight of creation how much more awesome is the Creator? He has given this incredible creation to all people everywhere; stand in awe of Him, and take care of His creation! Revd David
Daily Scripture:The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in him and I am helped;Therefore my heart dances for joy and in my song will I praise him. (Psalm 28.8-9)Daily Reflection:Frequently the hymns of the Old Testament, the Psalms, cry out for help in the face of troubles (often described as ‘my enemies’). In this Psalm, the poet starts with a plea to God not to be deaf to his prayers, then begs not to be included among those whose sweet talk covers up the malice in their hearts, and now celebrates the joy that has come from trusting in God’s strength and shielding. Joy in the heart. Let’s aim to share in that! David Harmsworth
Daily ScriptureWhen it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. (John 20:19-21a) Daily Reflection:This account occurs just after Jesus’ resurrection; a masterly piece of understatement, “The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord”! Then Jesus greets them with these words, “Peace be with you” - shalom. Shalom is a Hebrew word with many meanings wrapped up in one single word: peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare, tranquillity. May these gifts be with you as you live your life. It is so much more than simply being at peace; it is a beautiful blessing for your life. It is a greeting (or a goodbye) where the person is wishing you something that enfolds your whole being.May you come to know the shalom of God in your life.Revd David
Daily ScripturePsalm 20 v 7 - Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will call only on the name of the Lord our GodDaily ReflectionThere is an advert for a Christian television channel that asks this question of the ordinary person on the street " In what or in whom do you put your trust?" Various answers are given, for example, "Myself", " my family", "Manchester United"... (!) The problem with putting your trust in anything other than God is that you will inevitably be let down. Human beings, (and especially football teams) are not infallible; they disappoint, they make mistakes, even when they intend to do the opposite. Trusting in human beings is like building your house on sand; without sure foundations it will crumble when storms come. The writer of the Psalm above knew that trusting in anything else apart from God was futile.God asks us to trust in Him as a child would in a good parent. This kind of trust does not come without questions and doubts, and that's OK with God, because in Jesus, He knows what it is like to be us. He simply asks us to trust Him, even though we sometimes cannot see the path ahead. Like a son taking his father's hand through a dark forest, he trusts that dad will bring Him out on the other side into the light - and he does. So it is with trusting God. He will never let you down. Vicki Young
