Daily Scripture:Have mercy on me, O God, for they trample over me; all day long they assault and oppress me. My adversaries trample over me all the day long; many are they that make proud war against me.In the day of my fear I put my trust in you, in God whose word I praise. In God I trust, and will not fear, for what can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56.1-4)Daily Reflection:Thanks to modern communications, we can be made aware of so many ways in which folk suffer. This week is Awareness Week for no fewer than 11 different causes aiming to channel energy into answering cries for help from people in trouble. Among them is Refugee Week. Here in Kent we receive a tiny fraction of the millions worldwide being ‘trampled over’. Let us pray for them – that they may have the Psalmist’s spirit, that their oppressors might feel compassion and that we may be part of God’s answer to the cry of those in need of rescue. David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. (Romans 10:8-10)Daily Reflection Your salvation - your way of being saved – is right in front of you; God comes to us wherever we are. “Wherever we are”; physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually…. however you want to look at it….God is so close; just waiting for our response to his love. All we need to do is respond to his gift of salvation. “Yes, but how do I do that; it must be complicated?” “You don’t know what I’ve done in the past; God won’t save me.” “I’ve never been to church; God won’t save me.” “I don’t know how to pray; how can I be saved?” It actually is very simple: if you believe in your heart and say with your mouth that Christ is risen, you will be saved. It is about having faith. Don’t try to make it any more complicated. Revd David
Daily ScriptureI trust in the goodness of God for ever and ever. I will always give thanks to you for what you have done. (Psalm 52 v8-9)Daily ReflectionThose of us who know God can look back on certain situations in our lives and clearly see the ‘hand of God’…. Times when He has given us exactly the right words to say, times when He has saved us from mishap, times when he has sent us the right person at just the right time. A friend of mine uses the phrase ‘God-incidences’ as oppose to ‘coincidences ‘ for just such times!When you look back on your life, can you remember a time when God has felt close to you? It may have been in a quiet moment by yourself, a beautiful picture or piece of music, a kind word from a friend. Be assured that these happenings were not ‘coincidences’ - they were generously orchestrated by the God who loves you and wants the best for you. Go about today with your eyes open - don’t miss those intricate moments that God has made happen especially for you. Vicki Young
