Daily ScriptureFor the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, or of governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. (1 Peter 2.13-14)Daily ReflectionWe are promised a new exhibition, ‘Nero the man behind the myth’, at the British Museum. It will not be easy to clear his name - Nero is infamous for claiming gold medals for himself in the Olympics, singing while Rome burned and torching Christians to transfer the blame, not to mention having his mother murdered. St Peter was one of those who died in Rome under Nero, yet here is a letter bearing his name which calls for respect for the emperor. How does this read for us or for a citizen of Burma? The principle for a Christian, Peter’s letter says, is to follow Jesus’ example - never to counter evil with further wrong but to face up to injustice with continuing respect. Heaven help us! David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture:In my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved. You, Lord, of your goodness, have made my hill so strong”…… Then you hid your face from me and I was utterly dismayed. (Psalm 30:6 & 7)Daily Reflection:That first part of the scripture sounds really good, really positive. So why then the negativity of the second part? Security had made David, the psalmist, feel invincible. He knew his riches and power had come from God….. but…. that feeling of security had made him feel self-reliant, self-secure; independent of God. David’s communication with God diminished; and then he felt God was no longer with him. We can learn from David: even when things are going well in our lives, we should still look to God. He is always where our true security in life is.Prayer: Lord, you hide your face when we trust in ourselves; strip us of false security and re-clothe us in your praise. That we may know you as the one who raises us from death. Amen. Revd David
Daily Scripture:"Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer" (Psalm 19 v14)Daily Reflection:Those of us around in the 1970s will remember "Rivers of Babylon", the song by Boney M that included the above words. The Jews, exiled when Jerusalem was taken over by the Babylonians, sat by the river weeping, exhausted and hopeless. They had lost their homes, their possessions and probably family members. What do they do? Do they give way to despair? No. - They remember that God has rescued them before, and He will do it again - so they praise Him. Imagine that! Even in the midst of despair, they are able to focus on the indescribable power, and unending love, of the God who saves. It is about holding on to hope when all seems hopeless, choosing to stand up instead of lying down, stepping out instead of standing still. If we can lift our minds above our human challenges with spiritual strength, we will encounter the God who saves. Vicki Young
Daily Scripture:18 You shall appoint judges and officials throughout your tribes, in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall render just decisions for the people. 19 You must not distort justice; you must not show partiality; and you must not accept bribes, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of those who are in the right. 20 Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you. (Deuteronomy 16:18-20)Daily Reflection:Since the earliest times, God has been concerned with justice. This is because God is true; and truth and justice go hand in hand. Justice is a concept that makes no sense outside a human context. Mountains cannot be just, or lions, or trees. They are true to their own nature, and they can be nothing else. This is one reason why many of us find it so refreshing to spend time with animals and plants: they don’t lie, they don’t seek their own advantage at another’s expense, or take a bribe. But people can do all of these things, and they often do. Are you concerned with justice? If so, are you following in your own life the plain and clear formula that God sets out here? Justice is not only a matter for the courts and the police, but starts in our everyday actions and attitudes. Revd Ylva
