Daily ScriptureGod is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains tremble in the heart of the sea. (From Psalm 46)Daily ReflectionI guess, for this generation, this is the most “trouble” - as the psalmist put it - we have been through as a community, as a nation, as a world. But now, when we have a medical and scientific way out of this pandemic, we hear rumours and incredible stories about the very solution we have been waiting for! Why is it that so many are happy to trust something they hear second-hand, whizzing around the internet on social media (adding to the “trouble”) but not highly credible scientists or a front-line nurse or doctor working so hard for us? The psalmist, lamenting all this trouble, goes on and says, The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold…… ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.’ That is the voice I will be listening for; that is the voice I will continue to trust. So speak Lord, and let the storm be stilled. Revd David
Daily Scripture"Who is there who delights in life and longs for days to enjoy good things? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from lying words".(Psalm 34, v 12-13)Daily ReflectionRemember your mother saying " if you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all". Never a truer word spoken! "Keep your tongue from evil" - note how many times in a day you might agree with people who gossip unkindly, and who complain about others. It's probably more than you think! Be aware that the way you live your life, including what you say, is in direct proportion to how much you "delight in life" as the above verse says. James 3 v 8-9 shows us a stark interpretation - it reminds us that we use the same mouth to praise and worship God, that we do to blame, gossip and speak detrimentally about others! Today, don't let your words run away with you - make a concerted effort only to speak words that affirm and strengthen others - and may your joy in life increase! Vicki Young
Daily ScriptureNow as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ (Acts 9:3-6)Daily ReflectionThis short piece of Scripture is at the very heart of Paul’s (Saul’s) conversion, the original “Road to Damascus” experience! We often use this as a metaphor, when someone has had a 180 degree change of heart, or a sudden insight. Here the resurrected and ascended Jesus speaks directly to his greatest antagonist, in an instant changing the whole course of his life. Few people can claim to have heard God speak to them in this way, but if we tune our hearts to listen, God speaks to us through his Holy Spirit every day, guiding us and telling us what to do, just as Saul was told. As we pray and read the Bible, we become more and more aware of God’s plans for our life, ‘plans to give you hope and a future’, as the prophet Jeremiah says. Revd Ylva
Daily Scripture:My share has fallen in a fair land; indeed, I have a goodly heritage. (Psalm 16.5)Daily Reflection:The psalmist is speaking about the actual portion of land allocated to him by lot. This desirable piece of land has come to him literally by the luck of the draw.Much as we may chafe against the present restrictions and frustrations, we have so much to be thankful for. We think of those living in constant terror in war torn countries, Christians and others persecuted for their faith, places where free speech is smothered and dissidents imprisoned or murdered. We tend to take for granted our ‘goodly heritage’ of peace and freedom. But surely our response must be first thankful awareness of the undeserved blessings we enjoy, and then a determination to use them to further the purposes of God in the place where He has called us to be.‘God, thou hast given so much to me, give one thing more: a grateful heart’ (George Herbert, 1593-1633) Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
