Daily ScriptureJesus said ‘It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles’. (Matthew 15.10-11) Daily Reflection:‘You are what you eat’. In our diet conscious times we are all familiar with this saying. We are much more likely than our forebears to be counting calories, watching our cholesterol, supplementing our diet with extra vitamins and minerals and listening to often contradictory advice about what not to eat.Jesus was accused by the religious leaders of failing to observe the strict dietary requirements of Jewish law. Far more important than what we eat, says Jesus, is the purity of our hearts, because that will be expressed in our words and in our actions. So much trouble and distress comes from thoughtless, malicious or unkind speech. ‘Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips’. Ps141.3Revd Rosemary
Daily Scripture:‘While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” ’ (Luke 11 27-28)Daily Reflection:We can all ‘talk the talk’ but too few of us ‘walk the walk’!It is no good studying the bible, going to church on Sunday, praising God with psalms & taking in all the wisdom & knowledge that the Lord has to give, if we do not act on the gifts that we have been freely given. Being a follower of Jesus, being a disciple, requires of us to carry out his teachings in a practical way by sharing our time, talents & resources with those in need of them - and doing so with a joyful heart - perhaps one small act of kindness each day is good place to start.Lyn Hayes ALM
Daily Scripture‘How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!’ (Psalm 133 v 1)Daily ReflectionIf your family is anything like mine, lockdown has not always shined favourably on family life! It’s often those who are closest to us that suffer when we aren’t “living in unity” with each other. Our world is changing, and I believe that throughout our lives, as partners, parents and siblings we should be changing too – changing to become the best version of ourselves we can be. Learning how to forgive is a good start – bearing grudges only makes you feel bitter! Choose to forgive, choose to let go – and God will send you peace. Give it a try today.Vicki Young
Daily Scripture'Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you; in the shadow of your wings will I take refuge until the storm of destruction has passed by.' (Psalm 57.1-2)Daily ReflectionJesus said ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!’ The psalmist hopes to weather ‘the storm of destruction’ under God’s protective wing. No doubt he is praying for physical rescue, but he specifically says ‘my soul takes refuge’: most important of all is that inner self, to stay whole under the threat of disintegration. We have been treated during the pandemic to wonderful examples of people going to great pains to look after the vulnerable. Jesus’ spirit in the face of trial and the actuality of crucifixion was a projection of God’s parental longing for good.David Harmsworth
