Daily Scripture‘While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.So being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus.’ (Acts 13 2-4)Daily ReflectionIt must have been quite a daunting prospect for Barnabas and Saul to be sent to a far flung country to proclaim the word of God, to tell the story of Jesus to those who may never have heard of Him. I wonder how many times we are put in a situation where we feel less than prepared for or not even equipped to deal with - we may have feelings of apprehension, fear of the unknown or just plain scared!! However, both Barnabas and Saul had been equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit - they put their full trust in the Lord and through them many others came to believe. When we put our full trust in the Lord it is amazing what He will help us achieve.Lyn Hayes ALM
Daily Scripture:‘I cry aloud to the Lord; to the Lord I make my supplication.I pour out my complaint before him and tell him of my trouble.’ (Psalm 142:1-2)Daily Reflection: Once more the Psalmist is completely honest with God when life seemed to have got on top of him. Words written some three thousand years ago – by David; the man to become King David. Words and feelings that still resonate with us…..because we are all human. If you’ve ever felt that no-one cared what happened to you? That’s how David felt; and he cried out to the Lord. God cares for you – deeply. Tell Him of the things that trouble you; ask for Him to help. Then accept the help that is offered.Prayer: God of compassion, you regard the forsaken and give hope to the crushed in spirit; hear those who cry to you in distress and bring your ransomed people to sing your glorious praise, now and for ever. Amen.Revd David
Daily Scripture‘Do not boast about tomorrow,for you do not know what a day may bring.Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.’ (Proverbs 27.1-3)Daily Reflection Three more proverbs. Each is connected with thoughts about things said. “Tomorrow I shall…” is something we might not call a ‘boast’, but we do need to be conscious that tomorrow is not in our gift; we make plans in faith! As for praising ourselves, that we label as boasting; maybe the English have historically been too self-effacing, but this proverb from another culture supports the idea that we should leave it to others to speak praise of us. But if praise lifts hearts, things said to wound or annoy and unsympathetic criticism can drag us down. These sayings are all echoed in things Jesus said while teaching about the Father whose love can support us when we’re under attack, reassures us that we should be self-confident, and gives us grounds for faith for whatever tomorrow holds.(Psalm 51.15) O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture:‘The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. They sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion…….. And a great many people were brought to the Lord.’ (Acts 11:21-24)Daily Reflection: Antioch is on the border of what is now Syria and Turkey; a very volatile area these days. Back then it was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. A few verses later we are told, “It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’.” The hand of the Lord was on them; Barnabas saw the grace of God at work there. Whatever these early Christians were doing in Antioch, it was obviously what God wanted, and their work was bearing fruit; the Kingdom was growing.Q. What can we do today to help the Kingdom grow? A. A small act of kindness; maybe just a smile and a friendly word? These simple things might be the start of something bigger that God uses.Revd David
