Daily ScriptureHe began to tell the people this parable: ‘A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time.’ (Luke 20.9)Daily ReflectionThose who first heard this story about a vineyard would at once have known that Jesus was talking about God and about them. They were the tenants trusted to look after and to enjoy the fruits of the earth. They would have recalled some of the many accusations of prophets who condemned the behaviour of those who used their freedom of choice to do their own thing at the expense of others – just the sort of grim stories that make our news, the sort of tragic consequences of selfishness. The challenge issued by Jesus to think afresh about our choices and responsibilities to one another and to the planet is as urgent as ever.David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture:"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have those who live by it; his praise endures for ever." (Psalm 111:10)Daily Reflection:This is not fear as in being frightened or scared of God. This is fear as in being in awe of such an incredible God; in awe of the power he must have to create and do all that he does. For what he does is incredible! In knowing that truth is the beginning of wisdom declares the Psalmist. But to then understand it and live life knowing it……that is the wonderful next step. And those who take that step can truly praise God. May we be able to take that step and then pray today:Gracious God, you are full of compassion; may we who long for your kingdom to come rejoice to do your will and acknowledge your power alone to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Revd David
Daily Scripture“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble and He delivered them from their distress.” (Psalm 107 v19)Daily ReflectionNo fewer than 4 times in this Psalm does the writer talk about God saving people in trouble. People who were hungry and thirsty, in a dark place, sick, hopeless – God sent a way out of their distress. God is as real today, as He was then, and is in the business of saving and helping us out of difficult situations. “They cried out to the Lord in their trouble and He delivered them from their distress”. The key here is that people “cried out to the Lord” – and believed He was the only one who could save them. When our problems seem too big to handle, and we can’t see the way forward, there is One for whom nothing is impossible. He has all the answers – he’s just waiting for you to ask Him. Vicki Young
