Daily Scripture‘God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.’ (The Message) Psalm 145 v 14Daily ReflectionMany times, life has become hard, and I’ve been ready to give up. Stop trying, spend the day in bed, hope it will all go away…but I’ve learnt that “giving up” never changes my situation. It’s not that I need to try harder, work harder, be a better person – I could never do that on my own. I just need to tell God about it. Then I need to believe that only He can change things for me. God can change your perspective, God can change your thinking, God can turn a difficult situation into a much better one. God’s love, grace and mercy is new every morning, he is the Master of “fresh starts” and the first to reach out His hand to help you up.Vicki Young
Daily Scripture:‘The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.’ (Luke 22.61-62)Daily Reflection:There are things we have said or done that can haunt us; some we remember all too acutely, others we have forgotten until someone or something brings them back. Peter’s strength was that he spoke out what he felt, and when that needed straightening out, he listened and learnt. He didn’t bury his shame, he let it out and then took the chance to speak out for the Jesus he loved, and face the consequences.David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture:‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ (Luke 22 v40)Daily Reflection:We all have times in our lives when we are tested to the limit by great challenges. During the past few months we have all had our different trials and tribulations, some have been job related, relationship related or health related. Sometimes the challenge comes through our failure or suffering, or the suffering of others. Sometimes our faith is tested to the limits - however, we are encouraged and comforted to find a way through these testing times by prayer - pray from the heart and you will be heard - and if you are not quite sure what to pray then one of the simplest ways to start is with the Lord’s Prayer.Lyn Hayes ALM
Daily Scripture‘You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it.’ (Psalm 65 v9)Daily ReflectionHow is it that a seed is planted and grows up through the earth to produce food? There is nothing “man made” there! The seed, the earth, the sun and rain come from nature, and it was God that caused nature to be. Our lives are the same as the earth that God made. God greatly enriches lives, God provides for us, and God prepares us for life. The problem is that we are too busy enriching and preparing our own lives, leaving no room for his great gifts! I have a choice – I can either trust in myself, or I can let go, and trust in God. My best, or the Creator of the Universe’s best? It’s a no-brainer, really.Vicki Young
