Daily ScriptureI lift up my eyes to the hills-From where will my help come?My help comes from the Lord,Who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121)Daily ReflectionHave you ever stood at the top of a hill or mountain, looked around and had that feeling of complete awe and wonder at the beauty of God’s creation? This is what the psalmist is expressing in his song to the Lord; not only that - but also acknowledging that his strength comes from looking around and reminding himself that God’s presence is with him. It is one of the foundations of the Christian belief that God is everywhere but we sometimes forget that and are constantly asking for God’s presence in our prayers when all the time he is already here amongst us. Nothing we or the psalmist could do would make God more present; all we need to do is look around us and remember.Lyn Hayes, ALM
Daily Scripture‘For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.’ <span style="font-size: 1rem;">(Psalm 130 v7)</span>Daily ReflectionThere is no one in the world who could ever love you as much as Jesus does. His love is “steadfast” - it doesn’t lessen if you behave badly, it doesn’t increase the more good things you do – because He couldn’t love you any more than He does right now, right at this moment of you reading this! There are no rules and regulations in the Christian faith that you have to follow to make God love you. He loves you just as you are. He is the only one with the power to redeem lives, to bring good out of bad, and to make things right. Vicki Young
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
