Daily ScriptureJesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:9-10)Daily Reflection This verse comes at the end of the story of the encounter between Zacchaeus and Jesus. “People” had been grumbling that Jesus went to Zacchaeus’ house and spent time with him. Zacchaeus wasn’t liked: as a local tax-collector he worked for the Roman occupying force, and also pocketed some of the money he collected for himself. “Why is Jesus spending time with that sinner?” Thank goodness Jesus does that. The encounter changed Zacchaeus: he began to help the poor, he repaid those he’d defrauded. The story is more important than that though: spending time with Jesus will change us too. We all do things that go against God’s will; we are all “sinners”. Thank God that Jesus spends time with sinners; he wants to spend time with me/with you. Let salvation come to you today.Revd David
Daily Scripture:“A blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him.” (Luke 18.35-40)Daily Reflection:The situation of this man seems so close to current news. The ‘crowd’ passed him, the people closest to the action wanted him out of hearing. Jesus, however, heard his appeal, stopped and called him forward.If it weren’t for the media, how aware would we be of those who are out there on the fringe begging to be heard? It’s unpleasant and unwelcome to be faced with stories of abuse and neglect, ingrained prejudice and the failure of individuals or organisations to act fairly, but love bids us listen. Our power to put things right will be limited, just as it was for Jesus; but when he heard this shout for help he acted on it.David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture:“Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:17)Daily Reflection: This is part of the story in Luke’s gospel where the disciples try to stop parents bringing their children to Jesus that he might bless them; instead Jesus stops his disciples from stopping the children! “It is to these that the kingdom of God belongs,” he says. Jesus valued the little children as being equal to anyone else. In rebuking/teaching his disciples he tells them that ‘whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it’. That must have shocked them! We too are to approach Jesus in the same way. So what was Jesus getting at? Well how about we approach Jesus with an attitude of openness and acceptance; and wonder; and trust. And at the same time be inquisitive; wanting to know more about God?Revd David
Daily Scripture“This God - his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him”. (Psalm 18, verse 30)Daily ReflectionKing David wrote this Psalm when God delivered him from his enemies. He knew that when things looked bad, the only person to trust in is God. Nothing he could do in his own strength could save him perfectly, as God did. There are many wonderful promises in the Bible – promises that as David says, prove to be true. God will never ever let you down, if you trust Him; with your work, with your family, with your hopes and desires. God’s way for you is perfect – no other way could be better. Trust in the Lord with all your heart…. and He will make your paths straight. Vicki Young
