Scripture:Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?’ Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. (Hebrews 13:5-8)ReflectionAt the end of a trial, the judge gives a summary of the evidence so that the jury has a clear reminder of what the case is about before they give their verdict. At the end of Hebrews, the writer gives us a summary of what it means to be people of faith. There’s been a rollcall of people of faith; what their faith has led them to do, or to endure. People such as Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel and many others. (Good role models.)Having learnt what faith is, the writer of Hebrews challenges us to think about how we will live out our faith in our community today.Our confidence to be able to say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid” – whatever life throws at me – comes from the this promise in one line from Hebrews, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.” Knowing that is how we live out our faith each day.Revd DavidRevd David
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 17th August - the Ninth Sunday after Trinity - and for the week ahead:Scripture:He also said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, “There will be scorching heat”; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12 54-56)Reflecton: Jesus understood just how adept people were at recognising the subtle changes around them, especially where the weather was concerned. His listeners were likely to be highly sensitive in that respect especially as they were not informed by technology - No TV forecasts in those days. Whether it is the weather, or indeed politics or society, it requires knowledge, experience and skill to interpret the signs around us. It means paying close and patient attention to tiny details, whether that is in the behaviour of small creatures or shifts in public opinion or attitudes. However, interpretation and prediction are no use unless they lead to understanding, action and transformation.Are you prepared to look at the signs, ask what they mean and live a transformed life with radically renewed priorities? The kingdom is coming and indeed is here - do you need to wake up, look around and get ready for a new chapter?Lyn Hayes ALM
