Daily Scripture:‘We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death.’ (I John 3.14)Daily Reflection:Today’s grim news underlines the fragility of our lives. Jesus spoke about eternal life. St John tells followers of Jesus that this life starts now, before our physical death. When St John wrote ‘we have passed from death to life’ he was not speaking about recovering from illness, or about life after death. He was stretching language to try to explain the difference between living without love and living in love. Not ‘being in love’ but living in love. Of the many varieties of love, this is the love which shares unconditionally with others, beyond lovers, family and friends. Without this sort of love - the love of Christ - is to be like the living dead. He goes on to urge Christians to live out that sort of love.David Harmsworth
Daily ScriptureAlthough I [Paul] am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles [us!] the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. (Ephesians 3:8-9 & 11-12)Daily ReflectionThe 6th of January, Twelfth Night, “Epiphany” in the church calendar. What is Epiphany; what is it that we are meant to be thinking about? The word means: “a sudden or great revelation or realisation”. More specifically, for the Church, it is, “the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi” (the Wise Men, presenting their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the baby.)Here is the very simple, profound truth: this baby – this man - is the Son of God; born as you were. Think about the enormity of that for a moment; think what God has done. This gift is for everyone; it is for you. The author J.K.Rowling, said, “There's nothing better when something comes and hits you and you think 'YES!'”May you realise that about God today. Revd David
Daily Scripture:When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have ordained,What is man, that you should be mindful of him; the son of man, that you should seek him out? (Psalm 8, 4-5)Daily Reflection:There is much more evidence for the Bible being the truth, than there is against it. Whether God created the world in 6 days doesn't really matter - it's the fact that he created it FOR US that is so awe inspiring. Against the vast and beautiful array of stars and planets in the sky, we might feel very small and insignificant. But that isn't what God thinks of us... actually we are his greatest creation and his greatest joy.The Psalm above tells us that He "seeks us out". When might God have been trying to seek you out? He will keep trying, because he loves you. Next time something happens that you think might be 'strange' or a 'coincidence', be mindful that God who made the heavens and the earth could be trying to get your attention! Vicki Young
