Daily Scripture1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; 2 therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains tremble in the heart of the sea.5 God is in the midst of her; therefore shall she not be removed; God shall help her at the break of day. 10 ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.’ (Psalm 46:1,2,5&10)Daily ReflectionRight now, you may be feeling like the Psalmist did: that the earth is moving and the mountains are trembling – that is, the very foundations of your life seem to be shaken; that things are feeling very unsettled in your life because of the uncertainties and impact of the pandemic upon it. But the Psalmist also points to what is still certain in your life: God is your refuge; God is your strength; God is present; God is your help; God is still here.Amidst all the uncertainties, all the doubts, all the worries caused by: Covid; the NHS at breaking point; Brexit; the Presidential transfer in the US; and democracy seemingly under treat, hold on to this one powerful verse: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Turn to Him, today. Revd David
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
