Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 28th SeptemberScriptureRejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4. 4-7)Reflection‘Do not worry about anything’ is a command much easier said than done. On one level it is obvious. God is sovereign and will provide for all my needs so there should be no need to worry. The trouble is, it’s not always that easy to allow that head knowledge to invade my heart and mind.Not worrying is something we cannot easily do by ourselves, however, we can learn over time to trust God, bringing everything (large and small) to him in prayer, letting the knowledge that he is near seep into our hearts and souls bringing peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding and gradually allowing him to turn our worry into his contentment.Lyn Hayes, ALM
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 21st September and for the week ahead:Scripture:First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)Reflection: This has been a week when we’ve seen leaders of countries getting together and much pomp and ceremony. Whatever your views of the visit of the President of the United States of America, this verse clearly reminds us to pray for him, his staff and other leaders in a similar position. When we pray we may do so very generally, such as praying for an end to war, or for medical treatments to be improved. On the other hand, we may pray very specifically for people or situations known to us, such as our family or someone who has been recently bereaved. How often do we merge these two styles together? We have a God to whom we can name individuals when we pray for them, and He hears our prayer. We are also told that God wants people to “come to the knowledge of the truth.”. Can you imagine what that would look like? It would be quite a sight to behold. The challenge for this week; pray for leaders specifically, including the ones that you don’t think you should be praying for. Pray that they might be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth, that we are so blessed to know. Victoria Bray
