Scripture:‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13 45-46)Reflection:We are often too busy in our minds hankering after an imagined past or worrying about a receding future. Instead, if we can trustfully arrive in this present moment, in not too much of a hurry, with not too much on our to do list, we can recognise the precious treasure of God’s reign already offering itself to us.The insight from the merchant that sold everything to possess the pearl of great price is that we have to let go of a lot of unnecessary baggage, outworn attitudes, lesser priorities to recognise and enjoy the immense value of God’s kingdom, already here in front of our noses. The reign of God becomes visible when people find what is most precious and important and live out of that truth. Such joy and love are contagious and healing.Lyn Hayes ALM
Scripture‘Know that the Lord is God; it is he that has made us and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.’ (Psalm 100 v2 3) ReflectionThere are some scientific explanations for how we all came about, and why we are here. None of them, however, have been able to categorically deny the existence of a Creator God. What if the Bible is the truth? What if God really did create each one of us, for the purpose of being in relationship with Him, to love us as His own children and to look after us as a shepherd cares for his sheep? If you can believe only that much – that God created the world – doesn’t it make sense that the rest of the Bible might be the truth too? Today, instead of looking around, look up. There is something and, more importantly, Someone above all that we are going through right now. He made us, He loves us, and He will restore us. Vicki Young
