Daily Scripture“Know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” (Luke 12.39-40)Daily Reflection‘The end of the world is nigh’ the sandwich boards used to proclaim. There’s been less of that since the new millennium arrived without catastrophe. Now, we are more likely to be concerned that life on earth will become impossible through global warming. However, Jesus chose a vivid everyday example from any time or place to keep us awake to the vital importance of the moment. He doesn’t say we must crowd every hour with activity, but that we must ‘be ready’. Ready to meet God, to be met by Jesus, even though we don’t know what to expect. David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture: The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and will save those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)Daily ReflectionEven those who profess not to believe in God can, when a disaster is about to strike – and panic has set in – cry out in desperation, “Oh God, no”, or “Oh God, help me.” (Even if they’ve ignored his presence all their lives, in that split-second, people cry out to God for help!) We often wish we could escape our troubles: the pain of grief, loss, sorrow, failure, embarrassment; or even the daily minor frustrations that seem to constantly wear us down. Well, here’s the good news: God promises to be close to “the broken-hearted”. He can be our source of power, courage, and wisdom to help us through our problems. Don’t wait for that split-second of desperation; start trusting him now. Start seeking his help in your life - now. Revd David
Daily ScriptureI do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do. (Romans 7 v 15)Daily ReflectionStrong words indeed from Paul, one of the most prominent teachers in the Bible. It was true for Paul and it's true for all of us - sin looks good! It looks good because God has said it is wrong. It looked good to Eve in the Garden of Eden - she took her eye off the freedom she had and put it on the one restriction that God made, and the human race has suffered the consequences of sin ever since. When we are tempted to do the wrong thing, we must instead look at that temptation in the light of God's grace and mercy. If we focus on his great love for us, we will understand that he only restricts us from actions and attitudes that will ultimately harm us. Vicki Young
Daily ScriptureI believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lordin the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14)Daily ReflectionCourage. That’s what we need right now. Things are so finely balanced, everything could go either way. Will the restrictions be lifted? Will life return to what it used to be? We simply don’t know. We just have to wait. Then it is so good to be reminded that the Lord’s goodness is forever, that we are right to trust him and be strong and courageous, as we wait. Wait for the Lord! His timing is always perfect. Revd Ylva
