Daily Scripture:‘Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.’ (Philippians 2:3)Daily Reflection: Words from the Apostle Paul to the early church in Philippi. He is encouraging us to lay aside selfishness and thoughts just for ourselves, and to treat others – all others – with respect and decency. That is something, I hope, we all try to do. But, if we are honest with ourselves, it is a tough ask; but we know that our community would be so much better if we all acted in this way. Jesus was the true example of how to live life in this way. Paul ups the ante even more though in the next sentence: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus”. Wow; tough! But he closes with encouraging words, “For it is God who is at work in you.” Ask God to help you help others. Try it today.Revd David
Daily Scripture:'for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will result in my deliverance.' (Philippians 1:19)Daily Reflection:Can we change difficult situations in our lives? YES! Paul gives us the answer above, and it is PRAYER. Prayer is the catalyst that starts heavenly cogs in motion, that invokes the power of God’s Holy Spirit, and brings blessing into our lives, not just physically, but more importantly, spiritually, by increasing our faith in Him. Faith is a big part of prayer. Have you ever wondered why God often waits until the 11th hour to change your particular situation? It is because He knows that the more you persevere in faith, the more spiritually strong you will become, and because of this strength you will be a beacon of light and hope to others who are struggling. Prayer is the beginning, middle and end of faith. Never give up praying.Vicki Young
Daily Scripture'...he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.’ Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’' (Luke 12:15-20)Daily Reflection'Greed is Good' was a slogan in the Eighties, but here Jesus shows it up for what it really is; ultimately senseless and ridiculous, as no one can bring their riches with them beyond the grave. The will to amass and to have more than we need is as old as it is human. Deep genetic memories of famine and scarcity of resources make us want to store up and stash away. But holding on to what we have makes us hard hearted and inward looking. God wants us to have open hands and open hearts, so that he can fill our inner store houses, making us rich with an abundance of love and life, not material possessions. These are true riches and bring true happiness.Revd Ylva
