Daily Scripture:‘O taste and see that the Lord is gracious, blessed is the one who trusts in Him.’ (Psalm 150 v 8)Daily Reflection:Have you ever wondered exactly what the word “blessed” or “blessing” means? Jesus used the word “blessed” to describe the inner quality of those who trust God. This blessedness is a spiritual state of well-being and prosperity – a deep, joy-filled contentment that cannot be shaken by poverty, grief, pandemics, persecution, war, or any other trial or tragedy we face in life. In human terms, your situation may feel very far from “blessed”, but because God is present with us through these difficult times, we are actually blessed by Him, in the middle of our trying situations. Imagine that – having a deep sense of joyous contentment when all seems lost! This is our miracle working God.Vicki Young
Daily Scripture‘An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” ‘ (Luke 9:46-48)Daily ReflectionWe often look up to those who have achieved status, or power, or fame. Or perhaps all three. I met the Archbishop of Canterbury on Saturday. He would certainly qualify, with his flowing robes and his golden mitre, a man at the top of his organisation, yet a humble, down-to-earth individual. To see him wash his hands to prepare for Communion was so touching, like he was in his own kitchen, getting ready to cook. And as knelt in front of him, we were only two ordinary people doing something both human and extraordinary. If you cannot be a good ordinary person, then it doesn’t matter how high you rise, nothing you touch will ultimately turn to gold. Only the person who serves others well is worthy of our admiration.Revd Ylva Blid-Mackenzie <span style="font-size: 1rem;">(Newly ordained Deacon)</span>
Daily Scripture: From today’s Collect ‘O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them…’Daily Reflection: Most of us genuinely want to ‘do the right thing’, but discerning what is the right thing is not always easy. We need only to consider the dilemmas faced by governments in the face of the present pandemic to realise the truth of this. In how far is it possible, for example, to safeguard both the health of the nation and the economy? If compromises have to be found, on what basis should they be made? It is an unenviable position for decision makers to find themselves in.In our own lives, too, it is not always clear what we should do for the best. And so we pray that we, as well as our leaders. may perceive what should be done, and that by God’s grace we may be strengthened to do it.Revd Rosemary
Weekly news and services for the Benefice of Benenden & Sandhurst, Kent.Sunday Services: Sunday 27th September8 am Holy Communion at St George's, Benenden led by Revd David Commander10am HARVEST Holy Communion at St Nicholas, Sandhurst led Revd David Commander
