Daily Scripture:Jesus said to Peter, James, John and Andrew, ‘It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake’. (Mark 13.34)Daily Reflection:When we look back and ask ‘how did that happen?’ it can feel as though someone (maybe ourselves) was sleepwalking when a choice was made. Here’s a fine prayer written by Richard Baxter (author of ‘Ye holy angels bright...’) in 1691: Keep us, O Lord, while we tarry on this earth, in a serious seeking after you, and in an affectionate walking with you, every day of our lives; that when you come, we may be found not hiding our talent, nor serving the flesh, nor yet asleep with our lamp unfurnished, but waiting and longing for our Lord, our glorious God for ever. Amen David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture‘Wait on God alone in stillness, O my soul; for in him is my hope. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken. In God is my strength and my glory; God is my strong rock; in him is my refuge.’ (Psalm 62:5-7)Daily ReflectionLife can be a very fickle thing at times. And when things are not great (e.g. living through a pandemic), then it is very easy to be anxious. We’ve heard that a vaccine has been started to be administered….and so we start to have feelings of hope for the future; our anxiety starts to dissipate. But life is very fickle. After this cause of anxiety has passed, another thing to worry about will come along at some point; human-beings have an ability to be anxious about things! But there is one hope, one saviour, one source of strength that is absolutely sure…..God, your rock.Revd David O God, teach us to seek security - not in money or theft, not in human ambition or malice, not in our own ability or power; but in you, the only God, our rock and our salvation. Amen.
Daily Scripture‘In the day of my fear I put my trust in you, in God whose word I praise. In God I trust, and will not fear.’ (Psalm 54:3-4)Daily ReflectionThere are many people today who suffer with anxiety. Many of us feel fear about our ever-changing situation, especially during the last 10 months. Even Christians suffer with anxiety. God did not promise that we wouldn't suffer, but he did promise that he would be right there in the middle of our fear with us. The psalmist found an antidote to anxiety and fear - trust. Belief that something or someone higher than ourselves is in full control of our situation goes a long way to eradicate our fear. Christians believe that that someone is God...and the Bible says that God is good. Even though we may not understand what he is doing, we can still trust him in the middle of our fear. Try saying this prayer today: "God I am scared, but I will trust you." There is power in speaking this truth out loud.<div>Vicki Young</div>
Daily ScriptureStrengthen the weak hands,and make firm the feeble knees.Say to those who are of a fearful heart,‘Be strong, do not fear!Here is your God.He will come with vengeance,with terrible recompense.He will come and save you.’(Isaiah 35:3-4)Daily ReflectionIn these days we need encouragement. Our hearts are often fearful, we feel worn down by what is happening to us, or to those around us. We wonder what will come next, how things will turn out, if this is the worst, or if something even more terrifying might be in store…Our hands feel weak and our knees shake.Then it is good to hear God speak to us through the prophet Isaiah’s words. Written a long time ago, they still speak powerfully today. This is the way the Bible works when we read it prayerfully. The words are as relevant, and as vibrant, as when they were first put down. God speaks his encouragement to us, promising to save us from all that threatens to overwhelm and destroy. Hallelujah! Revd Ylva
