Daily Scripture'Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you; in the shadow of your wings will I take refuge until the storm of destruction has passed by.' (Psalm 57.1-2)Daily ReflectionJesus said ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!’ The psalmist hopes to weather ‘the storm of destruction’ under God’s protective wing. No doubt he is praying for physical rescue, but he specifically says ‘my soul takes refuge’: most important of all is that inner self, to stay whole under the threat of disintegration. We have been treated during the pandemic to wonderful examples of people going to great pains to look after the vulnerable. Jesus’ spirit in the face of trial and the actuality of crucifixion was a projection of God’s parental longing for good.David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture:‘When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.’ (Acts 2 1-3)Daily Reflection:Wind, breath, spirit, they are all very similar. It surrounds us, flows through us, filling up our lungs, bringing the necessary oxygen that gives life to our body. When God created man, the Bible says that He formed man out of the dust of the earth, breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and man became a living soul. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, the Gospels say that Jesus breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit. It's God's breath that gives life, physical life and spiritual life.I sometimes find myself spiritually gasping for breath. It's those times I find that I am trying to do life on my own but, when I come back or come to my senses and trust Him, I rediscover the breath of God's spirit.Lyn Hayes, ALM
Daily Scripture:‘The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.’ (Psalm 18 v2)Daily Reflection:God never changes. He is the same today as He was 1000 years ago – like a huge rock - there yesterday, still there tomorrow. God is your safety – the one who protects you from harm and danger – like a fortress – a place of shelter. God is your deliverer – He rescues you in times of sorrow and pain. Unlike other world faiths, there is nothing you need to do to gain God’s favour. He already loves you, and his grace is a free gift. Invite Him into your life – your rock, your fortress and your deliverer.Vicki Young
Daily Scripture:‘After Jesus had dismissed the crowd he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray’. (Matthew 14.23)Daily Reflection:For people with busy lives, and perhaps especially those whose work involves ministering to the needs of others, it’s essential to find time for yourself, to recharge the batteries, to think your own thoughts. Jesus was constantly surrounded by people coming to him for help and healing, and it was impossible to send them away. Often he would slip away to pray, and again and again the crowds would track him down and flock to him. On this particular day he had gone out into a deserted place to be alone, but found himself ministering to a crowd of 5000 needy people. It is not always easy to get the balance right between our own needs and those of other people. We can only pray for wisdom and patience, in the knowledge that Jesus himself understands the problem.Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
