Tuesday of Holy week 7^th April.

The collect for today. (from the Prayer Book) 

Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you: Grant that our love may not grow cold in your service, and that we may not fail or deny you in the hour of trial. Amen.

Read Isaiah 49:1-7. The passage from Isaiah marks a prophecy about rebuilding the nation through the ministry of one special person. Here it describes the Servant of the Lord who takes the name of Israel and so represents the nation. For our purpose let us think about the themes in verses 1 and 6. In verse 1 God declares that this special Servant has been chosen even before he was born. This decision to bring forth a special Servant was always a part of God’s plan for the future of the nation. This Servant will be fully obedient to God and so will accomplish all that God requires. Then in verse 6 we see that the servant has a role to play not only for the nation of Israel but for every nation. The Servant will bring the salvation of God to the whole earth and be a light to enlighten everything. It presents the picture of God through his Servant taking back control of all creation. Because Israel has been disobedient every other part of the world has slipped out of God’s control. It is the task of the Servant through God’s power to regain what has been lost and in doing so bring restorative health and strength to all peoples. The writers of the New Testament saw in this prophetic message the person and ministry of Jesus: a universal Saviour who John declares, “in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.” John 1:4 4  

Prayer. Lord Jesus, light of the world shine your light on every part of our world today, bringing your truth and goodness, your healing and mercy. Comfort those who grieve and are deeply distressed because of the events of the past few months; for those whose world has been shattered through death and the fear of disease. Bring your healing balm to those who are isolated from family and friends, to those separated from the networks of support that bring courage and contentment. Be with world leaders as they struggle to find answers to help their people, give them wisdom and an understanding of what is needed to be done. May they look to you for guidance and direction. Above all Lord, keep each one of us trusting in you as each day unfolds for you alone know the future. These things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read. John 12;20-36. Here is the statement which should fill our thoughts as we reflect on this second day of Holy Week. “Sir, we would see Jesus.” No matter what is in our minds as we begin, one thing should stand above all other, the desire to see Jesus. Rather than begin our day only aware of the situation in which we find ourselves, let this be out first thought, a thought which will guide all other thoughts in prayer, Sir we would see Jesus.

Remembering that these words of Jesus were written down some years after he had been crucified, how filled with extra meaning they would have been. To die and bear fruit, the challenge of radical discipleship the confirmation that Jesus, True Son of God had both fulfilled his ministry and that ministry had been vindicated; these statements would have been filled with power as they were delivered to newly formed disciples. Do they have the same ring of truth for us as we remember the movement towards the cross? And then this final statement that the ruler of this world the ‘archon” had been defeated. For a church suffering persecution this would have been not simply a comforting word but a word of power. The end was in sight and victory was coming. May that meaning come through to each of us today and give us encouragement as we remember with anticipation the journey which would lead to the cross.

Prayer. Lord as we bow in prayer before you, we thank you for the privilege we have to approach your throne and place our day’s activities before you. We thank you that through Jesus we know that we are always heard and that through your grace our needs are met. As we go through this day we pray that we may see Jesus in those that we meet or speak with, that we may recognise his voice among the voices that we hear and we pray that we may in turn reflect something of his presence in our lives to those who similarly meet with us. As this day unfolds we ask that we may walk closer to Jesus and that in his care we may journey safely and serve him well. As the day of Easter approaches help us to look forward with anticipation to claim again all that Jesus has done by serving you. In his name we ask. Amen

Almighty and merciful God, the fountain of all goodness, who knows the thoughts of our hearts: We confess that we have sinned against you, and done evil in your sight. Wash us we pray from the stains of our past sins, and give us grace and power to put away all hurtful things; that, being delivered from the bondage of sin, we may bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, and at last enter into the promised joy; through the mercy of the blessed Son. Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen [Alcuin; Anglo-Saxon theologian 735- 804]

Holy week has traditionally seen a number of special services and unique observances as the church community prepares for the celebration of Easter. It is a tradition that goes back to the 4^th Century when pilgrims would gather in Jerusalem to re-enact some of the events marking the last days of Jesus before the crucifixion and Easter.

We will look at the readings set aside to be used through this special week. I invite you to read each short passage and think about how this related to the journey that Jesus undertook.

Monday of Holy week 6^th April.

Read.  Isaiah 42:1-9; With the events of Easter in our minds as we read these verses from Isaiah we see many encouraging themes on which to dwell. The Lord God has placed his Spirit on this special servant. The Servant uses God’s power rather than his own strength with which to achieve God’s purpose: This purpose is to bring true justice into every situation.  All of the man made justice systems though often well designed and well intentioned, have been open to exploitation. It is still the rich and powerful, those who know people in high office and those who have influence who most often get a favourable outcome from the justice system. To have true justice as a universal given in every situation for every individual, offers a real blessing. Through his Servant, God will deliver justice to all his chosen people in a hands-on way, that is to say not from a great distance but personally, “by the hand”.

Within the setting of Holy Week perhaps the promise of a “new thing”, a new beginning is especially satisfying. A new sense of justice and a personal closeness with God begins to emerge: a closeness won through the path that Jesus obediently followed, a path that will lead him inevitably to the cross. The events of Easter bring into being the promise of a new beginning for everyone.

Just take a moment to think what a new beginning in your life might look like and recognise what that possibility might achieve for you.

Prayer: O Lord as we think again of the events of Easter and remember all that Jesus achieved, we thank you for the promise of a new beginning, a new start with an eye on the future, free from the shadows of the past. Grant to us the joy of that close companionship with you as you take us, by the hand, and lead us with joyful expectation into something fresh and new. May the reality of your love brighten each day as we approach the festival of the Lord’s great victory. Amen

Read.  Psalm 36:5-10; These six verses are like a great hymn extolling the goodness of the Lord God. God’s love and faithfulness permeates to all parts of the creation. All the inhabitants of that creation find themselves surrounded by God’s love and faithfulness. In an ever changing world this God can be trusted, “With you is the fountain of life and in your light we see light”. What a comfort these words are as we face still more weeks living in isolation and yet hearing daily of the suffering and death of folk within our communities. As we move towards the Easter festival we remember that the build up was a time of great testing and tension for our Lord; yet through all the suffering God gave the victory. Constantly reminding ourselves that the end result is in God’s hands and God is faithful and loving should bring us a time of quiet confidence; indeed the passage ends with a prayerful sense of confident joy, “O continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart!”

Prayer. O faithful God, your love reaches every part of your creation and your joyful presence enriches every part of life. In your company life becomes a joy filled experience that brings both peace and harmony. Enlighten again those dark places which cause us to fearfully turn away and strengthen our heart to face with confidence the day ahead. May our minds be centred on Jesus and the obedient courage that he showed as he walked towards the cross. And let no distraction take away the victory that is ours through his sacrifice, a sacrifice we celebrate during this week. To him be all glory and power now and always Amen

Hope: Romans 5:1-11. Verse 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.      

Some say Faith is a leap into dark! Faith is acting on the facts. Christian hope is similar. Life may disappoint but not Christian hope. The hope that God brings will not disappoint us. Why?

1]. God’s resource is with-in us. God’s love has been poured into our hearts.

Verse 5 “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.   We have our assurance from God on the inside. There had to be substance in the deal before any change could occur. God’s Holy Spirit comes and makes his home in us. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”    (1 Corinthians 3:16) How easily we loose heart, due to simple changes in circumstances.  God presence, God’s power and God’s purpose are not changed by circumstances. We have this resource in us. It rises above circumstances. Always God is there and the Honly Spirit is with in us.

2]. The hope that God supplies will not disappoint us because it is due to God’s faithfulness – it is founded on God’s love. It is a hope based on what God has accomplished in Jesus. Seek first the Kingdom. Consider the lilies. God can deliver. When I rely on my own strength even for sometimes the simplest things I often fail. Trusting in our own strength will hold only disappointment in the end.  Everything else gives no guarantees but God will supply all our needs. Robert Burns once said, “They never sought in vain that sought the Lord aright.” The hope that God supplies will never let us down.

3]. Christian hope is fixed on achieving God’s purpose and nothing else. It is fashionable to preach a sort of prosperity theology. Trust God and everything will turn out right. Well it is self evident that that is not so. There is an Arabian proverb that says ” All sunshine is what makes the dessert”. Look what happened to Jesus. Peter, James, David Isaiah, Elijah, All have had great anguish at belong to and serving God. Sacrifice and suffering are as normal for the Christian as they are for anyone else. With the exception that God’s hope gives us a confidence to keep going on knowing that the future is in his hands and all will be well. But it is hope that is fixed on achieving God’s purpose. God wants his family all moving together in the one direction.

          God executed that plan when Jesus came as a human being into our history. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, Gal 4:4     God didn’t stand off from afar handing down good ideas, he came among us in the form of Jesus. Jesus was a man with a mission. People pin their hopes on strange heroes. Take Superman. Why would you rely on a man who puts his underpants on over his trousers! He was not a super hero but he was the saviour.  God sent his son who won our rescue.

          God requires us to change to his purposes and come under his lordship. Under his hand we have the effects and the results of Hope.  When by the power of the Spirit we let God pour his love into our hearts and we allow our lives to be moved by him then we know a hope that will always sustain us. Nothing is like the hope that comes as we follow the way God has for us for God’s Hope will not disappoint us.

Lectionary Reading 5 April;   Lent 6  

Read Isaiah 50:4-9a

These verses describe God’s Suffering Servant. As we read the attributes this servant will exhibit or endure they bring to us a reminder of Jesus’ ministry. The original readers would not have had such ideas, for them, this passage prefigured the Messiah: God’s Servant who is able to speak God’s truth because the Servant is able to hear God’s truth. God’s Servant will conduct a faithful ministry despite many difficulties all because of God’s supporting power. Because the Servant is so fully obedient there is a persistence to keep on doing God’s will even when facing disgrace: Even personal abuse does not prevent the Servant from continuing God’s work. One of the key themes when we read and consider the picture of God’s Suffering Servant is to contrast this obedience with our own, for as we do, the reason for the need of a True Servant of God becomes more apparent. As this is being written all of Australia is moving towards “lock down”. This is due in part to the failure of us as Australians to act in an obedient manner. As a nation it seems we often think the rules don’t apply, at least not to us. Being under another’s control is not part of our nature or inclination! In this respect the Servant was very different.

As we begin to think more clearly about Palm Sunday and then Easter it is easy to forget that fulfilling God’s work was never going to be easy. It is a point that causes us to celebrate as we recall the work of Jesus. As we realistically face what that work demanded we begin to see how great was Jesus’ reliance on God, and what faithfulness he shows in the walk to the cross. Palm Sunday is one of the high points of the Easter story but with the thoughts of palm waving and celebration we must not forget the difficulties this triumphant entry was to bring.

Prayer:

Lord , according to your word you are always with us on the journey of life and each step of our way is known to you. Help us to trust you as both companion and guide. Give us wisdom to choose always your way and help us to fulfil your plan and purpose as we go through life’s situations. Grant that we may walk in true obedience to your will. Give us courage Lord, so that we may be ready to move beyond boundaries of our known experience and allow the mystery and the wonder of trusting in your life-giving Spirit to lead us into what is new. It is your world and we live each day through your gracious gifts, may our lives be lived to praise and honour you. This we ask, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Read Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 118:2 NRSV

It is easy to see why this is a chosen psalm for today; the idea of a festive possession reminds us of the Triumphal Entry that Jesus makes which we celebrate in worship this Sunday. Depending on which version of the Scriptures you are using, a recurring theme in these opening verses is the idea of God’s steadfast love. Some versions use the word eternal, but steadfast adds a slightly different dimension for it reminds us that not only is God’s love eternal but it is constant. Through thick and thin, in good times and in bad, God’s love is there for it is an integral part of God’s nature: and God is ever present to us. Let us not wait until some desperate need brings us to fervent prayer, let us see that now is a good time to experience the peaceful blessing of God’s love. The psalm also makes yet another powerful statement in the last few verses when it adds, Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.    (Psalms 118:19)

The psalmist makes it clear that he is more than ready to look to God for all the righteousness that is needed. Each one of us can confidently rely on God for forgiveness because this is the God whose nature is steadfast love and so can be trusted to bring each worshipper into God’s presence with righteousness and joy.

Prayer:

Lord in faith we come to receive again your unconditional grace, we come because we have so often received from your hand blessing upon blessing. May we experience today that deep sense of peace that the presence of your Holy spirit leaves with us. May your love lift us above all earthly strife, so that we may see ourselves by your side as we begin this day. Trusting in your eternal love we draw new strength from you to face another day, a day in which we will accomplish all that you desire of us. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen

Ezekiel; 37:1-14. The hand of the LORD came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. 3  He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord GOD, you know.”

Though an ancient writing this poses a serious set of questions for us today: “Can these bones live?”

This was a vision. Not a physical place, yet it was a place of reality. God’s spirit helped Ezekiel to look at the situation in which he found himself, his nation was totally disheartened. Clearly through that vision, reality is seen. God reminds the prophet that despite the circumstances he can and will bring renewed life.

Sometimes we can make the places where we met with God, places of escape: Places to take time out. Relax just for a moment. 

Someone commented a few years ago (People) Work at their play. Play at their work and pretend at their worship.

Do we go from worship and feel that little has changed? Do all the burdens of life simply return when we turn the key in the door at home? Does our gathering really change the way we live and work and think and act? Does it give us life? This is a real question.

Life is short, life is fragile, but more importantly, life without the life of God can be a pointless exercise.

If we feel a sense of despair and grief then we can identify with the people who Ezekiel is talking about. The whole house, the people of God, feel that their bones are dead and dried up; there is no life left, and they are surrounded by nothing but despair. The symbols of their religion no longer hold the life they once did. As the hymn says, “Change and decay in all around I see.”

            What can change the situation?

If you ever watched that TV series called “Minder”  The title song said, “If you want to I’ll change the situation.”  It was an enforcer’s action, but violence never changes the situation for the better.

God’s Spirit speaks to Ezekiel and says “speak to the disenchanted people.”

1]  He reminds Ezekiel to hear the word of God.

The word has content. It’s content from the beginning of the Old testament until the book of Revelation is that Jesus came and lived and died to win salvation for humanity.

a]. This coming recognised that humanity was in need of being saved. We are sinful. The bones are indeed dead. They contain no life.

b]. It also reminds us that God considered that humanity was worthy of being saved.

Have you ever wondered what would have happened if God had not decided humanity was worth saving. And it wouldn’t have been hard to go that way, the inhumanity that we often see does make you think.

In recent weeks we have seen unimaginable acts of violence, even against children.

God’s word is that Jesus came to destroy that kind of pain. And his cross is the symbol of victory that new life and new hope are available to each one of us.

Lectionary Reading 29 March   Lent 5  

Read Ezekiel 37:1-14“Can these bones live? O Lord you know!” This is a great word of encouragement in its setting. The nation had been virtually destroyed and all hope of ever establishing a nation state again seemed all but lost: then comes this amazing prophecy. Bone to its bone and flesh with godly life from the four winds. It is a great word of promise and a building block for the growing belief that the Lord, the great Creator would re create a new nation of Israel. Yes the nation would live but more importantly they would know that it was the Lord who had achieved this amazing turnaround. As this is being written there is the image of people fighting over toilet paper in a supermarket with a steady supply of stock of every description not just toilet paper. It seems such a timely reading as we approach Easter and remember the promise of new life that the Easter story presents. Our world is in turmoil with the coronavirus threat affecting many aspects of daily life. In that present scenario these ancient words seem to speak clearly to us. Of course we know that this threat will pass whether we gather toilet paper or not but will we learn anything from it? The fear and panic that is causing people to do irrational things reminds us that we have lost the understanding of a Creator who both guides and protects. As we read this passage today it is good to remember that the future is always in God’s hands and we are to trust in God for the future. By all means take precautions and gather basic provisions but at the same time recognise that God is the one who guides us most surely into the future. Life has always been a gift which we need to cherish but let us thank God for it and be at peace.

Prayer. Holy Lord to you alone will I lift up my life, the essence of my very being are your gift to me and for this I thank you. As I come to you in prayer I give you all thanks and praise for you lead me day by day as the psalmist says by pools of water and near to green pastures. So in a world shaken by the realisation of our mortality I pray, restore my soul and spirit that refreshed in you I may find a new confidence for daily living. I pray not only for myself but for all who at this time are afraid of what lies ahead. Strengthen those who are in despair, be with those who are sick and empower those who are working in the many different occupations that provide support. For all of us, may we find renewed confidence in your providential care, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Read Psalm 130

The Psalmist’s cry is “out of the depths”. Sometimes in life the stuff that is going on both around us and within us can be overwhelming and just like the state before creation, it can seem like darkness covers the face of the deep.(Genesis 1:1) It is that situation the Psalmist faces yet hidden within the cry is the understanding that God is there and that God will listen, the Divine ear will be attentive. With that in mind the Psalmist moves along to place thought and trust in something outside himself a waiting on the Lord to respond. This is not a passive waiting but waiting with the expectation that God will act on his behalf: That sense of longing for God’s action is heightened by thinking that the situation is like a sentry  waiting for the watch to end which will mean a return to the warmth and safety of the barracks. So for us as we cry out there is this sense of hope and trust in what God can and will do on our behalf. That God can bring us to a better place and so filled with confidence the Psalmist looks to the future with renewed confidence. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. Psalm 130:7 NRSV 

Prayer. Come among us gracious God. Breathe new life into our souls. Revive our spirits with your eternal truths and restore in us the beauty of your image. Open your word to us that we might know the truth and be set free. Open our eyes so that we may see you present in every situation of life. By your presence refresh our hearts that we may be filled with your love and give to you true praise and thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bible passage Ephesians 5:8-4 (22^nd March,  Lent 4)

Ephesians 5 14   Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

It’s time to wake up.

I started my working life as a farm working man. We used to start work a daylight and pretty much would work till dark. … Many times I was woken up with the boss banging on the door telling me it was breakfast time It was always a bit of a shock especially when your feet hit the cold cement floor, mind you cement was a bit of extra luxury!

There is an urgency in this reading which we should not miss.

As we approach Easter, we will naturally be thinking and talking about resurrection. In today’s world resurrection can mean any number of things but in the ancient world it meant only one thing. The Greek word for Resurrection is ANASTASIS which means, “to stand up again’, in other words it envisioned a bodily presence, it meant bodies! So for both Jews and pagans broadly speaking it held this single meaning. But it never meant a disembodied soul or spirit.

Because of that for the pagans (the non Jews) they knew that resurrection was not possible. …They did believe in eternal life but it was a life that had no sense of the physical. Plato the great ancient philosopher looked forward to death because of the belief that death released from the physical body the immortal soul which then flew away to eternal freedom.

Jews never held such beliefs. When Paul spoke to Athenians they listened intently because they loved to discourse but as Acts 17 recalls, Acts 17:32 32  When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed; but others said, “We will hear you again about this.”

For the Jews, the idea of resurrection, of standing up after death had by the time of Jesus had become a significant part of Jewish culture. Not that anyone expected Jesus to be resurrected after his crucifixion. The idea of a single individual was not part of their thinking. They looked forward to the Day of the Lord and on that day the dead would rise. They looked to passages like Ezekiel 37:” can these dead bones live again”. No one believed that a lone person would stand up after dying.

You will remember the story in Luke of the walk to Emmaus, when they were talking to the risen Jesus, though they didn’t know it was him said sorrowfully. We had hoped that he would be the one to redeem Israel Luke 24:21 So the resurrection that we celebrate at Easter was not part of their mental set. Not even close.

Now we have skimmed a very much debated picture by people who have written books about this subject but it does bring us directly to our text for today. Paul is battling to help his people to understand that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead and a new era has begun. This then ushers in a completely new perspective on the future.

We need to wake up and realise.

1]. A new era has begun. With the resurrection of Jesus life has changed. No one in human history has had such a dynamic influence on the world. Yes it is polarised, some oppose, some ignore some accept but all have been affected and we need to wake up to what has really happened. A new era has begun.

2]. This change is brought about solely by the power of God. This did not happen by chance but through the planning and power of God. His power alone raised Jesus from death. Acts 2:24 & 1 Corinth 6:14

3]. Forgiveness, peace & strength for daily living is given to believers now. Romans 8:1-2;  1 John 3:2: Phil 4:12=13

4]. The future is assured. The fullness of the Kingdom is coming. Romans 8:19-23 Ephesians 4:4  & 3:14-19

Thus there is no need to live in fear for the true future belongs to Jesus Christ, we need to wake up now and know that Jesus lives and has accomplished everything that we need for full and fruitful living.

Reading 22 March Lent 4

Read: 1 Sam 16:1-13

There are multiple facets to this story, many of which are hard for us to truly grasp. As a background let us recognise the most interesting transaction in this passage. Samuel has to reject Saul and this causes him real grief, and even some fear. There had been tension between King Saul and the prophet Samuel but still as Samuel contemplates Saul’s rejection there is a sense of loss and sadness. Samuel had nurtured Saul from his initial calling, now he has to dissolve Saul’s right to leadership of God’s people. As godly people we too need to grieve when someone loses a sense of call and forfeits the ability to lead in effective ways.

Despite his feelings Samuel is called to account before God himself. God has called and Samuel cannot but obey, no matter how painful it is for him personally. Sometimes doing God’s work means we have to display an honesty which is hard to bear. Of course as we read this passage we have the advantage of hind-sight, knowing that King David was destined to be the greatest earthly king Israel would ever know, Samuel had no such advantage, his was a difficult path of trust. Each day we too are called to walk in trust with God, following his direction. It is not always easy and sometimes it will be very difficult, yet that is how God asks us to live.

One of the most obvious themes is that the Lord looks on the heart of the person not on the outside and more obvious features. Psychologists tell us that while all babies are beautiful it is the prettiest babies who get the most attention from strangers. And it is easier to be attracted to people who fit our understanding of good or worthy people rather than the outcast or the different stranger; despite the gospel challenging us to welcome the outcast and the stranger.

Despite many interesting themes it is verse 13 which has attracted my attention, The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.”  Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Yes David was handsome and young but the key thing here is that from the time of his anointing the Spirit of the Lord was upon David. At the Lord’s choosing came the equipping. David’s story tells us that his faults and flaws were numerous yet he chose always to be open to the Lord both to empower and also to chastise and correct. Saul was similarly equipped to be king but somehow fell short and perhaps in that is a warning to everyone who is equipped to serve. But staying with David, despite his failures David achieved great things for the Lord in the life and history of Israel. Though other kings may have had more commercial success David towers over all the other kings in what he achieved for the nation of God’s people. David kept a close relationship with God. Still hanging over the story is the thought that both Saul and David were chosen for kingship, both were flawed human beings; David went on to great thing whilst Saul ended in ignominy. What does that teach us about us as people called to serve in God’s name?

Prayer: Holy Lord God we come before you in prayer asking for your mercy and grace to cover all who are called to serve in your Name. We pray for those who have huge responsibilities placed upon them as they seek to fulfil your call; and we also pray for those whose calling is less visible though no less important: May all who are called to serve rely on your strength and Spirit alone: May all be able to keep you at the very centre of all they do.

Lord, daily living brings with it much tension and stress. Help us each to place our trust in you, listen for your guidance, and be ready to follow along those paths that you would walk. When we go astray, Lord call us back, and keep our feet on solid ground. Grow in us the will to serve you alone, the strength to live a life of truth, a humble life that recognises your right to rule and our obligation to serve. As you have been gracious to us, so may we be gracious to one another. May we be worthy of the name, Christian. May our whole life be lived under your direction, until we meet the destination you have prepared for us.  Above all us keep strong in our willingness to at all times and in all ways to follow you in obedience. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Yes, welcome to this blog which is a work in progress so expect some changes as time passes! On this blog you will find some thoughts on the weekly Lectionary readings and also some prayers round the themes of the week. They are intended to stimulate your thoughts but if there are some ideas that appeal to you feel free to use them in worship or for devotions.

Later there may be some sermon outlines and some other material, again free free to used the outline and or the ideas!