The newcomer God has longed for He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, To be holy and blameless before him in love. Ephesians 1:4 Read Matthew 20:8—16 I take it that every time I come to God and hold out my hands and receive from him, I come, as it…
Do not be afraid Why should cross and trial grieve me? Christ is near with his cheer; never will he leave me. Paul Gerhardt Read Revelation 1:9—18 How many times in my Bible am I told, or is someone told, ‘Do not be afraid’? The Angel to Zechariah, announcing the birth of John the…
Mature in Christ So I pause at your gates once more as my heart and my spirit soar, And I wish I could love you more, my God and my king. Robin Mark Read Colossians 1:21-29 These words were written to a not very big church in south-west Turkey, two thousand years back. Here…
Called to announce who God is I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; In the midst of the congregation I will praise you. Psalm 22:22 Read Acts 26:9—18 I am reading Paul’s own account of his conversion, told years later, after he had travelled internationally, announcing God, announcing faith in…
The chosen race Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me A priestly kingdom and a holy nation. Exodus 19:5—6 Read 1 Peter 2:9—10 I will think, this quiet time, about those I am with in church. Some have had to cry like the blind man by the road, ‘Jesus, son…
The richest treasure in disposable containers O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth will declare your praise. Psalm 51:15 Read 2 Corinthians 4:7—12 I have been entrusted with a treasure. A rich, stupendous treasure, too expensive for me to buy, but it has been given to me freely and lavishly. It is worth…
Living without the veil For all who are led by the Spirit of God Are children of God. Romans 8:14 Read 2 Corinthians 3:12—18 I am made for freedom. I am called to it. I am set free by Christ. It is the freedom of being a child of God, not a slave who…
The Transfiguration Everything written about me in the law of Moses, The prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled. Luke 24:44 Read Matthew 17:1—9 Moses and Elijah, the law and the prophets. That was all that Peter and James and John could have wanted, surely, the chance to draw upon that depth of Godliness.…
The joy set before him For as all die in Adam, So all will be made alive in Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:22 Read Isaiah 25:1—8 On this mountain. I imagine the prophet standing there, on the spot. Mt Zion. Jerusalem. Scene of of much rejoicing, of brilliant praise, of psalms and festivals, holy meals…
The guiding word Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, When you lie down and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7 Read Ezekiel 3:16—21 Another day of my life has passed, all in seeming innocence. But I end it, this day, by reading the burden of the prophet, who…