June 1st

Deuteronomy 5     Isaiah 33     Psalms 88     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Deuteronomy 5 We are all familiar, at least to some extent, with the Ten Commandments. “Thou shalt not…” has become something of a cliché to be applied to a particular image of God and those who follow him. Yet it is surprising how many of the Ten Commandments would stand up today. God has written his law not just on tablets of stone but also on our hearts. There are very few people in the world who would argue that murder is acceptable. Few, even would seek to justify theft (except maybe copyright infringement!). Adultery and lying are also taught to be wrong for the most part. In the 21st century we seem to struggle more with the other commandments. In our society is it almost encouraged to covet those things which belong to others. We are encouraged to want a bigger house; a better car, more consumables and we look, often enviously, at those who have more than we do. The mother-in-law is the object of many a joke and somewhere in our culture of rights rather than responsibilities we have lost a definition of honouring our parents. The Lord’s name seems more frequently to be used as a swear word than for any other purpose and we create idols for ourselves in buildings, economic systems, political institutions, sex and power. These things may always have been true to some extent but in these days they stare us in the face. God’s desire is for holiness so that we may share relationship with him, a holy God. Take some time today to repent of anything the Lord is challenging you about from these commandments. Also take some time to pray for our nation that we may know the grace of God in Christ and turn to him. (written by a member or staff

May 30th

Deuteronomy 3     Isaiah 31     Psalms 85     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Isaiah 31

As Isaiah writes this prophecy Judah is under threat from Assyria. Judah as a kingdom is not strong. They have no great military might and, if invaded, would be unlikely to win. Even in the modern world we think of allies and enemies. It is clear today that were the United Kingdom invaded or attacked by a foreign power other countries would come to our aid should we need it. NATO, the UN and members of the EU would all have a part to play in protecting our sovereignty. So it was in Isaiah’s day. Judah could not protect herself so her leaders were reliant upon a strong neighbour – Egypt. It may seem strange that the country who had enslaved the Israelites is now trusted for their protection but to most modern eyes all seems fine. Isn’t it prudent to be defended in any way possible?

God is adamant – he should be the protector of Judah, not the Egyptians. The wisdom of people is not sufficient here. The people must turn to the Lord for wisdom. It is he who will defeat Assyria and not the Egyptians.

In our modern lives are there areas where we put our own provision in place at the expense of turning to and trusting God? We are encouraged to plan for the future, to take out insurances, pensions and to buy numerous financial products. These things are not wrong – in most cases they are very good. However, the question remains – do we put our faith in this provision rather than the provision of God? God’s plan to defeat Assyria may have included Egypt but when his people look elsewhere for comfort and security they are creating idols for themselves. Are there any plans and provisions you have which risk becoming a replacement for God?

(written by a member or staff)

May 29th

Deuteronomy 2     Isaiah 30     Psalms 83-84     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Psalm 83-84

I wonder what you would describe as your most memorable times? For me it is when I have found myself in the presence of God. Walking in the mountains, by the sea and worshipping with God’s people. There is something special about knowing the nearness of God in a special way. The Lord is always with us but sometimes we know more of him. If I had to describe the deepest longing in my heart it would be for the presence of God.

Here the psalmist seeks the presence of God. He longs to journey to the temple where the presence of God resided. He almost envies the priests and even the birds who are able to spend more time in such proximity to the holy place. Even those who journey as pilgrims toward the temple are blessed on their journey. Indeed, says the psalmist, it would be better to spend a day as a servant at the door or the temple than to dwell in the houses of the evil.

God, of course, cannot be contained. At Christ’s death the curtain to the Holy of Holies was torn – God is on the loose! No longer do we need to journey to the temple. Instead, God is with us – Immanuel.

Today, let’s seek the Lord with all of our hearts. Let’s ask that wherever we are we may know the joys and blessings of his presence. And at the end of the week when we come together to worship let’s come together in expectation of meeting with God among his people. Come with anticipation that as God inhabits the praises of his people so we may know even more what it is to dwell in his house.

(written by a member or staff)

May 28th

Deuteronomy 1     Isaiah 28     Psalms 81-82 

Psalm 81-82

A wonderful feature of God’s people is the way we keep God’s story alive. This psalm, for the feast of tabernacles, tells of what God has done. The story of Israel and Judah was one of liberation from slavery. God in his mighty power led the nation out of slavery in Egypt and into the land promised to them. This great work of God was remembered week to week, month to month and year to year. God’s promises and commands were reprised, his faithfulness proclaimed for all to hear.

“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)

We have a great heritage. Not only are we one with the people of God whom he brought out of Egypt but we are the people for whom Christ died. The wonder which strikes me every day is that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This, like the Exodus is an act of God – nothing we could possibly do for ourselves. How do we respond? We remember and as Israel gathered so we gather to tell the story and to praise the Lord for all he has done and continues to do. To paraphrase the psalmist:

Sing for joy to God our strength;

Shout aloud to the God of all ages!

Begin the music, hit the drums,

Play the melodious guitars and piano.

Sound the trumpet to announce a celebration.

(written by a member or staff)

May 27th

Numbers 36     Isaiah 28     Psalms 80     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)


Psalm 80

Probably written shortly before the exile of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria, this psalm is a plea for God’s salvation and restoration. It is uncomfortable and often unpalatable to consider God’s anger and yet it is a feature not only of the Old Testament but also of the new. Consider these words given to the church in Ephesus, “this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” (Rev 2:4-5). The Lord is concerned that we love him with all of our hearts, minds and strength and that we love our neighbour as ourselves. When we forget our first love we risk coming under God’s judgment.

This psalm recites some of the story of God’s faithfulness – the faithfulness which continues through all generations. God is faithful and he is a God of renewal and restoration. Let’s ask ourselves honestly, have we forsaken our first love? Do the priorities of our time, energy and money point in a direction other than the glory of the Lord? The call of God is to remember his faithfulness, to remember his love and to turn back to him not with the measured and ‘mature’ response of a prudent manager but with the passion and zeal of rediscovering our first and greatest love. The people of the northern kingdom were too late – for us, in the power of the Holy Spirit it is never too late. Lord, fill us with love and passion for you that we may please and glorify you.

(written by a member or staff) 

May 26th

Numbers 35     Isaiah 27     Psalms 79     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Psalm 79 Isaiah 27

Another psalm of lament. ‘Terrible things are happening, Lord!’... and the very real heart-cry ‘How long, O Lord?’ One can sense the psalmist’s desperation, and it seems to come not just from his own misfortune, but from seeing God mocked. This, he feels is far from the way things ought to be. The sentiments could be taken from reading today’s newspapers, from reading of Christians’ persecution in many countries, or in listening to the stories of some with whom we share our church and our city. Yet there really is hope. Isaiah describes how God will gather His people (v12-13) and even in the storms we face, after the last few days’ readings we should know that we can rest in the everlasting arms of love. A very honest and very beautiful description of this trusting relationship is to be heard in this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCh-_ktGvMA - just click the link. If you don’t like the music at least read the telling words,

“Storms will come and storms will go.

I wonder just how many storms it takes until I finally know

You’re here always,

Even when my skies are far from grey (I take this as meaning worse than grey)

I can stay,

Teach me to stay there,

In the place I’ve found where I can hide,

It’s safe inside your arms of love”

Stop at 3’18” if you like but have a listen.

(member of a homegroup)