Friday 1 January 'All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us'. 2 Corinthians chapter 1 verses 3 and 4
​Saturday 2 January I was all set to start my new fitness plan for 2021 this morning. I was going to bounce (slowly!) out of bed and go for a run. I opened my curtains and everything was white. The idea of slipping and sliding my way along the path did not appeal. We don't often get snow in Dunbar but it's there today. My plans for the day were changed in seconds. I am sure you have big plans for today and the coming year; that longed for holiday, getting married or perhaps looking for a new job. But are you prepared to change your plans for God's plans?  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future' Jeremiah 29:11
Sunday 3 January A prayer for the beginning of a new year. 'Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mould me, fill me, use me, Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me'
Monday 4 January Are you one of the many people starting back to work today after the Christmas break? You may be travelling to your workplace or perhaps continuing to work from home. One of the first tasks to do, might be to set your goals for the coming weeks and months. John Maxwell, an American Pastor, suggests that ‘If you focus on goals, you may hit goals – but that doesn’t guarantee growth. If you focus on growth, you will grow and always hit your goals’.  How are you going to grow in your Christian faith in 2021? John C. Maxwell (2002). “Your Road Map For Success: You Can Get There from Here”, p.96, Thomas Nelson Inc
Tuesday 5 January Each day we face new challenges. The new lockdown may cause you concern about your own health or that of your loved ones. It may be that you live on your own and worry about being lonely. Perhaps you are concerned that you will not have enough money to pay bills or buy essentials this month. You fear what the future holds for you and your family. God makes many promises and here is one of them. ‘Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you’ Deuteronomy 31 verse 5 Hold onto this promise today, that God is with you no matter what. 
Wednesday 6 January Have you seen the musical show, Starlight Express written by Andrew Lloyd Webber? There is a song in it called, ‘There’s a light at the end of the tunnel’. Although we have started another lockdown, this time it is different. There is ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ so to speak, in the form of vaccines. As Christians, we believe that Christ is the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’. Christ came as a baby into a dark world, he died for each and everyone of us BUT he rose from the dead and is coming back some day. In these times of uncertainty, what an amazing promise to hold onto. “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans chapter 8 verse 18
Thursday 7 January Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 18  It’s so easy to look on the dark side of life when we are going through tough times. We focus on disappointments, losses and what appear to be impossible tasks. God is good to us. We may not always feel it, but its worth taking a few moments to remind ourselves of the good things God has done for us. Johnson Oatman wrote the words to this familiar hymn in 1897 and they are as relevant today as they were then. 'Count your many blessings'.
Friday 8 January 'Happy moments – praise God, Difficult moments – seek God, Quiet moments – worship God, Painful moments – trust God, Every moment – thank God' Willy A.K 2018
Saturday 9 January Haiku is a type of short form poetry originally from Japan. Traditional Japanese haiku consists of three phrases made up of 5, 7 and 5 syllables. Here is my attempt at a Haiku. 
Rainbows, the promise, God will be with us always, In good and dark times
Sunday 10 January God, my God, how great you are! beautifully, gloriously robed, Dressed up in sunshine, and all heaven stretched out for your tent. The glory of God—let it last forever! Let God enjoy his creation! Oh, let me sing to God all my life long, sing hymns to my God as long as I live! Oh, let my song please him; I’m so pleased to be singing to God. Verses from Psalm 104
Monday 11 January What do you prefer, an Americano or a Latte coffee?  I must admit I find that after I have had a Latte, I feel very full and lacking in energy whereas an Americano leaves me feeling refreshed and ‘raring to go’. God’s Holy Spirit is a bit like that too. Some people talk about the Holy Spirit as being the 'breath of God'. It fills you up and leaves you with a sense of peace but also a willingness to ‘get up and go’. If you are feeling unsettled and lacking in energy today why not invite God to fill your heart with peace and energy today? “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life”. Job 33:4
Tuesday 12 January United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) are inviting everyone to take a few minutes at midday today to say the Lord's Prayer. Why not set your alarm now? 
Our Father who is in heaven
Hallowed be Your name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors
and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil
FOR YOURS IS THE KINGDOM THE POWER AND THE GLORY
forever and ever Amen. www.ucb.co.uk/lordsprayer The Lord’s Prayer Matthew chapter 6 verses 9-13​
​Wednesday 13 January Life is full of rules and particularly just now: walking apart from each other, wearing face coverings, not travelling out of our local area and many more. The list goes on. Sometimes rules can be ambiguous or confusing. Christ gave us two rules to base our lives on. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”  Matthew 22 verse 39 The Message Simple, but not always easy!
Thursday 14 January God has made many promises and we assured that he will keep each promise. Here are just a few of those promises. I will be with you. I will protect you. I will be your strength. I will answer you. I will provide for you. I will give you peace. I will always love you. ‘Not one word failed from all the good words God spoke to the house of Israel. Everything came out right’.  Joshua 22 verse 45
Friday 15 January Today is a new day. We have never had it before and we will never have it again. Today is a gift, so let us accept it willingly and use it to its full advantage. 'This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it'. Psalm 118 verse 24
Saturday 16 January Our Sunday worship tomorrow is based on Psalm 150. You may like to use it as part of your time with God today.
Praise God in his holy house of worship,
    praise him under the open skies;
Praise him for his acts of power,
    praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
    praise by strumming soft strings;
Praise him with castanets and dance,
    praise him with banjo and flute;
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
    praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
    Hallelujah!
Sunday 17 January Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
Monday 18 January ‘Samaritans Brew Monday will kick off on 18 January, the third Monday in January, which is usually known as ‘Blue Monday’. We’ll be turning this day on its head and into something positive by encouraging people to get together over a warming virtual cuppa. Reach out to a friend, family member or colleague for a virtual cuppa and a chat. It doesn’t have to be this Monday or a cup of tea, just taking time to really listen to another person could help them work through what’s on their mind. ​Because now more than ever, sharing a cuppa is more than a drink – it's about reaching out, checking in and staying connected’. James chapter 1 verse 19a ‘My dear brothers and sisters always be more willing to listen than to speak.'
​Tuesday 19 January A lady arrived late for a training event that I was leading. She sat down beside some friends, sat bolt upright and promptly folded her arms. Now, folding arms can be a sign of feeling defensive or boredom and I was concerned that she was going to ask awkward questions and not participate willingly in the group work. The session passed without any major issues and I thought phew! At the coffee break the person came up to me and apologised for being late and sitting with her arms folded. She had been in a hurry putting on her blouse that morning and one of her buttons had popped. She was very conscious of the way her blouse was lying. I have to confess that I laughed. It’s so easy to jump to the wrong conclusions. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way, you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7 verses 1 and 2
​Wednesday 20 January ‘Let everything that has breath praise the Lord’. Psalm 150 verse 6 Finding time each day to praise God can be challenging. The busyness of day-to-day tasks and other commitments can take up so much time that we can get to the end of a day so tired we no longer have the energy or perhaps will. On Sunday, Gordon challenged us to consider how much time, each week, we spend praising God: in song, by using our talents and giving our time to Him; in prayer, as we read His holy word, seeking His will, and offering ourselves as a living sacrifice to the one who offered Himself for us. To read the full talk go to Sunday 17 January
Thursday 21 January Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.  Psalm 25 verse 4 and 5 Heavenly Father, only you know where my path will lead but I trust that you are with me and before me and I will follow you with confidence. 
​Friday 22 January ‘What is our hope in life and death?  Christ alone, Christ alone.  What is our only confidence? That our souls to Him belong’. ‘Who holds our faith when fears arise?  Who stands above the stormy trial?  Who sends the waves that bring us nigh  Unto the shore, the rock of Christ? Christ alone'. https://www.gettymusic.com/christ-our-hope
Saturday 23 January What makes you laugh? Perhaps reading a good book or watching a television programme or you might share funny memories with friends. Did you know that laughter can help boost your immune system and help relieve depression? It can help to protect your heart and amazingly it can give you a mini-work-out! Medical science says that laughter produces chemicals in our bodies that help relieve stress and enhances our physical and mental health. At a time, when the news is pretty bleak, we all need to have the opportunity to laugh and God positively encourages it. Solomon wrote in the Book of Proverbs chapter 17 verse 22 that 'A cheerful heart is good medicine’. So why not find something to make you laugh today and then share it with someone else?
​Sunday 24 January Today, we continue our series of talks about worship. You may like to use Psalm 96 verses 1 - 9 as part of your personal worship time with your Heavenly Father. ‘Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing it everywhere around the world! Sing out his praises! Bless his name. Each day tell someone that he saves. Publish his glorious acts throughout the earth. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. For the Lord is great beyond description and greatly to be praised. Worship only him among the gods! For the gods of other nations are merely idols, but our God made the heavens! Honour and majesty surround him; strength and beauty are in his Temple. O nations of the world, confess that God alone is glorious and strong. Give him the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come to worship him. Worship the Lord with the beauty of holy lives’.  Psalm 96 verse 1 – 9 Living Bible
Monday 25 January Do you ever wonder what your purpose in life is? In Luke’s Gospel we read about a lady called Anna. She was an elderly lady who had been widowed for many years. She devoted her life to serving God in the temple by worshipping, praying and serving others. On the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple as a baby, Anna, saw child and, along with Simeon, praised God for this very special child. Her work for God didn’t finish there though. She then went on to tell others about this child of God. Irrespective of age, we do not know what God has in store for us. You may feel too young or too old to take on something new, not good enough, not in the right place.....  We can all come up with good excuses. However, whatever God has in store for us it is sure to be very special. Let’s pray though that we are ready to respond when God nudges us. To read the story of Anna go to Luke chapter 2 verses 36-38
Tuesday 26 January ‘Tears fall for a reason and they are your strength not weakness’. * ‘Jesus wept’. John chapter 11 verse 35 *The Boy, the mole, the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackesy 2019
Wednesday 27 January Today, as we hear of more than 100,000 deaths in the United Kingdom from Corona virus, let’s look forward to the day when, ‘God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation chapter 21 verse 24 (NIV) Please pray for those who have lost loved ones over the last few months. 
​​Thursday 28 January Travelling on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) can be daunting, when you travel on it for the first time. It opened on 31 August 1987 and is an automated light metro system. In other words, there is no driver. There is no driver’s cab and if you are feeling adventurous, you can sit at the very front watching the world go by. Life can be a bit like the DLR, travelling along with no driver. You may feel it’s like that now. You don’t know where you are going, what is going to happen next and how you are going to manage. Thankfully as Christians, we have a driver who is in control and knows our destination. God knows what he is doing, his thinking is different to ours and his ways are so much better. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (ESV).  Isaiah chapter 55 verses 8 and 9
​Friday 29 January The other day, I was watching a magpie building its nest right at the top of a tree. It was certainly making sure it’s young would be safe from predators and comfortable. As I continued walking, I couldn’t help thinking there was a verse in the Bible about birds and their nests so when I got home, I looked it up. “Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Jesus, ‘Lord, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” Luke chapter 9 verse 58 This passage is about the ‘cost of discipleship’. The man mentioned in the verse wanted to follow to Jesus but was he really prepared for it? Jesus went where there was a need, regardless of circumstances. He had no home comforts. He was one hundred percent devoted to the task. Are we?
​Saturday 30 January John Ellerton wrote the familiar hymn, ‘The Day Thou Gavest Lord in Ended’. The third verse is particularly powerful.  ‘As over continent and island The dawn leads on another day, The voice of prayer is never silent Nor do the praises die away.’ Wow! Today, all over the world, at this very moment, people are praying and those prayers never stop.
Sunday 31 January 'Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Matthew 16:24 ESV Enjoy praising God in this uplifting song by Keith and Kristyn Getty.
​Lift high the name of Jesus, Of Jesus our King. Make known the power of His grace, The beauty of His peace. Remember how His mercy reached And we cried out to Him. He lifted us to solid ground, To freedom from our sin. Oh sing my soul, And tell all He's done, Till the earth and heavens are filled with His glory You can go onto YouTube to sing along. 
Monday 1 February ‘I’m not good enough’.  I can’t do that.  I don’t have the experience. The other person is better’. At some point in our lives, we will all have had thoughts similar to the ones mentioned. But we need to learn to block out these negative thoughts and hold onto the positive ones. Each one of us is special with our own unique personality, skills and talents. Psalm chapter 119 verses 73 and 74 remind us that, ‘You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word’.
Think positive thoughts about yourself today and when you reach the end of the day thank God that you are special to him and unique.
Tuesday 2 February 'Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes.  Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices'. St. Teresa of Avila
​Wednesday 3 February When you walk through a storm, Hold your head up high And don’t be afraid of the dark, At the end of the storm is a golden sky. And the sweet silver song of a lark. Walk on through the wind, Walk on through the rain, Tho’ your dreams be tossed and blown, Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, And you’ll never walk alone. You’ll never walk alone' * Isaiah 41:10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ * Written by Rogers and Hammerstein
Thursday 4 February Hellebore are amazing plants. They rest in the summer and are very quick to let you know when they need a drink. However, they also cope with gale force winds, heavy snow falls, endless rain and frosty conditions. These precious plants take an amazing battering but their flowers are still one of the first to open out and give such pleasure, despite it still being midwinter. Like the hardy Hellebore our lives are full of battles and blessings. Sometimes we have to cope with one battle after another followed by times of special blessings. Sometimes we manage battles and blessings at the same time. Whatever you are experiencing at the moment, remember God is alongside you, watching over you and there to listen. Psalm 16 verse 8 says, 'I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken'.
Friday 5 February I got up early one morning And rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish, That I didn’t have time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me And heavier came each task; ‘Why doesn’t God help me?’ I wondered. He answered, ‘You didn’t ask.’ I wanted to see joy and beauty, But the day toiled on grey and bleak. I wondered why God didn’t show me, He said, ‘But you didn’t seek.’ I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, ‘My child, you didn’t knock.’ I woke up early this morning, And paused before entering the day. I had so much to accomplish That I had to take time to pray. Author unknown. 
Saturday 6 February Did you know that Dunbar is fondly known as ‘Sunny Dunny’ because it enjoys the most hours of sunshine of any town in the UK? Well, the sun has definitely not been in evidence over the last few days. It has been raining constantly for at least 36 hours and the forecast is not good. Puddles are growing by the minute; footpaths are now small burns and burns that once flowed underground are coming up to the surface. It's wet! As I was watching the rain lashing down yesterday, I was reminded of a lovely verse in the Bible,  'From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised'. Psalm 113 verse 3 So despite the continuing rain, here's a challenge for today.  Heavenly Father, yesterday was good because ........'
Sunday 7 February 
'For I’m building a people of power
For I’m making a people of praise
That will move through
this land by My Spirit
And will glorify
My precious Name
Build Your church Lord
Make us strong Lord
Join our hearts Lord
Through Your Son
Make us one Lord
In Your body
In the kingdom of Your Son'
​​Monday 8 February Life is not what we would consider to be ‘normal’ at the moment and we don’t know when or if it will return to the way it was twelve months ago. Many things will be different and perhaps some things will never be the same again. As Christians though we do know the certainty that Christ came to save us from our sins and promised us eternal life. Salvation is: a gift of abundant mercy from God, a guaranteed inheritance to those who seek forgiveness, in God’s trustworthy and safe hands. Yesterday, Gordon introduced us to the Book of First Peter where one of the themes in ‘our salvation’. To find out more, why not listen to or read his talk.
Tuesday 9 February 'As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it' Isaiah chapter 55 verses 10 and 11 God's word changes the world. It provides salvation and judgement. When we speak to others about Christ it is a life-changing moment for that person. God's word will do something. It's up to the listener to respond. 
Wednesday 10 February There are many women mentioned in the Bible but perhaps one of the most famous is Ruth.  Ruth and her mother-in-law were living in a foreign land, without money or protection after their husbands died. The situation seemed hopeless so Naomi, decides to go home to Bethlehem. She tries to persuade Ruth to return to her own home but Ruth says, “Don’t force me to leave you; don’t make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I’ll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I’ll die, and that’s where I’ll be buried, so help me God—not even death itself is going to come between us!” Ruth 1:16-17 What amazing friendship, loyalty and commitment and there is a happy ending. Why not read the whole story? It’s one of the shortest books in the Bible. 
Thursday 11 February Life is full of exchanges. We exchange money for our shopping. We exchange a ticket for a train or bus journey. When we buy clothes, we may need to exchange them for a smaller or larger size. We give something so that we can get something in its place. Christ came to this world and exchanged his life for our sins so that we may have eternal life. Can we afford to ignore this exchange? I have come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly John 10:10. 
Friday 12 February Don’t say to God, ‘I have big problems’ Say to your problems, ‘I have a big God’. “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” Matthew 11:28–30. 
Saturday 13 February Do you know how bubbles form? I decided the other day to look it up on Google. (Don’t ask me why.) The first definition came up as, ‘A bubble is a group of people with whom you have close contact’. Well, no actually, that wasn’t quite what I had in mind! I had to scroll down a bit further to discover that bubbles are soap films wrapped around air. God is a bit like a bubble. He surrounds us with love throughout life and thankfully doesn’t burst when we hit hard times or go off on our own ways. He wants the best for each one of us and just wants us to love him back. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’. John chapter 3 verse 16
Sunday 14 February Today, many people will be celebrating St Valentine’s Day and the loving relationships they have with others. Let’s celebrate the God of Love and remind ourselves what true love really is. ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres’. 1 Corinthians 13 verses 4 - 7 Love divine, all loves excelling by Charles Wesley
Monday 15 February A young boy was walking through the woods yesterday. There is still a lot of snow around and he was walking on, what he thought, was solid ground. What he did not know was that under the snow there was a very black and muddy hole. He slid into it and then couldn’t get out. Fortunately, someone was close by and pulled him out, along with his wellington boots. Life can be a bit like this young boy’s experience. We are confident in what we are doing. All is going well and then something happens that makes us realise that life is not as straight forward as it seems. Over the last few months, we can all relate to this experience. One day life was ‘normal’ and the next day it was anything but. Thankfully as Christians we know that God is in control. If you feel your life is out of control and you are ‘stuck in the mud’ take some time to commit today to your Heavenly Father. 'The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe'. Proverbs 18 verse 10
Tuesday 16 February Today is Shrove Tuesday. The word ‘shrove’ comes from the word ‘shrive’ which refers to the confession of sins as Christians prepare for Lent. Lord, when the darkness of my doubts robs me of the light of your promises, when my focus on what I cannot do prevents me from seeing what You can do through me, when my vision becomes clouded with prejudices so that I cannot see that I are being more judgmental than conciliatory, when I say what should not be said and fail to say what needs to be said, when I forget about commitments I have made and leave undone what I should do, when my faith becomes feeble and my courage fails, when I find it hard to trust and difficult to obey; Lord forgive me. Give me hope by filling me with the assurance of your love now and forever. Amen. Joy Kingsbury-Aitken
Wednesday 17 February Today is the first day of Lent. Over the next 40 days, Christians all over the world spend time reflecting on their Christian journey and make a conscious effort be closer to their Heavenly Father. Before you begin your journey of reflection and prayer, why not ask yourself these questions? What does it mean to you, to follow Christ? How is God real to you? Who helps you in your journey with Christ? What can you do to draw closer to Christ during this period of Lent? If you have not already made a commitment to follow Christ, what is stopping you?
Thursday 18 February “To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” G.K. Chesterton 'And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love'. 1 Corinthians chapter 13 verse 13
Friday 19 February No matter what today brings, remember you are unique and special to God and he loves you no matter what. 'Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever'. Psalm 136 verse 26
Saturday 20 February Starting an exercise programme can be fun, exciting and challenging. You go out and buy the right gear and attend classes with enthusiasm. As the weeks and months go by, having the self-discipline and motivation to keep going can be hard. We often need the encouragement of family, friends or perhaps personal trainers. Our Christian lives can be a bit like our exercise programme. We begin with enthusiasm but when things start to get tough it’s not always so easy. We need the support of our Christian friends and family to help us but we also need to take time out to be with our Heavenly Father. Lent is the perfect time to refresh our Christian journey. ‘Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint’ Isaiah 41 verse 31
Sunday 21 February 'Be still, for the presence of the Lord, The holy One, is here; Come bow before him now With reverence and fear In him no sin is found
We stand on holy ground. Be still, for the presence of the Lord, The holy One, is here. Daniel J Evans He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  Psalm 46 verse 10
Monday 22 February As you read these verses from Psalm 91 (verses 14 - 16), why not put your own name in where it mentions ‘he’ or ‘him’?
Tuesday 23 February Why do power cuts invariably happen in the evening when it is dark and rarely during the day when it is light? Once you realise that it is a power cut you then find the torch that has no batteries in it or a candle but can’t find any matches. It can be a stressful time, but once you have that small amount of light you can begin to relax. You can see where you are going. Thankfully Jesus came to our world to reassure us that He is the light of the world. His light never goes out and he is reliable, trustworthy and consistent. He came to give us life beyond the grave and help us understand how much our Heavenly Father loves us. We just need to have faith and trust in him. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk-in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John chapter 8 verse 12
​Wednesday 24 February Isaiah chapter 40 verses 28-31 taken from The Message ‘God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind’.
Thursday 25 February Jesus often used stories as a way of helping to explain to others what he meant. In Luke’s Gospel chapter 14 verses 15 – 24, Jesus tells the story of the Great Banquet. In the parable, He tells of a man who sent out invitations to come and share his meal. Sadly, they all said they could not come, giving very flimsy excuses. The host was angry but not put off. The meal was ready and he was not going to waste it. He asked his servants to go into the town and the countryside and invite ‘the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame’ (verse 21). The host was determined that ‘not one of those invited will get a taste of my banquet’ (verse 24). Jesus is inviting us to his Great Banquet. Whether we accept or refuse, the party will happen when Christ returns. Will you be present at the banqueting table or the one making excuses?
​Friday 26 February God is more concerned about our future than he is about our past! “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43 verses 18 and 19b
​Saturday 27 February If you are a runner or walker, reaching a long, straight, flat section of road can be disheartening and boring. A few inclines, declines and bends always adds interest to the journey. God never promises us a life that is simple and straightforward. There will always be ups and downs and unexpected challenges. God promises us that, ‘Every test that comes upon you is normal for human beings. But God is faithful: he won’t let you be tested beyond your ability. Along with the testing, he will provide the way of escape, so that you can bear it’. 1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 13 
Sunday 28 February 'O worship the King all-glorious above verses 1 and 4' Robert Grant
​Monday 1 March  'This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it'. Psalm 118 verse 24 Today is the first day of Spring and it is a glorious day in Dunbar. There isn't a cloud in the sky and the sun is shining down on the frosty grass. What an amazing world we live in.  Thank you Heavenly Father for this new day and your wonderful creation.
Tuesday 2 March As you walk along a pebble beach you can admire the wide variety of stones that the sea has washed up. They are all different shapes and sizes and they don’t fit together. You soon discover this when you try walking on them. It’s hard to keep your balance and it is not particularly comfortable to walk on. The pebbles on the seashore would not be much use to a builder trying to build a house. In 1 Peter chapter 4, Peter describes Jesus as being the ‘living stone’ and we are ‘living stones.’ He is the foundation stone and we are the building blocks that come together to build God’s spiritual home. Find out more about Jesus as a living stone by listening to Gordon’s talk last Sunday and perhaps ask yourself, ‘How can my life and actions fit in with what God has already started doing in the world through Jesus?
Wednesday 3 March ‘God spoke: “Earth, green up! Grow all varieties of seed-bearing plants, Every sort of fruit-bearing tree.” And there it was. Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties And fruit-bearing trees of all sorts. God saw that it was good’. Genesis chapter 1 verses 11 – 13 The Message Today is World Wildlife Day. This year the United Nations are encouraging us to think about ‘Forests and livelihoods: sustaining people and planet’. They are highlighting the important role of forests, forest species and ecosystems in helping to sustain the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people globally and in particular indigenous and local communities with historic ties to forested and forest-adjacent areas. In this world, created by our Heavenly Father, we have a responsibility to care for our planet and those who live on it. 
Thursday 4 March ‘I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength’.  Philippians chapter 4 verse 13 Why not try this out? Read the verse out loud.  The first time emphasise the first word i.e. I. The second time emphasise the second word i.e. can. The third time emphasise the third word i.e. do Continue until you read the last word.  Wow!
Friday 5 March When things are going well, we don't always recognise that God is working in us. When you get a moment to yourself today, spend some time thinking about how God has influenced your life and changed you. Have there been particular moments when you have known God has been at work in your life?  'For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him'. Philippians chapter 2 verse 13
Saturday 6 March When someone trips and falls over in the street there is usually someone nearby to reassure them, get help or give them a hand to get back up onto their feet. In our Christian lives we fall over so often but thankfully Christ is there to pick us up, if we ask for help.  'But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up'. Mark chapter 9 verse 27 Heavenly Father, take my hand and help me to stand strong and steady for you. I can't do anything without you. ​​​
​Sunday 7 March 'God's spirit is in my heart He has called me and set me apart This is what I have to do What I have to do. He sent me to give good news to the poor Tell prisoners that they are prisoners no more Tell blind people that they can see, And set the downtrodden free And go tell everyone The news that the kingdom of God has come Just as the Father sent me So I'm sending out to be My witnesses throughout the world The whole of the world Don't worry what You have to say Don't worry because on that day God's spirit will speak in your heart'
Monday 8 March Listening to the weather forecast this morning is not good news. It will be dry today but on Thursday we will have damaging gale force winds. Do I change my plans for today or do I hope the forecasters have got it wrong? We spend our lives worrying about the simple things and yet God tells us time and again, don’t worry. Let’s be thankful for each moment that we have today and let God worry about our future. After all, the Psalmist says, ‘This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it’.  Psalm 118 verse 24
Tuesday 9 March Psalm 8 Let's thank God today for his amazing world and make a conscious effort to care for this planet. 
Wednesday 10 March Did you know that today is the International Day of Awesomeness? I have to admit I only discovered it when I was looking for something completely different. Apparently, the International Day of Awesomeness gives us the opportunity to celebrate every person, place, thing, or idea in the world that is awesome. As the official tag line points out, “No one’s perfect, but everyone can be awesome.” Not a bad mantra. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans chapter 5 verse 8. Now, that is awesome!
Thursday 11 March Scotland has a wealth of different types of bridges. There’s the Kylesku Bridge from mainland Scotland to the Isle of Skye, the Tay Rail Bridge that has such a sad history or perhaps the Squiggly Bridge in Glasgow. Much nearer to home in Dunbar is the Forth Bridge, an iconic structure known the world over. What they all have in common is that they link one piece of land to another. If the bridge wasn’t there it might be impossible to get over or it would certainly make the crossing much harder. Imagine a valley. God is on one side and we are on the other side. The only way we can reach God is to place the cross of Christ between us and God. When Christ died for us, he made sure that ‘nothing can separate us from the love of God’. ‘For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord’. Romans 8:38-39
Friday 12 March Two young children are on their way to school and they are carrying rucksacks on their backs. I wonder what they have in them? Lunch box, a water bottle, pencil case, reading book and perhaps something precious to show their teacher. It looks heavy. Are you carrying a heavy weight on your back today? Is it slowing you down? Are you feeling increasing tired carrying that weight knowing that its not going to get any lighter? Jesus asks you a question and makes a suggestion. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 18 verses 28 - 30
Saturday 13 March You may like to use these verses as your prayer for today. Psalm 139 verses 1-6 ‘You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain’.
Sunday 14 March ‘I will worship with all of my heart I will praise you with all of my strength I will seek you all of my days I will follow all of your ways I will give you, all my worship I will give you, all my praise You alone, I long to worship You alone, are worthy of my praise I will bow down and hail you as king I will serve you; I will give you everything I will lift up my eyes to your throne I will trust you; I will trust you alone’ By Kranthi
​Monday 15 March What a beautiful morning. Spring is definitely on its way. The snowdrops are passing, the daffodils are out and the tulips are not far behind. There is a sense of hope that better weather is on its way and there is an opportunity for a fresh start. Sometimes though we need to be patient. Our weather in Scotland can be fickle and perhaps things don’t happen as quickly as we would like. Our lives can be fickle too. We want things to happen immediately but that does not always happen. We need to be patient. God will get there is his own time. ‘Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains’. James chapter 5 verse 7
Tuesday 16 March Perhaps you do not have a head for heights. Maybe it’s mice and spiders. Perhaps you are scared for the future. Hold on to the reassurance that: ‘The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid’. Hebrews chapter 13 verse 6
Wednesday 17 March How’s your prayer life? Remember, you don’t need to find a quiet place to pray, you don’t have to get down on your knees to talk with a father who loves you. You don’t need to use old-fashioned words that you never use in your day-to-day life. All God want you to do is to talk to him. Tell him what is going well, share with him the tough times and thank him for the many blessings he has given you. We fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen”.  2 Corinthians chapter 4 verse 18
Thursday 18 March ​'An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips'. Proverbs chapter 24 verse 26
Friday 19 March Before You I kneel, my Master and Maker To offer the work of my hands. For this is the day You've given You're servant; I will rejoice and be glad For the strength I have to live and breathe; For each skill Your grace has given me; For the needs and opportunities That will glorify You great Name'. A beautiful song with amazing words by Keith and Krystyn Getty. 
Saturday 20 March Today there is almost a perfect balance of daytime and night time all around the world. Having spent a winter of snow, ice, gale force winds and lockdowns there is a hope that spring is finally on its way and with it comes new birth and renewal. But there is a greater hope. Our Heavenly Father brings us hope for a better future and for eternal life.  'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit'. Romans chapter 15 verse 13
Sunday 21 March All things bright and beautiful
Monday 22 March Watching a child have a temper tantrum can be upsetting. The child is frustrated that they can’t do what they would like to do and often are at an age when they can’t express their frustrations other than by stamping their feet on the ground. A caring, patient and loving adult can help to resolve the situation. Showing anger as adults can be hurtful, not only to those on the receiving end but also to the person themselves. We can say things we don’t mean and at worst our actions can cause injury and damage.  In the Bible, James reminds us: ‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires’. James 29 verse 1 verses 19 - 20
Tuesday 23 March Today marks the first anniversary of the national lockdown to try to suppress Covid 19. It was a strange day. One of disbelief, anxiety and uncertainty. It’s possibly safe to say that none of us had experienced anything like it before. And yet, we quickly adapted. Masks became the norm and social distancing and shielding were new phrases in our vocabulary. One year on, thanks to the skill and expertise of researchers and medical teams, we are slowly seeing improvements. Using existing medications have helped to reduce the effects of the virus, researchers have developed effective vaccines and death rates are dropping significantly. But it has come at a huge cost. Many are beginning this new morning knowing that a loved one is no longer with them or is suffering long-term effects. It has been life-changing for so many. As Christians, we are so thankful for the hope that we have in a risen Christ. One who is in control and watching over us. Life is no longer as we use to know it, but, ‘Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever’. Hebrews chapter 13 verse 8
Wednesday 24 March We do not use the word ‘joy’ much these days. One dictionary suggests that joy is ‘a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated’ The Bible says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 May your day be full of joy. 
Thursday 25 March Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me Let there be peace on earth The peace that was meant to be With God as our father Brothers all are we Let me walk with my brother In perfect harmony Let peace begin with me Let this be the moment now With every step I take Let this be my solemn vow To take each moment And live each moment In peace eternally Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me Vince Gill
Friday 26 March Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Psalm 91 verses 1-2 NIVUK
Saturday 27 March ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth’.  Genesis 1 verse 1  ‘Tonight at 8.30 pm, people around the world will switch off their lights to call attention to climate change. The climate crisis continues due to the rapid loss of biodiversity and nature. Natural systems are vital for all our futures – and yet, the rate of global loss of nature during the past 50 years is unprecedented in human history. Nature not only provides us with food, water, clean air, and other services it is also one of our strongest allies against climate change. Protecting nature is one of the most immediate, powerful, and cost-effective solutions to the climate crises. Adapted from Earth Hour As Christians, let us not forget our responsibility to protect our planet. 
Sunday 28 March Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You We turn to You Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You We long for You When we see You We find strength to face the day In Your presence all our fears Are washed away, washed away Hosanna, Hosanna You are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praises Hosanna, Hosanna Come have Your way among us We welcome You here, Lord Jesus Hear the sound of hearts returning to You We turn to You In Your kingdom broken lives are made new You make all things new Brenton Brown
Monday 29 March How often do we feel that we need to press the reset button on our lives or in tricky situations? Things have not worked out the way we hoped, everything is a mess and if only I could go back and start again! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, ‘If anyone belongs to Christ, then he is made new. The old things have gone; everything is made new!’ (ICB). 
Tuesday 30 March It’s that time of year again. The greenhouse is filling up with young tomato plants, sweet pea seedlings and packets of seeds. The snag is that if we don’t plant the seeds in those packets, nothing will happen and we will not be able to enjoy the flowers or vegetables later on in the year. 2 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 6 says, ‘Whoever sows generously will also reap generously’. If we don’t share the good news of the Easter story people will never hear it. 
​Wednesday 31 March Gordon's message to you from his Palm Sunday sermon. Jesus entered the turmoil of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.  He is the “one who comes in the name of the Lord” – this is the one who will rise to new life on the third day and He wants to know if each of us want to rise and be with Him for all eternity – in fulfilment of the Gospel He preached and left with us to make our own decision. May this Holy Week be a truly rich blessing to you and your loved ones. You can follow the whole sermon here Sunday 28 March
Thursday 1 April Today is Maundy Thursday. Maundy comes from the Latin word: mandatum. Mandatum means a command or perhaps “mandatory” – something we must do. Jesus gave three commands, the day before he died: 1) to remember him in with bread and wine; 2) to love others as He loves us; and 3) to be humble to others. Lord, may we never forget what you have done for us, may we love others unconditionally and may we be humble in all we do. 
Friday 2 April For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him’. John chapter 3 verse 16
Saturday 3 April Living He loved me Dying He saved me Buried, He carried my sins far away Rising, He justified freely forever One day He's coming  Oh glorious day 
Christ died so that you and I could be saved from our sin and have eternal life. 
Sunday 4 April Up From The Grave He Arose, With A Mighty Triumph Over His Foes; He Arose A Victor From The Dark Domain, And He Lives For Ever With His Saints To Reign He Arose! He Arose! Alleluia! Christ Arose! A very Happy Easter from the Dunbar Parish Church family.
Monday 5 April During his life, Jesus met people from all walks of life. Those who were ill, fraudsters, elderly, children, murderers and many others.  After he rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, he continued to meet with others including Mary, Joanna, Peter and the disciples. Jesus had a huge impact on each person he met and he still does to this day. Take some time over the next few days, to consider the impact Jesus has had on your life. “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John chapter 11 verse 25
Tuesday 6 April ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus’. Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7
Wednesday 7 April ‘Hold on, encourage each other and look to the future’. For the last few months, we have been staying at home and not visiting anyone outside our own family or ‘bubble’. It’s not easy as we all want to spend time with friends and loved ones. It would be very easy to start questioning our faith and whether God is really in control. ‘Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching’. Hebrews 10 verses 24-25
Thursday 8 April Do you enjoy reading? Some people love it and always have a book to read on the train, before going to sleep at night or when they get some time during the day. Others are just not interested finding the whole process boring and a waste of time.  In Psalm 119, David wrote, 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path'. verse 105 Whether you enjoy reading books or not, take time to read the Bible. You can read short sections or a book at a time. If you struggle with it, there are a wealth of resources available to help you. No matter how you read it, you will receive encouragement and hope for the future. Why not find some time to listen to David Suchet reading the Easter story? www.youtube.com/user/wabbey1
Friday 9 April I watched a YouTube clip the other day where a Koala had got stuck in a net. The animal couldn’t move with the wire wrapped round it’s arms and legs. It sat patiently as it’s rescuer carefully removed each section of the net. As soon as the koala was free, it was off. Thankfully there was no lasting damage to the animal. Life can be a bit like the Koala trapped in the net. Our daily routines trap us in such a way that we no longer focus on what God wants for us. We make our own choices and go our own way. We are too busy doing ‘our own thing’ that we miss out on what God has in store for us. ‘My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare’. Psalm 25 verse 15 
Saturday 10 April 'Almighty and everlasting God, ‘the life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.’ But You are forever, from everlasting to everlasting, and we put our trust in You for You have promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Loving Lord, in this last year, through the worst of a global pandemic, we’ve been face to face with our fragility and vulnerability, perhaps for some of us as never before. Against that backdrop of hurt and loss, we give you thanks for the life and service of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Some are called to the front of the stage, others to supporting roles and we rejoice in the way he supported Her Majesty the Queen through all of the years of her reign. We remember, too, his work supporting charities and, perhaps most memorably for young people for over sixty years, his patronage of The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. In this hour of loss, we offer our heartfelt prayers for Her Majesty and her family. Comfort them in their loss, bind up their wounds and grant them the consolation of a store of treasured memories. Grant Her Majesty the peace that comes from knowing you and which passes all understanding. These and all our prayers we ask in the name of Jesus, who through his life, death and resurrection offers us hope instead of despair, life instead of death. Amen'. The Moderator of the Church of Scotland 9 April 2021
Sunday 11 April Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven to earth come down; Fix in us thy humble dwelling; All thy faithful mercies crown! Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure unbounded love Thou art; Visit us with Thy salvation; Enter every trembling heart. Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit, Into every troubled breast! Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us find that promised rest. Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be; End of faith, as its Beginning, Set our hearts at liberty. Come, Almighty to deliver, Let us all Thy life receive; Suddenly return and never, Never more Thy temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, Serve Thee as Thy hosts above, Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, Glory in Thy perfect love. Finish, then, Thy new creation; Pure and spotless let us be. Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in Thee; Changed from glory into glory, 'Til in heaven we take our place, Til we cast our crowns before Thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise. Charles Wesley
Monday 12 April What an amazing morning! There is not a cloud in the sky, the sun is shining, the pink blossom is waving gently in the wind and the birds are singing happily. Each morning is different but so wonderfully made. What is equally amazing and wonderful is that God's love and mercy is never ending. We can rely on Him every day of our lives. Wow! The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3 verses 22 and 23
Tuesday 13 April Being a Christian is not always easy but in the Book of Peter we are encouraged to: live in harmony with each other have sympathy for one another love each other as brothers and sisters be compassionate be humble.  It's very easy to write these words but to put them into practice can be a different story. Why not go to Gordon’s sermon on 1 Peter chapter 3 verses 8-15 (Sunday 11 April) to learn more about these verses?
Wednesday 14 April Over the last few months, we have all been aware of the importance of family and friends and the support that they give. They have given us words of encouragement, listened to our moans or perhaps just listened when we were frustrated or feeling fed-up. But have you found yourself saying, ‘I haven’t seen that person in ages?’ Why not get in touch today to find out how they are doing? You could be the one to listen, support and give words of encouragement. ‘I always thank God for you’. 1 Corinthians 1 verse 4
Thursday 15 April With this amazing weather we are experiencing at the moment, Belhaven Bay has been full of surfers and wild-water swimmers enjoying the sea (although it must be freezing!). People of all ages have been putting on their wet suits and paddling furiously to head out into deeper water to ‘catch a wave’. However, last week was a totally different story. The waves were huge. The spindrift coming off the tops of the waves were like feathery headdresses. The sound of the breakers was like thunder. They were mighty but not as mighty as our Heavenly Father. ‘Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the Lord on high is mighty’. Psalm 93 verse 4
Friday 16 April 'Overwhelmed by love Deeper than oceans High as the heavens Every living God Your love has rescued me All my sin was laid On your dear son Your precious one All my debt He paid Great is your love for me No-one could ever earn your love Your grace and mercy are free Lord these words are true So is my love for You'.
Saturday 17 April 'The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him' Psalm 103 verses 15-17 Jesus said,  “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?' John 11 verse 25
Sunday 18 April In the tomb so cold they laid Him Death its victim claimed Powers of hell, they could not hold Him Back to life He came! Christ is risen! (Christ is risen!) Death has been conquered. (Death has been conquered.) Christ is risen! (Christ is risen!) He shall reign for ever Hell had spent its fury on Him Left Him crucified Yet, by blood, He boldly conquered Sin and death defied Now the fear of death is broken Love has won the crown Prisoners of the darkness listen Walls are tumbling down Raised from death to heaven ascending Love's exalted King Let His song of joy, unending Through the nations ring! Graham Kendrick
Monday 19 April 'God calls out to every human heart and longs to make a home in every human heart. But God waits for us to respond'. Stephen Cottrell 'This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven'  Matthew 6 verse 1 0
Tuesday 20 April ‘But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me’. Micah chapter 7 verse 7 Micah had confidence in God and his HOPE was in the God he knew and trusted. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Hope is one of the theological virtues. It means a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.” Our hope in God is not wishful thinking but something indeed that we are to do with gratitude and faith while hoping it helps us to be good witnesses for the Gospel. 
Wednesday 21 April When someone says something to you or does something that is hurtful or perhaps you have done something that has got you into trouble, do you allow it to play on your mind for ages afterwards? It can almost seem as if it is eating away at you. If we cannot do anything about it, the Bible encourages us to forget and move on. ‘Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal’. Philippians chapter 3 verses 13 and 14. It can be easier said than done but with our Heavenly Father’s intervention, ‘all things are possible’.
Thursday 22 April 'Immense in mercy and with an incredible love, God embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah'. Ephesians chapter 2 verses 4 and 5 The Message
Friday 23 April Do you take opportunities when they become available or do you let them pass you by and regret it afterwards? Over the last week we have had sunshine, no wind and clear blue skies. The warmer weather allows us to change our plans at the last minute and do something different. In life, it is so easy to get ‘stuck in a rut’ and feel comfortable in our daily routine. We do not see new opportunities that God is setting before us. Let's seize today in both hands and use it to God's glory.
Saturday 24 April How to stay calm! Celebrate God's goodness (v4) Ask God for help (v6) Leave your concerns with him (v6) Meditate on good things (v8) Philippians chapter 4 verses 4 - 8 Lucado, Max Anxious for Nothing Thomas Nelson 2017
Sunday 25 April 'This is our God, the Servant King He calls us now to follow Him To bring our lives as a daily offering Of worship to the Servant King So let us learn how to serve And in our lives enthrone Him; Each other’s needs to prefer For it is Christ we’re serving' Graham Kendrick
Monday 26 April How often do you clean your hands in a day? We sanitise them as we go into shops, as we come out of shops, as we touch railings and fences. The list goes on. But no matter how often we clean our hands there is always the risk that they are not virus free. Manufactured products claim to kill 99% of the bacteria that we pick up. God offers us 100% forgiveness if we confess to the sin that we have in our lives. If you have not 'washed' before God today, take time to do it knowing that he is faithful and will forgive you. Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record. Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry. I know how bad I’ve been; my sins are staring me down. Psalm 51 verses 1-3 The Message If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1 verse 9 NIVUK
Tuesday 27 April 'Lord of heaven and earth as Jesus taught his disciples to be persistent in prayer give us patience and courage  never to lose hope, but  always to bring our prayers before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord'. Amen (Common Worship Rites on the Way)
Wednesday 28 April What a wet day it was yesterday, but we desperately needed the rain. Our ground was dry and the newly planted seedlings were struggling to survive. Our day-to-day walk with God can be dry and lifeless. But, Hosea reminds us to keep going, get to know the Lord better and we will be blessed. “Let us press on to know the Lord His going forth is as certain as the dawn. And He will come to us like the rain Like the spring rain watering the earth.” Hosea 6:3
Thursday 29 April These words come from the UCB Word for Today written by Bob and Debby Grass. 'God has given each of us something that others need. But sometimes we fail to recognise it, or we doubt its worth. So we conclude, "I don't have what it takes."    You do - but it is in seed form! Jesus described it this way 'First the blade, then the head. after that the full grain in the head' Mark 4 verse 28 So the words for today are - use what God has given you!' P.S. Did you know that you can get UCB Word for Today for free (UK only)? The summer 2021 has just been released.  www.ucb.co.uk
Friday 30 April 'If you are praying about it, God is working on it'. Anonymous 'Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours'. Mark 11 verse 24
Saturday 1 May Well, did you jump out of bed before the sun rose this morning, run up Arthurs Seat and wash your face in the early morning dew? I have to confess I was still sleeping when the sun rose this morning. Another strange tradition on the 1st May happens in St Andrews. Apparently, students gather on the beach late on 30th April and run in the North Sea at sunrise. That is definitely not for me! Spring is an amazing time of the year when everything is slowly coming to life. With lockdown easing, there is a sense of change and renewal happening around us. It’s been tough but spring brings hope of summer and that better things are on their way. It is a time to renew yourself and gain a fresh perspective on what you are doing. ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me’. Psalm 51 verse 10
Sunday 2 May Before You I kneel, my Master and Maker
To offer the work of my hands.
For this is the day You've given You're servant;
I will rejoice and be glad
For the strength I have to live and breathe;
For each skill Your grace has given me;
For the needs and opportunities
That will glorify Your great Name.
Keith and Kristyn Getty
​​Monday 3 May Late on Saturday evening a young man lost his life trying to rescue a young woman who had fallen into the River Thames. He was at London Bridge when the incident happened and made the decision to jump in to try to save her. When Christ died for us, he knew what was going to happen but he was prepared to do it so that we might have eternal life. He suffered a cruel and humiliating death on our behalf. ‘Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends’. John 15 verse 13 Please pray for Jimi’s family as they come to terms with what has happened. May they know the love and strength that Christ brings in times like these.
Tuesday 4 May Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Wednesday 5 May If you rub a diamond in the dirt, it's still a diamond. It's dirty but it is still a precious stone. It hasn't lost its value.  In God's eyes, we are His precious stone. Yes, we do things we shouldn't, say things that hurt and have thoughts that are wrong but we are still precious to Him. If you are feeling vulnerable this morning, remember that you are a child of God and special to Him. 'If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,  Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness'. Psalm 130 verses 3 - 4
Thursday 6 May 'Before You I kneel and ask for Your goodness To cover the work of my hands. For patience and peace to shape all my labour, Your grace for thorns in my path. Flow within me like a living stream, Wear away the stones of pride and greed ‘till Your ways are dwelling deep in me And a harvest of life is grown'. Keith and Kristyn Getty
Friday 7 May I got a new pair of sunglasses recently that go darker as the sun gets stronger. They are really good for my eyes but the problem is that they get so dark I cannot see where I am going. I’m told it will get easier! There are times when we all feel as if we are walking with dark sunglasses on. We may feel incredibly sad, things are tough and there may appear to be no way out. But there is hope. Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’.  John 8 verse 12 
Saturday 8 May When did you last have a good laugh? Hopefully it was yesterday or perhaps you have already chuckled, giggled or laughed at something you have done today or at something someone has told you. Researchers tell us that laughing is good for us. Amazingly it can boost our immune system, improve our memory, relieve stress, slow our pulse rate and can put us at ease when we are with others. That’s a pretty amazing gift that God has given us. May your day be full of blessings and laughter. ‘A cheerful disposition is good for your health’. Proverbs 17 verse 22
Sunday 9 May 'Purify my heart Let me be as gold and precious silver Purify my heart Let me be as gold, pure gold Refiner's fire My heart's one desire Is to be holy Set apart for You, Lord I choose to be holy Set apart for You, my Master Ready to do Your will Purify my heart Cleanse me from within and make me holy Purify my heart Cleanse me from my sin, deep within' Vineyard Worship
Monday 10 May According to 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 7 - 9 If we want to live the will of God then we need to: be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins, offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Why not read or listen to Gordon's sermon to find out more? 
Tuesday 11 May 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit' Romans chapter 15 verse 13
Wednesday 12 May This is Mental Health Awareness week. People we know and love may be suffering from some form of mental illness. They may appear to be the life and soul of the party but underneath it all are feel useless. You may be feeling like that too, this morning. Sadly, this illness can be so well hidden as we are not good at telling others how we feel. Seek help for yourself if you have not already done so or please pray for those you know who suffer from a mental illness. 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and is safe'. Proverbs 18 verse 10
Thursday 13 May Today is Ascension Day, one of the special days that Christians around the world celebrate. We remember Christ’s ascension to heaven, 40 days after his resurrection on Easter Day. Mark 16 verses 9 – 20 tells the story. It is a day that concludes Jesus’ ministry on earth and prepares for the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. ‘Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” John chapter 14 verses 5 and 6
Friday 14 May ‘Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong-- then guide me on the road to eternal life’. Psalm 139 verses 23 – 24 The Message
Saturday 15 May 'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body and be thankful.' Colossians 3 verse 15
Sunday 16 May 'When will all the guns be silent? How we long for war to cease. From the ruins of each conflict rises up our prayer for peace. May the selfless love of Jesus give us hope at last to see all the nations, celebrating peace, when all the world is free'. Andrew Moll 
Monday 17 May From today we can invite friends into our home for the first time in many months. It will be a special occasion but what will you do when they arrive? Will you spend time putting the kettle on, collecting mugs and plates, laying out biscuits or a meal rather than sitting down and listening to what they have to share with you? Jesus visited Mary and Martha but Martha was so focused on making sure everything was ready that she forgot to spend time with Jesus. He was encouraging her to listen to what he had to say. Are you a good listener? Do you take time to listen to God in the way that Mary did or are you too busy organising your day? Luke chapter 10 verses 38 - 42
Tuesday 18 May  The sea is a beautiful colour this morning and the river flowing into it is a deep, dark-brown colour. Everything is fresh for the new morning. When you get a moment, take time to enjoy God’s amazing world. ‘All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams comes from, there they return’. Ecclesiastes chapter 1 verse 7
Wednesday 19 May 'Before You we kneel, Our Master and Maker; Establish the work of our hands. And order our steps to seek first Your kingdom In every small and great task. May we live the gospel of Your grace, Serve Your purpose in our fleeting days, Then our lives will bring eternal praise And all glory to Your Name' Source: <a href="https://www.elyrics.net/read/k/keith-&-kristyn-getty-lyrics/before-you-i-kneel-(a-worker_s-prayer)-lyrics.html">click here</a>
Thursday 20 May Jesus doesn't look at your past in order to decide your future. 'Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters'. Hebrews chapter 2 verse 11
Friday 21 May 'Bountiful God, feed me with the bread of heaven, and give me today the things I need for today and save me from wanting more than my share. There are so many people who are hungry for love and thirsting for peace. Help me to help others find their place at your table'  Thy Kingdom Come 
Saturday 22 May 'God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another'. 1 John 4. 9-11
Sunday 23 May Holy Spirit, we welcome You Move among us with holy fire As we lay aside all earthly desires Hands reach out and our hearts aspire Holy Spirit we welcome you. Let the breeze of Your presence blow That Your children here might truly know How to move in the Spirit's flow Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, we welcome You Please accomplish in me today Some new work of loving grace, I pray Unreservedly have Your way Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, we welcome You © 1986 Sovereign Lifestyle Music
Monday 24 May 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you'. Isaiah chapter 54 verse 10
Tuesday 25 May The weather may not give us the impression that summer is on its way but the birds definitely know it. The gannets and kittiwakes have been back for a few weeks and now the house martins are back too. These little birds have the most amazing senses. They fly straight towards you and when you think they are going to hit you, they dive off in the opposite direction. They certainly do not follow a straight path when flying. Their focus is on the potential food supplies of tiny insects in the air. What is our focus on today? “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. I’ll turn things around for you. I’ll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you, bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it". Jeremiah 29:13 and 14 The Message
Wednesday 26 May 'Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it'. (Psalm 96: 11-12a, NRSV) 'Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!' Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6, NRSV)
Thursday 27 May 'Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life'. Proverbs chapter 4 verse 23 Thoughts have consequences. We can assume the worst, beat ourselves up, waste time regretting what we did. Or, we can sing favourite hymns or choruses to ourselves, quote Bible verses and remember the amazing things God has done for us in the past. So, 'Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right and pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise' Philippians chapter 4 verse 8
Friday 28 May  'Everything comes from you; all we’re doing is giving back what we’ve been given from your generous hand. As far as you’re concerned, we’re homeless, shiftless wanderers like our ancestors, our lives mere shadows, hardly anything to us.  God, our God, all these materials—these piles of stuff for building a house of worship for you, honouring your Holy Name—it all came from you!  It was all yours in the first place! I know, dear God, that you care nothing for the surface—you want us, our true selves—and so I have given from the heart, honestly and happily. And now see all these people doing the same, giving freely, willingly—what a joy! ' 1 Chronicles chapter 29 verses 14-18 ​The Message
Saturday 29 May 'And I will sing for all my days Of heaven’s love come down. Each breath I take will speak His praise Until He calls me home. When I wake, I know that He is with me; When I’m weak, I know that He is strong. Though I fall, His arm is there to lean on: Safe on the Rock of Jesus' Stuart Townend
Sunday 30 May Saviour, He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save Forever, Author of Salvation He rose and conquered the grave So take me as You find me All my fears and failures And fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in And now I surrender'
Monday 31 May 'Now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing. Our work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details. ..... 2 Corinthians chapter 6 verses 1 - 10 The Message
Tuesday 1 June The Lord is near. You are not alone. You may feel alone. You may think you are alone. But there is never a moment in which you face life without help. God is near'.
Max Lucado 2017 'The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything'. Philippians chapter 4 verses 5-6
Wednesday 2 June Those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagle, They shall run and not grow weary,  They shall walk and not grow faint.' Isaiah chapter 40 verse 31
Thursday 3 June Are you a dissectologist? Apparently, the number of dissectologists has increased significantly over the last year. Doing jigsaws can be very satisfying but equally very frustrating. Colours can be very similar. Pieces can look alike and then they don’t fit into the space that you would expect. There is also the frustration of finishing the jigsaw only to find there is a piece missing. Life is a bit like a complicated jigsaw. Very few of us look the same. We all have different skills and qualities but if we don’t all work together, we will never have a complete picture. Thankfully God knows each one of us as individuals and he is there to support us as we work towards completing his final picture. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11
Friday 4 June Remembering people's names can be challenging and yet if you were to sing some songs from your teenage years you could probably do it word perfect. Remembering Bible verses can also be a challenge but singing a chorus based on a Bible verse can be easy. We need to keep using our memory in the same way as we use different muscles in our body. Learning and remembering Bible verses helps to strengthen our faith.  Let's set ourselves a challenge to memorise a verse from God's word each day. 'Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day'. Psalm 119 verse 97 NRSV
Saturday 5 June What a beautiful morning. The sun is shining, there is hardly a cloud in the sky, the sea is calm and there is very little wind. People are greeting each other with smiles on their faces. Life somehow sees easier. What a difference the light and warmth of the sun can make to our lives.  'From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised'. Psalm 113 verse 3
Sunday 6 June Majesty, Majesty Your grace has found me just as I am Empty handed, but alive in your hands Majesty, Majesty Forever I am changed by your love In the presence of your Majesty Here I am humbled by the love that you give Forgiven so that I can forgive Here I stand, knowing that I'm your desire Sanctified by glory and fire Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine Since you laid down your life The greatest sacrifice Written by Stu Garrard/Martin Smith ©2003 Curious? Music UK
Monday 7 June  ‘No life is too short or too long. You will live your prescribed number of days. You might change the quality of your days but not the quantity’.
Max Lucado 2017 ‘In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world’ John chapter 16 verse 33
Tuesday 8 June ‘The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid’. Psalm 27 verse 1 KKJV
Wednesday 9 June  'May the road rise with you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again May God keep you in the hollow of his hand' Irish blessing, source unknown
Thursday 10 June Strawberries and other summer fruits are almost ready for picking. Somehow, ‘pick your own’ fruit always tastes better than the punnets you can buy in the supermarket. In Galatians chapter 5 verses 22-23, Paul writes about the ‘fruits of the spirit’. He doesn’t mean strawberries or blueberries. He is using the word ‘fruit’ to mean a deed, action or result. As Christians, we should work towards living out the nine fruits of the spirit that Paul mentions i.e., love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. If Paul was carrying out your annual appraisal, how well would you do? I think my report would read, ‘Could do better!’
Friday 11 June It won't be long before children and young people receive their end-of-year progress reports. Why not carry out your own self-assessment? How would you assess the health of your relationship with God right now? Are you in touch with him? Are you hearing him speak to you? What are the challenges? Where do you want your relationship with God to be, in three years time "Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel chapter 3 verse 10
Saturday 12 June 'Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always'. 1 Chronicles chapter 16 verse 11 NIV
Sunday 13 June Praise my soul the king of heaven.
Monday 14 June Are you lonely? It’s perfectly natural to feel lonely. Perhaps you live on your own, you are grieving the loss of a loved one, have no family, can’t get out and about. Perhaps you know someone who is experiencing loneliness. After many months of lockdowns, social distancing and restrictions, more of us are experiencing loneliness than ever. Today is the start of Loneliness Awareness Week. As the Marmalade Trust suggests ‘Let’s talk about it’. It exists. https://www.marmaladetrust.org/law ‘So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah chapter 41 verse 10
Tuesday 15 June 'What can I do today that will take me in the direction of a better tomorrow?' Keep asking your heavenly Father until you hear an answer. When you have the answer, do it.
Wednesday 16 June “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’" Mark 10:27 
Thursday 17 June It is so easy to take other people for granted. We assume that they are doing tasks in the same way that we would do them and to our standards. We assume so much but then forget to support them and thank them for their commitment. They might be continuing to do the task to help you out but in reality, they are way out of their ‘comfort zone’. They may be desperate to pass the task on to someone else but either do not have the courage to speak up or the other person is not listening. If you are the person who tends to take others for granted or forgets to say thank you why not read Luke chapter 17 verses 11 - 18. If you are the one that needs the courage to speak up, remember ‘For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control’. 2 Timothy 1 verse 7
Friday 18 June  'Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.  I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you, When you're in rough waters, you will not go down ... ... I am God, your personal God,  The Holy of Israel, your Saviour .... So don't be afraid: I am with you'. Isaiah chapter 43 verses 1-3 and 5   The Message
Saturday 19 June 'Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life'. Psalm 143 verse 8 May you feel the love of God, as never before, today. 
Sunday 20 June “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118 verse 24 'How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure, That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss – The Father turns His face away, As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory.' Stuart Townend
Monday21 June People don’t remember what you say to them, they do remember how you made them feel. Encouraging each other can make us feel good. Words are powerful and a word of encouragement at the right time can transform someone’s day. ‘Encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing’. 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 11
Tuesday 22 June He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve,  nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him'.  Psalm 103 verses  10-13 The Message
Wednesday 23 June 'Do to others as you would have them do to you'.  Luke chapter 6 verse 31 NIV It would be very easy to write some text to go with this verse but do we need to? We shouldn't talk about our boss or Christian leader behind their backs. If we have concerns, we need to share them with the person. It's so easy to moan about others and not take any action. This is not godly and we are not walking in love. Walking in love requires us to speak kindly of others, give them the benefit of the doubt, and treat them the way we would want to be treated, which always produces better results. 1 Peter chapter 4 verse 8 'Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins'.  So much for not writing anything about doing to others as you would have them do to you!
Thursday 24 June 'Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honour come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name'. 1 Chronicles chapter 29 verses 11-13
Friday 25 June The last day of the school or college term is filled with mixed emotions. As a pupil or student, you may be saying goodbye to friends as you move on to a new class after the holidays or perhaps going to university or starting a job. As a member of staff, you may be looking forward to a break from the routine and a chance to relax or you too may be moving to a new job or perhaps retiring. Whatever your circumstances, holidays give us all a chance to take time out, do different things and enjoy a break from the routine. This holiday why not take time to relax in the Lord and may our Heavenly Father shower you with his blessings. 'Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him'. Psalm 37 verse 7
Saturday 26 June There's an old hymn that starts with the words, 'There shall be showers of blessing This is the promise of love There shall be seasons, refreshing Sent from the Saviour above Showers of blessing Showers of blessing we need Mercy drops 'round us are falling But for the showers we plead' On a dark, driech Saturday morning in June, this seems an appropriate reminder of all the good things God gives to us.  And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing' Ezekiel chapter 34 verse 26 You might like to read verse 27 to find out the blessings God gives. 
Sunday 27 June 'Jesus is the name we honour;
Jesus is the name we praise.
Majestic Name above all other names,
The highest heaven and earth proclaim
That Jesus is our God.
We will glorify,
We will lift Him high,
We will give Him honour and praise.
We will glorify,
We will lift Him high,
We will give Him honour and praise'
Monday 28 June Let us never forget that children are precious.  'Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him'. Psalm 127 verse 3 
Tuesday 29 June ‘God’s love wraps round me As the mist clings to the sea All embracing love’ ‘Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone’. Psalm 33 verse 22
Wednesday 30 June Taking part in a running event is good fun but supporting a family member or friend can be even more rewarding. You cheer on every one who passes you. You give extra encouragement to those who are beginning to struggle. But when you see a familiar face heading towards you, your shouting increases in volume and clap even harder. In that sporting event, we cannot take their place but we can be there for them, supporting them all the way. Our life journey is the same. We can’t live someone else’s life for them but we can support and encourage them all the way. 'Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing’ 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 11
Thursday 1 July Are you ready for Plastic-free July? It is a global campaign that encourages everyone to help reduce the amount of plastic we use in our daily lives. According to research, one million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped in the oceans in a month. This is not a statistic we should be proud of. Let's all do something positive this month to help take care of and respect God's world. 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth'  Genesis chapter 1 verse 1
Friday 2 July Are you waiting for an answer to prayer? Take time to think through your prayer. What could be God’s reasons for giving you a season of waiting? Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours'. Mark chapter 11 verse 24
Saturday 3 July  'O Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end: be thou for ever near me, my Master and my friend; I shall not fear the battle if you are by my side, nor wander from the pathway if you will be my guide'. Promises can be easy to make but not so easy to keep sometimes. Let's pray that we can keep our promise to serve Christ faithfully each day.
Sunday 4 July 'All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the LORD with cheerful voice. Serve him with joy, his praises tell, come now before him and rejoice!​ Because the LORD our God is good, his mercy is forever sure. His faithfulness at all times stood and shall from age to age endure'.
Monday 5 July Is there are area of your life today where you feel stuck or in a rut? If so, how long have you had this feeling? Why do you think you are stuck? "Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem. Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick people—blind, crippled, paralyzed—were in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, “Do you want to get well?” John chapter 5 verses 1 -6 The Message The lame man couldn't move on with his life. He was stuck and had been for a long time. Jesus told him to get up, pick up his mat and walk. Think about that part of your life where you are stuck. Can you 'get up, pick up your mat and walk'?
Tuesday 6 July God wants you to know that he loves you as his own child (1 John chapter 3 verse 1); nothing will separate you from his love (Romans chapter 8 verses 38-39); he will take care of you (Matthew chapter 6 verses 31-33); you can do great things together (Jeremiah chapter 33 verse 3)
Wednesday 7 July How would you like your friends and family to remember you after you die? You may leave a financial legacy but will your actions continue to influence others for good and for God? 'A good person leaves an inheritance'. Proverbs 13 verse 22
Thursday 8 July  'Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,  but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers'. Psalm 1 verses 1-3
Friday 9 July “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew chapter 11 verses 28 - 30
Saturday 10 July ‘Life is full of fumbles and stumbles, fraught with opportunities to make mistakes, occasions to feel guilty and the drive to ‘do it yourself. The pressure to be self-sufficient is high, but it isn’t the life God offers Can you imagine being relaxed and free instead of stressed-out and anxious? If you can imagine enjoying God instead of trying to repay him, then you can imagine grace?’ In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado 1996 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 
Sunday 11 July  'Come, now is the time to worship Come, now is the time To give your heart Come, just as you are to worship Come, just as you are Before your God Come Brian Doerksen
Monday 13 July Don't worry about skills you do not have. Don't long for strengths and gifts that others have. Be unique and special.  'Kindle afresh the gift of God that is in you'. 2 Timothy chapter 1 verse 6 (NASB)
Tuesday 14 July 'I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born'. Isaiah chapter 44 verse 2
Wednesday 15 July  ‘Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there for you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down …… I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Saviour …. So don’t be afraid: I am with you’ Isaiah chapter 43 verses 1 – 3 The Message
Thursday 16 July  ‘Take any thoughts, questions, prayers, or concerns to the Father. If you need a miracle in your life, ask for it. If you need more faith, ask for it. If you need more forgiveness, ask for it. If you need to know you are never alone, ask God for a strong, peaceful sense of his never-ending presence'. M Lucado 2020
Friday 17 July Lavish is perhaps a word that we do not use as often as we may have done in the past. However, it is a word that the Bible uses to describe God’s love for us. It means to be generous and loving beyond our imagination in a way that is beyond our imagination. On this beautiful day, why not set aside time to praise the God who lavishes his love on us. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are. 1 John chapter 3 verse 1
Saturday 18 July Patience is a gift from heaven. It helps us recognise the worth of something when we finally achieve it. 'And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up'. Galatians chapter 6 verse 9
Sunday 18 July Sing of the Lord’s goodness, Father of all wisdom, come to him and bless his name. Mercy he has shown us, his love is for ever, faithful to the end of days. Come, then, all you nations, sing of the Lord’s goodness, melodies of praise and thanks to God. Ring out the Lord’s glory, praise him with your music, worship him and bless his name. Words and Melody by Earnest Sands Copyright © OCP Publications
Monday 19 July ‘You’ll never know until you try’. Do you ever find yourself wary of trying new things? You may have a secret passion to run a 5k race but never felt you had the fitness level to do it. How often do we let others use new technology because we don’t understand it or perhaps avoid joining a hobby group as we don’t think we are good enough? Charles Spurgeon once said, ‘Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but …. today of its strengths’. If we are afraid to try new things, we will never find out what God’s plans are for us or the skills and talents we have. ‘The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ Psalm 27 verse 1
Tuesday 20 July ​I was searching for a purpose
For a reason to go on
When a voice said ‘Child, I love you
I have called you as my own’
At that moment my heart opened
I said, ‘Lord you come right in’
I was filled with Living Water
As he washed away my sin.
Now my life is in my Father
His Spirit guides my soul
Where He leads me, I will follow
To serve Him is my goal
I will praise Him, I will raise Him
I will lift His name up high
‘Til He calls me home beside Him
To give glory in the sky
 Thank you to a member of our congregation for these very special words. 
Wednesday 21 July 'He will not always accuse, nor will he harbour his anger for ever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us'. Psalm 103 verses 9-12
Thursday 22 July  May you remember that because God has come to us in Christ,  the way has been cleared for you to live in peace and joy. Today, may you experience this peace and joy in new ways, deep within your soul'. 'Nite Blessing' Malcolm Duncan 2018
Friday 23 July This may be your last day at work before going on holiday or perhaps you are coming to the end of your working week. Knowing that you are coming up from a well-earned break can make that final day drag on and on. You can’t wait to finish. God expects us to put all our enthusiasm into every task we are working on.  So, make today a good day for you and your Heavenly Father. ‘Serve the Lord enthusiastically’. Romans chapter 12 verse 11 NLT
Saturday 24 July 'God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough' Psalm 10 verses 1 - 3, 12.
Sunday 25 July You alone are my strength, my shield To You alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart's desire And I long to worship You You're my friend, you are my brother even though You are a King I love You more then any other So much more then anything You alone are my strength, my shield To You alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart's desire And I long to worship You' Words by Paul Oakley Psalm 42
Monday 26 July 
God my heavenly Father
I know that You are near
Giving strength and courage
Overcoming fear
You have always known me
I was part of Your plan
My life is Yours, make use of it
In any way You can
Lord I want to know You
I want to do Your will
Empty me of all I am
And with Your Spirit fill
I will look to You alone
In everything I do
For my hope, my joy, my life
Is found in loving You.
Thank you to a member of our congregation for these beautiful words.
Tuesday 27 July The UCB Words for Today Bible notes for today say, ‘The difference in who you are today and who you’ll be 25 years from now depends largely on three things: the books you read; the relationships you build; and the time you spend with God'.  If you were to do a self-assessment today based on these three factors, do you think you will be a different person in 25 years from now? ‘Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord’ 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 58 P.S. The bible notes for August – October are now available and free www.ucb.co.uk
Wednesday 28 July  'I'm special because God has loved me For He gave the best thing that He had to save me His own Son Jesus, crucified to take the blame For all the bad things I have done Thank You Jesus, thank You Lord For loving me so much I know I don't deserve anything Help me feel Your love right now To know deep in my heart That I'm Your special friend' © 1986 Kingsway Thankyou Music 
Thursday 29 July If only I had trained a bit more, I might have got a faster time in the race. If only I had spent time studying instead of partying, I might have got a college place. If only I had spoken to my friend sooner, I may have been able to help. We all live the ‘if only’ life to some extent but we need to live for today, being thankful for what we have and making the most of what we have. We need to accept who we are and recognise that we will never be perfect in this world. ‘Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest’. Ecclesiastes chapter 11 verse 4
Friday 30 July 'I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences'. Ephesians chapter 4 verses 1 - 4 (The Message)
Saturday 31 July Imagine yourself lying on the beach listening to the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore or perhaps sitting at the top of a hill by yourself looking out across the landscape. Peace and calm. That’s where God leads us. ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul’. Psalm 23 verses 1-3
Sunday 1 August  Oh, how good it is When the family of God Dwells together in spirit In faith and unity. Where the bonds of peace, Of acceptance and love Are the fruit of His presence Here among us. So with one voice we’ll sing to the Lord And with one heart we’ll live out His word Till the whole earth sees The Redeemer has come For He dwells in the presence of His people. Keith and Krstyn Getty 2012
Monday 2 August  ‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’. Jeremiah 29 verse 11
Tuesday 3 August Who knows how many times the Lord quietly protects us, redirects us or leads us on safer paths? 'he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake'. Psalm 23 verse 3
Wednesday 4 August 'Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger'. Amen. A PRAYER FROM ST PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE
Thursday 5 August  'My help and glory are in God —granite-strength and safe-harbour-God-- So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be'. Psalm 62 verse 8
Friday 6 August Here I am Lord Jesus Search for me no more Stand not outside knocking Come through the open door I saw You in the garden With sweat upon Your brow But Your work is finished And I will serve You now Let my hands be Your hands Reaching out to touch The lost and the broken Those You loved so much Let my words be Your words Calling in the night Drawing those who listen From darkness into light These words were written by a member of our congregation
Saturday 7 August Does God love me? In Jeremiah we are told, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love' (chapter 31 verse 3). It doesn't matter how far away we are from him, He still loves us. He created each one of us as unique individuals and He cares for each one of us as individuals. If you are feeling lost, lonely and far from God all you need to do is take time to speak with Him. 
Sunday 8 August Come, now is the time to worship. Come, now is the time to give your heart. Come, just as you are, to worship. Come, just as you are, before your God. Come. One day every tongue will confess you are God. One day every knee will bow. Still the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose you now.
Monday 9 August  'I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies'. Psalm 18 verses 1 - 3
Tuesday 10 August Fire can be so destructive. It can burn buildings, damage vegetation and potentially kill. Mainland Greece, Evia and California are experiencing devastating wild fires at the moment. The Bible talks about the refiner’s fire. It melts down metal to remove any impurities. The end product is pure and clean but it is also costly. God used Malachi as his messenger in order to describe the Messiah. “For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver”
Malachi chapter 3 verses 2-3 If we confess our sins before God, he will clean us and forgive us.
Wednesday 11 August Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise The city of our God, the holy place The joy of the whole earth Great is the Lord in whom we have the victory He aids us against the enemy We bow down on our knees And Lord, we want to lift Your name on high And Lord, we want to thank You For the works You've done in our lives And Lord, we trust in Your unfailing love For You alone are God eternal Throughout the earth and heaven above Jason Ray and Andy Green Words based on Psalm 48
Thursday 12 August Never forget that for every one thing that goes wrong in our lives, we have many more blessings. ‘Put your hope in God and know real blessing!’
Psalm 146 verse 6 The Message
Friday 13 August Are you superstitious? Do you worry that awful things will happen to you today? Perhaps you’ll avoid walking on cracks in the pavement or toss some salt over your shoulder when you spill some, to avoid bad luck. Superstitions are not based on fact or logic. They seem to be based on coincidence or cultural tradition. 1 Timothy chapter 4 verse 7 says, ‘Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness’. As Christians, we need to focus on God’s plans for our day.  Take time to ask for God's blessing on this new day. 
Saturday 14 August God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in my eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be at my end, and at my departing. Amen. A PRAYER FROM FROM THE SARUM PRIMER (1558)
Sunday 15 August I will dwell within the shelter of the God who reigns above I will rest beneath the shadow of the mighty King of love Though a sickness hides in darkness, though a plague destroys by day I will stand upon His promises, Christ will be my hideaway In You, my God, I trust, You are strong and here with us In You, my hope remains, Christ will be my hideaway Tim Chester/Grace Dixon 2021 Words based on Psalm 91
Monday 16 August 'God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love. He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together. We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got--that’s what we’re depending on'. Psalm 33 verses 18-22
Tuesday 17 August  'God makes a promise Faith believes it Hope anticipates it Patience quietly waits for it'. Source unknown God give me patience to wait on your promises in your good time.  Micah 7:7 But I will watch for the Lord; I will wait confidently for God, who will save me. My God will hear me.
Wednesday 18 August It is easy to get discouraged when life is hard and things go wrong. Instead of seeing this as an obstacle, see it as a way to success. ‘So roll up your sleeves, get your head in the game, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.” 1 Peter chapter 1 verse 13 - 16 The Message
Thursday 19 August Did you know that the Bible uses the words 'fear not' 365 times?  Every day of the year, God is sharing this message.  'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand'. Isaiah chapter 41 verse 10
Friday 20 August  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3 
Saturday to Monday 23 August Why is it I fail to see the traits of Christ alive in me?
In finer days yet to come
perhaps I'll see the Holy One.
But for now a darker power
holds me at this day and hour.
His presence lurks just out of sight,
no need for the cover of the night.
 
Will I ever my Saviour meet
when stones like razors cut my feet?
As on life's path I slip and slide
while others, ever graceful, glide.
Their faces shine like the sun, pure gold.
Truly a wonder to behold.
But what is it that my face shows?
Not the truth, though God knows.
Christian life can seem so dead, so bland, so grey compared to all the life-giving hope that the Christianity of the Bible promised. I knew things weren't right.  Although I was doing churchy things I wasn't all that sure that God was in it.
All efforts to get people engaging more fully with God seemed to have failed and it all seemed so useless. I felt totally inadequate, ineffective. I had so many shortcomings and wondered if I really dared to call myself ‘Christian’.
Then someone explained to me that a simple touch, word or action can have an effect. That's what others see in us, and if I'm calling myself a Christian then my actions must reflect this.  I think I'd already grasped on to this but hadn't given it any importance.
I have come to know that this is a natural revelation of Christ in us, the qualities of Christ coming through in the way we live our lives.  And being conscious of that makes our actions more focused. It's about caring. Caring about others and reaching out to them in a way that can make a difference. And, more often than not, is not about grand gestures, but it's in the everyday things: A loud cheer for a race well run.  A supportive hand on someone's shoulder. A nod to say it's okay. A smile to acknowledge another human being!
I do get things wrong a lot of the time, but for the rest of the time I get it right.  And I'm getting it right more and more often.
I think that some of the traits of Christ are alive in me and maybe are starting to make a difference to others.
Why is it
that God would call
one so weak
and bound to fall?
But in his hands my heart is changed,
Priorities rearranged.
Care, compassion, trust and love,
qualities from above.
And I DO care, so now I see
that Christ is alive in me.
What Christ commands,
I can do.
'Love each other
as I love you'.
Often easier said than done,
 but aided by the Holy One,
who walks with me day by day,
strengthening along the way,
I can do all things, it's true
for it's Christ in me who is shining through.
These words were written by a member of our congregation.
Tuesday 24 August ‘Fill us each morning with your constant love so that we may sing and be glad all our life’. Psalm 90 verse 14
Wednesday 25 August Empty The streets are empty except for a few cars and buses The well-worn pavements are empty Shops, once bustling with people, are empty Empty Desolate Quiet Feeling like a stranger walking in my home town Loved ones gone; feeling empty Covid has created emptiness. Empty The tomb was empty The precious body of a loved one, gone Empty. What happened? Where is the body? Empty. But new life rises up. Full of a new spirit – one of hope, new beginnings, new life ‘He is not here, he has risen’. Luke 24 verse 6
Thursday 26 August ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’. John chapter 8 verses 31-32
Friday 27 August We need to know our limits if we are to live a happy and contented life. Work is not everything. Being overly busy and trying to fill every day to the full does not necessarily make us happy. We need to learn to relax and spend quality time with friends and family. Sometimes easier said than done.
'Dear friend, take my advice;
    it will add years to your life.
I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way,
    I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road.
I don’t want you ending up in blind alleys,
    or wasting time making wrong turns.
Hold tight to good advice; don’t relax your grip.
    Guard it well—your life is at stake!
Don’t take Wicked Bypass;
    don’t so much as set foot on that road.
Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth.
    Make a detour and be on your way'. 
Proverbs chapter 4 verses 10 – 13 The Message
Saturday 28 August Almighty and everlasting Father, you are always more ready to listen than we to pray. You give us more than either we desire or deserve. Pour down your mercy on us, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things that we are not worthy to ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen
Sunday 29 August 'How deep the Father's love for us ...
I will not boast in anything:
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ:
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart:
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Why should I gain from his reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart:
His wounds have paid my ransom'.
Songwriters: Townend Stuart Christopher Andrew
Monday 30 August It’s the start of a new week. Looking at your diary you may be wondering how you are going to fit everything in. Perhaps it’s the opposite, you do not know how you are going to fill your time. Whatever the week holds for you, take time to commit it to God and when each day finishes thank him for the blessings he has given to you. ‘He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – he remains faithful for ever’. Psalm 146 verse 6
Tuesday 31 August Three questions to think about today. What 'waste' troubles you?, Why does it trouble you? Does having a Christian faith affect these reasons?​
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up. Proverbs chapter 21 verse 20
Wednesday 1 September God, investigate my life;
    get all the facts first hand.
I’m an open book to you;
    even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
    I’m never out of your sight.
You know everything I’m going to say
    before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you’re there,
    then up ahead and you’re there, too--
    your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful--
    I can’t take it all in!
 
Psalm 139 verse 1-6 The Message​
Thursday 2 September
Give to me your life
And all that burdens you
And I’ll give another
Clean and fresh and new
Mistakes and disappointments
Will all be cast away
A life that’s full of promise
Is yours this very day

Give to me your heart
Even though its torn in two
I'll lovingly repair it
I'll make it right for you
I'll take out all the bitterness
And clear away the pain
I'll chip away the hardened wall
Fill it with love again

Give to me your soul
I'll bathe it in my light
That you may walk with boldness
Perfect in my sight
My child, if you put yourself
Completely in my care 
Paradise is waiting
and I will lead you there
These amazing words are written by a member of our congregation
Friday 3 September 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' Philippians chapter 4 verse 13
​Saturday 4 September 
I recently heard about a young couple’s engagement and a friend’s son and partner expecting their first child. Good news is so welcome under normal circumstances but particularly so after the last few months of pandemic, natural disasters and conflict. The first thing you want to do when hearing good news is to share it. Let's share the good news of the gospel.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvellous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
    have worked salvation for him.
The Lord has made his salvation known
    and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
Psalm 98 verses 1-2
Sunday 5 September All things bright and beautiful All creatures great and small All things wise and wonderful The Lord God made them all
Monday 6 September Did you know that Zero Waste Week this year is from 6 – 10 September? Having a specific week in the year helps us focus on how we can commit to minimising waste at home, school and in the work place. This year’s Zero Waste Week is focusing on raising awareness about the environmental impact of waste. Simple changes can make a huge difference. ‘The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, But the earth He has given to the sons of men’. Psalm 115 verse 16
Tuesday 7 September Do you worry about tomorrow? Have I got enough money left to buy a meal for the family, who will look after me when I can't do it myself, will my child get a place at college or a job? We all worry about the future and yet God tells us time and again not to worry as he is caring for us. So stop worrying and enjoy the blessings God will give to you today. 'When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy'. Psalm 94 verse 19
Wednesday 8 September  'Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and he will lift you up'. James chapter 4 verse 10
Thursday 9 September When you cannot see
   I will lead you
When you cannot hear
   I will show you
When you cannot speak
   I will give you words
When you cannot walk
   I will carry you
When you cannot trust
   I will protect you
When you cannot understand
   I will explain
When you cannot smile
   I will comfort you
When you cannot stand alone
   I will be with you.
These words were written by a member of our congregation.
Friday 10 September Our Lord is great, with limitless strength;
    we’ll never comprehend what he knows and does.
God puts the fallen on their feet again
    and pushes the wicked into the ditch.
Sing to God a thanksgiving hymn,
    play music on your instruments to God,
Who fills the sky with clouds,
    preparing rain for the earth,
Then turning the mountains green with grass,
    feeding both cattle and crows.
He’s not impressed with horsepower;
    the size of our muscles means little to him.
Those who fear God get God’s attention;
    they can depend on his strength.
Psalm 147 verses 6-11 The Message
Saturday 11 September  It is hard to believe that the events of 9/11 took place 20 years ago today. Many remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the devastating news. Many died and others continue to live with the physical and emotional consequences of that day. It’s hard to understand why such atrocities can happen and how human beings can hate each other so much to cause such harm. God never promised us an easy pathway through life but he does promise an amazing future. 'For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever'. 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 verses 16-17
Sunday 12 September 'He's the First and the Last
The Beginning and End
At the sound of His cry
All the world came alive
And He formed us from dust
Put His breath in our lungs
We were made for His love
But we ran from the light
But He wouldn't give up
On His daughters and sons
So He took up the cross
And He laid down His life
Then He did what He said
When He rose from the dead
And He's coming back again'
​Matt Redman 'The Same Jesus'
Monday 13 September You may not believe in God
But He believes in you
And He is ready when you are.
Tuesday 14 September If you are dealing with a difficult decision today why not ask for God's guidance and then leave the outcome to Him?
I instruct you in the way of wisdom
    and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble'. Proverbs chapter 4 verses 11 and 12
Wednesday 15 September
Hear I am Lord Jesus
Search for me no more
Stand not outside knocking
Come through the open door
I saw you in the garden
With sweat upon your brow
But your work is finished
And I will serve you now
 
let my hands be your hands
Reaching out to touch
The lost and the broken
Those you love so much
Let my words be your words
Calling in the night
Drawing those who listen
From darkness into light
 
Lord I’ll tell the story
That you have told to me
About the man who lived and died
To set the sinner free
And when my task is over
I’ll say to you once more
‘Here I am Lord Jesus’
As I walk through Heaven’s door.
These words were written by a member of our congregation.
Thursday 16 September
In the book of Ezra chapter 7 verse 10 we read that Ezra had three challenges:

• to set his heart to study God's word;
• to live by God's word; and
• to tell others what God is saying.

A challenge for us today?
Friday 17 September Jesus said, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid'.
John chapter 14 verse 27
Saturday 18 September 
'Take my life, let it be everything, all of me
Here I am, use me for Your glory
In everything I say and do, let my life honour You
Here I am living for Your glory'
​Tim Hughes 'Living for Your Glory'
Sunday 19 September
Come, now is the time to worship
Come, now is the time to give your heart
Come, just as you are to worship
Come, just as you are before your God
Come
One day every tongue will confess You are God
One day every knee will bow
Still the greatest treasure remains for those
Who gladly choose You now
Songwriters: Brian Robert Doerksen
Monday 20 September
This is National Eye Health Week. Did you know that there are about 2 million people in the UK living with severe sight loss, half of which is avoidable? By having a simple eye test, it is possible to detect high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma and other health conditions. God has given us an amazing gift that we need to look after. The Bible mentions ‘eyes’ many times. Christ wants us to see clearly and live our lives to the full. It may be that we need help to do so, but don’t live in darkness. ‘Your eye is the lamp of the body. When your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light. But when it is bad, your body is also full of darkness’. Luke chapter 11 verse 34
Tuesday 21 September Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah chapter 41 verse 10
Wednesday 22 September A few words from UCB Word for the Day  'With a God who is tender enough to love and comfort us, yet strong enough to be our rock and our fortress, we can face what life throws at us and grow stronger as a result'. 'There is no fear in love ,,,,, perfect love casts out fear'. 1 John chapter 4 verse 18
Thursday 23 September ‘May God bless you and keep you, regardless of where you are on your life journey. May His son Jesus Christ accompany you in all the is before you and my and the Holy Spirit empower you to complete your journey with a calming, peaceful and reassuring smile’. Rev Fred Harrison
Friday 24 September Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.' Matthew chapter 22 verses 37 - 40
Wednesday 6 October The UCB Bible notes for today set us all a challenge. 'Are we serious about following Jesus?' It goes on to challenge us about the time we spend alone with God and reading the Bible.  'Jesus often withdrew .... and prayed' Luke chapter 5 verse 16
Thursday 7 October  'Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time:

• pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be,
• pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something.

If your life honours the name of Jesus, he will honour you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely'.
2 Thessalonians chapter 1 verses 11 and 12 The Message
Friday 8 October 
God my heavenly Father
I know that You are near
Giving strength and courage
Overcoming fear
 
You have always known me
I was part of Your plan
My life is Yours, make use of it
In any way You can
 
Lord I want to know You
I want to do Your will
Empty me of all I am
And with Your Spirit fill
 
I will look to You alone
In everything I do
For my hope, my joy, my life
Is found in loving You.
This beautiful poem was written by a member of our congregation
Saturday 9 October  'The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life'. Job chapter 33 verse 4
Sunday 10 October When I survey the wonderous cross on which the prince of glory died.
Monday 11 October Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace. Luke 1 verse 79
Tuesday 12 October You are unique. No one else is like you. Identical twins are different. Before you were born, God planned the life he had in mind for you and gave you the skills and gifts to live it successfully. As you live out your life are you confident that you are following the plan that God set out for you? ‘Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants’. Ephesians chapter 5 verse 17 
Wednesday 13 October May the peace of God, our heav'nly Father, And the grace of Christ, the risen Son, And the fellowship of God the Spirit Keep our hearts and minds within His love. And to Him be praise for His glorious reign; From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven We declare the name of the Lamb once slain-- Christ eternal, the King of Kings' Margaret Becker
Thursday 14 October A prayer for today.  'Take my life and let it be consecrated to Thee Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee' Songwriters: Kelly / Lloyd Webber / Steinberg
Friday 15 October 'Don’t get angry. Don’t get upset; it only leads to trouble’. Psalm 17 verse 8
Saturday 16 October 'You are ushering in another day, untouched and freshly new. So, here I come to ask you God, if you'll renew me too. Forgive the many errors that I made yesterday and let me try again dear Lord, to walk closer in your way. But Father I am well aware I can't make it on my own. So, take my hand and hold it tight for I can't walk alone'.  Helen Steiner Rice
Sunday 17 October 
Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Carl Boberg
Monday 18 October The death of Sir David Amess last week was a stark reminder that every day is precious. We do not know what our future holds. We assume that we will have a long and happy life but the reality is different. A diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, a fatal car crash or a terrorist act can have devastating results. Life is fragile. Are we ready to make the most of today? “The unknown is now known, and he’s calling for a radical life-change. He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And he has already appointed the judge, confirming him before everyone by raising him from the dead.” Acts chapter 17 verses 30 - 31
Tuesday 19 October 'Psalm 57 verse 7 tells us, 'My heart is steadfast'. May our hearts be fixed on our Heavenly Father as we live through these challenging times. 
​Wednesday 20 October 'God sent His son, they called him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and dies to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives'.
Gloria and William Gaither
Thursday 21 October It's a beautiful autumnal morning in Dunbar. The sun is shining. There isn't a cloud in the sky. The leaves on the trees are glistening in the bright light. 
'Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations'.
Psalm 100 verses 4 and  5
Friday 22 October 
'The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah chapter 3 verse 17
Saturday 23 October 
'Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out'. Ephesians chapter 6 verses 13 - 18 The Message
Sunday 24 October 
​'He is the Lord
Forever His truth shall reign
Heaven and Earth
Rejoice in His holy name
He is exalted the King is exalted on high'
Songwriter: Twila Paris
Monday 25 October 
'May your Kingdom come and what you want be done here on earth, as it is in Heaven'. Matthew 6 verse 10 Each time we say the Lord's prayer we say these words. Reach out to your Heavenly Father today for His will to be done and may you find His perfect plan unfold in your life. 
Tuesday 26 October 
‘…… so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of weaknesses to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first, I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the weaknesses and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so, the weaker I get, the stronger I become’. 2 Corinthians chapter 12 verses 9 and 10 The Message 
Wednesday 27 October Getting up in the dark is never easy. Somehow it doesn't seem right. In a few days time we will put our clocks back an hour and we will be able to enjoy light mornings once again for a few weeks. Darkness can make it hard just to complete simple tasks. It can make us feel alone and time can feel endless. In John's Gospel chapter 8 verse 12, Jesus said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'. Don't struggle in the darkness. Ask Christ to lighten your days.
Thursday 28 October Our parent and toddler group restarts today after many months of closure. It is a wonderful opportunity for young children to come and play with others. As adults we have a responsibility to help our young children grow and learn through these important early years in life. 'One day children were brought to Jesus in the hope that he would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus intervened: “Let the children alone, don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.” ' Matthew 19 verses 13-15 Please pray for young children throughout the world today, many of whom live in incredibly challenging situations. 
Friday 29 October 
Love always protects
Love always trusts
Love always hopes
Love always perseveres
Today, may you feel the Love of God as never before, today. 1 Corinthians 13 verses 4-8
Saturday 30 October ​'I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord'. Romans chapter 8 verses 38 and 39
Sunday 31 October 
'Thanks be to God
For his gift beyond words
The Son whom he loved
No, he did not with hold him
But with him gave everything
Now he's everything to me'
​Graham Kendrick 
Monday 1 November All Saints Day We all experience the death of a loved one or friend. We grieve the loss of mums, dads, wives, partners, brothers, sisters and friends. We remember those who took their own life and wonder what we could have done to help. As Christians, we believe that death is not the end of the road for us. God promises us, that as Christ died for us, we will have eternal life.  When we die, we will walk from one room to another and Christ will be waiting for us. 'Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John chapter 11 verses 25 - 26
Tuesday 2 November Dunbar featured on the national news on Sunday. It had nothing to do with John Muir or Torness Power Station or our fishing industry.
We were privileged to see the most spectacular display of the Northern Lights or aurora borealis. The dancing of the amazing colours is just wonderful. 'And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.’ And it was so'. Genesis chapter 1 verses 14 and 15
Wednesday 3 November 'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others'.
Philippians chapter 2 verses 3 and 4
Thursday 4 November 
'Thank God! Pray to him by name!
    Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
    translate his wonders into music!
Honour his holy name with Hallelujahs,
    you who seek God. Live a happy life!
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works;
    be alert for signs of his presence.
Remember the world of wonders he has made'
Psalm 105 verses 1 - 5
Friday 5 November Do you struggle to pray? Why not pray to know: 

• God better;
• the future for God's church; and
• God's power.

'I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people'
Ephesians chapter 1 verse 18
Saturday 6 November 
A good friend died yesterday. We will all miss her cheery smile and caring nature. For her family, it will feel as if time is standing still and life’s purpose has gone. In these difficult times, God gives us just enough light to help us see the way forward and that’s all we need.
‘Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me’.
Psalm 23
Please pray for those who have lost loved ones this week that they may feel God’s loving presence close to them.
Sunday 7 November 'Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
​Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name
The sun comes up
It's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing
When the evening comes'
Matt Redman
Monday 8 November 'If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved'. Romans chapter 10 verse 8 
Tuesday 9 November When everything seems to be going wrong and it feels as if life is running out of control just ‘Be still and know that I am God’. Psalm 46 verse 10
Wednesday 10 November Psalm 106 verse 1 says, ‘Thank the Lord for he is good, His love endures forever’. We worship God, knowing that what we receive from him is far greater than anything we do for Him.  As you worship God today, thank and praise Him for all that He has done for you.
Thursday 11 November Do you remember the song by Lynda Randle? It begins, 
'One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking of You
Just give me the strength to do every day
What I have to do.
Yesterday's gone, sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
God help me today
Show me the way
One day at a time'
Why not use these words as a prayer for today?
The Lord is my light and my salvation
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life
    of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27 verse 1
Friday 12 November 
'A gentle response defuses anger,
    but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire'.
​Proverbs chapter 15 verse 1
Saturday 13 November 
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John chapter 15 verse 13
Sunday 14 November 
'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them'.
Laurence Binyon
'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John chapter 15 verse 13
Monday 15 November Today National Clean Out You Fridge Day. Old food goes to the back of our fridge as we put new food at the front. Apparently, our vegetable and meat drawers are the dirtiest spots in our kitchen! What about our day to day lives? Do we need a National Clean Up Our Lives Day? It’s so easy to push things that we don’t want to deal with to the back of our minds in the hope that it will eventually go away. Sadly, that doesn’t happen and what starts as a small problem grows into something that it is even harder to deal with. Today could be the day to deal with those issues and ask God’s forgiveness. 'Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you'.
1 Peter chapter 5 verses 6 and 7
Tuesday 16 November  'God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him ...... He loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God'. 1 John chapter 4 from verses 7-10
Wednesday 17 November It's so easy to feel down during the winter months. Pitch dark mornings, cold biting winds, depressing news stories. The list can go on. We get so focused on the negative side of life that we forget the many blessings God has given us. Let's focus on the good things today.
God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews chapter 13 verse 5
Thursday 18 November Never forget; 'You are the apple of God's eye' Zechariah chapter 2 verse 8
Friday 19 November 
There is an amazing character in the Bible called Rhoda. There was a knock at her door and she went to answer it. Before she opened the door, she recognised Peter's voice. He had just been released from prison. She was so excited to tell everyone in the house that she left Peter standing in the street and forgot to open the door! Can you remember a time when you got so excited that you forgot to do what you meant to do? Perhaps it is a childhood memory. Let's be passionate about our Christian faith and share it with someone today. 'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations' Matthew chapter 28 verse 19
Saturday 20 November Today is World Children's Day . Each year the United Nations use the 20 November to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. 'The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how inequality affects the rights of every child. From climate change, education and mental health, to ending racism and discrimination, children and young people are raising their voices on the issues that matter to their generation and calling for adults to create a better future'. United Nations Pray today for the children of our world.  'Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew chapter 19 verse 14
Sunday 21 November 
'So, amid the conflict
Whether great or small
Do not be disheartened
God is over all
Count your many blessings
Angels will attend
Help and comfort give you
To your journey's end
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done'
Monday 22 November
Whether this is the beginning of a new week for you or part way through the middle, let's prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead and be mindful of the many blessings we will received. 
'God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out'.
Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10 - 18 The Message
Tuesday 23 November An ex rugby player ran 101 miles to raise money for a good friend suffering from motor neuron disease. The last mile, inevitably, was the hardest. Along the way he had a support team to encourage him, feed him and keep him going. God never promised us an easy life but he does promise to be with us each step of the way. 'Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?' Hebrews chapter 13 verses 5 and 6
Wednesday 24 November Getting up in these dark, wintry mornings means that the stars are still visible in the sky. Praise God for His wonderful creation. 
​'Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
    in the heavens.
When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?
Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!'
Psalm 8 verses
Thursday 25 November No matter our age, our physical or mental ability we are all God's workers, working together. Are you too busy to help with God's work or are you so busy helping in church you have no time to spend with God? Remember, we do not work for God but rather God wants us to work with him! Co-workers with God. 'As co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, 'In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God's favour, not is the day of salvation'. 2 Corinthians chapter 6 verses 1 and 2
Friday 26 November  ‘I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.’ Psalm chapter 16 verse 8
Saturday 27 November After a night of winds reaching at least 80 miles per hour and lashing rain, there is one verse that is appropriate for today. 'Be still and know that I am God'. Psalm 46 verse 10
Sunday 28 November 
'In the bleak mid winter .....
What can I give him?
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would give a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
But what I can I give him
Give him my heart
Give him my heart'
Monday 29 November Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Church of England Prayer for Today
Tuesday 30 November A few words taken from the UCB 'Word for Today'
'Choose the best opportunity you see,
pray about it,
do the best with it that you can, and 
keep going until you have done everything possible to make it happen. 
And when you have done your best - trust God to do the rest'.
​'Make the most of every opportunity'.
Ephesians chapter 5 verse 16
Wednesday 1 December 
'God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
    He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
    And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
    gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
    young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
    they walk and don’t lag behind'.
Psalm 40 verses 28-31 The Message
Thursday 2 December 
'A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated'.
Proverbs chapter 14 verse 17
Saturday 5 December 'Then I said, Listen. Listen carefully: Don’t stay stuck in your ways!
    It’s God’s Message we’re dealing with here.
Let your lives glow bright before God
    before he turns out the lights,
Before you trip and fall
    on the dark mountain paths'.
Jeremiah chapter 13 verse 15
Sunday 5 December O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel'.
Monday 6 December ​'When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins'. I Corinthians chapter 4 verse 5
Tuesday 7 December 
Losing a member of the family or a good friend is hard. It doesn't matter if they have been ill for a long time or it has happened suddenly, the loss we feel is still the same.  It’s particularly difficult as Christmas approaches. God made many promises but one in particular is precious to all those who believe and have lost loved ones. Jesus said to her (Martha), “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
John chapter 11 verses 24 and 25. Can you answer Christ’s question with confidence?
Wednesday 8 December Are you going to be dealing with a difficult situation today or making important decisions? I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble'. Proverbs chapter 4 verses 11 - 12
Thursday 9 December 
'When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told'. 
Luke chapter 2 verses 17 to 20
Friday 10 December 'Be near me Lord Jesus 
I ask you to stay close by me for ever
And love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care 
And fit us for heaven to live with thee there'.
Saturday 11 December 
“But I, yes I, am the one
    who takes care of your sins—that’s what I do.
    I don’t keep a list of your sins".
​Isaiah chapter 43 verse 25
Sunday 12 December 
'Joy to the world!
The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
He rules the world with truth and grace
Let the earth receive her King!'
Songwriters: G. F. Handel / Isaac Watts
Monday 13 December 
'I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness'
John chapter 12 verse 46
Tuesday 14 December 'What can I give him?
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would give a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
But what I can I give him
Give him my heart'
Wednesday 16 December 
'Child in the manger, infant of Mary
Outcast and Stranger, Lord of us all
Child Who inherits all our transgressions
All our demerits upon Him fall'
Thursday 17 December
'Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With th’angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”'
Tuesday 21 December 
'O holy Child of Bethlehem,
    Descend to us, we pray!
Cast out our sin and enter in,
    Be born in us to-day.
We hear the Christmas angels,
    The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
    Our Lord Emmanuel!'
Wednesday 22 December
'And our eyes
At last shall see Him
Through His own redeeming love
For that child, so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in heaven above
And He leads His children along
To the place where He is gone'
Thursday 23 December 
"May I come with you, shepherd boy piping merrily
Come with you to Bethlehem?
Pay my homage too at the new King's cradle
Is it far to Bethlehem?"
Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:
"Dance and sing for joy that Christ the new born King
Is born in the stable yonder, born for you and me."
Friday 24 December 
"All glory be to God on high
And on the earth be peace
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease"
Saturday 25 December 
​'For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace'.
Sunday 26 December 
'O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
​Christ the Lord'
Monday 27 December
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'.
Philippians chapter 4 verse 13
Tuesday 28 December
'Accept God's gift and become the beautiful creature that God intends each one of us to be.
God made you and God made you beautiful and no one can ever take that away from you.'
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Wednesday 29 December 
The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
​Psalm 19 verses 1 - 4
Thursday 30 December
'God…devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him'.
2 Samuel 14:14, NIV