Hello everyone,
Many years ago now a famous comedian was asked by an interviewer whether he was happy as the interviewer was aware the comedian had had a colourful and complicated life. We are talking issues with drink, multiple relationships, you get the picture. Expecting a pithy and funny reply the comedian became serious for a moment and said some days he was more happy than the previous day, others days he was less happy than the previous days but that he was never happy. Happiness was a fleeting thing that people looked for but could never hold onto.
I found that a very profound response and one that fitted with my Christian understanding where the Bible didn’t really talk about having happiness but spoke a lot about having joy. Whilst happiness was fleeting and could come and go depending on circumstances, joy was the very opposite. It sticks around, it is a response to the gift of grace and the gift of Jesus. We have joy irrespective of what happens in this world because of God.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
When you are out and about this week, give thanks that our joy is in the Lord and it will never be taken away!
Read Think Pray Act - For each day, read the passage, think about the passage, say the prayer and then consider what impact the passage might have on you. (Read/Think/Pray/Act)
So….
- Pause and be still before God
- Read the passage,
- Think about the passage,
- Say the prayer
- Listen for what God is calling us to do today
(Read/Think/Pray/Act)
After the reading and thinking, we suggest everyone pray this prayer:
Dear God, thank you for your word, may it speak to my heart this day.
Help me see your Kingdom and through my actions, let your kingdom come.
Amen.
Readings:
Monday, July 15, 2024: Acts 21:27-39
Tuesday, July 16, 2024: Acts 23:12-35
Wednesday, July 17, 2024: Luke 7:31-35
Thursday, July 18, 2024: Colossians 1:15-23
Friday, July 19, 2024: Acts 17:16-31
Saturday, July 20, 2024: Luke 18:35-43
Sunday, July 21, 2024: No readings, we worship with others in church
Locums
There is a new form out, if you are looking to employ a Locum, please use the one attached. It has also been updated on the CoS website.
CrossReach
The Church of Scotland is the largest non-public care giver in Scotland. It is one of the ways we put our faith into practice up and down the land. See attached for some info from CrossReach.
Holiday
I will be on holiday from next Monday for a couple of weeks and will be leaving you in Peter’s capable hands! See you all when I get back. (pwood@churchofscotland.org.uk)
Don’t forget to find that joy!
God Bless
Norman
