CNC Daily Psalms

Today we finish our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we have uploaded a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you have found them helpful and that they brought hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Previous reflections are available on our website. Read Psalm 150  Listen to Psalm 150 We have reached the end of our pilgrimage through the Psalter. On our travels we have ascended the heights of vast sunlit mountains and descended through the darkness of deep valleys. We have heard of kings in all their majesty and been told of babies being formed in the secret place. From the highest heaven to the depth of the grave, through plagues, wars and attacks by our enemies, through tears of joy and wails of sorrow, we have had one constant travelling companion –  God. We started these reflections during a time of pandemic as we were about to enter a lockdown. At the time of writing, many parts of the country are facing further restrictions and partial lockdowns. The Covid-19 pandemic is still with us. But more importantly, God is still with us and he is for us. It won't be long before we start thinking about Christmas, if we haven't already. The time of year when we remember Emmanuel - God with us. God loved us so much that he became one of us. Sending his son, Jesus, to live with us. He died for us, and rose again, so that all who may believe in him will have eternal life. What else can we do except praise him? Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

We are coming to the end of our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we have uploaded a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you have found them helpful and that they brought hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Previous reflections are available on our website. Read Psalm 149  Listen to Psalm 149 This Sunday we are beginning a new series looking at the practice of Lament, where we consider why it is important to remember what we miss. I am struck that at the beginning of Psalm 149 there is both a call for creativity and togetherness. The invitation to sing to God a new song highlights the way that throughout generations people have worshipped God through all different kinds of music and art. I love listening to worship music from other cultures and in other styles (screamo punk worship in particular!). It is a good reminder that people have always worshipped God in different ways. God is unchanging and constant but he has made us a creative people and each generation sings a new song to him. If you are struggling with the practice of worship at present perhaps exploring multicultural expressions of worship might offer new freshness? Lord, help us to sing you a new song with our worship today.

We are coming to the end of our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we have uploaded a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you have found them helpful and that they brought hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Previous reflections are available on our website. Read Psalm 148  Listen to Psalm 148 The last five songs of the book of Psalms are about one thing: praising God. Psalm 146 sees an individual praising God… Psalm 147 has the people of God praising the Lord together. In this psalm we see heavenly praise (verses 1-6) and earthly praise (verses 7-12), where the whole of the cosmos and the earth are commanded to praise their creator. We have all been amazed by the beauty and splendour of the photographs from the Voyager mission and the Hubble telescope. They cause us to draw breath as we see in them the hand of God! We also are commanded to praise God (verses 13-14). During the pandemic it lifts our spirit to enjoy ‘creation appreciation'. We do not worship the creation rather we worship its amazing creator God. God is not preoccupied with his own glory that excludes others from it. The opposite is true. His plan is to share his glory with people who turn to him. Note this amazing truth about his people in verse 14, are described as ‘the people close to his heart'. God has given Jesus as a horn/strong one/king. Even more reason to praise and adore him! I can't wait to go for a walk and let the creation lift my spirit to my wonderful creator God and saviour, who has made himself known to me. O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder, consider all the works thy hand hath made…then sings my soul… how great thou art…

We are coming to the end of our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we have uploaded a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you have found them helpful and that they brought hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Previous reflections are available on our website. Read Psalm 147  Listen to Psalm 147 ‘How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!' Only he is worthy of our praise, but it helps us feel God's presence and lifts our spirits. We have not been able to sing out when together recently, but we can praise with our bodies and instruments (verse 7). When we do meet together we can mouth the words behind our masks! I wonder if God is missing the sound of groups of his people singing his praises? Put a praise CD on and sing! Some of us are not feeling joyful at the moment and find it hard to praise, but we are assured that God heals us and binds our wounds as he did for the Israelites returning after being exiled - many broken hearted, wounded and downtrodden (verses 2-3). God's majesty is seen throughout the universe, he knows and names each star. It is estimated there are 1 billion trillion in the observable universe, but only God knows the exact number. He is infinite in existence, power and knowledge (Isaiah 40:28) and yet he provides for all his creation. Jerusalem is asked to praise him for he provides security, future, peace and provision. He continues to do the same for us now. Israel was uniquely chosen to be receivers and guardians of God's revealed word (Romans 3:2). They took their responsibility seriously and were careful to recite, learn and preserve the Hebrew Scriptures and knew they should obey his commands (Deuteronomy 7:11). We have God's word revealed in Jesus, but the Hebrew Scriptures are also important to us and help us to know more of God and his nature. We praise you God for your majesty and power seen in creation, and thank you for your love and provision for each one of us.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 146  Listen to Psalm 146 The last five psalms are often called the “Hallelujah Psalms” because they all start and end with the Hebrew word "Hallelujah". In the earlier psalms, we have seen the writers' griefs, sins, doubts, fears defeats and victories. We have encountered rebellious words and struggling faith. All this is behind us now. In these final psalms every word is praise. This psalm also sets out to persuade men to trust in God, and in him alone (verses 3-4). ‘Nobody that is only human can save you.' There are examples in the Bible of people who trusted God with their lives - Noah, Abram, Elijah, Daniel and many others. Who do we trust in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic? Our leaders can make rules that we may keep to protect us from Covid-19 and they all have different views on how best to cope, but really don't know how to balance being strict with keeping the economy going, etc. It is God who we must trust to see us through. In John 6:68 in answer to a question from Jesus, Peter says “to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life we believe and know you are the Holy One of God.” (Psalm 91 also has much to say about God's protection for those who love him). Verses 5-9 go on to list some of the reasons why we should trust him and verse 10 ends with a statement of God's eternal sovereignty and a final “Praise the Lord”. Lord, you have the words of eternal life. Drive this deep into our hearts that we may trust you through all the trials of life and say at the end “Praise the Lord”.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 145  Listen to Psalm 145 Praise! Praise! Praise! David will praise God every day and lift his Name high. Other generations before him have been praising God and telling of his glory. David thinks of the amazing things God has done and with those earlier generations of Israelites celebrates God's great goodness, his compassion, patience and love for his creation. He looks to the future when all that God has made will acknowledge what he has done and talk of the glory of God and his strength. God's kingdom is going to last for ever. God keeps his promises and supports people who are struggling with life's events. The Lord is generous in his provision for people as they turn to him for help. God always does what is right, loves everything he has created and comes close to people who call out to him. David says that God hears when people call to him and saves them but those who are not faithful to him (i.e. 'the wicked') he will bring to nothing. David finishes by reaffirming that he will continue to praise God and calls for all creation to praise the Lord throughout eternity. Psalm 145 is wall-to-wall praise, as David writes of the praise God has always received from his people. Lord, may we too show our thanks for your love and care by praising you every day.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 144  Listen to Psalm 144 As I read this song, I see David the fugitive hiding in the caves on the Judean hills. King Saul is full of hatred and his army is in pursuit to eliminate God's chosen king. The conflict is one sided. Saul deceives, shakes David's hand with a smile, whilst clutching a knife to stab him in the back (The Message verses 8 and 11). David however plays by the rules, for God trains him to fight fair and well (verses 1-2). God is his rock and security. A stronghold and fortress on the slippery heights. Yet he is amazed and humbled by the fact that God “bothers with him.” David says what is ethereal man that you care for him? (verses 3-4). During unfair conflict, it is Ok to shout at God (verses 5-6) and demand supernatural intervention. So be real with God. We all have battles we are fighting in our life circumstances: temptation, anxiety, fear depression, financial distress, health, work, or relationships (Nicky Gumbel). We have an adversary, Satan, who hates those who follow Jesus. Christ is the one who stepped down from Heaven (verse 5) and gives us the victory (verse 10). In the last verses, David is now singing a new song of praise and vows commitment to his saviour and dedication of his family to follow God. As he makes that covenant, he sees blessings for his children and prosperity for the land. “No cry of distress in the streets” (verse 14). Blessed are the people who have all this who let God be their Lord (The Message verse 15). Lord, as we face another pandemic where people will die prematurely and lack of prosperity due to unemployment; help me to realise you care for even me and your ear is open to my voice. The final victory is yours.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 143  Listen to Psalm 143 I was struck afresh when reading this psalm that even with all the poetic writing there is raw honesty expressed, changing throughout the psalm from fear, depression, anxiety and reminiscence, to longing, trust, as well as humility and confidence. The psalmist lets it all hangout. Thankfully Father God can cope with our honesty. He longs for us to come to him. But what also comes over is that through all of this the writer is convinced of two things, the unshakeable goodness and lovingkindness of God and also the simple statements: ‘You are my God', ‘I am your servant'. This week I went out for a coffee with a friend. We sat down, blankets to hand, and a waiter came and took our order, and a little while later our drinks arrived, which we enjoyed and then later our cups were taken away. This was what I expected to happen, I was served. There was no debate about what I should have for a drink, nor was I later told to put on my marigolds and start washing up! Unlike my waiter we are more than servants, we are children of God, but following Jesus we are called to lay down our lives daily, taking up our cross in obedience and service. Father, you are my God, I am your servant. I surrender to you in Jesus name.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 142  Listen to Psalm 142 Have you ever felt misunderstood, or have had to deal with huge pressure in relationships, all on your own? This was David's experience here. This psalm was written before David became king. Here he was hiding out from Saul. God had told Saul that David would become king. Saul wild with jealousy, tried to kill David, hence the hideout. David had hit rock bottom; his mental health was not good, yet his instinctive reaction was to ‘cry… to the Lord' (verse 1).  David was abandoned by others, but not by God. God is his ‘refuge' (a safe place to go for safety) and his ‘portion' (his delight). He did not bottle up his emotions (verse 6), he expected to be praising God again for his help in the future (verse 7). Our mental health is important and being open about our emotions and to be able to pray and share with someone else, is key to good mental health. We know that because of Covid-19 there is pressure on everyone's mental health. Do you know someone who is feeling overwhelmed because of the pandemic? Can you be that listening ear for them? What do you do when you are going through tough times, do you cry out to God and talk to someone? When Jesus was under pressure in the Garden of Gethsemane, he made sure he was not alone. Let's make sure we do the same! ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…' (Matthew 11:28).

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 141  Listen to Psalm 141 Psalm 141 seems a very useful one if you are someone who (like me!) often finds it hard to not wade mouth first into confrontation. It would be useful as well as a prayer at the beginning of the day before a difficult conversation or meeting. Asking God to be Lord over our mouths before we speak can be a useful way of reminding ourselves that it is possible to change long held habits. God is in the work of transformation and one of the most fantastic ways we can see that happening is through his work in us. At the moment it seems all around us is division, arguing and uncertainty - whether on the news or at the dinner table. Verse 8 of the psalm asks God to be a place of refuge. When we feel secure often we are able to approach potentially inflammatory situations with kindness and grace rather than aggression. What is the holy spirit inviting you to say to those you encounter this week? Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil. 

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 140  Listen to Psalm 140 This psalm is a prayer for deliverance from the plots and slander of unscrupulous enemies. Many times in David's life, he suffered under the pressure of evil and violent men. This desperate song came from such a time (probably when he was in hiding from Saul) and shows its urgency by not beginning with praise or contemplation. David went straight to his plea. Verses 1-7: The more danger appears, the more earnest we should be in prayer to God. We should especially pray, that the Lord would hold up our daily coming and going and that our footsteps do not slip. God is as able to keep us from false accusation or unjustified attacks and the experience we have had of his power and care, in dangers of one kind, may encourage us to depend upon him in other dangers (see also Matthew 5:11-12). Verses 8-11: David appeals to God to thwart and punish the unrighteous who threaten him but in verses 12-13 he is content to leave things to God rather than exact revenge himself. A good lesson for us too (see Romans 12:17). Lord, one day everyone will have to stand before you where everything in our lives is exposed. May we remember this when we are wronged, that we can be confident that we can leave justice to you alone.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 139:13-24  Listen to Psalm 139:13-24 God shaped me physically and “my inmost being" – the “me" - my mind, my soul I am amazed at how l have been constructed. The things you create Lord are truly wonderful. You have known me longer than anyone. From the moment those two single cells met “in the secret place". You were there in the ensuing months as my whole being was formed – all the changes that happened until I became a human being capable of independent existence. You knew how many days or years you have planned for me. God's thoughts are important to me. How many there are to think about. But there are people who oppose God and me. They don't love him and speak evil of him. They use his Name wrongly. Verses 21 and 22 are strongly worded with abhorrence and hate for God's enemies. The psalmist wishes God would kill the wicked people as he declares his loyalty to God. Finally he wants God to do a review of his life and assess him. He asks God to look at his heart and tell him if he is offending God. He finishes by praying that God will lead him into everlasting life. Thank you Father, that you know every part of me, every cell of me. I want to follow you in this life and into the eternity which you have promised to those who accept Jesus' sacrifice for them.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 139:1-12  Listen to Psalm 139:1-12 The first time I read this psalm and really thought about what it was saying was some decades ago. I was really stopped in my tracks by it: God, the omnipotent, omniscient God, creator of the universe, knows. HE knows what I'm doing – staying in, going out. God knows all the details in my life. He even knows what I'm thinking (all those negative thoughts!). He is aware of my characteristics, how I will react in certain circumstances. God knows what I have been like all my life. He knows before I speak when I'm going to open my mouth and speak before I've engaged my brain. But he also surrounds me (behind and before), his hand is on me – the hand of a father on his child seeking to direct me and protect me. This is amazing. I don't know how to cope with this knowledge of your involvement with me Lord. I acknowledge God that your Holy Spirit is everywhere so I am always in your presence. No matter where I go, even right across the world. If I set off in the early hours your hand is there to guide me and hold me. I can't get away from you God even when it's dark. Darkness means nothing to you. You can see, it's always light where you are. If I travel as far as I can, you, God are there guiding me and looking after me. How do I deal with this awareness of your great concern for me Lord? Lord, I am amazed at your care for me that is so great you never “go off duty" and are looking after me twenty-four/seven. Thank you for such continual love.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 138  Listen to Psalm 138 A song that celebrates God's love and faithfulness to you (verse 2) and a clear promise that he will ultimately fulfil his purpose for you (verse 8). It opens with a great “Thank you. Everything in me says 'Thank you.' Angels listen as I sing my thanks” (The Message). Then we focus on the character of God revealed in his holy name and powerful Word. Moving on the psalmist affirms that when we call out in prayer God answers. Sometimes “yes” or “no” or “not yet.” From this prayerful relationship he makes us bold with strength (verse 3). God's written Word in action is not just a private issue for us to enjoy. It is for the earth's leaders who one day will acknowledge his greatness and yet his involvement and care for the individual - “He knows everything about us” (The Message verse 6). Verse 7 affirms that we will face troubles, sickness, exhaustion and temptation but God will preserve and defend us and provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Therefore we can pray “Finish what you started in me God” (The Message verse 8). And God replies “He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus' return” (Philippians 1:6). As we face restrictions, isolation and fear from the Covid-19 pandemic let us claim these promises. I find giving thanks and praise to God for who he is and what he has done through Christ is good medicine for daily life! Lord, thank you for your amazing love and faithfulness and that I am on your agenda. Help me to live a life of love and be faithful.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 137  Listen to Psalm 137 A lament in the time of Covid-19. By the live streams of YouTube and Zoom, we sat and wept     when we remembered our gatherings. There on the stands     we hung our unplayed guitars, tormented by the pandemic,     mocking and demanding: ‘Sing your worship songs!' How can we sing the songs of the Lord     while wearing a facemask? In this strange land of social distancing,     let me not forget when we gathered together, where we could sing and celebrate,     in our hundreds and thousands, about the new Jerusalem, the heavenly city,     before the throne of God and of the Lamb. Our buildings may have closed     but your church, Lord, is still active. One day the coronavirus will be gone,     doomed by vaccine or cure. Cast out this plague from our land     and teach us a new song in praise of you. Dear Lord, teach us how to sing your songs in this strange land. You can find a selection of worship songs recorded by the CNC Worship Team on our YouTube channel or by clicking on this page.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 136:10-26  Listen to Psalm 136:10-26 “His mercy endures forever.” We see this phrase repeated in each of the twenty-six verses in this psalm. Picture a great multitude of the people of God gathered in the temple courts, where a priest or Levite would call out a reason to give God thanks, and his people would respond with the phrase. Why do we use repetition? As time goes by, we tend to forget things, but repeating anything will definitely help us to remember. It is also used when we want to stress that something is important and to make a point, so that we take note of what is being said. If we believe something is significant we cannot keep silent and we want to keep saying it! So let us repeat the response now, as it must be important. Here are several different translations of the phrase. Why not read them slowly and take in their meaning:     His mercy is unchanging forever.     His grace continues forever     His loving kindness endures forever.     God's faithful love lasts for ever     His love is eternal.     His steadfast love endures forever.     His loyal love endures forever.     His loving kindness is everlasting.     His kindness never fails.     His love never quits. In the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:17-24), the son knew his father's love was true and for ever and was sure he could return home even though he had let him down badly. The story is a picture of how God's love is non-judgmental and endures for ever. His love for us all just keeps going on and on. Thank you Lord, that your steadfast love never ceases.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 136:1-9  Listen to Psalm 136:1-9 This is a great psalm of praise and has a repeated response phrase which is seen in several other places in scripture. A priest or Levite would call out the reasons to give thanks and the response would be said or sung by the ordinary people. The psalm follows a familiar pattern of praise and remembrance: It starts by praising God for who he is, then celebrates God as supreme creator providing all we need. It moves on to remember the deliverance from Egypt and gives hope, faith and confidence to his people for the moment and the future. The way that Yahweh provided guidance, food, water, victory and the Promised Land in the amazing story of survival is then described. How well God looked after thousands of people in such a hostile place for 40 years! I have enjoyed looking at old family photographs recently. My Dad was one of six and for several years Grandma and her children with their spouses and the sixteen grandchildren all went on holiday together. I'm afraid we took over quite a large portion of any beach we went to! We also had a big family party at Christmas - hiring church halls to accommodate us all. Everyone got on so well and it helped to keep relationships healthy from year to year. It is good to remember happy times. So let us remember how God has delivered us from our sin and provided for us in the past. The Israelites didn't have photographs and most didn't have the written word and so it was important for the people to be reminded by singing and speaking out their history. Thank you Lord, that you have provided for us in the past and we trust you to provide for us in the future.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 135  Listen to Psalm 135 Praise the Lord. Psalm 135 begins and ends with this phrase. It is a call for stirring, passionate praise to God. “Praise Him, you servants of the Lord” refers to the priests and Levites who would stand in the house of the Lord for priestly and temple duties. “In the courts of the house of our God” may speak of the people of Israel in general, who as worshippers had no access to the house of the Lord. (Only priests could enter the holy place). The common man could stand in the courts of the house of God. This was a call to all God's people to praise him. How much better for us that since Jesus' death and resurrection everyone can have access to the Father at any time. Do we remember to praise him in our daily lives whilst we are working, relaxing, washing up, out in the countryside, etc.? The praise continues:- Verses 5-7 Praising God who creates all things. Verses 8-12 Praising God who redeems His people. Verses 13-14 Exalting the greatness of God. God is, and will be always, the same to his church, a gracious, faithful, wonder-working God and thus his name will endure for ever. Verses 15-18 warns the people against idolatry and all false worship, by showing what sort of gods the heathen worshipped and the psalm finishes with a further exhortation for everyone to praise the Lord. Father, please remind us that we were made to worship you and we can praise you anywhere and anytime.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 134  Listen to Psalm 134 This psalm is an exhortation to bless the Lord. Though the first song of ascents found the psalmist in the dire straits of alien territory, this last one finds God's servants serving him day and night in his house. God's servants here are the Levites. The worshipers were probably leaving the temple after an evening service where they were urging the priests to worship God even as they attend to the burnt offerings which continued day and night. When they lift up their hands to the Lord, they are recognizing him as the object of their worship. The Levites respond by giving final blessings to the pilgrims as they depart Zion to go home. Paul tells us to “rejoice in the Lord always.” I suspect that most of us start the day with prayer and whilst we may not be called to pray through the night it is a good habit to, at least, remember God in praise as we go to sleep and thank him for the events of the day. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 133  Listen to Psalm 133 Psalm 133 praises the power of the unity of God's people. As I read it I am also reminded of Ephesians 4, where Paul encourages the Ephesians to unite around Christ. Unity is not the same as uniformity, but is the power of God's people knowing and being equipped to serve God and each other. During lockdown we have discovered new gifts in lots of people through technology, editing, pastoral care and more! The church is the body of Christ - when we are united around Jesus we can do extraordinary things in the world. Perhaps this pandemic is a reminder that, whilst our different churches may worship in different ways we all have a call to become more like Jesus and reach out to the community around us. God, please help us to find Spirit filled unity.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 132  Listen to Psalm 132 Psalm 132 references the experience of David in his quest to build the temple. We learn in 1 Chronicles 17 that David desires to build a temple to God to give a proper place for worship. However God, through the prophet Nathan, tells David that it will in fact be his son that will fulfil this wish. In these times where meeting to worship is very different to ‘normal' we may echo the desire of David. However, unlike David, we know that because of the gospel, through the power of the Holy Spirit, God can be worshipped in all places. Perhaps this time of Covid is an opportunity to discover what it means to worship God in our homes? The end of the psalm looks towards David's children - his legacy. How might our experience of this pandemic equip us to serve the next generation in worship? God, we miss worshipping you all together in song. Please teach us more of you as we learn to worship in different ways.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 131  Listen to Psalm 131 I was once helped to see that I could be proud and self-centred when one of my church leadership team said to me, “Roger, be more of a servant and put the chairs out.” The man was a true servant, I needed to heed this comment. This psalm is about having a humble dependence on God and not being ‘me centred'. In verse 1, David points out two areas that we need to watch if we are to be humble and not me centred. First our heart. When our heart is proud, we take the credit that belongs to God, we also look down on other people. Jesus could have claimed his status, yet ‘he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross!' (Philippians 2:8). Will we humble ourselves? Second our eyes. The Bible says, ‘For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world' (1 John 2:16). The world offers us so many enticing things which we see and go after. Let us be careful not to let our culture feed our appetites. Taking note of these will help us not to be me centred, but to trust in God like a small child (verse 2). Jesus, help me to deny myself, take up my cross and to follow you. I want my life not to be about me, but about you.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 130  Listen to Psalm 130 This psalm starts in the depths (verses 1-2), yet ends in solid hope (verses 7-8). We all have had times of being in the depths, I certainly have. The key to ending in hope is to cry out to God. We need to get real with God, not glossing over the harshness of the situation, but looking to God for his help. We do not need to get our life sorted out before coming to him. In tough times we are prone to blame ourselves thinking, ‘This has happened because of my sin years ago!' Corrie ten Boom, who was a Holocaust survivor, said ‘God takes our sins and puts them in the depths of the sea and put up a sign which reads, “No fishing.”' Let's not go over old mistakes, because God does not ‘keep a record of sin' and is a God of forgiveness (verses 3-4). The psalmist may still be in tough times, yet his spirit is hopeful that God's answer will come (verses 5-6). Hope in the Bible is not wishful thinking but is a certainty (Hebrews 11:1). Are you good at waiting? I am not great at it. He and we must learn to wait, trusting God for his help. Whatever tough times you are going through, lets trust in God's unfailing love for us (verse 7)! Lord Jesus, you know my situation, my spirit cries out to you for mercy and help. I praise you for your forgiveness and unfailing love.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 129  Listen to Psalm 129 The psalmist looks back to the past and though he and the Israelites were oppressed, God delivered them. His suffering was intense, but God cut him free from the enemy. He describes his suffering with a vivid picture of deep furrows on his back. Could this be a picture of what was to come for Jesus (John 19:1)? Jews have continued to be slandered and persecuted through the centuries, but have survived. The church has also seen persecution and still does in many countries, but it continues grow. How would my faith stand up under torture and pain? We may not have physical persecution, but do you have someone getting at your back constantly because of your faith? There are Christians today who suffer much for their faith. Let's pray for them to be strong in the Lord and know his presence with them. The writer faces the enemies with defiance (verse 5) and prays for God to confound those that hate Zion. He uses another picture which would speak to people of that day. Grass sprouting on the flat, sun baked housetops, would shoot up to start with, but would wither in the heat of the sun and so there would be no harvest. He doesn't want them to suffer as he has, but asks God to make the enemy wither and not flourish or prosper and for them to miss out on God's blessing. Lord, we are thankful for the times when you have rescued us. Help us to be strong in our faith when we face adversity and be prepared to speak out your truth and love.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 128  Listen to Psalm 128 This psalm suggests that a blessed home is based on fearing the Lord and walking in his ways. Our homes may not be ideal, but this blessing is available to all who will honour and respect God and isn't dependent on race, class, education or intelligence, but rather a life of obedience. Although God cares for us, we are to work for a living (verse 2). We know deep down that we are happiest when we have work to do, strength to do it, and a fair return for what we have done. Volunteering can also bring blessing and a sense of doing God's work. Jesus knew this in his life: "My food is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" (John 4:34). The pilgrim journeys to Jerusalem were usually made as families, so it makes sense for there to be attention given to family relationships in the Songs of Ascents. Children and grandchildren will be a blessing. Good wives may not all be able to have children, but can be fruitful in other ways e.g. kindness, helpfulness, etc. Although ‘He that finds a wife finds a good thing,' later in scripture, singleness is also a calling of God – Jesus was single and this can be a blessing. To the Israelite, blessings came out of Zion (verse 5), which they regarded as God's earthly dwelling-place. When we think of where a lot of Jesus' ministry took place, where he died and rose again for us and where the gospel was first preached, we are all blessed out of Zion (Jerusalem). Dear Lord, help us all to fear the Lord and walk in his ways and help us to teach younger generations to do the same by our words and example.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 127  Listen to Psalm 127 This is Godly wisdom. All life's securities and blessings are gifts from God rather than our own achievements. Not self-determined toil but a dependent trust that brings sleep and peace. God is always there, and he loves you (verse 2). Trust him and involve him for your domestic shelter and for the community and city you live in which are your places of refuge when under threat (verses 1-2). God wants to be involved with every area of your life including your family. In the Hebrew language sons and builders are the same word. In our culture our inheritance is in our house and children (verses 3-4). Our character witnesses when we face false accusations from those who would do us harm (verse 5). Verse 5 speaks of the benefit of children to support you in times of trouble and testing. This may sound very simplistic as we know that life's happenings may make us feel guilty. So when “things go pear-shaped” we must remember that God still wants to be involved in every area of our lives, avoid recrimination. Nicky Gumbel comments, “It is easy to get caught up with our own plans for home and family. Is God part of everything we do? Are there any areas of our life where we are going it alone where our labour will be in vain (verses 1-2)? St Paul speaks of the futility of a life lived without God. (1 Corinthians 3:20). Lord, I commit my life, family, our church and everything I am involved in to your hands. I trust in you.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 126  Listen to Psalm 126 A psalm of ascents that celebrates liberation from captivity of the Jewish nation from its exile in Babylon. From a state of isolation where all they could do was to dream (verse 1), they are now in their home country on Mount Zion where God dwelt. He had set them free (salvation). A shadow of a greater salvation through Jesus Christ (Nicky Gumbel). The key word is restoration by the Lord who has done great things (verse 2-3). Their acknowledgement leads to laughter and joy and a confidence to pray for a completion of the nation's restoration (verse 4-6). They ask “God to do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives. So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest” (The Message). They may face tears as they participate with God's work but there is a certainty of an abundant harvest time from the seed sown in barren conditions. God has said it and his word is trustworthy and true. Verses 5-6 have often been helpful to those of us who scatter the gospel to our friends and neighbours but only see hardness and rejection. As we live through another peak of virus infection and a “new normal” many of us can only dream of liberation and restoration. We are not alone. Life giving refreshing rain is a symbol of God the Holy Spirit always at work in us to bring righteousness, peace and joy in our lives (Romans 14:17). Lord, thank you that you have done great things through Christ. If life is tough with tears help me to pray restore my fortunes, fill me with laughter and joy by your Holy Spirit. Help me to be a part of your harvest.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 125  Listen to Psalm 125 I am writing this surrounded by mountains, some are huge bastions of rock reaching into the sky, solid and unmoving. This is the picture the psalmist uses to show the presence and protection God gives to his people. However this comes with the condition of trust. When I was learning to rock climb, I was taken out with an experienced climber. We set out up a rockface roped together. All went well, then we came to a pitch where the rockface stopped and a gap appeared! To go ahead I had to launch my self across nothing. I was roped to a climber who had gone ahead and was attached to a rock, but it still meant pushing off from solid rock over thin air. I had all the equipment and a person to trust in, but I had to let go of all that felt safe. Trust can be like that: we are not trusting in words, philosophy, or even ropes, but in the living reality of the Lord Jesus who calls us to follow him. This may mean letting go of all that we feel is solid and rely upon. Father, I want to be obedient to you, thank you that I am roped to you.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 124  Listen to Psalm 124 When I was growing up my mother would try and stop arguments from developing by saying the words, “No if's or but's.” Sometimes we can be tempted to look back at situations with complaints or regrets, “If only...” Today's psalm turns things around by being thankful and focuses on what would have happened if the Lord had not been on their side. We can forget, or choose not to see, that it is the Lord who is on our side, who is for us, and is always with us. Our help may come by different routes but ultimately it comes from the Lord, who is big enough to be creator of the heavens and the earth and small enough to enter our world as a baby - so that we can know that God is on our side. Father, thank you that you are on my side, today and always.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 123  Listen to Psalm 123 This psalm is a prayer of God's people for him to show mercy and foil the contempt of the proud. Servants look to their master for all their needs and it is to God to whom we must look for all our daily needs. Servants in biblical times were dependent on their masters, probably for their very lives. How much do we truly depend on God or do we rely too much on government, other people, bank balance, etc? Where should we look for help but to our master? Many people look to the world for their security and in this they have their reward; but true Christians look to God as their master and their rewarder. God's people find little mercy with men; but with the Lord there is mercy. Scorning and contempt have been, are, and are likely to be, the lot of God's people in this world. It can be hard to bear, but the servants of God should not complain if they are treated as Jesus was. Under the present trial that the world finds itself in, do we look to Jesus to sustain us through this pandemic, and by faith and prayer cast ourselves upon the mercy of God? Father, you are our master and our God. May we always look to you for all our needs and to strengthen us when faced with ridicule and opposition.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 122  Listen to Psalm 122 Jerusalem was and is still today the delight of the Jewish people. After Psalm 120, where the writer is downhearted at living far away from the city (verses 5-6), and Psalm 121 (verse 1), where the reference to hills is undoubtedly talking about Jerusalem, there is the joy of arrival at the city gates where the Lord's presence is in his temple. Jerusalem is a place of security and protection, where the people could go to worship God together. In these difficult days with Covid, even when a few people meet on Sundays without being able to sing, we should still be able to worship with our hearts. Verses 6-9 urges us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and to seek for her prosperity. How often do we pray for the Jewish nation and for their prosperity? Numbers 24:9 says, “May those who bless you, be blessed and those who curse you be cursed.” The Lord's heart is toward Jerusalem; if we want to love what he loves then we will also love Israel. “Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion'” (Zechariah 1:14). We may from time to time have reservations about Israeli government decisions but we should, nevertheless, pray regularly for God's chosen people and we too will be blessed. Lord, thank you for the nation of Israel. We bless them in your name and pray that they will all come to know Jesus as their Messiah.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 121  Listen to Psalm 121 In Psalm 121 we are still ascending those mountains! As with yesterday, Psalm 121 is a Psalm of Ascent. I want to name this psalm a psalm of ascent and perspective! As the psalmist travels up the mountain, symbolising a journey towards God, they look towards the vastness of the hills and know that in the place of God's presence is the help they need. When we are looking for help, remembering that God is the maker of heaven and earth is extremely helpful. There is no challenge that we can face that God will not understand. The maker of heaven and earth desires to be extraordinarily close to each one of us. God, when we face situations where we feel misunderstood and alone would you be with us? Help us to lift our eyes and gain your perspective in all things.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 120  Listen to Psalm 120 We've made it out of 119! Psalm 120 is the first of fifteen “Songs of Ascent.” These psalms were written to be sung by those ascending Mount Zion for annual feasts. I think that's good context when we consider what the songs of ascent are doing. They articulate something of what it means to climb a mountain, whilst speaking to what it means to be a disciple. When you are climbing a mountain times are often difficult, it can be exhausting and there can be moments you want to give up. Psalm 120 calls to the Lord asking for peace and deliverance from lying lips. When you place that request alongside the process of climbing we see in practice the physical action of movement towards God and away from war and lies. Part of discipleship in recognising our own role in moving towards God as we ask and seek for a world that is at peace. Ascending is hard but worth it! Lord, help me to move towards you as I seek for your work in the world.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 119:129-176  Listen to Psalm 119:129-176 Psalm 119 is a celebration of God's covenantal gift of the Law to his people. As we conclude our journey through this psalm, we will reflect on Word. Click here to find the first reflection on Psalm 119. Word dabar 24 mentions The word that God has spoken. God speaks through the Bible. Scripture is the word of God, not in the sense that it was dictated to a human scribe who wrote it down. Rather God inspired human authors through the work of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). Verse 105 – Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. If we let it, God's word can be our guide for life. The "word of God is alive and active" (Hebrews 4:12), "Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says" (James 1:22). The word brings strength (verse 28) and gives hope (verses 49, 74, 81, 114, 147). It is true (verse 160). Jesus was called the Word of God, the logos, by John. Logos is one of the Greek words used to translate the Hebrew word dabar. "In the beginning was the Word" (John 1:1), "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Jesus said that he was the fulfilment of Torah (Matthew 5:17). Studying God's written word means encountering Jesus, the Word of God. Over the last five days we have looked at law, decrees, ordinances, statutes, commandments, precepts, promises and word. These are eight windows into the Torah. This song of celebration of the Torah, is a celebration of God who gave the Torah. God entered into a covenant relationship with his chosen people. That special relationship was to be a sign to the rest of the world. Now, we too may be in a relationship with God as the story of our lives intertwines with God's story. During these continuing uncertain times, we can look to the Word of God, Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). Lord Jesus, you are the Word of God. As we study your written word, may it come alive to us through your Holy Spirit. Illuminate our path and may our lives tell your story.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 119:97-128  Listen to Psalm 119:97-128 Psalm 119 is a celebration of God's covenantal gift of the Law to his people. As we continue our journey through this psalm, we will reflect on precepts and promises. Click here to find the first reflection on Psalm 119. Precepts (Charges) piqqudim 20 mentions These are what God has appointed to be done. The word only appears once in Psalms 19, 103 and 111. All the other occurrences in the Bible are in Psalm 119. Verse 104 – "I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path." The psalmist says that by studying Torah we can gain understanding. We will get wisdom to discern between right and wrong. But we will also get understanding of the one who gave the Torah. Meditating on God's precepts helps us to know God more, to contemplate his ways (verse 15), to meditate on his wonderful deeds (verse 27). If we think we lack wisdom, then we can ask God to give it to us and he will give "generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5). Promises (Sayings/Words) 'imrah 20 mentions These are the promises that God has spoken. God keeps his promises (Numbers 23:19). We see this through the whole story of God's people in the Bible. God is faithful to his people. He spoke to them through his prophets and what he promised came to pass. If God has kept his promises in the past, then we can be assured that he will keep his promises to us in the future, no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in. Verse 11 – I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Verse 133 – Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. God has promised to be with us, through the good times and the bad times (Romans 8:28; Philippians 2:13). When we find life hard, know that God is with us. One day, Jesus will return and restore all things. Has God promised you something that has not yet taken place? Father God, you long for us not just to know about you but to know you. Give us your wisdom to know your ways. Thank you that you walk our journey with us, and when we need it you carry us. Thank you that you keep your promises. Come Lord Jesus, according to your word.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 119:65-96  Listen to Psalm 119:65-96 Psalm 119 is a celebration of God's covenantal gift of the Law to his people. As we continue our journey through this psalm, we will reflect on statutes and commands. Click here to find the first reflection on Psalm 119. Statutes khuqqim; khuqqot 22 mentions Statutes are what the divine Lawgiver has laid down. They could be something that is prescribed to be done by the priests or the people. As a Christian looking from the perspective of the New Testament, we may wonder whether the statutes of the Old Testament apply to us today. Paul writing to the Galatians says that those who fail to keep the law are under a curse (Galatians 2:10). In order for a person to be right with God under the law, they would have to keep the whole law, and no one has been able to do that. But this changed because of Jesus. We now live by faith and Jesus has set us free from the curse of the law (Galatians 2:10-14). Commandments (Commands) mitswot 21 mentions The Ten Commandments are probably the most well known, however there are many other commands in the Mosaic Law. Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment. He replied, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:36-40). Jesus said that if we loved him we would keep his commandments (John 14:15). His command is to love one another (John 15:1-17). Verse 176 – I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands. The confession in the Book of Common Prayer has the line "we have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep." It is also in Isaiah 53:6, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Almighty God, we have erred, and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. Thank you for Jesus, the good shepherd, who loved us and laid down his life for us so that when we confess our sins, we may be set free, restored and forgiven.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 119:33-64  Listen to Psalm 119:33-64 Psalm 119 is a celebration of God's covenantal gift of the Law to his people. As we continue our journey through this psalm, we will reflect on decrees and ordinances. Click here to find the first reflection on Psalm 119. Decrees (Testimonies) ‘edot 23 mentions Decrees or testimonies are what God solemnly testifies to be his will. In the book of Joshua it was the word used to describe a stone being set up as a witness between God and the people when they affirmed their commitment to the covenant (Joshua 24:27). As we saw yesterday, this is part of the story of the people of God. The psalmist says we are blessed when we keep his testimonies and seek God with our whole heart (verse 2). Jesus said his disciples would be his witnesses to the ends of the earth after they receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). In the same way that the psalmist celebrates God's testimonies, may we be a living testimony to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Ordinances (Laws/Judgments/Rulings) mishpatim 23 mentions Ordinances are what the divine Judge has ruled to be right. God is a just God and he loves justice (Isaiah 61:8). Biblical justice is not about revenge or retribution, rather it is about the restoration of what is right and true. Verse 137 – "Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules." Verse 160 – "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures for ever." The theme of a courtroom is a familiar one in the Bible. In 1 Kings 3, King Solomon must decide in a case between two women over who was the true mother. God had given Solomon wisdom to make that judgment. He gives wisdom to his anointed ones, to act in the same way. Through his Holy Spirit, that is open to all who love God. The prophet Micah says: "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). Father God, may our lives testify to your Holy Spirit living within us. May we act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 119:1-32  Listen to Psalm 119:1-32 This psalm is a song of praise about the Torah, the Hebrew word for God's covenant law with his people. It is an alphabetic acrostic, with each line of successive stanzas of eight verses beginning with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verses 1 to 8 begin with Aleph, verses 9 to 16 begin with Beth, and so on through all 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. At 176 verses, it is the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible. It was probably written after the return from Exile to Babylon, when there were no longer a monarchy nor a temple, and observance of Torah was the key identifying mark of the people of God. Eight Hebrew words that are synonyms for law appear throughout the psalm. Over the next five days we will look at each of these words with a selection of verses from the whole of Psalm 119. As we read or listen to each portion of this psalm, we will reflect on each of the eight words and what the Lord maybe speaking to us through them. Today we will look at: Law torah 25 mentions To translate Torah as law could imply that it was merely a set of rules and regulations that had to be followed. To the Jewish people it was more than that. Torah was part of the covenant relationship between God and his people. The first commandment begins with a story of that relationship. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). Verse 1 – "Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord." Verse 97 – "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long." God had given the Torah to Israel, so that they may be his people and they may be rescued from their enemies. To observe Torah was to be in that covenant relationship with God and become part of the story of God's people. Father God, thank you that you want to be in relationship with each of us. Help us to walk in your ways and meditate on your law.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 118:19-29  Listen to Psalm 118:19-29 The king with his procession approaches the gate to the temple through which the righteous could enter (verse 20). He gives thanks to God again for the salvation God has given him. In verse 22 there may be a feeling of not being accepted by his peers but reiterates that he knows the Lord has accepted him and placed him in a place of privilege (the capstone was a vital part of the structure of a building). Again the psalmist glorifies God for what he has done and marvels at his experiences of God's grace. He asks the Lord to go on granting success and acknowledges the blessedness of “coming in the Name of the Lord". Is this a prequel picture of Jesus coming in triumph approved by all who saw him as he rode into Jerusalem. As the king did here and as the people did on the first “Palm Sunday" may we also lift up God's name, continue to thank him for his salvation, for his goodness and his love. Public processions have continued down the centuries to witness to God's involvement with and his love for us. In the eighties and nineties many were held in our towns and cities with banners and singing praise to God. On Good Friday some still have a gathering of Christians from the local churches who walk through their towns before going in to their churches. Loving Father, thank you for your love and salvation which goes on forever. Help me to remember always what you have done through the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 118:1-18  Listen to Psalm 118:1-18 The writer again gives thanks and praises God for the love he has shown him which lasts for ever. Israel can and must say the same. Freedom (not necessarily physical freedom) was found as he cried out to God in his troubles. Many of us have found with the Lord beside us there is no need to fear. He gives more strength and protection than any human being. In prayer the psalmist, by the power of the Holy Spirit, cut himself free from all the people surrounding and threatening him. Although he was nearly finished as they pressured him, he found God there helping him – how that has been the case for many of God's children down the centuries. When I have felt at the end of myself, my own strength (physically and emotionally), help and sustaining has come which must have been from the Father by his Holy Spirit. He is my salvation. All his people can shout for joy as they come through times of testing with the strength that God has given; as they have seen him at work in their different circumstances, problems or setbacks. When it seemed that the end was near life was restored and with it the opportunity to tell what God had done. Even though I was taken through difficult times, the Lord didn't allow me to succumb to them, but brought me through to a place of healing and restoration. Thank you, Father, for your endless love for me. May I never forget all you have showered upon me.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 117  Listen to Psalm 117 Psalms 113 -118 are known in Hebrew as the ‘Hallel psalms' and are sung together at Passover. This is because they all finish with that word: a translation of the Hebrew Hallelu Yah! simply meaning: “Praise the Lord!” Psalm 117, the shortest psalm, and the shortest chapter in the Bible, is probably a chorus. All people will ultimately praise God (Philippians 2:9-11), some joyfully, others reluctantly. This psalm gives us a great reason to do it now, in this life. These few words tell us so much about what life is all about. The main thing is to have a close and open relationship with God. We should always ‘praise' and ‘extol' the Lord (verse 1) because of his great ‘love' for us and for his ‘faithfulness' towards us (verse 2). The psalmist gives us a great summary of God's attitude to us, and what our attitude to him should be. Praise you Jesus, for giving your life for me and pouring your love into my heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Praise you, Lord, that because of your love for me, I have found the true meaning for my life. Hallelujah!

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 116  Listen to Psalm 116 In this psalm we see the writer's close relationship with God. He speaks about how God heard his cry for mercy (verse 1), how when he was in great need, God saved him (verse 6), how the Lord had been good to him (verse 7) and delivered him from death (verse 8). God has been so good to him that he ends full of thanksgiving for both his past and his future (verses 15-16); and builds to a great crescendo of praise, (verses 17-19). We see that his relationship with God was his top priority and that God heard and answered his prayers. He gives thanks in the ‘presence of all his people' (verses 14 & 19). Let's stay close to God and be sure to celebrate his goodness with each other! I will give thanks to you Lord for all your goodness in my life. Thank you that you have rescued and delivered in so many amazing ways. Hallelujah!

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 115  Listen to Psalm 115 This psalm asks us to make sure we honour the Lord and give him the glory, not ourselves, when he does wonderful things. People may say to us ‘where is your God?' It is difficult to explain when we cannot see him, but we know he exists, because we see him working wonders and answering our prayers. In contrast the writer almost mocks the idols of the nations. They are man made and unresponsive and are not even able to do what their makers could – speak, see, hear, smell, feel or walk. Why would men worship things so obviously below them? It has been said that we become like the things we worship. If we worship Jesus we will become more like him. But many of us can end up worshipping other things today – money, work, celebrities, clothes, sport... Do we give too much time and effort to things when we should be spending time with God? When Jesus was tempted his final response to his tempter was: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only' (Matthew 4:10). When we trust in God, he will be our help and shield and will bless us. He has given us the earth (verse 16) but we should use its resources for the good of humanity and not waste and destroy it. At the end the psalmist encourages us to praise the Lord – now and for evermore. Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord! Dear Lord, please forgive us when we get distracted by things of this world and help us to love you with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 114  Listen to Psalm 114 Jesus and his disciples probably sang this psalm at the Last Supper. It is the second song of the Passover ceremony, which brings to remembrance and celebrates the central act of redemption under the old covenant of God bringing the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land (Matthew 26:30). We are under the New Covenant now and it is Jesus' work on the cross and empty tomb, which is the act of redemption that we should constantly remember and celebrate. Nature is personified (verses 3-6) and is described responding to God's presence in fear and reverence, obeying his will. The Exodus is described in its completion; not only escape from Egypt through the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21), but also entrance to the Promised Land by the dried riverbed of the Jordan (Joshua 3:13-17). Under the New Covenant we are brought out of our sins by new birth into the promised inheritance of eternal life. The psalm finishes by telling the whole earth to honour the God of Jacob, God of all creation and to remember how he showed compassion bringing forth water for his thirsty people from a rock sustaining and refreshing them, just as Jesus does for us today (Exodus  17:3-7). Dear Lord, Thank you that you have rescued us from our sin and we are travelling with you towards our Promised Land. Help us to share your plan of redemption with others we have contact with.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 113  Listen to Psalm 113 This hymn of praise marks the beginning of the Jewish Hallel (Psalm 113-118). It was most likely sung by Jesus and his disciples as they celebrated the Passover meal (Matthew 26:30). In it we praise God's high majesty - Transcendence (verse 5) beyond our understanding but also his intervention in the lives of the marginalised poor, needy and barren on earth - Imminence (verses 6--9). “He picks up the poor from out of the dirt and seats them among the honoured guests at his final banquet. He gives childless couples a family, gives them joy as the parents of children” (The Message). Such are the upside-down values of God's Kingdom. I remember the chorus, “From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord will be praised” (verse 3). Remember his blessings for ever. I thank God too that for those of us who commit our lives to Jesus Christ, God becomes our Father who knows and calls us by name (John 10:3). Jesus sang this psalm on the night before he was betrayed, beaten and crucified. As we face more threats and restrictions, debilitating illness and even the risk of death from Covid-19 infection, let us also praise God for who he is and what he has done. Thanks and praise set one free from fear and panic. Jehovah Jireh - my God will provide. Lord, thank you for who you are. Help me to trust in your Name and sure and certain promises. May I be a servant to others.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 112  Listen to Psalm 112 Here is a description of a man or woman who fears the Lord and lives according to God's teaching in the Old and New Testament. For me that person seems out of reach. Perhaps someone to emulate! The children are robust (verse 2), the home is blessed financially. However, he has insatiable generosity and gives much away, lavishing gifts on the poor (verses 5, 9). Even in the darkest times, sunlight breaks through. His reputation is solid, and he is known for just decisions loaded with mercy for others. He is unfazed by rumour and gossip as his conscience is clear before God (verse 7). His heart is secure and without fear (verse 8). His enemies are frustrated and upset. They bluster away but end up speechless and impotent (verse 10). Who can be like this? I see Joseph and Daniel in the Old Testament. They foreshadow the character and person of Jesus Christ, who was full of grace and truth. Paul speaks of us being changed into the image of Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:16-18). Nicky Gumbel finds all the fruits of the Holy Spirit in the man described here (Galatians 5:22-23). Look out for these and recognise some of them in yourself as signs of God at work in you. See that in Christ your heart can be secure (verse 8). In Him is your significance and self-worth. Thank you, Lord, that I am a work in progress by your Holy Spirit. Help me to thank and trust in you. Help me to see whom I am in Christ Jesus and whose I am.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 111  Listen to Psalm 111 Today, let's feed our spirits with truth. This psalm needs to be shouted from the roof tops. But if that's not possible, find somewhere that you can read this aloud, with a loud Amen at the end! There is a lot of human wisdom on display at the moment, some helpful some not so. Advice given and changed, promises made then undone. We need to be bringing Godly wisdom to people, so that we can bring life instead of disappointment, light into confusion, hope to the hopeless. Verse 10 tells us that the starting point is the “fear of the Lord.” This fear isn't a cringing hide away “miserable worm that I am” fear, or a “smite me, oh mighty smiter” fear because we are and deserve this. But it is coming into the presence of a Holy God who is faithful and just and has provided redemption for us, not just in the historical past, but by the cross of Jesus. This enables us to come to know the very heart of God, who is compassionate and gracious. When we enter this place in “Holy fear” we experience grace and compassion. When we are filled up with this we can begin in to share God's wisdom with our friends, country and the world. Lord Jesus, I need to know again your love, compassion and grace, fill me up so I can be poured out for you.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 110  Listen to Psalm 110 This Psalm of David is one of the most quoted psalms in the New Testament, you might remember hearing or singing one of its verses.  It's worth reading it aloud to yourself! It presents us with a view of the coming Messiah, who is both a priest and king. We might have an idea of the job of a King or Queen ruling and reigning over their kingdom, but we might not have such a clear picture of what a priest's job is. In the Old Testament, a priest was a God appointed servant who, as well as administrative jobs in the temple, was the mediator between God and the people, making animal sacrifices to atone for sin, so that forgiveness could be given. In verse 4, David refers to the priest king Melchizedek, who was a picture of the great high priest and king to come, our Lord Jesus who mediated once and for all between God and his people. (Lots more about this in Hebrews.) Because of his sacrifice, we as believers are now called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), we are to be the link, the mediator between God our father and people, this is both our challenge and our calling. Who can we help on their journey to God today? How can we help people to come to meet Jesus by the things that we do, or say, or pray? Heavenly Father, help me to walk as a priest today. May I be sensitive to your Spirit and help my friends, neighbours, family, colleagues, to know more of you.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 109:16-31  Listen to Psalm 109:16-31 The last verse yesterday (verse 15) seems very harsh, but David sees that the persecutor's failure to practice kindness to the poor and needy (verse 16) is a breach of covenant directions (Leviticus 19:18). He then continues in the same vein, telling God of the wrongs of his accuser and calling on him to exact judgement. Verses 21–25 describe David's complete dependence on the Lord, where he may have been suffering from a serious affliction (verses 23-24) which makes him a further object of scorn, but his faith compels him to appeal to God for salvation (verse 26-29). What would we do (or have done) when faced with overwhelming disasters in our lives? David says that he will rejoice (verse 28) and he praises God for his salvation in the last two verses. It is interesting that he starts and finishes the psalm with praise to the Lord (verses 1, 30). What are we to think about such harsh statements against enemies and how can we, as Christians, reconcile these words with the New Testament command to “love your enemies”? Martin Luther actually said, “When the wicked persecute the Gospel this strikes at God and his cause. We are not to bless them when they do this.” Even Jesus in Matthew 10:14-15 warned, in quite harsh terms, of the consequences of rejecting the gospel! Lord, help us to love our enemies, not that they be blessed in the rejection of your gospel, but only that they may be richly blessed in repentance and acceptance of Jesus as their Saviour. 

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 109:1-15  Listen to Psalm 109:1-15 This psalm is sometimes called one of the ‘cursing' psalms and is a prayer for God to judge the writer in the face of false accusations. As David writes he is speaking as a prophet and probably his enemies are not just personal to him, but enemies of God too. They may be individuals united under a leader whose animosity towards David has drawn them in also to persecute him. But in verse 6, David asks for his enemy to be confronted by an accuser. The enemy was no doubt seeking to bring about David's death - “another take his place of leadership” (verse 8). He may have held some official position and was perhaps plotting a coup. In verses 6-15, David appeals for judicial redress, that the Lord will deal with them in accordance with their malicious intent against him, matching the crime to the punishment. However, as Christians we should leave the judgement to God alone as we have the benefit of Christ's teaching, who tells us to pray for the good of our enemies and not for their ruin. Lord, help us to pray for those who do us wrong. May we trust you to work out your purposes for our lives so that we hold no malice or resentment against anyone. 

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 108  Listen to Psalm 108 Psalm 108 has been categorised as one of the Psalms of “Prayers for Restoration From National Distress and Defeat.” Often, as we have explored the psalms, we have focused on how they relate to us as individuals. It is interesting to remember that many of the psalms were written to respond to the collective experience of a wider group of people. In the case of Psalm 108, it is likely that the psalm was written in response to the Babylonian exile. Following Jesus is a collective experience as much as we also relate to God as individuals. Remembering the nature of God together in a group in times of trouble can be a hugely uplifting experience. I wonder if you were writing a psalm for our church today, considering your hopes and dreams, what would it say? Lord, would you speak to us about your vision for our nation.