Wednesday 8th July | Margaret Proud
Readings
Reflection
The psalmist tells us that God’s Word is a lamp to his feet, providing light for the way ahead. He is committed to God’s Word and meditates on it day and night (v97). We can hear how he has grown in hope and trust in God, how he hates those who are double minded and asks God for discernment. Life today is not simple or straightforward; if the psalmist needed to meditate on God’s Word and ask for discernment, how much more do we in these crazy, strange days need that light to show us the way and keep our focus on God?
In Judges 15 Samson acts in an ungodly way, taking revenge on the Philistines. Later after the men of Judah have handed Samson over to the Philistines, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power (v14). Samson then went on to kill a thousand Philistines but sadly was caught up with boasting of his own strength (v16… I have made donkeys of them…I have killed a thousand men), even though his strength was God-given him. How easy it is to take credit for things ourselves, rather than give God the glory!
In the Luke passage we learn of a rich young man who has a divided heart, desiring eternal life yet unwilling to give up what he holds of value. What an eternal loss!
Prayers
Dear Lord,
Renew our hunger for your Word. As we read and meditate on this, may we grow in wisdom, discernment and love for You. May we resist any temptation to be double minded or have a divided heart. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Collect
O God, the protector of all who trust in you,
Without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy:
Increase and multiply upon us your mercy;
That with you as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal
That we not lose our hold on things eternal;
Grant this, heavenly Father,
For our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever.
Amen.
