​Revelation 3:1-6
John is warning the Christian community against complacency in the section. They had developed a lazy attitude to their faith. Those who kept faith would be rewarded by being included, on the great day of judgement with  being mentioned in the Book of Life.

​2nd Thessalonians 2:7-12
The classic statement of evil versus good and while all looks as if in chaos God will overcome evil and restore order.

​Ephesians 5:1-9
A wee challenge in this Reading: "be imitators of God". Now that should cause us to think hard about our lives.

​Isaiah 28:14-22
Isaiah tells the people that despite the wickedness of those in power God will lay a cornerstone for the building of a new and righteous community.

​Deuteronomy 32:16-18, 28-39.
God is concerned that the people will stray from Him when Moses dies. They will forget the "rock" that is their faith and which will provide protection for them in the face of adversity. 
Sunday's gospel reminded us faith was the "rock" of Peter's ability to confess Jesus as messiah

​1st Samuel 7:3-13
Samuel's defeat if the Philistines was marked by the Ebenezer stone. A stone reminder of God's help (deliverance) in time of danger. We all need to remind ourselves of God's keeping us safe when troubled.

​2nd Corinthians 10:12-18
Paul is under pressure and criticism here. He suggests that comparing themselves against each other and ridiculing him is not what they should be doing.

​1st Corinthians 6:1-11
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for going to law to settle disputes. He tells them they, if they cannot agree, should find someone in the community who can settle things. It's about us as Christians settling disputes amicably.

Matthew 8:1-13
In healing Jesus not only restored health but the person to the community. This accords with readings over past week about all being welcomed in God's Kingdom.

​Roman's 11:13-29
,Yes another story about God including the Gentiles in His kingdom but you have to remember this who was in or out was a really live issue for the early church.

​Acts15:1-14
The Council of Jerusalem where it was decided Gentile converts were equal to those Jewish converts to Christianity. 

​Acts 14:19-28
The gospel is received by the Gentiles but there are disputes and personal danger for Paul.

​Revelation 15:1-4
St John's vision of victory for the martyrs but notice it is all the nations not just those who thought themselves the chosen

​Matthew 8:23-27.
The calming of the storm. Yet another boat story after last Sunday. The evangelist is asserting Jesus divinity in his control of the elements. 
Much easier today than of late.

​Roman's 9:14-29
Another heavy read today. Paul is arguing that if God were a potter and the jug he was making was flawed then he would destroy it and start again. In Christ a new community has emerged. See website for more.

​2nd Peter 2:4-10
Peter reminds his readers God will always save the good even when all around them are wicked.

Its different however great to be with others at a distance!  Tom did a great job.

​Acts 17:24-28
Pail is in Athens and he's taking them on at their own intellectual game. They have acknowledged God (gods) exist : he just moves them along by arguing in favour of God who in Jesus has revealed himself to humanity unlike other gods. It is really impressive- preaching par excellence.

​Acts 17:10-15
The Good News is greeted with enthusiasm. Paul had to get out of Thessalonica because of opposition but here is well received.  
Enjoy your day.

​Psalm 119:121-128
The longest Psalm.  In this section the man expresses his passionate love of God's Law (10 Commandments). He waits for it to be fulfilled in his living.

​Deuteronomy 8:1-10
The question is really about scarcity versus abundance.  The Israelites were given a land filled with everything that was good and still they were disobedient.  We have plenty: how does that impact our living?

​James 3:13-18.
A beautiful wee passage speaking of real wisdom: the kind we see too rarely as opposed to the showy kind.