Daily Devotional reflections

As we journey through these uncertain times, each day Sean will seek to post a thought or reflection, a Bible verse or a prayer.

Thursday 2nd July 2020

 

‘Irongate’

Recently the ITV Good Morning presenter, Susanna Reid, made an on-screen confession that left her co-host Piers Morgan, stunned and viewers divided. In his own words, he described her confession as a bombshell and absolutely extraordinary. So what was it that made Piers Morgan, a presenter whose speciality is being outspoken, so dumfounded? It was all about ironing. In front of an audience of c. 1.8 million viewers, Susanna Reid revealed that she never irons clothes and does not own an iron or ironing board. Piers Morgan repeatedly expressed his shock and dubbed Susanna’s confession as ‘irongate.’ In response Susanna Reid said ‘there were "more important things in life" than creased clothes and admitted nobody in her house ever irons their clothes.’

The TV show Good Morning Britain is described by fans as ‘Action-packed, Addictive, Informative, Family-friendly and Easy to follow. To this could be added a further word – trivial! Perhaps it is unfair to be critical here. As we begin to glimpse the economic and social damage wrought by Covid-19 (not to mention all the lives that have been lost) we are all in need of some light relief. The past 102 days of lockdown have been hard going for everybody. It is especially cruel the way that some people have suffered from social isolation. Meaningless trivia is one way of escaping for a few moments all the stress and anxiety.

BIBLE READING

Matthew 11: 25-30

The Father Revealed in the Son

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

REFLECT

Whilst parts of the Bible resonate with humour, it contains little if anything that is trivial. And for good reason. It deals with the serious issues of faith, life and eternity. The Bible also contains some serious promises. That in the midst of our struggles and sadness, we discover strength and find hope. And note this. When God reaches out and touches our lives with His love, it is not a temporary fix or a momentary distraction. Rather, we discover a whole new reality on which to build our lives. Or as Jesus put it: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’

Rev Sean Swindells
Cruden Parish Church.

PRAYERS

In times of weakness and hour of need,
yours is the strength by which we carry on,
the shoulder we rest our head upon.
When our load is heavy and too much to bear,
yours are the arms stretched out to help us
the grace that we depend on.
In times of weakness and hour of need,
your voice is heard,
‘Come… find rest.’
This is grace divine,
the path we tread to wholeness
of body and spirit,
the path that leads to you,
and for which we offer our offering of praise. Amen

(Written by John Birch)

Our Creator,
You sustain all life,
give bread to all who need it,
and hear the calls of the poor.

You alone are powerful
and the rightful ruler of the nations,
and you are the provider of safety and security.

We ask that,
as you have graciously provided for us
and our needs,
may you provide for those
who call to you
in despair and dire need.
Grant them their daily bread these coming days. Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. You will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever.
Amen.

DISMISSAL AND BLESSING

As we continue our journey of faith'
may God quench our thirst for love
satisfy our need to be known,
and help us with the burdens we carry.

May the Father’s hand
keep you from stumbling,
the footprints of Jesus
give you confidence to follow,
and the fire of the Spirit
keep you warm and safe
in your walk with God this day.

Amen