13th July

A thought from George Ford

“Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Reflection

Material things are not bad in themselves, Jesus took our material needs seriously, but when our desire for these dominates our lives it changes our character, and blots out God’s image in us. We are created in His image to show forth the gift of His Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Gal.5:23) We give the greatest priority to what we love, and if we treasure His gifts, and let them live in our hearts, they will become the means by which we will receive those things that are essential and necessary for our life.

Prayer

Loving Lord Jesus we ask that you may fill us anew with the gifts of your Spirit. May they be the things we treasure most. May they live in us and be the resource we use to acquire all that is essential and necessary for life. To your everlasting praise and glory.
Amen.

Worship

‘As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after you. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you. You alone are my strength, and shield, to you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship you.. I want you more than gold or silver, only you can satisfy. You alone are the real joy giver, and the apple of my eye. You alone are my strength, and shield, to you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship you.’ (Martin J. Nystrom, 1983)