Day 14 Hosea 1; Hosea 3; Hosea

Hosea 1  Hosea 3  Hosea
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

The church is described as the bride of Christ, yet like Israel in the days of Hosea, we as the church could be described "like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD".

In a time when the church worldwide faces many challenges, take time today to pray for the church. Where we stray from the truth of God, ask for his correction. Where there are those who suffer and live in fear of their lives because of following Christ, pray for protection. Where Christians flee their homes in fear of what might happen to them, pray for change in the political situation they live in. Remember today that we are part of a worldwide family - the children of God.

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
      into the fellowship of Christ's religion,
that they may reject those things
      that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 13 Matthew 26 v 14-30; 47-56 Judas and his Betrayal

Matthew 26 v 14-30 Judas and his Betrayal
Matthew 26 v 47-56
(Click the links to get to the passages) 

This feels one of the most difficult reflections to write. What can we say about a man who spent three years in the presence of Jesus and then at the end chose to betray him for pieces of silver? For those of us who have experienced betrayal, we know and understand the power of it, the destruction it can wreak, and how incapacitating it can be.

All we can do is protect our own hearts from betraying others. Do we keep ourselves true to our word? Do we mean what we say and say what we mean? Are we quick to apologise and the first to forgive? Do we keep a short list of grievances and live to serve and see the best in others? Are we the first to praise and the last to gossip?

And if we find ourselves betrayed, seek the solace of God.

Jesus spent three years with the man that he knew would betray him, welcoming him as one of his close disciples.

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
      into the fellowship of Christ's religion,
that they may reject those things
      that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 12 1 Samuel 20 v 1-42 Jonathan and David

1 Samuel 20 v 1-42 Jonathan and David
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Godly friendship is an amazing blessing, but not something that we men find easy. Being willing to let down our barriers, allow people to ask the difficult questions, and share our faith with other Christian brothers puts us in a vulnerable position in one sense. However, the benefits are transformational if we allow the Holy Spirit to use our friendships to challenge and build us up in the power of his love.

Think back over your Christian life and thank God for the men who have played an important role in your faith and faithfulness over the years. Consider texting or emailing (even writing them a letter!) to thank them for their valuable contribution.

Then think about your current Christian friends and thank God for them too. With them, your walk of faith is so much more secure.

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
      into the fellowship of Christ's religion,
that they may reject those things
      that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 11 1 Samuel 17 v 1-58 David and Goliath

1 Samuel 17 v 1-58 David and Goliath
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Sometimes we misjudge the enemy before us. We can find ourselves in situations that, from where we see them, seem insurmountable and all-consuming. The Israelite army had got itself into such a position - Goliath seemed unbeatable, the man who would lead to their downfall and death. God had other plans - through the unexpected skills of a shepherd boy and a small stone. With one Godly action, and a faithful declaration, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty", The Lord delivers David and the whole army out of the hands of their adversary.

Take time today to pray for yourself and those you know, especially for those for whom life is tough and with foes that seem so difficult. Pray for the shepherd boy with five small stones - someone who can come unexpectedly inspired by the spirit of God - acting to bring His salvation into the situation.

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
      into the fellowship of Christ's religion,
that they may reject those things
      that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 10 Acts 9 v 1-19 Paul's Conversion

Acts 9 v 1-19 Paul's Conversion   
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Paul has one of the most amazing conversions in the Bible, maybe even in history. He turns from his life of persecuting the church, seeking to destroy all who say they serve Jesus, to a life dedicated to his service.

Our own conversion, though maybe not as extreme, is still as equally profound. People are known to say, "I wish my conversion was as impressive as theirs". This is deeply wrong, belittling what Jesus has done for each one of us.

Take time today to think back over your Christian life. Your discovery of Jesus and his love for you, the good times and the tough times, the times of doubt and the times of certainty. Remember anew the joy of your salvation, the gift of his Holy Spirit in you, and the journey we are all on to meeting him face to face one day in Heaven.  

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 9 John 21 v 15-25 Peter is Reinstated by Jesus

John 21 v 15-25 Peter is Reinstated by Jesus
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

We will all know times when we wish the ground could swallow us up. When we know we have let someone down more than we could ever have believed. A stupid throw-away comment that hurts another so deep that we wish we could unsay. Something we do that we wish we could undo. It is amazing to read Jesus' reinstating of Peter, knowing that he has "wept bitterly" about his denial of His Saviour. Jesus is firm yet compassionate. He is loving yet allows Peter to realise that what he did was serious. Jesus’ question of "do you love me?" cuts like a knife yet restores Peter and changes the direction of his life.

If you have something in your life that you know has hurt Jesus, either by what you have done to others, or said to Jesus himself, use this time of Lent to allow him to ask you "do you love me?" Be restored and let him help you work through the consequences.

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 8 2 Kings 4 v 1 - 37 Elisha and the Widow

2 Kings 4 v 1 - 37 Elisha and the Widow
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

It can be easy to take things for granted. When things have come to us easily or we have had them a long time or we have just got so used to them being there, we hardly notice them anymore. Other things we have worked hard for, or waited such a long time for - there is just no way we would forget them or take them for granted. Often however it is when these things are taken away from us that we realise just how important they are to us. It may be no fault of our own that they are gone. It might be for a very short time or an extended period - even forever. There can be immense pain and sadness, and immense joy and relief if they are returned to us.

Take time today to think afresh of the things in your life that mean a lot to you. You might find it helpful to imagine putting together a time capsule of what is valuable to you. Then lay them all before God and thank him for allowing them to be part of your life.

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/