Monday 28 September

Read Luke 9:46–50

The disciples argue about which of them is the greatest. Even those who have followed Jesus closely can become concerned about position, recognition and importance.

Jesus responds unexpectedly. He takes a child and places the child beside him, saying, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me.” Jesus turns their understanding of greatness upside down.

Greatness is often measured by achievement, influence, wealth or status. Jesus teaches that the great are those who are willing to welcome, serve and make room for others. The child Jesus places among them represents someone without status or influence. Jesus reminds his disciples that every person matters, particularly those who are overlooked.

A vibrant and growing church is a community where people are welcomed, valued and encouraged to participate. It is a place where newcomers are made to feel at home and where everyone is given an opportunity to use the gifts God has given them.

The disciples then tell Jesus that they have seen someone casting out demons in his name and tried to stop him because he was not one of them. Again, Jesus challenges their desire to draw boundaries. “Do not stop him,” he says, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” God's work is not limited to our group, our congregation or our particular way of doing things.

The Gospel invites us to let go of competition and possessiveness and we are called to welcome, encourage and celebrate the good that God is doing through others. When we do that, our churches become places where Christ's love is genuinely visible and where there is room for everyone.

Reflection: What is your method of assessing greatness? Does this meet Jesus’ own criteria?

Prayers:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as 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 but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Please add Satira, the McLeod, Chapman, Beatson, Boland, West, Dove, Hubbard, Wilson, and Backhouse families to your prayers

We proclaim our faith using the words of the Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Blessing:

May the Lord bless us and keep us and make his face to shine upon us, this day and always. Amen

Saturday 26 September

Read Luke 9:43–45

People were amazed at everything Jesus was doing. They witnessed his power and were filled with wonder. Yet, in the midst of their amazement, Jesus speaks words that are difficult for his disciples to understand: “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.”

The contrast is striking. The crowds see Jesus’ power and glory, while Jesus knows that suffering lies ahead. The disciples are excited by what they are witnessing, but Jesus understands that his ministry will lead him towards the cross.

Faith is not simply about moments when everything is going well. Christian journey includes joy and celebration, but it can also include uncertainty, disappointment and suffering. Jesus does not hide this reality from his disciples. Faith does not save us from the Viguerie’s of life, Jesus saves us from it.

Yet, the disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying. Sometimes we too struggle to understand what God is doing in our lives. We may want clear answers, but faith often asks us to trust even when we cannot see the whole picture. Yet the heart of the Christian Gospel is that suffering is not the final word. Jesus will go through the cross, but the story does not end there. Resurrection follows.

This gives us hope. We may not always understand why particular things happen, but we can trust that God remains present with us. We do not need to pretend that life is always easy. A strong Christian community is one where people can bring their questions, fears and disappointments, while also discovering hope.

Jesus invites us to listen carefully, to trust faithfully and to remember that even when we cannot see what God is doing, God has not abandoned us.

Reflection: What is God doing in your life and how are you responding to this presence?

Prayers:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as 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 but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Please add Satira, the Beatson McLeod, Chapman, Boland, West, Dove, Hubbard, Wilson, and Backhouse families to your prayers

We proclaim our faith using the words of the Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Blessing:

May the Lord bless us and keep us and make his face to shine upon us, this day and always. Amen

Friday 25 Spetember

Read Luke 9:18–22

Jesus asks his disciples a simple but profound question: “Who do you say that I am?” The disciples have heard what other people are saying. Some think Jesus is John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets. But Jesus is not interested only in what others think. He asks the disciples what they think

Peter answers, “The Messiah of God.”

This is a significant moment (for which he was canonized.) Peter recognises that Jesus is more than a teacher or prophet. He is the one through whom God’s purposes are being revealed. Yet Jesus immediately begins to explain what being the Messiah will mean. He will suffer, be rejected, be killed, and on the third day be raised.

This must have been difficult for the disciples to understand. They may have imagined the Messiah as someone who would come with power and victory. Jesus shows them that his victory will come through love, sacrifice and ultimately resurrection.

It is easy to say that we believe in Jesus. The deeper question is whether we are prepared to understand Jesus on his own terms. Jesus does not promise that following him will always be comfortable or easy. Instead, he shows us a life of faithful love, compassion, courage and trust in God.

The question Jesus asks his disciples is also addressed to us: “Who do you say that I am?”

Belief in God is something that shapes the way we live. If Jesus is truly the Messiah, then his values should influence our priorities, our relationships and the way we treat other people.

May we continue to discover who Jesus is, not simply through what others tell us, but through prayer, Scripture, worship and the experience of his presence. And may our answer be reflected not only in our words, but in how we live our lives.

Reflection: How readily are you prepared to meet Jesus on his terms instead of your own?

Prayers:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as 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 but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Please add Satira, the McLeod, Chapman, Beatson, Boland, West, Dove, Hubbard, Wilson, and Backhouse families to your prayers

We proclaim our faith using the words of the Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Blessing:

May the Lord bless us and keep us and make his face to shine upon us, this day and always. Amen

Thursday 24 September

Read Luke 9:7–9

Herod has heard about all that Jesus is doing and is puzzled by the reports. Some people are saying that John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; others suggest that Elijah has appeared; still others believe that one of the prophets of old has returned. Herod is curious, but his curiosity does not yet lead him to faith.

There is something very human about Herod's response. We can hear about Jesus, ask questions and even be fascinated by him without allowing his message to change our lives. Curiosity can be a beginning, but Christian faith calls us further.

Herod says, “John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And Luke tells us that Herod kept trying to see Jesus.

That question, “Who is this?” is at the heart of the Christian faith. Who is Jesus? Is he simply a remarkable teacher, a prophet, or an important figure from history? Or is he the one through whom God comes amongst us with love, forgiveness and hope?

Herod wanted to see Jesus, but later in Luke's Gospel, when he finally encounters him, his interest remains superficial. He wants to see Jesus perform a miracle, rather than hear what Jesus has to say.

The Gospel challenges us to consider our own response. It is good to be curious about faith. It is good to ask questions and to seek understanding. But ultimately, Jesus invites us into something deeper: a relationship with him.

The Church should be a place where people are free to ask questions, explore faith and discover Jesus for themselves. We should not be afraid to seek Jesus in the midst of our confusion, questioning and indecision. The danger is when our seeking does not bring us closer to relationship with him.

May our curiosity lead us beyond simply wanting to know about Jesus, towards knowing him, trusting him and allowing his presence to shape the way we live.

Reflection: How do you see Jesus reflected in your life?

Prayers:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as 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 but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Please add Satira, the McLeod, Chapman, Beatson, Boland, West, Dove, Hubbard, Wilson, and Backhouse families to your prayers

We proclaim our faith using the words of the Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Blessing:

May the Lord bless us and keep us and make his face to shine upon us, this day and always. Amen

Wednesday 23 September

Read Matthew Luke 9:1-6

Jesus sends the twelve disciples out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. What is striking is how little he gives them for the journey. They are told to take nothing for the road, no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, and no extra clothing. They are to travel simply, trusting not in what they possess but in the one who sends them.

Christian ministry is not primarily about having everything perfectly organised before we begin. Ministry is about meeting God on his terms not ours. It’s about responding to the needs of others without compromise. The disciples are sent with what they already have: their faith, their experience of Jesus, and the authority he gives them. Their task is to share the good news and bring healing and hope to others.

The disciples are to stay in the homes that welcome them. They are not to keep moving from house to house looking for something better. Their ministry depends not only upon what they offer but also upon their willingness to receive the generosity of others.

We can sometimes think that we need more resources, more people, better buildings, or better programs before we can reach out to our community. Yet Jesus reminds us that the Gospel begins with people who are willing to go. Every Christian has something to offer; A word of encouragement, a listening ear, an act of kindness, a prayer, or simply a willingness to welcome someone, can become an expression of God's kingdom.

The disciples returned from their journey having trusted Jesus and discovered that God could work through them.

We too are sent into the world, not because we have everything we need, but because Jesus goes with us. Our calling is to share the love of God, bring hope where there is discouragement, and make God's kingdom visible through the way we live.

The Church grows when ordinary people are willing to say, “Yes, Lord, send me.”

Reflection: How do you respond to the needs of the church?

Prayers:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as 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 but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Please add Satira, the Beatson, McLeod, Chapman, Boland, West, Dove, Hubbard, Wilson, and Backhouse families to your prayers

We proclaim our faith using the words of the Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Blessing:

May the Lord bless us and keep us and make his face to shine upon us, this day and always. Amen

Tuesday 22 September

Read Luke 8:19–21

Jesus is told that his mother and brothers are outside and want to see him. His response may initially seem surprising: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Jesus is not rejecting his family or suggesting that family relationships are unimportant. Rather, he is widening our understanding of what it means to belong to God. Our relationship with God is not determined by ancestry, social position, or background. We become part of God's family as we listen to God's word and allow it to shape the way we live.

The door to faith in God is open to everyone. We do not need a particular background, education, status, or history to belong. What matters is our willingness to hear God's word and respond to it.

God's word is intended to make a difference in our lives. It calls us towards compassion, forgiveness, generosity, justice, hospitality, and love.

A vibrant church is not simply a congregation that gathers together each week. It is a community where we allow the Gospel to influence the way we treat one another and the way we engage with the wider community. When we hear God's word and put it into practice, people can see something of Christ through us.

Jesus reminds us that God's family is always growing. Whenever someone hears God's word and responds with faith and love, that person becomes part of this wonderful family of God.

Reflection: Are you really listening to God and allowing what we hear to change the way you live?

Prayers:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as 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 but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Please add Satira, the Beatson, McLeod, Chapman, Boland, West, Dove, Hubbard, Wilson, and Backhouse families to your prayers

We proclaim our faith using the words of the Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Blessing:

May the Lord bless us and keep us and make his face to shine upon us, this day and always. Amen