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Holy Trinity
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 Blessed are the cheesemakers...
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7b - NIV Grace and peace may feel in short supply in the world this morning. But then, to those reading this letter 200 years ago things were no better. They were a persecuted minority in a city which ruled its people with an iron fist. If the ruling and monied classes in Rome wore baseball caps they would have read 'Might Is Right!' We are called to offer the world an alternative narrative, as Paul did in his letters, as Jesus did in his 'blessed attitudes' or beatitudes. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Revd Steve
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 Your smile is a thin disguise...
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10 - NIV Today's verse echoes the practice of ancient baptism where people came to the water (often a river), disrobed and put on new white clothes. If we are true followers of Jesus then this must have consequences. One of these is a renewed commitment to the truth. The suggestion in the verse is that this commitment is something which should be renewed daily as we model our lives on Jesus. Today let us pray for the courage to speak the truth no matter how inconvenient it may be. Revd Steve  Ooh! You Are Awful... But I do Like You!
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 - NIV Jesus once again uses exaggerated language to demonstrate the distance between humanity and the divine. God knows that we know how to love even though at times we fall short. Notice though that Jesus is not suggesting here that God will give 'good gifts' (perhaps signifying physical gifts) but will instead give the Holy Spirit to those who ask, 'knock and the door shall be opened'. If we seek the Spirit of God in humility and truth then, Jesus tells us, we will become Spirit filled people. Revd Steve |
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