Daily Messages
A daily inspirational message from the vicar of St. Andrew's is sent out by e-mail most days. Recent messages can be found on this page.
If you would like to be added to this e-mail distribution, please request this by e-mail to
Friday December 7th - "In Charge?"
Looking at the present troubles in the Government, some unkind people are asking who is in charge. But there are many other aspects of modern life where we might wonder the same. Some people talk as though there were gremlins or conspiracies on every side. I was reading, this morning, from Psalm 11. It seems as though the Psalmist had the same questions in mind.
'In the Lord have I taken refuge; how then can you say to me, ‘Flee like a bird to the hills, ‘For see how the wicked bend the bow and fit their arrows to the string, to shoot from the shadows at the true of heart. ‘When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his eyelids try every mortal being.' (Psalm 11.1-5)
From this, I learn that my experience is not new - but that resting in God is our answer. An old prayer has it like this: "Be present, 0 merciful God and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world may repose upon thy eternal changelessness;"
May we all learn to take refuge in the Lord today, and find in Him our peace.
Wednesday December 5th - "Keeping Going"
A dark and wet Wednesday morning isn't very inviting. One of the most important qualities any of us needs is perseverance - keeping going in the right direction, without being distracted or diverted. I find that reading some scripture, and praying ahead for the day that is coming helps me not to drift.
Today, Betty & I were reading these verses. 'All of you should wrap yourselves in the garment of humility towards each other, because God sets his face against the arrogant but favours the humble. Humble yourselves then under God's mighty hand, and he will lift you up in due time. Cast all your cares on him, for you are his charge.' (1 Peter 5.5-7)
It reminds me that in spite of appearances, humans are not in charge in this world. Instead of arrogant independence from God, the best attitude is humble submission to His will. Going in that direction, with that approach, will mean that my concerns will increasingly be his concerns. Handing over worries and concerns to Him is the best thing we can do - he is much bigger than me!
Tuesday December 4th - "Changed Circumstances"
The homecoming of Gillian Gibbons will feature in many papers and news programmes. Freedom for prisoners, and a pardon as well, give echoes of the promise that Jesus fulfilled in his ministry. In the Nazareth synagogue, he quoted from Isaiah, 'The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour' (Luke 4.18, 19)
I am reminded that all of us are called into this experience of changes circumstances. St. Paul illustrates how we are changed by talking about getting dressed for the day. 'The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.' (Romans 13.13) Looking forward to the coming of Christ will help to shape our attitudes and actions - living today in the light of God's eternity. What changes will show in your life?
Monday December 3rd - "Good News"
I have just heard that Gillian Gibbins has been pardoned by the Sudanese President - that is great news. I am reminded of the words of Jesus, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they wil be shown mercy.' (Matthew 5.7) While so often in our culture, there is a blame game and enquiries into why things go wrong, Jesus suggests that it is better to live to a different basic attitude - merciful forgiveness. One of the great Advent themes is the pardon which is available to us from God - bringing comfort and hope. 'Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.' (Isaiah 40.1-3) This message of restoration and new beginnings is at the heart of the Christian Good News. I am so grateful to the Lord for his action on my behalf - and I look forward to chances and opportunities today to share that Good News with others. Are you praying for such opportunities for yourself?