Precious Child

Hebrews 4.14–5.10   Hébreux 4.14- 5.10

Genesis 47.1-27     Psalm 5      John 7. 37-52
Genèse 47.1-27      Psaume 5   Jean 7. 37-52

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the High Priest who approaches God on our behalf. That thought alone is incredible! In this passage from Hebrews, we read about a God who is so committed to us, to our salvation and our redemption that instead of watching from afar, he entered our world in all its pain and brokenness. We were not left to suffer on our own, but were joined by the divine person of Jesus Christ, who suffered as we do. Christ was tested, spat on, and betrayed by someone who claimed to love him. His body was broken in the most vile ways at his death, and he had done nothing wrong. After living completely without sin, Jesus had no cause within himself to endure what he did. He did it to answer the call to be our High Priest, to be the one who answers to God for us.

Today, to prepare as we look toward Easter, reflect on what this means for us. I invite you to sit in stillness and consider the amazing love that we read in this passage. Our God, whose mercy is offered without limit to us through Jesus, called his own Son to stand for us. Jesus, who felt sorrow and pain and desperation as we do, allowed his body to be broken to become the source of eternal salvation for us. As you move through your day, take time to remember that you are God’s precious child, and the incredible love and mercy that Jesus has already offered to you.

Natalie Jones Heuslein

All who are thirsty

Isaiah 55.1-9     Esaïe 55. 1-9

Thirst is something that we have all experienced to some extent, whether on a summer's day after a long walk, or after a winter bike ride or a game of football - that need which makes it impossible to think about anything else until our thirst is satisfied. When you read books about explorers walking
through the desert, carrying enough water is crucial or failure to do so will lead to certain death. Water is an essential part of life and we are fortunate enough to live in part of the world where we can take safe drinking water for granted. In this opening verse in Isaiah there is a call for all who are thirsty to come to the waters. This is an invitation to all and specifically states it does not matter if one has no money, everyone is welcome. This is a call which Jesus himself echoes in John 7 where he call others to come to Him and drink and states that rivers of living water will spill out of anyone who believes in him, a reference to the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The references in Isaiah and John are referring seemingly to something more than physical thirst and instead to a spiritual thirst. The question is, are we thirsty and do we feel the need for something of God in our lives? There is then a further promise in this passage that if we are thirsty, we can seek God while he is here to be found and close at hand - a promise which is open to all. The passage also talks about God's lavish forgiveness and that we can turn to God whatever we have done. This is a God who stands at the door and knocks as it states in the book of Revelation. We just need to realise our thirst and turn to God. In reality we all probably recognise that need for something more in life but sometimes we look elsewhere to satisfy the thirst. However, God promises to fill us to overflowing with His Spirit, and that this will satisfy our deepest needs and give us life spiritually just as water gives us life physically.

'Si quelqu'un a soif, il peut venir à moi et boire. Celui qui croit en moi, des fleuves d'eau couleront de son cœur, et cette eau donne la vie' (Jean 7: 37-38)

'Cherchez le SEIGNEUR pendant qu'il se laisse trouver. Faites appel à lui pendant qu'il est près de vous.' (Esaïe 55:8)

Matt Harpur

He is there for us.

Psalm 25   Psaume 25

Genesis 46. 1-7, 28- end     Hebrews 4. 1-13  John 7. 25-36
Genèse  46. 1-7, 28- fin      Hébreux  4. 1-13  Jean 7. 25-36

Do we put our trust in God in times of trial? In the 25th psalm we can see that David’s trust was securely in God. But is ours? Do we regularly seek his protection in the face of enemies and demons we confront in our lives? The palmist urges us to pray for guidance in a spirit of humility and God will respond: "Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me".

Like David do we truly turn to God and seek his forgiveness in times of personal trial whether we have committed sins from venality or youth and immaturity. The psalmist prays for pardon. "For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Take away all my sins". We must be assured that God is listening just as David was.

Are we confident in God's love for us and the redemptive power of His forgiveness when we seek His mercy? Do we know His pardon will be forthcoming when we pray: "For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Take away all my sins" We must not be afraid to
ask. He is there for us.

And are we confident that in lifting our heart and soul to God we gain strength over our enemies, not from our own vanity but from the strength of our belief in God and the strength and wisdom that flows from that belief.

 Being humans will not give us an answer to our prayers. Redemption comes only because our God is a merciful and gracious God.

Sherry Saunders and Joe Rees

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak.

Psalm 41    Psaume 41

Genesis 45.16- end      Hebrews 3.7- end     John 7. 14-24

Genèse 45.16- fin        Hébreux 3.7 - fin      Jean 7. 14-24

Who are they? Do they include us? How do we care for people in need? How do we handle our own weaknesses? Do we speak to God about them? Do we share them with others? Sharing our shortcomings with others can be a big relief, as I experienced myself once more this month. At the same time, opening up makes us more authentic and helps us to love and understand each other better. On a wider level, sharing our struggles might also help to build bridges to connect with fellow sufferers around us in this world.

Weakness and brokenness is at the heart of Christianity, since Jesus’ agony on the cross brings forgiveness to sinners. Acknowledging our sinful nature and our specific sins paves the way for a healed relationship with God. May we understand His mercy and grace better every single day.

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Onze worstelingen maken ons tot wie we zijn. Praten we met elkaar over ons tekortschieten? Zulke gesprekken kunnen ons helpen elkaar te begrijpen en maakt dat we christen kunnen zijn zonder maskers, naar het voorbeeld van Jezus, die lief, leed en lijden met zijn volgelingen deelde.

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Nos défauts et nos luttes sont partie intégrale de nos vies. Les partageons-nous les uns avec les autres? Si oui, cela nous aide à se comprendre et à s’aimer et nous rend de disciples authentiques de Jésus, notre exemple qui a partagé sa vie, sa mort et sa souffrance avec ceux qui l’entouraient.

Harm de Jonge

Messengers

Psalm 34    Psaume 34

Genesis 45. 1-15   Hebrews 3. 1-6    John 7. 1-13
Genèse 45. 1-15    Hébreux 3. 1-6    Jean 7. 1-13

Years ago, I was a van driver for a Scottish landscaping firm. I drove, with ruffian workers, to a building site. When we arrived, they noticed nice building materials. I suspected they would steal this stuff. Later, when I checked the van, it was filled with stolen goods. I told them, “Take it out. I’m not driving away with it.” Amazingly, they complied, but angrily. “What’s it to you?” they said. I said, “The Bible says you must not steal.” They mocked me.

As we drove home, they muttered and cursed at me, and said, “We’re gonna put you in hospital!” I was a bit concerned about this. That evening, I read Psalm 34, where the Lord says his angel would defend me (v. 7) and they would not hurt me (v. 20).

A week or two later, they came for me when I was alone at the depot. Four-against-one, wielding planks, they moved quickly toward me: “You’re comin’ into the tool shed, you!” I ducked into the office, although I half-expected it would be empty. Instead, a man I didn’t know was at the reception counter—an ordinary looking Scottish working man—standing doing nothing. I stood beside him. I said, “No one here?” He smiled and nodded. I said, “They’re after me.” He smiled and nodded again. I stood with this silent man, while my would-be assailants paced up and down outside, looking in the window, but not coming in. This went on for some twenty minutes. The man stood serenely, as if waiting for no-one. I said, “Will I go and see what they want?” He smiled and shook his head, as if to say, “I wouldn’t do that.” After a while they drove away. I said, “I think I can go now.” He smiled. I said good-bye and left.

The word ‘angel’ means a messenger. And angels come in various forms. Some are mortals like ourselves, who help us out. Some are beings of fire. And some are immortal spirits, in human form, sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Heb. 1.14; 13.2). As I’ve thought about it over the years, I think this man was one of those, who delivered me in deadly peril. O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

David Mitchell

Even I live by placing my trust in God

Hebrews 2.10 - end     Hébreux 2.10 - fin
Genesis 44. 18 - end    Psalm 35       John 6. 60 - end
Genèse  44. 18 - fin     Psaume 35     Jean 6. 60 - fin

While we are living on this earth, we often get distracted by the simple realities of daily life: worries about the job or money, planning for the future, concern for family or strangers in need, and attempting and (usually) failing to achieve those vaunted New Year’s resolutions. All of these things, and many more besides, can challenge a Christian’s belief that God has everything in hand.

What I often find is that while at church on Sunday or at a small group session, I grow confident in God’s presence and feel secure in the knowledge that it is safe to trust in the Father. I pray for the things that are on my mind, for people who are in need, I am thankful and I repent. But then I leave the church, the small group ends, and we’re back in the real world, where bills need to be paid and deadlines are waiting in ambush.

To counter these distractions, I’ve found it helpful to take small, practical steps that remind me of our Father’s presence throughout the day: setting the homepage of my internet browser to Our Daily Bread (odb.org) for example, or keeping a copy of a favourite devotional in my wallet. Both of these things, internet and money, most of us access every single day. Placing a Godly reminder in them lessens the power of these distractions – most importantly, they keep reminding me that our Saviour Jesus Christ was made of flesh and blood and that he also lived by placing his trust in God just as we are asked to do.

Rudolf Douqué

We see Jesus

Hebrews 2.1–9        Hèbreux 2.1-9

Genesis 44. 1- 17     Psalm 50       John 6. 52- 59
Genèse 44. 1 - 17    Psaume 50    Jean 6. 52-59 

The writer quotes from Psalm 8. Mankind is a “little lower than the angels”, “crowned with glory and honour”; it has dominion over all of creation – “everything is under their feet” (vs 7-8).

Such lofty comparisons are embarrassing. As I recall the dishonourable things I’ve done (today, even) and the humanitarian crises we face (the result of our greed?), it’s clear that we’re far from this ideal. As Antony Billington explains:

“Though formed in the image of God, our representation of his rule and authority in the world is distorted. To be sure, threads of beauty, compassion, and productiveness are woven into the fabric of our existence; but so are threads of darkness, disease, and disorder. In our more honest moments, we don’t need to go further than ourselves to be confronted with the twists and turns of the human heart. We walk tall, but fall short.” 

Thank goodness, then, that we are not the end of the story. Thank goodness, then, that there is still hope. For even though we can’t yet see this world where all is as it should be (“yet”)! (v8)): “we do see Jesus” (v9).

We don’t see how refugee camp kids can have a childhood.
               But we do see Jesus.

We don’t see how the spread of Zika can be stopped.
               But we do see Jesus.

We don’t see how we can love our neighbours (or ourselves).
               But we do see Jesus. 

We don’t see how [your own concern for today] will be resolved.
               But we do see Jesus.

We see people who bring light to darkness. We see the bigger picture, where no one is beyond God’s love. We see Jesus’ own care for the poor, the sick, the marginalised. We see the God who lived among us, who understands our pain and sadness—who tasted death so we don’t have to (v9).

Hannah Bill

The healing of the paralytic, believed to be the oldest known image of Jesus, from the Syrian City of  Dura Europos, dated about 235

The Road to Salvation

Psalm 32   Psaume 32

Genesis 43. 16- end    Hebrews 1     John 6. 41- 51
Genèse 43. 16- fin      Hébreux 1      Jean 6. 41- 51

I sometimes think that it's quite easy to do a meditation on a Psalm, because the Psalms lend themselves to this sort of exercise.

But not Psalm 32, I find! This Psalm is a special one for me, even so, as it meant a lot when I was going through a difficult time many years ago.

It begins in triumph, a good place to start: we are blessed when we can know the Lord's forgiveness! But then it plunges straight into the reality of not being right with God: the psalmist portrays this as a profoundly physical sensation of "bones wasting away" (weight loss?), sapped strength, and the sense of heavy heat. All this makes him physically groan.

He needs to stop thinking he's right and acknowledge his deviation from the straight-and-narrow. When he does this - just in time - he can confidently assert that he is protected by God.

We are warned to be malleable before God - capable of being changed - as then we are free to trust Him. And finally, the righteous heart can really rejoice!

Thanks be to God for providing the road to salvation!

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Même si c'est parfois difficile, merci a Dieu pour son pardon !

Sue Bird

Stars = Descendants

Genesis 15.1-12,17-18     Genèse 15.1-12, 17-18

Psalm 27      Philippians 3. 17- 4.1     Luke 13. 31- end
Psaume 27   Philippiens 3.  17- 4.1    Luc 13. 31 - fin

At the beginning of this passage Abram is feeling a bit desolate. He felt that everything he had worked for would be lost to just some servant and not to a true descendant, as he didn’t have any. How do you reckon you would feel if God then said to you that your offspring will be as great as the number of stars in the sky? I suppose we can’t really imagine seeing that amount of stars living here in Belgium (the only country completely visible from space at night due to so much light pollution). Luckily for Abram there was no light pollution so he could see the true wonder of God. I do find verses 6 and 8 in this passage a bit contradictory. In verse 6 you see that Abram believes the Lord on face value, but in verse 8 he wants proof that what God promises will truly be his. Which Abram are you and which is the best one to strive towards?

Personally I think you should trust God on face value, which is a bit odd for me as I’m a scientist, who of course always wants to prove something. That’s just the strength and beauty of the Christian faith.

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Welke Abram ben jij? Degene die God op zijn woord gelooft of die God voor bewijzen vraagt? Welk van de twee is de beste? Persoonlijk vind ik dat je God op zijn woord moet geloven. Dit is wel een contradictie voor mij als wetenschapper, die juist naar bewijzen streeft. Dat is juist de kracht en schoonheid van het Christelijk geloof.

Jenny Freeman

Ed The other readings and pcture wil be added later

The Joy of Easter

Psalm 63        Psaume 63

Genesis 43 . 1-15    Galatians 6    John 6.16- 27
Genèse 43 . 1-15     Galates 6         Jean 6. 16-27

Easter is probably the most joyful festival in our church calendar. However Easter this year has perhaps never seemed so severe. Easter this year has perhaps never seemed so severe.

The all too often tragedies we have experienced within the last 12 months in Europe, whether the terrorist attacks, or the fearful hope of some to find the Europe, whether the terrorist attacks, or the fearful hope of some to find the way to a bearable life elsewhere, leave us with a feeling of both confusion and consternation.

Guide us in our choices and actions Lord, teach us to hate our selfish thoughts for the sake of those who are lost, and help us to love our neighbours as ourselves.

In the end, you know we are confident and can rely on your Mercy and Grace only.

“O God, You are my God”; “My flesh longs for you";  But those who seek my life to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth”; “But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped; "But the king shall rejoice in God, everyone who swears by Him shall glory."

Pâques est probablement la plus joyeuse des fêtes de notre calendrier liturgique. Cependant, jamais peut-être Pâques n'a semblé aussi grave.

Les trop nombreuses tragédies que nous avons vécues ces 12 derniers mois en Europe, fussent-elle d'ordre terroriste, ou témoignant du dangereux espoir de certains voulant trouver le chemin d'une vie meilleur ailleurs, nous laissent avec un sentiment de confusion et de consternation.

Guide-nous Seigneur dans nos choix et actions, enseigne-nous la détestation de nos pensées égoïstes pour l'amour de ceux qui sont perdus, et aide-nous à aimer notre prochain.


Vous savez que nous sommes confiants, et pouvons faire confiance en votre Miséricorde et Grâce seulement. « O Dieu ! tu es mon Dieu » ; « Mon âme a soif de toi » ; « ceux qui cherchent à m'ôter la vie iront dans les profondeurs de la terre » ; « Car la bouche des menteurs sera fermée » ; « Et le roi se réjouira en Dieu; Quiconque jure par lui s'en glorifiera ».

Julien Boutique-Leenen

Walk in the Spirit

Galatians 5.15-end   Galates 5. 15-fin

Psalm 22               Genesis 42.29- end     John 6.16- 27

Psaume 22             Genèse 42. 29-fin       Jean 6.16- 27

Some thoughts from John Wesley

[15] But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

But if — On the contrary, in consequence of the divisions which those troublers have occasioned among you, ye bite one another by evil speaking.

And devour one another — By railing and clamour.

Take heed ye be not consumed one of another — By bitterness, strife, and contention, our health and strength, both of body and soul, are consumed, as well as our substance and reputation.

[25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

If we live by the Spirit — If we are indeed raised from the dead, and are alive to God, by the operation of his Spirit.

Let us walk by the Spirit — Let us follow his guidance, in all our tempers, thoughts, words and actions

An end to exile

Psalm 42      Psaumes 42



Genesis 42 .18- 28   Galatians 5. 3- 15  John 6. 1-15
Genèse  42 .18- 28   Galates  5. 3- 15    Jean 6. 1-15

‘As a deer longs for a stream of cool water so I long for you, O God...where can I go and worship in your presence?’

‘I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him my saviour and my God.’

These are the words of the psalmist in exile who is far from home and struggles to find God in his present circumstance.

As we prepare for Easter we remember that no territory is ‘out of bounds’ for God, Jesus steps into his own exile to redeem us from ours. As the temple curtain is torn from top to bottom the ‘most holy place’ is opened up to us all. “Where can I go and worship in your presence?” asks the psalmist, the answer is wherever we are willing to turn our attention to Him and pour out our thanks and affection.

I do not know where I will be in 30, 40 or 50 years time but I know exactly where I will be in 10,000 years time; I will be here, with the psalmist, worshipping my saviour and my God. With this perspective I know that there is far more certainty than there is uncertainty, far more hope than there is reason for despair and far more joy than I ever thought possible. He is a good father, let us not wait until everything is finished before we trust him, let us praise him in the process.

Spend some time to acknowledge the presence of your proud and loving father with you, imagine Him in the different places where you will be today and thank him that He is always available for you and treasures every moment you spend together.

Prayer: help me to remember that You are the prize and to joyfully anticipate your redemption.

In de aanloop naar Pasen denken we aan het geweldige nieuws dat God altijd en overal bij ons is. Hij is een goede Vader, die ons vertrouwen en onze aanbidding ten volste waard is. Hij kijkt altijd reikhalzend naar ons uit!

En nous préparant aux Pâques, nous nous réjouissons que Dieu nous accompagne partout et toujours. Il est un bon Père, digne de notre amour et de notre confiance. Il nous attend toujours avec impatience !

Christine Redding

Freedom

Galatians 4.21-5.1       Galates 4.21-5.1

Genesis 42. 6 - 17       Psalm 6       John 5. 30 - 47
Genèse  42. 6 - 17       Psaume 6    Jean 5. 30 - 47

Christ sets us free! Doesn’t that sound glorious? Except do I really want freedom? Life is so much easier with fixed boundaries, pre-set rules. Freedom means taking responsibility, making choices, being willing to change. God is not limited in what he offers us; his gifts are both genuine and enormous. But I often feel inadequate, unwilling to accept a gift that will require greater faith and vision. I seek to tame His grace, by pouring it into channels which seem new and clean, yet will contain and control the ways God can act in my life.

God is trying to give me the gift of freedom; can I allow myself to receive it?

Ann Milton

Trust, Believe, Obey

Genesis 41.46 - 42.5      Genèse 41.46- 42.5

Psalm 44            Galatians 4.8-20     John 5.19- 29
Psaumes 44        Galates  4.8-20       Jean 5.19- 29

In a stable, democratic country like Belgium we are encouraged to argue and debate our points of view to try and get our own opinions across. We often have difficulty in understanding the concept of God as an absolute Ruler.

Yet Joseph demonstrated his complete trust and faith in God. God’s plan for Joseph included years spent as a slave and a prisoner. During this time Joseph remained steadfast in his faith. He accepted God’s plan for his life - a plan that eventually resulted in him being given the highest position of power in ancient Egypt which enabled him to save his family.

We cannot argue or debate with God. If He truly is the Lord of our lives and we really want to be His disciples, we must say ‘Yes’ when He calls us to do something. Saying ‘No’ is not an option. When we want something, or when He wants us for a particular calling, we cannot argue or debate with Him. Sometimes, in His wisdom and supreme plan for us all, God’s answer to our prayers may be ‘No’ or ‘Not yet’. Like Joseph, our response must be to trust, believe and obey. God’s plan for us will always reveal His love and faithfulness for us.

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Pour embrasser la volonté et le maître-plan de Dieu.

Lin & Dave Harding

Unending Grace

Galatians 3.23–4.7      Galates  3.23–4.7

This excerpt from Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a reminder to us of God’s unending grace and the freedom our faith brings us from law and rules. Paul is quick to remind the Galatians in the preceding verses to this passage that the gift of Christ’s death and our own salvation does not oppose the law,
but that with faith and grace law can be approached from a different perspective.

When we live in Christ, we can recognise the freedom that comes from God’s grace. Paul tells the Galatians in 3.22 that “Before this faith came, we were held prisoners...locked up until faith should be revealed.”

The law served to lead us to Christ, he adds. This could be a reminder that if we don’t have faith, but live according to rules and commandments set out in the Bible and accepted by society today, such as “do to others as you would have them do to you,” we’re likely to be led closer and closer to Jesus, until a spark of faith perhaps encourages us to take a final step and bring us into relationship with God.

Once that step is taken, we are all equal and we are all free, to live as one in God, Paul says. In 3.25, Paul writes, “Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” Instead, we are guided through grace, and that heavenly grace becomes our focal point - not the law.

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Grace à notre foi en Dieu, nous sommes libérés des règles et des lois. Nous sommes libres de vivre dans la grâce, avec Dieu.

Laurel Henning

Sunday 14th February, First Sunday in Lent

Luke 4.11-13      Luc 4.11-13 

What a hard lesson Jesus had to learn at the beginning of His public ministry. First He had to

What a hard lesson Jesus had to learn at the beginning of His public ministry. First He had to

submit to baptism by His cousin John (Luke 3:21), even though He had nothing wrong to repent

submit to baptism by His cousin John (Luke 3:21), even though He had nothing wrong to repent

of. St Matthew records that John actually protested that it would be

of. St Matthew records that John actually protested that it would be more appropriate for

Jesus to baptize him (Matthew 3:14/15). After the baptism and in front of a huge crowd He

Jesus to baptize him (Matthew 3:14/15). After the baptism and in front of a huge crowd He

gets the ringing endorsement from God the Father in a loud voice coming from the heavens

gets the ringing endorsement from God the Father in a loud voice coming from the heavens

‘You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well please

You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.’ Surely that would have been the

perfect moment, when He had everyone’s attention, to start His preaching ministry and how

perfect moment, when He had everyone’s attention, to start His preaching ministry and how

many thousands might have eagerly responded to His message all in one go. But no, what

many thousands might have eagerly responded to His message all in one go. But no, what

actually happens is that the Holy Spirit leads Him away from the Jordan and into the desert

an empty desert with nobody there – except the devil. The three sample temptations that are

recorded for us in the Gospels all revolve around things that He might use to enhance the

recorded for us in the Gospels all revolve around things that He might use to enhance the

credibility of His ministry. Did He want to become famous as a philanthropist turning stones

into bread, a potentate using political power to get a following or a celebrity gaining popularity

into bread, a potentate using political power to get a following or a celebrity gaining popularity

by jumping off a high tower and miraculously surviving? We see Jesus rejecting each of

by jumping off a high tower and miraculously surviving? We see Jesus rejecting each of these

temptations in turn using words of Scripture to confound the devil. Instead He had to become a

temptations in turn using words of Scripture to confound the devil. Instead He had to become a

servant leader. Later in His ministry He would wash His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper to tell

servant leader. Later in His ministry He would wash His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper to tell

them that they too should resist these temptations and follow His example of humble service

them that they too should resist these temptations and

(John 13:12-17).

Quelle dure leçon que Jésus avait à apprendre au début de son ministère public. Il avait d'abord

Quelle dure leçon que Jésus avait à apprendre au début de son ministère public. Il avait d'abord

se soumettre au baptême par son cousin John (Luc 03:21), bien qu'il ait rien de mal pour se

se soumettre au baptême par son cousin John (Luc 03:21), bien qu'il ait rien de mal pour se

repentir. St Matthieu rapporte que John effectivement protesté qu'il serait plus approprié pour

Matthieu rapporte que John effectivement protesté qu'il serait plus approprié pour

Jésus de le baptiser (Matthieu 3: 14/15). Après le baptême et devant une foule immense, il

Jésus de le baptiser (Matthieu 3: 14/15). Après le baptême et devant une foule immense, il

obtient l'approbation enthousiaste de Dieu le Père à haute voix venant des cieux : « Tu es mon

obtient l'approbation enthousiaste de Dieu le Père à haute voix venant des cieux

Fils bien-aimé, avec vous je suis bien heureux. »

aimé, avec vous je suis bien heureux. » Certes, cela aurait été le moment parfait,

quand il avait l'attention de tout le monde, à commencer son ministère de prédication et

quand il avait l'attention de tout le monde, à commencer son ministère de prédication et

combien de milliers auraient vivement répondu à son message en une seule fois. Mais non, ce

combien de milliers auraient vivement répondu à son message e

qui se passe réellement est que le Saint-Esprit le conduit loin de la Jordanie et vers le désert

un désert vide avec personne là - sauf le diable. Les trois tentations échantillons qui nous sont

rapportées dans les Évangiles tournent autour de choses qu'il pourrait utiliser pour renforcer la

crédibilité de son ministère. Voulait-il devenu célèbre comme un philanthrope en tournant les

pierres en pain, un potentat en utilisant le pouvoir politique pour obtenir une suite ou une

pierres en pain, un potentat en utilisant le pouvoir politique pour obtenir une suite ou une

célébrité gagne en popularité en sautant une haute tour et miraculeusement survivant? Nous

célébrité gagne en popularité en sautant une haute tour et miraculeusement survivant? Nous

voyons Jésus rejet de chacun de ces tentations à son tour en utilisant des mots de l'Écriture

voyons Jésus rejet de chacun de ces tentations à son tour en utilisant des mots de l'Écriture

pour confondre le diable. Au lieu de cela, il a dû devenir un leader serviteur. Plus tard dans son

pour confondre le diable. Au lieu de cela, il a dû devenir un leader s

ministère, il serait laver les pieds de ses disciples à la dernière Cène pour leur dire qu'ils doivent

ministère, il serait laver les pieds de ses disciples à la dernière Cène pour leur dire qu'ils doivent

aussi résister à ces tentations et de suivre son exemple d'humble service (Jean 13: 12

aussi résister à ces tentations et de suivre son exemple d'humble service (Jean 13: 12-17).

David Fieldsend

, First Sunday in Lent

CELEBRITY OR SERVICE?

CELEBRITY OR SERVICE?

ads Him away from the Jordan and into the desert –

except the devil. The three sample temptations that are

stry. Did He want to become famous as a philanthropist turning stones

sauf le diable. Les trois tentations échantillons qui nous sont

tournent autour de choses qu'il pourrait utiliser pour renforcer la

Esprit le conduit loin de la Jordanie et vers le désert -

il devenu célèbre comme un philanthrope en tournant les

Faith: with or without signs?

John 4;43- end    Jean 4.43 - fin,    Johannes 4. 43 - 54

Psalm 71          Genesis 41.1-24       Galatians 3. 15 - 24
Psaumes 71      Genèse   41. 1-24     Galates    3.15-  24

Many of the personal encounters people had with Jesus Christ during his active ministry were requests for him to do something. Starting with his own mother requesting more wine at a wedding and progressing all the way to raising someone from the dead, people asked Jesus to help them. Some who observed his miracles took them as signs of his personal power. Others realized the truth of his divinity. For many, their faith grew only because of his “signs”.  Jesus clearly wanted faith to be based on more than the visible. He wanted faith to be an integral part of our relationship with God.

When a royal official in Galilee heard that Jesus was in the area, he begged him to heal his dying son in Capernaum. Jesus said “Your son will live.” As this was spoken, the son became better. As a result, the official and all his household believed.

Do we look for signs before we have faith?  Could it not be enough for us to just believe and trust that God has a plan for us? In Lent we reflect on many things, both positive and negative. Faith in God, be it easy or complicated, is what Christ most wants for us. With or without signs, faith will bring us home.

Christus roept ons op om geloof te hebben, met of zonder wonderen.

Laura Buckner

Morning Mercy

Friday 12th February

Psalm 3      Psaumes 3

Genesis 40       Galatians 3. 1-14     John 4. 27-42
Genèse 40        Galates    3. 1-14     Jean 4. 27- 42 

“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.” Psalm 3:5
<<Je me couche et m'endors l'esprit serin; je me réveille en pax car l'Eternal est mon soutien.>> Psaumes 3. 6

Morning Mercy

A friendly elderly man stepped into my taxi, about ten years ago in Holland. We had a long conversation during the ride, most of which has settled itself in the unretrievable depths of memory. However, one thing he said stood out and I still remember it now. He said, “Your generation is very different from mine. What we have been through, during the war, you cannot comprehend. You young people have all the comforts you need and will never feel what it is like to live in real hunger and fear, as we did, on this very soil.” He said these things kindly, without any bitterness. This thought, of what horrors took place in my own country not all that long ago, has become something I carry with me. And sometimes it hits me: I am alive! My loved ones are alive. I lay down last night to submit myself to dark unconsciousness for another night, and yet here I am again, awake, alive and well. This is pure grace. He who set my heart to the beat of his love keeps it beating. And beating and beating and beating. Every day that we live in safety, every day that is added unto our lives, whether young or old, is pure blessing. Let’s stop and thank the Giver of life for this great mercy. 

Morning mercy.

Sara Mäkipää

Hope in the Lord

Psalm 77 

Psaumes 77

Genesis 39, Galatians 2.11- end, John 4.1-26
Genèse 39   Galates 2.11- fin, Jean 4.1-26

If you have ever felt desperate or hopeless, and have struggled to find the Lord there, verses 1 to 9 may feel very familiar to you. During these times, trusting in God and his deliverance can be extremely difficult. It is a spiritual movement that simply requires great effort: “my spirit made
a diligent search” (v6).

Faith is a spiritual movement that is asked of all Christians. It is hard and there is no getting around it. In the same way that running can only be achieved by running; faith can only be achieved by faith. However, just as running can be helped by remembering the good reasons for doing it – so can faith be helped.

The Psalmist resolves to have faith for these reasons: “I will remember the deeds of the Lord(v11)... Your way, O God, is Holy (v13)... You are the God who works wonders (v14)... When the waters saw you they were afraid; indeed the deep trembled (v16)... you led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (v20)

Our Father delivered Israel from Egypt. Our Father raised Jesus from the dead. In short: He is completely good and completely powerful.... which is an utterly formidable combination.

Notre espoir est dans la bonté et la puissance de notre Pere.

Jonathan de Leyser

Ash Wednesday ~ Time for a change of heart

Joel 2.1-2,12-17; Psalm 51.1-18

If you go to a church service today you will be invited to the observance of a

holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-
denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy word. That might sound

a bit daunting, but the idea is that we take to heart the call to repentance and

the assurance of forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel, and so grow in faith

and in devotion to our Lord.

In the book of Joel, God had declared to his people that they should return to

him with all their heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Joel called

on them to rend their hearts and not their garments.

We may choose to give something up for Lent, or take on something new or

extra, which is great. But the most important thing is what happens in our

hearts. God wants us to return to him and we can do so without fear because

he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.

With the psalmist we can pray - create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew

a steadfast spirit within me.

« Déchirez vos cœurs et non vos vêtements, et revenez à l’Eternel, votre Dieu;

car il est compatissant et miséricordieux, lent à la colère et riche en bonté. »

Par le carême Dieu nous appelle à un renouvellement de cœur, pas

seulement un changement d’activités. Il nous donne sa miséricorde pour nous

assurer de son accueil.

Avec le psalmiste nous pouvons prier - O Dieu ! Crée en moi un cœur pur,

renouvelle en moi un esprit bien disposé.

Susie Wilkinson

Time for a change of heart