Jeremiah 31: 33
The new covenant that I will make with the people of Israel will be this: I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Psalm 119: 98, 103-104
Your commandment is with me all the time and makes me wiser than my enemies.
How sweet is the taste of your instructions – sweeter even than honey!
I gain wisdom from your laws, and so I hate all bad conduct.
2 Timothy 3: 14-17, 4: 1-5
But as for you, continue in the truths that you were taught and firmly believe. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching… so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.
…I solemnly urge you to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, reproach, and encourage, as you teach with all patience. The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends. But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances; endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the Good News, and perform your whole duty as a servant of God.
Luke 18: 1-8
The message is clear. God has written it on our hearts. Persevere in sharing the good news of God’s grace and love, through our words and action. This continuous message over millennia, from the time of Jeremiah to Paul to this day, reminds us God places faith and hope in our hearts. 2 Timothy 3 echoes our times, where people are ‘itching to hear’ words of hope in ways they want, that are not always best choices or God’s Way of living with justice, in peace. Let us share God’s good news, offering warming acceptance, embracing love, enriching wisdom, while we live with good conduct, persevere with justice and be peace-makers for all. In the midst of the busyness we are called to, we have the treasured presence of One who knows us beyond our own understanding, and who equips and qualifies us ‘to do every kind of good deed’. How sweet is that?
Oh, One who knows me by name,
renew my energy this day.
Whisper your word in my heart.
Kindle the fire of faith in my soul.
Step with me on our Emmaus path.
Energise my actions with love.
So that
every word echoes wisdom-filled tenderness;
every kind of good deed demonstrates just and honourable living.
Let my being and living bless the places and spaces where I am.
Whisper, ignite, stride forth with me
So I may follow your Way.
© Rev Anne Hewitt 12/10/2022
This reflection may be shared as long as the original writer is credited.
Sung Prayer and Song Suggestion
Have Faith in God, Geoff Bullock
Oh Lord you lead me
By the still waters
Quietly restoring my soul
You speak words of wisdom
The promise of glory
The power of the presence of God
Chorus:
Have faith in God
Let your hope rest on
The faith He has placed in your heart
Never give up
Never let go of the
Faith He has placed in your heart
Oh Lord You guide me
Through all the darkness
Turning my night into day
You’ll never leave me
Never forsake me
The power of the presence of God