THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

My journey with Jesus began as a teenager and as I began to explore the Bible, I ran across 1 Peter 3:15, “but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; [16] yet do it with gentleness and reverence.”

The Holy Spirit made it clear to me that this would be a cornerstone verse for my life. I knew that I desired Jesus to be the cornerstone I would build the rest of my life upon; that he would be my compass, my companion, and my guide in life. For that to happen I would need to develop a solid relationship with him. I would also then be ready to share the hope Christ gives us. But I was captured by the words, “with gentleness and reverence.” This also struck a chord deep within me, knowing that I desired and was called to treat everyone in my life with gentleness and even reverence.

I know that I am not always faithful to this calling, but my morning Zoom prayer group thankfully reminds me of this commitment and calls me back to square one, as one of our set prayers is “this day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.”

A dear friend of mine was given his touchstone verse, from Isaiah 50:8, “The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens – wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.”

And so, dear reader, I wonder what verse you carry in your heart and in your pocket that you return to over and over?

Reverend Tom Telfer, Kilchrenan and

Dalavich l/w Muckairn