Daily Devotional reflections

As we journey through these uncertain times, each day Sean will to seek post a thought or reflection, a Bible verse or a prayer.

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Wednesday 6th May 2020

‘Loose talk can cost lives’

REFLECTION

This Friday we celebrate 75 years since VE day – the end of the Second World War in Europe. (More about VE day tomorrow and Friday.) One of the oft repeated phrases of the war years was ‘Loose talk can cost lives.’ It was a reminder that sensitive information discussed in public could get into the wrong hands and be used by the enemy. It also warmed people about the dangers of gossip and rumour and misinformation. I got a taste from this during my time in the military. We were on exercise near Campbelltown, based at what was RAF Machrihanish. The terrorist attacks of 9/11 had happened only two weeks before. There were a number of different units involved including armoured reconnaissance, signals and infantry, supported by RAF Tornado fighters and Chinook and Gazelle helicopters. My unit was there to provide medical cover.

Memories of the time include flying over the Mull of Kintyre at low level in a Chinook and a couple of sections getting lost. You can imagine the embarrassment when a convoy of military vehicles pulled up at a farmhouse to ask directions. I was asked to offer a thought for the day on the local radio station. But he most amusing event came from the locals. The existence of a large military exercise so close to the tragic attacks of 9/11 gave rise to the rumour that we were training prior to the invasion of Afghanistan. The gossip mongers of Campbelltown were apparently having a field day!

In the current context of the lockdown due to Covid19, the phrase ‘Loose talk costs lives’ has regretfully become a reality. Rumours about ways of preventing transmission, or curing the disease or playing down the importance of social isolation have been finding a willing audience of social media. There have been all manner conspiracy theories. Even some fringe churches have got in on the act with a church in London selling so called Plague Protection Kits and a church in Miami marketing its “Master Mineral Solution,” as a treatment for countless diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, autism, brain cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and COVID-19. When tested federal authorities the solution is actually chlorine dioxide used as an industrial cleaner for swimming pools.

The point here is that gossip, hearsay, rumours and anecdotes are not the same as facts. Social media is great for catching up with people, but is not a reliable source of factual information. And how many lives have been lost by the failure to discount reliable advice like social distancing and half- baked theories and so called miracle cures. These are far more prevalent that most people imagine.

BIBLE READING

2 Timothy 4

4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

REFLECT

In this passage note the contrast between ‘itching ears’ and sound doctrine.
Does it matter what you believe or is sound doctrine important?
Why should we, to the best of our ability, seek out a balanced and informed faith in God?

Rev Sean Swindells
Cruden Parish Church

Prayer

A prayer for those affected by Corona Virus

Lord, we are those who journey.
And who find that journey hard today.
We are those who journey.
And long to find our hope renewed.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord, whether in our own company or with companions beside us,
We journey on.
Whether sure, or unsure, as to our journey’s end,
Come beside us through the risen Lord.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for others;
For carers of the living and of the dying;
For the bereaved and for the anxious;
For those fearing loss of work and of business.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for scientists and researchers;
For those seeking to understand the challenge we face;
For those creating potential vaccines;
For those advising decision-makers.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for those who shape our common life:
In local Councils and in Scottish Government.
And in the Government of the United Kingdom.
Grant to them wisdom, compassion and understanding.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for your Kingdom to come.
And for your will to be done,
On earth.
As it is in heaven.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Amen.

A prayer for sound faith

Let there be no gap between us and Christ.
For if there is any gap, immediately we perish.
For the building stands because it is cemented together.
Let us not then merely keep hold of Christ,
but let us be cemented to him.
Let us cleave to him by our works.
He is the head, we are the body.
He is the foundation, we the building.
He is the vine, we the branches.
He is the bridegroom, we the bride.
He is the shepherd, we the sheep.
He is the way, we walk in it.
Again, we are the temple, he the indweller.
He is the only begotten, we the brothers and sisters.
He is the heir, we the heirs together with him.
He is the life, we the living.
He is the resurrection, we those who rise again.
He is the light, we the enlightened.
Amen

~ from Homilies on First Corinthians, St. John Chrysostom (4th century).

Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. You will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever.
Amen.

BLESSING

May the grace of God uphold you,
the peace of God surround you,
the love of God flow from you
and the strength of God protect
and bring you safely through this day.
Amen

My Jesus My Saviour