Daily Reading: 20 July

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Global God

Something to read

The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things.

- Acts 17:24, 25.

Something to think about

There are two compelling reasons why Christian action extends to everyone irrespective of creed, culture or class:

The first is the fact that God is a global God. By definition, his kingdom is a universal rule without moral boundaries, but with the same expectation of fairness and equality from everyone everywhere.

No one religion can enshrine him or confine him to a religious box.

The second is that he is our common source for all life. Made in his image and likeness, all mortals are due dignity and respect from everyone else.

Our likeness to God is the common denominator, which binds our global community in our need, and the responsibility to respond to those needs. 

Something to do

This is a good place for personal introspection. Reflect on people of other faiths, nationality or social status. 

Is there any intolerance or prejudice which you can identify? If you do, what steps will you take?

Something to pray

God of all flesh,

teach me to see you and the hope of Christ in every human being. 

And help us to meet in diversity,

as we speak of the uniqueness of your love and grace.

Amen.

Today's contributor is the late Rev Joel Edwards.

Joel was a writer, broadcaster, coach and public speaker. He was over 30 years in Christian leadership as director of Micah Challenge, a global advocacy campaign, general director of the Evangelical Alliance UK, and a wide range of community engagements in church and government.

At time of writing Joel was an honorary canon at St Paul's Cathedral, and visiting fellow with St John's College Durham, where he was completing a doctoral programme.

We are so grateful to Joel for his friendship with Christian Aid and faithful service to God. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.