by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Read Psalm 33:12–22
This psalm is a poetic expression of praise to God, emphasising his sovereignty, creative power and faithfulness. It calls people to worship and trust in the Lord.
But what struck me was the highlighted text, particularly when read in conjunction with verse 13: ‘From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all humankind.’
God sees all of humanity and understands the hearts of all. But he has a special place for those who are faithful to him and have hope in his love: ‘The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him … to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine’ (verses 18 and 19).
It’s a little like having your toddler play in a group of toddlers. You see them all, but you have a special ‘eye’ for your own as you want to protect them in case something happens.
It is comforting to know God has a special relationship with us, but how often do we feel we are not looked upon by him? How much are we unaware of his keeping a special eye on us? After all, everyone benefits when it rains or suffers when it floods.
I think in this day and age, and particularly in western culture, we have a strong sense that we are in control of our lives, that we can manage without God. We put our trust in material wealth, power, status and our own abilities to manage our lives.
We also believe we have full control over the environment and the climate. Many believe we can change the climate through a few small actions, while, in reality, the world is using resources at a far greater rate than at any time in history. Psalm 104 praises God not only as the creator of all that is, seen and unseen, but also as the sustainer of the earth and all that is in it.
How many of us confidently declare ‘We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name’ (Psalm 33:20,21)?
God wants all of humanity to see his saving grace. Christ died for all. It would be a help to others if our hearts truly rejoiced in the trust we have in God’s holy name.
Heavenly Father, as the psalmist says, ‘May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.’ Give us hearts that rejoice in your name and in the salvation that is given to us by grace through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Stuart is retired and, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He now loves living a peaceful life on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria. He mentors learner drivers and is a Red Cross Patient Transport driver. Stuart is also involved in the Mansfield Anglican church and the Mansfield community.
STEP UP TO COMMUNION
We’re excited to invite children aged 10 and up to participate in our Step Up to Communion Program—an opportunity to learn about and prepare for receiving Holy Communion for the first time.
This year, participants will join with our confirmation students for two engaging sessions run by Pastor Brian Schwarz:
Monday 1st September & Monday 8th September
After school until 5:00pm
Langmeil Centre
Afternoon tea provided
Together, we’ll explore the meaning of Holy Communion, ask big faith questions, and grow in understanding of God’s grace and love.
The children will receive their first Communion as part of the Confirmation Service held on Sunday 28th September at Barossa Arts Centre.
TO REGISTER OR TO FIND OUT MORE PLEASE CONTACT
Rachel Brown at rachelabrown83@gmail.com.
SUNDAY 10 AUGUST 2025
Bethany 10.30am HC Pastor Greg Schiller
Grace St John’s no service
Langmeil 8.45am Pastor Jim Bryan and 10.30am FUEL
Lyndoch 9:00am HC Pastor David Gogoll
Tabor 9:00am HC Pastor Greg Schiller
WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST 2025
Grace St John’s HC 2:00pm
SUNDAY 17 AUGUST 2025
Bethany no service
Grace St John’s 9:00am HC Pastor Greg Schiller
Langmeil 8.45am HC and 10.30am HC Pastor Brian Schwarz
Lyndoch 10:00am at St Jakobi Pastor Graham Jenke
Schoenborn 10:30am HC Pastor Greg Schiller
Tabor 9:00am Pastor Gus Schutz + Godly Play
Peace with God
by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand (Romans 5:1,2a).
Read Romans 5:1–11
When we stand for something, we make a show of conviction and often moral courage. The famous phrase, ‘Here I stand, I can do no other’, is attributed to Martin Luther when he refused to recant his writings that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. Taking a stand can be very powerful.
But to ‘stand in’ something is to be immersed in and surrounded by that thing.
To stand in faith means to remain steadfast and unwavering in one’s beliefs, especially during challenging times. It involves trusting in God’s promises, remaining committed to his word and persevering in
In the face of adversity. It’s not just about an intellectual understanding of doctrine, but also about a deep, lived-out faith that impacts every aspect of life.
This part of Paul’s letter to the Romans (and to us) is yet another rich, faith-affirming passage that explores the themes of justification by faith, peace with God, hope, and God’s love demonstrated through Christ.
It presents a new way of looking at life. Even suffering takes on a new meaning.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3–5).
Suffering is not meaningless. If we view suffering as something with meaning, it shapes our character and deepens our hope in the salvation promised to us.
Paul then says that while we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Paul says very rarely someone would die for another person, ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (verse 8).
Through Christ’s death, we are put in a new and right relationship with God – we have peace with God. This is not just an inner peace but a reconciliation with God. How amazing is that?
Through Christ, we are justified by his blood, but also through Christ, we are reconciled with God. Such deep and abiding peace is available to all.
Heavenly Father, with awe and humility, we give you thanks for sending your Son to die for us, even though we are sinners. We rejoice in the peace we have with you through Christ’s blood. With the help of the Holy Spirit, spread that peace we have with you throughout our families, communities and all peoples. Amen.
Stuart is retired and, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He now loves living a peaceful life on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria. He mentors learner drivers and is a Red Cross Patient Transport driver. Stuart is also involved in the Mansfield Anglican church and the Mansfield community.