Kirk Reflections 30th November 2025.

Morag Carnall brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Care

Sparrows are small yet special birds.  They’re sometimes overlooked because they’re so tiny – but we should consider sparrows when we think of God’s loving care.  In the Bible, sparrows are mentioned in two key verses that show their significance.  

They were common in biblical places.  The Hebrew people generally considered sparrows unimportant because they were so plentiful - some even found them annoying, because of their busyness and tendency to nest around people’s homes.  But in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, sparrows are used as an example of how God values all the creatures in creation but values people above everything.  

Jesus points out in Matthew 10:29-31, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” 

While people may overlook sparrows, God always sees them and cares about them. Sparrows show us that no creature – no matter how small or common – is beyond the reach of God’s love.  Since God takes good care of even seemingly insignificant creatures like sparrows, we can trust that God will take good care of us.  And God encourages us to take care of others.  The healing and miracles that Jesus performed are great examples of care. 

The Dalai Lama said that “"The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being."

Kirk Reflections 16th November 2025.

Revd. Erick du Toit brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

New Heaven and New Earth

There’s been much said and written about heaven and how it will manifest. At the end of Revelation, we read about the absence of the sun and moon as the Lord Himself will be the light of the city.

The Bible gives us a glimpse of heaven, but the reality of that place is beyond the ability of finite man to imagine (see 1 Corinthians 2:9).

What we do know for sure this is: Heaven is a place of “no mores.” There will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4). There will be no more separation, because death will be conquered (Revelation 20:6). And the best thing about heaven will be the presence of our Lord and Saviour (1 John 3:2). We will be face to face with the Lamb of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. Because of His sacrifice, we can enjoy His presence for eternity.

And the earth… what will happen to the earth…?

This week, we look at Isaiah 65 to find some answers!

Kirk Reflections 19th October 2025.

Revd. Erick du Toit brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Haggai

Have you ever tried to bake, make or re-create something and it left you disappointed?

In recent months, I’ve done most of the cooking at the Manse due to obvious reasons, but somehow my meals never look as good as the pictures in the Tesco magazine. The other day, I tried to put together a wee ramp at the kitchen door for a smooth pram ride over the stairs; again…

none of this resembled the DIY videos I saw on YouTube.

Often, we have a picture of how things ought to be. Based on prior knowledge, ideas or experiences. Haggai wrote to the remnant of Israel who were VERY disheartened at the state of the ‘new’ temple. It didn’t quite impress as they hoped for. It was shabby at best and nothing like Solomon’s temple.

Perhaps you can relate. A relationship or friendship that didn’t quite live up to your expectations. You were hoping for more… but you’re left dissatisfied…

Haggai’s message is for you.

A message of contentment. Embracing the ‘enough’ we have in the presence of God!

Kirk Reflections 5th October 2025.

Will Stark brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Zephaniah

Zephaniah brought a message to a people who found themselves on a collision course with God. 

What were they doing? 

What did they have to do and how did it all end? 

Written around 630 BC - what does all this mean for you in 2025...?

Kirk Reflections 5th October 2025.

Revd. Erick du Toit brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Habakkuk

Waiting...
To wait.
Waited.
For how long?
What is it YOU are waiting for?
Habakkuk (number 8 of 12 Minor Prophets) begins his complaint to God with these words:
“How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?”
Yikes – that’s brave!
It seems that most if not all spiritual pilgrims battle with the concept of ‘not yet having received what we we’re hoping for.’ If that’s you… you’re in good company!
This week, we explore the significance and importance of the spiritual discipline of ‘waiting on the LORD’.

Kirk Reflections 28th September 2025.

Revd. Erick du Toit brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Nahum

Our series on the minor prophets continues this week with a second visit to the city of Nineveh, and a word from Nahum.

Kirk Reflections 21st September 2025.

Paula Roots brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Micah

In our series on the minor prophets, we have now reached Micah.
Unlike Jonah, we don't know any graphic story of his life but we find that his teachings are surprisingly familiar. He and Isaiah were in Judah, calling God's people to repentance and foretelling their captivity. Of all the lesser known prophets, Micah is said to be the most hopeful. 

Kirk Reflections 14th September 2025.

Revd. Erick du Toit brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Jonah

What’s your favourite story from the Old Testament?

Could be Daniel in the Lions’ Den? Noah’s Ark? What about David and Goliath? The list can be long!

A narrative that’s captivated my imagination from a very early age is Jonah and the Fish. There’s so much mystery wrapped up in all the nuances. Why would you try to flee from God?
The more I ponder the more I not only recognise this attitude within humanity, but also within my own heart. Do I sometimes make a conscious decision to hide from God? When he calls me to do something difficult? Something that’s outside of my comfort zone? Might it be that I too, at times, hoard anger and resentment towards the LORD because of his character…?
Mh (Eyebrows raised). Can I please go back to my P4 understanding of JONAH?

Kirk Reflections 7th September 2025.

Revd. Erick du Toit brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Obadiah

This week we’re looking at Obadiah (Oh-but-did-I-?)
He prophesied against Israel’s foes who joined those scandalous Babylonians in pillaging the cities surrounding Jerusalem. This plays out like a classic Hollywood drama as we soon find out that Edom, the nation who delighted in Israel’s downfall, is in fact… Israel’s brother!

Dong Dhong!  (Mic-drop-moment!)

What led to this destructive behaviour? What could have possibly happened between them that led to this rift?

Kirk Reflections 31st August 2025.

John McPhee brings this week's reflection from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Amos

We continue our 12 week exploration of the books of the "minor" prophets. This week, we are looking at the message of Amos.