The Land Between

                                                

For those of you who have tuned in to our recent sermons you would already know that we tackled the theme of "The Land Between". This took a closer look at the theme of finding God during our times of tough transitions and was based on a delightful book by Jeff Manion. I have writtten a short article on this topic for Scripture Union, which is a lovely summary of this theme. If you would like to read it please click on this link -  and while you are there, please also read some of the other awesome articles that are on the Scripture Union site.

Here is a short snippet from the article to whet your appetite:

"Our unique journey through the wilderness of uncertainty during Covid-19 has moved many of us into deep places of reflection, trying to find God in this time of drastic change. We may even be asking “What is God doing in our lives through this time of transition?” As we step out onto the soil of this ‘land between’ we recognise that this time has the potential to grow things in our lives or to sadly destroy us. We are left with the work of discerning which ‘crop’ we want to grow from the soil of this season."

God bless

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The One who sent it!

 

 

In her marvellous book 'Bread of Angels', Barbara Brown Taylor reflects on how when we ask God for things (for example, when the Israelites asked for food in the desert) we often create an impression of how God should answer our prayers. The trouble with this is that we then limit God to our image of the answered prayer. The manna in the desert may have not looked appetising, yet it was an answer to prayer and this helped the people survive on a daily basis.

Barbara Brown Taylor writes:
"...it is not what it is that counts, but who sent it, and the miracle is that God is always sending us something to eat. Day by day, God is made known to us in the simple things that sustain our lives - some bread, some love, some breath, some wine - all those absolutely essential things that are here today and gone tomorrow."

May we come to know the gift in the answer to our prayers and that God is still in the business of providing manna for his people.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Going through the tough times

“We all want Canaan (the Promised Land) without going through the wilderness.” - Ravi Zacharias 

Walking through times of spiritual dryness and loneliness can actually be beneficial for us in the long run. Of course, none of us really want to experience these periods in our lives, because they make us feel so disorientated. However, if we are willing to trust in Jesus, then he will get us through the dry times and he will bring us through into the Promised Land – which I believe is a place of hope. 

Read these reminders of God's faitfulness.

Psalm 78:52 – “But he led his own people like a flock of sheep, guiding them safely through the wilderness.”

Psalm 136:16 – “Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever.”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

There will be a change

"Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
    The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
² Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
    and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
    as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
    the splendor of our God.
³ With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
    and encourage those who have weak knees.
⁴ Say to those with fearful hearts,
    “Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
    He is coming to save you.” - Isaiah 35:1-4

These words of Hope from Isaiah remind me that even when things seem bleak, God can turn things around. The wastelands will blossom once more and the wilderness will come to Life.

Hope onto that promise this week.

Be strong and do not be afraid.

Living in Grace

D3LM3