Tag: faith

Surrounded

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I read these ancient words during the past week in Kendal:

‘As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭125‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

We may feel overwhelmed with struggles & pressed down by stresses. Yet, we are surrounded by our Mighty, Majestic God, & encompassed by His love & power.

Psalm 125 was one of the Psalms that Jewish pilgrims sang as they journeyed toward Jerusalem. As the Psalm states, the city of Jerusalem is encircled by mountains (including the Mount of Olives)

We are protected by the mountain Maker- the One who was the Everlasting God even before the mountains were formed (Psalm 90)

As Moses wrote when He blessed the tribes of Israel:

‘The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.’

‭‭(Deuteronomy‬ ‭33‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

We are safe & secure, for we are surrounded by God & kept in His arms {now & forever}

Blessings,

Ruth x

Love like bread

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As we’ve travelled round the Lake District on these auburn autumn days, we’ve ate bread in Ambleside, Grasmere & Kendal. Crusty sourdough & fresh tin loaves. One local bakery is aptly called Lovingly Artisan. As I savoured the hand-crafted loaves, I thought of a poem I read long ago:

‘Love doesn’t just sit there,

like a stone,

it has to be made,

Like bread;

remade all the time,

made new’

(Ursula K Le Guin)

Making bread requires effort- kneading, stretching & folding the dough.

In the same way our love should be intentional. Love needs to be nurtured – just as a sourdough starter needs to be fed.

It’s been said that love is a verb. Love is dynamic.

The Apostle John wrote:

‘Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.’

(‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Human love may go stale-yet God’s lovingkindness remains fresh- it’s new every morning! God’s ubiquitous love is the Truest Love of all. It is the starter from which all love flows:


‘Christ’s love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do.’
(2 Corinthians 5:14 MSG)

Time moulds & kneads life into different shapes & directions as we move along in life. But whatever our circumstances, we are urged to follow God’s way of love:

‘Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.’

‭‭(Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

As we journey through this week, we can trust in God, the Master Maker & His love:

‘And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.’
(1 John 4:16 NIV)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Aroma

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We live & move through this world using our five senses- sight, sound, touch, taste & smell. Our sensory experiences can be positive or negative- pleasant or terrible. Last week I experienced the sights, sounds & smells of Scotland’s capital city.

I walked through the buzzing cobbled streets in Edinburgh. The Dome was already fully decorated & the scent of cinnamon & pine lingered- Christmastime was definitely in the air!

We sprayed fragrance testers in John Lewis in St James’ Quarter while those around searched to find their signature scent.

The welcoming aroma of freshly ground coffee ushered us into the Old Town.

Later, I sensed the crisp scent of amber autumn leaves as I ran (slowly!) in Edinburgh’s leafy suburbs. Later still, I lit a jasmine & sandalwood candle in the van.

Scents connect us to memories & emotions. Aromas are nostalgic- reviving our memory & enhancing the moment. They bring the past to the present again!

Science has shown that scents affect our mood & even our work performance.

The Bible compares believers to an aroma:

‘For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.’

‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

This imagery evoked memories of the aroma of incense & burnt sacrifices offered during Old Testament times at the Temple.

However, this smell is perceived differently by others & has a contrasting effect:

“To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”

‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

This verse is a powerful word-picture. To the  disobedient & perishing we are the rotting stench of doom & death. (The same word is used literally in John 11:39 to describe the odour of Lazarus’ body in the tomb)

Yet to those who believe & are being saved, we are the scent of life- a sweet smelling perfume.

‘Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God’

(2 Cor 2:15 MSG)

This is an awesome responsibility.

We can enhance the sweetness of the atmosphere as God is within us. By His Holy Spirit we can show God’s presence & share the message of Jesus. 

The essence of God permeates the space  around us – flowing out of our relationship with Him into other’s lives through our words & deeds.

May we spread God’s fragrance of grace, life & hope as we cross others’ paths this week

Blessings,

Ruth x

Photo credit-Daniel J Schwarz via Pexels

Troubled hearts

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There’s plenty to trouble our hearts & disrupt our peace in this troubled world. Concerns & anxieties. Disappointment & discouragement. Sickness & strife. Apprehension & angst. Waiting & waiting {& waiting}

And often that’s just in our own lives before we absorb the news locally & across our globe.

Last week Pastor George preached on first few verses of John chapter 14. These are Jesus’ words to His closest followers the night before He was crucified.

Jesus said:

“Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

Despite everything that was about to happen, Jesus urged His friends not to be troubled. ‘Troubled’ in the Greek implies being disturbed & shaken- like being tossed by the waves. And isn’t that just how we feel sometimes?

Later, in the same chapter, Jesus says:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Another version translates Jesus’ words this way:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

The One who hushed raging tempests on the Sea of Galilee has the power to calm our troubled hearts & usher perfect peace into our lives. This mind-space of peace & heart full of calm is a gift that only God can give.

Through the dark storms of life, God’s love surrounds us, His grace sustains us & His hope is the anchor that holds us fast.

We can:

‘Keep calm & trust God’

May you know this peace from God as you step into a new week.

“May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

‭‭(2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭HCSB‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Pursued by Goodness

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“God is good, all the time” he said, his ebony eyes shining.

“All the time, God is good” he continued.His voice was buoyed with hope, echoing around the packed church hall, then resonating in my heart.

I listened to this  African child speaking truth and my own eyes brimmed with emotion. For this child had been born into poverty in a land ravaged by war. Yet, he was declaring the goodness of God.

We may not experience extreme suffering and conflict, but sometimes life takes unexpected, unwanted turns. Difficulties, stresses & strains come our way. And life doesn’t feel good. Life doesn’t seem good.

Three years ago a phone-call burst into my day, interrupting a relaxing time on holiday. This led to a cancer scare and major surgery. Afterwards, a stressful return to work triggered spiralling mental illness,which cumulated in another admission to hospital.It felt like a whirlwind had wrecked my normal everyday life and it hurt.

Recovery was painfully slow and heralded an end to my much-loved career. There followed an ongoing season of disappointment, adapting to my new normal. Life felt heavy. Life was not as I’d anticipated or planned!

Yet I have learned, God is good when life is not.

A prophet wrote long ago:

‘The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him’

‭‭(Nahum‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Our God is good and He is an ever-present help in our dark chapters. He cares about us & what we’re going through.

The apostle Paul wrote these words in the New Testament:

‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’

‭‭(Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

If we love God, then all things-

Uncomfortable things,

Unexpected things,

Unfair things,

Difficult things,

Demanding things,

Absolutely everything!

All things that we encounter are crafted together by our Creator God for our ultimate good.

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most famous Psalm in the Bible- often read solemnly at funerals and quoted to bring comfort when life hurts. The last verse says:

‘Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Our God is a faithful, good Shepherd who is worthy of our trust as He leads us through this journey of life. And His goodness and mercy are like sheepdogs pursuing us relentlessly – protecting and guiding our precarious life.

Our God is the ultimate source of good. He knows us best and loves us most, and He is at work in our everyday life for our good and His glory.

Today, whatever hard things are surrounding you, pause and catch a glimpse of God’s goodness pursuing you relentlessly all of your days. Even in the difficult days- especially in the difficult days remember:

God is good when life is not

{Today and always}

‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Whatever!

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Sometimes Bible verses become too familiar, even over-familiar. Then their truth simply washes over us, rather than seeping in deeply to affect our heart & mind.

For example, this verse has been adapted into childrens’ songs, & I’m sure many of you have learned it as a memory verse:

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

But what does that mean in our day to day life? Maybe we need to read it in a different translation or paraphrase to grasp its truth:

“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”

‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

We can rely on God’s strength within us to get through the trials of life!We may be facing insurmountable mountains or trudging through dark valleys- but we can know our Almighty God’s help & strength. We can be confident & courageous as we press on. 

We can be sure & steadfast in Him:

‘Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am’
(Philippians 4:13-MSG)

We can do all things in Jesus’ strength.

Difficult things. Unexpected things. Things we face at home, or in our work. Things we encounter in this turbulent world.

We do not need to fear. We can place our trust in God- whatever happens.

‘When you go to God,
He will infuse you with
The strength you need
To do that which He has asked you to do!’
(Patsy Clairmont)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Autumn assurance

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It feels like the seasons switched from summer to autumn overnight. The temperature has dropped & auburn leaves are swirling downwards.

It might be a changing season in your life too- a different role, a new situation or an unexpected set of circumstances.

It’s so good to know that through all changes, our God is constant, dependable & present:

‘For the Lord your God 

is living among you. 

He is a mighty savior. 

He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears.

He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.’

‭‭(Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Our God is Lord- the Creator Yahweh, Mighty & Almighty- the God of Angel Armies. And He is with us- step by step, moment by moment, through every season of life.

Our God is our Saviour, as Zephaniah reminds us. He saves us from sin- & ourselves.

God delights in us & we are beloved & blessed. His great love calms our deepest fears & dispels our anxieties.

And if we’re still enough, we will hear His gentle lullabies over our lives. He holds us in His arms & declares His love.

We can be eternally grateful {today & always}

‘Praise the Lord! 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! 

His faithful love endures forever.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭106‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Circle of calm

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Once upon a time we may have banished worries from our life, but they tend to barge back in unexpectedly & uninvited- hijacking our brain space & diminishing our mental bandwidth. Then overthinking & overreacting invades our days again

When this happens {& it will!} it is such a blessing to stumble upon verses like this:

‘When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Or as The Message paraphrases it:

‘When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

Our imaginations go into overdrive conjuring up fearful outcomes & precarious situations. Our anxieties can feel relentless & heavy to carry. Yet, God is bigger than our worried heart!

For, true calmness isn’t found on-line in an app or on the pages of a book- but in God’s abiding presence. In him we find a cornucopia of deep peace & understanding, comfort & consolation.

God can create a circle of quiet calm in our heart & mind from the spiral of anxieties. He quells our fears in this tempestuous world. And he can make every tangle & twist beautiful in its time (Ecc 3:11)

The prophet Isaiah wrote these soothing words:

‘You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.’

‭‭(Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

When disappointments hurt,

When the unexpected happens,

When our heart breaks ,

When we feel crushed & overwhelmed,

When our foundations are shaken,

We’ll find God right there- in the middle of our troubles, heartache & despair.

And we can declare:

“It is well with my soul!”

Breathe in His presence- Know God & the peace only He can give. And deep joy & gladness will dispel the turmoil of life!

Blessings,

Ruth x

*Selah*

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We’re encouraged to keep a gratitude journal & urged to count our blessings! The emphasis is on focusing on the positive- the good things surrounding us.

And actually these sentiments have been backed by research. Harvard concluded ‘Giving thanks can make you happier’ Listing everyday pleasures & tiny joys can foster positivity & improve energy & boost our mood. 

An attitude of gratitude is beneficial:

‘Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.’

(William Arthur Ward)

If we are grateful for good coffee, beach walks, instaperfect meals, close friends & our cherished family, then how much more thankful should we be to God? 

After all, ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above’ 

‭‭(James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

In the Old Testament, as the Israelites battled with the Philistines, the prophet

Samuel set up a stone & called it Eben-ezer, meaning ‘so far the Lord has helped us.’ (1 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭12‬ )

This rock was a sign of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Samuel remembered how God in His mighty power had helped until this point & so He was more than worthy of their trust in the days ahead. In the future, the Israelites could stop at this Eben-ezer stone & remember with thankfulness God’s gracious acts.

David wrote:

‘But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭77‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Recall & remember God’s works.

Selah is a word scattered throughout the Psalms.It’s a musical term that means a reflective pause. In our busy lives we too can pause & reflect with gratitude to the God of all our days.

We can literally express our gratitude in a journal, or a prayer or share our thankfulness with others.

We have so much to thank God:

*For His amazing artistry displayed in creation

*For God’s never-ending grace & relentless love.

*For His grand plan of redemption in which He did not spare His One & Only Son, as the offering for our sin

*For His tender mercies & everyday blessings

*For His deep peace & constant presence

*For the warm embrace & inspirational challenge of His Word

He has helped us through trials & tests, problems & pressure, diagnoses & difficulties, stresses & strains. He has guided us in the past & we can entrust our future to Him. 

We live under the extravagant generosity of our Creator God each & every day.

Blessings are ours

because we are His

We are:

Flawed yet forgiven

Redeemed & restored

Beloved & blessed

So pause & ponder with grateful hearts- Who God is in greatness & majesty, & what He has freely given, with grace & goodness.

‘For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭86‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruthx

Just trust

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It’s that time of year to choose a word for the year. Which one will you choose? I chose trust.

Just trust!

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.’

(Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

I choose to trust God as this year unfurls.

We can choose to trust God to deal with our past, to cope with the present & to rely on for the future!

We can trust Him for everything, for He is our Rock to lean on:

‘Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.’(Psalms 62:8 NIV)

God is good & He cares for us as we trust in Him:

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.’ (Nahum 1:7 NIV)

We can trust God with all that we’ve got:

‘Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.’

(Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG)

Just trust

This year

& always!

Blessings,

Ruth x