June 23rd

Deuteronomy 28     Isaiah 55     Psalms 119: 25-48     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Sometimes you just have to let scripture speak for itself. 

I'm hungry and thirsty.  I crave a long drink and a steak with chunky chips.  A pint of Gem and a trip to the Cowshed on Whiteladies road perhaps?  I love my food, but the satisfaction of a good meal is only ever temporary and a good steak doesn't come cheap!

My much more serious search for satisfaction, nourishment, significance and meaning in life doesn't find its peace until I give God his rightful place and space in it.  The mind blowing thing is that God's love, forgiveness, grace and plans for us are so vast, so life-giving, so life-nourishing and so completely FREE!  I pray my dull mind and tepid heart gets this.  I want my life to be a response to who God is and what he's done for me; I want to be the lead singer in Isaiah's song of praise and see the world through divine eyes:

"You'll go out in joy,
You'll be led into a complete and whole life.
The mountains and the hills will lead the parade,
bursting with song.
All the trees of the forest will join the procession,
exuberant with applause.
No more thistles, but giant sequoias,
No more thorn bushes, but stately pines -
Monuments to God, living and lasting evidence of God." (The Message)

May we be bold today and share this whole life that is ours in Christ Jesus with our worlds. 

(member of the congregation)