Joy can be found in the most unlikely places as Paul shows us in this letter written from prison. Week 1 Part 2.
Each Tuesday Wilma shares some thoughts on the Blog.
"But the Lord is in his holy temple, let all the earth be silent before Him".
In one of the weekly sermons by our recent former Moderator William Henry, he quoted this verse from Habakkuk ch 2 v 20. It is the final one in the chapter, which deals with Babylonian idolatry. They worship gods of wood and stone, gods which cannot speak or hear. "There is no breath in them". Judah has been making alliances with other nations. God is not pleased. He declares His sovereignty and calls for silence. He is about to speak and act in judgement on Judah, and will use the Babylonians to do so.
This verse started me thinking about being silent before God. I recalled, many years ago, I went with a friend to train as a midwife in Dundee Royal Infirmary. My companion was a member of the Religious Society of Friends, known as Quakers.
We decided, as I was a Presbyterian we would attend, on alternate Sundays, when off duty, the Church of Scotland, and the Quaker meeting for worship, as it is known. The first meeting I attended was a small group. We sat in a circle in silence, waiting on the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide those gathered to pray, read God's word or speak. There was no music or singing. Silence was the dominant aspect of the meeting, I remained silent. It was a very moving and learning experience about being silent before God. One of the members was led at the meeting to show hospitality to strangers. We were strangers! She opened her house to us, welcomed us to meals and overnight stays. Grace before meals was silent with heads bowed in communion with God. These times were very meaningful and enjoyable, apart from the noise of the overnight Aberdeen to London train hurtling past her house around midnight!
It is very difficult to practice silence before God. It is easy to offer our praise, thanksgiving, confession and intercessions. We have so much to say to God. But His word says "Be still and know that I am God". When we wait in silence before God we become receptive to what He is saying to us. Normally, we live in a very noisy world, some people are so attuned to noise that they shun silence. Silence can have a healing virtue of it's own. We have experienced the silence and quietness of lockdown, which many have appreciated, other less so.
Last week, Richard gave us a very refreshing study on the 23rd Psalm. He said it was important for us to take time to listen to what the Shepherd was saying to us "beside the still waters".
"Drop Thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease
and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of Thy peace"- J G Whittier known as the Quaker poet , also the writer of many hymns.
Wilma
Global Mission
Last week the Church meeting in General Assembly would normally have a session on listening to the global church, Rev Uel Marrs, Council for Global Mission, reflects on what we can learn from brothers & sisters across the world for whom church life in lockdown is nothing new. This is a short but fascinating article to read and includes a video about SAT-7 broadcasting to the Arab world. https://bit.ly/3gUTnvz |
Abortion - Open Letter to MPs
Baroness O’Loan and Carla Lockhart MP have joined forces to launch an open letter urging MPs and Peers from England, Wales and Scotland to give the people of Northern Ireland ‘their voice back’ and allow them to decide their own abortion laws. It comes after MLAs voted by 46 votes to 40 to pass a motion stating the Northern Ireland Assembly’s opposition to the extreme abortion regime imposed on the province. If you would like to add your name to the letter follow this link. https://righttolife.org.uk/NIopenLetter/ |
Free Audio Book
Each month Christian Audio Books give away a free Christian Audio book for download. This month it is “The Gospel’s Power And Message”. One of the greatest crimes of this generation of Christians is its neglect of the gospel, and it is from this neglect that all our other maladies spring forth. Absent from too many pulpits are the essential themes which make up the very core of the gospel the justice of God, the radical depravity of man, the blood atonement. In The Gospel's Power and Message, Paul Washer addresses these essential elements of Christ s good news and provides a guide to help us rediscover the gospel in all its beauty, scandal, and saving power. https://christianaudio.com/free/ |
Drinking From The Saucer
Last week in 23rd Psalm we had a cup that overflowed. Here is a poem entitled, “Drinking From The Saucer”. I've never made a fortune, And I'll never make one now But it really doesn't matter Cause I'm happy anyhow As I go along my journey I'm reaping better than I've sowed I'm drinking from the saucer Cause my cup has overflowed I don't have a lot of riches, And sometimes the going's tough But with kin and friends to love me I think I'm rich enough I thank God for the blessings That His mercy has bestowed I'm drinking from the saucer cause my cup has overflowed He gives me strength and courage When the way grows steep and rough I'll not ask for other blessings for I'm already blessed enough May we never be too busy To help bear another's load Then we'll all be drinking from the saucer When our cups have overflowed - John Paul Moore |
Jigsaw
A selection of times submitted today. Lynne 3:41 Derek 6:26 Frances 6:43 Wilfred 12:39 Try this puzzle of Balintoy Harbour today. I’ve kept the number of pieces to just 35 to keep things simple, BUT today you can rotate the pieces - Have fun! Let me know if you like the rotating pieces. Play the "Balintoy Harbour" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0c7f0c11df39 |
So Where Is It? today?