Part 2 Blessing comes when we delight in God’s Word.
Other Bible Meditations can be found here.
Every Tuesday Wilma shares some thoughts with us.
" Thus far has the Lord helped us " 1st Samuel ch 7 v 12
Recently memorials and statues have been in our news bulletins and have caused much controversy. This topic directed my thoughts to a non-controversial memorial. It is the American Monument on the Oa Peninsula in the island of Islay, and can be seen from our coastline on a clear day.
It is a memorial erected by the American Red Cross to those lost in two shipping disasters during the first world war. In 1918 the ship Tuscania was carrying American soldiers when it was torpedoed by German U-boats close to the Oa peninsula, around 260 lives were lost. The other ship, the Otranto was carrying American troops to Glasgow when it collided with another vessel in a fierce storm off the west coast of Islay, 400 lives were lost.
A few years ago the Royal Ramblers were on an island hopping trip to walk on several Scottish islands, Arran, Gigha, Islay and Jura. When on Islay, one sunny evening we decided to walk to the American monument. There was a clear blue sky and only a few light clouds. We had superb views of Rathlin Island, the North Antrim Coast and the hills of Donegal. We were well on our way to the monument when suddenly we saw a very dark ominous cloud approaching, then a squall followed by a cloudburst. Two of us decided to press on with great speed to achieve our aim of reaching the monument, and we did so. We had no wet weather gear on us so got drenched! The others found shelter behind a large rock.
In recalling this walk I was reminded of verses in Philippians ch 3 about pressing on towards the goal. Paul writes in v 13 and 14 "forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus" Paul is not thinking about any earthly prize. His ultimate aspiration is not found in this life but in the the award of everlasting glory in heaven where Christ dwells.
According to Hebrews ch 12 v 1 and 2 we are called "to run with perseverance the race marked out for us" and to “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus".
During lockdown life has not been easy, and for many dark clouds and storms have occured, bringing added difficulties and suffering. On our evening walk a rainbow appeared in the sky, a reminder of God's covenant promise and a symbol of hope, it has appeared on many windows and doors during lockdown. In Christ alone our hope is found!
Memorials are mentioned in the Old Testament, one such is recorded in Joshua ch 4. God asked Joshua to set up 12 stones taken from the river Jordan as a memorial to the miraculous crossing of the river by the Israelites. They represented the 12 tribes and were placed at Gilgal, so that future generations would know that "the hand of the Lord is powerful". In Samuel ch 7 v 12 we read about another memorial. It was a stone placed by Samuel between Mizpah and Shen after the defeat of the Philistines by the Israelites. He named it Ebenezer which means "stone of help" saying "thus far has the Lord helped us". After lockdown may we all be able to make this statement.
Wilma
Malawi
#LetsPray for the people of Malawi as they re-run presidential elections today, asking God that the election process be conducted fairly and peacefully, with people being disciplined in social-distancing so as to minimise the spread of #COVID19 BBC News Report here. Malawi |
Wind rush Generation
To mark the 70th anniversary of the arrival in Britain of Empire Windrush, (2 years ago) Dr R. David Muir, senior lecturer in Public Theology and Community Engagement, University of Roehampton, talked immigration scandal, overcoming prejudice, the next generation, and hope for an even brighter future with Evangelical Alliance Read the interview here https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/caribbean-communities-contribution-to-the-uk?utm_source=twitter |
Stand In Faith (25 minute Video)
Has lockdown made it feel like your whole world is turning upside down and you just need to DO SOMETHING? It might feel odd, but sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply stand on God's Word. Watch Pastor Phil Pringle's inspiring message: https://player.lightcast.com/yYTNykDM |
Gideon (25 minute Audio)
The loss of time with loved ones, the cancelled plans... have you found yourself doubting God's love for you with all the chaos happening this year? In this episode of Bible Biogs, we look at the story of Gideon. How was his faith unbelievably tested? https://player.lightcast.com/ycTOwIzM |
New Homeschool Resource Available
Lion Storyteller Bible author Bob Hartman tells the story of Jesus’ special friends – the first disciples (Luke 5.1–11). Watch the video and download the accompanying resources, suitable for children aged 5–11. explore-the-bible/homeschool |
Jigsaw
Times for yesterday Janice 3:05 Frances 3:36 Derek 4:07 Wilfred 5:06 Try today’s puzzle. Play the "Promenade Fishing" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0cf0292c49ca |
Yesterday was the little jetty at the Salmon House where people like to catch crabs, Eddie refers to it as The Berrins.
So Where Is It? Today?