We may not be able to meet together but we can still invest in our faith! Share what you are doing to stay close to God and keep your faith going during this period to encourage others.
Myself, other than the norm I am making the effort to read a book I started a long time ago (i had only got about 10 pages in), written by Thomas Goodwin called 'The Heart of Christ' and it has been such a refreshing read, and has given me LOADS to think about. Although it is a slightly slower read on account of it being written in 1600's English, but finding it really spiritually nourishing.
Received today :) (A)
The online services are really helping to keep faith in lockdown and the music clips are lovely 😀
Also as others have said, the beauty of nature on daily walks is so uplifting, we are lucky to have such wonders on our doorstep.
Lovely service today. Thank you, Marc😊
Daf and Nic
Thank you so much Helen, mail box to the right of small gate would be fine. 👍
I will pop some in your letter box in the morning. Keep up the good work.😊
Ooooh yes please Helen, did another 5 last night, and I‘ve run out of matching buttons.
These tabs are lovely. Do you need any more buttons?
This is how they look.
Hi, good to make contact and know you are keeping well. Lock down is not all bad, prompting us to try and attempt things we wouldn’t normally do. I’m crocheting these little tabs for the nurses in POW’s hospital to prevent their ears from becoming sore.
I think an online Bible study would be worth a try, but perhaps once the website has attracted a bit more attention?
I have an online Bible study with my friend who lives in America (she was one of the most influential people in my early Christian journey). It has been great to be able to do a study and then share the finding together. Perhaps that is something we could do locally if anyone was interested?
So I said I would say more about the book “the heart of Christ” well I must admit I haven’t got very far yet, I am only one third through ☹. The section I have read is about the outward expression of Jesus’s deep deep love for his people, and his desperate longing for them to come to him. Now that I’m trying to think of something to say, there has been nothing particularly profound about it and perhaps its just because of the 1600s language that it just seems more moving, and yet it is completely mind blowing that Jesus’ heart goes out for us as much as it does, that he constantly prioritises us, constantly makes provision for us, constantly has us on his mind, and working for our good. The author draws on so many different Jesus encounters all of them making one point or another, and yet through every single one we get new glimpses of the incredible depths of his love.
I’m naturally a logical thinker, it’s why I enjoy the sciences as much as I do, when I make decisions I try not to be guided by emotions, and arguments based on emotionalism are one of my greatest frustrations in life. So when I think about Jesus I tend to focus on what he has done for me, I think about my relationship with him, I think about how much I owe him, and of his great love for me revealed in all that he has done for me, I would speak about Jesus in the same way the St Luke wrote about Jesus. But I don’t tend to think about how Jesus feels about me and about each of us as much as I should and I suppose that’s what I’m really appreciating being reminded about in this book.
There are some very interesting elements in it! i am not into all these modern day expressions however. i have decided to create a thread on this subject, in case anyone does want to know more, or even to chat about it.
Would be good to learn more about the Celtic Christians :) (A)
i agree with you both. the beauty of nature is certainly inspiring! the Celtic Christians used to say that you could not do theology without being in nature and seeing the work of God's hands all around you.
This forum space is an excellent idea, thank you Marc, I have also found going for long walks a fantastic boost during this strange time. Nature has a wonderful way of lifting the spirit and the spring flowers this year are beautiful. Helen
Am really impressed ...1600s English is quite hard going. Perhaps Marc there are observations from with in that you could share with us. Don't think copyright is gong to be a problem :) (For me, being out in the fresh air and close to nature...especially as everything...since lockdown...seems "cleaner", & less-polluted is a way to feel closer to our Creator.) (Allison)