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.
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)
On the book front i will say a little more tomorrow, but one thing that struck me earlier, (not in the book but from a bible passage quoted), was Paul's calling. He was a Pharisee of the highest degree and would have detested gentiles. He would have seen them as completely unclean and to blame for the state Israel was in, he would have wanted nothing to do with them. Yet, as Jesus calls Paul to follow him, he sends him to minister to those gentiles, to live with them, eat with them, to suffer for them. How powerful the transformation in him must have been that he should be so willing to give himself for these people. Also, its funny the things God calls us to, in order to humble us and to change in us those things in us that need to be changed. But then i guess that is partly why he calls us, he certainly doesn't need us, serving him is part of the process where God grows us in Godliness!
@Rev'd Marc Walford Looking forward to hearing more on this :) (A)
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
thanks, but I think Alison Deserves the credit for this! it was her idea to get a community like this going ^^
On the spring flowers front, I am so excited about the amount of bluebells we have had in our garden this year! they are stunning. we are just trying to figure out now where to plant out two huge bags of wild flowers so we can have some really nice end of summer flowers as well :D
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.
Would be good to learn more about the Celtic Christians :) (A)