Hope For Today

Dear Friends, Does God allow pain? And if so, why? The question of suffering is a huge one and one that has been debated and argued about many times. I'm aware of how contentious an issue it can be, so I want to try and be as sensitive as I can as I share from my limited understanding and my experiences. We will never fully understand God, at least not this side of heaven. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. (AMP) I've been studying Genesis and this week it was Genesis 32:22-32 : 'Jacob Wrestles with God'. (The subheading in the NLT Bible) which particularly drew my attention. This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until

Dear Friends, Back in April I submitted an article online, entitled "God-Centred Dreams" to God-sized Dreams. I am so pleased and excited to tell you that it has now been published. If you would like to read it, please click on the following link which will direct you to it: http://www.godsizeddreams.com/god-centered-dreams/ To Think About: What dreams do you have? Are they God-centred dreams? Where is your focus as you wait - on God or others? Are you at a place where you can hand your dreams to God for his care and keeping? Vicki

Dear Friends, For many of us, rest does not come easily. We've bought in to the lie that we should be busy all the time. That acceptance and approval of us comes from our performance. That if we take a break we are wasting valuable time. We worry what others will think of us if we rest. And to top it all, if we do rest, we tend to then feel guilty for doing so. Yet we need rest for our overall health and wellbeing. Rest brings refreshment and renewal and a chance to reconnect with God. We need to learn how to rest as it doesn't come naturally to many of us. God knows how essential rest is to our wellbeing, he knows it is an essential part of our lives. He is the one who brought order out of chaos, he created rhythm with day and night, weeks, months, seasons, planting and harvesting, work and rest, etc. Jesus knew the value of rest, he demonstrated this to us by the way he lived. He lived out the rhythm of rest and activity. He also encourages us to find our res

Dear Friends, Whilst on holiday with family, I am enjoying a day of peace and quiet on my own. As I sit in the stillness I can hear the breeze blowing through the leaves of the trees. Various birds in song and the occasional hum from a bee. Sometimes we are so busy and there is so much noise going on around us that we miss the beauty there is in the quiet. The beauty in God's creation. We miss the sense of peace and tranquillity given by our God who loves to give us good gifts. At home I don't seem to have much time for stillness and quiet. My phone rings and interrupts me at the most awkward times. The washing machine or dishwasher whirl noisily. Emails shout for my attention. Housework begs to be done. Music is playing. The television is on in the background. Despite being busy and often having people demanding his attention, Jesus often withdrew from them so that he could have time alone with God, to pray and converse with God. For example we read in L