We’ve had a pretty good summer weather-wise, haven’t we? A few years ago, we had our garden landscaped, and it’s been such a joy to watch the plants mature, nourished by appropriate plant food and a temperate climate. As I have sat in the garden over these summer months reflecting on God’s wonderful creation, it got me thinking about what we need so that we are nurtured in our Christian faith. 1 Peter 2:2 came to mind ‘Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation’. Plants need a bit of help to become established and grow, and, in a similar way, we need a bit of help on our Christian journeys.
We are told to crave pure spiritual milk because our appetite for it doesn’t come naturally. Newborns will sometimes reject the very milk they are crying for until they get a taste for it and then they guzzle hungrily. So, what is this “pure spiritual milk” we need to hunger for? It’s the kindness and goodness of the Lord experienced through reading the bible. It’s not all we need, but it’s an important part of developing our faith whether we have been a Christian for many years or are just beginning to explore what the Christian faith is about. This month we’re starting both an evening and a daytime Alpha group for people wanting to know more about the Christian faith. If this is you, why not come along? The evening course starts with a taster session on Wednesday 21 September at 7pm. The daytime course starts with a taster session on Tuesday 20 September at 9.30am. More info here.
These days there are so many ways we can ensure reading the bible is part of our daily lives. You might like to try a bible app or Lectio 365, a free daily devotional resource that helps you pray the bible every day. Or you could purchase an audio bible such as the NIV version read by David Suchet and if you prefer something in print, how about Nicky Gumbel’s ‘The Bible in One Year’ (Hardback version)? Whatever ways we choose to guzzle the word of God, my prayer for us all is that our faith will mature and flourish and that we will reflect the beauty of God, just like our garden did over the summer months.
One person who clearly reflected God’s beauty and whose journey through life was scripture-led was our much loved and sadly departed Queen. Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth II held her Christian faith dear and once said her religion was ‘an inspiration and anchor’ during her reign. Just as she drew strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel, may we do likewise as we continue to mourn her loss and prepare ourselves for her funeral in the coming days.
May God bless each one of you and keep you in his love and care.
Julie Hobbs – Licensed Lay Minister and Pastoral Care Assistant