Heavens Above!

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. Psalm 19: 1-6

The Cross Has Said It All

It does not seem a year since the Winchester Passion. Thousands flocked to the city to see a Passion Play enacted through the streets of Winchester. With images relayed on big screens, the big picture of Jesus on the cross was there for all to see. In Matt Redman's song 'The Cross Has Said It All', Redman writes, "I can't deny what You have shown, the cross speaks of a God of love, there displayed for all to see." But of course many deny this, refute this, reject this. And it is hard to reconcile a God of love with suffering in the world. With around 250 killed and many more injured during the earthquake in Italy this week, the stark suffering seems to fly in the face of a God of love. I could appeal that the scientist who sent warnings was ignored, I could present some other argument. But words fail me. Somehow, as I look at Jesus on the cross with a crown of thorns stuck in His head, I see an act of love that draws from me a reaction of faith and hope, which is only reinforced by the resurrection. Can I ask you to survey the wondrous cross this Easter and look to see what it is saying to you?

Pressing On

Tizz is nearing the finish line on his bike trek from Southampton to Minehead for this year's Spring Harvest. Despite being sick last night he will soon complete the 70 odd miles to get there having left yesterday morning for a hard, at times strenuous journey. Saddlesore too! But for the goal set before him (and he is raising funds for youthwork) Tizz is pressing on. The apostle Paul in the New Testament writes: '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.'  Whether we be bikers, bloggers, bankers, beauticians, bakers, or whoever we are, God is calling us to see a bigger picture in life. Can your hear Him?