Hebrews describes the Word - the Scriptures - as being 'alive and active' and they are. The Spirit brings to mind the words we need reminding of, the hope that we need to keep clinging to, and our incredible God who made everything and loves his people. As I hiked up mountains in the South Island of New Zealand and looked at the incredible scenery all around me, just a couple of weeks ago, I had these words from Psalm 121:1-2 on repeat in my brain:
"I lift my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." That Psalm continues on to share the wonders of our loving, kind, caring God who watches over his people, protecting and guiding us along the way. It's a Psalm of comfort and hope when God's people are struggling or unsure of things. Fast forward a thousand+ years and the apostle Peter writes of even more hope that God has given us in his Son, Jesus. A Living Hope through the resurrection of Jesus because he is alive! This passage, 1 Peter 1:3-7 is one of my all-time favourite passages that God has used many times when I've been suffering or questioning in times of trial. They have been the words I've needed to hear to give a reason for my experience, and to give me hope in them. These words have offered an eternal perspective and lifted my eyes to God's point of view to see the vast span of his plans for me and for all believers, enabling the perseverance required to keep walking the Christian faith and to experience the joy that comes from breathing in this living hope. I can't wait to share this with you on Sunday! What passages does the Spirit bring to you to remind you of the hope we have in Jesus? This week we also share in our living hope as we bear witness in three(!) baptisms and commit to journeying with them in faith. Come ready to celebrate the hope we have in Jesus together! Amy
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