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Depending on how we've been brought up, perhaps images we came across when we were younger - we have different 'Pictures of God'. And there are different pictures of God in the Bible. But in the stories of Luke 15 Jesus shows us a God who is searching, who is full of love for you, and who wants to welcome you back!

Series on "Big Issues" - Care of the Planet and Climate Change - Part 2. According to a recent study, the world's 7.6 billion people represent just 0.01% of all living things. Yet humanity has caused the loss of 83% of all wild mammals and half of plants. Can the church offer a credible worldview that sees nature and the peoples of the world as partners in 'Care of the Planet'?

On St. Valentine's Day we think about the immeasurable love of God - 'This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him.' (1 John 4:9 - The Message); and we give thanks for the sacrificial love of many - mother looking after baby, wife caring for husband who has suffered a stroke, health workers caring for Covid patients and others.

Series on "Big Issues" - Care of the Planet and Climate Change - Part 1. Many commentators say it is 'the most important single issue facing our world today'. Scripture consistently teaches that creation is an expression of God, and that our responsibility is to take care of it.

In Part 2 of "Doubt Wisely" we see how Job has a significant breakthrough - God makes himself known to Job 'out of a whirlwind' (Job 38:1). Further, we see that this book wants us to consider four points - 1. God speaks, 2. we need to admit that there are limits to our understanding, 3. suffering comes with questioning and doubt, and 4. the book questions the view that connects sin directly with suffering. May God bless you at every stage of your spiritual journey.

Looking at the book of Job in the Old Testament over 2 weeks. The opening chapters reveal that Job has lost everything (farm animals, servants, children)! Inspite of his so-called 'friends' telling him he must have deserved all this, Job expresses heartfelt doubts - "If only I could state my case!" Our spiritual journey, like Job's, is a mix of faith and doubt. In Part 1 - we think about The Search.

Jesus starts to choose his disciples, and simply says to Matthew - "Follow me." It doesn't seem to be the kind of dramatic conversion which Paul had, but it is nevertheless very real - he gets up and follows. And that's the way it works still - some seem to get a dramatic sign of some kind; others come to faith as part of a longer spiritual journey. But Jesus still offers the challenge today - "Follow me". Will you?

For days before, as I planned, prayed and thought about what I should share with friends and visitors at the start of 2021, this theme kept coming back to me - You Are Precious! You are absolutely unique; there is not another human being on the planet quite like you. And God's words to you are from Isaiah 43: 4 - "You are precious in my eyes ...". Jesus heard God's affirmation at his baptism - "You are my beloved son...". And you need to hear it today - "You are my beloved child".

A meditation for the first Sunday of the New Year. As we stand at the threshold of 2021 we might naturally be full of apprehension and be asking the question "Where do we go from here?" As God instructed the people returning from exile in Egypt - "cross over ...". So, cross over into this new 'space' with confidence and faith. Possess God's promises - 'I will give you joy', 'I will give you peace', 'I am with you always'.

A meditation for the last Sunday of the year 2020, with a question which has often been on the lips of many throughout a challenging year - "Is this the end?" Surprisingly, it's a question which is often asked in the Bible - by Adam and Eve, by Noah, by Job, by the refugees in Babylon, and by the disciples of Jesus when they see him hanging on a cross. But with God, there is always hope. On each occasion there is a new beginning! I pray it might be so for you in 2021.