Eternal Life
Jesus promises Eternal Life to those that believe in Him, and what He has done for them on the cross. Through Him we become children of God, and all the promises of His care and provision, are for us as we become One with God through Christ.
As we recognise that no effort of our own can make us good, or loving of ourselves or even of others, we enter into the truth of our need for God. He has already provided a way to be restored to ‘grace’ through Jesus Christ. We are invited to repent (this brings us up from the pit) and to invite Christ into our hearts, and know His Presence, love and care. This repentance is an on-going work that we may be purified and healed through the love and mercy of Christ.
As we live in His Presence we are separated from fear, pride, self-righteousness, and all the small or large things that separate us from God, our pure soul, and others.
Life in Christ
It is easy for long-standing Christians to take for granted what they have been given, or to slip away from Christ the True Light, and their calling as children of God. The following retreat invites you to recommit to Christ and to give glory to God for all His provision and the wonder of praise and thanksgiving.
The Overgrown Garden I’ve battled on and taken each day Allowing each service to make it’s way; But now it is time with my mind renewed, To take full stock of the stuff accrued. What thoughts give me life; Which bring life in their strife? What blocks as a burden Like weeds in a garden? What hopes do I cling to That I need to let go of... Or what order is needed That new ground may be seeded? What rocks my boat and takes my peace, What temptations do I follow to rest at ease? What ways do I avoid death on the cross And find instead a greater loss? What fills the space of the time to be still? What’s the Father asking that stretches my will? Oh Jesus my Lord, I desire to give all, That my heart is held in Your Heavenly thrall.
Each year in a spring garden we need to accept that the ground and plants have to be given time and attention before the main growing season. The ground has to be prepared and fertilised for seeds, or decisions made to leave ground fallow while other areas get attention. Plants nearly always need cutting back, or even rooted out if they are not fruitful or needed.
We too need time to ‘Be still and know that I am God’ that our lives may continue to be healed, cut back and be fruitful in and through Christ, with each season and year. If we think we know all and are complaisant we begin to die as Christians; if we are bogged down by ‘works’ they may be becoming too heavy.
Matthew 11:28-30.
‘Come to Me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am lowly and gentle of heart. My yoke is easy and my burden light.’
You may never have been on a retreat, or in a busy life do not have time to go away. Here you are offered a ’guided retreat’ to think about your life in Christ, to consider the ‘garden’ of your heart and to seek a closer walk with God .
PS: Comment from one who has used the ‘retreat’, ‘The poem was helpful in preparing myself to be opened up. It made me start to look at what I was doing .’ Janet Waithaka, Lay preacher (Todmorden)