An infinite power source

Following recent power cuts, I received a letter from UK Power Networks explaining that upgrading work was being carried out locally and that the electricity would be switched off briefly while a generator was connected to provide temporary power.

Although I had read the letter, I obviously hadn't remembered it! One morning I put on a load of washing, only to notice a few minutes later that the machine had stopped, its display had gone blank and, when I flicked a nearby light switch, nothing happened. Then I remembered the letter! The power cut was exactly as described.

It always pays to read—and sometimes reread—important messages. They can bring reassurance, clarity and wisdom. While waiting for the power to return, I opened my devotional Bible and found myself reading Psalm 119:105: 

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." 

As Christians, we believe the Bible is God's light. It illuminates the way ahead, guides our steps and gives us wisdom for life's journey.

And the best thing? It's an infinite power source! No meter readings, no bills, and God doesn't disconnect us when we put our trust in Him! 

Want to discover more? Join us on Sunday mornings at 10:30am. A warm welcome awaits you. 

Prayers and blessings, 

Pastor Robert and the Baptist Church family

Photo by Frankie Lopez on Unsplash

Building things from wood

Having spent many happy years building Airfix aeroplane kits, I have recently discovered 3D wooden puzzle models. A friend at church has just finished constructing an amazing model of the Space Shuttle and its launch tower from hundreds of precut press out wooden pieces that slot together. It even has lights and a motor to raise the shuttle into launch position. I haven't reached those heights yet (excuse the pun!), but I've really enjoyed making a few simpler aeroplane models.

Personally, it seems fitting as a follower of Jesus to enjoy building things from wood, as Jesus was apprenticed to Joseph, a carpenter. Yet Jesus is so much more than a carpenter. He is God's Son, and the Bible tells us that "all things have been created through him... and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:16–17.) Whether or not model making is your hobby, isn't it wonderful to know that God, through His Son Jesus, has richly provided so many good things for us to enjoy? He delights in giving us reasons to smile. 

Prayers and blessings, 

Pastor Robert and the Baptist Church family

My favourite things

Psalm 34:8 says:

Taste and see that the Lord is good. 

Every day we can thank God for giving us our five senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and taste – to enjoy his wonderful creation. 

As the years roll by, some of those senses may not be quite what they once were. Our eyesight may need help, our hearing occasionally requires a repeat – “Pardon?” – and our taste buds can become rather selective. And for some of us (me included!), touching a full head of hair is now a thing of the past! Yet our senses can still bring gratitude and treasured memories whether you have faith in God or not.

These are a few of my favourite things: 

• Sight: An early morning sunrise lifting above the horizon and chasing away darkness. 
• Sound: A robin redbreast singing along Bletchenden Road, serenading my walks. 
• Touch: The soft, velvety ears of Tai, my sister and brother-in-law's dog – when he stays still long enough! 
• Smell: Freshly baked buns from my late grandmother's kitchen in Rushmere. I always arrived at exactly the right time! 
• Taste: A latte coffee and a warm cheese scone with melted butter. 

Hmm! What are some of your favourite things? Perhaps today we might pause to taste, feel, listen, smell and see that the Lord is indeed good. 

Prayers and best wishes, 

Pastor Robert and the Church Family

Photo by Federico Respini on Unsplash