Streams in the desert
Wow, who would have thought that we'd be approaching desert like conditions, even here in Swansea, this summer. It's so unusual to look at all the grass at the sides of the roads and on the hills and see so much brown and yellow, instead of the deep lush green we're so used to. For me I can honestly say I'm not complaining, even though it has meant we've had to water our vegetable plants a lot more than usual. However, for some the heat and dryness can leave them longing for rain or a drop in temperature.
Maybe the photograph above is a little extreme but with all this heat and arid conditions, a cool little pool of fresh water is a welcome sight. It represents a stark and and very desirable contrast to our present surroundings. A quick dip in that pool is enough to bring instant relief, in fact if we are sure that cool and inviting pool isn't going anywhere soon, maybe we'd be wise to set up camp around it, to allow for quick and easy access to it's refreshing waters.
For us, we believe staying close to God in our lives allows for such relief in a spiritual way. When the tough times come, or our circumstances seem against us we can be left feeling like we're stranded in a desert with no relief in sight. Maybe we look for the comfort of an oasis, but actually when we draw closer we see only a mirage, a mental image of relief that soon vanishes into thin air when approached. But with God all things are different.
Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd in John Chapter 10, but if we go way back into the Old Testament we read King David's prophetic description of Him in a well known Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in fields of green grass
and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water.
He gives me new strength.
He guides me in the right paths,
as he has promised.
Even if I go through the deepest darkness,
I will not be afraid, LORD,
for you are with me.
Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.
You prepare a banquet for me,
where all my enemies can see me;
you welcome me as an honoured guest
and fill my cup to the brim.
I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life;
and your house will be my home as long as I live.
Isn't this just a wonderful refreshing truth we can stand on in our desert times, and unlike that mirage that leaves us emptier than we were beforehand, we know we have all we need in God to see us through. And just remember, if we stick closeby, we can be sure The Good Shepherd will take the very best care of us and keep us refreshed.
Maybe the photograph above is a little extreme but with all this heat and arid conditions, a cool little pool of fresh water is a welcome sight. It represents a stark and and very desirable contrast to our present surroundings. A quick dip in that pool is enough to bring instant relief, in fact if we are sure that cool and inviting pool isn't going anywhere soon, maybe we'd be wise to set up camp around it, to allow for quick and easy access to it's refreshing waters.
For us, we believe staying close to God in our lives allows for such relief in a spiritual way. When the tough times come, or our circumstances seem against us we can be left feeling like we're stranded in a desert with no relief in sight. Maybe we look for the comfort of an oasis, but actually when we draw closer we see only a mirage, a mental image of relief that soon vanishes into thin air when approached. But with God all things are different.
Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd in John Chapter 10, but if we go way back into the Old Testament we read King David's prophetic description of Him in a well known Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in fields of green grass
and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water.
He gives me new strength.
He guides me in the right paths,
as he has promised.
Even if I go through the deepest darkness,
I will not be afraid, LORD,
for you are with me.
Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.
You prepare a banquet for me,
where all my enemies can see me;
you welcome me as an honoured guest
and fill my cup to the brim.
I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life;
and your house will be my home as long as I live.
Isn't this just a wonderful refreshing truth we can stand on in our desert times, and unlike that mirage that leaves us emptier than we were beforehand, we know we have all we need in God to see us through. And just remember, if we stick closeby, we can be sure The Good Shepherd will take the very best care of us and keep us refreshed.
SPRING TERRACE CHURCH IS DELIGHTED TO HOST THESE WONDERFUL MINISTRIES.....
Jean Grainger's Faith and Light Lantern Community
http://www.faithandlight.org.uk/
Faith and Light is a Christian association that includes people with learning disabilities or learning difficulties,
their families and friends.
Faith and Light is made up of local Faith and Light communities.
These are groups that meet regularly, usually every month, for these three things...........
FRIENDSHIP
WORSHIP
CELEBRATION
also.....
signpost international friendship
Signpost international community Every Wednesday
8-10pm signpost connect - - practise English, have fun and meet new people (for all international people).
7:15pm - Signpost explore - Come and explore Bible stories and there meaning for today.
8-10pm signpost connect - - practise English, have fun and meet new people (for all international people).
7:15pm - Signpost explore - Come and explore Bible stories and there meaning for today.
New Springs Community Church
4.00-5.00pm in Port tennant community centre
Wern Fawr Road, Port Tennant, Swansea, SA1 8LQ
All age family meeting...
Loving God, Loving People and Living life to the max.
We believe that the Lord has called us into this wonderful community and we have been made so welcome. It's wonderful to see what the Lord is doing here!!
The adventure goes on
The adventure goes on
Get plugged into our great teaching series...... details below
TEACH THESE THINGS
|
(1 Timothy 4:11)
A teaching series to help us understand and apply what God has revealed to us.
T3 is a resource to the 'Church' at large, so all are welcome. Each session includes the following....
CLICK ON THE BLOG LINK ABOVE FOR PAST SESSIONS!! |
Sunday Meetings 11am through to 12.30 pm.
All ages are welcome.
Xcite Youth Church and the Xciteables toddlers group starts at 11.45am through to 12.30pm
Check What's on Link.... to see what's on !!
All ages are welcome.
Xcite Youth Church and the Xciteables toddlers group starts at 11.45am through to 12.30pm
Check What's on Link.... to see what's on !!
How to find us
WONDERFUL NEWS BRINGS TRANSFORMATION TO SPRING TERRACE CHURCH -
A DREAM COMING TRUE! Major renovations to the building and the opening of the Cwtch A dedicated 'Youth Space'.
Biffa Award – Building
Communities. Transforming Lives
The project has been funded by Biffa Award, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT), which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services. |
How to get in touch with us:-
Spring Terrace Church Spring Terrace Sandfields Swansea SA1 3TD admin@springterrace.org.uk 01792 417110 |
