Author: Carol Purves

God’s Bible is a complete story, a true story and an unfolding drama. It is His love letter to us, so that will define how we read it. When we receive a love letter from a loved one, do we read a little bit each day and then put it away unread? No, we read it again and again, anxious not to miss anything it contains.

It’s no good reading only favourite parts of the Bible; we need to know what will happen to God’s people. Can they be saved? Will they face destruction? Is there any hope?

What about God’s message for us. His life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. The Bible is a real page-turner. What a love story! What a best-seller! Read it. It was written for you.

Carol

In Great Britain we don’t suffer from the severe drought which affect so many parts of the world. When I lived near London it sometimes didn’t rain for a number of weeks. Then my garden became parched, plants wilted and everything was crying out for rain.

Then the day comes when the skies darken, the temperature lowers, the heavens are opened and the rain slashes down. The earth can be heard soaking up the moisture with a thankful sigh and even the birds seems to sing a fuller song.

Spiritually we can suffer from drought as well. When we neglect to read our Bibles, talk to God or worship with other Christians, our lives can become dry and thirsty. It is then we need to repent, return to God and drink deep of His promises.

Carol

I know that round the world many of you have Keswick Conventions in your own countries. I was so blessed to be able to attend the original onewhich was started in Keswick, Cumbria,  141 years ago. It still has the same message and same friendships. When I visited the Basecamp (formerly known as Earthworks) I talked with so many people about the missions they were promoting.

I will only mention one, as I promised I would. For those of you who love listening to Christian programmes on the radio, check out www.gnba.net – The Good News Broadcasting Association.

And maybe next year you will be able to visit one of the Keswicks.

Carol

I was told this story which I thought was worth sharing with you.  Lynda said

‘My little boy, Simon, was old enough for us to go to a mother and toddler group. Various churches in my town had these groups and they had all been well recommended. In the end I chose the only one which had a carpet. I felt Simon would be happier playing on a carpet rather than a hard floor.

This church proved to be very friendly and at the right time I was invited to one of the services. Everyone was welcoming and I felt quite at home. Gradually I learned about Christ and his sacrifice for me. I was baptised and now attend the church along with my husband and Simon in the Sunday school.

I always say it was a carpet which brought me to Christ, because this is the church where I am meant to be.’

Carol

I met a new friend in Windermere in the heart of the Lake District. (Beautiful but pouring with rain on the day we were together) Victoria comes from California where they have a four year drought. I come from England where, in the north, we never even have a four day drought.

She is from California and I am from England. I have never been to America, but was able to learn a great deal about her country and way of life. She has a large family, I have hardly any.

We had never met before, only through emails. We immediately got on very well. Our great uniting point was that we both loved the same God; we ‘spoke the same language.’ Our love of God does unite people right round the world, whatever their background or history.

Carol

We prayed many the people in our church who were seriously ill. Susan had a difficult cancer, which was usually terminal. She came through the operation and is still with us today.

David also had a cancer but tests proved it could be coped with by medication rather than a debilitating operation. Again prayers had been answered.

Philip had a massive tumour in his liver and his operation meant half his liver had to be removed. Philip didn’t die on the operating table as we so much feared. His slow recovery is still on-going.

Zac was twenty-one when he developed leukaemia and engaged to be married. For five desperate months prayer was offered. He grew weaker and died. He had everything to live for and his family lost their only son. Prayer had been answered but not as we wished.

While we were praying for others, Steven a man with learning difficulties was found dead at home.

God’s ways are not our ways, we don’t understand. We can only acknowledge his way is best.

Carol

Children’s Bibles show pictures of the Egyptians being drowned in the Red Sea. Re-reading the story again today, I stopped to think what this event actually meant to the Egyptians. Families had already lost their eldest sons, now all the best fighting men were killed at one swoop. Husbands, son, brothers, uncles, siblings all. How the economy of the country would have suffered for generations.

This was probably the largest occasion of death by drowning in one go. Except for the flood at Noah’s time. Proof that our God hates sin, as well as being a loving God at the same time. No wonder it takes our whole lives to try to understand Him just a little bit.

Carol

My great nephew and niece were going to stay with me for a while. I intended that they would look back on their visit with happiness.

For days I cleaned and polished; my house would be perfect when they arrived, even if it didn’t stay that way. I had baked foods that I thought they would enjoy and also prepared special activities which would keep them happy, come wet or shine. I was prepared for every eventually.

But just hours before they came I was completely exhausted and then dreaded the time spent together because I was so tired.

In the event all they wanted to do was play in my garden. I hadn’t needed to prepare alternative exciting activities. They woofed down my carefully prepared meals but would probably have been just as happy with takeaways. Had I acted like a Martha?

How often our spiritual life like that. We are busy with meetings, committees and doing good works. Very commendable, but God wants us to spend time with Him, enjoying His company.

Carol

Yes, that’s how many Keswick Conventions there have been. No jokes, please, as to if I was at the first.  But I was there at the first Sunday evening meeting this year. The same crowds, the same atmosphere and the same message and meaning. A warm sunny evening that was unusual. The theme this year is ‘Power to Change, becoming like God’s Son.’ The message was from Jeremiah, so appropriate for today’s world.

The strap line is ‘hearing – becoming – serving.’ I had a passing thought to which there is no answer. Looking back over the last year, have I grown spiritually?

Carol

I watched as the three children reluctantly scuffed their way along the road to school. Their bags seemed heavy and their uniforms sat uncomfortably on their backs.

Then only a few hours later I watched these same children on their return journey. They skipped, they ran, they laughed and shouted. School was over for the week, freedom lay ahead and play not work would dominate their time.

With the rich young ruler in the Bible, it was the opposite story. He came running to Jesus but because he didn’t like what he was told, to give up his wealth, he walked away with a heavy heart.

Contemplating this story I wondered if I ever ran to Jesus in anticipation, then didn’t like what He told me. Did I then walk sadly away because I loved the things of this world more than Him?

Carol