face to face

The Right Hands

Carol Purves Carol's Blog

‘I will uphold you with My righteous hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

‘For I am the Lord, your God who takes of your right hand.’ Isaiah 41:13

We often read in the Bible of God being beside us and urging us not to fear. There are pictures and paintings of God walking beside us, protecting us and keeping our enemies from us. Here in Isaiah we notice two images of God’s presence. In verse 10 we read that God is using His right hand to hold us and then in verse 13 we see that God will take told of Our right hand.

As I picture this scene I realise that with our right hands together God must be facing us and looking into our faces. What an extremely strong image, God is looking at me and you face to face. What does He see? Does He see my fear an indecision, does He see my cowardice and faltering ways?

His look into my face can transform me. Instead of fear, indecision and faltering there can be boldness and determination. I can even dare to ask that something of this radience can be transferred on to my face. that I may shine for Him.

‘May the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,

All His compassion and purity.’

Christian Writers

Carol Purves Carol's Blog ,

Last weekend I went to a Christian writers’ conference in Stirling. What a joy is was to meet fellow Christians face to face, those who were Christians as well as writers. We had a brilliant speaker, worthwhile discussions and a time of great encouragement.

Isolation is one of the dangers of this age. Loneliness is a growing problem. Covid and increased technology are a couple of the reasons. We have got out of the habit of meeting together. Zoom and the telephone are of value but nothing beats a hug of handshake. An increased lack of mobility can be a problem for some and a valid reason for not meeting with others.

Singing in the bath might sound good but singing with others in a packed church or hall is far better for us. Podcasts, videos and other ways of hearing God’s word are good but much better to listen to a sermon surrounded by others, with a chance to discuss it with fellow worshippers. The Bible gives us guidance. In Ecclesiastes we read ‘Two are better than one’ and in Hebrews 10:25 we also read ‘Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,’ So thank you to the Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers for being intentional and allowing us to meet face to face.