peace
As the problems in the world seem to overwhelm our own ability sometimes even just to breathe, let alone think of meaningful solutions, we need to remember that, whatever we are facing, God is still very much in control!
Hope can sometimes feel like a premium we’ll never be able to afford. With rising energy costs – 80% in the UK, and that’s just the most recent rise – it can truly appear terrifying to look ahead. As Christians we are, of course, not immune from the struggles of this world. Yes, we have a world creating God who loves to answer our prayers. However, He is not a distant magician with a magic wand; it isn’t a case of using the right words, or convincing arguments to get God to give us what we think we need.
During the Second World War there were posters with “Do Your Part” These were more commonly used by the US to seek to inspire American women to get involved in the war effort, from the Home Front – working in machine shops, factories, farms and wherever they were needed. They didn’t go to fight, but they did support those doing so.
So here we are! And, while my short videos may have taken a pause, the rest of the BerryBunch Ministry carried on and we have some AMAZING things happening. Some of which I still can’t yet talk about publicly. They’re super exciting and I can wait to share what is coming up with you in the fullness of time.
The UK has seen a terrifying increase in costs for heating and cooking. In the middle of summer, heating seems like something to not worry about. But the latest estimates are that a family who are paying £300 in the summer, will be paying £500 by October and £550 by January.
I’ve always said that perception trumps reality. It doesn’t matter what the truth may be, if our projected image doesn’t back it up. And the bible tells us that we shall be known by our fruits – it’s the basic underlying principle that lifted up the widow who emptied her purse against the rich man who gave so much, but only a tiny portion of what he had.
Are you hurting inside? Do you feel alone? Do you feel lonely, even if you’re surrounded by people? Have your emotions left you feeling tired and like you have nothing left to give? Have you lost your job? Or a friend? Or a precious member of your family? Are you left wondering where hope will come from? Do you feel different from everybody around you – like you’ve got struggles they wouldn’t, and couldn’t understand? From being a victim of childhood abuse to enduring unemployment as an adult, and the tragic death of a daughter, Andy B has lived through some pretty testing pain, but, always, God was there to walk alongside Him. And if God’s plans are for our good, how can we trust that God really loves us, when bad stuff happens around us and to us?
With life it often seems like we have just two choices to make - wrap ourselves in plastic bubble wrap to protect us from falls and pain. Or we can wear a crash helmet and keep charging on! Actually, I think there is a third option – a little bit of bubble wrap, a crash helmet, and some time planning out what is in front of us. There’s always gonna be stuff that knocks us for six! However, more frequently if we’d simply taken a pause before charging along, we could have spotted the issues, or busyness, and figured out a better plan or route!
Instructions manuals – they tell us so much, about so many things. Most of which, of course, we ignore because, well, we don’t need those functions. Until we do. Then we wonder where the manual went, or spend endless amounts of time finding out which set of numbers is the model number, so we can find a manual online. Only to find that still isn’t the model number, until we find the actual appliance we have, realise our model number was correct, so why did the website not know about the very thing we’re starting at, right now!!!!!!!!!!!!
Endurance is your weekly spiritual workout, whether you think of yourself as a beginner, an intermediate, or advanced! Explore with us as we wrap up this season with our special finale, ‘Finally, Brothers and Sisters’.
Go Deeper with Andy B, as he explains how we make sure we’re going in the right direction. He touches on the armour of God, in particular the shoes of the gospel of peace. In reference to Habakkuk 3:19, he looks at deer, climbers, and athletes being sure-footed and confident due to knowledge, practice, and experience.
Endurance is your weekly spiritual workout, whether you think of yourself as a beginner, an intermediate, or advanced! Explore with us as we talk about what we should do when we hit a ‘fork in the road’.
Andy and Jo are fasting for a week, because of some big life decisions coming up in the future, and found themselves waiting for these big changes to occur, before they start really enjoying living life to the full. Can you relate to this? Waiting for something external to improve before you start enjoying life, and experiencing the joy that a relationship with Jesus Christ gives us? It’s easy waiting for a better moment to start dieting, or going to the gym. We can wait for the perfect moment until we make the move for a better career, or tackling that unloved garden. But, tomorrow never comes!
