The symbolism of the sea in the Bible begins with the creation story. The creation of the universe by God was seen by ancient Hebraic peoples as creation from the cosmic sea (symbolic perhaps of the spiritual realm). In Genesis God separates the waters creating the sky (heaven) and the sea/water on earth as 2 distinct realms and then places boundaries on the earthly seas by creating land. At creation the Spirit is present as he hovered over the waters bringing order to the chaos. The sea is the source of all water on earth. Water springs forth from below and drops through apertures in the firmament above as rain and snow, even providing water for the great flood (Gen 7:11 & 8:2 – the rain fell in mighty torrents and the underground waters stopped flowing). God is seen to therefore use the sea in judgment against sin. In contrast, in Micah 7:19, we see God’s forgiveness by “casting sin into the depths of the sea” but t...
Thy Kingdom Come. Just three simple words. Very much like three other words. Filled with meaning and packed with intention, Or thrown away quickly, soon as they’re mentioned. Thy Kingdom come! Whose kingdom? Your kingdom? My kingdom? Kingdoms that rise, and kingdoms that fall. Kingdoms of promise with no promise at all. Or a kingdom that’s near, and also eternal. A kingdom that promises life and is personal. A kingdom within you, or even at hand. A kingdom that guides you in all things unplanned. A kingdom that promises broken made whole. A kingdom that knocks at the door of your soul. The Gatekeeper stands at the door of this Kingdom He knocks and he waits for your spirit to hear him. This Kingdom of love, light, beauty and truth. This Kingdom that’s called since the days of your youth. Do you long for this Kingdom and want to know more? Will you dare to respond and to open the door? Will you listen for the knock and have faith to reply… “Thy Kingdo...
OK. I admit it. This second lockdown has been getting me down. I’m weary and fed up, despite my attempts to try and look for the positive in the current situation. I’ve felt like this before of course. Life isn’t always a bed of roses, even with faith, hope and love, but I just need to break out of this new normal. Unfortunately, I can’t. Just like everyone else, I have to be mindful of the risk, aware of the restrictions, and careful to do the right thing. So how do I maintain comfort and joy in a season in which comfort and joy is often a theme. Well, there are ways, but last week I was prompted to remember another time when I was feeling grumpy. At that time I was inspired by a book. It wasn’t a classic but when I saw it on the shelf, it stopped me in my tracks. I don’t consider myself a grumpy person generally but the words on the cover of this book spoke to my heart about my negative attitude. So, 3 years ago, I star...
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