This past week we have identified some of the overtures God makes in inviting us to follow Him, whatever our circumstances or presence of mind. Yet, even if we turn a blind eye and reject them, God will never give up on us. His whole purpose is to seek and find us and bring us back into friendship through the Spirit (Luke 15:3–7).

God’s infinitude is mirrored in the countless ways we can choose to meet Him. It’s easy to fall into a habitual style in our approach to God. However, we know that relationships can waste away when treated as a duty, for familiarity breeds contempt.

Salvation means to be rescued from danger, loss and harm. Mum always advised me to keep out of harm’s way, words I frequently failed to heed. We’re wired to seek safety ahead of danger; an instinct that grows stronger as we age. Today I’m more risk averse and aware of potential dangers than ever.

At times, we feel the weight of life heavy upon our shoulders. It takes the edge off everything. There are remedies, many quite debilitating. Those in management roles tell me they get home and reach for a glass of wine to relax them. I’m not critical, I’ve had my flirtations with alcohol dependence, both the buzz and to quieten my anxiety.

Jesus’ earthly life reveals that no one can avoid pain. As we age we observe, and draw encouragement from the fact that many build their testimony to God’s presence in life’s storms.

God can seem like a great idea, but an unrealisable aspiration. A sense that we are loved by the creator of our world touches our emotions, yet our minds tell us this is only an idle dream.

We seek to live lives of generosity. All too often, our best of intentions is hijacked by a distant, painful memory, or an unfair, instant judgment. I am bemused with both the enthusiasm I have for God’s way, and my often complete ignorance in walking in Jesus’ footsteps.

As we learn to walk God’s way, the Holy Spirit acts as our compass to ensure we learn to live our mortal life well. Christianity is

Everyone experiences both triumph and tragedy in their life. Circumstances invade uninvited, and often unwelcome. At Waverley Abbey we are contacted by many people looking for encouragement through difficult experiences that test faith. They can fuel spiritual growth; they also provide the rocks on which our faith may become shipwrecked for a season.

Yesterday was Remembrance Day in the UK. My only childhood experience of church was attending Remembrance Sunday with my dad as he recalled fallen comrades Jesus is clear; failure to love neighbours is to fail to love God. We can present a host of reasons why this is impossible, but Jesus tells us we must love even our enemies (Matt. 5:44).