Living Water

Source of the River Derwent

This little stream, high up in the hills of the Derbyshire Peak District, is the source of the River Derwent. It flows between vibrant mossy banks and is a delight to the eye - a picture of new life, refreshment and peace. I ascended a long dusty path, on a very hot day, to get there and was so thirsty on arrival, that I just sank my head into the cool pure water and drank my fill. Then refreshed, I returned to where the river eventually flows into the Derwent Reservoirs which bring life to many thousands of people.

There may be times in our life when we feel we are stagnating and life seems a bit dull. The solution? We need to return to the Source and drink and keep drinking until we feel we are coming alive again. His ‘living water’ is invigorating, healing, strengthening and reaches those parts nothing else can. It is life-changing, because He becomes our life.

“the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14

Are You Thirsty?

Cafe in the Woods, Cardinham, Cornwall

Cardinham Woods is a favourite place for families, bikers and walkers, with or without dogs. After following the forest trails up hill and down dale, many stop off at the bistro to slake their thirst and have a rest before moving on.

We know when we need a drink, but do we always know when we are spiritually thirsty? It often takes a crisis in our lives before we acknowledge how parched we really are. When we stop and drink of His Presence, we experience His ‘living water’ which reaches those parts that other drinks cannot. We come to experience the benefits spiritually, physically and emotionally and find rest for our soul.

"Come, all you who are thirsty -” Isaiah 55:1

Absolute Caring Love

Island of Tresco, Isles of Scilly

The small island of Tresco’s beauty has a magical quality, with its sub-tropical gardens and surrounded by white sandy beaches and turquoise sea. Some of the visitors say they would love to live there, but for many, a day or so is enough before they begin to feel the loneliness and isolation from civilisation as they know it.

There maybe times when we may feel like we are shipwrecked on a desert island and God seems far away. However, no matter how far from home, no matter how desperate we feel, God is close, ready to comfort with His presence. Father is continually thinking of us. His thoughts even outnumber all the grains of sand on this beach. His care is absolute.

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!” Psalm 139:17

New Life

Morval Churchyard, Cornwall

Spring is a time for new life and primroses are springing up amidst the gravestones in abundance at Morval.

When we believe in Jesus Christ we experience a spiritual awakening and come alive in Him. Jesus sets us free from the fear of death, so we can experience the abundant life as we look to Him. See also Raising the Dead.

“He who believes in me will live” John 11:25