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February

Ruth: unDER thE ShADoW

of GoD’S WInGSChristine Orme

January

GoD, thE PlAntER AnD hARvEStER

Amy BOuCher Pye

JAN/FEB 2013

IWED JF 13_internals.indd 1 23/8/12 15:02:05

Plants bearing seeds

Although it’s January, and in the Northern Hemisphere the ground is fallow, this month we will consider God’s role as the

Planter and Harvester. The land may be resting, but nevertheless it is a good time to examine the work of sowing seeds, for at the year’s beginning, we often undertake new projects or commit ourselves to a self-betterment programme. So why not consider the spiritual foundations of what God plants in your life (perhaps instead of, or alongside, vowing to shed a few kilos)? Maybe He wants to cultivate some new seeds of hope, peace and love, which will grow into trees of righteousness.

We begin in Genesis, for God is the ultimate Planter and Harvester. As we see in Genesis 1, He formed the land, waters and vegetation for our use and benefit. His system is brilliant, for the ground hosts the plants, which in turn receive nourishment and water through the land and lakes and rivers. The vegetation itself contains the means of reproduction – the life-giving seed.

Sometimes when I’m eating an apple, I stop and consider this amazing fruit. I picture it growing on a tree, something that appears out of seemingly nothing, bearing the seeds that can bring forth an abundant harvest. The satisfying crunch reminds me of God’s creativity and provision, for He makes food that not only fuels our bodies but also satisfies our taste buds.

Why not reach for an apple today? Though Adam and Eve ate it (or a similar fruit) in disobedience, God deemed it good. As you munch, savour the taste and sound, and remember that God is your Provider. And no worries if you’re counting calories!

Amy Boucher PyeAmy Boucher Pye is an American who has lived in the UK for the past dozen years after marrying an English soon-to-be vicar. She works in Christian publishing as an editor and writer,

including writing regular columns in Woman Alive and Christian Marketplace as well as Bible-reading notes. When a commissioning editor at Zondervan, she enjoyed working with authors including Adrian Plass, Jeff Lucas and Michele Guinness. She delights in her two children, a six-year-old boy who adores Queen Victoria and a three-year-old girl who is as charming as she looks. She lives in North London and still supports the Minnesota Vikings.

Christine OrmeChristine Orme is an Anglican lay-reader and works with her husband, a non-stipendiary minister as part of the team in a south Reading parish. They have four adult daughters and five

small grandchildren and have recently enjoyed several trips to Australia to visit their eldest daughter and family. Christine is a teacher by profession but, having been deafened 25 years ago, now tutors one-to-one from home. She has many interests waiting to be fully pursued when/if she retires, but apart from the family, what she enjoys most is writing for Inspiring Women Every Day.

Copyright © CWR 2012. Published by CWR, Waverley Abbey house, Waverley lane, farnham, Surrey Gu9 8EP, uK. tel: 01252 784700 Email: [email protected] Registered Charity no. 294387. Registered limited Company no. 1990308.front cover image: Getty/tyler Stalman. Concept development, editing, design and production by CWR. Printed in England by linney Print. All rights reserved. no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of CWR.unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are from the holy Bible: new International version (nIv), copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica (formerly International Bible Society). used by permission of hodder & Stoughton Publishers, an hachette uK company. All rights reserved.other Bible versions used: Av: Authorised version


Plants bearing seeds

Genesis 1:9–13

‘The land produced

vegetation: plants bearing seed …

And God saw that it was good.’ (v.12)

Although it’s January, and in the Northern Hemisphere the ground is fallow, this month we will consider God’s role as the

Planter and Harvester. The land may be resting, but nevertheless it is a good time to examine the work of sowing seeds, for at the year’s beginning, we often undertake new projects or commit ourselves to a self-betterment programme. So why not consider the spiritual foundations of what God plants in your life (perhaps instead of, or alongside, vowing to shed a few kilos)? Maybe He wants to cultivate some new seeds of hope, peace and love, which will grow into trees of righteousness.

We begin in Genesis, for God is the ultimate Planter and Harvester. As we see in Genesis 1, He formed the land, waters and vegetation for our use and benefit. His system is brilliant, for the ground hosts the plants, which in turn receive nourishment and water through the land and lakes and rivers. The vegetation itself contains the means of reproduction – the life-giving seed.

Sometimes when I’m eating an apple, I stop and consider this amazing fruit. I picture it growing on a tree, something that appears out of seemingly nothing, bearing the seeds that can bring forth an abundant harvest. The satisfying crunch reminds me of God’s creativity and provision, for He makes food that not only fuels our bodies but also satisfies our taste buds.

Why not reach for an apple today? Though Adam and Eve ate it (or a similar fruit) in disobedience, God deemed it good. As you munch, savour the taste and sound, and remember that God is your Provider. And no worries if you’re counting calories!

For prayer and reflection

heavenly Father,

You created the

heavens and the

earth. may You

open our eyes to

Your goodness,

even in simple

things such as an

apple. Amen.

Amy Boucher PyeAmy Boucher Pye is an American who has lived in the UK for the past dozen years after marrying an English soon-to-be vicar. She works in Christian publishing as an editor and writer,

including writing regular columns in Woman Alive and Christian Marketplace as well as Bible-reading notes. When a commissioning editor at Zondervan, she enjoyed working with authors including Adrian Plass, Jeff Lucas and Michele Guinness. She delights in her two children, a six-year-old boy who adores Queen Victoria and a three-year-old girl who is as charming as she looks. She lives in North London and still supports the Minnesota Vikings.

Christine OrmeChristine Orme is an Anglican lay-reader and works with her husband, a non-stipendiary minister as part of the team in a south Reading parish. They have four adult daughters and five

small grandchildren and have recently enjoyed several trips to Australia to visit their eldest daughter and family. Christine is a teacher by profession but, having been deafened 25 years ago, now tutors one-to-one from home. She has many interests waiting to be fully pursued when/if she retires, but apart from the family, what she enjoys most is writing for Inspiring Women Every Day.

Copyright © CWR 2012. Published by CWR, Waverley Abbey house, Waverley lane, farnham, Surrey Gu9 8EP, uK. tel: 01252 784700 Email: [email protected] Registered Charity no. 294387. Registered limited Company no. 1990308.front cover image: Getty/tyler Stalman. Concept development, editing, design and production by CWR. Printed in England by linney Print. All rights reserved. no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of CWR.unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are from the holy Bible: new International version (nIv), copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica (formerly International Bible Society). used by permission of hodder & Stoughton Publishers, an hachette uK company. All rights reserved.other Bible versions used: Av: Authorised version

tuES JAn 1


In my first years in the UK as a transplanted American, I felt uprooted. Though I was thrilled to be married to my English husband, I longed for

the familiar ways of my home country. And of course for the family and friends I had left behind. Moving three times in five years as my husband completed his theological training and then two curacies, also added to my sense of dislocation.

I wonder how much culture shock the Israelites experienced when they finally entered the promised land. Some 400 years later, after countless battles to claim the land, they were more settled, and their earthly king – King David – sought to venerate the heavenly King. David wanted to build a house for God’s ark of the covenant. And yet as he started to plan, he faced a roadblock in the form of the prophet Nathan. Instead of David building a house for the Lord, the Lord said that He would build a home for the Israelites. He wanted to plant them and root them, that they might flourish.

The negative part of Nathan’s prophecy was God’s refusal of David’s desire to build Him a temple. Though the Lord said no to this request (v.4) (because He didn’t want the Temple to be built by a warrior king), He didn’t crush David. Instead He showered His blessings on him, promising to make his name great through his descendants (v.8).

And me? This foreign soil is now home, and although I still ache for my Stateside family and friends, I pray that I will continue to flourish where God has planted me. How about you? Are you blooming in the soil you inhabit?

Rooted and planted


‘though the

fig-tree does not

bud and there are

no grapes on the

vines …

yet i will rejoice

in the Lord ...’

(hab. 3:17–18).

When teaching the story of Noah and the ark to our children, we often water down the content. We skip over or minimise

the aspect of judgment that leads God to flood all the creatures and the land, thus returning the earth to a state of chaos, as in the creation account. Such destruction makes us uncomfortable, especially when teaching impressionable children.

But we herald the rainbow as God’s promise that never again will He destroy His creation. And in the account, an often-missed verse (v.22) highlights God as the Guardian of the seasons. As long as the earth lives, the Lord will ensure that seeds are planted and harvested, that summer will follow the winter, that heat will follow the cold. Though we may face the night, we know that morning will dawn. And though the ground may be frozen or dry, we trust that the sunshine and nourishing rains will come.

From this story we can reflect on God’s promise of reigning in His anger over our disobedience. We may put off thinking about the day of judgment for later; why not have the courage to consider that day now? If we have put our trust in God, having asked forgiveness for our sins through the work of Jesus on the cross, we can have peace. Death is then an avenue to everlasting life; we can pray that God will give us a good death at the right time. We can also consider those whom we love who do not yet follow Jesus. We can pray for them, knowing that God hears the cries of His children.

Remember today that as long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest will never cease. That’s rather encouraging, don’t you think?

Genesis 8:13–22

‘As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest … day and night will never cease.’ (v.22)

An ordered universeWED JAn 2



Lord God, You

uproot us and You

plant us. show us

where You want

us to live, that we

might bring Your

sweet scent to a

world in need of

beauty. Amen.

In my first years in the UK as a transplanted American, I felt uprooted. Though I was thrilled to be married to my English husband, I longed for

the familiar ways of my home country. And of course for the family and friends I had left behind. Moving three times in five years as my husband completed his theological training and then two curacies, also added to my sense of dislocation.

I wonder how much culture shock the Israelites experienced when they finally entered the promised land. Some 400 years later, after countless battles to claim the land, they were more settled, and their earthly king – King David – sought to venerate the heavenly King. David wanted to build a house for God’s ark of the covenant. And yet as he started to plan, he faced a roadblock in the form of the prophet Nathan. Instead of David building a house for the Lord, the Lord said that He would build a home for the Israelites. He wanted to plant them and root them, that they might flourish.

The negative part of Nathan’s prophecy was God’s refusal of David’s desire to build Him a temple. Though the Lord said no to this request (v.4) (because He didn’t want the Temple to be built by a warrior king), He didn’t crush David. Instead He showered His blessings on him, promising to make his name great through his descendants (v.8).

And me? This foreign soil is now home, and although I still ache for my Stateside family and friends, I pray that I will continue to flourish where God has planted me. How about you? Are you blooming in the soil you inhabit?

1 Chronicles 17:1–14

‘And I will provide a place for my

people Israel and will plant them …’

(v.9)

Rooted and planted thuRS JAn 3

When teaching the story of Noah and the ark to our children, we often water down the content. We skip over or minimise

the aspect of judgment that leads God to flood all the creatures and the land, thus returning the earth to a state of chaos, as in the creation account. Such destruction makes us uncomfortable, especially when teaching impressionable children.

But we herald the rainbow as God’s promise that never again will He destroy His creation. And in the account, an often-missed verse (v.22) highlights God as the Guardian of the seasons. As long as the earth lives, the Lord will ensure that seeds are planted and harvested, that summer will follow the winter, that heat will follow the cold. Though we may face the night, we know that morning will dawn. And though the ground may be frozen or dry, we trust that the sunshine and nourishing rains will come.

From this story we can reflect on God’s promise of reigning in His anger over our disobedience. We may put off thinking about the day of judgment for later; why not have the courage to consider that day now? If we have put our trust in God, having asked forgiveness for our sins through the work of Jesus on the cross, we can have peace. Death is then an avenue to everlasting life; we can pray that God will give us a good death at the right time. We can also consider those whom we love who do not yet follow Jesus. We can pray for them, knowing that God hears the cries of His children.

Remember today that as long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest will never cease. That’s rather encouraging, don’t you think?

An ordered universe



Lord Jesus, You

are the Vine

and we are the

branches. We

know that apart

from You we can

do nothing. Lead

us and fill us

with Your loving

presence this day.

Amen.

A few years ago, on a perfect summer’s day, we visited Hampton Court Palace. We enjoyed the manicured gardens with their

riot of colour boasting from the many flowers. But what caught my attention was the Great Vine. It’s the oldest and largest vine in the world, planted in 1768, and yet it still bears fruit – about 250 to 300 kilos a year. What struck me especially was the ground around the vine; it was rich and black and seemingly filled with nutrients. And barren. For they don’t allow any weeds or other plants to grow there, as these plants would leech nourishment from the vine.

In the Old Testament, Israel is often likened to a vineyard – a theme we will explore when we come to the book of Isaiah (have you worked out that we’re moving through the Bible in a chronological fashion?). Today’s psalm overflows with imagery and a foreshadowing of Jesus – the ‘son of man you have raised up for yourself’ (v.17). How beautiful that the psalmist was given this revelation. For Jesus in His last discussion with His disciples talks about being ‘the true vine’ and them being ‘the branches’ (see John 15, which we will explore in our last weekend together). Britain may have a Great Vine, but Jesus is the Greatest Vine ever.

Are weeds or plants competing for nutrients in your soil, keeping you from being rooted in the Vine? Perhaps you can take some time to consider abiding in Jesus, that you may receive the nourishment you need. May we stay connected to our Source, that we might bear fruit that lasts.

Psalm 80:8–19

‘Watch over this vine ... the son you have raised up for yourself.’ (vv.14–15)

the Great VinefRI JAn 4


WEEKEnD

During our weekends together, we will engage with some of Jesus’ teaching on planting and harvesting. This weekend, read through His

‘Parable of the Sower’. It might seem so familiar that you think nothing fresh could come to you. But God may surprise you with a new insight.

That happened to me when my husband, who is an ordained minister, had oversight of a neighbourhood church. In our early years there, we saw a flurry of people visit. Some stayed, but some left. When I reflected on the various comings and goings, at times I felt like I was watching an enactment of this parable. I was sad over those who had been fervent in their commitment but who dropped away quickly. And over those who seemed to be snatched away. But I felt great joy over those who grew into deeply rooted plants who in turn generated their own seeds that yielded abundant crops.

As you consider the parable, ask God to show you whom you might pray for this weekend, that He would protect the tender seeds from drought or hungry birds.

Optional further readingMargaret Silf, Landscapes of Prayer: Finding God in the World and Your Life (lion hudson, 2011).

For reflection: Matthew 13:1–23‘This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred,

sixty or thirty times what was sown.’ (v.23)

the parable of the sower

JAn 5/6

A few years ago, on a perfect summer’s day, we visited Hampton Court Palace. We enjoyed the manicured gardens with their

riot of colour boasting from the many flowers. But what caught my attention was the Great Vine. It’s the oldest and largest vine in the world, planted in 1768, and yet it still bears fruit – about 250 to 300 kilos a year. What struck me especially was the ground around the vine; it was rich and black and seemingly filled with nutrients. And barren. For they don’t allow any weeds or other plants to grow there, as these plants would leech nourishment from the vine.

In the Old Testament, Israel is often likened to a vineyard – a theme we will explore when we come to the book of Isaiah (have you worked out that we’re moving through the Bible in a chronological fashion?). Today’s psalm overflows with imagery and a foreshadowing of Jesus – the ‘son of man you have raised up for yourself’ (v.17). How beautiful that the psalmist was given this revelation. For Jesus in His last discussion with His disciples talks about being ‘the true vine’ and them being ‘the branches’ (see John 15, which we will explore in our last weekend together). Britain may have a Great Vine, but Jesus is the Greatest Vine ever.

Are weeds or plants competing for nutrients in your soil, keeping you from being rooted in the Vine? Perhaps you can take some time to consider abiding in Jesus, that you may receive the nourishment you need. May we stay connected to our Source, that we might bear fruit that lasts.

the Great Vine


CWR MINISTRy EVENTS

For further details and a full list of CWR’s courses, phone +44 (0)1252 784719 or visit the CWR website at www.cwr.org.uk Pilgrim Hall: www.pilgrimhall.com


Lord God, Creator

of the heavens

and the earth,

You speak to us

through Your

creation, through

Your son, through

Your Word. Open

our ears to hear

You. Amen.

Last summer we took a fortnight’s holiday in Ireland. The rugged scenery spoke deeply to me; partly, I wonder, because I have some

Irish ancestors, but also because I sensed God moving and dwelling, even in the very rocks and crags. As I sat by the edge of a lake watching the sun set and taking in the jagged landscape, I breathed deeply and gave thanks to the Lord our Creator. In the whisper of the wind I could sense His loving response: ‘I am here.’

Indeed, the Lord’s goodness and mercy extends not only to us, His beloved children, but to His creation too. As the psalmist says, the Lord shows favour to the land, and there His glory dwells. Because He created our world, His very nature and attributes inhabit the earth’s own DNA (see verse 11).

Some biblical commentators see hints of the Incarnation in verses 10 and following: the faithfulness that springs forth from the earth hearkens to God the Son, and the righteousness that looks down from heaven points to God the Father.* Perhaps part of the Holy Spirit’s role in this dance between heaven and earth is to bring about the land’s harvest. This is the language of theologians and poets, and may not be your preferred way of reading Scripture. But even a cursory glance can spark our imaginations when we consider the rich treasure trove that is God’s Word to us.

Take a few moments today to wonder at creation. you may live in a built-up urban area, yet can you hear the birds sing? Or you may glory in a rural haven, where glistening snow might meet your gaze. Whatever your physical surroundings, there the Lord dwells.

Psalm 85

‘The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.’ (v.12)

the rocks cry outMon JAn 7

* See Patrick henry Reardon, Christ in the Psalms (Ben lomand, CA: Conciliar Press, 2000), p.167.

Date Event Place Presenter(s)

10 Jan – Developing Pastoral Care Waverley Abbey House Andy Peck, Philip Greenslade 21 Mar (Christian Vocation) (six Thursdays) and Lynn Penson

12 Jan Counselling Training Enquirers’ Morning WAH Counselling Training Team

19 Jan Insight into Assertiveness WAH Chris Ledger

26 Jan Transformed by the Presence of Jesus WAH Liz Babbs

28–31 Jan Marriage on Track WAH Andrew & Lynn Penson (for the Salvation Army)

8 Feb Bible Text to Engaging Sermon WAH Andy Peck

15–17 Feb Bible Discovery Weekend WAH Philip Greenslade

19 Feb Insight into Bullying WAH Helena Wilkinson

20–21 Feb Managing Conflict WAH Hilary Turner and Liz Moles

28 Feb Christ Empowered Living Pilgrim Hall Mick & Lynette Brooks

Please also pray for students and tutors on our ongoing BA in Counselling programme at Waverley and Pilgrim Hall and our Certificate and Diploma of Christian Counselling and MA in Integrative Psychotherapy held at London School of Theology.


CWR MINISTRy EVENTSPlease pray for the team

For further details and a full list of CWR’s courses, phone +44 (0)1252 784719 or visit the CWR website at www.cwr.org.uk Pilgrim Hall: www.pilgrimhall.com

Last summer we took a fortnight’s holiday in Ireland. The rugged scenery spoke deeply to me; partly, I wonder, because I have some

Irish ancestors, but also because I sensed God moving and dwelling, even in the very rocks and crags. As I sat by the edge of a lake watching the sun set and taking in the jagged landscape, I breathed deeply and gave thanks to the Lord our Creator. In the whisper of the wind I could sense His loving response: ‘I am here.’

Indeed, the Lord’s goodness and mercy extends not only to us, His beloved children, but to His creation too. As the psalmist says, the Lord shows favour to the land, and there His glory dwells. Because He created our world, His very nature and attributes inhabit the earth’s own DNA (see verse 11).

Some biblical commentators see hints of the Incarnation in verses 10 and following: the faithfulness that springs forth from the earth hearkens to God the Son, and the righteousness that looks down from heaven points to God the Father.* Perhaps part of the Holy Spirit’s role in this dance between heaven and earth is to bring about the land’s harvest. This is the language of theologians and poets, and may not be your preferred way of reading Scripture. But even a cursory glance can spark our imaginations when we consider the rich treasure trove that is God’s Word to us.

Take a few moments today to wonder at creation. you may live in a built-up urban area, yet can you hear the birds sing? Or you may glory in a rural haven, where glistening snow might meet your gaze. Whatever your physical surroundings, there the Lord dwells.

the rocks cry out

* See Patrick henry Reardon, Christ in the Psalms (Ben lomand, CA: Conciliar Press, 2000), p.167.

Date Event Place Presenter(s)

10 Jan – Developing Pastoral Care Waverley Abbey House Andy Peck, Philip Greenslade 21 Mar (Christian Vocation) (six Thursdays) and Lynn Penson

12 Jan Counselling Training Enquirers’ Morning WAH Counselling Training Team

19 Jan Insight into Assertiveness WAH Chris Ledger

26 Jan Transformed by the Presence of Jesus WAH Liz Babbs

28–31 Jan Marriage on Track WAH Andrew & Lynn Penson (for the Salvation Army)

8 Feb Bible Text to Engaging Sermon WAH Andy Peck

15–17 Feb Bible Discovery Weekend WAH Philip Greenslade

19 Feb Insight into Bullying WAH Helena Wilkinson

20–21 Feb Managing Conflict WAH Hilary Turner and Liz Moles

28 Feb Christ Empowered Living Pilgrim Hall Mick & Lynette Brooks

Please also pray for students and tutors on our ongoing BA in Counselling programme at Waverley and Pilgrim Hall and our Certificate and Diploma of Christian Counselling and MA in Integrative Psychotherapy held at London School of Theology.


I was blessed to work with the eminent thinker Os Guinness for ten years. He taught me many things, and not all to do with postmodernity

or the sociology of knowledge. Some related to his magnificent sense of humour and ability to laugh. Others concerned his deep faith in and love of God. On a practical work level, one small piece of advice has stuck with me over the years: ‘Do the hard thing first.’

Unfortunately, I don’t always follow his counsel, and instead wallow in a sea of emails or escape to the conversations of Facebook. But when I set my mind and heart before the Lord, charting out a project step by step and then delving into the hardest bit first, I reap the benefits. Having tackled the toughest dilemma or problem, the rest seems to flow more easily.

I thought about Os’s advice when I read through this chapter in Ecclesiastes. If we watch the wind or look to the clouds, we won’t plant or reap. Nor do we know which seeds will grow into healthy plants. But when we put our hands to our task, as we’ve discerned before the Lord, we work (perhaps attacking the hard bit first) and pray and look to God to send the sunshine and rain.

Writing is a bit like sowing seeds. I don’t know if the book I’m currently working on will be read outside of my circle of family and friends. But believing I’ve been called to keep on with this project, I press on towards the goal.

Are you dreading the seeds you have before you to sow? How do you think God views them and your efforts? May He grant us the energy to work with abandon – and then leave the results to Him.

the path of the wind


Lord God, we

don’t understand

how You can turn

mourning into

dancing, but we’re

grateful that You

do. Amen.

In the world, tears can lead to bitterness, hopelessness, despair. In God’s economy, however, tears can lead to joy. As the psalmist

says, those who ‘go out weeping, carrying seed to sow’ yet will return ‘with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them’(v.6). How amazing is that!

One area in my life where I’ve sowed tears relates to living away from my American family and friends. Keeping my parents from their grandchildren, for instance, makes me sad. As does missing birthdays, anniversaries and just the day-to-day stuff of life – shopping trips with my mother and sister or having my father assemble our trampoline.

And yet the call to be here in the UK remains firm. God takes those tears and bestows a harvest in return. Such as the church where my husband serves, which after a rocky start is growing and flourishing; the friendships I’ve made there, especially among other women with young children; the writing and speaking in the Christian world that I’m privileged to do, which I pray will bear fruit (though I may never know about it this side of heaven).

Are you sowing tears? Perhaps you are not happy with your work, or lack thereof. Or you are caring for small children and you know that they are growing up quickly, but the days feel long. Or you are retired and wonder how you should be spending your time. Or life will never be the same because one close to you has recently died. Today may the Lord reveal to us even a glimpse of how He will turn our tears to rejoicing. May He give us an eternal perspective, that we might welcome the sheaves that one day we will carry.

Psalm 126

‘Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.’ (v.5)

from tears to joytuES JAn 8


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