Inspiring Women
JAN/FEB 2013
Every Day
January
God, the Planter and Harvester Amy Boucher Pye
February
Ruth: under the shadow of God’s wings Christine Orme
Plus … Special Article, Ministry Report and CWR Events Page
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Amy Boucher Pye Amy 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 Orme Christine 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 Š CWR 2012. Published by CWR, Waverley Abbey House, Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8EP, UK. Tel: 01252 784700 Email: mail@cwr.org.uk 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 Š 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
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Plants bearing seeds
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lthough 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!
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Tues Jan 1 Genesis 1:9–13 ‘The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed … And God saw that it was good.’ (v.12)
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.
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Wed Jan 2
An ordered universe
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hen teaching the story of Noah and the ark to our children, we often water down the content. We skip over or minimise ‘As long as the earth endures, the aspect of judgment that leads God to flood all seedtime and the creatures and the land, thus returning the earth harvest … day and to a state of chaos, as in the creation account. Such night will never destruction makes us uncomfortable, especially when cease.’ (v.22) 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; For prayer and why not have the courage to consider that day now? If reflection 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 ‘Though the life; we can pray that God will give us a good death at fig-tree does not bud and there are the right time. We can also consider those whom we love who do not yet follow Jesus. We can pray for them, no grapes on the knowing that God hears the cries of His children. vines … Remember today that as long as the earth endures, yet I will rejoice seedtime and harvest will never cease. That’s rather in the Lord ...’ encouraging, don’t you think? (Hab. 3:17–18). Genesis 8:13–22
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Rooted and planted
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n 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?
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Thurs Jan 3 1 Chronicles 17:1–14 ‘And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them …’ (v.9)
For prayer and reflection 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.
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Fri Jan 4
The Great Vine
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few years ago, on a perfect summer’s day, we visited Hampton Court Palace. We enjoyed the manicured gardens with their ‘Watch over this vine ... the son riot of colour boasting from the many flowers. But what you have raised caught my attention was the Great Vine. It’s the oldest up for yourself.’ and largest vine in the world, planted in 1768, and yet (vv.14–15) 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’ For prayer and (v.17). How beautiful that the psalmist was given this reflection 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 Lord Jesus, You last weekend together). Britain may have a Great Vine, are the Vine but Jesus is the Greatest Vine ever. and we are the Are weeds or plants competing for nutrients in branches. We your soil, keeping you from being rooted in the Vine? know that apart Perhaps you can take some time to consider abiding in from You we can Jesus, that you may receive the nourishment you need. do nothing. Lead May we stay connected to our Source, that we might us and fill us bear fruit that lasts. with Your loving Psalm 80:8–19
presence this day. Amen.
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Jan 5/6
weekend The parable of the sower
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)
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uring 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 reading Margaret Silf, Landscapes of Prayer: Finding God in the World and Your Life (Lion Hudson, 2011).
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Mon Jan 7
The rocks cry out
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ast summer we took a fortnight’s holiday in Ireland. The rugged scenery spoke deeply to me; partly, I wonder, because I have some ‘The L ord will indeed give what Irish ancestors, but also because I sensed God moving is good, and our and dwelling, even in the very rocks and crags. As I sat land will yield its by the edge of a lake watching the sun set and taking harvest.’ (v.12) 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 For prayer and heaven points to God the Father.* Perhaps part of the reflection Holy Spirit’s role in this dance between heaven and earth is to bring about the land’s harvest. This is the Lord God, Creator language of theologians and poets, and may not be your preferred way of reading Scripture. But even a of the heavens cursory glance can spark our imaginations when we and the earth, consider the rich treasure trove that is God’s Word to us. You speak to us Take a few moments today to wonder at creation. through Your creation, through You may live in a built-up urban area, yet can you hear Your Son, through the birds sing? Or you may glory in a rural haven, where glistening snow might meet your gaze. Whatever your Your Word. Open physical surroundings, there the Lord dwells. our ears to hear Psalm 85
You. Amen.
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* See Patrick Henry Reardon, Christ in the Psalms (Ben Lomand, CA: Conciliar Press, 2000), p.167.
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C
Dat
10 Ja 21 Ma
12 Ja
19 Ja
26 Ja
28–3
8 Feb
15–17
19 Fe
20–2
28 Fe
Plea pro Chr Sch
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CWR Ministry Events Please pray for the team Date
Event
10 Jan – 21 Mar
Developing Pastoral Care Waverley Abbey House Andy Peck, Philip Greenslade (Christian Vocation) (six Thursdays) and Lynn Penson
Place
12 Jan
Counselling Training Enquirers’ Morning WAH
Counselling Training Team
19 Jan
Insight into Assertiveness
Chris Ledger
26 Jan
Transformed by the Presence of Jesus WAH
Liz Babbs
28–31 Jan
Marriage on Track (for the Salvation Army)
WAH
Andrew & Lynn Penson
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
WAH
Presenter(s)
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.
us.
r ere r 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
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Tues Jan 8
From tears to joy
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n the world, tears can lead to bitterness, hopelessness, despair. In God’s economy, however, tears can lead to joy. As the psalmist ‘Those who sow with tears will reap says, those who ‘go out weeping, carrying seed to sow’ with songs of joy.’ yet will return ‘with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with (v.5) 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 For prayer and reflection 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 Lord God, we wonder how you should be spending your time. Or life don’t understand will never be the same because one close to you has how You can turn recently died. Today may the Lord reveal to us even mourning into dancing, but we’re a glimpse of how He will turn our tears to rejoicing. May He give us an eternal perspective, that we might grateful that You welcome the sheaves that one day we will carry. do. Amen. Psalm 126
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