Walk in His ways

CedarDrive, Timbermill, Lintot Square, Downslink, Country Park, Worthing Road, Pevensey Road

Walking can sometimes be a challenge.  This week part of my walking was interrupted as I was called to help someone in need.  Little did I know that later in the day my offer of support would involve me in a moral dilemma and in a situation I had never experienced before.

How do we decide what is the right thing to do?  Should we avoid helping others because we don't know what we are letting ourselves in for?

In any event, I made my decision and prayed it was the right choice.  I don't know if the other choice would have been just as ethical or not or whether the outcome would have been different.

God says we have to walk in his ways.  He offers us a choice, life and prosperity or death and destruction.  He asks us to choose life and be obedient by loving him as he has loved us and to keep his command to love others.  His word will be in our hearts and mouths and we will not have to worry about the outcome for as long as we are walking with Him, we are within his blessing.

I pray that we will have the courage of our convictions this week.  Let us follow God more closely by looking to him and his ways and let us believe that he is at work in all our lives.

Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly ...

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Country park, Downslink, Worthing Road

Since January I have been very much reflecting on what it means to walk humbly with God.  It has amazed me how many insights you can gain by setting aside a time to slow down to a steady pace and reflect on where you are going and whether the journey has been an easy amble or uphill struggle.  I have been humbled to note that I had been trying to rush through life and not taken time to enjoy the beauty of the journey or to reflect how closely or not I have stuck to the right path.  I have very much had to learn to follow rather than to rush ahead of myself or God.

Now I find myself thinking about what it means to 'act justly' and 'love mercy'.  Words so easily said but harder to follow.  

Acting justly requires us to be fair minded and open to all, considering the impact of our words and actions on others.  It requires the righteous, right way of doing things, the Godly way - sometimes boldly speaking out or taking a new direction.  Maybe this is why we must walk humbly.  For it is all to easy to open our mouths without thinking of the impact of our words, to blame others for unwanted consequences of our actions or for their failure to understand us, or to sit back and let others take the risk.  

Fortunately God is merciful.  He is slow to anger and swift to bless.  If we humble ourselves enough to reflect on our own waywardness and repent, He forgives and forgets our many faults and failures.  He gently reminds us that He is the Director of our journey and His is the Way we should follow.  It is only when we have submitted to His direction that we can act justly, sharing God's merciful love with all we journey with.

I pray that as Autumn approaches and the trees let go of their leaves, that we are able to let go of past hurts and unforgiveness.  Maybe this is a time for pruning all that is not bearing fruit in our lives and for our roots to be rested and fed by the love and forgiveness of God.  And may this lead us to a time of celebration in a Creator who loves us and desires to lead us on a journey of deeper discovery of a what it means to be in relationship with Him - boldly going where God uniquely leads us.

When I needed a neighbour!

19th July 2013

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Worthing Road, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square

I must admit to struggling to walk in this very hot weather, especially in the afternoons.  On Tuesday I started off with good intentions but half way round I realised I had made a mistake deciding to walk.  It was at this point that someone stopped me to ask directions.  As they drove off and I continued my hot trudge, I thought at least I had helped someone find their way.  Although I wished I had suggested showing them the way and therefore getting a lift.  No sooner had I wished for a lift, I heard my name being called from an unfamiliar car.  It was a friend and she was going to the same place I was, so I had my lift and was sheltered from the heat.

I thank God that despite our feelings, he can both use us to help others and provide help when we need it.  He hears our prayers and honours our good intentions.  In the story of the Good Samaritan in the bible, we hear of a man being a good neighbour and showing compassion and mercy to a stranger.  I pray that the people of Southwater will have the opportunity this week to both give and receive love and support and know what it is to be a Godly neighbour.

Peace be with you.

Timbermill, the Downslink, Worthing Road, Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square

I always find that walking brings me such a sense of peace.  It slows me down, reminds me that my body has its limits and enables me to notice the beauty that's always around me.

Jesus says that in this world there will be trials and tribulations, distress and frustration.  But he also says that he has overcome the world and that in him we have perfect peace.

Sometimes we need to slow down or stop to step outside our perceived reality.  I pray that those who are struggling to find peace, will be able to stop or slow down for a bit, that they may notice the beauty around them and somehow be open to the Almighty Creator who holds all things in his hands and has a plan to prosper us all.  May they know the truth of a loving God who sent us his Son to show us the way to perfect peace.

Fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139

Station Road, Lintot Square, Pevensey Road, Timbermill, Worthing Road and Southwater Country Park

This week's weather has certainly made walking interesting.  It's been very hot and sunny but with humidity and threats of thunder storms.  At the beginning of the week it was bright with a cool breeze and today it's humid and cloudy.  I have had to be prepared with cardigan, sunglasses and umbrella most days and walking hasn't always felt comfortable.  However I am still reminded that whatever the circumstances we can carry on, make progress and keep a steady pace.  As someone who can get carried away running ahead of myself with enthusiasm or overwhelmed to the point of coming to a full stop, it amazes me how much God can teach me as I walk.

God knows me inside out.  He knows that I am made up of heart, soul and strength and need balance in all these areas.  He has made me and all creation so wonderfully that each part of us is connected and connects us to each other.  By taking time out to walk steadily I find my thoughts begin to order themselves, my emotions regulate and my heart and muscles are strengthened.

I thank God at we are fearfully and wonderfully made and pray that in whatever we are doing we recognise that and value ourselves, others and our environment.

You'll never walk alone

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square, Worthing Road

I've been walking a lot this week but mainly in Cornwall with friends rather than in Southwater.

What strikes me today is that sticking to the same route can sometimes have you going round in circles and not getting very far.  I love walking around Southwater and stopping to have conversations with people I know and saying hello to those I don't but it's rare for me to find a path that will show me something completely unexpected or challenge me.  

In Cornwall I did the most challenging walk I have ever done.  I have never walked for a whole day or climbed up and down so many hills.  To be honest, I would never have done it now if my friend hadn't wanted company as she fulfilled one of her ambitions.  And I'm so glad I did.  Sharing our journeys, our dreams, our highs and lows can lead us to do unexpected things and to grow in friendship and self-awareness.  Jesus rarely travelled alone and all who travelled with him learnt new things, were sometimes challenged and out of their comfort zone but they were never alone.

God promises that he is close.  He goes before us, he walks beside us and he leads the way.  I pray that all will know Jesus as their travelling companion, teacher, comforter and encourager.

Peace

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square, Timbermill, Worthing Road, Southwater Street, Warren Drive, Blakes Farm Road

Great peace have they who love God's law; nothing offends them, nothing causes the, to stumble. Psalm 119:165

I pray for all those who are struggling to find peace.  In a world where there are many concerns it is difficult not to be distracted by our troubles.  Through God's word, we can find enduring truths that God is both almighty Creator and loving Father who is intimately involved in every part of our lives, no matter how big or small.  We have a God who loves us and offers us His peace.

I pray for peace as my feet have walked through the village this week.

The Way

Worthing Road, Downslink, Southwater Country Park, Cripplegate Lane, Cedar Drive, Timbermill, Great House Farm, Lintot Square, Church Lane.

Although I've been continuing to prayer walk, I haven't blogged much lately.  Looking at the various paths I've followed over the last 2 weeks, I realise that sooner or later I usually end up in the centre of the village, i.e. Lintot Square.  The footpaths and roads have been travelled by many others before me and many will continue to follow these routes or ways long after I no longer do.

I pray that more will come to know Jesus in our village - that they may join us in following His Way and that they will place Jesus at the centre of their journey through life.

Spring has sprung

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Lintot Square, Timbermill

Having been away for a week, the signs of Spring as I walk are really noticeable. I can't help feeling that, like me, these daffodils had been waiting for some warm bright sunshine on their roots to help them grow. And as they look up towards the light, their faces are reflecting their glory.

Jesus I pray that more and more people in our village will turn to you and begin to see the hand and glory of the Creator in all creation.

Peace be with you.

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Worthing Road, Timbermill, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square

I pray that all will come to know the peace of Jesus in their lives. The world will always bring its troubles to both Christians and non-Christians. Jesus promises that those who know him may experience his peace regardless of what is going on around them.

Peace be with you and especially the residents of these roads in Southwater.

He died for our transgressions.

Tuesday: Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Southwater Country Park, Worthing Road.
Good Friday: Worthing Road, Southwater Country Park

I pray that all will know that in the death of Jesus on a cross, all is finished. In his death he took on all our sin, all those things that separate us from God and for a short while he too was forsaken. But the Good News is he is risen. He has conquered death, for it could not hold onto Him. He was without sin and therefore the consequence of sin, which resulted from an act of self-will and disobedience in the Garden of Eden, was null and void. In Christ we have the righteousness of God. We are approved, accepted and in right standing with him. We have been restored to a right relationship with Him and have the right to be called children of God.

Let us live life to the full in this knowledge, forgiven and free from condemnation, loving God for His grace and goodness and loving one another.

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Gen 2:2

This week I have been unable to walk anywhere. I have had flu and mostly been in bed sleeping and letting my mind wander instead of my footsteps.

Over recent weeks I have been fascinated by pictures of stars forming, growing, colliding and dying. The fact that we have genetic make up in common with this magnificent and beautiful creation seems awesome.

As I have been frustrated with my human frailty this week, I have had to marvel at the fact that God created us in accordance with His perfect design and He knows best. As well as giving us strength when we need it, God gives us rest. Despite me using my body as if it will never wear out, it needed rest and no amount of praying or pushing was going to cajole it into action this time, as my limbs refused to co-operate.

I reflected that God is the master craftsman. Submitting to rest and getting well is submitting to his will. Once again I am humbled by His grace. Whilst I have been laying in bed, he has answered prayers that I had forgotten to keep praying, he has shown me His love in the care and understanding of others and through his amazing design, He has enabled my body to begin to heal.

I pray that all those who are weary will turn to God and rest.

Walk humbly ....

Tues 12th Mar and Thurs 14th Mar
Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Southwater Country Park, Worthing Road

V cold and snowy with beautiful blue sky and sunshine. Refreshing and uplifting.

Cedar Drive and Pevensey Road

Thursday my steps were my prayers. A little tired...

Rest....

Saturday and today: Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Worthing Road

God's rest celebrates His finished work; whoever enters into God's rest immediately abandons his own efforts to compliment what God has already perfected. Hebrews 4:10 (Mirror Bible)

In this world of busyness, I pray for God's rest and peace for all who live in Southwater.

Still walking humbly...

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Worthing Road

Relaxing amble, enjoying he sunshine and fresh air.

May my feet be the prayer for these roads.

Blessed

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square, Worthing Road

May the residents of these roads be blessed by an outpouring of God's love.

Look up...

Last week: Timbermill, Cedar Drive, Worthing Road, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road.

During the second part of the week Winter and snow returned. It can be tempting to walk head down, keeping your face sheltered from the weather but if you do you miss out on seeing some of the early signs of Spring beginning to show and possibly sharing a cheery smile with other brave walkers.

I pray that we are always able to look up and know that God's glory is evident in all creation whether snow or sunshine. Like Spurgeon, I pray that as we do look up, we also become aware that this same God is interested in all that we are and do. He encourages us to focus on Him, whether we are experiencing times of joy or sadness in our lives. He is our rock, our shelter, our shield and our very great reward.

May God bless the residents of the streets I have walked this week and may they look up and see God's glory and come to know him for themselves.

He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23

Timbermill, Southwater Country Park, Worthing Road

The still waters of the lake reflecting the blue sky above certainly restored my soul when I walked to the Country Park with Alex this morning. It was beautiful.

I pray for all teachers, children and others working in schools. May they have a relaxing and restoring week and return to school uplifted and re-enthused.

Lighten Up

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Southwater Country Park, Worthing Road

What a gorgeous day for a walk.  Whether warm or cold, blue sky and sunny days are good for my soul. 

I've been reflecting on the glory of God in creation and the universe this week and was astonished to learn that every particle of the created universe began from a speck of stardust.  We all share in the starlight of creation.

I pray that we'll shine our little bit of starlight in all we do today and lighten up the world wherever we go.

Re-energise

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Worthing Road

Looking out at the rain and snow this morning I didn't think there would be any chance of me wanting to walk today. However a bit later on, after having a good old clear up at home, the prospect looked less daunting. Sometimes we have to just have to wait a little while and take the risk and step out. As it turned out the rain and snow had eased slightly and the fresh air was invigorating.

May you see the glory of God today and may he re-energise and invigorate you.

Take off the old and put on the new.

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Southwater Country Park, Southwater Business Park, Worthing Road

A beautiful afternoon and an indulgent half way break at the Country Park cafe. The refurbishment has really made a difference and I highly recommend a visit. It's amazing what a re-paint and change of furniture can do to an environment. I suspect that it was hard work stripping out the old and costly replacing what was no longer fit for purpose but it was worth it.

Sometimes it is necessary to refurbish our lives, evaluating what can be kept or discarded. Choosing to put on our Christly robes means we share in his life and mission which can be both joyous and sacrificial but well worth it.

I am making a way in the desert...

Timbermill, Lintot Square, Worthing Road

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43

God calls us to walk a new way, his way. Wandering unfamiliar pathways can be daunting but with God walking alongside you receive encouragement and protection every step of the way.

... The wind blows wherever it pleases. John 3:8

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Great Lime Kilns, Station Road, Worthing Road

A bright but windy day.

Thank you Lord that your spirit blows into our lives and our homes stirring us up, challenging, transforming us and waking us up.

Continuing to walk humbly.

This week: Timbermill, Worthing Road, Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road and Lintot Square

As I've prayer walked this week I've continued to ponder on walking humbly with God. The path that God sets before us is unique to each of us and leads us to become who he always created us to be. Sometimes on the way we are blessed with walking companions and our journeys and God given purposes coincide. Sometimes we walk only with God. Sometimes we get distracted by the paths that others are taking. It is for God to decide these rich patterns in our lives and through both times of solitude and company, we are able to learn more of his plans for our lives.

I am particularly fond of Southwater and I praise God for the blessings he has poured out on me here. I know there are others who feel the same.

Thank you Lord for the evidence of your Holy Spirit at work in Southwater. I pray for your continued blessings on our village and that more may come to know you personally and begin to walk with you, as I have.

... walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Southwater Country Park and Worthing Road

Walk ... Continually placing one foot in front of the other resulting in movement.
Humbly ... Modest behaviour, attitude and spirit, without arrogance or self-importance
With ... Together, accompanying
Your ... Belonging to you
God ... Creator, Friend, Guide

To be honest January has been a bit of a struggle for a variety of reasons. Walking and focussing on God reminds me that He has it all in hand. He is the creator of all things. It reminded me that he walks alongside me through thick and thin and that as long as I continue to follow his path, putting one foot in front of the other, I do not have to rely on my own strength or abilities, for he will equip me for his purpose.

I pray that others share walking in the love of God.

I wandered lonely as a cloud

Timbermill, Station Road, Country Park, Worthing Road

What a beautiful morning for a walk. The sky was blue with a few lonely clouds. The air was crisp and the ducks were still asleep around the lake. Having had a difficult week on top of a few other difficult weeks leading up to it, it was lovely to be able to stride out and breathe in fresh, clean air.

Thank you God for the beauty of your creation. I pray that each day we recognise you in our surroundings, in the people we share our lives with and in ourselves. Amen

Keep it fresh

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square, Timbermill

Today was a much cooler day to walk. It occurs to me that even when we walk over familiar ground, God can bring a freshness of experience and perspective - a new truth or direction.

I pray that whether the new year brings new challenges or experiences or whether it feels the same as last year, we can have open hearts and minds to see things and experience things afresh, giving thanks to God for all that he has given us. For all good gifts are blessings from heaven.

De-fogging

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square, Worthing Road

Today's prayer walk was probably more for my benefit. I seem to have picked up a cold and needed to de-fog the brain.

It's amazing how a little fresh air and daylight clears the head and lightens the mood.

I thank God for the very air we breathe and that he breathed life into us and all creation.

Let there be light

Timbermill, Country Park, Worthing Road

After the many days of rain, it was brilliant to see the sun bringing a much brighter morning.  I pray that the New Year brings hope and light to all.

Juliet

Genesis 1

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.² Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

³ And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.⁴ God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.