Isaiah Chapter 35

"Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Waters will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert". - v6

This is a wonderful promise for those who are bound by some infirmity whether physical, emotional or spiritual. For those who put their trust in the Lord, all that restricts them will be done away with and they will know such a shout of freedom flowing from them that will make them leap with joy.
Where there was once barrenness and times of doubt, when all seemed fruitless, and hope and faith had grown dim, there will be life again.

This is such an encouraging verse for those who are facing a time in that place of darkness and loneliness where hope and faith have abandoned them, the river of life will flow again . Hallelujah!

Christine Mason

Isaiah Chapter 34

Having read and reread this chapter, I still find it very hard to comment on it as it is so dark.
What keeps coming back into my thoughts is that our loving faithful God will not be mocked. He will have His way. Given the state of the world we live in with increasing rumours of wars and lack of individual and corporate responsibility or community spirit, it is a comfort that He has His plan. My responsibility is to stay faithful to Him and follow His plan for me.

Sandi Webb

Isaiah Chapter 33

"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure." Verse 6

The reason why I chose this verse is because it speaks of God's love and his faithfulness. It is all the more significant in light of the context in which it is written. To me, 'sure foundation' emphasizes and reassures me that this foundation is the real and best thing.


The next line then encourages me to continually strive towards fearing the Lord, as it reiterates that fearing the Lord is the key to wisdom, knowledge and more importantly salvation. The knowledge of the store being ‘rich’ emphasises further, the depths of God’s love for His people which includes me.’

Katie Stephen

Isaiah Chapter 32

A delightful picture of the future Kingdom of Righteousness! Verses 1-2 surely belong together since v2 follows v1 picturing a reign of true justice which the whole world awaits eagerly. Here each person is seen as providing shelter – referring to faithful Christians who will refresh others, giving refuge from storm and offering water in desert conditions. Just picture yourself walking through a desert in searing heat and blistering sun and suddenly finding shade under an enormous rock. What a relief to find respite with clear fresh water! The passage is Messianic when Christ will reign as the King of Righteousness and portrays the privilege of serving our Lord Jesus Christ.

Audrey Hum

Isaiah Chapter 31

This chapter speaks about where our dependence lies. When we are really in need of help in our lives where or who do we go to for help? Do we rely on ourselves, our families, friends or our material wealth and possessions? Israel looked to the strength and power of Egypt but God points out here that they are ‘only men’. The chapter warned Israel, and warns us today, about relying on ‘earthly things’ and exhorts us to ‘look only to the Lord God of Israel’. He also promises in these verses to fight for us, shield, deliver and rescue us – what more do we need in times of trouble? (See also Hebrews ch12 v 2)

Dot Poulsom

Prayer & Donuts

Next Saturday (4th July) there will be a special session of prayer for revival. We will start at 8am, break at 9am for coffee, and then resume at 9:30, finishing at 10:30. Do come for the first hour, the second hour, or both.

Mark is buying shed-loads of donuts for the coffee break. If there aren't enough people at the prayer meeting, he may have to take some home! Out of consideration for Mark's health then ...

Killing God

Six out of ten teenagers believe religion ‘has a negative influence on the world’ and 55 per cent say family, friends, money and entertainment are more important. The findings came in a survey of 1,000 teenagers for Penguin Books. Half of teenagers claim they have never prayed and 16 per cent have never been to church, even for a wedding or a christening. Three in ten believe in an afterlife but one in ten believes in reincarnation. The survey marked the publication of a novel about a 15-year-old girl who questions God’s existence. Kevin Brooks, author of Killing God, said he ‘wanted to explore the personal attitudes of young people today, especially those with troubled lives’ towards religion. ‘Why do some people turn to God for help while others take comfort in drugs and alcohol?’

Source: Daily Telegraph (22/6)

I don't suppose anyone's read the book (it only came out yesterday!) but it looks like one that it's worth keeping an eye on.