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July 2025
A Little more like Moses?
There are many lessons we can learn from the life of Moses and here's just two of them -
First of all, like Moses, we should always be looking to deepen our relationship with God, asking Him to show more of Himself to us as we read His word, as we worship, as we go about our daily lives. Asking, 'Lord, what have you to show me today? What more can I learn about you as in this place of work, or as I go through this experience?' Even asking Him to make us aware of any false pictures we may have of Him and being willing to discard them - however dear and comforting they may be.
Let's all seek to better know God' the God who knows each one of us by name, so that with,
'...unveiled faces we reflect the Lord's glory (into this lost and needy world) as we
are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes
from the Lord, who is the Spirit.' 2 Corinthians 3:18
Secondly, like Moses, let's make sure we always approach God with humility, remembering who He is and what we are. That's not to think of our-self as being so base and repellent as to be unlovable by God, but simply to ensure our relationship with Him is as respectful and honouring as it should be. All too easily the God of high church Christianity can seem remote and unreachable, while the God of evangelicals can seem more God all-matey rather than God almighty! Both are wrong. Both are disrespectful. And both can be dangerous. Even Moses approached God with caution and we'd be wise to do so as well.
O Lord of all might,
How boundless Thy love!
While angels delight
To hymn Thee above,
The humbler creation,
Though feeble their lays,
With true adoration
Shall sing to Thy praise.
Robert Grant
Graham Pulham
June 2025
The Brevity of Life
At the back garden of the church is a small peony plant I planted in April. The first buds appeared in early May and gradually grew until they burst into a display of beautiful flowers. The blossoms were bold and stunning, attracting much attention from those who passed by. But only a few days later, the flowers began to wilt—the petals drooped and soon were gone. It was “here one minute and gone the next.” Life is much the same—short and fleeting. We may live to 80, or for a fortunate few, even 100 years. Then we breathe our last. But unlike the peonies, whose beauty fades into finality, we are not gone forever. After our earthly life ends, we enter the afterlife—an existence that never ends.
The question is: where will that eternity be spent? In Luke 16:19-21, we read about the two eternal destinations:
“The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and
was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and
Lazarus at his side.”
And John 3:16 offers hope and clarity:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not
perish but have eternal life.”
God gives us a choice. Those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will have eternal life. Those who do not, will perish.
As John 3:18 further explains:
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
Such is the brevity of life—we have only a short time to decide our eternal future. So I ask: Which eternal destination do you
choose?
Esther Pulham
May 2025
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:16
The Hawthorn Tree
In the back garden of the Manse is a large Hawthorn tree that is covered with its beautiful blossoms at this time of the year. The flowers are highly scented, white or occasionally pink and lovely to look at during the day but even more beautiful when its blossoms are shining in the evening light. The light reflects on the flowers and they brighten the surrounding area.
This image of the Hawthorn tree, with its blossoms catching the light and reflecting it in such a serene way, perfectly parallels how Christ’s light shines through us. It’s like His presence illuminates our lives, and in turn, that light spills over to others, offering warmth, hope, and love in ways we may not even fully realise. It also high lights the idea that the beauty isn’t just in the initial blossoming, but in how it continues to shine even in the quiet, reflective moments—like how Christ’s influence can bring peace and radiance in our hearts at all times. It’s such a powerful image for the way we are meant to reflect His goodness in us to the world.
What about you? Do you often find yourself reflecting the light of Christ and brightening your surrounding in this way?
Esther Pulham
April 2025
Regret, Repentance and Restoration
'And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” So, Peter went out and wept bitterly.'
Luke 22:61-62
After Jesus told Peter that he will deny Him three times before the cock crew, Peter replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Yet we read that after Jesus was arrested, Peter did not stand by him,he did exactly what Jesus said he would do - deny Him.
Perhaps like Peter, you once reckoned you would always stand strong and felt like you could handle anything in your walk with God, only to have found yourself stumbling when confronted with trials or difficult moments. Boldpromises of faith faltering when it mattered most. The guilt and regret that follow can be overwhelming.
It was when Jesus turned and looked at Peter - it was that look, not the cock crowing - that brought about the tears; the reaction of sadness and regret. It was the gaze of Jesus that caused that moment of deep conviction for Peter. Thankfully, that look was not the end of the story, for the resurrected Jesus was to appear to the disciples and to especially seek out Peter to forgive, restore and reinstate him; calling him into a yet greater service, (John 21:15-17).
It's one of many examples in the Bible of God’s grace and mercy. A reminder that,
‘If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'
1 John 1:9.
God’s forgiveness isn’t just about wiping the slate clean; it’s about transforming us. After Peter’s failure, Jesus didn’t abandon him. Instead, He reinstated him and called him to a greater purpose: a reflection of God’songoing work in our lives. For despite our shortcomings, God doesn’t give up on us. Indeed, He can use even our failures as stepping stones toward growth and the fulfilment of His calling upon our lives.
The grace that restored Peter is the same grace that is available to all of us, to all who repent, no matter how far we’ve fallen. Have you had moments in your life where you felt similar regret or failure, and yet found God’s grace reaching and transforming you?
Esther Pulham
March 2025
Regret, Repentance and Restoration
"Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'
Matthew 11:3
It's important to recognise that for the believer doubts do not signify a loss of faith. Rather they signify a faith that is being tested; a faith that's being stretched; a faith that's needing to rethink and readjust in order that it may grow. And that may be the case whether we've been a follower of Jesus for six months or sixty years!
But where can we find understanding and encouragement at such times? A physical encounter with Jesus here in this life may not be impossible, but for the majority it will be a remote possibility. But there again, so it was for John the Baptist locked up in his prison cell. And yet, like John, we can still encounter Jesus through the reports brought back to us by fellow Christians as they share with us what Jesus is doing in their lives. And, better than John, we can encounter Jesus through the reports of who He is and what He has done and is doing recorded for us in Scriptures. And, of course, we can ensure - whether we feel like it or not, whether we feel spiritual or not - that our life is open to Him as we wait upon the Spirit of Jesus "to guide us in all truth" John 16:13; to "teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus has said." John 14:26.
Understanding and encouragement through the testimony of our brothers and sisters in Christ. understanding and encouragement through the reading of God's Word. Understanding and encouragement through the ministry of the Spirit of Jesus Himself. All these are available to us in our times of questioning and doubt as a means of encountering Jesus. But as with John, so with us. In times of questioning and doubt the onus is on us to do something to take the initiative away from the negativity, and so channel our efforts into a positive seeking of God that we might 'see Him as He is.'
Doubts and discouragements will come. And understanding and expectations about God may have to change. Comforting projections may have to go. Our Christin calling may need to be redefined. But however deep the doubts God is deeper still.
Graham Pulham
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