I've recently been reflecting on the story of Moses in Exodus 17. In this story, the Israelites are battling the Amalekites. Whenever Moses had his arms raised, the Israelites were winning, but when his arms lowered, the Amalekites began to prevail. To help, Moses’s companions Aaron and Hur held up his arms, and as a result, the Israelites won the battle.

This story highlights the importance of the people we surround ourselves with. Here are three key qualities to look for in those we allow into our close circle:

1) Supportive Companions: We need people of God around us, those in whom the Spirit dwells, who encourage us and help us in our daily battles. Just as Aaron and Hur physically supported Moses, we need friends who will hold us up when we are weary.

2) Understanding and Awareness: Aaron and Hur were with Moses and understood his situation without him having to ask for help. They saw his struggle and stepped in to assist. Similarly, the people closest to us should be aware of our challenges and be ready to support us without needing detailed explanations. These are friends who know our hearts and respond to our needs instinctively.

3) Practical Assistance and Encouragement: Aaron and Hur didn’t just hold up Moses’s arms; they also found a rock for him to sit on, making his task more manageable. Our true friends are those who not only provide moral support but also offer practical help to ease our burdens, making it easier for us to follow God’s plan.

Ann and I have experienced the value of such friendships. We’ve supported each other and our friends through various challenges, and these shared experiences have strengthened our bonds. The story of Moses reminds us that the right companions can make a significant difference in our journey, providing the support and encouragement we need to persevere.

I'm not very good at resting, I like to be busy and even when not physically working my mind is going a hundred miles an hour. But I know the importance of rest, to switch off and to relax. True rest is found in having time with God.

This week I felt God speak to me about the need to truly rest in him, its half term so I should have time. Naturally I have filled my week up with things to do but I am still seeking Gods rest. Even in the busyness God is still there. Seek time this week to simply be with him in whatever your doing.

R - READ (Read/listen to the Word, seek God, thank him)

E - EMOTIONS (Pray to God and give him our worries)

S - SILENCE (Silence our thoughts by listening to him)

T - TRUST (Trust in God, he holds the future)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

I think that most of us human beings look to what's next, what will I need, what's coming etc and it can snowball into wanting this, that and the other or worrying about something and in both situations the item/circumstance is far off! I know I do this on times. Too many times!

Several times recently I've stopped and enjoyed the here and now. I've felt God gently pausing me in a moment. So I was able to enjoy a breakfast outside in the sunshine with no distractions. I was walking on Sunday and at one point squealed with delight at the sound of thunder above me. I took two days off work this week with illness and rested instead of rushing back.

If we look too far ahead we can become consumed with 'one day' and 'what if?' . How about thinking about today and now? Obviously I'm not suggesting not thinking wisely about the future, but I am suggesting we should enjoy and appreciate the present. The here and now our Father has gifted us today.

My contract runs out next January. I will need a new job. I could (some would say should) be looking and applying now. People keep asking me if I have! *But* having prayed, I don't feel the need to stress about my future and the what ifs. God has a plan for me. I'll need to come back to Him again in a few months but I do not need to stress, rush or panic. My focus should be on Him, His plans for today. Plus, a lovely part of it is that it is very freeing too!

Matthew 6: 26 - 44, highlighting v 33 😊

The regional gathering on Sunday was a great time. I love it when we have these events and so many believers gather in one place to worship God. I often hear from God during these times and I always come away feeling encouraged, challenged and inspired to live more sold out for Jesus!

This time, I was looking after Reuben during the meeting. We were with everyone in the main hall during the worship, which was so full of joy and life and celebration, but then I went out with Reuben to the creche, as he was getting a bit rowdy while Keri was speaking! Because of this I didn’t hear the word that Keri brought and even during the worship that I was present for, I was partly focused on God but was also focused on Reuben, which meant I can’t say I heard God speak to me at all!

Reflecting on this over the last few days, I felt the Holy Spirit remind me of something that Llewellyn shared with the Three Peaks Challenge team recently, in the context of our physical training. He said “just turn up” which encouraged us not to necessarily worry about trying to do a super intense work out but to just keep going as it will take us another step closer to our goal.

I feel God is encouraging me, and wants to encourage you, that sometimes we don’t have a lot to give or we have a lot of distractions (this can make us think there’s no point trying/going) but to “just turn up”.

Just turn up to the Sunday gathering or midweek group or your quiet time, knowing that God rewards those who seek him. You might be surprised at what God can do, even when we don’t see it.

Hebrews 11:6