Jon's Pastor's Letter July 2017
Dear Family
Draw near to God and he will draw near to you James 4:8
I am writing this letter on the night before I start my holidays, which I am very much looking forward to. I know that we all need to stop sometimes and take time out of our busy lives to rest and replenish, and I hope that every one of us finds some time over the Summer to do that and to enjoy lots of hot sunny days!!! I am also aware, however, that most of us are creatures of habit and routine, and part of my regular daily routine (although I would stress it doesn’t happen everyday!) is to find some time to draw aside with God; to read my Bible, to pray, to think, and to journal – to draw near to him. There are times when I do this that it simply feels like going through a routine and other more significant times of closeness, sensing God’s presence.
I know, however, that during holiday times, when routine changes or is abandoned for a short time, that my daily times with God can also be so easily neglected and that I can get to the end of a holiday and realise I have spent very little time with God. I need to remind myself that true rest and replenishment is found with God, and so even though I am on holiday I want to use that time to draw near to God, and not to forget about him. I want to include him in my time out, to be aware of him not just when I draw aside, but in every moment.
Let me encourage us all over the Summer to draw near to God, whether we have holidays or not. I recognise that time with God will look different for each one of us, because we are all different. Perhaps this Summer is time for you to do something completely different and to discover a new way of meeting God. I pray, however, that each of us in the Liberty family will be refreshed and replenished this Summer, and I look forward to hearing and seeing what God is doing amongst us as we draw near to him.
Much love and blessing
Jon
Jon Farrimond, 22/06/2017