Seventh-day Adventist® Church

The Olympic Torch was back in Scotland today. I thought it had left the other day, but it was back, ending up by lake Windermere.

Today I read about the new library in Birmingham. Opening next year, it is costing about £189 million. Libraries are the kind of place you go back to. Not least to return items. And libraries have expanded beyond books, to have films, music, newspapers and magazines, and internet access. 

This new library in the city centre of Birmingham is going beyond that too, "providing a dynamic mix of events, activities and performance together with outstanding resources, exhibitions and access to expert help for learning, information and culture." ((www.libraryofbirmingham.com))

An aside, my youngest daughter was so keen to finish reading her library book this evening, that when my wife checked up on her after bed time, my daughter had fallen asleep on her back, with the book still open, over her face! She must have been holding the book up, and gradually fallen asleep.

The Olympic Torch went back to Scotland. People go back to libraries. And people keep going back to God. What is the difference?

The torch is a one off. Libraries are places people visit, return items, borrow more etc. And in Birmingham one day people will be able to get more that a usual library service. This makes me wonder if we treat God any differently to libraries.

Do I pop back to God for the usual exchange, but miss out on a more involved experience? 

Seeking the presence of God is more that an exchange of information, or presenting a list of "have you got this, and this, and this?". God wants us to remain and receive. If you have been missing out on something with your time with God, try resting. To rest means to stop. Be still. Remain. Abide. 

Matthew 11: 28-30 (NLT)
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Why not try this with God now. Stop. Come to God. Rest, and be rested. Listen. Let God teach you. Receive a "dynamic mix" with "expert help".

Pastor Nathan Stickland