Food for Life

December 2024

Are you eating well?  A lack of time, poor health or anxiety can all interfere with eating but even when we’re taking in plenty of good food Jesus says that we can still be severely under-nourished!  Quoting from the Old Testament he reminds us that “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)  Are you getting plenty of that food?  Meals keep us alive and can bring great pleasure, but they cannot give us the abundant life that Jesus offers.  Only by feeding on God’s Word – that is, the Bible – can we encounter Jesus, who is called ‘The Word’, and receive from him food that endures to eternal life. (John 6:27)

But where do you start with the Bible?  It’s a big book and we can easily get lost in its thickets.  Knowing that many people have found a Bible reading plan to be very helpful in providing manageable portions to be consumed and enjoyed daily, I have written a new plan especially for our villages.  The Westmorland Bible Reading Plan, as it is now known, gives readings for each weekday.  It divides the Bible into four sections and allows you to choose which you will consume first.  Every chapter in the Bible is included so after four years (or sooner if you read more than one section at a time) you will have read every word in the Bible.  Read alone or read with family or a friend.  It will work with any Bible translation, it’s a simple A5 leaflet (large-print also available), it’s free of charge and the plan begins on Advent Sunday, 1 December.

King David discovered that God’s words were sweeter than honey. (Psalm 19)  Why not help yourself to some of this sweet and satisfying food?  You can pick up copies by popping into the church (always open Friday and Saturday 10am – 4pm, and for services) or send me a message with your name and address and we’ll deliver one to your home asap.  Come, let’s feast together!

And we also guarantee you a very warm welcome to any of our Christmas services and events.  Details are on our church website.

Happy Christmas!

Graham Burrows