SUNDAY 24 JULY 2020

Sunday 26 July 2020

In the beginning,

Before time, before people, before the world began,

GOD WAS.

Here and now,

Among us, beside us, clearer that air, closer than breathing,

GOD IS.

In all that is to come,

When we have turned to dust and human knowledge has been completed,

GOD WILL BE.

Not despairing of earth, but delighting in it,

Not condemning the world, but redeeming it

Through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit,

GOD WAS, GOD IS, GOD WILL BE.

Reading : Isaiah 58

Reflection.

I wonder if you watch renovation programmes on television?

Programmes which show before and after.......... gardens, houses, DIY disasters, etc.

I find it amazing to watch the transformations taking place.

And, it’s not just on television of course, as lockdown has progressed I’ve see lots of renovation projects taking shape in homes and gardens as I’ve been walking round the area.

A home and garden that has been in the process of renovation is the Lodge House attached to Braidwood House. Work began on the run down house around three years ago and in recent weeks the grounds around it are having a complete makeover.

That which was broken and in ruins is being restored to a lovely place to live

.

Restoration work can take a long time to complete, and at first it might feel like things look worse before they get better, but in the long run when at last, the work is complete it is all worthwhile.

We certainly know how that feels here at Braehead House, for when I first came to live and work here, a huge work of restoration just beginning. Over the years since then the main house, the lodge house and the garden and grounds have undergone an amazing transformation.

All work done in order that we might provide a safe and peaceful refuge for those whose lives are in need of restoration can come and be ministered to by the Healer.

That was my hope when I came down here, and it has not changed.

And, surely that’s what all communities of faith can offer, a safe place where healing can take place.

I was drawn this week to read Isaiah 58.

In it the people of God are called to turn away from false religious practices and come back to the heart of worship. To show true hospitality to those in great need, and in doing so they will know God’s rich blessings in their own lives.

As the people of God tend to the needs of others “a light will come upon them, healing and righteousness will occur, and the glory of God will be their guard. They will call upon the Lord and he will say “Here am I”

True for that time in history and true for the people of God today, that’s you and I.

And God says,

“You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls”.

I am sending you to partner with me, to be....................

A restorer of broken walls,

A rebuilder of lives,

A repairer of shattered dreams.

Time and again I have been on the receiving end of God’s restoration work in my own life, and it has been my privilege to partner with him as I have prayed with others, or simply offered them a safe place to “be”.

For God is a restorer of broken walls, He is the rebuilder of lives, He is the repairer of shattered dreams.

May I encourage you this day, to seek the Healer who has always been in the restoration business to begin a new work in the broken areas of your life.

And Church, may I encourage you to allow God to draw you back to the heart of Worship, that you may be known as, “Repairer of Broken Walls.”

When the music fades

All is stripped away And I simply come Longing just to bring Something that's of worth That will bless Your heart I'll bring You more than a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required You search much deeper within Through the way things appear You're looking into my heart I'm coming back to the heart of worship And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus King of endless worth No one could express How much you deserve Though I'm weak and poor All I have is Yours Every single breath!

I'm coming back to the heart of worship And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus (Matt Redman)