4th August 2025

Unfortunately, our summer norm has become one that is smoke-filled, and filled with cautious awareness for the possibility of local fires. This year we have had several fires within a few miles of us, but sadly we are not alone, as fires are popping up all over the area. It can be frightening to see how fast a fire can grow, some fires have been hard to reach as there were no roads leading into the area. Another fire nearby reached 800 acres within an hour, a very short period of time. With the high winds they could not fly, making the fire out of reach of fire retardant and water drops.

Here in Deuteronomy 30, the call was out to all God’s people, who were scattered all over the world, to return to God and be blessed. Surely, God wanted to bless them, as he wants to bless all his children. They found it hard to remember God in the past, and so found themselves in a world of hurt of their own making – we have all been there at one time or another. God is a God of love who wants us to prosper under his care, but we wander away from his gentle touch. I talked to someone who believed that what God asked him to do was hard and unpleasant, out of reach of his abilities. He wanted to live his way, no matter the consequences, and believe me, there are always consequences.

The header scripture says that what God asks of us is not hard, and that we should be able to do it. God is fully aware of our weaknesses, our faults and sins, and if we do try to stay on track under our own power, we do and often fail. That is the whole point of it, we need help, and God is willing to give us that help. In fact, he has given us that help in our Lord Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded in verse 6 of Deuteronomy 30 that: ‘The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.’ 

Once the large fire near us was declared a conflagration, more help was available. And though the fire is still burning, it has been under more control of the firefighters; within reach of their goal of putting it out. With the help of God, what he is asking us to do is within reach. We all want to live happy and pleasant lives. We all want the blessings God can give, and God wants us to have this also, and so he has made it all within our reach. What is too hard for us, God gives us the help we need to make this a possibility, as Jermiah says, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church