Author Archives: Barrie Cooper

‘The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever’. Isaiah 40, verse 8. Nothing lasts forever, so the saying of the prophet goes! Not particularly earth shattering, but never the less, food for thought! It all comes down to response. Accepting that God speaks to us in many waysContinue reading “Everlasting….”

A twisted tree branch, or perhaps the remains of a root. No matter which, it gets us thinking about the story of this one piece of wood, now disconnected from its original purpose. The weaving of the elements in the photograph will prompt each of us to make our own story and try to makeContinue reading “Weaving….”

Not the dimming or the ending, but the beginning. Light breaking into darkness and the promise of a new day. Coquet Island, which I see through my study window; blessed indeed, ‘Never take anything for granted’,I hear myself say, but I often fail. It is at this point that the still small voice of GodContinue reading “Light on!”

It says it all! An ivy clad wall on one side, with a sign guiding us to paradise. On the other side a sign barring access to motor vehicles. You might have access if you live there, but not if you are a visitor. I like the road sign for paradise. Jesus promised that weContinue reading “Confused?”

‘Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Jesus’ words to a large crowd in the early part of his ministry, recorded in the Gospel of St John. Living water is the sign of God’s spirit woven together with the Father and the Son….the self givingContinue reading “Living water…”

Blocked up window; well used door; a table for two…. the list could travel on for ever. Taken in a French village; simply showing some elements that captivated Helen and I. The weaving together ‘of things’., which points us beyond the obvious to what lies ahead; just around the corner, in an ‘ordinary’ moment. TheContinue reading “The weaving…”

The enormity of the whole thing. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, dead on a cross. The end of the beginning. Seeing , but not easy to believe….the empty tomb. Where has he gone? ‘He is not here…says the angel….He is risen!’ Searching in the most unlikely of places. Not the tomb, but in the walking andContinue reading “Resurrection……”

…..has no-one than this, that they lay down their lives for us… Jesus on the cross, innocent, stitched up….the love of God in human form. NO running away, or giving up at the enormity of the cost. God does not leave, but becomes the heartbeat of humanity as we seek forgiveness and new life andContinue reading “Greater love….”

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. (Psalm 135;1-2) The words of the Psalmist Our rising and the rising of the Sun; nothing hidden from the God of Love, the creator and sustainer of all things. I’ve been awayContinue reading “Rising….”

Enough said, perhaps. Words from the gospel of St John. The beginning and the ending and everything in between. God with us. Not distant and disengaged. We are not lost, but found. Every moment of every day, and beyond. ‘I am with you always….’ says Jesus to the disciples, and to you and I. BlessContinue reading “The light shines in the darkness….”