A couple of years ago I cut down a dead plum tree.I put the trunk and the main branches aside to dry ready for burning on the stove

.As we go into Autumn and need some warmth during the evenings I have started cutting and splitting the timber ready for burning

.As I was doing that, the old saying about getting the heat twice out of the timber came to mind, as getting it into manageable sizes is physical and body warming on a cool autumn day.

This made me think about knowing Jesus and having a relationship with him.

Only it’s not just getting the heat or warmth from Him twice.If we come to know Jesus, that warmth and love just keeps on coming.

There may be times when the fire dies down and needs stoking up again, but once that happens the warmth returns.

Similarly, come close to Jesus again,and the warmth and love returns, Jesus is always there for every person who seeks Him.

He is waiting for you to come close to Him.

Cutting and splitting timber gives physical warmth,but being close to Jesus gives spiritual warmth and love again and again.

Richard Blagg, Assistant Curate, Cinderford with Littledean