Daily Picture

Today I saw a distinct thumb with the rest of the hand not visible. This reminds me of the anointing olive oil smeared on the right ear lobe, right big toe and right thumb of a healed leper, after the sacrificial blood had also been smeared, signifying a reconsecration to God, a life committed wholly to God. Pure olive oil was also used for the perpetually lit Tabernacle lamps (see Exodus 26:20-21), representing God's unceasing presence, His unbroken covenant with Israel and His divine light. Massive stones and huge wooden beams formed the ancient oil presses to produce this precious oil. The first account of the olive tree in the Bible was after Noah had sent a dove out, when the flood rains had ceased and the water was receding; the dove returned with an olive branch. This was a time of hope of reconsecration of mankind to God. Mankind was wholly reunited to God through Jesus Christ [Greek]/Messiah[Hebrew] meaning 'the anointed one'. The night before Jesus knew He was to be crucified, He agonised in the Garden of Gethsemane which, in Hebrew, means "Oil Press". Jesus was feeling the pressure of mankind's sins which he was prepared to shed His blood for but, nevertheless, was a massive burden to carry. If you have given your life to Christ and yet feel great pressures, know that God wants to render a metaphorically beautiful aroma and pure oil out of your life. He is changing you so you can relate to the Truths of His Kingdom and represent Him increasingly.

Today I continue to reflect on God's Kingdom. I am sure all of us have experienced an intersection of another dimension into our 3D world. I love the recent imagery I was given, and shared with you, of us being in a 3D box within a much bigger spiritual environment. The "Holy Spirit" is so called because He is of God - pure and loving. He is part of the Holy Trinity - God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus came from God's Kingdom to directly be on our earth as a human and then He left us with His Holy Spirit to indwell us. We can join in King David's prayer, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me" (Psalm 51:10-12). The joy of salvation referred to, is our reconnection with God and all that is in His Kingdom. He gives us all we need, even the willingness to follow Him and He gifts us to help others and for us to be helped by others. However, in love without forcing us, God gives us free will to choose Him or not. If you choose Him and so reach out to Him, He is there to receive you immediately, as our 3D existence is already in His Kingdom and we just need to break down the walls of disbelief and lack of will.

We have been reflecting on wrestling with God; God wants us to come to Him and, of course, we must believe in God's existence to some extent when we wrestle with Him. He understands us when we are upset or even angry with Him. We have also reflected on God's Kingdom being around us. His Spirit is super-natural, above-natural and Jesus tapped into this, as a human on earth, with miracles such as of instant healings, changing water into wine, multiplying a few loaves of bread and fish to provide enough to feed the masses. Our faith in God, His Love and His Kingdom grows as we experience this supernatural power. Apostle Paul succinctly said, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom but on God's power" (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). We are blessed to experience and recognise God's power in our lives.

Today I reflect on the Kingdom of God. When a loved one leaves this earth how close to us are they? In Luke 17:20-21 we read, "Once, upon being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, 'Here it is', or "There it is', because the kingdom of God is in your midst". There are many accounts in both the Old and New Testaments of intersections between God's Kingdom and our earth, such as when prophet Elisha prayed for his servant to have his spiritual eyes opened and he indeed saw supernatural protective horses and chariots of fire (see 2 Kings 6:15-17). In the New Testament Apostle Peter was set free by an angel when he had been heavily chained in prison (see Acts 12:5ff). The Bible has many inferences as to God being outside time and space. Even the first verse implies that: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". So, God was already in existence before time (the beginning) began, before the existence of all we concretely know. Back to that first verse today - "the kingdom of God is in your midst". Let's reflect more on those words and their implications.

A few times recently different people have mentioned battling with God which has caused me to think of one of the Jewish foundational founding fathers/ patriarchs - Jacob, who wrestled with God. Jacob was born clutching on to his older twin brother Esau's heel. In the Bible, Jacob means, "one who grabs the heel", "supplanter" or "deceiver". As a young man, after a major deception towards his father Isaac and his brother, Jacob ran off to live with his uncle. He wanted to marry his youngest cousin but his uncle deceived him into marrying his older cousin first after 7 years' labour. He then had to work for another 7 years to be able to marry the younger cousin. His uncle always tried to exploit him but God was with Jacob and he prospered. After 14 years Jacob returns home to his twin brother, to make amends but with great trepidation. On the journey home he wrestles all night with a mysterious figure. By morning God changes Jacob's name to "Israel" which means, "he who struggles with God". We can all benefit in different ways when reflecting on this account (In Genesis 32:22-32) but I sense that for the purposes of this message now, it is an encouragement to us to be authentic with God even when we don't understand or agree with His ways. In the mental struggles we have in the differences between our deep convictions and God's ways, we do experience profound transformations when there is a time of divine encounter and integration. Recently the Daily Picture has referred to the 'face of God' as implying intimacy with Him. Interestingly, Jacob named the place where he had wrestled with God as Peniel meaning "face of God".

I have been thinking more on the Hebrew word 'panim' for 'face' which, as I mentioned yesterday, also means 'presence', as written in the Old Teatament. It has an even stronger sense than the aura and feel of someone. In Hebrew panim is actually a plural word, meaning 'faces', implying the totality of a person's being, in other words, their moods, inner emotions, thoughts etc. Instead of the negative connotations associated with the expression 'being in someone's face', in Hebrew it actually means stepping into their direct view and paying full attention to them. God wants us to have intimate face to face encounters with Him, wanting us to get to know him more fully. We cannot literally see His face for now but we learn to see evidence of Him in the same way that we cannot see wind but we can see evidence of the wind, for instance, with the swaying and bending of trees. Also, from another angle, God already knows us intimately and we don't need to hide a thing from him. Let us seek God's face with openness and no fear.

In the Bible we are sometimes told to seek God's face. King David in Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart says of you, seek His face! Your face, Lord, I will seek". This is not the same as to seek God's hand which means to seek His provision and God certainly does like to provide. In the Hebrew of the Old Testament the word for "face" can also mean "presence". I have fancifully said that we can imagine going into God's throne room, with no prior appointment, to go and sit on His lap. The Truth is that we can indeed seek His presence. How? Through prayer, meditation, thinking on Scripture, reflecting on our lives being in line with God's will, worshipping and honouring God. Matthew 7:7 "...Seek and you will find ..."

Today, in my mind's eye, I saw a small triangular toy piece. That set me thinking on all the worldwide translations of this geometric shape, different words for the different types of triangles etc. No translation is better than another for communication. Words cannot always fully explain what we are feeling or what we are wanting to transmit to another. We do not know another person fully and vice versa. God does. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts". God is not limited like us. Trust that He knows you fully and loves you infinitely.

If we harbour ill will,anger etc in our hearts towards one person, it will inevitably also spill out towards others around us. God wants us to love and be loved, as the essence of our being. He was the perfect example of this. Even with the atrocious torture on the cross He said of his persecutors, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" ( Luke 23:34). 1 Peter 2:21 tells us to follow Jesus's example as someone who had done no wrong and yet, "when they hurled their insults at him he didn't retaliate; when he suffered he made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly". Jesus left God to deal with His persecutors, having asked God to forgive them too.

On Saturday we were reminded to guard our hearts, in not receiving negative words. One of the verses was "And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6). The next day I was sent a barrage of accusations from a friend. My first reaction was to be offended and angry but thank God we had Saturday's message to remind me to protect my heart as otherwise I could so easily have retaliated with stinging and accusatory words. The rest of that chapter 4 of Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Philippi gives us further salient advice on how to protect our hearts - to rejoice, be thankful, to be gentle and to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. We need to be intentional with this mindset in order to protect our hearts. Easier said than done but thank God, we can ask Him to give us His strength and comfort.

Today I sensed the need to remind ourselves to guard our hearts. However much we try to avoid negativity issuing out of us in the form of anger and unforgiveness etc, we cannot avoid others issuing a barrage of unkind, untrue words towards us. We do need to protect ourselves from this barrage. Proverbs 4:23 advises us: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it". Apostle Paul guides us in how to guard our hearts by telling us "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). How do we get God's peace? Another clue is in Proverbs 3:5: " Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;". Trusting God can seem like a tall order but the more we do the more we will see that God is indeed trustworthy. It requires faith. Imagine yourself putting up a shield to deflect negativity thrown at you, "take the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the Evil one ..." (Ephesians 3:16). We need to build up our arsenal of Words from God, which is why King David said, "I have hidden Your Word in my heart ..." (Psalm 119:11).

Today I saw square frames in the distance, as of lenses of specialised spectacles or simply as picture frames. The word 'frame' could indicate these physical frames but also framework for our thinking, our words, our perspectives etc. Just on Wednesday I quoted Psalm 139:15: "My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, ...". This encourages me to think on the fact that not only do we have the frame of our body but also of our life. I like to think that our lives are not just linear, so a fine prescribed line to walk along. It is within a frame in which we have free will and space to make mistakes but still within the confines of God's love and grace. Like coloured balls being shaken up and down to eventually settle, may we settle into God's ways as we increasingly learn to trust Him. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's Will us, His good, pleasing and perfect Will" (Romans 12:2).

Today I saw, in my mind's eye, an old fashioned telephone which has a separate finger groove for each of the numbers 0-9, that has to be individually turned clockwise, as representing the person being called's telephone number, until the finger reaches resistance and then the next number in the sequence is dialled. This is a good reminder of the variations in telephones and in ways to call someone. Similarly God wants us to call Him by whatever method comes naturally to us. King David, who had had to rely on so much help from the Lord, was able to confidently declare that, "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). 'All' is inclusive, with no stipulation on age, status, religion, words to be used, place, time etc. The emphasis is on calling God and He will be there. Our method of calling and God's method of replying are not stipulated. "in truth" means that we are to come as we are, whether we are tired, angry, sad, lacking in faith etc. Call God. All of us are eligible.

Today I continue on the theme of hairs on our head. Jesus said that he knows how many hairs are on each one of our heads (see Luke 12) which is the same as saying that he knows us intimately, and more so as the number changes constantly. King David reminds us in his Psalm 139:13,16: "For You created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb... Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be". If God knows our entire life in advance, why don't we relax and let Him direct our lives every day?

Today I was reminded of Simon and Garfunkel's iconic song, "Bridge over Troubled Water". Apparently Paul Simon wrote this as a comforting secular but spiritually inspired song, offering unwavering support during difficult times. This was written during the turbulent 60s in the States, with massive activism for equality, the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, and assassinations of President John F Kennedy, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr and Robert F Kennedy. Interestingly, Art Garfunkel had wanted the addition of a third verse as he thought the original version with two verses was too short. The third verse includes the words "Sail on Silver Girl" which was a playful phrase towards Simon's then wife who had noticed her first grey hairs. All this makes me think of how God comforts us with the small things such as the new grey hairs as well as with extremities such as of war. The wise book Proverbs, chapter 16 is full of positive thinking and positive advice. For instance, Verse 31 tells us that 'Grey hair is a crown of glory' ; verse 32 tells us that "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city". God is a constant over-arching bridge over troubled water with his wisdom, strength and comfort.

Today I saw a partial picture of a whale, reminding me that I have a limited knowledge of whales, that humans have hardly explored the ocean floors which are teeming with life, some of which we have not explored and witnessed yet. God is also beyond our full knowledge and experience - so much more. I read an interesting comment to reflect on recently, that the God that athiests don't believe in, never existed anyway! We all have a limited view of God and we also likely have some wrong views of Him. Let us trust that, conversely, God knows us fully and we can be fully led by Him through the 'open doors' He provides for us. If some doors remain shut or suddenly shut on us, trust in God's leading

Today I was aware of ethereal translucent gossamer wings. The Hebrew word kanaph for wing is also used for the corner and border of a garment. Malachi, the last prophet who is mentioned in the Old Testament, prophesied of Jesus (4:2): "But for you who revere my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings ...". We hear in gospels Matthew, Mark and Luke of the woman who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years who desperately reached out to touch the hem of Jesus's garment as she knew she would be healed and Jesus declared that she was indeed healed because of her faith. (See Matthew 9:20-22). Later on in Matthew's gospel we read that all who touched the edge of Jesus's cloak were healed. (See Matthew 14:34 -36). Let us also reach out in faith toJesus.

Today I am going to give an extension to yesterday's message relating to Isaiah 44:22 "I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you". Yesterday I concentrated on the cloud representing deep depression and very trying circumstances, with the mist representing the residue of these circumstances. All is thoroughly obliterated by God. Today I concentrate on the fact that the cloud of offences are those intentional and wilfully wrong actions of ours. The Hebrew word for the mist is a different one, relating to our unintentional, failures and shortcomings. So, God is saying that he has eliminated/forgiven us of all of our intentional and unintentional sins. God's attitude is not what we would likely expect, of us needing to turn to Him first and then He will forgive us of our sins, as a reward for doing what He wants. Instead, God is extending grace. What is meant by God's grace is that God is giving to us in love first, not as a bribe or as a reward but because He loves us. Then, He wants us to turn back to Him as our Father and choose not to sin any longer.

Today I see a big black cloud being swept away, leaving a bright blue sky. In the book of Prophet Isaiah (44:22) we read God's word to His people: "I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you". In the original Hebrew, the implication is of complete elimination of a very heavy cloud, through God's power and authority, which could represent deep depression or very difficult circumstances. As well as the cloud, God is going to drive away the metaphorical residual damp mist. We know how the impact of negative situations, even if eliminated, can linger. God will eliminate that too. God asks us to come to Him, whatever our circumstances, and He will change whatever needs to be changed in our lives, whether circumstantially or our emotions. God moves the cloud and its residue. He wants you to have that clear blue sky.

Today I saw a bird up on his legs but on the ground, rather than flying. I then sensed the words, 'Time heals' and that the bird was waiting for the time he could fly again. Similarly, we have heard that over time, our hurts, pains, griefs and traumas ease. This easing process cannot be measured or absolutely assured and there are the inevitable scars. However, what we choose to do over the passage of time has effect and impact. Are our reflections positive and healthy? Are we reaching out for support from loved ones? What are we doing with our time? Speaking out our emotions helps. God's Word certainly points us in the right direction in our thinking and He does love us and want to listen to us. We might need to break out of a shell - of a physical and/or mental place. Healing over time will happen, however slowly, and may bump back and forth sometimes, but it does happen. Like the bird in today's picture, God will help you get up on your feet and eventually fly again. The often quoted verse from prophet Isaiah may help: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31)

Today I saw a classic pyramid-shaped METRONOME which provides a consistent rhythmic beat, controlled by an adjustable weight on a swinging pendulum. This is a good reminder to keep in time with God's pace and to go to Him for peace and calmness, as Jesus reminded His disciples as recounted in Matthew 11:28: " Come to me all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". Going to God on a consistent basis requires a decision to do so and then effort, as with most exercises, and then because of its effectiveness it becomes easier and enjoyable. Following God's rhythm in life is safe-guarding and rewarding. Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9 encourages us also to not despair or feel discouragement if we are following God's Will and His rhythm actively but can't yet see the fruit: "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up". We do not need to speed up, rush, slow down or stop if we are following God's Will for us. Trust in His pace for you.

Today I saw horizontal lines and vertical lines in my mind's eye which then moved me to reflect on the vertical wooden structure Jesus hung on, with His arms outstretched on the horizontal wood. It is totally significant and intentional that Jesus died this way. Ancient Jewish law dictated that anyone who committed a crime and was thus hung on a (wooden) pole to die was cursed by God (see Old Testament book Deuteronomy 21:23). Apostle Paul quotes from this passage in his letter to the church in Galatia: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us as it is written 'Cursed is anyone who is hung on a pole' (Galatians 3:1). So, basically, Paul is saying that Jesus was our sacrifice, redeeming humanity from that curse of the law by literally being cursed on our behalf. What should we be cursed for, if it wasn't for Jesus hung on the 'pole'? Our sins. This is why Christians declare, with gratitude, that Jesus took our sins on the cross. This in no way means we think we don't sin. It is the opposite. We know we sin and we are so grateful to God for saving us from the curse which means death. Instead, we are now offered eternal life. No wonder we are so grateful!

I saw an image of a rocking chair. We all instinctively know the calming benefits or a rocking chair, with a lullaby effect for young and old alike. It apparently stimulates the brain's vestibular system which manages our balance and relaxation. It may also help with general recuperation and rehabilitation and with the rocking motion taking pressure off the spine, it encourages better blood flow. It may replicate the rhythmic swaying motion in the womb and a regular heart beat. Through Prophet Isaiah 66:13, we read God's words to us, "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you;...". God represents both Mother and Father. God wants to be with each one of us, relaxing us and giving us life energy.

Today I have the single word LOVE to share in today's Devotional. We all know that that word can be bandied around insincerely and has different nuances of meaning and significance, such as 'I love my children' in contrast to 'I love strawberries and cream'. The Greeks have many different words for different types of love, such as for brotherly love, unconditional love, romantic love etc. Today, I believe, that God wants you to focus on the fact that He loves YOU. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a is often read at weddings as signifying the love between a newly wed couple. On reading the verses now, concentrate on the words as God's love applying personally to you. "Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the Truth. It always protects. It always trusts, always hopes. It always perseveres. Love never fails." Be convinced of God's love for you, whatever your current circumstances look like right now. Remember that though roots grow underground in darkness, a plant does burst forth in due course.

Today I was reminded of the micro climate of the beautiful area of Sintra, near Lisbon, Portugal. It is often shrouded in a thick sea fog making it appear magical, because of all the abundant majestic foliage and picturesque palaces it engulfs whilst, meanwhile, everywhere nearby could be baking under a cloudless sky. I may sound like a marketing leaflet but it truly can be stunning. It sometimes seems like fairyland or the setting for magical princesses and if you dismiss my descriptions as nonsense Sintra continues to exist. Similarly, we can consider that God, God's Kingdom, Heaven, Eternity don't exist but that doesn't mean they do not exist. In not believing, the loss is ours. At least seek as there are so many of us who believe and do not let go of our belief.

I am reminded of a Christian allegorical story, "You are Special", about a wooden community, in which the wooden people cover each other in golden stars when they think they have a talent or look good. If someone has seemingly failed or is not looking good, they are given grey dots. One female wooden character had no stars or dots and the protagonist in this story learns that it is because she makes daily visits to her Maker who reassures her that he made her with love and with no mistakes. Furthermore, the Maker emphasises that the value of his creations should not be dictated by the stickers, whether good or bad/ criticism or praise. The author of this story is encouraging us to understand that, similarly, God loves us unconditionally. As Apostle Paul declared, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). In John 12:26 we read that God honours those who honour Him. As such, we don't need man's honour.

Today I feel that the Holy Spirit wants to remind us to relax, not necessarily in the context of putting our feet up but more to loosen our mental hold on what could potentially stress us. We need to learn to relax in the Lord, which requires complete trust in Him. There are many verses that remind us of this. For instance, Mathew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls". Jesus is not out to accuse and condemn us but instead to convict us if necessary and to comfort us. Another often quoted verse is "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Note that it says "all".

Today I saw a picture in my mind's eye of a soft bulldog clip. Usually this type of clip is a hard metal device for temporarily, but firmly, binding loose sheets of paper together. I believe that this soft clip is a reminder that God wants to bind us all together to Him in love, in a soft, comfortable but committed way, of our own free will. "Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..." (Hebrews 6:17-19). 'We who have fled' is referring to the cities of refuge where a person who had accidentally killed someone could run to as a safe haven before facing a fair trial (see Numbers 35:6,9). Grace, mercy and understanding are extended to us when we bind ourselves to God. Jesus died for all of us for all our sins but we need to choose, in free will, to 'flee' to him. We are being convicted, not condemned. We having nothing to fear. We have 'hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure'.

Today's picture is of seeds. This has caused me to think on the seeds of inheritance. Mary was the natural mother of Jesus upon whom the Holy Spirit descended (see Luke 1:35). In Mathew we explicitly read, "She was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit". Joseph heard from Angel Gabriel and was willing to adopt baby Jesus, making Him an official descendent of his lineage which was of King David and Abraham. This fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would be a direct descendant of King David and Abraham. Joseph chose to adopt Jesus and we can choose to be adopted by God. "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear but you have received the spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba Father." (Romans 8:15). Abba is equivalent to Daddy. 'Sons' refers to all of mankind. That is the relationship we can all have.

Yesterday (I am a day late uploading this) I had a picture of barbed wire, which can be seen along the top of a periphery wall of a high security enclosure. It keeps out intruders and also may be preventing the inhabitants of the enclosure from escaping, such as of a prison. This barbed wire could represent us preventing anyone getting close to us and, most significantly, preventing God. Jesus as our High Priest (see Hebrews 6:20), is our intermediary and arbitrator between us and God. Yes, we have unhindered access to God through Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, but as Jesus knows us fully and knows God fully, he draws us together. Jesus also gives us God's Holy Spirit to reside in us and create an even closer intimacy.

I have been continuing to reflect on the need for our personal connection with God. He is never changing (see Malachi 3:6; James 1:17); He exists beyond time throughout eternity and whilst His character is consistently the same towards each one of us, we can all choose to have our unique connection with Him. "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (2 Corinthians 13:14). In this verse, we have the fullness of God described, with His son Jesus Christ reconciling all of us with Himself and the Holy Spirit indwelling us to help in both small and big things in life. He changes us through gentle conviction not heavy handed accusatory condemnation (see Romans 8:1-2). It is not religiosity but love.

Today my early morning prayer time focused on the words Religion and Truth. There are debates on the etymology of the word Religion, one suggesting an origin of to mean to bind or tie fast which is the meaning I had heard - to be bound to certain practices in order to know God. As a result, I say I am not religious even if I do like to pray and attend church. I do what I do for God in free will so I would rather say I am spiritual as God's Kingdom is spiritual. Some scholars and linguists say that they word religion is based on the word relegere, meaning to re-read, re-think and to consider carefully. The very fact that there is not a concrete explanation for the word Religion proves the point that truths can be objective and open to interpretation. Everybody's walk with God is different but what is consistent is the need to walk with and have a relationship with God. Who do you know well without having a relationship with them? Facts are not enough. Being told 'truths' about God is not enough. As Christians we believe that Jesus is the connecting bridge between God and humanity. However, all our connections are unique. Don't judge others and don't let others' judgements impact you regarding yours and their relationship with God.

Today I was reminded that God told Moses that He is "I am who I am" and to tell His people that (Exodus 3:14). Whenever we say that God is 'I am' we are declaring that He is not only of the past, He is not just a promise for the future but He is ever present. In John 8:58, we read, " Very truly, Jesus answered, I tell you, before Abraham was born, 'I am". The religious leaders were angry at what they perceived as absolute blasphemy in saying He was divine, especially from someone of such lowly status. In our relationship with God and being borne in His image, let us also concentrate on your "I am" - who you are today. Our yesterday is behind, forgiven and forgotten by God, and let us give Him our future life whilst He personally journeys with us towards our destiny of eternal heaven. Concentrate on your life with God today, every day.

I reflected recently that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20) and indeed, Jesus said He is preparing a place for us in His Father's house (John 14:1), with the final book in the bible describing the awesome new heaven on earth Revelation 21 and 22). In Hebrews 13:14 we read, "For here we do not have an enduring city but we are looking for the city that is to come". The context of that verse, as explained in the preceding verses, is that just like God's people burnt animal sacrifices outside the camp on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to symbolise the removal of sin, Jesus was crucified on the hill of Golgotha outside the city of Jerusalem. The traditional sacrifices were made every year. Jesus was the sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 10:10). When we identify with Jesus and His promised eternal heaven, we will also be outside the camp, so to speak, separated from what is considered the norm, being criticised, mocked, thought of as ridiculous and even persecuted. Yesterday we read Jesus's words of ente.ring His Kingdom like a little child, trusting and believing. That is easier said than done but whatever God asks of us, He wants to enable us if we step out in faith

Today I saw the imagery of a tooth with a long root which led me to think on the old English idiom, "to be long in the tooth", often humorously suggesting someone is getting old. This has further made me reflect on my 97 year old Auntie Tessie who died 2 days ago. She had had dementia for 25 years, and returned to living in her memories of childhood, but she never forgot God. This was a similar situation to another older lady I had known with dementia. God is not asking for us to be clever and experienced but is asking for our heart. This is why Jesus told His disciples, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent (that is, change your inner self - your old way of thinking, live changed lives and become like children (trusting, humble, and forgiving), you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 18:3 Amplified translation). Obviously we don't need to be old, with dementia, to become childlike in our faith. We can simply trust that we are all invited into God's Kingdom, choosing to follow His ways of Love.

Whilst praying today I was reflecting on the fact that often we don't recognise God's promptings to contact another person, or to specifically do something, but I would guess that there are many of us who have experienced the delight of perfect timings when we have responded. If God is speaking to us constantly and He certainly is listening at all times (as there is not a single verse that says we are limited in time and place as to when God hears us) then let's not interrupt His speaking, wasting energy and time thinking of negative pasts and imagining negativity ahead. Instead, turn "to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us"(Ephesians 3:20) and, as Jesus said, "Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24). Focus on what is true, noble, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (see Philippians 4:8). Don't let your imagination run riot.

Today I saw a picture in my mind's eye of a partial white globe rising. I believe the Holy Spirit is looking at mankind, with so many people not believing that He has so much to give us and that He loves us so much. Let us read these words of encouragement from Old Testament prophet Isaiah 40:28-29 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak". Then continuing with the more familiar verses of verses 30-31:"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint".

Today I am extending yesterday's reflection of us exuding the pleasant aroma of Christ. What is of utmost importance is what is emitted from our hearts and that of others. We might initially be attracted to outward appearances but let us follow God's example, in both our attitude and behaviour. In 1 Samuel 16:7 we read, "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart". Apostle Paul was apparently of no great appearance (see 2 Corinthians 10:10). We have absolutely no physical descriptions of Jesus in any of the Gospels - all that was relevant was what He said and did . 700-800 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Isaiah the prophet prophesied His coming and said that "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him ..." (See Isaiah 53:2b). As Jesus came to save us and to be an example for us, then let's concentrate on developing the fruit of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control.

Today, I continue contemplating yesterday message on the grinding of coffee beans and the appealing aroma that that brings. That leads me to thinking on the pleasing aroma of Christ that we exude, as followers of Christ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15:"But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ ..." In verse 16b, Apostle Paul asks the rhetorical question, "And who is equal to such a task?". No one can bring another into God's kingdom, only God through Christ, but we can spread the aroma of His existence and love in our lives, with the developing fruit of the Holy Spirit, which are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control.

Today I have been reflecting on how a coffee grinder needs to have its handle turned in a clockwise direction, where it meets resistance, in order to effectively grind the coffee beans. Similarly when we receive Jesus with His Holy Spirit residing in us, we may feel resistance to corrections and/or changes being encouraged in us, to develop the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self- control. Let us be grateful for the positive effects and changes in us, remembering that, "no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). The beautiful aroma of coffee beans draws people. May we be prepared to be changed and to draw people to Jesus.

Today I have been excitedly thinking about the gifts that the Holy Spirit delights to bestow upon us and does so when and how He wishes, to bless us and others (see 1 Corinthians 12:7-11). There are the Revelation gifts (when you know that you know) , the Utterance gifts (when God speaks through you into others' lives) and the Power gifts in which God's supernatural powers operate - the Gift of Faith, the Gift of Miracles and the Gift of Healing. Well, I was diagnosed with a chronic medical condition for which I was told I would need life long treatment, to ensure normal rhythms of sleep. However I sensed for months that I wouldn't need this treatment and that something less disruptive would be effective. I had told the doctor for a few months that I was expecting this miracle. Last night she told me that I have my miracle and no longer need the night appliance! I thank God for not only the miracle but also the gift of faith He had given me to confidently believe in His extraordinary provision in this particular situation. The miracle was not to do with my own strength and my own positive thinking. To God goes all the glory. 1 Corinthians 2:12: "Now we have received not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God".

Today I am reflecting on the verse in the Lord's Prayer, "Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be Done". God's Kingdom is His spiritual Kingdom. In Philippians 3:20 we are reminded that we are citizens of heaven where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. This does not mean we are to lose the reality of us living on this earth as one Body, encouraging and supporting each other with the various gifts God's Holy Spirit endows us with. Let's not be proud or compare ourselves to others. We can all so easily occillate between God's spiritual Kingdom and this world, being distracted and discouraged away from the spiritual. We are all on different journeys but can support each other. I believe that the Lord is asking us, encouraging us, exhorting us to spend more time with Him in the spiritual dimension. It will not make us weird and disconnected from others in this world but bring a deeper unity.

Today I saw a very small tight flower bud, indicating that there is a flower to come but not imminently. If we keep close to the Lord we will see His workings in our lives and others' lives, even if the fruit are still a way off. As recorded in the gospel of Matthew 24, Jesus told us that only God the Father knows when Jesus will return again but, just like the fig tree which when it grows leaves, you know that summer is near, so will we know when Jesus will be coming and see the signs if we keep close to the Lord. We are all invited into God's Kingdom, available as soon as we choose to enter. Jesus came to this earth to tell us this good news and to show us the way. The world is getting figuratively darker but Jesus is The Light. Call to Him. He will answer.

I continue to contemplate on yesterday's picture which I took of a beautifully cultivated plot of land. It absolutely does not do it justice, partly because I have limited vision, limited imagination and I honestly do not have photographic skills, and of course I could not show the life within, such as the root system, the seeds, the potential growth etc. Isn't that the same with us? We, similarly, sometimes do not even see the outer beauty of another person let alone their inner depths. So often our words and actions are reactions to our limited vision to what is around us. Instead, God wants us to exude Him from within us. Apostle Paul regularly preached on Christ within us as being goodness. It is His goodness, not our efforts and achievement. For instance in Galatians 2:20 we read, "I am crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me;...". It is not us living in a Christlike way with our self generated abilities but, rather, it is Christ living through us because we want and allow Him to. We can declare we are Christians but we still need to make daily choices as to whether we follow our naturally self centred nature or let Jesus Christ lead our words and actions.

Today I saw a bright yellow hose in my mind's eye, bringing to mind the little farm at the Montessori school where I work as a teacher, in Cascais, Portugal. A few weeks ago a new gardener started assisting the kids and two existing part time managers of the farm. One of the heads of the school had got to know a homeless man who used to be a horticulturalist so invited him to work on our school farm for a small fee. Well, yesterday I noticed a complete transformation on one fairly large plot of land. It now has beautiful flowerbeds, vegetable patches, smooth clear pathways and a pretty archway. In short it is spectacular and all has been done by this new addition to our farm staff. The hearts of two men are the seeds to this fruitful transformation. What a lovely example of giftings being used for God's glory in a community. Let's celebrate others' giftings and use ours for the greater good. Let's encourage others as the Head of our school did for a homeless man. 1 Peter 4:8-11 reads: "Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each if you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace, in its various forms. If any one speaks they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God; if anyone serves they should do so with the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen".

Today I see a stack of full marmalade jars depicting 'plenty' which also makes me think of the opposite - 'lack'. Sometimes we only associate God with plenty and, even then, we could forget to communicate with Him and thank Him. However, in times of lack, these are times when God particularly wants us to ask Him to be close to us, as we need Him all the more. In 1 Kings 17 we hear of prophet Elijah, during a time of severe drought, obeying God by walking to a widow in another region also in drought. Elijah instructs her to use the last of her meagre rations of flour and oil to provide him with bread and also for herself and her son. She duly obeys with the last of her supplies. Both Elijah and the widow have obeyed God. "...So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah" (1 Kings 17:15-16). Let us trust and obey God in our times of need and thank Him for His daily provision whether from a base of plenty or not.

Today I sense a continuation to yesterday's message of God preparing the way ahead for us. Not only is He ahead of us, He is our rearguard. He is behind us, ensuring we don't fall back or by the wayside. "For you will not leave in a hurry and you will not run away, for the Lord will go before you and the God of Israel will be your rear guard" (Isaiah 52:12). It is also wonderful to be reminded that we don't need to make hasty uncertain decisions. God is preparing the way ahead at a perfect pace.

Today I saw a pile of large smooth white pebbles, bringing to mind physical memorials established by God's people, whenever He had provided miraculously for them. Sometimes the memorials to God's goodness come in the form of celebrations. One is the Passover Festival which God instructed His people to celebrate in honour and thanksgiving of Him passing over their families peaceably whilst, meanwhile, destruction was to befall the first born of both people and animals in Egypt (see Exodus 12) Interestingly, this instruction was delivered before the event. A memorial before the event sounds premature but what a wonderful acknowledgement that we can praise and thank God in advance of His provision and blessings because we trust Him. In Psalm 127:2 King David describes how our human endeavours cannot guarantee our future security but whilst we sleep, God lovingly watches over us and prepares for us: "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves". God loves us all; it is a question of truly believing in that and being able to thank Him in advance for His provision.

Today I have been further reflecting on Apostle Paul's comment, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). In other words, whatever his circumstances Paul was declaring that Jesus Christ is with him, supporting him. The light where I live is particularly bright and, despite any wet and windy weather, we are aware of the constant brilliant light. This seems to be an analogy of Jesus Christ's constant presence in our lives. John tells us of the divinity of Jesus throughout his gospel and at the start he describes Jesus as being right there at the beginning and "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:4-5). As an explanation of John's words, we read in Genesis 1:1-3: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light', and there was light." It is only in verse 14 of that chapter we hear that God created the lights of the sun, moon and stars. So, what/who was that first light mentioned at the start? Jesus Himself said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). At the end of the bible, in the book of Revelation which reveals Jesus Christ's ultimate triumph over evil, sin and death, we read, "And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light and they will reign forever and ever" (Revelation 22.5). Who are "they" being referred to? "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6). I want His light.

Today I am thinking on the word "too" in the sense of: to be in excess/to be extreme, such as 'the ceiling is too high to reach'. God provides perfectly in that He knows the right quantity and timing, according to His good purpose. We need the Holy Spirit to convict us of God's goodness towards us as otherwise we cannot understand, and could be offended and even angry at excessive poverty and excessive opulence. Do we really understand Apostle Paul's declaration, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) and why previously he had said, " Rejoice in the Lord always and, again, I say rejoice" (Philippians 4:4)?