Daily Picture

FEASTING OR FASTINGToday I am reminded that part of yesterday's account was of Jesus feasting at Matthew's house, a tax collector who had responded to Jesus's call to follow Him. The pharisees were aghast that he was eating with 'tax collectors and sinners'. Feasting was the opposite of the sacrificial fasting they did, to atone for their sins and to get closer to God. They were not aware that Jesus was to be the sacrifice for all mankind's sins and that He was to bring mankind closer to God through giving us His Holy Spirit to live in us. No wonder Jesus responded to the pharisees, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." We also need to go and learn what this means. The Holy Spirit will help us if we ask.

Today I saw A NEEDLE AND THREAD, reminding me of Jesus's words regarding the new relationship we can have with God through Him: "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved". (Matthew 9:16-17). This account is similarly worded in the gospels of Luke and Mark. Jesus came to bring a new covenant relationship with our Father God, whereby He has come to save everyone by His love and actions in contrast to our merits and actions. The wonderful context of this message are the actions of Jesus. Verses 18-19 goes on to tell us that "while He was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before Him and said, My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live. Jesus got up and went with him, and so did His disciples". There then follows accounts of Jesus bringing that girl back to life, healing a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years, restoring sight to 2 blind men and freeing a mute man, "teaching and healing every disease and sickness" (Matthew 9:35).The gift of Life is free but so also is our will. We are not being forced to receive this new covenant with God or indeed to have any covenant relationship with God. I give these daily devotionals because I so want you to know what is available to you.

Today I saw a picture of a jar of marmalade making me think of expressions like " the icing on the cake" and "the cherry on the top", indicating that extra final layer of delight. Marmalade spread on bread and butter can also signify that. God wants us to expect times of lavish provision from Him. We sometimes just settle for average or below average. If we never expect for more then we have less chance of receiving it. Apostle Paul expressed a good balance, "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:12-13).

Today, in my mind's eye, I saw a group of carefree, laughing, very young children. How often are adults as relaxed as that? Research tells us how children laugh significantly more than adults and that it is vital and therapeutic for all of us to do so. Jesus instructs us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven like little children (see Matthew 18:2 -4). As mentioned in the last 2 days' Devotionals, Jesus gave extreme messages and instructions and this is no exception. He said we would never enter the Kingdom of Heaven unless we change to become like little children. Isn't this similar to yesterday's message of relying on the Holy Spirit to help us understand God's Kingdom Truths? The Holy Spirit connects to our spirit which is more like a gut feeling, as an instinct, our life force. Young children have that ability to trust it and to go with the flow. Perhaps that is part of what Jesus meant by us needing to be like little children to enter God's Kingdom..?

Today is a continuation of the last two days' messages about needing the Holy Spirit to understand, obey and even want to obey God, through Jesus's words. At the very beginning of the Gospel of John we read that "In the beginning was the Word." Jesus is the Word and in Genesis, describing the beginning of our world, God speaks everything into existence. However, humans are created in a different way. "Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being" (Genesis 2:7). That breath is the breath of spiritual life. Jesus tells His disciples before He departs this earth, "But I will send you the Comforter - the Holy Spirit, the source of all truth. He will come to you from the Father and will tell you all about me because you have been with me from the beginning". (John 15:26-27). That word "beginning' is the same word used in John 1:1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God". We need God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

I feel that today is a continuation of yesterday's message which suggested that Jesus's message is so 'out there' as compared to what seems normal. We may appreciate Jesus's miracles and healings but what about His instructions, such as to turn the other cheek when we are hit on one cheek, to offer our shirt when someone takes our coat, to completely forgive and to recognise that we are committing adultery simply by looking and lusting? Logical reasoning cannot help us understand, obey or even necessarily want to obey. We need the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the same power which resurrected Jesus from the dead and is able to transform our frail bodies to the citizenship of heaven (see Philippians 3:20).

I saw a reflection of what looked like the Cross on my water glass this morning, which was simply the dawn light throwing a pattern off the kitchen window frame. However it got me to thinking of the fact that without the power of the Cross, what does Christianity have? We have 3 years of Jesus's ministry of teachings, healings and other miracles such as changing water into wine, walking on water and feeding the 5000 with a few loaves of bread and a few fish. For those who say they admire Jesus as a prophet but not saviour, do they know all He said? Jesus said that no one comes to the Father except through him and that through his death on the cross we can receive the Holy Spirit and have eternal life. If we don't believe that to be true, surely that makes Jesus a liar or deranged? We either believe in the power of the Cross or not. There isn't an option to pick and choose to believe only in portions of what Jesus said during his 3 year ministry whilst on earth.

Today I saw a glove puppet which of course needs a hand to function and become animated. However, God has created us differently. We are not to be His robotically managed hand puppets, obeying His every whim. He wants us to individually choose to love, trust and thus obey Him. He loves to bless us regardless but, also, we bless Him when we glorify Him. The whole of Ephesians Chapter 1 is relevant to this theme but here are some snippets: "...In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will ... in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:4-5,12). So, when we choose to put our hope in Jesus Christ, that is in accordance with God's pleasure and will - that truly blesses Him.

Today I saw a picture of a cobwebby window, bringing to mind how we can sometimes lose the excitement of receiving revelation and inspiration from the Holy Spirit, which requires our consistent focus and devotion to having spiritual insight. I join King David in Psalm 119:18 when he says, "Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your law".

Today I am delving deeper into the word "obey" which might help in a quest to understand God's Word and His deep mysteries, with which we need the help of God's Holy Spirit. The root of "Obey" is Latin with the first part, 'ob', meaning 'to' and giving the sense of 'leaning into'. The second part is 'oboedire/obaudire' meaning 'to listen to, give ear or hearken to'. If we are as one with another, as one flesh (see Matthew 19:5), we would instinctively want to move close to hear the other and that, in the original sense, is what is meant by "to obey'. That is a wonderful aspiration rather than one we could possibly be offended by or be opposed to, when the wife is instructed, in Ephesians 5:22, to obey her husband. Also, the husband is to love the wife unceasingly and fully (verse 25). Again, we could baulk at that instruction but that is how Jesus loves us - His bride, His Church, His Body. Obedience to God overrides obedience to authorities which are not under God. For instance Peter and the apostles continued with Jesus's ministry after He had died, despite being told not to by the Roman authorities. They declared, "We must obey God rather than human beings!". Similarly, in the Old Testament, the Egyptian Pharaoh instructed the midwives to kill baby boys as soon as they were born. The midwives didn't follow that instruction and God accordingly blessed them (see Exodus 1:15-20). To obey God is to listen to Him, the one Who loves us unconditionally and unceasingly. Trust and Obey.

Today I saw the scoring of a pork joint to make crackling and also the word "Engravings". This reminds that prophet Isaiah said that God has engraved our names on the palms of his hands and that our walls are forever before Him.(See Isaiah 49:16). That was prophesied to the Israelites in around 700BC but Jesus brought the fulfillment of God's promises to both Jews and Gentiles alike, should we believe so and wish to receive. The engravings represent permanency and the walls as of protection. God's commitment to us and our mutual commitment to Him is, paradoxically, liberating; Isaiah further prophesied that our Saviour would be sent to heal the broken-hearted and to set the captives free. (See Isaiah 61:1). In the Gospel of Luke 4:17 Jesus is recorded as declaring, "He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind ...". May we choose to have our eyes opened to God's Truths and His deep mysteries, and to recognise the liberty and freedom we have in Him.

Today I am reminded of the large brown seeds some kids at school gave me yesterday. None of us knows what plant they have come from. Isn't it amazing how brown coloured seeds can grow into another shape and colour? Similarly, let us not forget that if we spend time exploring kernels of truth about God and His Kingdom, we will discover deeper colourful mysteries. We are told that God's invisible quality, His eternal power and divine nature are being divulged through His vast creation (see Romans 1:20) and that if we seek we will find ...for everyone who asks receives (see Matthew 7:7-8).

Today I saw barbed wire which further propelled me into thinking of the crown of long thorns which was forced into Jesus's head in mock worship, by the Roman soldiers, after His viscious flogging and before the crucifixion. In Genesis 3, thorns are first mentioned in the bible, as one of the consequences to Adam and Eve sinning in the Garden of Eden. "To Adam He said, 'Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, 'you must not eat from it', cursed is the ground because of you. Through painful toil you will eat food from it, all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles ...By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food ...."(verses 17-19). The crown of thorns on Jesus's brow reversed the curse. Jesus had already told His disciples that He came to bring them abundant life (John 10:10) and to give rest to those who labour (Matthew 11:28). We now have blessings not curses, through Jesus Christ.

Today I saw a picture of little round unripe green fruits which were identified as pitanga fruit, also known as Suriname cherry, Brazilian cherry or Cayenne cherry. There are such a huge variety of fruits in the world, some of which we are oblivious of, some of which we have no clue how to eat and some we just simply ignore as we stick to the fruit we know, feel safe with or are interested in trying. I liken this to how we treat God's abundant provision and Truths, in general. Yesterday I mentioned the profound mystery which Apostle Paul spoke about, as of a man and woman being as one flesh, which he further says is actually about Christ and the Church. (Ephesians 5:31-32). Deep bible mysteries are gradually revealed to us, with increased understanding, if we spend time meditating on Scripture and on communing with God through Christ Jesus. In Colossians 1:26-27 we read of, "The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people. To them God has chosen to make known among the gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Today I was reminded of another Shakespearean play, The Taming of the Shrew. A shrew is a small mole-like creature with a long pointy nose. In English culture a naggy annoying wife is likened to a shrew. In Shakespeare's play of this name, a man manages to change his perpetually naggy wife to one who advises other ladies to submit to their respective husbands. What a transformation. However, what I want to focus on are the verses in Ephesians 5, in which Apostle Paul counsels women to submit to their wives and for husbands to love their wives as they do their own selves. We tend to be aghast at these instructions but we are told that it is a "profound mystery" (verse 32). No wonder we don't understand so, as such, we may not agree with the instructions and certainly not be able to follow them. However, what we really can note is that Jesus, as our bridegroom, totally follows these instructions. He loves us unconditionally and wonderfully. Let us submit to Him. I was going to say "without question" but actually we are free to question God. Wait for His answers.

Today I saw a centipede in my mind's eye. They are all venomous and fatal to their prey of worms and insects. The large centipedes can cause great pain, swelling and fever in humans if we aggravate them but they are not fatal. We can live in great fear of centipedes or recognise that we are stronger than them and we can choose to try and steer clear of them. This is the same with Satan. He is dangerous but not to us when we call upon the power of God to be with us and choose to follow God as best we can. We heard yesterday in Psalm 107 that God always responds to our cry for help. 1 Peter 5:7 directs us to cast all our worries on God because He cares for us. To cast, like with a fishing rod, is a quick deft moment, not slow lingering thoughts beforehand. Then the next verse reassures us that this casting of worries on to God is our antidote to the potential attack of Satan. "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour". The 'roaring' is to scare us into believing he is more powerful than God and certainly, of you, to discourage us from casting our worries on God and so dwelling on our worries instead. Don't believe the devil. We know the answer to the rhetorical question: "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Stay firm with God. All is well.

Today I saw a cyclone though heard the word 'tempest' which directed my thoughts to William Shakespeare's play The Tempest. I studied it when I was 14 years old and can remember the characters and the love aspect but had completely forgotten, or maybe even missed the importance of the forgiveness extended by the main character, Prospero. Perhaps we are the same and miss the main part of the plot, the purpose of our lives - to receive God's forgiveness towards us however much we have rejected or disobeyed Him. Psalm 107 is full of examples of God's mercy and forgiveness. One example in verse 29 tells us that in answer to those in distress during a storm on the sea, "He stilled the storm to a whisper and the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm and He guided them to their desired haven". Let's not forget God has a good purpose for each of our lives.

Today I saw a picture of a handbag (purse) with shoulder strap, bringing to mind French fashion designer, Coco Chanel. About 100 years ago she designed the first handbag, with a chain strap, for the luxury market. It is now a common wardrobe accessory which we, no doubt, take for granted. This further directs me to so much that we take for granted, that once didn't exist and/or we are blessed to have for ourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".

Today I saw a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, which made me think of Jesus coming into this world, completely vulnerable and dependent as with all human babies. What a sacrifice when He was mighty God but reduced himself to being a newborn infant. Jesus sacrificed His entire human life from start to finish. In order to have been the perfect human sacrifice on the cross, Jesus had to have led an 100% sinless life. His birth, His life and death were all one sacrifice to save mankind."Though He was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; ..." (Philippians 2:6-7a)

Today I saw bicycle handlebars which of course are vital when riding a bicycle for a number of reasons, such as control and steering of the front wheel's movement, whilst also affecting the rider's posture and comfort etc. Having breaks on the handlebars helps too of course! Whilst hands are quietly on these vital handlebars, the feet are more visibly working away. I believe that that is the main thrust of today's message. We can be visibly 'pedalling' away, but we need a constant quiet connection with Jesus to be safe and effective. As Jesus tells us, as recounted in John 15:5, " I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me, and I in him, bears much fruit. For without me you are able to do nothing".

Today I saw an outline of the country of Italy, fine tuning to Rome, then the Vatican and finally where St Peter was martyred and buried. This has directed me to the letters that Peter wrote at the end of his life. He had known Jesus personally and was convinced he had seen the resurrected Jesus and that every word Jesus had spoken was true, which included the Baptism of the Holy Spirit He had promised. Peter was imbued with God's power to preach the gospel as a result of the infilling of the Holy Spirito. If someone always speaks the truth we have no need to doubt that person. Peter was absolutely convinced at the authenticity of everything Jesus said and did. Because of Peter's adamant faith in Jesus, he was prepared to die an horrrific death, at the command of Emperor Nero. Let us do good in our faith for Jesus and if we suffer, let us endure it. "This is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example... when they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead,he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:20-23).

Yesterday's message was very deep and subject to misinterpretation so I hesitated to share it widely. I was reflecting on the Portuguese word "maneira" meaning the way, the method, from the Latin root 'manus' = hand. In John 4:6 Jesus is recorded as declaring "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life". He is not stating that He is the route, the destination to eternal life in heaven. Rather, the whole verse is Jesus metaphorically wanting to take us by the hand in relationship now, leading us to an ever increasing closeness to His Father as a Way of being. In that process we will be changing into His image. God is the great "I am". Jesus is "I am". The Way is not a destination but an existence in God, the Father, now. To get to know our Father is a huge process and all our journeys are unique in this. That then makes it impossible to compare our journeys, which then eradicates our ability to judge. It is a precious gift to be constantly with God, the Way, and to be gradually changed into His image of perfect love. Think carefully on Hebrews 13:5 "Let your manner of living be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have. For He hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee". (KJ21 translation)

Today I notice that it is my 666th Daily Picture uploaded on to Spotify. 666 is associated with the Mark of the Beast and the antichrist in the final book of the bible, Revelation, representing a system opposed toGod. The trebling of the 6 emphasises its adamant attack on Jesus. Meanwhile, may I point out the significance of 7, representing God and perfection. In Matthew 18:21 Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" In this, Peter is suggesting complete forgiveness. However, Jesus replies with even greater emphasis on the importance of forgiveness, "No, not seven times ...but seventy times seven". The multiplying of the 7 reinforces the need for us to forgive, but also highlights God's enormous forgiveness towards us. The final verse in the entire bible, with very little variance in translations, is: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. (Amen)." (Revelation 22:21). How significant is that! Hold on to that Truth and do not fear.

Today I saw a carpentry shed, reminding me that Jesus had grown up learning some woodwork skills from his carpenter fatherJoseph (Matthew 13:55) and Jesus had indeed been referred to as a carpenter (Mark 6:3). Jesus forsook his carpentry, continuing to obey God's will: "Now Jesus himself was about 30 years old when he began his ministry..." (Luke 3:23) as did the disciples who forsook their jobs as fishermen, a tax collector etc in order to follow Jesus. None of our skills and experiences are wasted but God does want us to follow the example of Jesus and trust in His guidance in where He wants us to go.

Today I saw a nest with a mother bird returning to her babies in the nest but I sensed something was wrong. I heard the word, "cuckoo" and am reminded of the deceptive ways of the mother cuckoo who lays an egg in another bird's nest to hatch and be raised by another mother bird. There are a lot of deceptive tactics involved in this subterfuge, which further makes me ponder on how comfortable and convinced we can be by someone who enters our life or even our heart, without even considering that they are not being authentic. Jesus warns of "false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). We are told by Apostle Paul that "...every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world" (1 John 4:2-3). Note that Paul is referring to spirits and not to people, for "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against...spiritual hosts of wickedness...(Ephesians 6:12). Without the gift of discernment any of us can be deceived by a "cuckoo", a person who is being deceived themselves. We need to know the real Christ, in order to recognise the antichrist who wants to destroy us.

Today I saw a derelict, desolate, dilapidated building, in need of a lot of restoration. That could represent mankind as a whole, which was originally fully connected to God through Adam and Eve's bloodline, then separated from God through them, and which now needs to be reinstated. The building could also represent our individual lives, parts of which need restoration such as of ill health, emotional wounds, brokenness, missed opportunities, all lost and stolen blessings. The most important restoration is of our relationship with God, from which all blessings emanate. "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:10)

Today, I saw an electric sandwich maker which has brought to mind the heat of God in our lives. He sometimes intentionally puts us through fiery trials or at least, uncomfortable times. If we try to avoid them and/or complain about these times we are actually losing out on a gift! The gift is likened to a refiner's fire which purifies silver or gold, burning off their impurities. When the liquid silver or gold is pure, the refiner is able to see his reflection in it. Do you think that that is a wonderful gift from God, for Him to be able to see His image in our lives? He does need to change us and that requires us to trust Him in all circumstances, even better if we are able to thank Him too! In 1 Peter 1:6-7 we read, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Today I saw a picture of a Catherine Wheel, a dramatically spinning firework shooting out hundreds of brightly coloured sparks. This seems like a sequel to us being a ray of light extending from Jesus. We can be dramatic for Jesus as one united body, not vying for individual attention and merit. Not long before He was crucified Jesus said, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12). Why is this? Because, as His Body, we cover a greater geographical distance and over a longer time than Jesus's ministry on earth. With the Holy Spirit empowering us we can extend Jesus's work. Do we believe and trust Jesus's words on this and do we want to?

Today I saw a previously barren twig displaying little green leaves with a chorus of birds tweeting in the background. It is Spring! What a wonderful reminder of expectations. We are told that God's promises are always fulfilled (2 Corinthians 1:20). The more we experience the perfect timing of God's fulfillment, after having waited, the stronger our faith and expectation becomes in the future. We need these times of waiting and expectation, not only to strengthen our faith but to trust in God's perfect timing. We can liken this to never forcing open the petals of a flower when still in bud, but learning to wait. Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Note 'wait' mentioned twice in the one verse. King David experienced long waits but trusted God and His timings. God considered David as a man after His own heart (see 1 Samuel 13:14). It is also no coincidence that Jesus's earthly heritage, through Joseph, is descended from David's lineage (see Matthew 1).

Today I saw a picture of a lit candle on a tall candlestand on the ground. Jesus is the Light and when He ignites us we are one of His rays of light, reflecting His love, grace and truth so dispelling darkness and sharing the hope that Jesus provides. The Gospel of Matthew 5:14-16 recounts Jesus as saying "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven". Let's be a ray of Jesus's light standing tall and bright for Him.

I saw an olympic diving board, with me bouncing gently on the highest board until I swooped down into a dive. What freedom there is in doing that but to get that point of decision to dive, there is a need to walk up the steps and choose to go higher, then testing for bounce and movement. This could be likened to our walk towards Jesus - a decision to learn more about Him, test Him a little and then take the plunge of faith. Is our life just for our breathing time on earth with no God and no further existence? Or do we think we can get to God ourselves once we take our last breath? Or is there eternal life? The Body of Christ believes that Jesus has not only taken our sins on the cross so we can be reunited to God, but He also said to His disciples, as recounted in John 14:3: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am". If you haven't started your walk towards Jesus, try. The freedom you will feel and will actually have is for real.

Today I sensed the words, "Beautiful cross". How can it be considered beautiful when it was an appallingly cruel instrument of torture used by the Romans over two thousand years ago? However, Jesus's excruciating suffering during the lead up to the Cross and on the cross, was the outpouring of His perfect love for mankind. His love is pure beauty. Jesus looked down on those who so cruelly crucified Him and asked His Father God to forgive them "as they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). He also died for us and all our sins. Old Testament prophet Isaiah over 700 years before Jesus was born prophesied accurately re Jesus's birth, ministry and death, part of which declared that his face was so disfigured that it was hardly recognisable as human (see Isaiah 52:14). We can hardly bear to describe in words and pictures the atrocities heaped on Jesus, to their full extent; it stretches us to conceive of His immense suffering. Similarly, do we know the full extent of the effect and benefit to mankind of Jesus's sacrifice? Do we fully appreciate Jesus's beautiful love for us as He hung on the cross? He gave fully of Himself for us, whilst knowing that we find it difficult to give of ourselves to Him. We don't even thank Him. What love!

Today I thought I would be concentrating on why it was not the sin of anger that Jesus had displayed in all 4 gospels when He had overturned the merchants' tables in the Temple courts. (As indicated in the Gospel of Mark 11:11,15, Jesus had already seen all the tables the night before and the following day He justifiably, and not in an angry reactionary way, had turfed the buyers and sellers out of the temple.) John, who highlights Jesus's divinity, gives us his account of this incident very early on in his gospel, as of great significance: "...stop turning my Father's House into a market! ...Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days ..." (John 2:16,19). Jesus is identifying Himself as the "temple"i and we now know what he meant about being destroyed and then resurrected three days later. Jesus is now the temple where we meet and have a relationship with God. We need no longer offer sacrifices and meet God at the temple. Apostle Paul also further tells us that as believers in Christ, as the Body of Christ, His Church, we are the temple in which God dwells. 1 Corinthians 6:19 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies". This takes me full circle to where I started today's devotional about anger. In honouring God with our bodies we are not to be angry or have any other sinful disposition. Thank God, Jesus's death on the cross saves us from the sins we have fallen into and he is our perfect role model as we aspire to honour Him more.

Today I feel a continuation of yesterday's message on gluttony. As well as various verses directing us from gluttony it is listed amongst the 7 deadly sins, as identified by the early Church, which are all indicated in Scripture: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth. We all know that these dispositions can lead to sinful actions but what is the root cause of them all? It is the lack of acknowledgement and trust in God. Jesus came to earth as Emmanuel - God with us. There is no writing in Scripture that indicates Jesus as displaying any one of those sinful attitudes, leading to sinful actions. He was our perfect sacrifice.

Today I saw a picture of a large white, very sugary, round chocolate. That doesn't appeal to me as too much sugar makes me feel faint with a rapid drop in my blood sugar level. It is not a question of me honouring God by not eating it. However, for another person it could be a question of honouring God by not eating it as they know they have no will power in stopping and thus moving into gluttony. Gluttony, as with other sins such as pride and envy, manifests itself differently in each of us. Also, we are at different stages of our walk with God and understanding of sin. With me, as a mature Christian, gluttony takes various forms and not just when I don't stop eating something I am enjoying when I have already had enough, but also when I forget to thank God for His provision, and when I comfort-eat instead of going to Jesus my comforter etc. In Romans 14 we are warned not to judge others on their different ways of honouring God in what they eat, in the days they perceive as holy etc. God looks at our heart and we cannot judge another's heart.

Today is a continuation of yesterday's message, reminding us that God is our provider and how wonderful to give back to him in a spirit of excellence and gratitude. We cannot outgive Him and He will always look after us. 1 Corinthians 9:6: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously". Some people view those who rely on God as weak and in need of a crutch. They have missed the point completely. God wants to look after us, His creations, in the best way He can. How foolish to believe that God has nothing to do with your existence and that we can survive in our own strength, with God being at most a small unnecessary bystander. God speaks through Prophet Isaiah (45:9) warning "What sorrow awaits those who argue with their maker. Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it ..?" Even for those of us who already acknowledge God as our creator, we sometimes struggle with a matter and forget or consciously choose not to ask for His help. It delights God when we turn to Him. Zephaniah 3:17: "The Lord your God is with you ...He will take great delight in you ... will rejoice over you with singing". We will be fulfilled as will God be, together.

I have experienced God's excellence in provision and blessings, having had a seamless trip back to the UK for a long weekend, with a wonderful time meeting up with family and friends. God gives excellently. Do we give excellently to Him? I have been reminded of Adam and Eve's two sons, Cain and Abel as described in Genesis 4. Abel gave to God the best of his flock without hesitation. In contrast, Cain gave 'something' from his crop 'in due course'. God corrected Cain along the lines that when not giving with an attitude of gratitude and acknowledgement that without God He has nothing, he is on the slippery slope of sin. Cain was angry with the correction and was jealous of God's acceptance of his brother Abel's gifts, so he murdered Abel. Let us look to God for His guidance which is always for our good. If circumstances are negative and/or we fail, God is always there to redirect the circumstances and redirect us, with unwavering love. Isn't God deserving of our excellent giving? We are giving from what we would not have if it weren't from Him in the first place.

Today I saw the simplicity of a young child's flower with the central yellow circle, a halo of petals surrounding it and a straight green stem with 2 leaves. A young child's ignorance (in the sense of lack of knowledge) of the intracacies and vastness of botany does not belittle the child; at least s/he recognises the existence of flowers. Similarly, think of the cross standing tall in the ground with our Lord Almighty hanging there, the sudden 3 hours of deep darkness during the afternoon and then after Jesus gave His last breath, the thick heavy curtain to the Holy Temple's private chamber, which only the High Priest could enter to access communication with God, split in two. We may not understand what significance there is in what Jesus did for us but at least we can acknowledge that His salvation for us exists. However, aren't you glad you know that there is so much more to flowers than a simple child-like depiction? Well, may I encourage you to also look deeper into the Cross too. It is the 'crux' - the central significance of Christian faith. An offshoot of that word 'crux' is 'crucial' - vital, life giving. The Holy Spirit and those who learn from Him, can help you grasp the Truths and would love to do so.

I feel that this is a sequel to yesterday's message of a white feather often being associated to God and His angels. Today I saw an image of the lead dancer in Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake, dancing with beauty and grace. Indeed, there are things we see and hear which cause us to think on God and His goodness even though they are not specifically mentioned in the bible as being associated to Him. Though our imagination makes these connections, I would suggest that it does not infer that God is in our imagination. God has created us with imagination and creativity. Often God's spirit simply connects to our spirit within and we just know we have touched heaven or, we can say, heaven has touched us. Matthew 3:16-17 describes God sending His Spirit down upon Jesus at His baptism, before He is goes into the wilderness for 40 days and then starts His ministry: "As soon as Jesus was baptised He came up out of the water. At that moment, heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased". Heaven can connect to us with tangible moments.

Today I saw a small white feather which I know many people see as a good sign from God that His angels are at work. I don't think there is a bible verse which specifically tells us that, let alone tell us that angels have white wings. In whatever way we may tangibly see God at work in our lives, even if fanciful, the truth is that God is indeed wanting to guide and protect us constantly. Whether we receive this truth or not is our choice. In Psalm 63:7, King David declares, "Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice".

Today I saw a paddle board causing me to reflect on the necessity of experience and strength in negotiating choppy waters and high winds. We can maybe look at the weather ahead with a degree of accuracy and prepare accordingly. However, we cannot do that with our lives, which can take sudden and unexpected turns. We need to be humble enough to recognise that we can't guarantee what our future holds or be so confident that we will be able to handle whatever life throws at us. Only God knows and can help us. The whole of Chapter 4 in the Book of James counsels us on this. Here are three of the verses: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what willl happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's Will, we will live and do this or that'. " I say that the 'mist' of our lives, as depicted in the Book ofJames, is of eternal substance in God's hands.

Today I saw a picture of a compound enclosed by barbed wire and I also saw a door monitored by a security code, both representing a protection from outsiders. I believe that this represents us when we purposefully exclude Jesus from our life and, even as Christians, exclude Him from aspects of our life. Hebrews 3:7-8 "So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts ...".

I had taken an Uber taxi yesterday and when he stopped to let me out, the driver behind displayed anger with the honking of his car horn and a tirade of angry words. I went over to him to say that I had had no say in where I had been dropped off. His response was that he was not shouting at me but at the Uber driver. As I pointed out to him, my Uber driver had already driven off! So the driver's ranting and raving had had no effect on the Uber driver as he was no longer there! Don't we sometimes rant and complain about others who can't hear us. Meanwhile the stress we have built up is bad for us. Also perhaps he had been at fault too by driving too close and/or was judging another for something he had done or will do in the future. Can't we also be that hypocritical? Instead let us listen to and trust our Creator who tells us, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Is it worth ranting and raving as well as being in judgement of another?

Today I have felt to focus on God's provision for us, stemming from the Latin 'pro' (forward) and 'videre' (to see). So, initially, to provide meant to have foresight and preparation in advance, though now it is not necessarily in the context of knowing in advance but more the act of supplying towards needs. We also have the related word of providence which refers to God's direction, guidance and protection of our lives because He knows about our lives in advance. If we trust that God as our Creator knows what is best for us, His providence and provision are a joy to us. God prepares in advance for our needs because He is all seeing. When we cry 'Help!' He has already set plans in motion to help us. "Before they call, I will answer" (Isaiah 65:24).

Today I felt the caution that every time we judge another we put pressure on ourselves. Jesus made this very clear to His disciples, as recorded in Matthew 7. Many of us are familiar with the verses 3-4 telling us to first take the plank out of our eye before judging another for the speck of sawdust in their eye. However, let us not forget the preceding verses 1 and 2: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you". Whatever we see as wrong in another will be what we are judged for so we won't be able to argue that what we are being judged for is unfair. As I already know that there is a list of what should be fair for me to judged on, I am just so grateful that Jesus came to save us from judgement. It requires for us to recognise that we have a list of faults, that we need saving from the consequences of them and that Jesus has already taken the consequences if we receive Him as having done so.

Today I saw a nest, reminding me of Jesus's parables in the Gospel of Matthew 13 in which He draws analogies between flourishing seeds and the Kingdom of God. In Verses 31-32 we read, "He told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches". How lovely to be a refuge for others, with our refuge being our counsel and declaration of the love of God for all of us, His creations, with our testimony as to how He is establishing us and making us fruitful from our small seed of faith.

Today I saw the water pipes under a kitchen sink. I don't think I would be good at plumbing and it has never interested me as a career but clearly it appeals to some people. I love teaching but it certainly wouldn't suit everyone. Recent devotionals have highlighted the vast arrays and variety in God's Kingdom with the connections and complementary aspects of everything and everyone. In acknowledging this, let us also recognise God's desire and power to coordinate our interactions for our good. Many bible verses attest to this such as, "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). Isn't that a lovely balance between our free will and God's help?

Today I saw a bee flying around whilst resting occasionally on a selection of beautiful colourful flowers, reminding me of the quaint English reference to the "birds and the bees" as a way of introducing reproduction to a youngster. I then pause to think on Aposte Paul's reminder to us that we are all equally part of the church of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Body of Christ, with "those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. (1 Corinthians 12:22-24). Think on the fact that the important reproductive organs are linked to the excretory system. Everybody who functions within the Body of Christ has a purpose and we are equally important to each other and to Christ.

Today I saw an image in my mind's eye of a very unusual shaped leaf which I had seen yesterday whilst out walking. This has caused me to reflect on the vast array of green leaves of different sizes and shapes, green trees, green grasses and shades of green. How awesome that we don't just simply have one species of tree and grass, all of the same green, as a young child might draw. I reflect further on the great extent of knowledge and wisdom we gain when we spend time in getting to know God and all He creates. It is not like academic learning with step by step progression upwards but instead a broad and lateral, as well as heightened, expanse, personal to each one of us. "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ," (Ephesians 3:17b-18).

Today I saw an image of a baby board picture book. This has made me reflect on the fact that whilst it is wonderful to introduce infants to books and writing, as they get older they do need to progress to more advanced reading matter. Similarly, we need to progress from the wonders of receiving Jesus as our Lord and Saviour to a maturing relationship with Him. We read along these lines in Hebrews 5:13-14 "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness but solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil". We gain wisdom and an understanding of pure love by spending time with our Lord.