God is our rearguard as well as our vanguard

Heaven

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

Long in the tooth

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.

God's promptings

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.

A partial white globe rising

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".

Looking at our hearts

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.