God is our rearguard as well as our vanguard

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.

A pleasing aroma

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.

A coffee grinder

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.