God's love

 

Keys,

Big keys,

Little keys,

Tops lifted

to disclose the hidden

secrets that no longer need to be alone.

For the Lord knows all.

The Lord, my lover, knows all

He knows all about me.

He knows all my secrets.

And yet, He still loves me.

He loves me more than

anyone else loves me.

He forgives and accepts me.

His love is all knowing.

His love is all encompassing.

His love is TOTAL acceptance.

He loves me.

Where is God?

 

Dusk is beginning to fall in early winter. The blue sky is partially hidden by pink and grey clouds which radiate out from behind a tree. But where is the light coming from? Where is the source?

At this time of day, the source is the sun on its journey to another part of the world. Here the light will fade until it is lit again by the moon and the stars. A different light, but a beautiful light.

This is the light on our outer body. There is a light which is available for our inner soul. Holy Spirit light, but does it sometimes feel that that light is hidden?

God is everlasting – always there, but we sometimes let the clouds of life move in front of him.

What are those clouds? Fear, worry, frustration, unrighteous anger, self pity.

The solution – repentance – turn our back on these things, forgiving others, trusting in Jesus, thankfulness, asking Him to show us the way (surrendering to Him – that might sound scary – it’s a letting go- but it works!)

Let’s at the good things in life. Let’s look at the light. It can damage our eyes to look at the sun. It floods our lives with joy to look at the Son – to look at Jesus!

Find peace in Him!

Half a Sixpence

                                                                             Half a sixpence        

 

Half a Sixpence is the name given to a book and play about a young man, who, with his friends, was a bit fed up with working hard for little reward. His attention was taken by a rich young lady living the life to which he aspired. Suddenly he received a bequest, out of the blue he’d become rich, he proposed to the said young lady and tried, quite unsuccessfully to adapt to her life style. So having been given what he thought he wanted, he still wasn’t content! He, happily, managed to escape his new life style and return to his original status in life marrying the love of his childhood. What a very happy ending!

How often do we think the grass greener on the other side of the road, only to discover that, in truth, it really isn’t? It’s good to dream but do these dreams come from a place of dissatisfaction  or from a sense of adventure? Do they come from greed or from a sense of longing to be fulfilled? Do we grumble about our position in life or do we turn our grumblings into a healthy seeking after goodness?

Joseph, in the Old Testament, was a shepherd boy but he had a dream about all his older brothers bowing down in front of him. Out of the blue, he found himself a roller coaster ride of life. One moment things were dreadful, the next moment they were amazingly good. Whatever he did, he tried to do it well, asking God for help. Eventually, with God’s inspiration, he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and became Pharaoh’s second in command and his brothers came begging for help at a time of famine You can read the story in the Bible Genesis 36:18-36 & Genesis 42-45.

What are our dreams? Do they come with a good attitude and how are we going to position ourselves for their fulfillment? Are they for now or do we need to learn some lessons before they can be fulfilled? In which case, let’s get learning!

 

Whatever it is, let’s put our trust in God for His timing and live life to the full!

Light

Have you ever walked into an unfamiliar dark room and not known where the light switch is? It can be a bit embarrassing if it’s a toilet! What was your reaction?  You were probably very sensible and asked for help. Or did you give up or, just perhaps panic a little bit!

There’s no doubt about it that having some sort of light really helps when it’s dark! I’ve got a little solar powered torch light which gives me just enough light if I need it at night.

What else gives us light?

Some of us may have enjoyed lightning, followed by the very refreshing rain. That light is stunning and beautiful but doesn’t last for long.

The sun, the moon and the stars. There’s something beautiful about a moonlit night! They last for a bit longer.

But what about the darkness inside us? Do you ever feel dark and empty inside? Maybe, you try to put on a smiley face to others around, but deep inside you feel pretty rough!

What can help in these situations? What can bring light into our inmost being?

In 2017, after the terrifying, appalling and deadly terrorist attack during her concert, Ariana Grande returned to the Manchester Arena for the ‘One Love Manchester’ concert. Marcus Mumford, lead singer of the band Mumford and Sons, opened the concert by proclaiming ‘love casts out fear’. In the same concert, Justin Bieber who despite his tears, went on to declare, ‘I’m not going to let go of love, not going to let go of God. God is good in the midst of darkness. God is in the midst. And He loves you. And He is here for you.’

It was like a bright light in the midst of the darkness. Does that give us hope?

Justin Beiber may be a famous pop star but even he went through a messy time before he found Jesus.

So how can we receive that light, which like the rain, brings relief to the pressure, darkness and hopelessness inside?

Jesus said “I am the light of the world and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light”

Why not ask Him? Go on give it a try!

 He also said ‘Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble and easy to please’.

 Ask Jesus to give you light! Join your life with His!