Daily Picture

A friend of mine's 4 year old family cat had to be put down and they loved her so much and knew her unconditional love for them. 1 John 3:16 tells us of Jesus that "We know love by this, that He lay down His life for us - and we ought to lay down our lives for one another". Our hearts tells us that this signifies Jesus's unconditional love towards us. It has also made me think on the fact that as...

Today's picture is of the stone that had been moved from in front of the tomb where Jesus's dead body had been placed. In Luke 24:1-6 we are told that " two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning ...said to them, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, He has risen!' " Matthew 28:2-4 specifically tells us that an angel of the Lord had rolled back the stone and sat on it...

I saw an insignificant looking mouse in the distance which brought to mind a testimony I recently heard at a bilingual worship event. A rat was mentioned but in translation it was called a mouse. I wanted to point out the error but, thankfully, managed to keep quiet which was a good thing as the whole message was to bring glory to God, not to pick holes in points of lesser importance. Sometimes Go...

Today I had a picture of a grizzly bear (ursus arctos 'horribilus'). I am reminded of how a 'horrible' image was transformed into the ongoing popularity of teddy bears since their creation over a hundred years ago. I further reflect that Love can transform horrible situations. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, as often read at weddings, describes perfect love as being patient, kind, not envying, not boasting,...

Today I saw a four pronged garden fork, good for loosening and aerating soil without damaging roots. Let us ask God's Holy Spirit to loosen our hearts to receive His word and to apply what is good in our lives to bear much fruit. Old Testament Prophet Hosea (10:12) tells us 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now...

Today I saw a picture of a wide gaping mouth such as of a wild animal or volcano. The bible book of Lamentations 2:16 refers to the enemy's mouth in reference to Babylon who had overthrown Jerusalem in about 600 BC. King David also refers to the enemy's gaping mouth in Psalm 22:13 when he was in anguish over them. The recent messages have been reminders to be ready for Jesus's return and today's m...

Today I saw a simple comb which brings to mind the expression in English "to comb through..." which suggests to sift through, to investigate, to search thoroughly. I believe the Holy Spirit is encouraging us to reflect and carefully consider what and who we are prioritising in our lives. We don't want to miss out on the bridegroom's (Jesus's) arrival, as did the foolish virgins as mentioned in yes...

Are we an Option or a Choice? A wise friend recently framed that question regarding relationships. Let us be wise and accept that those who only see us as an option in their life have that right to do so and to stop giving them priority in our life. Whilst we are busy holding on to misplaced priorities we could then miss the one who will treat us as priority. What about Jesus? He died for you so y...

The book of Revelation, the last book in the bible, is Jesus Christ unveiling Himself to the Apostle John, revealing the antichrist, God's judgement and calamity on earth and restoration of mankind to God. "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it because the time is near." (Revelations 1:3). "Near" in t...

I saw an old fashioned bath which reminds me of the fanciful story of the king who wanted to have a bath made for his Queen. He measured the required size by counting his handspans, using his outstretched hand and measuring from the tip of his little finger to the tip of his thumb. Unfortunately the carpenter's handspan was much smaller than that of the king's so the bath he made was too small. Th...

Today I saw a honey bee and they are the species of bee which dies once they have injected a person with venom through their stinger. This also reminds me of something I read recently that someone had answered to the question 'What is anger?' with the words, "It is a punishment we give to ourselves, for somebody else's mistake". What a good way of reminding ourselves that internal anger, or the ou...

Today I saw the image of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus at His baptism as described in the Gospel of Matthew 3:16-17. This was prophesied by Isaiah 600-700 years before Jesus was even born (Isaiah 11:1-2). It has been God's plan from the beginning for mankind to be reunited with Him in His Kingdom, with our spirit connected to His Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul, in his 2nd letter to the Corinthian...

I saw the sun behind the clouds, giving them a golden tinge on their outer edges, reminiscent of the old adage that every cloud has a silver lining, denoting an optimistic and bright outcome despite seemingly dire circumstances. I have just discovered that this expression originates from 17th century English poet John Milton. Coincidentally, with our recent theme of the restoration of mankind's di...

Today I saw a paper fan and the words "Simplicity of Life". A paper fan can be described in intricate detail or in simple terms but, either way, it is a simple item. Similarly, however complicated the term "Born Again" can be described as, it is a simple term for our connection with God as our spiritual Father.

I saw a white birthday cake with one bright candle. The cake gradually faded away. I believe this message is that whilst our life on this earth is measured by a finite number of years, there is another birth available to us over infinite time and is indicated by this bright candle. This second birth, also referred to as being born again, is into God's Kingdom. This birth is one of personal choice...

Today I saw a picture of a bed of nails. We may have been impressed by seeing someone lying on a bed of nails, without getting hurt, but remember, there is a scientific explanation as there is with many magic tricks. Yes, we can be impressed with others' scientific knowledge and use of it but let our amazement be in our mighty God by whom the laws of science were created. Furthermore, let us not b...

Today I saw a picture of a tranquil bay, separated from its main body of water, reminding me of our regular need to literally separate ourselves from the Body of Christ, of which we belong, in order to spend quiet time with the Lord. The Gospels record many times when Jesus went away to recharge, to develop a stillness which could then positively impact others around Him and to hear God's will for...

I saw a picture of a white tower of learning, reaching towards the sky. I am reminded of a group of students who were asked what made them feel smart. Those with a fixed mindset, so not willing or expecting to change, said it was when they don't make mistakes; when they finish something fast and it's perfect or when something is easy for them. However, the students with a growth mindset said they...

Today I saw a golden steeple in the distance with a sense of a church being unattainable or imaginary. An important question is who is Jesus attracted to and who does he want attracted to him on earth? The Church is the Body of Christ. As recounted in Mark 2, Jesus asked tax collector Levi (Matthew) to follow him which he duly did and later invited Jesus to dinner with some more of the tax collect...

Today I saw a picture of a bamboo hut with a rattan mat in a beautiful, clean setting, with the words: "Strip back to simplicity of living". This is about concentrating on what is truly important in life. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to to think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. This is a good guideline, rather like the graph paper of Saturday's pictu...

I had a picture of a page of graph paper and the sense of someone learning to draw using the lines to give guidance in proportions. This reminds me that we have specific Godly guidelines in life but that our individuality and personal circumstances influence how we operate within those guidelines. We are learning to navigate life within the guidelines. I further think on the encouragement of Prove...

Today I had a picture of a colourful paper cocktail umbrella, one of which is often placed in a fun cocktail drink. This has brought to mind a wealth of bible verses that encourage us to rejoice in the Lord together over a meal and drink. Loving and giving. For instance, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and send some to those who have nothing prepared." (Esther 9:22) "And day by day, att...

I saw a skittish white puppy being calmly watched by a brown older dog. This makes me think of us entering into God's Kingdom like young innocent little children, bereft of malicious thoughts towards others, yet having a maturity borne of spending time with the Lord and building up our faith through all the experiences He has lovingly carried us through. Corinthians 14:20 tells us, "Brethren, do n...

Today we have a sequel to yesterday's message which was that the Holy Spirit always helps us to remember God's Words in order to help, guide, encourage and comfort us, as needed. Similarly, a compass magnetic needle always points to the North. What a great reminder for us to always face upwards towards God. In Ephesians 6, we are advised to wear the armour of God, taking up "the shield of faith wi...

Today I had a repeat picture of an image I had had over a year ago, being a ball of wool/yarn. The irony is that the message is about repeats and bringing to remembrance. Jesus knew He was going to die for mankind as that was the purpose of His coming to earth in the first place. Shortly before He died He reassured His disciples: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my...