THE GLORY OF SUNRISE

Romans 8:32 NIV He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?                                                                                         

My friend sent me some glorious pictures of yesterday’s sunrise up in Inverness. They went from the first peak of the sun, setting the sky on fire, to a steady revealing of its light as it reflected off the clouds, and the fields and trees began to glow. We don’t always get to see sunrises as spectacular as that, but it doesn’t mean they’re not happening.😊

In the same way God is doing things in all our lives when His light begins to rise over our circumstances. At first it’s so dark and we can’t see things ever being any different, but our God is the God of all hope and comfort. He is the God who brings light in our darkness and just as He gives us glorious sunrises He is doing the same thing in our lives.

As I looked at the series of photos she sent, I realised we don’t always recognise what’s going on in the background but it doesn’t mean it’s not happening! God paints the sky every morning with colour and beauty which is totally breathtaking, whether we see it or not. Why would He not do the same in our lives? …how will he not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?

Let’s lift our eyes upwards again today and thank God for all He is doing on our behalf, even though we may not be able to see it yet. He is painting something into your life and mine which will be breathtaking if we’ll take our faith and the time to believe Him for it and look for it.😊

What kind of beauty is it? It’s the beauty of loving relationships, of caring friendships, the wonder of peace in our hearts that’s beyond our understanding, it’s the deep security of knowing we’re accepted and loved by the One who paints the sky every single day with His breathtaking glory of colour and wonder, and it’s the miracle of His generous provision and protection every day of our lives.

Most of all it’s the beauty of being able to have a personal close relationship with the One who hung on a Cross for our sakes, to be one spirit with Him. Sometimes we forget, but today God is reminding us Jesus His Son, and the wonder of all He gives us, are rising and being revealed in our lives too.

Thank You Lord. Amen.😊

Photos: Courtesy of W.Girling 

GENTLE REMINDERS

Proverbs 4:5 NIV Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

I always enjoy reading helpful wise quotes so I thought I’d pass on some more I came across as we move into our week.

‘Be you.’ Sometimes we wish we were somebody else with their gifts or looks, but God made us the way we are, each one unique for a reason. God doesn’t make mistakes so let’s learn to enjoy all our quirky ways and ask God to use them for His glory.😊

‘Choose kindness.’ One of the best choices we can make each day is to be kind, not just to others but to be kind to ourselves, to not find fault all the time but remember we’re all a work in progress and precious to God.

‘Smile.’ We know one of the gifts of the Spirit is joy but sometimes we forget to unbox it and let it show in our smiles. When we do, it can lift up those we pass by or meet in a shop or workplace. Just smile!😊

‘Take time to make your soul happy.’ God tells us to rest for the simple reason that He didn’t design us to keep going without drawing breath. Let’s give ourselves permission to unwind and do something we enjoy.

‘Don’t overthink.’ This is easier said than done but it’s connected to the verse, ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in all your prayers make your requests known to God with thanksgiving.’ Lord help us do that!😊

‘Enjoy life.’ When life goes through tough seasons sometimes we have to stop and count our blessings and ask God to help us have a new perspective so we can enjoy the life He gives us, the little joys.

‘Collect beautiful moments.’ Have you had anything happen that made you smile, or lifted your spirits, or made you glad? Why not write it down and put it in a jar to open up at the end of the month to remind yourself of those beautiful moments. They’re so easily forgotten.😊

‘Good things take time.’ Next time we feel frustration creeping in because the thing we’re waiting for is taking longer than we thought, remember in Ecclesiastes it said everything happens in God’s timing and just rest in that.

‘Enjoy a mug of hot chocolate.’ Sometimes we just need some gentle reminders, and if any have struck a cord with us maybe we could find time today to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate. As we sit with our hands around a hot mug, let’s breathe in the lovely aroma and remember most of all God loves us and Jesus’ invitation to come to Him and find rest for our souls. Enjoy a few minutes with the Lord to unwind and thank Him for all His goodness and blessings in our lives.😊 Amen.