Tag: Christian bloggers

Aroma

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We live & move through this world using our five senses- sight, sound, touch, taste & smell. Our sensory experiences can be positive or negative- pleasant or terrible. Last week I experienced the sights, sounds & smells of Scotland’s capital city.

I walked through the buzzing cobbled streets in Edinburgh. The Dome was already fully decorated & the scent of cinnamon & pine lingered- Christmastime was definitely in the air!

We sprayed fragrance testers in John Lewis in St James’ Quarter while those around searched to find their signature scent.

The welcoming aroma of freshly ground coffee ushered us into the Old Town.

Later, I sensed the crisp scent of amber autumn leaves as I ran (slowly!) in Edinburgh’s leafy suburbs. Later still, I lit a jasmine & sandalwood candle in the van.

Scents connect us to memories & emotions. Aromas are nostalgic- reviving our memory & enhancing the moment. They bring the past to the present again!

Science has shown that scents affect our mood & even our work performance.

The Bible compares believers to an aroma:

‘For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.’

‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

This imagery evoked memories of the aroma of incense & burnt sacrifices offered during Old Testament times at the Temple.

However, this smell is perceived differently by others & has a contrasting effect:

“To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”

‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

This verse is a powerful word-picture. To the  disobedient & perishing we are the rotting stench of doom & death. (The same word is used literally in John 11:39 to describe the odour of Lazarus’ body in the tomb)

Yet to those who believe & are being saved, we are the scent of life- a sweet smelling perfume.

‘Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God’

(2 Cor 2:15 MSG)

This is an awesome responsibility.

We can enhance the sweetness of the atmosphere as God is within us. By His Holy Spirit we can show God’s presence & share the message of Jesus. 

The essence of God permeates the space  around us – flowing out of our relationship with Him into other’s lives through our words & deeds.

May we spread God’s fragrance of grace, life & hope as we cross others’ paths this week

Blessings,

Ruth x

Photo credit-Daniel J Schwarz via Pexels

Eternity

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During the week  on auburn autumn days, we revisited the places where we met.The faded  sun shone on Broughty Ferry & Dundee. So many happy memories shared with the class of 1997! 

Almost 30 years have passed- full of joy & togetherness & raising our family but also with unexpected trials & troubles too. We all experience the twists of sorrow mingled with joy & threads of stress mixed with blessings that are crafted into the tapestry of life.

Life continues to move on. The pace feels quick from the vantage point beyond another landmark birthday.

‘The days are long but the years are short’ as Gretchen Rubin observed.

We strolled along Perth Road – passed Groucho’s, the Tower & coffee shops to St Peter’s Free Church where I attended as a student (where Robert Murray M’Cheyne was minister.)

In front of the church there’s a paving stone with just one word- ‘ETERNITY’

I don’t think about that word often enough- I’m so tethered to the here & now.

The stone reminded me that each day we step on chords that vibrate through eternity. That there’s so much more beyond our day to day life.

The Bible speaks of us as eternal beings- created & designed by God with eternity at our core:

‘Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.’

‭‭(Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

We cannot fully grasp how immense our God is. He is everlasting from before time began. For God existed before He spoke the universe into being.

The oldest Psalm which was written by Moses says:

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

The time of our lives on earth fade in the infinite stretch of eternity:

‘We are a moment, You are forever

Lord of the ages, God before time

We are a vapor, You are eternal

Love everlasting, reigning on high’

(Robin Mark)

On a large rock on the shores of Strangford Lough is painted ‘Eternity where?’

And there’s only two options, two destinations & destinies -eternity with God or without Him. The cataclysmic difference between eternal life & eternal death.

Jesus said:

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

For our eternal God stepped into time & became a man on earth, that we might know our Creator & be loved for eternity.

Jesus said:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

May we truly believe in Jesus & live each day in the light of eternity.

Blessings,

Ruth x

Troubled hearts

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There’s plenty to trouble our hearts & disrupt our peace in this troubled world. Concerns & anxieties. Disappointment & discouragement. Sickness & strife. Apprehension & angst. Waiting & waiting {& waiting}

And often that’s just in our own lives before we absorb the news locally & across our globe.

Last week Pastor George preached on first few verses of John chapter 14. These are Jesus’ words to His closest followers the night before He was crucified.

Jesus said:

“Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

Despite everything that was about to happen, Jesus urged His friends not to be troubled. ‘Troubled’ in the Greek implies being disturbed & shaken- like being tossed by the waves. And isn’t that just how we feel sometimes?

Later, in the same chapter, Jesus says:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Another version translates Jesus’ words this way:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

The One who hushed raging tempests on the Sea of Galilee has the power to calm our troubled hearts & usher perfect peace into our lives. This mind-space of peace & heart full of calm is a gift that only God can give.

Through the dark storms of life, God’s love surrounds us, His grace sustains us & His hope is the anchor that holds us fast.

We can:

‘Keep calm & trust God’

May you know this peace from God as you step into a new week.

“May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

‭‭(2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭HCSB‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Pursued by Goodness

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“God is good, all the time” he said, his ebony eyes shining.

“All the time, God is good” he continued.His voice was buoyed with hope, echoing around the packed church hall, then resonating in my heart.

I listened to this  African child speaking truth and my own eyes brimmed with emotion. For this child had been born into poverty in a land ravaged by war. Yet, he was declaring the goodness of God.

We may not experience extreme suffering and conflict, but sometimes life takes unexpected, unwanted turns. Difficulties, stresses & strains come our way. And life doesn’t feel good. Life doesn’t seem good.

Three years ago a phone-call burst into my day, interrupting a relaxing time on holiday. This led to a cancer scare and major surgery. Afterwards, a stressful return to work triggered spiralling mental illness,which cumulated in another admission to hospital.It felt like a whirlwind had wrecked my normal everyday life and it hurt.

Recovery was painfully slow and heralded an end to my much-loved career. There followed an ongoing season of disappointment, adapting to my new normal. Life felt heavy. Life was not as I’d anticipated or planned!

Yet I have learned, God is good when life is not.

A prophet wrote long ago:

‘The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him’

‭‭(Nahum‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Our God is good and He is an ever-present help in our dark chapters. He cares about us & what we’re going through.

The apostle Paul wrote these words in the New Testament:

‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’

‭‭(Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

If we love God, then all things-

Uncomfortable things,

Unexpected things,

Unfair things,

Difficult things,

Demanding things,

Absolutely everything!

All things that we encounter are crafted together by our Creator God for our ultimate good.

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most famous Psalm in the Bible- often read solemnly at funerals and quoted to bring comfort when life hurts. The last verse says:

‘Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Our God is a faithful, good Shepherd who is worthy of our trust as He leads us through this journey of life. And His goodness and mercy are like sheepdogs pursuing us relentlessly – protecting and guiding our precarious life.

Our God is the ultimate source of good. He knows us best and loves us most, and He is at work in our everyday life for our good and His glory.

Today, whatever hard things are surrounding you, pause and catch a glimpse of God’s goodness pursuing you relentlessly all of your days. Even in the difficult days- especially in the difficult days remember:

God is good when life is not

{Today and always}

‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Letting go

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I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” said Anne of Green Gables (by L.M. Montgomery)

Autumn is my favourite time of year. I love seeing nature’s rich kaleidoscope of colour blowing in the breeze. I like crisp mornings & cozy evenings. I love the sentiment of change- of endings so we can begin again.

At this time of year, the trees show us how beautiful it is to let things go.

Just as the trees let go of their leaves & let them fall to the ground to create a beautiful patchwork carpet, so we need to let go.


What do we need to let go of ?:

*Past failures
*Regrets
*Selfish ambitions
*Choking Fears
*Broken dreams
*Emotional baggage
*Pet sins
*Unrealistic expectations
*Pride
*Harmful relationships

*Disappointments
*Over-thinking
*(False) Stories told only to ourselves

{And whatever other personal hindrances come to your mind.}

How can we let go? 

We need to bring these things to God. We can pour out our hearts to the One who knows us best. Let go of the things that are troubling us. And most importantly leave them with Him. We can release  our burdens to God’s care, seek His forgiveness if required, then walk in the freedom of His grace.

It is a time of endings, so we can begin again. For, ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens’
(Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV)

Our Creator God can bring beauty from brokenness ,when we let go & leave our greatest fears & biggest burdens with Him.

‘He has made everything beautiful in its time.’ (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV)

Letting go is a necessary step for growth to take place.

For, in this autumn of the soul,
‘You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.’
(Matthew 5:14MSG)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Whatever!

curlysue028

Sometimes Bible verses become too familiar, even over-familiar. Then their truth simply washes over us, rather than seeping in deeply to affect our heart & mind.

For example, this verse has been adapted into childrens’ songs, & I’m sure many of you have learned it as a memory verse:

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

But what does that mean in our day to day life? Maybe we need to read it in a different translation or paraphrase to grasp its truth:

“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”

‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

We can rely on God’s strength within us to get through the trials of life!We may be facing insurmountable mountains or trudging through dark valleys- but we can know our Almighty God’s help & strength. We can be confident & courageous as we press on. 

We can be sure & steadfast in Him:

‘Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am’
(Philippians 4:13-MSG)

We can do all things in Jesus’ strength.

Difficult things. Unexpected things. Things we face at home, or in our work. Things we encounter in this turbulent world.

We do not need to fear. We can place our trust in God- whatever happens.

‘When you go to God,
He will infuse you with
The strength you need
To do that which He has asked you to do!’
(Patsy Clairmont)

Blessings,

Ruth x

To know Him

curlysue028

We make  thousands of seemingly small choices everyday. Many of our decisions seem inconsequential at the time. But, when we string these decisions together, they determine how we spend our days, & ultimately how we spend our life.

We have many considerations, responsibilities, challenges & distractions. 

Each day, we cram our lives & minds with many things (There’s a new word for that-stuffocation!)

But the Bible shows us that a crucial part of our life is to know God (& make Him known)

God created us & knows us. And He sent Jesus to bridge the gap caused by sin, so that we might know Him too. He made it possible for us to know Him with our heart & mind.

When He walked this earth, Jesus said:

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

True,everlasting life means getting to know our Creator God.

Read these beautiful words written many centuries ago by the prophet Hosea:

“So let us know and become personally acquainted with Him; let us press on to know and understand fully the [greatness of the] Lord [to honor, heed, and deeply cherish Him]. His appearing is prepared and is as certain as the dawn, And He will come to us [in salvation] like the [heavy] rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.”

‭‭(Hosea‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

Hosea wrote of the unwavering commitment of God to His people, despite their unfaithfulness to Him.

We need to actively pursue & cultivate a relationship with God, trusting in Him. We ought to recognise & accept His greatness. And He will respond to us.

When we have a personal relationship with God, He will refresh our lives, just as the heavy spring rain soaks into the earth, nourishing it to bring forth life.

We are blessed to have God’s presence in our lives, while we wait & long for Him.

In our noisy world that incessantly clamours for our attention, we can choose moments of stillness before God. Then we can know God’s lovingkindness & His awesome power, His perfect peace & daily companionship.

Each day, we should create space for God- to walk with Him, grow into Him & fill our souls with His goodness & grace, His mercy & majesty.

Long ago, the Psalmist David urged us to do this:

‘Seek and deeply long for the Lord and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

Our Father, Saviour, Maker, Shepherd, Redeemer, Almighty God is beckoning us into a closer relationship with Him. If we seek Him first, we will find Him- & the tranquility & purpose He brings.

Blessings,

Ruthx

Thrive where you’re planted

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‘You may not be everything
you thought you’d be by now
But you can be the one who loves,
serves & gives her all,
& waters & nurtures
every plant in the garden
that God has already given her’
(Morgan Harper Nichols)

I love those words- partly because I can easily identify with the sentiment that I’ve fallen short of my own ideals (never mind anyone else’s) But I also love the sense of place and space. There’s a boundary-a limit to what we have influence over. Although there’s a whole wide world, God has gifted each of us a garden to tend to.

That’s especially important to reflect on in days like today- on days with frightening headlines- assassinations, wars & earthquakes.

While it feels like this planet we call home is careering out of control, 

while the gravity of situations weigh heavy on our hearts,

& while we can pray for our whole wide world (which is all under God’s care)

God gives each us our garden to look after.

Our patch of Earth- that only we can tend to.

Our home- more than just the bricks & beams, but our family & friends that bring it to life- the children that grow before our eyes.

Our neighbourhood where we do life & meet others day by day.

Our church where we can thrive together

In our garden, the soil can be a dark seemingly lifeless place. But new life starts in dark places- even in this world where truth is despised & chaos seems to reign.

We are placed by God, for His purposes:

‘Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there.‘

‭‭(1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

So let us hold on to the truth. And focus our eyes on our Creator God who gives us His fresh perspective on things. He causes the sun to shine & the gentle rain to fall to encourage us to flourish.

So we can say:

‘I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.’

(Psalm 131:1 NIV)

We can trust God & His Word:

‘So In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.’
(James 1:21 MSG)

As we look after our garden that has been gifted to us from our Gardner God, we can only do it with His help. When we draw near to God,His Spirit works in our hearts & helps us cultivate fruit in our lives. 

‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’
(Galatians 5:22-23 NLT)

God will water our gardens & produce fruit that we cannot grow on our own. So let us remain close to our Creative Gardener God.

Sometimes we are overwhelmed & don’t know what to do in our garden:

‘Sometimes life is so hard you can only do the next thing. Whatever that is just do the next thing.  God will meet you there.”
(Elizabeth Elliot)

*What is our next thing to tend to in the garden we have been gifted?

‘Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.’
(Matthew 6:34 MSG)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Autumn assurance

curlysue028

It feels like the seasons switched from summer to autumn overnight. The temperature has dropped & auburn leaves are swirling downwards.

It might be a changing season in your life too- a different role, a new situation or an unexpected set of circumstances.

It’s so good to know that through all changes, our God is constant, dependable & present:

‘For the Lord your God 

is living among you. 

He is a mighty savior. 

He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears.

He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.’

‭‭(Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Our God is Lord- the Creator Yahweh, Mighty & Almighty- the God of Angel Armies. And He is with us- step by step, moment by moment, through every season of life.

Our God is our Saviour, as Zephaniah reminds us. He saves us from sin- & ourselves.

God delights in us & we are beloved & blessed. His great love calms our deepest fears & dispels our anxieties.

And if we’re still enough, we will hear His gentle lullabies over our lives. He holds us in His arms & declares His love.

We can be eternally grateful {today & always}

‘Praise the Lord! 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! 

His faithful love endures forever.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭106‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Between awe & atrocity

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It’s hard to believe that autumn is on the other side of the weekend! We have spent the last days of summer in Austria & Bavaria, Germany. We’ve been surrounded by Alpine peaks & strolled along impossibly turquoise lakes & tumbling rivers.

One morning I read these apt verses:

‘God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.‘‭‭ (Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭31‬a NIV‬‬)

Yet one place that deeply affected me was Kielstein otherwise known as Eagle’s Nest, near Salzburg.At 1834m it’s a historic mountain lodge with a beautiful Alpine panorama of peaks & meadows as far as the eye can see. It’s a travesty that it was a 50th birthday present for Adolf Hitler from the Nazi Party in 1938. Here in this Alpine retreat Hitler partied & plotted.

The juxtaposition is stark: awe-inspiring, created scenery, yet also a place of dense darkness and pure evil, where atrocities and genocide were planned. Horrors lurked behind this idyllic place.

Now at Kielstein there is also a large wooden cross standing above the lodge- a reminder to me that God came into the midst of our world to overcome evil. The cross where justice & mercy met, & love & grace dealt with the sin of the whole world.

Our world is ruined by sin- the headlines tell the facts. Our lives tell the story. Yet God’s fingerprints are still visible & His goodness shines brighter than evil.

‘For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.’

(‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

God has created light out of darkness from the beginning of time & He illuminates our hearts for us to shine His light, as we gaze on Jesus’ beauty & glory.

We might feel insignificant-but it only takes a candle to dispel darkness from a cavern. And we are called to let God’s light shine brightly in the present darkness of our fallen world:

‘You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.’

‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ MSG‬‬)

We see God-colours in the kindness of others, in their love & joy. And we are called to reflect the light of God’s love all around.

No matter how dark it feels, shine God’s bright light.

Blessings,

Ruth x