Tag: journey

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

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

Perspective shift

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At this time of year, the airports are bustling & people are on the move! I love travelling but I must admit that I often feel disconcerted moving through airports- travelling around this spinning globe, in transit with thousands of others. I’m reminded again that the world doesn’t revolve around me- that I’m just one of billions!

Our previous house was at the end of a long lane, off another lane in the middle of the Ards Peninsula- away from the glare of city lights. On crisp clear nights we could gaze at the star-studded sky from our doorstep. The Milky Way was twinkling overhead & I stood in awe & wonder at God’s handiwork – the work of His fingers.

In moments like these, the universe felt vast, & I felt incredibly small- just a tiny speck on planet earth- just a minuscule part of the galaxy.

These words of David capture this viewpoint:

‘I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

We strive to feel significant in the crowd, or to be more than a number at work. At times we struggle with self-esteem & wonder why God would bother with us.

But any thoughts of insignificance should vanish when we consider our status. We are more than just part of creation, we are woven together in love & intricately formed. (Psalm 139:13&14) We are uniquely designed & made in God’s image. And He has poured His love into our hearts (Romans 5:5)

Today, you need to know:

You are fully known yet deeply loved!

You matter & your Father God has plans for your life.

Once upon a summer, we took the cable cars from Chamonix to 3842m. From this viewpoint, lofty Alpine peaks including Mont Blanc stretched to the horizon. The mountains were majestic & as old as time. From this elevated perspective, time felt transient & I felt feeble.

The psalmist David wrote:

“I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Our perspective shifts when we look away from ourselves & fix our eyes on God. Our help through life comes from the Almighty Creator of the mighty mountains. 

We are weak- God is All-Powerful 

We are like mist- He is eternal 

We are tiny-He is infinite

Our lives change- God is constant 

Maybe you feel upheaval & uncertainty in your life. Maybe you feel lost & forgotten. Look past the mountains & obstacles around you, to God Himself.

May you encounter your Maker & seek help from Him today!

Blessings,

Ruth x

Walking with God

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We celebrate baby’s first steps & once they start walking they tend not to stop!

We walk automatically everyday & there are benefits to our health as we increase our steps. Longer hikes through beautiful scenery, along beaches & trails can really boost our mood. 

Each day we live on Earth, the Christian life is a walk with the Lord- step by step, day by day.

Walking with God has been a theme of the Bible since the start of time.

In the very beginning before the fall, God walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam & Eve. A few chapters later, even after sin had entangled the world God created with love, we read of Enoch ‘walking in close fellowship with God.’
(Genesis 5:24 NLT)

Later in the book of Genesis, Jacob also referred to God walking with His people:
“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day,”
(Genesis 48:15 ESV)

In the New Testament in Luke 24, Jesus walked {unrecognised} with two followers on the road to Emmaus.

The Greek word ‘to follow’ means to keep company as well as ‘to walk in the footsteps’ 

When we entrust our life to God, He is our companion along life’s journey. He is there as we meander along the happy places, when we feel the warmth of sunshine. We can wonder at God’s deep mercy & rich lovingkindness as we wander along with Him.

And He accompanies us in the desperate times when we’re clambering through the ruins of our life. And when the way becomes foggy &  we can’t see God’s  hand, we can trust His heart.

As we walk through life together, He will rekindle our hope & refresh our souls. He will leads us through lush pastures & quiet places, & even through dark shadowy valleys too.

God is our Great Friend & Good Shepherd even when life is not good.

God has rescued us from the Kingdom of darkness so we can walk in His light:

‘So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.’ (Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

‘Now I stroll at leisure with God in the sunlit fields of life’ (v.13, MSG).

We can marvel at God’s grace that guides our path & leads us home.
‘And by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us.’
(Getty/Townend)

‘May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you [filling your heart with the spiritual well-being and serenity experienced by those who walk closely with God].’
(Jude 1:2 AMP)

Blessings,

Ruthx

A Psalm to live by

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‘In my heart I store up your words’ (Psalm 119:11 ESV)

Time with God in the Psalms is a good start to any day & everyday!

Psalm 37 has been a favourite Psalm since teenage years.There’s a list of beneficial things to do when our minds are overwhelmed. When we feel like we’re on the edge of a precipice. When we’re holding our breath until the next thing happens.

Psalm 37’s theme is ‘Trust in the Lord’ And its first words are ‘Do not fret’ And that command is repeated in verse 7 & 8.

So what can we do instead of fret?

*’Trust in the Lord, and do good’ (v3 ESV) God is our anchor in this uncertain world. We can trust in His unshakable character, in His goodness even when our circumstances are not good.

*’Dwell in the land’ (v3 ESV) We can live calmly, & gratefully, day by day.

*’Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.’ (v4 ESV) We can focus on God & find joy in Him. He will provide for us- body & soul.

*’Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.’ (v5 ESV) Pray through your day- hand it all over to God. And leave your troubles with Him, for He knows you & cares deeply.

*’Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him’ (V7 ESV) Quieten yourself before our God, & wait for Him to work- in His way & in His time.

*’Refrain from anger, and turn from wrath!’ (V8 ESV) Cultivate gentleness & self-control- even when it’s hard.

Trust God for the week ahead, no matter what’s looming or lurking around the corner.

May you know God’s presence & help on this journey called life.

Blessings,

Ruthx

Be still!

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There’s so much busyness, hurry & worry in our daily lives. And there’s distraction in every direction.

Often there’s turbulence in this journey of life- unwanted & unexpected!

And there’s so much noise- literally as well as digitally. So much chatter in our brains!

Yet in our restlessness, God says:

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT)

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

God wants us to step aside with Him, to gaze on His greatness & goodness (instead of our problems)

We need to slow down enough to listen to God’s still,small voice whisper to our troubled souls:

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT)

Be still.

Cease striving.

Calm down.

And know.

Deeply know.

Truly know in your heart

& acknowledge God-

The Great I AM

Who always was

& always will be.

The Maker of heaven & earth

Yahweh is Lord of all-

Over all things.

Yet always there

ready to help:

‘God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Troubled hearts

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It was the night before the darkest day. The evening before Life’s death on a cross.

Jesus gathered together His closest friends. The Lamb of God shared the Passover meal with His disciples. During their Last Supper, Jesus spoke words of encouragement to sustain His followers in the days ahead.

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)

Unspeakable trials & tribulation would storm into the disciples’ lives in the hours ahead- betrayal, denial & the horror of crucifixion.

Yet Jesus urged “Do not let your hearts be troubled”

There’s so many things to trouble us. Inner struggles. Family stresses. Illness & death. Conflict & Disasters. World politics.

Unexpected, unwanted & unexplained things.

There’s much to shake & unsettle us, to perplex us & cause anxiety.

Yet, in the midst of everything we face, Jesus wants us to believe in Him, to trust Him. He will give us the strength to keep going when we feel spent. We can hold on to Him when we feel lost. We can rely on Him when we feel alone.

On that night before He bled & died for us, Jesus said, “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)

When we’re facing a storm, He brings calm. Where there’s chaos, Jesus brings peace. It’s His gift to us- a balm for our souls. Shalom peace for mind & hearts.

May you know this peace from God.

May you know this God of peace-

When storms are raging,

And in the halcyon days

When it feels like winter in your soul,

As well as in the hopeful times of spring.

{now & always}

Blessings,

Ruth x

Strength & peace

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‘The Lord gives strength to his people; 

the Lord blesses his people with peace.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

In the previous verse of Psalm 29, David writes:

‘The Lord reigns as king forever.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭29‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Our Lord is enthroned, reigning over all leaders & nations.

Our powerful, majestic Lord blesses His children with peace. The voice that calmed the storms on the Sea of Galilee, over two thousand years ago, speaks calmness into our worried hearts in this broken world today.

God ushers in deep peace when we’re surrounded by chaos, when tempestuous political situations are broadcast 24-7. 

He creates inner calm when anxieties & unease prey on our minds, when mental struggles resurface.

There’s shalom that comes from God alone when we face foreboding illness & family stresses.

God gives us strength to face each day, one step at a time. His divine power is made available to us. His incredible greatness is at work in our world today- that same power that raised Jesus from the dead.(Eph 1:19)

May we know the gracious blessing of God’s strength & peace {today & always}

Blessings,

Ruth x

Come & rest

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Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

On this first day of rest in 2025, Jesus invites us to come to Him.

We might feel worn out & weary already- carrying the same troubles as we did in 2024. Our struggles continue with us. The New Year didn’t erase them, or bring a lightness to our days. Everything didn’t change on New Year’s Day! We couldn’t instantly turn into a better version of ourselves.

Yet,if we come to Jesus, just as we are,He will grant rest. He will give peace of mind & heart. He will be with us through the year- in our tomorrows just as he has been in our yesterdays, now past.

Paul concludes his second letter to the church at Thessalonica with these words:

‘May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.’

‭‭(2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

We can face this year with God’s eternal encouragement & good hope. He will bless our words & deeds, our plans & actions. He will continue to guide our paths with loving-care. His Father-heart will tend our souls.

May we know ‘strength for today & bright hope for tomorrow!’ (Thomas O Chisholm)

May He strengthen everything we say & do. May He surprise us with His endless grace & tender mercies.

Blessings,

Ruth x

Peace for the year ahead

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As 2023 draws to a close, the new year looms ahead. Untouched. Unknown.

Thinking ahead can induce anxiety. But we don’t have to face 2024 alone:

‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.’ (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)

We can trust our God:

‘But I trust in your unfailing love’ (Psalms 13:5 NIV)

We don’t have to worry:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

(Matthew 6:34 NIV)

As the year unfolds, God is watching over us:

“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalms 32:8 NLT)

We can trust God for the year ahead:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” (John 14:1 NLT)

We are held by Him:

“For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” (Isaiah 41:13 NLT)

We can trust Him when fear rises up:

‘But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.’ (Psalms 56:3 NLT)

We can trust Him at all times:

‘O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.’ (Psalms 62:8 NLT)

He gives us His perfect peace:

‘You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.’ (Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV)

He is by our side:

‘Because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.’ (Proverbs 3:26 MSG)

Our God goes beside us & before us:

‘You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.’

(Psalms 139:5 NLT)

May you know God’s peace & presence in the year ahead.

May our prayers dispel anxiety & fear give way to faith.

Blessings for 2024,

Ruth x