God is cultivating

 “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 ESV

Life is fast paced; it's goes by so quickly, yet many of us live from one destination to another. Wishing away days, even weeks of our lives just for that long awaited promotion, qualification or whatever it may be! Living life this way can mean we miss out on the enjoyment of the here and now.

God is constantly guiding and leading us day by day- there are valuable lessons to be learnt each day. He is sculpting us for those destinations now! Psalm 90:12 tells us to“number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom”. Wisdom is matured and cultivated over time it is not a destination!

Learn to appreciate where you are; the here and now. Because it's right now that God is cultivating, preparing and maturing your heart for the greatness he has planned for you!

Wait and see how it turns out

 “She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today”.”Ruth 3:18

My wife has a name that resonates with a biblical character and we find many parallels between her and her namesake. But she has a verse that encapsulates how she approaches many things in life and it’s the one at the top today. Wait until you learn how the matter turns out. Ruth had to do the waiting but everything else around her was moving even if it was imperceptible to her.

I’ve talked this week about how I hate enforced rest and find it incredibly hindering but it truly is in waiting and observing that we can see God working for us.

Father God continually works everything for our good, His word tells us so (Rom 8:28). The dreams, the plans, the hopes, the projects begun that suddenly stop with no reason- everything has been part of the plan for working life out for the good of his children. All we need to do is wait and see how he will work it out for us.

We don’t need to rush God; we don’t need to force his hand. If you’ve longings and desires you’ve shared with Father God and you feel nothing is happening, don’t lose heart! Your time is coming! In fact you know that when a God given dream becomes reality, the well of your ability and aptitude overflows! Joy abounds and excitement resonates as his time and his purpose are fulfilled!

Never, ever give up on God’s purpose! Wait and see how the matter turns out!

Beautiful timing

 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

Father God has shown us a way forward when he created the earth and everything in it in six days but rested the seventh. It can be seen in so much of nature.

From galaxies to animals to the construction of cellular tissue within us, every marvellous work echoes the name of the creator. But this did not come from a God who was rushed, or ill prepared. He didn’t create marvellous works from an “it’ll do” attitude.

Throughout God’s word we read how he has orchestrated a plan of salvation through 28 generations from Adam to Jesus. 28 lines of people who were high born and low born, great and small. He didn’t rush this fantastic rescue mission for his children but rather used structure and order to make a lasting and permanent way back to him.

God is working out our lives and our stories in just the same way. Through structure and order, without chaos or a lack of control, he is planning a hope and a future for us. All we need to do is to rest in him.

When I find it difficult to wait or rest in my current situation I’m reminded of the various heroes of faith that have gone before: Moses who led the children of Israel out of Egypt when he was 80 and Noah when he was 600. God’s timing is perfect, his plans are precise, everything will happen just at the right time. We don’t need to rush God into action.

Take Hm at His word

 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I don’t like many things; in fact I can come across as being a bit of a curmudgeon, a bit old before my time in my thinking.I grumble a lot, think Victor Meldrew before he got old…

I don’t like resting- Stopping for me is often a sign of weakness, that I have been stopped in my tracks from going forward. I often think rest is for older people who are past it. When I’m made to rest I’m very, very grumpy.

I’m also not a fan of Dolly Parton-Her music is horrendous but she did have something right in that song about working nine to five.

It seems that our productivity has gotten worse despite the amount of hours we work. Health report after report implores us to stop burning the candle at both ends and to begin to look after ourselves in the hope that we don’t reach a point of emotional and physical burnout.

But this isn’t the way of our Father. It’s not his desire to see his children continually running on the treadmill of life and dodging whatever comes towards them. He doesn’t want them to be hoping and willing themselves to cheat disaster.

Jesus, when giving his invitation, said that he gives rest. It’s only through rest that we can achieve more for him.

Working nine to five probably isn’t a way to make a living, but when God takes control we know that we are infinitely more productive when we take him at his word.

A desolate place...

 “And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while”.”Mark 6:31

I’ve often read these words of Jesus with difficulty. When He says come away to a desolate place and rest, it jars with me. To me, desolation means an end, a conclusion; the desolation of a city usually means it’s utter destruction. Ruin.

I don’t want to see a place of misery and despair as somewhere I can rest and recharge my soul.

Before Jesus undertook full-time earthly ministry he was tempted in the wilderness. There, in the desolate place,He was able to connect with His father and stand firm in His identity as both Son of Man and Son of God. He was able to deflect the temptations of the Satan because he was fully aware of His identity in God.

So when I pause to reflect, I realise that it is in the empty ruins of our own abilities and efforts that distractions are removed. There wecan begin to refill our hearts with purpose and direction if we rely on the unwavering promises of our Father.

It is in this place thatwe also have the opportunity to listen to the heartbeat of heaven and develop an understanding of God’s desires for us. Bydisowning our own works and scheming for advancement, we begin to see again the fantastic plans and desires our Father.

Why not consider drawing back a little from the hubbub of life to find your rest in the empty place? Is your world is crashing down around you? Has the fulfilment you thought you once had become a dry and empty landscape? Begin to trust Father God to keep helping you find out or rediscover who are you in him.

Rest in who you are

"But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. “But the father said to his servants,…for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ Luke 15:11-32

A couple of weeks ago we were looking at the story of the Prodigal Son with our kids. It’s the story of a journey that’s been worn over and over for centuries but one that always seems like a warning rather than an affirmation… “Don’t be like the prodigal, don’t be running away now”.

What we actually got to share with our phenomenal kids was that God loves them like a father because they are his children. Being His children doesn’t just stop because of what we do or say.

The prodigal left for a better life but he immediately came under pressure to continue the lifestyle he wanted. He lost his peace when he stopped resting.

The story continues as the prodigal desperately seeks his fulfilment and worth in all the wrong places until eventually he reaches a point of enforced rest. He hits rock bottom. There he is, in the pigsty, and the realisation of his state hits him square between the eyes.

He was the only one who was trying to change his status - he was always his father’s child.

Cue the redemptive conclusion of the parable; the son finally makes his way back to the father who was always there for him. When he finally rested and stopped struggling he was able to see who he truly was.

Today, why not stop thrashing around on the tight rope of life and simply rest, when you do you’ll have a new understanding of who you are in God.

The effects of faith

   “And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said to the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 9:2 KJV



Faith can be seen. Just as Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3:8, faith is like the wind. Faith itself is invisible, but saving faith is always accompanied by actions that can be seen (Jas. 2:17-26).
 It was not the faith of only the paralytic that Jesus saw, but also that of his four friends (Mk. 2:3). This demonstrates the effect our intercession in faith can have upon others. Jesus saw their faith.

However, although our faith released on behalf of others is powerful, it is not a substitute for their faith; it is simply a help. The person who is to receive the miracle must also have some degree of faith. Even Jesus could not produce healing in those who would not believe (Mk. 6:5-6).

Why did Jesus minister forgiveness of sins to this man instead of meeting the obvious need he had of healing? Because God is more concerned with the spiritual health of a man than his physical health. Or, Jesus may have perceived that the real heart-cry of this man was to be reconciled to God. Through Jesus' act of forgiving this man's sins he was free to receive all the blessings of God, which included healing.


Bring some savour

 “You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It isthenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
 Matthew 5:13-16

What is it that will be cast out and trodden under the foot of men? Is it the salt, or is it possible that Jesus is speaking about the world? If we as believers lose our preserving influence, then there is no other way for the Lord to save the world; men will dominate it. 
God flows through His people. It is not our own power that changes people. It's God's power in us but God will not do it without us - it is a partnership.
 Many people spend a lifetime praying for God to move, not understanding that He is going to flow through them. It is not God who is failing to intervene. It is God's people who are failing to cooperate and let Him flow through them.

Every Christian has God living in them. If you think about that means we are carrying around other people's miracles. If we fail to walk in the supernatural power of God, then someone may miss his or her miracle. We are God's salt to bring life to this dying world. Today, let us bring some savour to the world and let the life of God which is in you flow to someone in need.

Filled with the fullness of God

 “…know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
” Ephesians 3:19

If you were to thank God for something today, what would it be? For me, it would be for giving me Jesus. When I see Jesus on the cross, I see the love of God overcoming everything for me. It causes me to say, “Thank you, Jesus! I love you, Jesus! I worship you, Jesus! Bless you, Jesus! Hallelujah!”


As we worship and celebrate the love of Jesus in our lives, we find ourselves changed. As we worship and celebrate His love we will see the mighty power of God displayed for us and through us.
 David's personal times of worship, absorbed in God’s love for him, changed him from a mere shepherd boy to God's anointed. A lion killer, bear killer, giant killer and finally, king over Israel.


No man can truly enjoy living in this world without God’s strength in his life, God’s favour in his work and relationships or God’s protection for him and his family. We all need God’s blessing on our finances and for the health and healing of our bodies. No-one can survive emotionally, socially or physically without God’s tender touch, loving presence or words of life in times of need.


As you feed on Jesus’ love for you, be filled with the fullness of God. When you do, just like David, God’s anointing will flow in your life.

Rest in His finished work

 “he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest...
” Hebrews 4:10–11

The Promised Land was a place of rest that God had promised His people. Yet God’s people wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they refused to believe He had given them a land where everything had already been prepared—the work was finished. They could not believe that God had given them a land full of good things to enjoy, a land which just flowed with His abundant supply.


Today, there are believers who still cannot believe that the work of Jesus is truly complete and finished. They are trying to complete a completed work, finish a finished work and defeat a defeated devil.
 There are believers today who are always working to try and produce their own healing, success and victory.

God wants us to stop trying and start trusting in His love for us. He wants us to stop working and struggling, and start resting and believing in His grace. 
The only “work” left for us to do is to enter His rest. God wants us to rest inwardly and believe that the work is done because it is a finished work. Today, let’s enter His rest. Let’s enjoy sitting together with Christ in the heavenly places, then we will run and not be weary! (Isaiah 40:31)

Seek His righteousness

 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" Matt 6:33

There are things that we all need in life like a suitable job to give us a source of income so we can have food, clothes, shelter, etc. “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (Matthew 6:32).

God cares about us and He wants us to have all these things. In fact, He wants all these things added to us. Jesus tells us that the way these things are added to us is by us seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
But what is righteousness? Righteousness is not right behaviour but rather it is right standing with the Father. It is is a gift from God; it is all your guilt completely cleared. Paul calls it “the gift of righteousness”. (Romans 5:17). To seek this gift is to be conscious of the fact that you have it and to confess that you are righteous in Christ.
So the righteousness that we are told to seek first is not right behaviour, but right standing before God, which is given to us as a gift when we receive salvation.

At the cross, Jesus didn’t just remove our sins, He also gave us His righteousness so that today, we can come boldly before the throne of God and freely receive everything He died to give us!
Today, be assured that your heavenly Father knows that you need these things. Just seek His righteousness, not your own righteousness, and “all these things shall be added to you”!
He will supply your every need!

Healthy eyes

 “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.”
Luke 11:34NIV


How you look at things affects the quality of your entire life. Here Jesus explicitly tells us that our eyes are the means by which light and vibrancy enters our life. Jesus is of course talking about more than just our physical eyes, He is referring to how we view the world around us.

When we look at the world through eyes tainted with cynicism or from a perspective that looks only for what we can get for ourselves, the result is darkness and lack of fruitfulness.

The original word in this verse that is used to describe the eyes as healthy implies an outlook that is full of generosity and wholeness. In contrast, the unhealthy eye is one that is stingy, squinted and dysfunctional.

The end product of a stingy, self-centred view of the world and of the message of the gospel is one of darkness, dryness and lack. Jesus reminds us that the gospel is a message that is more than enough for everyone. When life is viewed from the perspective of the abundant riches of His grace, when we look with an outward focus rather than a self centred ‘what’s in it for me’, then we will discover God’s light fully shining in us. Then those around us as well as ourselves will be blessed.

Today look at the world through the generous eyes of God’s grace and let His light fill your life.

Stay connected

 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NKJV)

We all want to be fruitful in our lives. Jesus reminds us that there is only one way in which this can happen – through an intimate, ongoing relationship with Him.

I love the fact that Jesus promises the person who remains in intimate relationship with Him will bear much fruit. Notice the imperative here – “you will bear much fruit”. Not just a little bit of fruit but lots! Jesus promises that a life lived in Him, resting in Him not rushing away but lingering in Him – where He is our home – the place from which we live, is a life that is abundantly fruitful!

However, unless the branch is connected to the source of life and nutrients, it will just wither and die. It is crazy to think that a branch on its own separated from the rest of the vine would be able to bear fruit. Just as we are promised abundant fruitfulness in Him, so Jesus promises total lack of fruitfulness if we are not connected to Him.

It is all from Him, He is the only source of fruitfulness and He is the one that brings fruit in your life. God’s grace and love makes intimate relationship and fruitfulness possible – all you have to do is stay connected to Him.

His perspective

 “But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well” Luke 8:50 (NKJV)

Jesus’ perspective is different to ours. Things that shake us to the core, that cause us to despair and give up hope provoke a very different response from Him. Jairus’ daughter was ill and news had come that she had died. At this point, everyone said it was time to give up hope – time to let go and leave Jesus alone. But Jesus saw things differently.

Sometimes things happen that cause us to think, ‘there is no point even praying about this – it’s hopeless’. Have you ever been there? People are telling you, ‘Throw in the towel’, ‘There is no point bothering God with this’, ‘It’s time to get on with the rest of your life’…Today God wants to tell you that His perspective is different, what appears hopeless to others can be the place of your greatest joy.

Jesus told Jairus to do one thing – believe. Hold on; do not be afraid, do not let the fears of failure or of loss overwhelm your faith. Believe, because He in whom you place your trust is able to transform a scene of mourning and death into one of life and joy.

Today lift your eyes up, do not give into fear and trust in Jesus who has promised to be with you to the end of the world.

Rest in Him

 “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet”. Proverbs 3:24

A good night’s sleep is a wonderful thing. You feel revitalised and full of energy ready to face the day.  A broken night can make that day really hard going.  I’m sure you’ve been there for one reason or another.  During a difficult time in my life I found sleep very elusive – it was hard to cope sometimes.  At 3am in the morning every problem is magnified to massive, unmanageable proportions.  There are no solutions and you feel out of control.

The writers of Scripture knew this as well as we do today – they faced fear, worry and problems just as we do.  The truth of these words reach down through the centuries and are as true now as they were then – you don’t need to be afraid, your sleep will be sweet because the creator of the universe says it is so.

When I faced those sleepless nights this promise gave me rest and hope.  If you have been tossing and turning remind yourself every night that His promises are true and this one is no exception.

Sparkle from the inside out

 ‘…keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life to your soul (your inner self) and a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self).”Proverbs 3:22

I love a bit of bling! Some diamante earrings or a gorgeous watch. It doesn’t have to be expensive to brighten up my outfit and my day! It’s pretty superficial though and doesn’t necessarily reflect what is really going on in my life at that moment.

We can all put on a good face to the world when internally things could be falling apart – it’s a coping strategy that sometimes works for a while but doesn’t change what’s happening inside. God’s strategy is from the inside out – healing, restoring and making our brokenness new.

We partner with Him in this by encouraging ourselves with all the good stuff – His word, positive relationships, good teaching and opening our hearts in praise and worship.  That enables our inner selves to be fed and nurtured so that the external can be a truer reflection of the internal.  We will sparkle and radiate God to others naturally.  This is not through will power but the gracious work of the Holy Spirit and His transformative love.

So if like me you’re planning to ‘bling’ it up today – remember you too can sparkle from the inside out!

Hide in Him

 ‘Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.’ Psalm 143:9

In the natural world, beautiful, precious things are often hidden from sight and have to be extracted – precious stones, diamonds, oil and gas – they have to be mined and drilled for, then polished and refined before their beauty and usefulness can be released and appreciated.

Life can be traumatic at times and shatter our confidence in ourselves, our relationships and in God Himself.  In those moments we can feel very vulnerable and exposed. These are the moments when God invites us to hide in Him, not to focus on the problem, but to focus on our rescuer, protector and friend.  As we ‘hide’ ourselves in Him we are healed, restored and refined – emerging more beautiful and showing more of our true selves through the process.

As we partner with God we will emerge stronger and better than before – like a precious jewel that has been polished to perfection. God wants that for you today – hide yourself in Him, allow Him to perfect you and you will shine more brightly than ever before.