The picture shows many shells lying on sand. Shells discarded by the creatures that once inhabited them.
Today was busy but I tried to get as much crammed into the day. The weather was wonderful again, and everytime I was outside I could feel the release of stress as I walked outside. I feel at home outside and having once started a course to be an outdoor instructor I think I would have enjoyed it. Even in the rain the world feels alive.
There was a point today when someone did seem to mock me for believing the bible. I don’t sit on the fence when it comes to what the bible says, as I believe it is the inspired word of God and truth.
Shells can be a hindrance!
There could be a tendency to retreat into defensive mode when answering questions, retreat into our shells perhaps? Perhaps you might be tempted to go on the offensive. But Jesus says to treat our neighbours with love.
We learn through experience how to handle each situation, as each case will be different. I always now try to listen to what they have got to say and then ask them to perhaps not to take what I say or someone else says for granted, but go away and research and read the bible for yourself.
There is an intriguing verse Paul writes in;
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
Some people will refuse to listen and because of this does it mean that they will perish? The god of this age, must refer to Satan. Perhaps the most damnable thing Satan has done is cloud the minds on this earth to think that he doesn’t exist. Jesus believed in a real satan. He was tempted by Satan, He said He saw Satan fall from heaven Luke 10:18 and numerous other mentions.
Text messages can and have been taken the wrong way, as we can’t really get our true message across with just writing or reading a section of the bible, perhaps we have to pray and reflect as we are reading it.
If peoples hearts are clouded and they refuse to believe on Christ then they must have a very unsure future. A future through choice without God. I can not imagine that future as it scares me beyond thinking.
Shells can be good!
Shells can be a good thing, as they offer protection. Building prayer power up at the start of the day is a proven method for building up our protective shells, our shield of faith and all the other parts of the Armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) that we need to wear daily.
Tonight I simply pray that those I meet tomorrow will not be clouded in their hearts and hear the word of God and explore God for themselves.
Amen
with blessings
Graham
365 Exhortations 