Take the word ‘soul’. What on earth does it mean? Going to the dictionary will give these three definitions: It’s a deep concept but one that’s really worth trying to understand better than a superficial ‘google search’ for it is something than helps us to understand ourselves. Going within can lead to a labyrinth but […]
There are subtle distinctions between a scrapyard and a compost heap although nobody wants to end up in either of them! Unwanted junk heads to the scrapyard to be pulled apart or for crushing. By contrast, careful thought is given to those items put on the compost heap where processes of transformation for beneficial regeneration take place and some useful habitats are created for wildlife. There are certainly some damaging things in life like bad choices and their outcomes that we are best sent to the scrap yard.
Things are not always what they seem. The adverts often don’t live up to their promises; scams and ‘fake news’ have led to a lot of distrust and let-downs. You can see the featured matchstick conceals a trick for much is done with smoke and mirrors! Have you ever been taken in or missed a sleight of hand? Often it is done with intent to make you look foolish or to rob you of something that was important to you. The more precious the gold you carry, the more a target you become. Hackers of all descriptions are out there to break through into your security and steal from you. Followers of Christ carry treasures that make them a target for attacks to destroy faith, to ridicule and deceive with seductive offers.
It is a curious thing that plants can heal but they can also kill! Basil can cure itches, Sage is good to gargle for sort throats and Mint can be helpful for upset tummies. No wonder then that you will find these in many gardens. Other plants such as Mistletoe, Poinsettia and Aconitum (known as Monksfoot or Wolf’s Bane) can be fatal. They can look so pretty but are less welcome guests in gardens. A weed is defined as a plant in the wrong place – does your garden have any?! Why is it that plants which grow so easily are often unwanted – Bind Weed, Knotweed and Ground Elder? It just takes a tiny root from these plants to spread into a thick mattress that strangles – a bit like bitterness! It’s a root that is very hard to get out and is also very destructive.
If you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, you’re a follower of The Prime Example of Revival – the great creeds drawn from the Bible tell us how he was alive, he died, and he lived again by the power of God’s Spirit. If you’re not yet a follower of Jesus Christ then you’ll struggle to understand why Christians get excited about revival until you ‘get’ what Jesus meant when he said:
‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ – John 11:25-26
