Salt of the Earth

Chives in a Herb Garden, Herefordshire

We found a herb garden in Hereford that was a delight to the eye and smelled heavenly. At home I share in the cooking and am learning to use herbs. We have our own bed of herbs in our garden and I find that the addition of chives enhances the flavour and lifts the dish into another realm altogether.

If we abide with Jesus and 'practice the presence of God' we take that Presence wherever we go and without having to do anything, there is the potential to influence our surroundings to the good and bring flavour to any conversation. It is effortless but takes effort!

"You are like salt for the whole human race." Matthew 5:13

Providence

Fields in Restormel, Cornwall

On a sunny afternoon last week I leant on the field gate and drank in the warmth and greenness of this pastoral scene, from the crops, to the homestead in the distance and the woods beyond. It was a good feeling of basic provision, peace and security.

It reminded me that provided we put God first, holding no area of our lives back, He will care and provide for us to the ultimate. If the Kingdom of God is central to our lives we will not want and have all we need. This of course doesn't just apply to individuals, but to families, churches and whole communities. This promise of God's providence also applies to nations, if only they will turn back to God.

"seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you" Luke 12:31

Window Dressing

Herefordshire Cottage window

This is just one example of a quaint timber-framed cottage in Hereford. The old leaded window is surrounded with English roses, making a beautiful picture of peace and tranquility. But wait, you can’t see through the window and in my curiosity I can’t help wondering what it’s like inside. Does the interior match up to the promise of the exterior or is it just ‘window dressing’ I wonder?

How is it for us? Do others see the ‘real me’ or do we put up a front to prevent them seeing what we may think of as weak or shameful? This keeps people at a distance, so what about God? Do we hide part of ourselves from Him? If we are real with Father, He is real with us. One small move from us and He comes running to heal our pain and shame and set us free to be ourselves. We may be in for some surprises?

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8