Carol Purves

God is the person who formed our bodies to need food and drink, so it is no wonder that both these things figured so largely in His own life. He had fish meals with His disciples by the sea-shore. He ate with Martha and Mary and witnessed a family dispute and finally He had the Last Supper with His closest friends. He turned water into wine and five loaves into a gigantic picnic.

In our own lives there is great gain in settling down to a meal together. Confidences are often shared over the meal table which might not happen in other places. We can extend hospitality through offering refreshment to friends, family and neighbours. Also the stranger, homeless and hungry can be fed by us. God created such a good thing when He made us needing food and drink.

As I thought about nature growing, maturing and progressing, I thought about my own Christian life. . Am I growing, progressing and maturing? As the seasons pass we can see the evidence of growth in nature. Can my progress be seen? Am I displaying the fruits of the spirit? Do people witness that I am less selfish, more patient and long-suffering as others are losing their tempers?

Do we really love, especially those people who annoy us or dislike us? Am I settled and comfortable, not reading the Word, praying or mixing with God’s people? So many questions but I trust that the answers are, by the grace of God, I am and I do.

I’m so pleased that Jesus was human as well as divine. He knew what it was like to be tempted but unlike us He never gave into temptation. He knew what it was like to be tired but His sleep was deep and refreshing, not shallow and dream-laden. I can get annoyed with people but Jesus understood why people were like they were and had a kind word for them when necessary.This means He understands when I fail, am tempted or just plain confused. Jesus is the example for me to emulate.

Jesus knew His mission in life’ I must be about my Father’s business.’ I on the other hand am shilly-shallying what to do and often am not sure of my purpose in life. I will continue follow my human and divine Lord.

There is no doubt that Jesus is the greatest story teller that the world has ever known. The parables we have in the Bible are evidence of this. His stories were completely applicable for the people of His day. Those people would have known about fishing, farming, masters and servants. The tales would have ‘rung a bell’ with them. Like all stories we hear, the next step is whether we apply them to ourselves. The stories of Jesus were not just stories, They had a deeper meaning if people looked for them. They were so wise that we can still use them today. They speak to out lives and situations, even in 2022. The parables of Jesus are not just nice stories to tell to children, they are hard-hitting for our world-weary souls. May we mark, learn and inwardly digest.

I’m looking at the tree outside my house and seeing there is only one leaf left on the empty branches. The other thousand and one leaves are swirling round my garden along with leaves from all the neighbouring trees. I now imagine the tree settling down for the winter. The branches have spent all their strength coping with the howling winds, torrential rain and maybe even snow.

Inside the tree it will be resting and getting ready for the next season that will surely be coming – spring. Just as we dream of longer, brighter days and rising temperature, so will the trees be..

‘Dad, why is the clock on the clock-tower telling the wrong time?’ ‘I don’t know, son.’

‘Dad, why is that woman wearing a funny hat?’ ‘I don’t know, son.’

‘Dad, why is that man handing out leaflets?’ ‘I don’t know, son.’

‘Sorry, dad, that I ask so many questions.’ ‘That’s OK son, it’s the only way you’ll learn.’

We ask many questions of God. Sometimes He will give the answer and sometimes He will make us wait until we’re ready to accept or understand the answer. But one thing about God, He always knows the answer to our many questions, He’s omnipotent..

I thoroughly enjoyed Bonfire Night watching the large council display from the comfort of my bedroom window. The crush of the 40,000 watching people and cold air didn’t bother me. The sky was illuminated with wonderful multi-coloured stars and flashes accompanied by massively loud bangs but is over after thirty minutes.

Quite unlike the displays that God lays on. His lighting up of the sky lasts all day long with a light so bright that to look at it can damage our sight. God’s display doesn’t last for just thirty minutes; it lasts all day and and He provides a lesser light by night. His clashes and bangs are literally earth-shattering. Though most enjoyable what a feeble copy is man’s display.

As dawn broke the skies were stormy and overcast. The dark clouds against the leaden skies were dashing across at a great rate of knots. The bowing, straining boughs on the tress were evidence of the howling winds. By being indoors myself, I was in the best place.

Against this wild scene I saw a solitary bird battling the elements. Wherever he was going he was on a mission and no amount of turbulence was going to top him. Sadly I know that many birds do not survive the winter, but I also know that God knows and cares for each one. If God can bother about a tiny insignificant bird I know that He also cares abut me.

‘His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me.’