Today I saw some cricket stumps so I decided to look in a search engine as to their significance and possible connection to a bible verse. Well, there were a lot of cricket terms which made me feel ignorant but actually, it is simply because I have not been exposed to cricket. We can so easily fall into the trap of undermining ourselves because we aren't as knowledgeable or we don't sound as knowledgeable as others on certain topics because we are not using the vernacular. Maybe, even subconsciously, we want to impress or feel superior over others with our words on certain subjects. Jesus warns us against being like that in our walk with Him and in our prayers. Recent pictures for these Devotionals seem to have directed me to Matthew 6. Today I think on Jesus's words, as recorded in verses 5-8 of that chapter: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do nor keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him". God wants us to come to Him simply and authentically.

Today I was reminded of Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven ...". Moths, vermin and thieves do not generally conjure up good associations, which emphasises Jesus's point that earthly riches are only of a temporary good nature. However, riches amassed in His Kingdom, through following His Will of looking out for others with love and kindness instead of focussing on ourselves, paradoxically, is to our benefit as, in His Kingdom, God will look after us abundantly forever (see John 10:10), in a far better way than we can ever look after ourselves.

Today with my phone in my hands with all my Contacts, it caused me to reflect on the fact that when we are God's, He has our names engraved forever on the palms of his hands. "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; ..." (Isaiah 49:16). It is our choice to be on His hands or not. God is not going to let go of us. We are safe. He is committed to us. It is not about what we do and who we are. He sent His son Jesus, Who had nails driven through His palms, for us.

Yesterday I read a prayer request, from one of our little children at school, to look after the sun. Well, we are living in the solar system where literally everything revolves, literally and metaphorically, around the sun, so maybe that is not such an unusual prayer! If we believe that the sun is the centre of our solar system and believe that God is our Creator, then let us not forget to stop and acknowledge our dependency on Him and, as such, glorify Him and thank Him regularly rather than as a token, irregular or even rarely-existent prayer.

Today I saw a drum being beaten with a victorious marching rhythm. This is a wonderful reminder of the account in 2 Chronicles 20 of KingJehoshaphat, one of the Godly kings who ruled the Kingdom of Judah andJerusalem in Old Testament times, who, as soon as he heard that 3 camps of enemy armies were coming to invade his kingdom, immediately sought the Lord. God spoke through one of his prophets to tell them not to be afraid or discouraged. "The battle is not yours but God's". They were to have faith and head towards the vast enemy army. King Jehoshaphat had his musicians march in front, leading the singing and praising to the Lord for the splendour of His holiness, giving thanks because of His love which endures forever. Meanwhile, God arranged the defeat of the enemies who ended up killing each other before King Jehoshaphat had even reached them. King Jehoshaphat and his people immediately worshipped and thanked God for saving them. We are in alarming times with what is happening in the Middle East. Let us too turn to God for His unwavering love, guidance and salvation.

Today I saw a pair of tongs which, of course, would be totally ineffectual if not being used in a hand. This makes me think that though it is lovely to have two people in fellowship, partnership or relationship, without the hand of God where would we really be? With this thought, Ecclesiastes 4:12 in the Old Testament declares, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken". Do we really think that the life force in a growing foetus is purely through two people coming together? Well, actually, there are many people who do think like that. Where are you in this thinking?

Today I saw a table place setting with mat and cutlery, indicating the expectation of a guest. Jesus would love to be invited into our presence and into our hearts. "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). Recently we were reminded that the resurrected Jesus cooked breakfast on the shore for those of His disciples who had been trying to fish all night and were missing Him following His recent death (John 21). We read accounts of Jesus spending time with sinners enjoying dinner with them at their homes (Matthew 9; Mark 2; Luke 5). He accepted the two sisters Martha and Mary's invitation for supper and Mary loved sitting at Jesus's feet to hear what He had to say (Luke 10). Before He went to the Cross, Jesus celebrated the Passover supper with all his disciples, referred to as The Last Supper. Not only does Jesus want a deep relationship with us but He also wants to protect us from our enemies. In Old Testament times, allies would feast together in the evening before battle the next day which is why in Psalm 23, more popularly known for the words, "The Lord's my Shepherd I shall not want ..." also says, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Let's accept Jesus's unconditional offer to come and join us through Life. He gave us life in the first place.

Today I was reminded of an incident at school whereby I had decided to laminate some text I had written on some A4 paper, using a special pen. Its ink can be easily erased with a little warm rubbing pressure from the end of the pen. However as the A4 paper in the laminating pouch was automatically pushed through the heated machine, all the writing was erased, using the pressure and heat! That has further made me reflect on how when the proverbial heat is on we can flounder and lose hope if we don't have God's Word indelibly etched in our souls. God wants us to remember that He will never leave us or forsake us. John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world"

Today I saw an angel wing reminding me of the many times angels are mentioned in the bible, as messengers or to help, in the form of men or as huge winged beings. We are individually helped too. "For he wil command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways" (Psalm 91:11). "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14) The inheritance is that of the Bride of Christ. We are all invited.

Today I saw a picture of a serving spoon reminding me of the joy of serving people, we appreciate, at our table. Of course, serving others can take many forms such as encouraging, being there for someone in their time of need etc. Jesus emphasised to His disciples the importance of serving others in His Kingdom as opposed to wanting to be served. Two wonderful aspects immediately spring to my mind - firstly, God equips us to serve, such as with the love, grace, giftings, time and necessary provisions we need (see Hebrews 13:21). Secondly, whilst our selfless giving to others is the working of our spiritual being, not our physical being which wants to be looked after, we will find that our physical body is looked after, after all. After referring to shelter, clothes and food, Jesus says to His disciples, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteusness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). Indeed, by giving and serving under God's guidance and Will, we will find that God looks after us wholly and abundantly.