Today I saw a honey bee and they are the species of bee which dies once they have injected a person with venom through their stinger. This also reminds me of something I read recently that someone had answered to the question 'What is anger?' with the words, "It is a punishment we give to ourselves, for somebody else's mistake". What a good way of reminding ourselves that internal anger, or the outward reaction of anger towards another person can actually be damaging to ourselves. Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:26 "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath".

Today I saw the image of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus at His baptism as described in the Gospel of Matthew 3:16-17. This was prophesied by Isaiah 600-700 years before Jesus was even born (Isaiah 11:1-2). It has been God's plan from the beginning for mankind to be reunited with Him in His Kingdom, with our spirit connected to His Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul, in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians explains in chapter 3 that Moses's ministry, however glorious, was transitory and still brought death as none of us can perfectly follow the 10 commandments but "how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness ... which lasts" (v.9, 11). Jesus brings us righteousness because He has absorbed all our sins on the Cross. We are now free to choose to enter into God's Kingdom, through Jesus.

I saw the sun behind the clouds, giving them a golden tinge on their outer edges, reminiscent of the old adage that every cloud has a silver lining, denoting an optimistic and bright outcome despite seemingly dire circumstances. I have just discovered that this expression originates from 17th century English poet John Milton. Coincidentally, with our recent theme of the restoration of mankind's direct relationship with God, John Milton also wrote the epic poem "Paradise Lost" in which he describes the fall of Adam and Eve, their banishment from Paradise but archangel Michael saying that Adam may find "a Paradise within thee, happier far". What an amazing timely connection with the recent messages we have had of mankind's return to God's Kingdom where there is indeed a silver lining in every situation we have, however, metaphorically, grey and cloudy it may appear to be.

Today I saw a paper fan and the words "Simplicity of Life". A paper fan can be described in intricate detail or in simple terms but, either way, it is a simple item. Similarly, however complicated the term "Born Again" can be described as, it is a simple term for our connection with God as our spiritual Father.

I saw a white birthday cake with one bright candle. The cake gradually faded away. I believe this message is that whilst our life on this earth is measured by a finite number of years, there is another birth available to us over infinite time and is indicated by this bright candle. This second birth, also referred to as being born again, is into God's Kingdom. This birth is one of personal choice as described to us by Jesus in the Gospel of John 3. He tells Nicodemus, a Pharisee of the Jewish ruling councl who came secretly to Jesus one night to ask about the Kingdom of God, that "...no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ...no one can enter ...unless they are born of water and the Spirit". (John 3:3,5). Ask Jesus, quietly within your soul, how to enter the Kingdom of God. He will reply. If He doesn't exist what you have lost? If he does exist and what He says is true , you will gain eternal life.

Today I saw a twisting, destructive serpent - Leviathan - as described in various mythology including the bible. He twists, turns and confuses his victims. We can experience it in the form of twisted words which turn our good words and intentions to accusations that make us feel bad. However, we also learn that God's Word is more powerful and can undo the damage of twisted words in our lives. In the first book in the bible, Genesis, we learn of Satan who lured Eve to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, twisting God's Truth, when planted right next to that tree was the Tree of Life. Thankfully, in the final chapter of the final book in the bible, Revelations, we learn of how we are reconnected to the Tree of Life through Jesus. He is the Word which can overpower and free us from any distorted, twisted and strangulating words spoken to or over us.

Today I saw a picture of a bed of nails. We may have been impressed by seeing someone lying on a bed of nails, without getting hurt, but remember, there is a scientific explanation as there is with many magic tricks. Yes, we can be impressed with others' scientific knowledge and use of it but let our amazement be in our mighty God by whom the laws of science were created. Furthermore, let us not be deceived by those who use science to distort truth and draw us from God. The mystery of God is found in Christ (Colossians 2:2) but "the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy" (John10:10) and in the gospel of Matthew 24:24-25 Jesus warns us that, "For false Christs and prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect".

Today I saw a picture of a tranquil bay, separated from its main body of water, reminding me of our regular need to literally separate ourselves from the Body of Christ, of which we belong, in order to spend quiet time with the Lord. The Gospels record many times when Jesus went away to recharge, to develop a stillness which could then positively impact others around Him and to hear God's will for Him (e.g. Matthew 14:22 after the Feeding of the 5000 and later calming the waves for the disciples and in Mark 1:35 when Jesus got up when it was still dark to pray in a solitary place, after an intensive evening of healing and deliverance, and before moving on for more ministry.) Psalm 46:10 tells us: "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen. I will be exalted in the earth".

I saw a picture of a white tower of learning, reaching towards the sky. I am reminded of a group of students who were asked what made them feel smart. Those with a fixed mindset, so not willing or expecting to change, said it was when they don't make mistakes; when they finish something fast and it's perfect or when something is easy for them. However, the students with a growth mindset said they felt smart when there is something difficult but they try hard and find they can do it after all; they achieve something they couldn't do before; they work on something for a long time and start to figure it out. It is not about immediate perfection but learning over time, confronting a challenge and making progress. Jesus wants us to have a growth mindset, to be united in Him and His Word. Isn't this in direct contrast to the arrogant builders of the Tower of Babel, described in Genesis 11, who wanted to bring honour to themselves with no need of God. God thwarted their plans and they ended up scattered all over the world and having a mix of languages making communication and unity difficult?

Today I saw a golden steeple in the distance with a sense of a church being unattainable or imaginary. An important question is who is Jesus attracted to and who does he want attracted to him on earth? The Church is the Body of Christ. As recounted in Mark 2, Jesus asked tax collector Levi (Matthew) to follow him which he duly did and later invited Jesus to dinner with some more of the tax collectors who Jews despised as they worked for the Romans and were usually corrupt. "When the teachers of the Law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: 'Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?' On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners'." (Mark 2:15-17). Unless we know we need to change and enjoy the challenge of change and becoming a better person, we won't want to enter the true church, the Body of Christ, which Jesus wants to be full of Holy Spirit-convicted (not condemned) sinners who are not out to judge others on the same journey as them.