Unlike a spider who has a devious sticky invisible web to catch its prey whilst it lies in wait, God wants to join us on a journey to Him which is straight and lit. (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:5-6)

We are surrounded by noise in this world but God wants us to fine tune our ears to His voice which is constantly encouraging, sustaining and whispering love messages. We can be creative in developing this time such as the busy mother who used to sit at the dining table with her apron pulled up over her face and head, signalling to her many children that this was her quiet time with God. The major prophet Elijah had to be reminded to maintain this time too. We all do. (1 Kings 19)

We do not need to make fanciful wishes when we can hold on to hopes that have substance and assurances for the future. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope".

God's Kingdom principles always involve thinking of others. He, meanwhile, will assuredly look after us amazingly and abundantly in His Kingdom. His sometimes difficult Kingdom principle of forgiveness is easier to do when we know He has our best interest at heart - His unconditional, abundant, giving heart.

(Matthew 6:14-15)

Many of us appreciate that a beautiful inner being is far more important than simply a beautiful surface and actually when we concentrate on following God's ways, we will outwardly shine with confidence and positivity which are attractive qualities. Jesus shows us how to live a life that doesn't concentrate on being admired for our outward appearance with our reward being the admiration of others, but rather a life of following God's ways with Him being our bountiful rewarder. Matthew chapter 6 is full of His guidance and His assurance of being fully provided for. In verse 33 He declares, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well".

Today's verse says it all!

Psalm 139:17-18

"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!"

Cloud may obliterate the sun but it doesn't mean the sun is not there. Similarly, our cloudy days, in a metaphorical sense, are not indicative of no God. In fact, in the same way that clouds can bring needed and refreshing rain, our "cloudy" days can be for our good such as for building up good character traits like patience. Proverbs 20:24 tells us that "The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?"

Do we not find that when we make one determined first step in a particular direction, in a figurative sense, that it triggers off other actions that we haven't caused and controlled which propel us further in that direction? If you are seeking a depth and meaning to your life, have you considered seeking God? Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart".

In CS Lewis's book, The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe. there is a magic wardrobe, the back of which leads into Narnia, a completely different realm to that of the earth's. Let us not confine God to our limited wardrobe "boxes" of understanding and reasoning. Let us walk with Him and explore further and deeper into His realm. Deuteronomy 29:29 "The secret things belong to the Lord, our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever ...".

I believe that this picture of a funnel is a wonderful reminder to receive vertically from God Who is on high and wants to pour His love and wonderful provision into our lives. All of this is available to anyone who wants to receive from Him. Alternatively we can choose to limit our vision to a horizontal scope at the world around us but it will be a poor substitute unless connected to God. 1 John 3:1 "See what great love the Father has lavished on us...".