God always has precise and excellent plans for us. They are not to control us but to perfectly direct our lives into what is good for us, with us completely free to choose to follow Him or not. He also provides the wisdom and skills for us to follow Him and to execute His Will. In today's podcast I reflect on what is written in Exodus 35 to lead us to these Kingdom of God Truths.

Moses was born at a time and place where newborn baby boys were killed. His mother trusted in God and floated him down the Nile in a wicker basket. He could have been eaten by crocodiles etc. Instead, he was saved by Pharaoh's daughter and, by a further miracle, his mother became his wet nurse. (Exodus 1 and 2). Throughout his life, God guided and saved Moses, against all the odds. He can and wants to do the same for you.

How impractical is a white suitcase but that is because we don't need to have "baggage" in Jesus's Kingdom because Jesus takes all our burdens. 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.".

It can take a second to drop and smash a vase but much longer to repair. Let us not hurt anyone with our words which might take them ages to emotionally heal from. "Let our gentleness be evident to all" Philippians 4:5. Also, when we are hurt by another may we remember that Jesus wants to, and can, bind up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1)

Today's picture directs me to reflect on different cultures and their varying typical table place settings. There Bible describes some cultural ways which have since changed over time but these are not to be confused with God's Laws which are consistent for all, over all time. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in paying heed to Jesus' teachings and in obeying His commandments, without faltering and without compromise. May He give us Wisdom in knowing the difference between changing cultural ways and God's fixed Laws.

As with a bay opening out into a sea, God wants us to prepare to be mightily blessed by Him and to enlarge our vision. God, through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 54 verse 2, encourages us to "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes".

Do you ever think with gratitude about your big toes?! Do you know that without our large toes, apparently we would walk clumsily and haltingly, with difficulty in standing upright. Perhaps this picture can remind us to be grateful for all we have, some of which could be more important than we give credit for. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

In this picture we are reminded that a dire situation, as depicted by a black umbrella, can be transformed into a beautiful colourful display. With His love and creation powers God can change any situation, however negative, into something good (Romans 8:28). We just need to believe He can and wants to.

Are we like an inactive helicopter or, indeed, even like one with its propeller ready for action but still not leaving the ground to do the work God is compelling us to do? Let us do it, remembering that in order to do His Work we are to believe in Whom He has sent (John 6:29). Jesus will equip us and be with us throughout our endeavours for Him.

As branches of a fruit tree need to be connected to the trunk of the tree to bear fruit, we also need to be connected to our source, Jesus, to bear fruit that blesses others. (John 15:4-5)