Precious Thoughts

Last month, the unexpected gift of a cast iron bread pot when I was struggling to make a 72hour fermented sourdough brought me to reflect on how we are made in God's image.

We then connected this reflection to thoughts on Jesus who is the image of our invisible God.

Today we consider the record of a time when Jesus performed a miracle at a wedding, and what this event tells us about God.

May this encourage you today, if you wonder what God is really like.  

May it encourage you to tell Him your problems and trust in His loving kindness for help.

Music citation: 

Rosalita by The Piano Says | https://soundcloud.com/thepianosays

https://spoti.fi/3uvxbRU
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
 

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

 A recent gift reminded me how humans were created in the image of God - how we, despite our sinfulness, may still show love and kindness to each other.  But then, this little glimpse of 'God-likeness' led me to reflect how the life of Jesus, who is God, shows us even more what God is like.

This is part one of two.  Next time will focus on an event in Jesus' life and considering how it shows us what God is like.

Music citation:

 Rosalita by The Piano Says | https://soundcloud.com/thepianosays

https://spoti.fi/3uvxbRU
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Do you fear the future or have anxieties in your personal life?  Perhaps you wonder if there really is a God or whether He has a plan.  The world seems so out of control sometimes.  And what about your own circumstances?  Does God have a plan for your life, or should you just follow modern advice to 'shape your own destiny' and do those things which scare you?

Listen in for part 2 of a reflection on Biblical verses from Isaiah which tell us of God's purposes and plans and encourage us in our personal circumstances, particularly looking into finding a spouse.

Music citation:

 Rosalita by The Piano Says | https://soundcloud.com/thepianosays

https://spoti.fi/3uvxbRU
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

 Photo by Ulyana Tim on Unsplash

When we hear unpleasant news or something adverse occurs do we go straight to Jesus or do we act like He doesn't exist?  Do our reactions witness to those around us that we have a Refuge, that Jesus is alive today?

Join Elinor as she reflects on such occasions now and in the past and how these speak of how well we know Jesus - how much we are abiding in Him.

Music citation:

Rosalita by The Piano Says | https://soundcloud.com/thepianosays

https://spoti.fi/3uvxbRU
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

 Photo by Paige Cody on Unsplash

Do you sometimes procrastinate because something feels too hard and you feel too tired to do it?  And then, you beat yourself up about it?  Whilst not condoning sin, how does God see His people as He watches them face life's struggles here below?

Join me for a few minutes as I share a recent 'failure' and be encouraged for the Biblical response to such experiences.

Music citation:

Rosalita by The Piano Says | https://soundcloud.com/thepianosays

https://spoti.fi/3uvxbRU
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

 Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash

Do you wonder whether God has a plan in mind for the world, or whether He has any concern of direction over the intricate details of your life?

Listen with me as we look at some verses in Isaiah 14 (an Old Testament book of the Bible), which tell us about God having purpose for the world.

As part of these thoughts an extract from a remarkable dream by a 19th century minister is included.

music citation:  Rosalita by The Piano Says | https://soundcloud.com/thepianosays

https://spoti.fi/3uvxbRU
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

 Photo by Cdoncel on Unsplash

Do you need encouragement today?  

Perhaps you started off the year or a new project with great enthusiasm, believing you were following the Lord in what you were doing, but now you are filled with self-doubt, procrastination or even want to give up.

Join us at Precious Thoughts where we delve into a Bible verse of encouragement from many years ago, and consider its application to us today.

Music citation:

Rosalita by The Piano Says | https://soundcloud.com/thepianosays

https://spoti.fi/3uvxbRU
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

 Photo by Alexa Williams on Unsplash

Do you sometimes have days when everything seems to be going wrong?  

It is as if something is trying to hinder you or prevent you from getting somewhere or doing something.

We can get so upset when this happens, but God is not taken by surprise, neither is He disturbed from His purposes for you.

Today we share one of those days and then reflect on our Bible reading that day and the Lion of the tribe of Judah, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Music citation:

Rosalita by The Piano Says | https://soundcloud.com/thepianosays

https://spoti.fi/3uvxbRU
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

 Photo by Francesco on Unsplash

 

On a recent holiday in the Scottish Borders a search deep in the Craik Forrest not only revealed a beautiful waterfall but also revealed more of the meaning of words found in Psalm 23, 'thy rod and thy staff they comfort me'.

Join Elinor in this episode to hear the story of the search for the waterfall and how the precious promises of the Bible may be your rod and staff - your support and comfort - as you face the new challenges of 2026.

Music citation:

Rosalita by The Piano Says | https://soundcloud.com/thepianosays

https://spoti.fi/3uvxbRU
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

How do you respond when you are deeply hurt by those who are loyal to you - for your own good?

King David of ancient Israel was bereaved of a beloved but wicked son by his most loyal protector, his nephew.  Was his nephew right to take this action - was David's love for his son blinding him?

Listen for this last study on the challenging relationship between David and his warrior nephews and notice how David has to carry on in the face of grief.  But he, like those of us who trust in the living God and Creator of heaven and earth, have a Rock and Refuge to run to in our times of grief, sorrow and trouble.

Music citation:  Rosalita by The Piano Says | https://soundcloud.com/thepianosays

https://spoti.fi/3uvxbRU
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

 Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash