The heavens declare the glory of God

God used bright colours to paint yesterday's sunset!

As is usually the case with this kind of thing, a mobile phone camera just doesn't do it justice...

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

- Psalm 19:1-4

Red Sky in the Morning?

What does it mean when there's a red sky in the morning?

Shepherd's warning? Sailor's warning?

Whatever it means for the possibilities of the weather, which changes almost daily, there is one thing that I do know: the sun is there. It rises faithfully each morning according to the pattern set for it. It will set again each evening. It drives our climate and so, whatever the day-to-day weather, there is a reassurance of stability.

How is the weather in your life? Is your circumstance sunny or stormy? Whatever your situation, there is one thing I know: the Son is there. He has risen and is faithful. Even more reliable than climate, he is unchanging. He brings joy and peace. He is our reassurance of stability. Why not ask him to drive your life's climate?

Leather Jackets, Sunlight and Prayer: Distractions and Reminders

My leather motorbike jacket smelled so good this morning!
And the sun was so bright!
And I need to constantly and consistently start my day with God.

What ties all the above together?
This morning I was running right on the knife edge of punctuality and lateness. I don't know about you, but things can get a little hectic for me when that happens. (Actually, more often that not it's my fault, so there is no blame in this for anyone but myself...)

Pulling on my motorbike jacket, the smell of leather was an instant reminder of the joy of being on the bike.

I smiled.

Pulling out of the driveway, the sun was directly in my eyes, a vivid orange, glowing intensely through the misty curtain of rain between us.

I love sunrises. I squinted.

Then I smiled.

It arrested me this morning that, pulling myself out of bed, I need to actively decide to spend time with God.

First thing.

Recalling the Son rise that has happened. For my sake.

Remembering that He has clothed me, not with leather as protection, but Himself. It's His fragrance on me, not the smell of cow. Or me.

I squinted: I don't do this anywhere near regularly enough. I allow busy-ness to distract me. Not good.

Then I smiled: He has graciously reminded me. I enjoy time with my maker.

What distracts you from quality time with God?

What do you need to do about those distractions?