Let me tell you a story. I will probably ramble a bit… sorry!

When I was a child, my older sister (by six and a half years) had a small, illustrated KJV bible (not a children’s one) that I think our grandmother had given her, possibly as a christening gift. It was ironic really, since none of the family (including my nan!) were church goers or actively Christian, it was just tradition. These were the days where, when there was a “religion” question on an official form, most people would put either CofE or RC. Most British people in the 1950s would have identified as culturally Christian, and may have gone to church at high holidays. Many were not, however, born-again, practicing Christians. My family didn’t even do the high holidays! My dad had been a choir boy in his young days, but mainly because of his love of music, rather than any religious reason.

So, my sister was christened, which was a bit of a travesty really, since she was an atheist for many decades, though thankfully saved now! I think it was just the done thing in those days. By the time I came along (there was a miscarriage between us, so I have a brother or sister I shall meet in heaven one day!) my mum and dad decided not to bother with another christening since they weren’t religious.

Anyway, this bible… For some reason it attracted me! I loved reading anyway, and I loved looking at the colour illustrations and maps in this unusual little book. I knew it was something special. The pages were very thin, like crinkly tissue, almost transparent, and the typeface very small. The language was quite difficult to understand. I wasn’t really au fait with thees and thous as a primary school aged child! For some reason, I have a very, very strong recollection of one verse. I can see me, in my mind’s eye, opening the book on this particular page, seeing this verse and being intrigued. I didn’t understand what it meant. It was Proverbs  25:11…

Proverbs 25:11 KJV
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

It made such a lasting impression on me that when I started this blog, I wanted to use part of the verse for my name, but all the versions I tried were in use, so I ended up with “pictures of gold” instead!

So, I remember that from the age of five at least, when I was in the reception class at school, I believed in God. It was still usual to have hymns and prayers in school assemblies in the 1960s and 70s, and RE lessons taught almost exclusively about Christianity. I wanted to go to Sunday school, but no one would take me. I KNEW there was a God. I knew he was real and he listened to our prayers. I knew Jesus was his son, and was the baby born at Christmas time, though not a lot more than that! I didn’t properly understand the “Jesus connection” until I was 33, as no-one had ever really explained it to me! The illustration of Jesus as the bridge between man and God was what filled in the blanks in my understanding and enabled me to step from wanting him, to having him! A marvellous experience of having a fountain of joy turned on within me (the Holy Spirit!) and having the biggest of smiles on my face for days! And everything I looked at was suddenly “in colour”! The whole of God’s creation was completely amazing!

Anyway,  I digress…

So, what does it mean..? “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”

I’ve read various interpretations about judges’ rulings, artistic carvings and all sorts.

This particular explanation, taken from the “gotquestions.org” website really spoke to me…

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The meaning of the term translated “apples of gold” is uncertain. It could refer to a number of other fruits including citrons, quinces, oranges, or apricots. All of these have a yellow-to-orange color, which could be thought of, in a poetic sense, as “golden.” So the verse might be talking about golden-colored fruit served in a silver bowl. This would certainly be quite appetizing and pleasant to the eye. https://www.gotquestions.org/apples-gold-settings-silver.html

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The reason it resonated so strongly was because in 1998, I was given this word by an older lady at our church who was well known for her prophetic gifting.

As I prayed the Lord showed me a bowl of fruit – different varieties – but one piece, an apple, took my attention because it was by far the best and most attractive piece of fruit in the bowl, the skin taut and shiny; the colour clear and attractive; very enticing. My taste buds began to work and I could imagine biting into the apple, enjoying the crisp, sweet juice giving an enjoyable and pleasing sense of pleasure and satisfaction.

I sense that God is saying that though He has given you many gifts, there is one particular one that is ready, that needs to be used for Him. If it remains in the bowl it will dry out, shrivel up and, like an apple left too long, will be of no use and unpalatable. I sense that the gift could be that of teaching and maybe among children, but I sense too that there’s something to do with healing here, whether for yourself, or to bring healing and wholeness to others, I’m not sure.

I sense that God is saying that yes, you are one among many, but you do have a special gift to offer to Him; you are very special to Him and you are “the apple of His eye”. Among a variety of gifts, that special one can be used to bring healing and wholeness, to yourself and others and it will bring glory to God, so seek it out and use it and ‘taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)

The similarity struck me as soon as I read the “got answers” paragraph!
I’m still trying to work it all out (or perhaps I should say, I’m awaiting further revelation!!) but I feel the Lord is about to open my eyes to something; part of his plan coming to fruition. I think it also reveals that he has had his plan in place, and his hand on me, for my whole life! It’s incredibly exciting and also very humbling that this insignificant speck of life (me!) figures in his masterpiece! Wow!

I’ve written on this blog previously about how, in later life, I unexpectedly became a 1:1 special needs teaching assistant when the Lord opened a door for me. https://the-finished-work.com/2019/09/22/part-two-than-we-can-ask-or-imagine/
I discovered it was the job I’d waited my whole life for! It was only when I looked up that 1998 prophetic word again, that I realised it was also another part of my life that tied in!

Personally, I think the whole verse in Proverbs is something to do with my writing and how it has been, and will be, used both within the church and by others who have read things that I’ve written. I’ve never pushed for lots of views and likes, but just said, “Lord, let someone who needs to read this, see it and be encouraged.”

So, Lord, let someone who has maybe felt you were far away, that you were not on their case, that they were too insignificant, not good enough for you to even look at, let alone bother with… let them be encouraged by my writing, and by my journey, because I’ve had those exact same feelings myself…

Yet, as I look back, I can SEE that he’s always been there, even before I knew him. He’s been telling me to look back for weeks! Everything is falling into place…

A very clear representation of the gospel from Robert Breaker. No frills! Just truth.

I confess I find the Christmas season quite difficult and have a tendency to just batten down the hatches and hide until the new year arrives. I’m reminded of painful losses and all the fears and insecurities, that I know I should reject in Jesus’ name, just seem to become overpowering at this darkest time of the year. Thankfully, Jesus is the light in the darkness, and I hang on to that small flame of hope! Gradually, it gets brighter, until I can come out of my winter hibernation and resume normal service again! Well, I’m a work in progress…!

Anyhow, I was just thinking about things today and a little ditty came into my mind, so here it is!

Happy Christmas one and all!
I haven’t exactly decked the hall;
My Christmas tree’s a little wonky
And no sign of a crib or donkey!

But Jesus is always in my heart;
He is the most important part!
Gifts and decos are just a whim…
If I had nothing, I’d still have him! 🩷

Feeling the heaviness of the atmosphere today, both physically and spiritually… How long, O Lord…?!!

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I hope we’ll be on the sunny side,
On the sunny side next year;
Where the streets are gold
And we don’t get old,
And pure joy replaces fear.

I know we’ll be on the winning side,
On the winning side of time!
In the perfect place
We’ll behold HIS face,
In eternity sublime!

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Merriam Webster Dictionary

Sublime:
a. : lofty, grand, or exalted in thought, expression, or manner.

b. : of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth.

c. : tending to inspire awe usually because of elevated quality (as of beauty, nobility, or grandeur) or transcendent excellence.

I had a very vivid and weird dream just before I woke up the other morning. I was in a large, dingy basement with big steps leading up to a street door. The doorway was barricaded with bits of old wood but I could see light through the gaps. There was a thin, scruffy man out on the street, late 20s/30s who looked very agitated and was taunting me, shouting that he was going to find a way in. He broke through the door and came down into the basement, still laughing, threatening and taunting me. All I had to defend myself was a wooden hockey stick with the end broken off. I kept swinging at him, but it was too short and too lightweight to do any harm. He just laughed at me. My younger son was there but just ignored him and didn’t defend me. (Did he not see him? Or not his battle, therefore not aware??)

Before this I had been emptying an old trunk of some kind and finding lots of clothes I’d forgotten I had. Some things were in better shape than others, but I was taking it all out in wonderment really as I’d forgotten it was still there. I was thinking, I have so much more than I thought I did and maybe some of this will be useful now. Underneath all the folded clothes I was stunned to see five cucumbers! They had been there for a very long time but had not rotted. They still looked edible. Very strange….! (My friend tells me cucumbers are indicative of healing!)

I’ve had very specific “God dreams” before, but not for a while. It did really speak to me and reminded me that I have things from my past that are still usable, that have been locked away and forgotten. I have fought many spiritual battles in the past, prayed a lot and heard from the Lord a lot too, but here I was, trying to fight the enemy in my own strength, and I knew I could not beat him. He was taking all my energy and attention and was enjoying my feeble efforts to hit out at him.

I feel the Lord would say, “Remember you are in a spiritual battle. The weapons of your warfare are not carnal.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NKJV
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…

“You have been in battles before and KNEW what your weapons were and how to use them effectively! Your weapons are your words! The sword of the spirit is the word of God!”

I’ve even written about it…!!

We fight the enemy with spirit inspired words and scripture. Jesus did this in the wilderness. We KNOW this! Yet we forget, and run around like headless chickens, trying to dodge the attacks that come against us when we’re in the thick of it. We must stand, in the power of His might! We are “in Christ” – HE is our armour! No weapon formed against us shall prosper.

Isaiah 46:9 NLT
Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.

Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Isaiah 54:17 NKJV
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.

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I would be interested to hear anyone’s perspective or thoughts. Or if you feel the Lord is talking to you too. The world is rapidly getting darker – the days are evil! I believe the Lord is encouraging me to remember the person I was before my husband died; to regain my confidence and motivation, and to know afresh who I am in Christ. It’s been a tough journey at times, but He’s been healing my wounds and strengthening me. Time to step out…!

Lyrics:
I’ll never be more loved than I am right now
Wasn’t holding You up so there’s nothing I can do to let You down
Doesn’t take a trophy to make You proud
I’ll never be more loved than I am right now

Going through a storm but I won’t go down
I hear Your voice carried in the rhythm of the wind to call me out
You would cross an ocean so I wouldn’t drown
You’ve never been closer than You are right now

Jireh You are enough
Jireh You are enough
I will be content in every circumstance
Jireh You are enough

Don’t wanna forget how I feel right now
On the mountaintop I can see so clear what it’s all about
Stay by my side when the sun goes down
Don’t wanna forget how I feel right now

I’m already loved
I’m already chosen
I know who I am
I know what You’ve spoken
I’m already loved
More than I could imagine
And that is enough

That is enough
You are enough
So I am enough

If He dresses the lilies with beauty and splendor
How much more will He clothe you
How much more will He clothe you
If He watches over every sparrow
How much more does He love you
How much more does He love you

More than you ask, think or imagine
According to His power working in us
It’s more than enough

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I can say with confidence, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want…

Because He is Jehovah Jireh – “The Lord will provide.”

I have supported the Leprosy Mission for many years. This arrived recently and although I have seen these facts before, it hit me afresh to see again how many are still being affected and how little it costs to transform someone’s life. The Lord healed the Leper during His ministry on Earth, and can still heal divinely at any point, however He loves to include His people in His work, because it blesses us as well as the one receiving. How many times have we said, “Wow, that was a divine appointment!” We KNOW when the Lord has intervened and caused us to be in the right place at the right time. Well, today I feel He would have me share this with you, because we can all play a small part in transforming someone’s life through the love of God.

Leprosy is a disease that should no longer be around. A simple cure has been available for 42 years. It costs so little to change things. If you are able, change the life of someone with Leprosy today by paying for their treatment. If you are not in a position to do that, then pray for them. Pray for those working with the Leprosy Misson, who are on the front lines of this ministry, showing the continuing love of the Lord for those who so desperately need it. ❤

A passionate and timely sermon from Pastor Chris Wickland.

With all that I am I honour you…

Do I Lord? With ALL that I am? With EVERYTHING that is within me? It’s scandalous that I would even think that I do, or even could!

I know I cannot live without you! I cannot see a time in my life when I  could, or would, ever renounce you or reject you. BUT…

What if this was my spouse. If I committed to him with marriage vows that said, “With all that I am, I honour you,” and then he said the same to me? That is a solemn promise and if I then wanted to keep going out partying, or living my life as though I still had the freedom of being single, my spouse would be deeply wounded. It would threaten our relationship, because although my life circumstances had changed, my heart had not.

We are in a marriage relationship with Jesus. We are betrothed, which is as firm an arrangement as marriage, and just because we cannot yet physically be together, does not mean that we are free to flirt with others!

My church fellowship is focusing on, and praying for, revival. We recently had a day of prayer and all the Lord kept saying was, “Come back beloved! Come back to your first love.”

When we flirt with the world, when we keep scrolling, through social media posts or videos, that are not honouring to the Lord, even though they may seem harmless in man’s eyes, we have stepped away from him. Our love is not directed toward him. We are not thinking of him or longing to spend time with him… waiting eagerly for the day of his return to sweep us off our feet and into his embrace!

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“Come back to your first love, with joy and expectation! He is the Prince of Peace, the Conquering King, the Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God. He will replenish you and fill you with His Holy Spirit. Come back, beloved! Be enveloped, wrapped in His embrace, filled with joy and gratitude and excited about your journey together, for when He is your all in all, His first commandment is fulfilled – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength.” And then, the second commandment to “love your neighbour as yourself” is easy.

Love starts at the Cross and flows outwards…  This is revival!”

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So many in this world are lost and hurting. They seek true love, but they look for it in all the wrong places…

Lord let my love for you overflow like a great waterfall. Let it be so real and so deep that it can be seen and felt by every person who is called my neighbour. Holy Spirit, draw everyone in my circle of influence to the foot of the cross to find unconditional love and the gift of life, freely given. Send revival, Lord!