Carol Purves

At the beginning of Lent it is good to remember again the sacrifice of God in sending His only Son for our sins. We are so self-centred as humans that we think it is about us. It isn’t, it’s all about Him.

‘This is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.’ 1 John 4:10

Freedom is what we seek. Because we are a slave to sin, sinning when we don’t want to, we are not free. It sounds contrary, but to be a slave to Christ is to have real freedom. Paul tells us this.

‘Although I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave for the sake of the gospel.’ 1 Corinthians 9:19

Pride can be a problem in this day and age. Youngsters are brought up to believe that they can do anything they put their minds to. Failure can then lead to low esteem. To have a servant attitude can keep the mind in level place. These words of Jesus are so wise.

‘The one who is the greatest among you will be your servant. All who lift themselves up will be brought low. But all who make themselves low will be lifted up.’Matthew 11:12

It is so easy to take for ourselves the praise and thankfulness that belongs to God. It is all of God and nothing of us. A difficult lesson for humans to learn.

‘But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show us that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from ourselves.’ 2 Corinthians 4:7

We can forget people who are kind to us. How much more do we forget God who showers us with so many good things. We can never praise Him too much.

‘Praise the Lord, my soul and forget not all His benefits.’ Psalm 103:2

It is a human trait to start things and never finish them. We only need to think about New Year resolutions. Fortunately we know of One who will complete what He commences.

‘The one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 1:6

We do pray for our farmers in inclement weather. Lambing in this country is different to the methods in Israel, but the farmers still need to care for the lambs and those with young. However good our shepherds are they cannot be as loving as our Lord!

‘The Lord tends His flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart, He gently leads those that have young.’ Isaiah 40:11

Traditions are a good thing when we remember what the Lord has done for us. The miracles of yesterday can be repeated in the miracles of today.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord. Yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.’ Psalm 77:11

‘What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly before your God.’ Micah 6:8

Part of this text is worked into the stonework outside our local museum. It is the motto for the city. This is also a timely reminder where our loyalties lie.

It is easy to get downcast at this time of year; the weather is bad, the state of the country is not good. Summer seems a long way away.

But God is still in control. It is He who rules the world. We need February to prepare for June.

‘Why my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet prove Him, my Saviour and my God.’ Psalm 42:11