Carol Purves

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

There is no better way to start the day than with God. It puts into perspective all the good and bad things that are going to happen throughout the day.

‘Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. Mark 1:35

We need to learn from the past but not to dwell on it. God has new things for us in the future.

‘Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past, see I am doing a new thing.’ Isaiah 43:18-19

It would be no good having a God who only wanted to hear from us when we were happy with things going well. Nor do we want a God who only hears our moans and requests.

‘Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone among you happy? Let them sing songs of praise.’ James 5:13

If we think things are not going the way we want them to, do we think God is against us? According to Jeremiah He wants the best for us.

‘I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11