Carol Purves

Pride has a lot to answer for. No wonder it is known as one of the deadly sins. May our boasting only be in Christ.

‘Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement.’ Romans 12:3

Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can do anything that is inside His will. The secret is to keep close to Him.

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Psalm 4:13

Heavenly wisdom is a commodity greatly needed in these times. The world and our country is in turmoil, we need the wisdom of God.

‘But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

Just as I look at other people to see how they behave I realise that other people are looking at me to see how a react and behave. I pray I may always be a Christian witness.

‘We spend our years as a tale that is told. Psalm 90:9

Agreement is not always easy in a church where people have strong beliefs. I think divisions need prayer.

‘That there be no divisions among you.’ 1 Corinthians 1:10

God has forgiven us so much. If only we could forgive as well, the world would be the better for it.

‘Be you kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.’ Ephesians 4:32

Sometimes we can see no end to our problems. Both Joseph and Jeremiah cried out to God for help.

‘Lord, how long will you look on?’ Psalm 35:17

But God does hear and answer.

‘I waited for the Lord on high, I waited and He heard my cry.’ B Batstone.

God doesn’t give up and desert us just because things are difficult. If He has begun something in us He will work to complete it.

‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

It is a source of thankfulness for those of who are free to worship in public. May we ever be thankful and not take it for granted.

‘I was so glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ Psalm 122:1

God cares and knows about our hungry birds at this time of year, so I know He cares for me.

‘Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;

His eve is on the sparrow and I know He cares for me.’

Civilla D. Martin