Carol Purves

He was a very rich man. When he died suddenly, the question was asked, ‘How much did he leave?’ Of course the answer was ‘everything.’ He couldn’t take his wealth into the next world.

Therefore we need to take note of the words of Jesus, ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.’ Matthew 6:19

These days there are many things which can disturb our peace – street crime, old age, death, poverty, sickness, bereavement. We can become worried and fearful. There is only one place where we can find true and lasting peace.

‘May the Lord of Peace give you peace at all times and in every way.’

2 Thessalonians 3:16

God never does things by half. When He blesses, He really blesses.

‘I will send down showers in season, there will be showers of blessings.’ Ezekiel 34:26

Angela lived life to the full in her 63 years. Because she abused her body she had no strength to fight in her final illness. But most importantly of all she trusted God as her Saviour. Now she is at rest in Him.

‘In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.’ John 14:2

Not many of us are church leaders, but we all have people who are looking to us for spiritual guidance. The responsibility is great. With the help of the Holy Spirit we must not fail them.

‘Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers, not because you must but because you are walking as God wants you to be.’ 1 Peter 5:2

‘He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what be cannot lose.’ Jim Elliott

Think about it.

We give thanks that God has given us strength to do the things He wants us to do, not the things we want to do. There is a difference, sometimes a big difference.

‘I thank Christ our Lord who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service. 1 timothy 1:12

The apostle Paul said he was the worst of sinners. But I don’t believe God has degrees of sinners. If we are not under grace, we are all sinners. It is not a popular thing to talk about sin in this day and age. But sin is still sin, large or small.

‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worse.’ 1 Timothy 1:15

We can sometimes be overwhelmed with many Christian tasks; sick to be visited, bereaved comforted, rotas to be attended to, etc. But God doesn’t expect us to do everything. There are only certain tasks for us. God has designed that other people will do other jobs. So we need to make sure that we only do the jobs with our name on.

‘Whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord.’ Colossians 3:17

We have been asked to work for the King of Kings. No wonder we need to make sure that only the very best will do. No cutting corners or shoddy work.

‘For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ Ephesians 2:10