Carol Purves

God is both my source and my destination. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

As I passed our local castle I thought about the protection it had afforded in the by-gone days. Being in a border city it has changed hands 13 times, belonging to one country and then another. Now partly ruined it has not survived, unlike my God, who is my deliverer for ever.

‘The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. my God is my rock in whom I take refuge.’ 2 Samuel 22:2-3

Some days when I compare myself to others I feel quite good. Then when I compare myself to God I know I’m complete rubbish.

‘We are more wicked than we even dared to believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared to hope.’ Tim Keller

Victory is not the absence of struggle; it is the presence of God in your struggle. It is giving peace even when we worry. He is our faithful one.

‘God is our refuge and strength, as ever present help in trouble.’ Psalms 46:1

‘Sometimes life can make us feel weary, just the routine of day by day. We need refreshing. Where better to go than to Jesus; He will give true rest.

‘Come to me all you who are weary and burdened an I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me.’ Matthew 11:28-29

Just had a thought (always a dangerous thing) as I was thanking God this morning, I realised God doesn’t withhold His gifts and blessings to me when I forget to say thank you. But He is pleased with my thanks.

‘in everything , by prayer and petition, WITH THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God.’ Philippians 4:6

Good works do not bring salvation but they are a result of salvation. How amazing that they have been planned from in advance. I pray we may not fail.

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

In good times I can forgot God or at least hardly give Him a thought. It is in bad times i tend to remember Him more. How fickle I am! God is constant.

‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’ Hebrews 13:5

Our wealth and high standard of living can draw us away from God. Material possessions can become too important. We sometimes need to re-assess our priorities.

‘Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

Romans 8:37

It is hard to follow the instruction to pray all the time, but we can be in an attitude of prayer.

When I was younger I got into the habit of praying for those involved whenever I heard the siren of a police car, ambulance or fire engine. If you think about it the crews are rushing to help someone in dire distress and they will also be placing themselves in danger.

So the next time you hear those sirens, pray.

‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.’ Col 4:2