Carol Purves

‘Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.’ Romans 12:16

I don’t find the last part difficult. Don’t believe I’m particularly proud or conceited and I mix with all types of people. The difficulty I find is to always live in harmony. I find it difficult to understand why people do not believe in God or dismiss His existence. There is so much evidence and I fear for their final destination.

‘He took the children in His arms and blessed them.’ Mark 10:16

In Biblical time, children were unimportant in society. When numbers of people were listed, women and children were not included in the figures. The disciples must have been so amazed that Jesus placed such an importance on children. Our youth pastor always puts always puts children and young people first. If I’m talking to him and a young person comes along, he stops being with me and give all his attention to the youngster.

‘The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. ‘ 1 Corinthians 11:25

Just look at the mess this world is in. It seems we can’t negotiate Brexit. The States are in a mess. Every country in Europe has problems. In many many countries their is persecution of Christians. The list could go no.

Mankind has made an absolute disaster of running the world. We so need that higher power. As the text says His wisdom and strength is so much better than ours.

‘Come to Me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

The fact that here are so many references in the Bible to God giving rest and peace, shows that mankind can expect trouble in this life. When people moan to me about their troubles and ‘why does God let it happen’, I try to explain that in this life we can expect trouble. The wonderful thing is that in this trouble we can find rest and peace.

‘Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord whose confidence is in Him. Jeremiah’ 17:7

I guess that is in bad time as well as good. It can be so difficult but He knows the end from the beginning and He knows what is best for us. We just need to hang in there sometimes.

‘Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.’ Isaiah 40:31

As a sufferer of M.E. Syndrome often suffer from weakness and fatigue. This is as verse I often quote to myself. I know that I will have good times and bad, but I cling on to the thought that in heaven there will be no weakness, illness or sorrow. That is so worth remembering.

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.

Psalm 92:14

This is an appropriate text for me as this week I celebrate yet another birthday. I can definitely be described as having old age. I would love to think I am still bearing fruit. If God says I am, then I must be. Not so sure about the ‘fresh and green’ bit.

These I days I concentrate on all the things I can do and not on the things I can’t. Sometimes I think I’m still here, so God must still have work for me to do. I try to be guided more by the Holy Spirit.

‘Strive first for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.’ Matthew 6:33

I find it easy to strive for unimportant things, things that have no value and do not last. I only I could remembered to strive after God first, then ‘all these things will be given to me as well.’ It really means turning to the Holy Spirit for help.

‘The Bible is shallow enough for children to paddle and deep enough for mature Christians to swim.’

I rather liked this description of the Bible. When I thought about it, it is so true. I remember the first children’s bible I had. I then only read the exciting stories like Moses, Samson and Gideon. Over the years I’ve been able to go deeper. Now I study it and evaluate it more.

‘Yet I am always with you. You hold me by my right hand.’ Psalm 73:23

I was listening to my gardener yesterday. He doesn’t know comfort of a Saviour who holds his hand. He is trying to cope with his considerable troubles on his own. But sadly people like him don’t want to know the Good News. And when they are told they have ears which do not hear.