Carol Purves

‘Do everything without grumbling or argument, so that you may become blameless and pure.’ Philippians 2:14

This is something that the government could take on board. But don’t let us point the finger. When did we last moan about church, the neighbours, high prices? If we feel some thing are wrong there are steps we can take to improve them.

Grumbling, arguing, and gossiping is not the way to cope with things. We can pray, act if necessary and then leave it to God. He’s much better at these things than we are.

‘The goal of the Christian life is not to get us out of hell and into heaven, but to get God out of heaven and into us.’ Charles Price

‘Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.’ Hebrews 3:7

It’s not that God doesn’t speak today; it is that we don’t listen. Our stubborn ears are at fault. In the past He spoke to prophets, priests, angels and Moses. He still speaks today.

‘For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.’ Romans 7:15

I remember as a child I wrote these words in front of a small notebook (I liked notebooks even then.) My mother asked me if I knew what they meant. At that tender age I hardly understood, but as I’ve progressed in years, I understand more.

Paul always uses a lot of words, but quite plainly it can be described as ‘sin.’

‘Thanks be to God, who deliveries me through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Romans 7:25

It seems to easy to say thank you but so difficult to deeply mean it. ‘Thanks be to God’ seems almost too casual. There is so, so much to thank God for – eternal life, comfort in this life, guidance, companionship, peace as the world does not give.

t can also be difficult to know how to show our thanks. We can obey him, learn more about Him, follow Him, love others, help others. Fortunately this is a life-long task.

‘In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son. Hebrews 1:2

Our faith is unique in that God speaks to us. It is not usually in an audible voice as it was in Biblical times. It is often through dreams, visions, nature (God said let their be light), the Bible, prayer, other believers.

Most importantly He has spoken by His Son. We are told ‘do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.’ There is no excuse not to listen.

‘Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge , will award to me on that day and not only to me but also to all who have longed for His appearing.’ 2 Timothy 4:8

I love the idea that ‘all who long for His appearing’ will receive this reward. I am not alone in this. Millions and millions round the world are included in His love. Knowing there is a ‘crown of righteousness’ awaiting should not stop me serving my Lord while I am here on earth.

‘Jesus said, I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that bears no fruit while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.’ John 15:1-2

I have read these verses three times in the last few days. God must be speaking to me. There is pruning to be done in my garden at this time of year and definitely pruning in my spiritual life.

Things don’t always work out as I want them to. That must be God doing His work in my life. I can only pray that the pruning will bring more fruit.

‘I am already being poured out like a drink offering and the time for my departure is near.’ 2 Timothy 4:6

This Paul speaking towards the end of his life. I have two lovely friends who are in that position. I give thanks to God for their many years of devotion to Him and the fact that their reward is at hand.

‘Come near to God and He will come near to you.’ James 4:8

God doesn’t force us to come near to Him. We have to take the initiative. Prayer needs to become a habit. Maybe send an arrow prayer every time we pass through our front door or when we make ourselves a drink.

Being so human we can rush along with our lives and leave Him behind. He want our companionship.