Carol Purves

Biblical hope is not like human hope.

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees. Romans 8:24

The water I give them will become in them a spring of water, welling up to eternal life. John 4:14

It is only in periods of drought that we realise how essential water is to sustain life. We can live longer without food than we can without food.

This could be good news, or bad news. – Before a word is on my tongue, You Lord know it completely. Psalm 139:4

‘Why do all who are treacherous thrive? Jeremiah 12:1 Although this is an over statement, we have an innate sense of justice. It is an age-old question we have of God. All we know is that God is a just God.

In reading the following words from Jesus more than 2,000 years ago, I see that the message has not changed. ‘Go and make disciples of all nations’ Matthew 28:19 and ‘The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few. ‘ Matthew 9:32

A thought for when life is difficult – ‘I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11

Increasingly we are becoming weary with the world, our countries and environments and our friends. There is only one true way to lift this weariness. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Jeremiah recognises that on his own man cannot follow God; we never find God, God always finds us. ‘I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own, it is not for man to direct his steps. ‘ Jeremiah 10:23-24

The death He died, He died to sin once for all, but the life He lives, He lives to God. Romans 6:10

The priests were continually sacrificing for people’s sins, but Jesus died for our sins only once, so He could say on the cross ‘It is finished.’ This thought was inspired from the Upper Room Bible Reading notes.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4