Carol Purves

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Sometimes we feel like a pawn in life. We have less and less control. What a comfort to know God is routing for us and strengthening us.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

This is a verse to hang on to when things are not going well. God knows the end from the beginning; we don’t.

Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast of the Kingdom of God.

Luke 14:15

I find it hard to visualise a feast with no shopping for ingredients, no cooking and perfect food. Food which satisfies in the perfect company of God.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Psalm 100:1

I am not noted for a good singing voice. Therefore I tend to sing very quietly or not at all. I now realise I should sing with all my heart, even if it is quietly. It is not the quality that is important, but the praise from my heart. Whenever I despair about my singing, I remember that when singing in heaven in, it will be perfect.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

I recently met up with a group of friends I hadn’t met for a long time. We shared our current news and reflected on how our lives had turned out differently from what we had planned. I then had to admit that God meant it for my good and His plans were wiser than mine.

Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand. Isaiah 41:10

The bravest of us experience fear; facing new things, in the middle of the night, suffering pain and bereavement. Our only reliable help is in God.

I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have committed to Him against that day. ” Timothy 1:12

As we get up each day, we never know what the day will bring, good or bad. But God knows and we can commit the future to him in full assurance. In difficult time, I’ve often said this text to myself.

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

In these days of fake news, it is so important to have a plumb line. God’s word is just that.

Jesus gave him no answer. Luke 23:9

There is mayhem all around. The crowds are shouting. Pilate is accusing. The disciples are hiding. In the midst of all this Jesus stands silent and in control. All the power and strength is flowing from Him. I’ve just returned from Spain where there is noise and bustle. We live in a noisier world than ever before. Yet by prayer to our all-powerful God , we can find strength and power.

If one member suffers, all suffer together with it. If one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26

This is how it should be in a loving church, no jealousy, bickering, gossip or deceit.