Carol Purves

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

Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31

The Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26b

What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

He arose and came to his father; but while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20