Andy Graham

‘This is what God wants you to do; believe in the one He has sent…’ (John 6:29)

What does it mean to believe in someone or something? To have trust in that person or in that situation? To have faith that your life will be the better for having that belief?

In whom and in what do we believe in as we live out our daily lives? Our loved ones – families and friends? In our own strength, abilities and judgement?

But what about God? Do we believe in Him? Truly believe in Him – more than anyone or anything else?

‘I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord…’ (Jeremiah 29:11)

What plans does the Lord have for you in your life right now? What direction would He have you take?

Take time today to come to the Lord, to commune with Him and to allow His Spirit to guide you along the path He would have you take.

‘The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid…’ (Psalm 118:6)

We are living in fearful times today, particularly so the people of Ukraine. Fear is one of the most powerful emotions any of us can experience and it can take hold of our lives in such a way as to completely overwhelm us. At times like this the words of the Psalmist can seem meaningless and we can understand why that might be so. However, if we take time to remember that the Lord is always with us, that he will never abandon nor forsake us, then we can take some comfort, strength and reassurance in that. The source of our fear might not suddenly disappear, but knowing that we are not facing it on our own, that the Lord is always with us, can make all the difference.

‘…do your best to live at peace with everyone…’ (Romans 12:18)

With all that is happening at the moment, take time today to pray that we might find the kind of peace that Paul speaks of here.

‘…God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it but to save it…’ (John 3:17)

Take time now to reflect on God’s great love for us, that through His Son He should come to save us, sinners as we are.

‘The eternal God is your refuge and His everlasting arms are under you…’ (Deut. 33:27)

To know that the Lord is there to support us at all times is surely a great source of comfort and strength to us, but how often, I wonder, do we take time to reflect on this and to give thanks to God for His continued presence with us in this way. As we begin our journey through Lent lets take time each day to consider where we are in our walk with the Lord and to reflect on the relationship we have with God through His Son.

‘If you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall…’ (1 Cor. 10:12)

We all face temptation every day in life – it comes to us in many forms and guises. Sometimes we are able to see it for what it is but at other times we are not. But perhaps of more concern is how at times we seem to disregard those temptations that we deem to be small or insignificant and therefore believe that we can stand up to them in our own strength and merit. Invariably we fail to do so. Not only that, we then convince ourselves that because the temptation was small and insignificant that the resultant fall into sin was also small and of little consequence. But the thing is – sin is sin!

However, on this Ash Wednesday, at the beginning of Lent, we are reminded of how our Lord did overcome temptation and would go on to overcome sin and death. As a result of this, of we come before the Lord and acknowledge our failure to overcome temptation, then through faith we might all find life in Him. Praise be to God!

‘When I am afraid, O Lord Almighty, I put my trust in you…’ (Psalm 56:3)

When things happen in life that cause us to be fearful what do we do and to whom do we turn? Do we put our trust in our own strength and resources? Do we turn to others for help, guidance and advice? No doubt we do all of these. But when do we turn to the Lord? Before doing any of the above or after we have exhausted the above? Look to the Lord first and put your trust in Him.