‘The Lord will receive my prayer…’ (Psalm 6:9)
What do we understand by prayer? Do we think of it as handing everything over to God? Do we believe it is based on the promises and purpose of God? Does praying come as easily to us as believing the Word of God does? Do we believe that in prayer we conform to the will of God? What does prayer mean to us?
‘You are complete in Him…’ (Colossians 2:10)
No matter what we have in life, no matter what we achieve, unless we know Jesus Christ in our life we will never be complete. So come to Him today, and everyday, giving Him thanks for all His goodness and provision and ask Him to help you put your trust and faith in Him for all things.
‘Be still and know that I am God…’ (Psalm 46:10)
Whatever you are doing take time now to come before the Lord your God and know that He is with you.
‘By grace we are saved through faith…’ (Ephesians 2:8)
Take a few moments to consider the greatness of God’s love expressed in these few words. We are saved, not by our own merits or anything we do, but rather by – and only by – the grace of God Himself. And as we reflect on this let’s now take time to give Him thanks with grateful hearts for His overwhelming love to us.
‘God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all…’ (1 John 1:5)
I’m sure we’ve all noticed how it is becoming darker earlier each evening, especially so when it’s a cloudy, overcast day. As the weeks go by it will become even darker, especially when the clocks change again, and generally we don’t like darkness, we prefer light.
Sometimes we might find ourselves enshrouded in some form of darkness in our life – a darkness brought about by bereavement, ill health, financial worries, family disputes – and I’m sure there are many more. During such times we go through a whole of emotions and, as the saying goes, we can often see no light at the end of the tunnel.
However, John reminds us here that God Himself is light and that in Him there is no darkness. So if we can hold on to our faith and look to Him during these times of darkness, there will always be a light to look to. The darkness may still surround us, but it will not envelope us – remember the opening chapter of John’s Gospel, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
‘When He saw the multitudes He was moved with compassion for them…’ (Matt.9:36)
As Christians we are called to show the same compassion towards others as our Lord did, but where do we begin? Many would say the true compassion begins with genuine heartfelt prayer, borne out of genuine sympathy, concern and care for others. This along with true faith and love is surely where we begin when showing compassion to others.
A new shortened edition of our newsletter is now available to see on our website. To access this simply click on the Isla Link blue tab on the homepage. Hard copies of this have been produced and should be delivered to households over the next week or so. Thank you to all who have been involved in this. It’s been a while since we have had a newsletter so it’s good to be able to do so again.
The minister will be hosting an online Bible Study over the next few weeks on a Wednesday evening, looking at different Biblical characters. If you would like to join in please drop him an email on Andrew.Graham@churchofscotland.org.uk
‘I will not forget thy word…'(Psalm 119:16)
Within the Word of God we can find all we need to help us through all that life throws at us on a daily basis. No matter what we are facing, no matter the circumstances, the Word of God can help us find a way through. Times may still be tough and there may still be tears shed, but in God’s Word we can prevail.
‘He will be our guide…’ (Psalm 48:14)
Whether we acknowledge it or not, God has a plan for every one of us and by His Spirit He will guide us along the path that He would have us take. But are we willing to walk that path with the Lord? Are we happy for Him to guide us through our lives? These are the questions we need to keep asking ourselves as we seek to live out our faith each day.
‘Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power…’ (Ephesians 6:10)
How often do we try to do things in our own way and in our own strength? Look to the Lord and He will guide you in all things.
