‘The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, which is given to us…’ (Rom. 5:5)
Through the Holy Spirit God’s love is with us at all times – wherever we are and whatever we are doing. What a comfort that surely is to us as we face life’s daily struggles, knowing that the Lord is there to pour His love upon us continually. Allow that love to embrace you today and give thanks to the Lord for loving us as He does.
‘Christ is all and is in all…’ (Colossians 3:11)
As we go about our daily lives dealing with all those important issues along with the mundane ones, I wonder how often we take time to consider what these words from Colossians say. In many ways they kind of echo the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 139 and remind us that no matter where we are, no matter what we are doing, our Lord is always with us, sharing with us in every aspect of our life. Surely this is worth giving thanks to God for – the comfort, joy and reassurance we can all have in knowing that Christ is with us at all times.
‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty…’ (Rev. 1:8)
Just take time to reflect on these few words from Revelation and what they are actually saying. Then give thanks that this same Lord is our Saviour.
‘Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name…’ (Isaiah 12:4)
How do we praise the Lord in our every day lives? Through the things we say and do? Does our everyday behaviour do justice to the praise we should offer the Lord? Do we proclaim His name as we should in the way we live out our faith?
These are all difficult and searching questions, but they are ones we should be reflecting on every day of our lives. The Lord gave His life that we might have life eternal with Him through faith – surely that is worthy of praise and surely this is something we should be proclaiming to others through the way we live, wherever and whenever we can.
‘But my eyes are fixed on you, sovereign Lord…’ (Psalm 141:8)
Every day of our lives we are faced with many things that need our attention. Sometimes we might feel able to give these situations the time and energy they require, but at other times we might feel as if we are being overrun. At times like this we need to look to the Lord and focus on Him. If we do this and spend the time with Him that we should, He will help us to face whatever comes our way and to do so in a way where we won’t feel overwhelmed.
‘The Lord remembers us and will bless us…’ (Psalm 115:12)
As we live out our daily lives, we can so easily feel as if life itself takes so much out of us in terms of our energy and our emotions, and all too often this can lead to us feeling somewhat down, especially when it seems as if there is always something else that we need to deal with, When those moments come ‘hit the pause button’ and take a step back and come to the Lord. Come to the Lord and remember words like this from the Psalmist – and in these words take comfort and strength.
‘Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…’ (Heb. 12:1)
Our journey through life can at times be tough and full of obstacles and temptation along the way, so much so that we may on occasion have doubts and questions as to the reason for this journey. When those times come, look to the Lord – look to Him and focus on Him and He will guide us on our way.
‘Make a joyful noise to the Lord…’ (Psalm 100:1)
Give thanks to the Lord today for all He has given you and all He has done for you, and rejoice in His goodness and love.
From the first Sunday in July, Sunday the 4th of July, we will be able to sing again in both churches. However, face coverings do still need to be worn and all other restrictions remain in place ie. social distancing etc. I am also delighted to say that we have appointed a new organist, Mrs. Alison Malcolm, and Alison will begin in both churches on the 4th of July. Further to that, I’m also delighted to say that from Sunday the 4th of July Bendochy Church will be open for worship every Sunday. The current restrictions still remain in place, but from Sunday the 4th we will have weekly services in Bendochy at 10.00am and in the Abbey Church at 11.15am, and we look forward to seeing you there.
‘My grace is sufficient for you…’ (2 Cor. 12:9)
This verse comes in the middle of that well known passage where Paul pleads to the Lord three times to have a ‘thorn in his flesh’ removed. What this thorn was, we do not know. We assume it was something physical, but there could also have been some emotional or spiritual aspect to it also. However, the Lord reminds Paul that His grace is sufficient – and maybe this is something we all need to remember and hold on to. I expect we all have our own thorns to deal with in our everyday lives. But whatever they are and no matter what form they take, take comfort and strength from these words.
