‘Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus…’ (Romans 8:1)

The moment we give our lives to Christ and embrace Him as our Lord and Saviour our salvation is assured. For many, even with great faith, still there are times when we doubt this by questioning whether we are ‘good enough’. The simple fact is that none of us are good enough, it is by the Grace of God through our Lord we are saved. So let’s give thanks to the Lord now for His saving Grace.

‘…God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to Him…’ (1 Peter 5:7)

Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, the Lord is with us and always will be, so reflect on this short verse and ask yourself, how easily do I turn all my worries over to God and what might I need to do to change that.

‘In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you…’ (Matthew 7:12)

If everyone behaved in this kind of a way, just think what a difference it might make in our world today. Yet even as we reflect on this perhaps we have do ask ourselves, do we behave in this way?

‘Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.’ (Joshua 1:9)

Life is full of ups and downs, and at times we can feel as if we are all on our own, having to face or deal with whatever the situation is before us. But here we are reminded that is far from the case. No matter who we are, no matter where we are, no matter what we face, the Lord with be with us at all times. So take time now to give Him thanks for His continued presence with us and ask for the courage, strength and faith that we might need to walk with, and to put our trust in Him.

‘Give yourself to the Lord; trust in Him and He will keep you…’ (Psalm 37:5)

Can we say that we do as the Psalmist suggests here? Do we trust in the Lord in this way? Come before Him now and ask for this trust and faith and put yourself in His hands.

‘God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you…”‘ (Hebrews 13:5)

Just take a few moments to reflect on these few words and then give thanks to the Lord for His loving grace.

‘Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing…’ (John 15: 5-6)

Ho often do we find ourselves in the position whereby we feel as if we’re getting nowhere with whatever it is we have set out to do. Despite our good intentions and best efforts still we feel as if no progress whatsoever is being made. at times like this we need to reflect on these words from John. All too often we turn to the Lord only when we feel as if we have no other option, but John reminds us here that we should we turning to the Lord first – apart from me you can do nothing.

‘…the Spirit gives us power, love and self-control…’ (2 Tim. 1:7)

Often when we think of power we think of something that equates to a show of strength and sadly we see power exercised selfishly in this kind of way so often in our world today, in a way whereby those exercising it show very little regard for others as they do so. Here, however, Paul reminds us that when it comes to God’s Holy Spirit, power is associated with characteristics such as love and self-control, and when we demonstrate characteristics such as these we are walking in the footsteps our our Saviour.

‘The Lord is good, His love is forever…’ (Psalm 100:5)

Life is full of change and it comes in all shapes and sizes. Even if we think we follow the same daily routine and go about our lives in the same way each day, a closer examination and reflection will surely reveal differences which have occurred. We as human beings change also – physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are the same person, but still we change. Sometimes, however, not all change is good and as a consequence this can impact upon our lives in a negative manner.

How good then is it to know that in amongst all of this there is one thing that never changes. It never has and it never will – and that is the love that God has for us, a love that is forever. So in this ever changing world and in our ever changing lives, let’s give thanks that in all of this we can trust and depend on the love of God – may this be a comfort and strength to us in all that we are and do.

‘Jesus said, “those who hear my words and believe in Him who sent me have eternal life…’ (John 5:24)

Take time now to reflect on these words from John’s Gospel and then give thanks to God for His redeeming love.