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"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." [Romans 8:24-25] Isn't it hard when we are waiting for something big or life changing to happen in our lives? Doesn't the time drag on, because we want it to happen now! It could be we are waiting to have enough money saved for a deposit on our first house. Waiting for a long overdue promotion at

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." [ Jeremiah 29:11] Well, here we are starting a new year, and many of us have already made New Years Resolutions! The most common ones are to lose weight, eat healthier, drink more water and exercise more! Yes, these are my New Years Resolutions yet again this year! But these goals are vague and have no purpose because they are not SMART go

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply from the heart." [1 Peter 1:22] This verse may be one of the most difficult commands, not only in this letter, but in the entirety of Scripture. There is a lot to unpack regarding love but let us first of all put this verse in its context. In 1 Peter 1:22, Peter is telling believers what their new life in Christ should look like. He is saying that

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." [ John 3:16] So, we have reached the 4th advent Sunday and the candle that symbolises love: the Angels candle. At its heart, the story of Christmas, is a story about love; God’s immeasurable, sacrificial, world-changing love for us. The beauty of this love is how it doesn’t come to us in grandeur or from a distance. Instead, it arrives in the mo

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." - 1 Peter 1:8 Perhaps, because of all the preparation and commercialism around Christmas, we have become tired, or even cynical about it. It's hard to feel joyful when we have a million and one things to do, and very little time to get it all done! If you ask most people to define joy, they will use words like happines

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." [John 14:27] As we move through the advent season one of the most profound gifts we are invited to reflect on is peace. Yet, if we are honest, Christmas often feels like anything but peaceful. As the song sung by Andy Williams says, "Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year." It's a busy season of shopping, writing Christm

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." [ Romans 15:13] At this time of year, in every store, coffee shop and restaurant, we are confronted with Christmas songs telling us to "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" or "Tis the season to be jolly." TV advertisements depict families gathered around a groaning table full of food, or a twinkling tree stuffed with presents. Chur

"For everything in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - comes not from the Father but from the world." - 1 John 2:16 Don't we live in a culture where we can get everything we want, anytime we want it by a click of a button? We live in a day and age where everything is accessible and all of this convenience means we don't often choose to go without something. It's hard not to get swept up in the quest for more. We are marketed to con

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." [1 Corinthians 1:10] If you grew up with siblings, you have almost definitely been involved with family squabbles. Usually the quarrels within my family were over some unfairness that we perceived was happening. Generally the fallout did not last lon

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you." [ Ephesians 4:31-32] Have you ever been hurt deeply by someone and struggled to move past the pain? Do you feel bitter and resentful and unable to let go of an offense? If so, you are not alone! Being wounded by others, is an inevitable part of life in a broken world. Forgiveness

Through Jesus we have gained access to the Father, and the gates are thrown wide open in welcome.

As we continue to read, meditate and pray through this Psalm, we will see everlasting evidence of hope, peace and truth.

God is our gracious and bountiful benefactor for both our bodies and soul, for all time and eternity.

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4]

a beautiful picture of how God wants to guide us and bless us throughout our lives.

What is God calling you to do today?

Matthew 24:9-10 "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers....

...there is one object of fear which produces a positive reaction...

When God is our hiding place, we find peace that cannot be disturbed by the circumstances around us.