Something to think about this week, “Palm Sunday tells us that … it is the cross that is the true tree of life” (Pope Benedict XV1).

Life often reminds us of our insufficiencies: who we are not, what we lack, how far we still have to go. On the other hand, the Bible reassures us that the blessings of heaven our ours. It reaffirms that God has brought us this far and isn’t going to give up on us now. So if you ever feel down, remember that you are always on God’s mind (Psalm 139:17-17).

As this Sunday is Mothering Sunday, a time when we specifically thank God for Christian women the world over, you might like this quote, ”A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.”—Eleanor Roosevelt. This quote certainly fits with this week’s sermon entitled, “Faithfulness in Hardship” based on the Book of Ruth Chapter 1.

Food for thought, “The kingdom of heaven is worth infinitely more than the cost of discipleship, and those who know where the treasure lies joyfully abandon everything else to secure it” (D. A. Carson).

Here is a quote from D L Moody, “The work of the Spirit is to impart life, to implant hope, to give liberty, to testify of Christ, to guide us into all truth, to teach us all things, to comfort the believer, and to convict the world of sin.” I think we can all agree that we all need more of the Holy Spirit in our lives if we are to fulfil our calling as God’s people.

D L Moody once said, “This is the test as to your being a true child of God – whether you love and feed upon the Word of God.” Would you pass this test with flying colours? If not, why not?

Having a bad day? Then sit down, have a cup of tea and remind yourself that Jesus not only died but rose again. He has defeated sin, Satan and death and now reigns victorious in heaven. Not only that, He has prepared a place for you – so banish the blues and let’s celebrate with a biscuit or two!

Pray this weekend that God will give ears to hear His word, and that you will also have the grace to respond in obedience.

Billy Graham once said, “As Christians, we have only one authority, one compass: the Word of God.” So this week, and every week, make sure you spend your time reading what the Bible says, rather than what man says about the Bible.

“The second coming of Christ will be so revolutionary that it will change every aspect of life on this planet. Christ will reign in righteousness. Disease will be arrested. Death will be modified. War will be abolished. Nature will be changed. Man will live as it was originally intended he should live.” – Billy Graham.