Ephesians 2:8 says we have been saved through faith. How does faith work? We are not saved by a feeling. Nope, not the feels. But rather by getting to grips with the simplicity, challenge and complexity of the Gospel of Jesus, then accepting it for our lives. Reminding ourselves of the 'Good News' of Jesus every day gives us a solid faith foundation. We need to remember every day how much God loves us.

Romans 10:17 tells us not to wait for a bolt of lightning to ignite our faith. If we've ever found ourselves waiting for our experience of God to kick off, like the guy five seats away who always lifts his hands in worship, we don't need to. When someone's truly close to God, they've been spending quality time with him. It's about listening to God, and not trying to force anything by ourselves.

Hebrews 11:6 encourages us that to truly 'hear' the word of God we need to receive it with an open heart. Even the best sermon, on its own, can't bring us closer to God. Believing that God is alive and willing to meet with us will greatly help that: 'Anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him' (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

So what now? Have you been taking faith into your own hands, trying to get closer to God without stopping to listen to his voice? Take 10 minutes, as soon as possible, to drop everything to be with him.

In Psalm 39:4-7, it seems like David's hit a pessimistic speedbump in his psalm writing. He's questioning God about his life being just a moment, a breath, a tiny speck of insignificance. Is this true? People have depth to them; it's hard to comprehend human beings as 'shadows...all their work for nothing' (Psalm 39:6 NCV). Our friends, family, neighbours, celebrities, prisoners, newborn babies, the older generation... all people are created with a God-given purpose.

But, however huge an impact we make, we are still only here for the short-term. Our time on earth is insanely small in comparison to eternity. And all the hard work and effort we put in on earth won't add up to a lot unless it helps point people to Jesus.

How do we ensure our time on earth makes a difference? Without God, we can only stay within the bounds of this earth and everything that comes with being imperfect. Let's go to the one who brought us to eternity in the first place. Let's give our good ideas, our fears, our work/study life, even our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9) to the God who gave everything for us. He'll show us how we can use everything to bless him and others.

So what now? What things in your life do you put hope in? Where do you put that hope? Commit your hope to God, and ask him to be in it. Like David eventually says in that psalm, say, 'I depend on you, Lord.'

Be advised of the sensitive theme of suicide in today's reading...

When a loved one dies by suicide, with the grief comes an extra load of unanswerable questions. 'What should I have said or done differently?' 'Didn't they appreciate how much this would hurt us?' Those feelings and questions take time, and God's grace, to resolve. Those who have lost a loved one through suicide wrestle with these questions, so we pray this reading will help.

'How does God feel about people who commit suicide?' God's plan is not suicide... for anyone. But equally, nobody understands better than God the pain and despair that could lead someone to want to escape their suffering. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is constantly 'moved with compassion' for people. And today's verse describes how God feels about those who are feeling extremely fragile and ready to break: he is for us, not against us. 'Are those who commit suicide not allowed into Heaven?' In Matthew 12:31-32, the Bible lays out the only 'unforgivable' sin: and it isn't suicide. God's plan is not suicide. He has more for each of us than that. But he loves every person beyond suicide, too. Those who are grieving don't need to add that worry to their loads. Read Romans 8:38-39. Suicide can't stop God's overflowing love or undo the salvation his love bought.

So what now? Pray for those who've lost loved ones through suicide, and for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. 'Come, Lord Jesus, to each of them, I pray.'

Almost everyone has someone they need to make amends with, in some way: a friend, a work colleague or a family member. The longer it's left alone, the more it swells up into something worse than it should be.

Good news: Jesus has a simple, useful approach to setting us free from a grudge. Uncomfortable news first: to be close to God, we need to recognise the link between knowing him and forgiving others. Let's check out this challenging verse: 'Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift' (Matthew 5:23-24 NIV).

What does this mean? Worshipping, drawing near to God and being filled to go out and serve him - there's something that needs to happen before that: reconciliation. It's a humbling experience to make the first move, even if we haven't caused the problem. Check out what Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV: 'In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.' Today is the best time to make the move and set things straight. That's the way to freedom with others, ourselves and with God.

So what now? If you need to reconcile with someone, start today. Thank God that he's at work in the situation, softening hearts before you meet.

In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus lays out three steps for confronting someone who's out of line. First step: meet that person alone (if that's not a safe option, let's not put ourselves in harm's way). Second step: if they don't listen, meet them with friends. Third step: if they still don't listen, that's when we take it to leaders. But let's show them love and grace, regardless of any lack of remorse. That's how Jesus treated the 'pagans and tax collectors' who weren't sorry for stuff they'd done wrong.

When someone has really hurt us it's hard to even want to see them. Why then bother trying to forgive? Jesus himself said: 'I can guarantee again that if two of you agree on anything here on earth, my Father in Heaven will accept it. Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them' (Matthew 18:19-20 GWT). Coming together and reconciling, with humility and prayer, brings a blessing. (1) God promises to be with two people in agreement. When we call someone out, the ball's in their court. If they agree that they need to reconcile, God is with both people. (2) Peace isn't possible without God's presence. Doing what Jesus instructs us isn't easy, but it brings people closer to God. Done with God's Spirit, reconciliation is incredibly healing.

So what now? Needing to reconcile with someone? Using the three steps in Matthew 18:15-20, with a heart for reconciliation, ask God to help you and watch how he brings life again.

Sometimes, temptations come our way that leave us with a split-second choice to make: follow what we wish God wanted us to do, or stay close to what he actually wants us to do. Here's what we mean: in 1 Samuel, we hear how King Saul tried to kill David rather than allow God's promise that David would be the next on the throne to come to pass.

Then, in 1 Samuel 26:8 NIV, one of David's soldiers found Saul asleep, and reported to David that, 'God has delivered your enemy into your hands.' Great. The chance to take Saul out; all David needed to do was draw his sword. Except that David was intent on staying as close to God as he possibly could. He said, 'The Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord's anointed' (1 Samuel 26:11 NIV).

No matter what God wants for us, opportunities to cut corners will present themselves. What to do? Let's decide in our heart right now, before times of temptation come, to stay true to the values that God wants for us. Even if it means waiting. Ask God to make it clear to us when to pass up on something that looks good but isn't from him.

So what now? Chat to God about how he wants you respond when temptation comes in the future. Decide now to follow his lead. Find a friend you can contact easily when faced with tempting situations. Be honest with them and be thankful that they are there to keep you on track.