Sometimes a talk in church or at a Christian event feels like it's directly aimed at us! It can be unnerving. But before we assume that the person talking has been following us around or stalking our social media pages to get our personal story, let's take a look at what God's word actually does.

In Hebrews 4:12 NIV it says, 'The word of God is alive and active.' Ah ok, so that goose-bump, hairs-on-the-back-of-our-necks-are-standing-up moment could actually be God talking to us through the speaker? Cool. But hang on, that verse goes on to say that God's word is 'sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.' Ouch. Sounds painful; and it can be. When we choose to follow Jesus we agree to a life that pleases him. So, when we find ourselves doing things that aren't so Jesus-like, he's sure to bring it up in conversation.

God's word is his message to us (and to the world). And it 'judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart' (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). So, next time we get that goosebumps moment, let's take notice and chat to God. Let's start by thanking him for speaking to us and use it as an opportunity to examine the condition of our heart.

So what now? So, next time we get that goosebumps moment, let's take notice and chat to God. Let's start by thanking him for speaking to us and use it as an opportunity to examine the condition of our heart.

Dennis the Menace is a mischievous fictional character - he first came to life in comic strip form in the early 1950's. Many of the storylines involve him disrupting the life his cranky adult neighbour, George. Whilst Dennis' actions are not malicious, George does get very frustrated and annoyed: as we might if our neighbour - Dennis - rolled our camper van down the hill or continually interrupted our dinner parties.

What do we do when someone offends us? When they take the joke too far or make a comment that hurts? Jesus told us to love one another as he loved us (John 13:34-35). As believers, God is keen for us to stand out (that's 'stand out from the crowd', not 'stand outside the offending person's house verbally lashing out'). It means to respond to people and situations in a way that glorifies who God is.

Whilst we may not consider ourselves the 'get our own back' type, we may 'freeze out' those we're unhappy with, without realising it. The way we respond - with love or with revenge - has consequences: 'Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends' (Proverbs 17:9 NLT). Responding to offence may feel 'right', but in reality it tears down: them and us.

So what now? Been offended or hurt recently? Pray about it and then speak to the person. Perhaps they may not even know you were offended. Respond in a God-honouring way - even if they don't apologise. Love always prospers.

We've been learning that God provides for our personal needs. But, what about when we see a need someone else has, and it doesn't seem like God is meeting it? Ah. Here's a hard-hitting truth for us as Christians: we are the hands and feet of Jesus on earth (1 Corinthians 12:27). So that means that when there's a need, we could be asked to meet it.

Now we're not meant to start throwing money into every need that comes along; nor are we called to apply to go on every mission trip. But, it does mean that when we find something that breaks our heart and it feels like a prompt from God, we should sit up and take notice. Maybe God is calling us to a particular area of mission or asking us to give up our daily coffee in order to bless someone else.

Whether it's time, money or effort, let's be sure to pray things through first. Taking it to God will either fire us if it's really him nudging us take action or it will ground us from possible burn-out. Let's get God's perspective before we launch into anything. Talk to older, wiser Christians or chat things through with our pastor or minister. Meeting the needs of the world through the power of Jesus is amazing; so let's make sure we're doing it in whatever way we can.

So what now? One practical step: choose an organisation that always gets your attention. Do some research and find out what they're about and what their needs are, then get praying.

Most of us live pretty comfortably. We have food on the table and a roof over our heads. We can get away with saying we 'need' something, when in actual fact we actually only 'want' it. Sometimes things can get tough, but most of us could say we generally live well.

But what about the times when the things we have just aren't enough, when the future is looming and we're not sure we can afford it? What about those university fees or rental deposit or car payments? Will we ever be earning enough to have our own place?! But, let's slow down and think about this from God's perspective. This is the God who 'covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills' (Psalm 147:8 NIV). He's aware of our needs (Matthew 6:32) and he wants us to lay them before him expectantly (Psalm 5:3).

That doesn't mean we have a wish-fulfilling genie who gives us everything we ask for, but it does mean we've never had a friend like him. God's able to see our real needs and he's ready to help us. Whether it's emotional strength, physical energy or financial stuff, God's ready to help us face it and provide all we need as it's required.

So what now? Have a read of Matthew 6:25-34 - then pray that God will help you learn to rely on him for everything, the big things and the little things.

In puppet shows, sometimes the puppeteer uses puppets with two characters sewn into one? They're often characters with opposing personalities. Some people think that God is a bit like that: a lovely, kind character who's helpful and wise when people do their best, but then when bad stuff happens he's hard and mean. Although we may not admit it, sometimes we may think that about him too. We could be tempted to think he doesn't care about our situation or that he's trying to teach us a lesson.

But here's the truth: God always cares because he never changes. In fact, Hebrews 13:8 NIV says, 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.' This is the Jesus we read about in the Bible, the one performing miracles and transforming broken lives. He's still at work today, and he still cares about us - in fact, he cares way more than anyone else.

There will be times when we don't understand what God is doing, but if we understand his good and unchanging character, we can trust that he's always working for our good (see Romans 8:28).

So what now? If you've been feeling like God doesn't seem to care much about what's happening in your life, it may be that you've not been on the best speaking terms with him? Today, take some time out, sit in your secret place and chat with him. When you do, remind yourself of his real character; Psalm 103 is good to help you remember. Read it out loud and be encouraged.

In the 16th Century, some women copied Queen Elizabeth's pale complexion by applying something called 'ceruse'. Unfortunately this stuff contained white lead and whilst they may have achieved the skin tone of a royal, they'd soon end up with hair loss and skin damage (and quite possibly death).

Why the history lesson? Beauty is a weird thing. Whether it's haircuts, clothes, jewellery or white lead, we're constantly updating what's seen as beautiful. We hear the whole 'beauty is on the inside' spiel, but here's a radical thought... what if true beauty is only found in Jesus? What if the beauty inside of us is only there as a result of the transforming power of Jesus? We're not perfect, but when we chase after the things of God we allow him to reveal more of his beauty to those around us.

In 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV it says, 'The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' What a heart-stopping, amazing realisation. God is looking for beauty in our everyday actions and thoughts. Will he find it?

So what now? Ever tempted to think of yourself (or others) as ugly? Write down today's verse: 'Keep your eyes on the Lord! You will shine like the sun' (Psalm 34:5 CEV). Stick it on your mirror as a reminder that you are filled with a beauty beyond comprehension. And that you should look beyond skin-deep when it comes to others too.