Spellow

See our webpage

2012-02-20T15:07:00.000Z

Please take a look around our webpage

www.SpellowLaneChurch.org

Kate Middleton

2012-02-14T14:18:00.002Z

We saw Kate today at Alder Hey hospital

Valentines Day

2012-02-14T00:44:00.001Z

VALENTINE, HOW DO I LOVE THEE?

By: Rusty Wright

Valentine's Day brings sweet expressions of romance. "I love you" fills telephone lines, mailboxes, airwaves, personal ads and cybertraffic. The price of flowers mysteriously rises in February.

How do you say, "I love you"? Maybe a kind greeting in the morning or a phone call midday? A nice lunch or dinner can convey the feeling. So can a surprise love note planted on the pillow, taped inside the medicine cabinet, or tucked in the briefcase.

The day before I married Meg Korpi recently, I wanted to buy some nice flowers to brighten our B&B room for the wedding night. I visited a large local variety store featuring quality flowers and purchased 18 lovely red roses.

After checkout, I was surprised to spot Meg about fifty feet away speaking with a clerk. Neither of us had known of the other's plan to visit that store that morning.

Thinking quickly, I hid the roses behind my back and kept walking in her direction. She likely had seen me. I decided to walk up behind her, kiss her on the cheek, and ask her to marry me. With a big smile and bright eyes, I proceeded toward her until I was about twenty feet away.

She looked up and we made eye contact. It wasn't Meg. (I am a bit nearsighted. Meg is prettier.)

Instantly mobilizing my considerable diplomatic skills, cool head, incomparable boldness and lightning intellect, I made a sharp left and exited the store. I had nearly kissed and proposed to the wrong woman. My motives were honorable, but my analysis of the situation was flawed.

Postscript: Meg enjoyed the flowers and we both enjoyed the honeymoon. Actually, we really enjoyed the honeymoon and would like to apply to do that full time. We still wonder whom to approach about approval for such an assignment.

Communication, so important in relationships, can be tricky. 60 Minutes veteran Mike Wallace, speaking through an interpreter, asked former Russian president Boris Yeltsin if he weren't being a bit "thin skinned" in his sensitivity to media criticism. The interpreter goofed, telling Yeltsin that Wallace had said, "You are a thick-skinned hippopotamus."

A speaker at a Miami meeting I attended told of efforts to translate a biblical love poem into the language of a Kenyan tribe. The phrase, "Your beauty is like that of the lily," did not connect with the rural East Africans, for whom lilies were mere cattle fodder. Their culture highly esteemed the cow, not the flower. On the advice of tribesmen, the translators rendered the romantic phrase: "You are a black cow in a herd of spotted cattle.

The speaker relating this tale suggested I use that compliment on my new bride, without explanation. Since Meg was returning to California from Philadelphia that evening, I left the cryptic greeting on our home answering machine. A few hours later, my Miami phone rang. Her first words: "And you are a thick-skinned hippopotamus!"

Popular speaker Josh McDowell delineates three meanings of "I love you." "I love you if" and "I love you because" are based on performance or personality: "if you go out with me, have a good sense of humor or sleep with me; because you are attractive, intelligent, athletic."

Most people desire unconditional acceptance: "I love you period: even with your weaknesses, if you change or if someone better looking comes along." In its ultimate form, it is the love exemplified by Jesus of Nazareth when he said, "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

"Less conditional" might better describe the best love imperfect humans can manifest, even as a fruit of faith. It is a giving attitude that can brighten any romance and undergird a successful relationship.

One husband, asked the secret of his long marriage, replied, "It's really quite simple. We take time two evenings a week to go out to a nice restaurant. A delicious dinner, some candlelight, soft music, a slow walk home. . . . She goes Tuesdays, I go Fridays."

This Valentine's Day, may you and the one you love find genuine joy as you communicate your mutual love . . . together.

Rusty Wright is an author and lecturer with Probe.org who has spoken on six continents. He holds Bachelor of Science (psychology) and Master of Theology degrees from Duke and Oxford universities, respectively.

Meet with us on Sunday next 12 Feb at Hope Church Bootle

2012-02-09T18:31:00.003Z

We have a joint meeting, Richmond Baptist, Ebenezer Chapel, Queens Drive and us, all meeting with Hope Church Bootle at 6.30 Sunday evening.
— Stephen (@spellowlane) February 9, 2012

Spring Harvest 2012

2012-02-02T10:51:00.000Z

Spring Harvest 2012

The recipe of faith

2012-01-09T10:40:00.000Z

Here’s the timeless recipe of faith:

don’t look at the size of the problem, but rather find God’s promise concerning it and begin to confess those promises over it. Don’t listen to or speak out the whimpers of your soul but let faith arise that Jesus remains the High Priest of the (God-inspired) words we speak, just as He promised.

Find that “God-word”, that fits your situation and begin to confess that in faith and watch what happens."

[Click here for the full talk from Andy Elmes]

Thanks

2012-01-07T11:25:00.000Z

To all who helped out and gave ...........Thanks !

This New Year

2012-01-02T11:10:00.000Z

Welcome to a New Year, to 2012.
I dont know what it will bring for you, or for me, but I pray for all God's great blessing.

God's will for us is clear in the Bible, we are to rejoice in all things, pray without ceasing, give thanks, be sanctified [made holy] and to do good works. (1Thessalonians 5:16-18, 1Thess.4:3, 1Peter 2:15)

Whatever lies ahead, take God's hand and go there together.

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year,
"Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown."
And he replied, "Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!"
So I went forth and finding the Hand of God
Trod gladly into the night.
He led me towards the hills
And the breaking of day in the lone east.
So heart be still!
What need our human life to know
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife of things
Both high and low,
God hideth his intention.

"The Gate of the Year" is the popular name given to a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins. The title given to it by the author was "God Knows". She studied and then taught at the London School of Economics in the first half of the twentieth century.

[edit] Background

The poem, published in 1908, was part of a collection titled The Desert. It caught the public attention and the popular imagination, when Queen Elizabeth handed a copy to her husband, King George VI, and he quoted it in his 1939 Christmas broadcast to the British Empire.
The poem was widely acclaimed as inspirational, reaching its first mass audience in the early days of the Second World War. Its words remained a source of comfort to the Queen for the rest of her life, and she had its words engraved on brass plaques and fixed to the gates of the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle, where the King was interred. The Queen Mother was also buried here in 2002, and the words of "The Gate of the Year" were read out at her state funeral.

New Years Day

2011-12-28T10:46:00.000Z

Spellow,

remember there is no meeting Thursday but we meet again on

New Years Day Sunday at 10.45

Christmas Morning

2011-12-20T11:41:00.001Z

Our Christmas morning service is at 10.30.

We would be so pleased to have you join with us to celebrate the birth of the Messiah

Christmas Carol Service

2011-12-07T09:35:00.000Z

Join us for our 2011 Carol Service

Sunday evening 18th December at 6.30

***

Christmas Morning Family Service at 10.30

***

A child in a needy world

2011-12-02T12:06:00.002Z

Christmas is coming !

2011-12-01T00:20:00.001Z

The story of two young people, just like you and me, but in a different time :

Christmas unwrapped

2011-11-28T08:26:00.000Z

Happy Birthday Spellow

2011-11-21T07:23:00.000Z

The building of Spellow Lane Church is

120 yrs old today

Praise God for those years of witness and pray for our future testimony.

Shoebox Appeal : Final few days

2011-11-14T11:29:00.000Z

It may only be 1 Shoebox, but it WILL make a difference to a childs Christmas.
There's only a few days left.
Last year 1.12 million gift-filled shoeboxes were wrapped and packed by children and adults in the UK and sent to children in parts of the world where Christmas presents are a luxury they cannot afford.

We'd be happy to take yours in at Spellow [Thursday night], if it helps.

Or go to : http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/

Faithful Messenger

2011-11-14T08:52:00.000Z

Faithful messenger

Prepare

Meditate on Isaiah 6:8: ‘Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”’

Acts 17:1-15

Acts 17

In Thessalonica

¹ When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. ² As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, ³ explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah," he said. ⁴ Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. ⁵ But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. ⁶ But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, ⁷ and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus." ⁸ When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. ⁹ Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

In Berea

¹⁰ As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. ¹¹ Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. ¹² Many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. ¹³ But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. ¹⁴ The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. ¹⁵ Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

Main point

Varied reactions
Wherever Paul went, he talked about Jesus in a way that his listeners would understand. In today’s passage, we see him talking to Jews and God-fearing Gentiles (non-Jews who nevertheless believed in the God of the Jews).

Over several weeks, Paul presents the gospel message to them using as his starting point the Jewish Scriptures which were familiar to them. However, despite the time and care Paul gives to presenting his message, his listeners’ reactions are very varied!

Keep sharing
As we, too, share the message of Jesus with others, we will encounter similar responses to those in this passage. Some people are like the Jews of Thessalonica (v 5), becoming angry and defensive. Others, such as the God-fearers and prominent women (v 4), will believe!

Still others will be like the Bereans (v 11), testing our message to see if it is true. Some of these will eventually come to faith, others will not.

Paul’s role – like ours today – was to keep sharing the message in a relevant way, whether his listeners chose to believe it or to reject it. God does not hold us accountable for people’s reactions to our message; he only calls us to be faithful in sharing it.

Respond

Pray for those with whom you are sharing or have shared the good news about Jesus. Tell the Lord about your frustrations and disappointments, as well as your joys!

Deeper study

One of the qualities which mission demands of us is flexibility. Paul understood that he had been called to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46–48) but that did not override his concern for his own people, the Jews, and even in pagan cities his starting point was usually the synagogue (v 2).

Our foremost calling is to follow Christ, and whilst we need to steward our time and energy carefully we mustn’t be too choosy about who we minister to. Proclaiming Christ is our central task, whether we do it to young or old, to people from our own culture or to those from other backgrounds (Colossians 1:28).

Another quality demonstrated here is patience. Even though Paul’s time in Thessalonica was shorter than his extended stays in other places, such as one and a half years in Corinth (Acts 18:11), his proclamation wasn’t hurried. He went to the synagogue on three Sabbath days, taking time to ‘reason with them from the Scriptures’ (vs 2,3).

Evangelism may be urgent but it is not usually quick. Undue haste can limit its effectiveness severely. Here Paul’s patience was rewarded when Jews and Greeks joined him (v 4).

Whether it came through bitter experience or not, Paul was resilient in the face of opposition. His proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah who suffered was enough to disturb some of the Jews (v 5), but when they brought him to the city officials, the accusation was that he claimed that Jesus was king (v 7).

Perhaps the ability to tailor the accusation to the particular judge was something they had learnt from Jesus’ own accusers (Luke 23:1,2). However, the motive of people who oppose the message is not always as straightforward as it seems. Luke says that the real reason for the opposition of some of the Jews was neither theological nor a concern for Caesar (v 7) – it was simple jealousy (v 5).

Background: Thessalonica and Berea

Thessalonica
Thessalonica was the chief city of Macedonia, and Thessaloniki is still the second city of Greece today. Possessing a magnificent harbour, the city was the seat of Roman administration in Macedonia.

It was located on the overland route between the East and Italy, the Via Egnatia, and also on the main route from the Aegean to the Danube. Two Roman arches, the Vardar Gate and the Arch of Galerius, marked the western and eastern boundaries of the city.

Berea
Berea (also known as Beroea) was a suitable place for Paul to take refuge as it was 30 miles from the major westward route. The Roman writer Cicero describes it as ‘off the beaten track’.

Paul was later accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea (20:4), along with other Gentile delegates of churches, as he took his collection for the poor Jewish believers to Jerusalem (see Romans 15:25–27).

Bible in a year

Read the Bible in a year. Today's readings are:

Ezekiel 28,29

1 Peter 5

Background: Jason

Jason in danger
Jason was a common name among Greek-speaking Jews, who used it as an alternative translation to Jesus for the Old Testament leader Joshua.

For a Jewish synagogue to exist in a city (v 1) there had to be at least ten male Jews. We do not know why Jason was so sympathetic to Paul. He certainly had to pay a heavy price for his support.

Probably the rioters trashed his home looking for Paul and his companions. They wanted to bring them out to the crowd (Greek, demos; v 5), which was appropriate as Thessalonica had the status of a free city.

For Jason and other believers to be dragged before the city officials¹ accused of harbouring men who defied Caesar’s decrees, saying there was another king, Jesus, was a serious political charge (v 7). They must have felt that their lives were in danger.

Paul and his companions in danger
The fact that Paul and his companions leave the city immediately shows that security was given by Jason and his friends (v 9) that they would leave at once and remain absent.

Note that Paul and Silas are sent away to Berea at night (v 10), just as Paul had had to escape similarly enraged Jews by night at Damascus years before (9:25; see 2 Corinthians 11:32,33). The danger was very real.

¹Luke uses the correct word for the board of magistrates in Macedonian cities: politarchs

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We will remember them, across all generations and conflicts

2011-11-11T00:11:00.003Z

Shoe Boxes

2011-11-07T11:39:00.000Z

There is still time to do your shoebox .......ONLINE

http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/shoeboxworld/

Blackout

2011-11-04T11:19:00.001Z

http://blackout.opendoorsuk.org/

This is CHURCH as it should be

2011-11-02T15:56:00.000Z

A message from The Bible Society

2011-10-11T10:38:00.002+01:00

Ever feel the real message of Christmas is lost in a festive flurry of Santas, shopping, tinsel and mince pies?

If you long to share the real story of Christmas, then use our FREE envelope stickers.

Stick them on your festive post to direct friends and family to Christmas Unwrapped where the story unfolds in a short animated video.

And if you’re looking for a special Christmas gift for a friend or relative, our online shop has a great selection of Bibles, books, DVDs and CDs. Have a look at bibleresources.org.uk

Order your stickers and help bring back the real meaning of Christmas this year.

With Christian greetings,

Olivia
Bible Society

PS. You can tell your friends how to get their free Christmas stickers too, simply send them this link: christmasunwrapped.org.uk

Only the Word of God can do this !

2011-10-07T09:38:00.002+01:00

For the word of God is living and active.

Hebrews 4:12 [NIV]

Faith comes by HEARING : The BIBLE SOCIETY

2011-09-24T13:02:00.001+01:00

Fit the Bible into your busy lifestyle

Discover the Bible in a new and exciting way through a new FREE listening programme You’ve Got the Time.

You will be enriched and inspired as you listen to the whole of the New Testament for just 28 minutes a day over 40 days.

Whether you’re on a lunch break, at the gym, walking the dog or doing the shopping – with You’ve Got the Time, the Bible can fit into your busy day.

What you get

A FREE download of the New Testament – a new CEV version recorded by Riding Lights Theatre Company.
A simple listening plan – this will take you all the way from Matthew to Revelation in just 40 days.
A CD ROM pack for church leaders - with talk outlines, small group study ideas and a short film to help a whole church get the most out of the listening experience. To request a CD ROM pack call 01793 418222.
Why it is free

The download is free because you will be enriched by your listening experience.

All we ask is you express your gratitude through gifts to help people around the world hear the Bible in their own language through our Faith Comes By Hearing projects.

Download the New Testament

What is Faith Comes By Hearing?

Faith Comes By Hearing makes the New Testament available in audio across the world for communities that can’t read.

Audio tapes and solar powered players called Proclaimers are brought to villages and churches which have yet to hear God’s Word in their own language.

Why Faith Comes By Hearing is vital:

A billion people can’t read – but only 3 per cent of languages have the Bible in audio
Every 5 seconds someone goes blind – but the Bible in Braille exists in only 30 languages
For a billion people, a printed Bible is a luxury they simply can’t afford

You can help people listen to the Bible for the first time by making a donation today.

Looking for God ? : Why not start here !

2011-09-22T09:35:00.002+01:00

LFG Web Welcome from United Christian Broadcasters on Vimeo

LookingforGod.com

Alone with God

2011-09-19T09:35:00.000+01:00

Jesus lived the perfect human life.

He lived in a whirlwind of activity.
He was constantly eating, walking, talking, and sleeping with twelve men who never seemed to leave Him alone.
Vast crowds, and desperate individuals sought him out.
He was chided, rebuked, and even scoffed at by His own family.
He was the personal target of Satan who tempted Him, Satan who tried to derail Him, and Satan entering people to drive them to destroy Jesus.
He was attacked by every demon that could be rounded up to scream at Him, thrash around in front of Him, and seek to bother Him.
Civil and religious authorities always plotting to catch Him, and take Him off for punishment and execution hounded him.
His life was so full of people and ministry he didn't even have a moment to stop and eat.
Yet in the midst of all that, what was He?

Peaceful, calm, focused, and confidently following God's will.

How did He do that?

If we follow Him, we can find His secret. Though we can never be sinless, we can learn and follow His pattern for the perfect life in step with God's will. So Jesus lived a super full, ultra busy, demanding life. But every time He was seen in the Scriptures He is quiet, composed and led by the Spirit. He was God, yet as man was living the perfect human life. What did that perfect life on earth have to keep it so strong? What was the secret? The secret is the times Jesus spent ALONE WITH GOD, SOLITUDE, time alone with God, time in secret away from everything and everyone else.

Jesus hadto be alone with God, and Jesus wanted to be alone with God. And Jesus found times no matter what was going on and places no matter where He was, to be alone with God.

How can we start cultivating time alone with God? Jesus demonstrated it is our priority, but where do we start?

Here are some suggestions:
1. READ GOD’S WORD EVERY DAY.
2. MEMORIZE GOD’S WORD.
3. MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD.

To continue reading this message based on Mark 1:35-39 please copy and paste this URL into your browser bar: http://www.dtbm.org/sermon/how-to-get-alone-with-god/

Breaking the mould

2011-09-12T07:23:00.000+01:00

Luke 13:10-17

Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath

¹⁰ On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, ¹¹ and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. ¹² When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." ¹³ Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

¹⁴ Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, "There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath."

¹⁵ The Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? ¹⁶ Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?"

¹⁷ When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

Main point

Breaking the rules
Jesus’ conflict with the authorities comes to a head again as he heals a woman on the Sabbath. This is clearly against the traditions handed down by the leaders and authorities so it is no surprise that the synagogue leader is indignant.

He is also aware that his own authority in the community is under threat. If people break the rules, then what would happen to his status?

Excuses
Jesus makes a habit of disturbing the status quo. The demands he makes on our lives will at times challenge our own traditions and upbringing. How will we respond when he does so?

We may well feel like the synagogue leader – threatened, unsure and ultimately humiliated.

But the issue is not really breaking rules; it is the excuses we use for not acting to meet the needs of those around us.

When did we last walk by the beggar or ignore the appeals for help in a global crisis? Jesus meets the woman at her point of need and challenges us to do the same with the people we meet.

Respond

When do the rules that you live by prevent you from doing good? Ask God to show you those you meet today who need help and to follow Jesus’ example by meeting their needs.

Deeper study: Hands-on ministry

Here we have another example of Jesus rebuking his opponents for their hypocrisy (vs 15,16) – but it is more than that. What comes alive for me is how Jesus interacted with this poor woman. Note the details Luke gives us.

Jesus saw her (v 12)

It’s easy to look away from people with physical or other problems. When I lived in the city, I learned to be alert for oddballs on the street, and to avoid eye contact. Looking at troubled people opens the door to getting involved. But that’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t look away from the deformity; he looked at the person.

He called her forward (v 12)

It must have been painful for this woman to let Jesus, and everyone else, see her disability, but acknowledging our brokenness before God and others is often the first step in the healing process. It requires that we trust that God’s plan is loving and good, even if we can’t imagine how it could be (Romans 8:28).

He put his hands on her (v 13)

It was the touch of Jesus that changed this woman’s life. I once heard a member of a prison-ministry team say, ‘Sometimes, you just got to put your hands on somebody!’ Jesus would have shouted ‘Amen!’ He was committed to hands-on ministry, and we should be too.

How can we explain the narrow-minded reaction of the synagogue ruler (v 14)? Perhaps he was jealous, or fearful or just wanted to be in control; we can only guess. What we do know is that any time we allow the form of godliness to become more important than loving our neighbour, we aren’t following Jesus (2 Timothy 3:1–5).

Background: Sabbath laws

Creation
The word ‘Sabbath’ comes from a Hebrew word that means ‘cease’. The first reference to the idea comes in Genesis 2:1–3, when God ceased from his work of creation on the seventh day.

There is no mention of Sabbath here, nor of rest, and one way to interpret these verses would be to understand God as now involved in a different kind of work, such as sustaining his creation.

The Ten Commandments
The fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8–11) introduces the idea of rest. The implication of the teaching here is that there is more to life than work, and that rest (not inactivity) is the goal of life.

The commandment is elaborated in Exodus 31:12–17, with the addition of the explanation that observance of the Sabbath is a sign and is part of the covenant.

Sabbatical year
In Leviticus 25:1–7 we read of an extension of this idea: the Sabbath year – the observance of a whole year in which the land was to be left for the poor. This teaching (which was rarely observed) reinforced the idea that the Israelites lived under God, who cared about the poor.

Sabbath in the Old Testament
Observing the Sabbath was intended to show the Israelites that:

● there is more to life than work and money

● they were to live as God’s people

● the land was given to them to use in God’s way

The prophets castigate the Israelites for abandoning these principles.

Sabbath in the New Testament
The Sabbath is mentioned in the New Testament frequently in connection with the Pharisees, who had gone to extreme lengths to identify what counted as work so that they could be sure that neither they nor anyone else broke the Old Testament rules.

Jesus’ observance
Jesus normally observed the Sabbath, going to the synagogue services (Luke 4:16). However, he did not accept the restrictions devised by the Pharisees. On the contrary, he emphasised the underlying purpose of the Sabbath: to be doing the work of God.

Sabbath observance was not a matter of legal restrictions but of joyful freedom. There is more to life than work and making money. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).

Conclusion
A look at Sabbath observance in the Bible raises some important questions for us in the twenty-first century:

● Have we got our priorities right? Do we show by our lifestyle that work and money are not all-important?

● Have we devised our own ‘rules’ for the Sabbath? Are we critical of those who break them?

● What is the legitimate place for leisure in our lives?

● Does our lifestyle reflect Jesus’ priorities?

There is much more about this in Hebrews 3:7 – 4:11.

Annabel Robinson

Much more is available on WordLive: journaling, bookmarking and sharing the Bible with everyone via facebook and twitter. wordlive

Only a few weeks to go now,before the WEC North West celebration

2011-08-24T11:04:00.000+01:00

"Read" the NT in 40 days

2011-08-16T10:08:00.001+01:00

Fit the Bible into your busy lifestyle : Discover the Bible in a new and exciting way through our new FREE listening programme "You’ve Got the Time".

The Bible Society has a free issue audio publication of the whole of the New Testament.

Join us in hearing it ALL in 40 days,

with only 28 minutes per day.

Download here : http://www.biblesociety.org.uk/support-us/ygtt-2010/

Amy Grant : an interview

2011-07-29T14:45:00.001+01:00

In this interview for Slipstream Amy Grant talks about her life, her music, and her faith - and how important it is to trust in God when going through tough times.

Amy Grant has been writing and performing music for 30 years.

While starting out in contemporary Christian music, she has crossed over into rock and folk, singing about themes of faith, family, the journey of life, and keeping close to God in times of trial.
In this interview, Amy talks to Slipstream about her inspirations for music and how she trusts God throughout the ups and downs of life.
Amy has just released a new album, entitled Somewhere Down the Road. She took the album on tour in the UK July 2011. You can purchase the album from Eden's website.

Have you seen this video

2011-07-20T16:42:00.001+01:00

Have you seen this?
Recently I stumbled upon this blog and thought I'd like to share this with you...

"To launch a cell phone, this company decided to build a several hundred foot long xylophone that plays Bach’s Cantata 147, ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’.

I believe that the reason that almost 5,000,000 have watched this video so far is because this film is a gift from the company to the world.
It’s a 3 minute video of which 2:50 seconds is a gift.
There are no logos or “buy now” buttons or announcer—just an amazing video.

When you give a lot of gifts—real gifts, not marketing swag—you’ll find that it makes stronger relationships, greater brand loyalty, and builds trust.

What are some other examples of gifts that you’ve seen or been given?"
from mikeyanderson.com

Please take a look at this page for mor info : http://studentalpha.org/

Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring from Holy Trinity Brompton on Vimeo.

Once the main job is finished

2011-07-19T11:59:00.000+01:00

Time with God in prayer

2011-07-18T11:46:00.001+01:00

I came across this article today:

"Many years ago I worked through the psalms looking for the vocal cues. By my count, more than 95% of the psalms portray or invite audible words directed to God. You "hear" what is written, because so much of it is out loud: crying out, the sound of my voice, songs, shouts, the tongue and lips, asking God to listen, groaning, seeking, calling on, making requests, and so forth. In the mere handful of psalms with no vertical verbalization, the psalm speaks about people in relation to God (e.g., Ps. 1), or speaks from God (e.g., Ps 110), or speaks to other people (e.g., Ps. 49). An audible response is then the most natural thing in the world." [extract]

Perhaps you too could find the time to read it ; its quite short.

Prayer Time

And this invite came through also : Prayer School

Strawberry Tea Party

2011-07-16T21:17:00.000+01:00

On behalf of Lily Gaynor, can I thank everyone who attended her Garden Party today, and those who helped make the arrangements.

The whole venture raised in excess of £1300 and will all go towards the medical work in Biombo, Guinea Bissau.

I'm sure that it was because of many prayers that the rain not only stopped, but the sun came out and was actually quite warm.

Praise God for His goodness.

An Open Letter

2011-07-15T11:44:00.003+01:00

I received an email this week from a friend. I've copied it down below.
What are your thoughts ?

I'll forward any comments back to Greg if you wish.

From: Gregory Hanley
Date: Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Subject: Newspapers

I'm sure like me you are shocked with the scale of dishonesty in News International, highlighted in the closure of the News of the World. Yet we will not be surprised as we are still reeling from the the MP's expenses fraud (Which I understand came to millions of pounds) and then the Financial crisis which almost left the country bankrupt. We have rejected God and His Word, and so the moral foundation has been destroyed, and the building is falling down around us.

Since my conversion, some 45 years ago, I have had a distrust of Newspapers, and felt a reluctance to buy them, thus saving myself a lot of time and money. I hasten to add that I have been a devout listener to BBC Radio 4, and so have kept up with news and current affairs to help my ministry.

Well did Spurgeon write of Newspapers in his day:-

Newspapers are the Bibles of worldlings

'How diligently they read them! Here they find their law and profits, their judges and chronicles, their epistles and revelation.'
(Spurgeons' Proverbs and sayings with notes)

Yet it is a fact that a free press is essential to a healthy democracy.

In these times Isaiah's rebuke to Judah often comes to me; 'From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores...' Isa 1 v 6. Like Judah of old, we too are in a mess.

Years ago I used to hear preachers talking about the coming judgment, we don't need to use the word 'coming' now. It is already here. We are being judged as a nation right now, and there is more to come.

Please pray for me that I might have boldness as I go out with the gospel, which according to the Apostle Paul is,

'repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,' Acts 20 v 21

This nation needs to hear the message of REPENTANCE loud and clear, and have FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Many thanks to you for remembering me and this ministry,

Greg Hanley

Strawberry Tea Party : REMINDER

2011-07-13T15:11:00.003+01:00

Choosing my religion : a poem by Andy Crisp

2011-07-09T00:14:00.000+01:00

So many people with so many views!How can I decide which religion to choose?
Fifty five faiths in Foleshill alone!
Twenty two temples within a mile of my home!

Krishnas and Hindus and reincarnation
Achieving good karma their way of salvation
Don't forget Buddhists - an ancient tradition
With ceasing to exist their eventual ambition.

And there's hundreds of Muslims -
Who follow Mohammed.
Then Jews and then Christians -
They can't all be valid!

How can I decide which religion to be?
Well maybe it's Jesus who holds the key.

A righteous man - of that there's no doubt.
The bread of life with nowt taken out
Said "I am the truth, the life and the way.
Trust in me - believe and obey!"

But can we believe that Jesus is Lord?
'Cause maybe that man was simply a fraud?
But if all his teaching was a terrible lie,
Then why was Jesus so ready to die?

Jesus Christ believed what he said.
So maybe he'd lost it in the head?
But if he was mad - simply one of the nutters,
Explain the wisdom in each word he utters.

The only realy choice is that Jesus is king
He calls every nation to look upon him
Whoever you are, the gospel's the same -
Salvation is found in no other name!

by Andy Crisp : http://andy-crisp.blogspot.com/2011/07/choosing-my-religion.html?spref=tw

Discover the Book : John Barnett : a taster

2011-07-07T10:42:00.000+01:00

When we listen closely to Christ's words near the start of His ministry, we hear Jesus say to all believers of all time, “Rejoice when you face persecution” (Matthew 5:10-12). At the end of His public ministry, this same Jesus also goes on to say that for those at the end of days, the worst is yet to come (Matthew 24:9-10).

When we listen closely to Christ's words near the end of His ministry, He tells us of a future time when all of us who know and love Him will suffer greatly; and when we add that to all of the struggles, trials, challenges, hurdles, and disappointments life brings—we get a huge amount of suffering in a lifetime.

So today as we turn towards Lamentations 3, we turn to the greatest reminder in all of God's Word that when there are great sufferings, during them we can find the assurance of God’s greater faithfulness.

Lamentations is a book that is about what it sounds like its about—the lamentations of a person in deep suffering. Do you remember all of the weeping prophet Jeremiah’s woes?[1] His testimony is the 25^th book of God's Word, and it is aptly called Lamentations. Does that title suggest anything to you? It is the cry of a troubles soul. It is the testimony of a man who knew pain, weakness, and much sorrow.

Jeremiah the

Weeping Prophet

But before we turn to Lamentations 3, look at the prior book, named for the prophet Jeremiah, and let me briefly sketch the life of this incredible servant of God. Jeremiah[2] must have had an incredible childhood. The Scriptures tell us God had chosen him before his birth to be a prophet. His family was notable in their service for the LORD. Life was exciting for the son of a high priest.

Jeremiah 1:1 The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, (NASB)

One of the great blessings of Jeremiah’s life was that his dad was the one who found the lost book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8). How Jeremiah’s love for the Word showed through in his life as God’s prophet. But even the great family heritage, and calling of God did nothing to prevent horrible sufferings. In fact Jeremiah’s life could be described as one of the most difficult lives of hardship and woe found in the pages of Scripture. How does God work with someone:

When Troubles Come in

Overwhelming Waves

Jeremiah’s woes were unimaginable to our relatively peaceful lives. He lived through the death throes of the final days and hours of the nation of Judah.

From an earthly perspective Jeremiah’s life was a failure. During his lifetime he watched the decay of God’s chosen people, the horrible destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of the nation to Babylon.

He preached for 40 years and saw no visible result among those he served. Instead those countrymen he warned for God sought to kill him if he wouldn’t stop preaching doom (Jer. 11:19-23). He had virtually no converts to show for a lifetime of ministry.

He had no one to find joy and comfort with as his own family and friends were involved in plots against his (12:6).

He never had the joy of a godly home because God never allowed him to marry, and thus he suffered incredibly agonizing loneliness (16:2).

He lived under a constant threat of death, as there were plots to kill him in secret so no one would find him (18:20-23).

He lived with physical pain while he was beaten severely and them bound in wooden stocks (20:1-2).

He lived with emotional pain as his friends spied on him deceitfully and for revenge (20:10).

He was consumed with sorrow and shame and even cursed the day he was born (20:14-18).

His life ended with no relief as he was falsely accused of being a traitor to his own country (37:13-14). Jeremiah was arrested, beaten, thrown into a dungeon, and starved many days (37:15-21). If an Ethiopian Gentile had not interceded on his behalf he would have died there.

In the end, tradition tells us he was exiled to Egypt, where he was stoned to death by his own people.

Perhaps the most striking feature of this book is the fact that despite the terrible woes of the life Jeremiah was called to (1:5), he saw that it was all at the Master Potter’s Hand (18:1-6). At the point of near despair over his failed ministry, God asked Jeremiah to go to the Potter’s house and there he would get a message from the Lord (18:2).

Although Israel had failed so grievously, the heavenly Potter was able to bless them again if they would but repent and yield to his Perfect Touch. So for us who have heard Christ's reminder that we will suffer just because we belong to Him; and for us who live in the times approaching the end of days, we can learn a great truth to live by.

Jeremiah’s life is a wonderful canvas, across which is painted the truths that you can see and display God even more clearly:

When your Whole

Life Hurts

As we turn to Lamentations 3, what are the Biblical afflictions God uses, manages, allows, and most of all, what are some of the hurts that HE can handle? Jeremiah’s like and testimony clearly describe a huge spectrum of the afflictions and troubles that God allows to come our way so He can be closest and dearest to us. These are what Jeremiah faced, starting in v.4. He had:

THE HURTS OF BROKEN PHYSICAL HEALTH:

Lamentations 3:4 He has aged my flesh and my skin, and broken my bones.

THE HURTS OF DEEP EMOTIONAL STRAIN:

Lamentations 3:5 He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and woe.

THE HURTS OF PERIODS OF DARK DEPRESSION:

Lamentations 3:6 He has set me in dark places like the dead of long ago.

THE HURTS OF DESPERATION AND BURDEN OF BEING TRAPPED:

Lamentations 3:7 He has hedged me in so that I cannot get out; He has made my chain heavy.

THE HURTS OF FEELING OUT OF TOUCH, DISTANT FROM GOD AND LEFT BEHIND IN LIFE:

Lamentations 3:8 Even when I cry and shout, He shuts out my prayer.

THE HURTS OF FRUSTRATION AND CONFUSION:

Lamentations 3:9 He has blocked my ways with hewn stone; He has made my paths crooked.

THE HURTS OF ANXIETY AND SADNESS:

Lamentations 3:17 You have moved my soul far from peace; I have forgotten prosperity.

THE HURTS OF PHYSICAL WEAKNESS AND HOPELESSNESS:

Lamentations 3:18 And I said, “My strength and my hope have perished from the Lord.”

THE HURTS OF BITTER AFFLICTION AND AIMLESSNESS:

Lamentations 3:19 Remember my affliction and roaming, the wormwood and the gall.

Those nine verses describe some of the deepest woes, struggles, and trials imaginable. If you have known any or all of them, then you are in good company. Jeremiah faced all of them at once and did so completely alone (remember God made him stay single and never get married). So what he says next is vital. Jeremiah shares with us the cure He found, that kept Him from being destroyed by these immense sorrows. He shares with us his:

A Prescription from

The Great Physician

So what possible blessing could ever come from such a desperate condition of affliction and hurt? Look back at this passage because it contains the greatest message of Hope in all of God's Word. This is what our Faithful God offers:

IN OUR FAILURES: God always offers HIS UNFAILING LOVE

Lamentations 3:22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.

Jeremiah didn’t say he was perfect- he said I know that I am weak and what the Lord revealed to him is even if we fail, God’s love never fails. The Lord’s mercies, his compassions, they fail not. He loves us with an unfailing love.

INTO OUR MONOTONOUS LIVES: look what the Lord promises- HIS DAILY FRESHNESS

Lamentations 3:23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

Have you ever thought about how monotonous life could be without God’s faithfulness, His newness and His freshness? Basically, many of us do the same thing every day at work. I have done the same thing for my entire life’s work, for over 31 years, every single day.

Each day I have to spend a large portion of my time wrestling with this Book. It is the same Book, by the way, that I have been reading for a lot more than 30 years. But vocationally for 31+ years, full time, this is what I have done. I know a lot of men in ministry who say it’s so monotonous—we have to find something new—and they are always trying to find something different.

Look at this 23^rd verse- what Jeremiah says: God’s Words are new every morning. Into our monotonous lives, God wants to insert daily freshness, if we will allow Him to. There is such newness in our walk with Christ everyday, because He is faithful and when we are afflicted, we realize how faithful He is. Look at verse 24:

IN OUR WEAKNESSES: He gives us a PERSONAL DOSE OF STRENGTH

Lamentations 3:24 “The Lord is my portion,”

I have with Bonnie fed 8 children from their first meal onward- when they stopped the milk regimen and went into the real food as we call it, I remember how you sit there on your plate and you chop, chop, chop this way, then you chop, chop, chop that way. Some times you mash, mash, mash some of those peas and squash in there when they are not looking- into the potatoes so they will get a good balanced meal.

I remember that I would have this little tiny spoon that was only about this big. I didn’t use the serving spoon, I didn’t use the ladle to put in to that little mouth, I know what portion they would be able to handle so they wouldn’t choke on is. Look what he in verse 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, He knows the personal dose of strength I need in my weakness “Therefore I hope in Him!”

He said my soul is weak, the Lord knows the dose or portion I need. Therefore I hope in Him.

IN OUR OFTEN FRANTIC LIFESTYLES: HIS PROMISE OF BLESSINGS: Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,

You want a great study? That word “wait” is one English word and you will find that word all the way through the Old Testament. There are 8 different Hebrew words translated into English—wait. You know waiting is really important to God. Waiting is very foreign to us.
One morning as I drove to church, a fancy big black, jacked up SUV blew by me on 169. I pulled up beside him toodling along at the stop light on the exit three miles later. He had passed me five minutes before, but that light is so long—I edged up like this so he would notice me—and before the light turned, he ran the red light and squealed around like that. I thought—Americans, we don’t like to wait. He couldn’t wait for the speed limit, he couldn’t wait for the light, he couldn’t wait for anything.

You know what God says? Look at this, The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, Waiting is so important there is 8 different Hebrew words that we translate wait. The translators were in such a hurry they didn’t have time to translate them 8 different ways, they just put one word—not really, I am just teasing. But To the soul who seeks Him—Our lives are often frantic but God promises a blessing to those who wait for Him, who don’t try and run away from the affliction, who don’t try and run away from the hard time, who don’t try and escape it but say Lord, now I know that Your judgments, You don’t change and they are right. I know that in faithfulness you are allowing this in my life so I just lift up my antenna and I say what is the message, Lord? Speak, Lord, thy servant heareth. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.

INTO OUR ANXIOUS LIVES – HIS SALVATION GIVES QUIET HOPE: Lamentations 3:26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

What he is giving us is---- Jeremiah is telling us what he learned in his affliction. What did he learn when he had broken physical health, deep emotional strain- verse 5, dark depression- verse 6, when he had desperation and felt trapped- verse 7, and when he felt out of touch and distant from God in verse 8 of chapter 3. When he was frustrated and confused in vs. 9, when he was anxious and sad in vs. 17, when he was physically weak and hopeless in verse 18 and when he had bitter affliction in verse 19--- what did he learn?

He said this is what I learned in verse 22-- when I fail, God’s love never fails. Verse 23- when my life is monotonous and awful, His freshness pervades my life. Every single time I open this Book, it’s like a breath of fresh air. You know the last week, it has been so cool we have been able to have our windows open. I look forward to that season. Air conditioning is nice, but I love cold air from outside, it’s nicer. I couldn’t wait till it cooled down and got into the 50’ and 60’s and I opened that window and you can just feel it rolling in.

Did you know, every time you open this Book, in the hot, triple digit temperatures of life, there is a freshness that comes, if you wait on the Lord. The Lord is the One who gives freshness every morning-- Great is His faithfulness if we will allow Him to. In our weakness- His personal dose of strength, verse 24, he is our portion. In our frantic lives, verse 25, his promise of blessing. In to our anxious lives, verse 26, we hope and wait quietly. Here is the last one- verse 33- this is where we end this morning.

INTO OUR CONFUSING LIVES: He writes HIS PERFECT PLANS
- Lamentations 3:33 For He does not afflict willingly, Nor grieve the children of men.

He says this is not just capricious, it is not roulette living, it’s not happenstance, God has a plan. When affliction comes, as this 33^rd verse says, it’s not an affliction that is a willing, you know----- just want to rattle your cage a little bit and just cause you some problems--- No--- He has a plan.

Please open to Hymn # 372.

His name was Thomas Obadiah Chisholm (1866-1960). Born in a humble log cabin in Franklin, Kentucky, on July 29, 1866; without the benefit of high school or advanced training, he began his career as a schoolteacher at the age of sixteen in the same country schoolhouse where he had received his elementary training.

Where did such a confession come from? A 1st Century saint? No, just from a man who was too weak and sick to do he wanted to do in life. He had to leave full time vocational ministry and do a door-to-door sale job just to stay alive and eat.

At 51 Tom wrote out his personal testimony of consecration in song. This poem, prayer, and consecration hymn has been the pathway of thousands who have sought to deepen their devotion to Jesus. “Living for Jesus” was published that same year in a hymnal, in 1917.

The words of this hymn were written when the author was 51, unable to finish the career he studied to do, weak and sickly, unemployed, and trying to make ends meet selling things door to door.

Remember this hymn was his testimony of how he made it through life when it seemed everything was going against him, and the world around him was crumbling. Look at the bottom of page 372, what year did he write these words? 1917.

What was happening in the year 1917? Lenin was conquering Russia and World War I was grinding on across Europe. Hundreds of miles of trenches oozed with millions of fighting men in a river of death, gas warfare, and plagues. Now look at those words written in some of the darkest hours of human history. And from those times come one of the greatest hymns of our time!

"Living for Jesus”

Living for Jesus a life that is true, striving to please Him in all that I do, yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free—this is the pathway of blessing for me.

Living for Jesus who died in my place, bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace—such love constrains me to answer His call, follow His leading and give Him my all.

Living for Jesus thru earth’s little while, my dearest treasure the light of His smile, seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

Chorus: O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee, for Thou in Thine atonement didst give Thyself for me. I own no other Master—my heart shall be Thy throne: My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Just 6 years later Tom published the result of that prayer “Living for Jesus” when he penned and shared with the world in 1923 that grand hymn (#43) of the faith, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.

“Great is Thy faithfulness”

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

How God wants to use

Affliction in our lives Today

That plan is--- we are going to go back and end with our starting verse, Psalm 119:75- I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right (You don’t ever change), and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. You know what? God wants to teach us something, He wants to teach us that He is faithful. The way He teaches us He is faithful is, He brings affliction into our lives. If we will wait quietly before Him, and say Lord, I want what You are teaching me. He will bring into our lives everything that I just shared with you from verse 22 all the way down to verse 33 of Lamentations.

Into our failures He will bring His love
Into our monotonous lives he brings freshness everyday, he will open the windows of blessing
Into our weakness, He will give us a little spoonful of what we need, our personal dose of strength
Into our frantic life styles, He promises blessing if we wait for Him
Into our anxious lives with anxiety, He gives us a quiet hope that is serenity in the midst of the storm
Into our confusion, He says I have a perfect plan

[1] Drawn from 040808AM Mark-59 God is Faithful, Learning God’s Faithfulness

[2] Sources used are: The Word of God; Baxter, Explore the Book; Scroggie, The Unfolding Drama; Christ in all the Scriptures; The Criswell Study Bible; Walk through the Bible; The Compact Guide to The Bible, Lehman Strauss, CHM, MacArthur, Ashamed of the Gospel, p. 76-77, Sanders, Spiritual Discipleship, P. 129-136.

http://www.dtbm.org/sermon/his-great-faithfulness-in-our-great-suffering-/

Changing Circumstances

2011-07-06T09:55:00.000+01:00

Romans 11
The Remnant of Israel
1 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah-how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me"? 4 And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
7 What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened, 8 as it is written:

"God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes that could not see
and ears that could not hear,
to this very day."

9 And David says:

"May their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever."
Main point: Changing circumstancesTime to adjust

Moving from bright sunlight into a darkened room can leave you momentarily blinded. It’s not pitch black and neither have you lost your eyesight – but for a second or two you can’t see anything. Your eyes need time to adjust to the new conditions. Such sudden changes can be disorientating and confusing.

The church in Rome had moved very rapidly from being made up predominantly of people from a Jewish background to one in which they were in the minority. In this way they mirrored what was happening to the whole church in the second half of the first century. Did this mean God had rejected his people (v 1)? For some that’s what it looked like.

God at work

But that is to get things out of perspective. Even the great Elijah had this experience (v 3) and sometimes so do we. Have you been praying hard for revival and seen no fruit? Been sharing your faith and got no response? Notice what Paul does.

He gets his readers to focus on what God is doing. Paul himself is living evidence that God has not given up on his people (v 1). Have you been blinded by disappointment? Then ask the Spirit to show you where God is at work.

God’s in charge

Then Paul reminds them that God often starts with the small, a remnant (v 5), rather than the big. So give thanks for the seemingly small evidences of his grace in your situation.

Finally he asserts that even when there is opposition, God is still in charge. He is always sovereign over human affairs, offering grace where it will be received and punishment where he is resisted (vs 6–10).

Mick Taylor RespondSpend a few moments in worship, because ‘In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will’ (Ephesians 1:11). Deeper study: There remains a peopleNevertheless, God has not abandoned his people. In Elijah’s day, in spite of Israel’s murderous hostility toward his prophets, the Lord had still a ‘full’ remnant (7,000) among his people. It remained so in Paul’s time; he himself being one of them. The key is remembering that not all Israelites belong to Israel, and that true Israel has always been defined by God’s gracious mercy.

So, yes, of course God’s promises and election stand. For even when the bulk of the nation pursued idols, there were always some who, through faith, participated in his elective mercy, or as Paul’s shorthand designates them, the elect.

But what about the rest? God honoured their idolatrous choices by giving them over to, and making them in, the very image of the gods they worshipped. They became as sleepy, blind, and deaf as the lifeless images themselves.

Those Jews who rejected Jesus, David’s true son, continued the same pattern into Paul’s day (see 2 Corinthians 3:14,15). With chilling logic, Paul observes that David’s terrible invocation against his enemies now falls on them (Psalm 69:22,23).

This is serious. For Israel to deny Jesus, son of David and Son of God, is no light thing. If Christ is indeed God’s final word, to reject him is to reject God himself. Tragically, over the years certain Christians and many who were Christian in name only have taken words like these and used them to justify all kinds of calumnies against ‘the Jews’.

This is hardly in the spirit of Paul who, imitating the Jesus he followed, began this section by stating his deep anguish for his people (Romans 9:1,2). But neither should Christians affirm everything that modern Israel does, right or wrong. What it does mean is that our response to Israel’s situation, shockingly rebellious as it is, should be one of earnest and compassionate prayer.

Rikk Watts

Romans 11
The Remnant of Israel
1 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah-how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me"? 4 And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
7 What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened, 8 as it is written:

"God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes that could not see
and ears that could not hear,
to this very day."

9 And David says:

"May their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever."
Main point: Changing circumstancesTime to adjust

Moving from bright sunlight into a darkened room can leave you momentarily blinded. It’s not pitch black and neither have you lost your eyesight – but for a second or two you can’t see anything. Your eyes need time to adjust to the new conditions. Such sudden changes can be disorientating and confusing.

The church in Rome had moved very rapidly from being made up predominantly of people from a Jewish background to one in which they were in the minority. In this way they mirrored what was happening to the whole church in the second half of the first century. Did this mean God had rejected his people (v 1)? For some that’s what it looked like.

God at work

But that is to get things out of perspective. Even the great Elijah had this experience (v 3) and sometimes so do we. Have you been praying hard for revival and seen no fruit? Been sharing your faith and got no response? Notice what Paul does.

He gets his readers to focus on what God is doing. Paul himself is living evidence that God has not given up on his people (v 1). Have you been blinded by disappointment? Then ask the Spirit to show you where God is at work.

God’s in charge

Then Paul reminds them that God often starts with the small, a remnant (v 5), rather than the big. So give thanks for the seemingly small evidences of his grace in your situation.

Finally he asserts that even when there is opposition, God is still in charge. He is always sovereign over human affairs, offering grace where it will be received and punishment where he is resisted (vs 6–10).

Mick Taylor RespondSpend a few moments in worship, because ‘In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will’ (Ephesians 1:11). Deeper study: There remains a peopleNevertheless, God has not abandoned his people. In Elijah’s day, in spite of Israel’s murderous hostility toward his prophets, the Lord had still a ‘full’ remnant (7,000) among his people. It remained so in Paul’s time; he himself being one of them. The key is remembering that not all Israelites belong to Israel, and that true Israel has always been defined by God’s gracious mercy.

So, yes, of course God’s promises and election stand. For even when the bulk of the nation pursued idols, there were always some who, through faith, participated in his elective mercy, or as Paul’s shorthand designates them, the elect.

But what about the rest? God honoured their idolatrous choices by giving them over to, and making them in, the very image of the gods they worshipped. They became as sleepy, blind, and deaf as the lifeless images themselves.

Those Jews who rejected Jesus, David’s true son, continued the same pattern into Paul’s day (see 2 Corinthians 3:14,15). With chilling logic, Paul observes that David’s terrible invocation against his enemies now falls on them (Psalm 69:22,23).

This is serious. For Israel to deny Jesus, son of David and Son of God, is no light thing. If Christ is indeed God’s final word, to reject him is to reject God himself. Tragically, over the years certain Christians and many who were Christian in name only have taken words like these and used them to justify all kinds of calumnies against ‘the Jews’.

This is hardly in the spirit of Paul who, imitating the Jesus he followed, began this section by stating his deep anguish for his people (Romans 9:1,2). But neither should Christians affirm everything that modern Israel does, right or wrong. What it does mean is that our response to Israel’s situation, shockingly rebellious as it is, should be one of earnest and compassionate prayer.

Rikk Watts

Romans 11
The Remnant of Israel
1 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah-how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me"? 4 And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
7 What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened, 8 as it is written:

"God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes that could not see
and ears that could not hear,
to this very day."

9 And David says:

"May their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever."
Main point: Changing circumstancesTime to adjust

Moving from bright sunlight into a darkened room can leave you momentarily blinded. It’s not pitch black and neither have you lost your eyesight – but for a second or two you can’t see anything. Your eyes need time to adjust to the new conditions. Such sudden changes can be disorientating and confusing.

The church in Rome had moved very rapidly from being made up predominantly of people from a Jewish background to one in which they were in the minority. In this way they mirrored what was happening to the whole church in the second half of the first century. Did this mean God had rejected his people (v 1)? For some that’s what it looked like.

God at work

But that is to get things out of perspective. Even the great Elijah had this experience (v 3) and sometimes so do we. Have you been praying hard for revival and seen no fruit? Been sharing your faith and got no response? Notice what Paul does.

He gets his readers to focus on what God is doing. Paul himself is living evidence that God has not given up on his people (v 1). Have you been blinded by disappointment? Then ask the Spirit to show you where God is at work.

God’s in charge

Then Paul reminds them that God often starts with the small, a remnant (v 5), rather than the big. So give thanks for the seemingly small evidences of his grace in your situation.

Finally he asserts that even when there is opposition, God is still in charge. He is always sovereign over human affairs, offering grace where it will be received and punishment where he is resisted (vs 6–10).

Mick Taylor RespondSpend a few moments in worship, because ‘In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will’ (Ephesians 1:11). Deeper study: There remains a peopleNevertheless, God has not abandoned his people. In Elijah’s day, in spite of Israel’s murderous hostility toward his prophets, the Lord had still a ‘full’ remnant (7,000) among his people. It remained so in Paul’s time; he himself being one of them. The key is remembering that not all Israelites belong to Israel, and that true Israel has always been defined by God’s gracious mercy.

So, yes, of course God’s promises and election stand. For even when the bulk of the nation pursued idols, there were always some who, through faith, participated in his elective mercy, or as Paul’s shorthand designates them, the elect.

But what about the rest? God honoured their idolatrous choices by giving them over to, and making them in, the very image of the gods they worshipped. They became as sleepy, blind, and deaf as the lifeless images themselves.

Those Jews who rejected Jesus, David’s true son, continued the same pattern into Paul’s day (see 2 Corinthians 3:14,15). With chilling logic, Paul observes that David’s terrible invocation against his enemies now falls on them (Psalm 69:22,23).

This is serious. For Israel to deny Jesus, son of David and Son of God, is no light thing. If Christ is indeed God’s final word, to reject him is to reject God himself. Tragically, over the years certain Christians and many who were Christian in name only have taken words like these and used them to justify all kinds of calumnies against ‘the Jews’.

This is hardly in the spirit of Paul who, imitating the Jesus he followed, began this section by stating his deep anguish for his people (Romans 9:1,2). But neither should Christians affirm everything that modern Israel does, right or wrong. What it does mean is that our response to Israel’s situation, shockingly rebellious as it is, should be one of earnest and compassionate prayer.

Rikk Watts

WordLive : http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2011-07-06/Changing-circumstances

G.O.S.P.E.L

2011-07-01T00:04:00.002+01:00

I will give you Rest

2011-06-30T09:36:00.001+01:00

I will give you Rest

God reversed my thinking

2011-06-24T14:40:00.003+01:00

Owned by Deo Volente Media

If God seems far away, who's moved

2011-06-23T00:21:00.001+01:00

Following directions
How do you find your way through a desert? With difficulty! And while God was already preparing the Israelites for the Promised Land (9:9–15), there was a long way to go.

With no maps, let alone Sat Nav, following God’s direction shouldn’t have been a difficult choice. There wasn’t much of an alternative!
God’s clear guidance
God’s guidance couldn’t have been clearer. When the cloud was over the Tabernacle it meant stay put, and the same at night when the cloud looked like fire (vs 15,16). When it lifted, they moved and followed.

Of course, this was no new experience for them. On the way out of Egypt the same thing had happened (Exodus 13:21,22Staying near to God
So why doesn’t God make it just as easy for us to know the right thing to do? Cloud and fire weren’t just signposts; they were signs of God’s presence. To know the right way to go they had to stay near to God.

Is that a lesson for us? Maybe staying near to God is more important than worrying about decisions. We can trust him to show us when we go off track (Isaiah 30:20,21).

WordLive

2011-06-22T09:18:00.000+01:00

This past week has given me some thoughts on the Trinity, and how it plays out in our lives.

The historical existence of Jesus Christ, and especially, as we have seen in recent months, his Passion, Death and Resurrection, has been lived by him in a constant dialogue with the Father of Love. His mission, we might say, was to introduce his friends, the disciples of every age, to the knowledge of he who sent him, through the constant action of the Holy Spirit

If you do not start from this fact that is so evident in Scripture, you can not understand the Holy Trinity, which, even before it becomes a matter of faith, is certainly a mystery that must be introduced.

How can you know that which is impossible to define?

Saint Augustine it’s said experienced this :

“Immersed in the depths of his own meditations, on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, he met a boy who was tenaciously trying to pour all the water of the great Mediterranean Sea into a small hole dug in the sand.

Faced with the wonder of the great Saint, the boy said with a smile: "And you think you can understand how God is infinite, with your mind that is so limited?"”.

This, which might seem a defeat for human intelligence, is actually the beginning of a new kind of knowledge;

This is faith!

The Trinity is difficult to understand, but you can see it in action and above all you can live in it, since Jesus has opened the door to the kingdom of heaven. It is therefore necessary to enter "the cloud" through which God reveals himself to man. (See Ex 34 v5).

One of our ladies, who was a Missionary in W.Africa, always said that new converts wanted “to enter Christ”.

It is our incorporation into Christ which makes possible the action of the Holy Spirit in us.

Ingo and Action International Ministries

2011-06-17T13:09:00.001+01:00

Why not join us this coming Sunday, 19 June at 10.45.

We have Action International Ministries UK with us all day

So all I can say, is said below in the video, a first for me......

Dont forget

2011-06-16T15:03:00.000+01:00

Love Russia report

2011-06-16T10:50:00.000+01:00

By the time you read this they will most likely be home

Find & Follow

2011-06-15T18:52:00.000+01:00

Find us on FACEBOOK

Its takes COURAGE

2011-06-15T00:41:00.001+01:00

New film, Casting Crowns soundtrack, link here

Spring Harvest 2012

2011-06-14T00:14:00.014+01:00

Yes.............2012 !

Spring Harvest website

Booking for Spring Harvest 2012 starts at 8am on Wednesday 15 June 2011, and online from 11am the same day.

Pentecost Sunday

2011-06-12T00:10:00.001+01:00

God's promise of His Holy Spirit being sent to us is exclaimed in scripture and celebrated today.

The Holy Spirit isn't offered to us so that we can dip our toes in God's power and blessing to us, He's offered so we can be fully and wholly engulfed.

Pentecost is coming

2011-06-10T12:32:00.000+01:00

God's promise of Power to His Church

Pentecost is looming

2011-06-08T16:45:00.000+01:00

Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love

Moscow

2011-06-07T12:30:00.000+01:00

@RideForRussia Ride For Russia

Arrived at the Moscow hotel! Smiles and laughter all round after lots of crazy traffic!

30 minutes ago via txt

Ascension Day Questions

2011-06-06T13:31:00.000+01:00

I am quite confident about there being a Second Coming !

Will it be in our life time ?

Now there's the question.

Those who study the signs of the times would say its very close.

The questions the disciples asked of Jesus, just before His ascension, were I guess the same questions you or I would ask, if in the same situation. [Acts chapter 1].

And not only did Jesus not impart the information, saying it wasn't theirs to know.............scripture teaches that ONLY the Father knows the date and time of His Son's planned Return, so He doesn't know either.

[So anyone who says that they can predict the date and time, as last month in the US, is well off beam].

What is certain is when all is fulfilled, God in His wisdom will send his Son again, and Jesus will obey that command.

So, are we ready for that Second coming ?

Do we live in the anticipation of it being "just around the corner" ?

And by "we" I mean us as individuals and us as "the Church".

It's heavy stuff.

At the Russia Border.....................for nearly 3 hours

2011-06-06T12:03:00.000+01:00

Alex and his Love Russia cycle crew are, as we speak, at the Russian Customs Border Crossing : and have been for about 3 hours !

See the latest news at the Twitter page : www.Twitter.com/#!/RideForRussia
Follow them on your mobile via text message updates.

Sweibodzin, Poland

More Pictures here

The Record of the first few hours of the Ride For Russia

2011-06-03T10:45:00.002+01:00

By now, 10.45 on Friday 3rd June , he should be somewhere in Germany heading into Poland

Alex is on his way

2011-06-01T10:23:00.000+01:00

Alex Cooke lef t on the start of his 4000 mile journey this morning, Police escort and the works.

You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

UCB Media App

2011-05-31T13:22:00.000+01:00

Put the App in Happiness

Love Russia Bike Ride

2011-05-30T20:04:00.001+01:00

I'm sure that we've mentioned Love Russia before today.

And I guess we've mentioned their bike ride to Russia, beginning this week.

All the details are here :

In support of Love Russia and Alex and his team, we had our own bike ride today ; not quite 4000 miles but enough.

Our children, and their families took an enjoyable ride across Liverpool and through Croxteth park.

You can see OUR TEAM below.

We all had a really good afternoon out and all the sponsor money will go off to Love Russia soon. I'll let you know the totals later.

Thank you very much to all of you for taking part.

p.s I'm behind the camera, but equally dapper !

Now here's a thought for the day !

2011-05-26T07:29:00.000+01:00

Pray that God will help you to think in his way today.

All things work together for good

2011-05-23T11:04:00.000+01:00

The bible tells us that works all things together for our good,... to those who love and obey.

Sometimes we look back and see how complicated the path of our life has been, and yet we have come through.

It's then we realise that it's been Gods' hand and direction that's been there all the time.

Whatever the trouble, problem [or joy] God, in the form of His son the Lord Jesus and through the Holy Spirit seeks to be part of it with us.

God wants good things for us, that's the outshowing of His love.

For our part, we need to seek Him out and His will for our lives, knowing that when we do mess up here and there, He still brings all things around for our good.

Condemned ? - Romans 8:1-8

2011-05-17T07:51:00.002+01:00

WordLive Daily Email http://www.wordlive.org/ Scripture Union http://wwwwordlive.org/
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Prayer : Prepare
Imagine the word 'guilty' displayed on a canvas. What colour is it? What does it look like? Talk to God about how the picture makes you feel.
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Bible passage: Romans 8:1-8

Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set youa]'> free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the sinful nature,b]'> God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful humanity to be a sin offering.c]'> And so he condemned sin in human flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind controlled by the sinful natured]'> is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The sinful minde]'> is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
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Text: Main point: Condemned
No condemnation
The exam result shattered any illusions I harboured. There it was in black and white - failure. Rules, says Paul (v 3), are like this. They show us our faults, but like an exam possess no power to help us do what we want to, but can't manage.
So we believe we are condemned to fail, but this chapter of Romans declares the opposite. In Jesus, there is no condemnation (v 1). This is the gospel and Paul goes on to explore its significance.
He took our place
We are not condemned, because God entered our world, lived our kind of life and offered himself as a sacrifice for all that is wrong and broken. Jesus took our place and was condemned on the cross. Because he was condemned, we escape condemnation.
This changes everything. We no longer try to live by the rule book. Instead we try to live a Holy Spirit directed and energised life (v 2). Rather than a grim duty - desperately trying and failing - we enjoy the freedom and joy of walking in the Spirit (v 4).
A daily choice
Not that this happens automatically. Christ has put us on a path, but there are plenty of opportunities to deviate from it. Living in the Spirit involves daily and repeatedly choosing to fix our minds on the things the Holy Spirit enjoys (v 5).
Neil Dougall
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Text: Respond
'In my place condemned he stood . Alleluia! What a Saviour!' (Philipp Bliss).
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Text: Deeper study: No condemnation!
If Romans is the Himalayas of the New Testament, then in chapter 8 we reach Mount Everest. Here Paul draws together not only the themes from the last couple of chapters, but also ideas from the beginning of the letter - there are strong echoes of his opening statement of the gospel in 1:3,4.
Paul now uses the terms 'flesh' and 'Spirit' as contrasts, meaning, not the difference between the physical and the non-physical, but the difference between living in line with our (sinful) human nature and living directed by the Spirit of God in our lives.
Paul presents a developing argument ('Therefore', v 1; 'because', v 2; 'For', v 3; 'in order that', v 4); each statement is explained and unpacked by what follows. There is a clever video on the Internet about young people and the environment which, when played backwards, says the opposite of what it says played forwards.
Here, playing backwards actually makes the argument clear: there are two kinds of humanity, those living in 'the sinful nature' and those living in 'the Spirit'; they are heading for death and for life respectively (v 6); those in the sinful nature cannot fulfil what God has set out in the Law; God himself has provided a sin-offering in Jesus, destroying the power of sin (vs 3,4); you are therefore free to live the Spirit-empowered life (v 2); therefore there is no further penalty to be paid (v 1).
Just as the future 'age to come' has broken into the present in the resurrection of Jesus, so God's future vindication of us is made known now, and the end-times gift of the Spirit1 is made available.
Ian Paul
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Text: Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year. Today's readings are:
1 Kings 1,2
Psalm 55

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Not the winners then ?

2011-05-16T15:11:00.000+01:00

So,.....Blue didn't win.

But did anyone expect them to win ?
Who knows ?

What do you do when all your hopes fail to appear ?

We each have those little dreams (or even big ones) that we would truly like to see realised.

We work hard, we hope hard, we trust in others to help us achieve, ..and it all comes to nothing.
Where do you run ?

I guess its all about where you place your trust, and in what, and in whom you trust.

Sure there will be days when it all looks like its falling apart, but its the big picture that matters.

Where's your final hope placed ?

Here ?

The Way, Camino de Santiago

2011-05-13T00:39:00.023+01:00

Camino de Santiago

Background:

The Way (UK release date: 13 May 2011) is written and directed by the actor Emilio Estevez, and stars his father, Martin Sheen as a Californian doctor, Tom Avery, whose son dies on a career break in Europe. Tom discovers that Daniel (Estevez) died while walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. His response is to set out to complete the 800km pilgrimage himself, taking Daniel's ashes with him. He meets other pilgrims en route and eventually falls into step with dieting Dutchman Joost (Yorick van Wageningen), Canadian chain-smoker Sarah (Deborah Kara Unger) and neurotic Irish travel-writer Jack (James Nesbitt).

Interview with the Star

Out Today

Eurovision

2011-05-09T13:17:00.000+01:00

Admit it, you do watch it dont you ?

The UK entry for 2011

Back to normal, tomorrow

2011-05-02T09:32:00.003+01:00

Well its all over : the spectacle of Easter, the wedding,.... and all the bank holidays !

So now what ?
Its all back to normal.

We've learned to live this last month in expectancy, of something new, something different and something out of the ordinary.

Jesus disciples, after His resurrection also learned to expect the unexpected ; and that's how they lived out their lives, post Jesus resurrection.
They had now truly experienced Jesus power and authority, over death and hell true, but also over their lives.

This is something we should be looking for in expectancy and, (to quote Richard C), ....in celebration.

Fever Grips the World

2011-04-30T09:16:00.002+01:00

Royal wedding watched around the world

Royal wedding fever gripped the world yesterday, with an estimated global audience of more than two billion; blanket coverage of the event dominating television schedules and even messages of congratulations coming from space.

Adding our congratulations, we pray God's greatest blessing upon their lives,... that of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as saviour.

Is this an exciting week ?

2011-04-26T11:54:00.001+01:00

After all the excitement of the Easter Resurrection day, maybe the rest of this week will be a bit flat.

The friends of Jesus were confused by His death, and totally surprised by His Resurrection, even though He'd told them beforehand.
And when He appeared to His friends, be basically said "I told you so" ; not with any sense of putting them down, but with a feeling of assurance in His words.

We like to look forward to things. We live by a calendar of events. This last week, or so, has seen us looking towards many things : Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter eggs, a few days off, a long week-end, a short week with another to follow, The Royal Wedding.
Jesus gave His friends another thing to look forward to : the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who Jesus would send in His place.
That's a few days off just yet in the scripture account.

Jesus has promised to be with us ALWAYS.
When Jesus was born, its was said His name would be Emmanuel, [it means God with us]. How appropriate that some of His final words echo the same thought.
Its through His Holy Spirit that that takes place.
Now that's something to look forward to : Jesus with us always.

Easter Sunday, a day to remember and to rejoice !!!!

2011-04-24T00:19:00.003+01:00

Holy Saturday, what's going on today

2011-04-23T00:16:00.003+01:00

My Last Day : The Crucifixion, Restoration, Foregivness

2011-04-22T00:19:00.001+01:00

This is the Friday of

The story in the video below unfolds through the eyes of a criminal who receives the same crucifixion sentence as Christ. The criminal’s own guilt causes him to realise more fully Christ’s innocence. “My Last Day” is a film of regret, repentance and redemption that frames the story of salvation.

Please note : even though this is an animation, a cartoon, it is very graphic, and very painful to watch.

Good Friday, the day we try to forget

2011-04-22T00:13:00.003+01:00

Maundy Thursday, that day we forget

2011-04-21T00:01:00.003+01:00

Wednesday of Holy Week

2011-04-20T05:49:00.001+01:00

Wednesday

Tuesday Of Holy Week

2011-04-19T05:46:00.003+01:00

Tuesday

The week has begun

2011-04-18T07:43:00.000+01:00

Monday of Holy Week

Soul Surfer : the Trailer

2011-04-15T15:27:00.001+01:00

"Go see SOUL SURFER"

Click above to play the trailer

Coming soon to a week-end near you !

2011-04-13T10:36:00.001+01:00

Palm Sunday

Soul Surfer: A Thought-Provoking Film for the Whole Family

2011-04-13T09:47:00.000+01:00

Soul Surfer

Posted by Rusty Wright on Saturday, April 9, 2011

By Meg Korpi and Rusty Wright

Kauai, 2003. A 14-foot tiger shark bursts through the waves and tears off 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton’s left arm. She loses 60 percent of her blood, and faces the end of her pro surfing dreams. Three months later, the unstoppable young teen is surfing competitively again.

If you’re looking for inspiration to thrive in tough times or to appreciate life more fully, Soul Surfer—the movie based on Hamilton’s brush with death and remarkable comeback—will knock your socks off. The Sony Pictures release, starring AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood opens across North America April 8^th.

Fantastic Surfing, Tough Competition, Heart-stopping Tragedy, Strong Character

The film’s breathtaking surfing footage and heart-pounding athletic competition will entertain sports enthusiasts. But Bethany’s true story of gut-wrenching tragedy, driven character, and hard-won victory is what makes Soul Surfer worth seeing.

Pre-attack, Bethany (Robb) is a lighthearted kid and skilled surfer. (At 13, she ranked #2 among 18-and-under females in the USA.) After the attack, Bethany emerges as poised and determined, with a well-grounded spirit. Where does a 13-year-old gain the fortitude to overcome a missing limb and rebuild athletic prowess, while remaining surprisingly good-spirited?

Why This? Why Me?

After the attack, Bethany struggles with the mundane (ever try slicing a tomato with one hand?), the profound (how could God allow this?), and the young-teen weighty (will a boy ever like her with only one arm?). But in addition, as a champion surfer, driven by love of the sport, Bethany confronts the likely loss of her career: How could she possibly paddle a surfboard, one-armed, through the impact zone (roughest part of the surf), much less re-conquer championship surfing maneuvers?

“I don’t need easy; I just need possible”

But a love of God also drives Bethany. Her youth group leader, Sarah Hill (Underwood), helps her gain perspective after the tragedy. Gradually, Bethany learns to rely on the biblical assurance: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘…plans for good and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope.’”

At the film’s NYC premiere, director Sean McNamara offered insight. “Her faith was amazing, I watched her overcome adversity and [attribute it to her] faith in Jesus Christ … I’d been through years of Catholic school, but it’s different when you actually see someone walk the walk and talk the talk.”

With remarkable determination, Bethany decides to tackle surfing again. She seeks her father’s help. “It’s not going to be easy,” he cautions.

“I don’t need easy,” replies Bethany. “I just need possible.”

Inspiring Role Model

This film will not please moviegoers who expect dark drama and gore from a shark-attack film. Skeptics will likely scoff at the portrayal of Bethany’s resilience and positive attitude as too good to be true. In fact, the filmmakers appear to have toned down the real Bethany’s indomitable spirit for fear audiences would find her unbelievable. “They tried to portray her as being sad in the hospital,” Bethany’s brother Noah told us, “but she wasn’t like that. She was always upbeat.”

Good teen role models are hard to come by. Thirteen-year–olds who inspire adults to act more courageously are virtually unheard of. If you’re humble enough to accept that admirable and wise-beyond-their-years youth do exist (and we’ve met one), you could learn a lot from this movie—no matter what your age.

Soul Surfer is thought-provoking PG entertainment. The Hamilton family’s strong faith is portrayed as integral to the characters, not preachy. The shark-attack scene shouldn’t upset the squeamish. We found the movie hard to leave in the theater, and instead carried it in our heads for days, reflecting on the individuals’ choices, wisdom and character.

Some of the real Bethany’s insights are so selfless and profound they are indeed hard for the rest of us to understand. She once said,

“If I can help other people find hope in God, then that is worth losing my arm for.”

Amazing. Grace.

Meg Korpi studies character development and ethical decision-making through the Character Research Institute in Northern California. She holds a PhD from, and formerly taught at, Stanford University.

Rusty Wright is an author and lecturer who has spoken on six continents. He holds Bachelor of Science (psychology) and Master of Theology degrees from Duke and Oxford universities, respectively. http://www.rustywright.com/

WordLive today : http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2011-04-12/Trick-questions

2011-04-12T09:51:00.000+01:00

Reflect on some of the difficult questions that unbelieving friends put to you.

Luke 20:20-40

Paying Taxes to Caesar

²⁰ Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. ²¹ So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. ²² Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" ²³ He saw through their duplicity and said to them, ²⁴ "Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?"
"Caesar's," they replied.
²⁵ He said to them, "Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
²⁶ They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

The Resurrection and Marriage

²⁷ Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. ²⁸ "Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. ²⁹ Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. ³⁰ The second ³¹ and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. ³² Finally, the woman died too. ³³ Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?" ³⁴ Jesus replied, "The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. ³⁵ But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, ³⁶ and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection. ³⁷ But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord 'the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' ³⁸ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
³⁹ Some of the teachers of the law responded, "Well said, teacher!" ⁴⁰ And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Main point: Trick questions

Controversial question
Jesus has humiliated the chief priests, and now they are absolutely determined to silence him. It has become a hunting game, a campaign of deceit and tricks – they send spies to flatter Jesus and try to catch him out (v 20).

Their question concerns a highly controversial political and theological issue. Should people accept the authority of the prevailing pagan empire and show loyalty to Caesar, or remain true to God? Answering either way would get Jesus into trouble.

Wise answer
He sees straight through this duplicity, but still he answers: both. Worldly authority doesn’t release us from our obligation to God, and to give him what he asks from us – our worship and hearts.

The Sadducees were a conservative aristocratic priestly group who believed firmly in the Law of Moses but not in the supernatural. Their question is intended to show the foolishness of the Pharisees’ belief in the resurrection (vs 28–32).

Avoidance tactics?
Jesus refuses to be used in their feud and snubs them, saying that only God’s children are worthy to take part in the resurrection, which shows up the Sadducees’ lack of understanding of Scripture teaching about angels and the spirit world.

Sometimes today we try to trip the Lord up with a difficult ‘unanswerable’ question. What about suffering? What about evolution? But too often it is a way of avoiding his gaze, his question to us.

Stephanie Heald

Respond

What difficult question would you like to put to God? Write it down and keep it in your Bible. See how he answers.

Background: Army of occupation

History
Roman control of Palestine effectively began in 64 BC when Syria became a Roman province and local rulers were installed under Roman control. After the death of Herod the Great (whose realm included Galilee and Judea) in 4 BC his kingdom was split into three with Archelaus reigning in Judea. He was deposed in AD 6. Overall the situation was somewhat confused.

Outsiders
Conservative Jews resented Roman presence as a Gentile and unclean intrusion. The Pharisees kept themselves to themselves, the Essenes withdrew to the desert and a small number of guerrilla groups known as Zealots launched occasional attacks. More liberal Jews such as the Sadducees went along with Rome as a way of maintaining their own power base.

Roman rule
Roman rule was not generally harsh although rebellion was ruthlessly suppressed. Sometimes Rome was seen as a benefactor bringing peace and stability. By and large people were able to carry on much as they had before Roman rule.

With most people living on the edge of poverty, taxation was a heavy burden – land taxes, the poll tax and customs duties all being imposed. For many people this was a heavy burden.

Religious tension
Rome had its own religious system with a pantheon of gods similar to those of Greece. But there were many local variations and little central control. Some other religions, including Judaism, were permitted.

In the early days Christianity was perceived to be a Jewish sect and was accorded this privilege. As Christians began to break away from Judaism the situation became more confused.

John Grayston

Background: Resurrection rock

In the Old Testament
Resurrection was something of a hot potato in Jesus’ time. Although there is no fully developed idea of resurrection in the Old Testament there are eight passages which refer to resurrection (Job 19:26; Psalms 17:15; 73:24; 49:15; Isaiah 26:19; 53:10–12; Daniel 12:2,13).

These gave rise to the hope of a resurrection for the righteous. This developed further during the three centuries before Jesus.

In 2 Maccabees (a Jewish book describing events in the second century BC and found in the Apocrypha), there is an account of seven brothers who resist the Greek king and are killed. One says to the king, ‘the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws’ (2 Maccabees 7:9, NRSV).

Other Jewish literature from the period reflects a growing belief in resurrection for the righteous.

Division
By the time of Jesus many Jews believed in a future resurrection of the righteous dead. This had physical and national dimensions – the dead would be raised and the nation re-established in a recreated world. This was the view of the Pharisees.

The Sadducees denied the possibility of resurrection. This was one of a number of points of difference between them (Acts 23:8).

Trick question
The Sadducees probably thought (rightly) that Jesus was closer to the Pharisees on this issue. So this was a trick question intended to catch Jesus out and force him to take sides in the debate, damaging his popularity with one party. The Sadducees show their contempt for the whole idea of resurrection, holding it up to ridicule.

John Grayston

SpringHarvest 2011

2011-04-11T14:56:00.001+01:00

OPEN NOW

It's been some time since we shared in the joys of an SH UK week.
If you get the chance, even for a day, then grab it with both hands.

I'm just sorry I'm missing Vicky Beeching at the Big Top Worship times !

2011-04-11T11:45:00.000+01:00

I'm back, but I'm not sure you missed me anyway.

I can recommend Willersley Castle, Cromford [Matlock], if you want that short break with the spouse !

So where's the thoughts then : I guess they are heading towards Good Friday and Easter, though its still a little while away.

In all of the confusions of the crucifixion and the death of Christ, its sometimes easy to forget that it was all being done out of Love for "me" , the person.

In all of the pain and suffering, God's face in shining on me.
Graham Kendrick has it right when he sings "I'm special, because God loves me"....................at Calvary.

So maybe over the next week we can take a fresh look at Calvary....and my part in it ?

Missed me ?

2011-04-07T18:07:00.000+01:00

We've had a few days here :

Take a "Peak" : http://www.christianguild.co.uk/willersley/

[also, look at LateRooms.com for price deals !]

Direction

2011-03-28T11:45:00.001+01:00

"Have you ever wished God would give you a six foot neon sign at the bottom of your bed each morning, telling you just what to do that day ?"

This was Alex's question for us yesterday evening.

I guess we all need some direction, some of us more than others.
Our lives get mixed up, slowed down, too hectic, or whatever and we need to know which way is next.

Don’t run away. Pray and obey.

We can bring any situation we are concerned about to God. Ask him to show us what to do, then take that first step of obedience. We can always trust God to guide us and correct us.

30th Birthday Celebrations

2011-03-26T22:58:00.002Z

In whose footsteps are you following?

2011-03-24T13:36:00.001Z

Romans 4:1–12

Abraham Justified by Faith

¹ What then shall we say that Abraham, the forefather of us Jews, discovered in this matter? ² If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about-but not before God. ³ What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
⁴ Now to anyone who works, their wages are not credited to them as a gift, but as an obligation. ⁵ However, to anyone who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. ⁶ David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of those to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
⁷ "Blessed are those
   whose transgressions are forgiven,
   whose sins are covered.
⁸ Blessed are those
   whose sin the Lord will never count against them."
⁹ Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness. ¹⁰ Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! ¹¹ And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. ¹² And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Heroes of faithHow is Paul going to convince both Jews and Gentiles of his argument? He is challenging deeply held beliefs and convictions.

He has laid out the argument for salvation by faith in Christ very well, but he is wise enough to know it may take more to bring about a real change of mind and heart. So he uses the example of two heroes of the Jewish faith: Abraham and David.

Righteous through faithHe shows that actually Abraham himself, the father of all Jews, was made right with God through faith (see Genesis 15:6). Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God.

The rite of circumcision had become the defining mark of being a (male) Jew. The ceremony was instituted by Abraham. Again Paul uses this as an example: Abraham was circumcised after he was declared righteous through his faith – the sign signified a deeper reality.

Relationship not ritualThere is a timeless warning here that rites, signs, rituals must not become more important than what they signify. We can easily lose sight of the original meaning and purpose of certain rituals.

We are then in danger of being religious and not Christian. Religion must never replace relationship with God.

Paul’s argument also challenges the common view that the God of the Old Testament is somehow different to the God of the New Testament. He is the same throughout Scripture.

Elaine Duncan : all rights belong to WordLive

50 Years Married

2011-03-21T12:43:00.005Z

It was a really nice day yesterday, being able to share in the family celebrations of Helen & Eddie on their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

A Golden Day

Eddie sang the song below to Helen

Sunshine

2011-03-18T15:14:00.001Z

Its March 18th.
Its Liverpool.
And I think my back is sun burnt.

Sent from my Nokia phone

BACKGROUND TO LENT : this from one of my "boating" friends

2011-03-16T12:10:00.003Z

The earliest mention of Lent in the history of the Church comes from the council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The council of Nicaea is best known for the profession of faith – the ‘Nicene Creed’ – which is still recited in many Catholic parishes every Sunday immediately after the sermon. However, the council also issued twenty canons of a practical nature, dealing with various aspects of church life, and the fifth of these canons speaks of Lent.

The word used for Lent in this fifth canon is tessarakonta (in the original Greek), which means ‘forty’. For the first time in recorded history, we have mention of this period of preparation for Easter as lasting forty days. Much earlier, Christians had introduced Easter Sunday to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Soon afterwards, a period of two or three days preparation, specially commemorating Christ’s passion and death – the ‘Holy Week’ part of Lent today – had been adopted by various Christian communities. But the first mention of a preparatory period lasting the forty days comes from this fifth canon of Nicaea.

The length of time was adopted in imitation of the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert at the beginning of his public ministry:

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights and afterwards he was famished. (Matthew 4:1-2)

In many languages the word for Lent implies ‘forty’: Quaresima deriving from quaranta (forty) in Italian; Cuaresma coming from cuarenta in Spanish; Carême deriving from ‘quarante’ in French. The English word ‘Lent’ has another, very beautiful derivation. It comes from the Anglo-Saxon (early English) word meaning to ‘lengthen’. Lent comes at a time when the hours or daytime are ‘lengthening’, as spring approaches, and so it is a time when we too can ‘lengthen’ spiritually, when we can stretch out and grow in the Spirit.

We should not, therefore, place too much emphasis upon our own efforts. Just as the sun was thought to do the work of ‘lengthening’ the days during early Springtime, so it is the sun – in the sense of God’s warmth and light – that does this work in our ‘lengthening’ and growing in Christ. In the English language, indeed, we have a beautiful play on the words ‘sun’ and ‘son’, which are pronounced identically. Just as the sun was seen to do the work of ‘lengthening’ the days in spring, so it is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who does the work of ‘lengthening’ in our spiritual growth.

This image provides a comfort for us in our busy modern world, where hyperactivity can become the norm. Our role during Lent is to cooperate with God’s grace and initiatives, in a sense to relax in the presence of God, rather than to force the pace with our own efforts. [extract from Norman Tanner]

The Beginning of Lent

2011-03-09T12:30:00.001Z

For many, today marks an important place in the Church calendar, for others its the start of a tradition of "giving things up".

Today, Ash Wednesday to many, is the start of the days that build up to the greatest event of all time ; the celebration of Easter.

Lent is not about giving up the odd bar of chocolate, and making yourself feel either great or miserable because you do, its about putting your whole mind to the task of once more considering what Christ has done on Calvary.

The giving up part should really be a "taking up" : put something aside, and take up that available time with contemplation of what's to come : Jesus trial, execution, resurrection and Victory over death and Hell.

And in all of this, God wants us to make ourselves available for His use, even if we don't know quite what He wants or where its going.

If you get the chance today, consider how we can best spend Lent this year.

Follow x 2

2011-03-08T11:41:00.001Z

As he [Jesus] was setting out on journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions (Mark 10:17-22).

This story in Marks Gospel, is the introduction and the main thrust of the beginning of Tom Wright's book "Virtue REBORN".

The young man asks "what must I do.....". [what good thing should I do]
Jesus answers "follow me".

In Wrights exposition, this is a two-fold answer :
its what I must do, and its how I do it.

Its all about how to live your life, with character and virtue ; its about how to achieve these goals in our personal development ; how to be good without thinking about it.

So the question stands : "what must I do"; answer, follow Jesus.
How do I achieve doing what I must do ; answer, follow Jesus.

Its not a book for the faint hearted.

More to follow.

Spring

2011-03-02T12:56:00.000Z

Absolute Truth

2011-02-28T16:26:00.001Z

The Truth Within what ?

We were reminded this weekend that the Bible is the Truth ; not that it just contains the truth, but that it IS THE TRUTH.

Often we seek only the kind of truth we want to hear, that we agree with, that makes our life easy, that has no bite.

the Bible however, IS THE TRUTH ; and sometimes it bites !

New International Version (©1984)
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews Chapter 4, verse 12.

I will praise your name for ever and ever

2011-02-24T13:55:00.000Z

Psalm 145^[a]

    A psalm of praise. Of David.

¹ I will exalt you, my God the King;
   I will praise your name for ever and ever.
² Every day I will praise you
   and extol your name for ever and ever.
³ Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
   his greatness no one can fathom.
⁴ One generation commends your works to another;
   they tell of your mighty acts.
⁵ They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
   and I will meditate on your wonderful works.^[b]
⁶ They tell of the power of your awesome works—
   and I will proclaim your great deeds.
⁷ They celebrate your abundant goodness
   and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
⁸ The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
   slow to anger and rich in love.
⁹ The LORD is good to all;
   he has compassion on all he has made.
¹⁰ All your works praise you, LORD;
   your faithful people extol you.
¹¹ They tell of the glory of your kingdom
   and speak of your might,
¹² so that all people may know of your mighty acts
   and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
¹³ Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
   and your dominion endures through all generations.
   The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises
   and faithful in all he does.^[c]
¹⁴ The LORD upholds all who fall
   and lifts up all who are bowed down.
¹⁵ The eyes of all look to you,
   and you give them their food at the proper time.
¹⁶ You open your hand
   and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
¹⁷ The LORD is righteous in all his ways
   and faithful in all he does.
¹⁸ The LORD is near to all who call on him,
   to all who call on him in truth.
¹⁹ He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
   he hears their cry and saves them.
²⁰ The LORD watches over all who love him,
   but all the wicked he will destroy.
²¹ My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
   Let every creature praise his holy name
   for ever and ever.

Footnotes:

Psalm 145:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the verses of which (including verse 13b) begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
Psalm 145:5 Dead Sea Scrolls and Syriac (see also Septuagint); Masoretic Text On the glorious splendor of your majesty / and on your wonderful works I will meditate
Psalm 145:13 One manuscript of the Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls and Syriac (see also Septuagint); most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text do not have the last two lines of verse 13.

Virtue Reborn

2011-02-23T11:15:00.006Z

My two boat loving friends are both reading a book called Virtue Reborn by Tom Wright.

To use Wrights own words to summarise the book content : "Christian life in the present, with its responsibilities and particular callings, is to be understood and shaped in relation to the final goal for which we have been made and redeemed". That is to say, our lives must reflect the faith to which we cling.

There's a few pages of the book here , and a short interview on this page.

I don't know the author or his previous work, but I'll let you know how it goes.

New photo of 'English Nessie'

2011-02-22T11:06:00.000Z

And they want me to go in a boat on this lake !

See the full story here

Lily Gaynor

2011-02-21T14:38:00.000Z

Well its with joy that I can say that Lily is being discharged this afternoon from the Royal.
Her surgery went well, all are pleased, and she's on her way to full recovery ; and home.
Praise to Jesus for answered prayer.
Brenda too, her long standing friend in missionary work is soon to be discharged, though her dialysis continues.
Continue praying for them both.

Many will know of their work in Guinea Bissau and their Mission and Clinic work with WEC.
That work continues as you know after their "retirement", and is now run by the local believers themselves.

You will remember the couple of Catholic Portuguese ladies who took a miraculous interest in the clinic and who took it upon themselves to offer support.
Well Olinda and her friends are just finishing a month long visit to the clinic, along with various doctors and helpers.
Under God's provision the work is progressing well.
Who would have thought it, that this is God's answer to our prayers ?

There's a few photos below to show the progress to date and an extract from email from Olinda about the recent trip out.

Continue to praise God for His love and grace towards us, His Church.

extract : The mission was from 7th January to 27th February - it is still going on
10 doctors in several areas as pediatric, general clinic, oftalmologits , cirurgians

We made more than 120 operaions to catarats, that many people recovred vision after many years beeing blind
57 cirurgies to remove lipomas, papos as they say.
more than 1700 people had dates with portuguese doctors and a guine doctor in several specialities

We also made a library last year, which it is visited by some people to study and this year we made and it is still going on a Computers course for teachers, some from the public school and some from the kindgardern and school that we also support in Ondame.

It was a sucess and Lily and Brenda will be very proud...thanks GOD, it was amaising to see all ther population so happy, so grateful and looking forward to have more missions like this one, I never thougth that it was possible tro do something in Ondame with this dimension- all Guine Bissau knew and we received people from EVERYWHERE to be checked or operated, as from Bissau, Bula, Bafata, islands and so on.

Thanks so much for your coorporation in continuing help us to keep the Hospital / Clinica Bom samaritano opened and working so well

The team there is really motivated and happy.

I must send many greetings to Brenda, Lily and everyone who helps this project from Loida, Tiago, Tito, Apile, Ines, Anazinha, Quinta, Didi.

I would like to tell Brenda and Lily that Sr. Luis, the tailor made a operation to the catarats and now he sees well and he also has got his ulcera in his leg much smaller, thanks for the big work made this year. You should see his face, his happiness.

To think that these guys are close friends

2011-02-21T13:53:00.002Z

I have two close friends, school friends, who are trying to encourage me to get in a boat with them.
Look at the email conversation below : would you get in a boat with these two ? [you need to start at the bottom].

Or worse still : would you let them point a bow and arrow at you , [visions of William Tell and the apple].

On 20 Feb 2011 , Bob wrote :

Like wise were I am the sky is black but I do detect 2 moons in the sky. I am enjoying a bottle ot a rather good Chilean Merlot given to me by my boss as a leaving gift (her leaving not mine) as I listen to a really good rock music show on the internet even though it is only coming from Wallasey, I do have to agree with Brian about the wonders of technology as as for state of mind well the people at work have nicknamed me Mad Bob although a guy I played Badminton with for a number of yeas told me that I was sane as I thought I was mad and he was a leading shrink at the Royal who went on to do great work at Ashworth so who am I to gain say. PS nothing would surprise me about Vincent Malone. Experience has told me to distrust Normal People as they seem to cause all the trouble and people who are not at least a little disturbed in mind tend to have no mind at all.
Never take yourself too seriously I know the Lord has a great sense of humour,he has to to put up with me and Stephen it is out of love that we want you to Row the waters of Windemere with us it is just a pity it couldn't be a certain lake beginning with G in the company of a number of humble Fishermen.
This is definitely my last thought of the night before I turn in I will watch the C.C dvd again God Bless and it is all about mind/body/spirit.

On 20 February 2011 21:49, Brian wrote:

Currently black here in Edinburgh. However, I am sat alone in a Travelodge writing the minutes of the last South Trafford and Wythenshawe Region Clergy Meeting (early conference here tomorrow) and I suspect the balance of my mind is disturbed.

Brian

From: Stephen

    Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2011 21:33:

Could someone please tell me what colour the sky is on your planets ?

Stephen

Stephen Power
Sent from my Nokia phone

-----Original Message-----
From: Brian
Sent: 20/02/2011, 21:18
To: Bob
Cc: Stephen

Dear Bob,
I had not realised that the devout Bishop Malone had branched out into beauty business following his well earned retirement. A group of beauty parlours? Sun beds? It may take a few days of treatment for Stephen to show results. Does he provide RC nail extensions?
Brian
Who marvels at this modern world.

Brian

-----Original Message-----
From: bob
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2011 21:07:33
To: <brian
Cc: stephen
Subject: Re:

Sounds like a good plan to me but will any one believe the bit about giving up the golden exlir that is Carlsberg Special brew? Might want to drop a line to UCB and Radio Merseyside about the epic challenge Stephen is undertakening and his good works in using it to turn round the lives of 2 old school friends who have fell on hard times. I reckon an OBE will be on the cards at least. It's a pity the Royal wedding is before the row other wise I'm sure Stephen would get an invite on the strength of this. Perhaps we could use the good offices of Bishop Malone to secure a beatification? What a coup for Christian unity.
  PPS I did a spot of rowing at the gym today and will do a bit more after work Monday.
Glad to hear you in such sparkling form by the way but we must impress on Stephen the importance of mind, body and spirit neglect one at your peril and as you know my body is a temple to what I'm not quite sure.
  Good night and God Bless and I'm sure Friday will be a BLAST.

On 20 February 2011 20:50, Brian wrote:
  Dear Bob,
  I too sense a weakening in resolve - note his lack of reference to archery However, we may need to proceed with Plan B to finally deliver him to Ambleside on the day. So - we super glue a sponsor form with his name on it to the noticeboard at

Spellow Lane

. We drop in for his services and drop the odd reference - for example Stephen is involved in such a good cause for charity - he has a rowing machine for training which he uses between services and committee meetings - Maureen has him on a diet of rice and pasta for power training, etc. If he still resists we play our ace - two of his former school mates (you and me!) have promised to stop living on the streets and having Special Brew for breakfast if he does the row. His congregation will love him!
  I am not sure if Tom Wright provides rowing tips - still I am only half way through - but I do note that St Peter was very thin on maritime guidance in his New Testament letter.
  See you Friday!

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Bob
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2011 14:00:47
  To: Stephen
  Cc:Brian
  Subject: Re:

  I think I detect a slight weakening on the row front we will have to work on him Brian, he will crack so bring the sponsor forms. I have ordered the book via Amazon but tell me will it assist in my quest for diminishing and magnification or does it have a few handy rowing hints between the covers?

  On 20 February 2011 13:40, Stephen wrote:

   No Lycra. No row. No thank you.
   See you soon !

   Stephen

   Sent from my Nokia phone

   -----Original Message-----
   From: Bob
   Sent: 20/02/2011, 13:00
   To: Brian
   Cc: Stephen
   Subject: Re:

   Hi Guys,
   I have just ordered 4 more Casting Crowns CD/DVD sets for the princely price
   of £35 inc P&P from the Pura website so expect to be bombarded with more
   tuneful praise shortly. We must as always hope for the best with Len he is a
   fighter so fingers crossed. I will see if Amazon can provide a copy of the
   text below and let you know what I think. Strangely enough I was going to ask
   you about the ROW as from the 1st of March I am going on the wagon for a bit
   in a bid to get that Daniel Craig six pack so I will add some rowing to my
   gym work in preparation may and work on topping up my tan. I suggest we
   reserve a birth for Stephen in the boat as it is a really good cause so how
   really can he refuse? As for archery well a number of people (Especially my
   x-inlaws) think I 'm a bit of an outlaw so why not. I promise not to shoot
   any Lions honest. The last bow and arrow I had was home made and I used it
   to shoot at some of the rather large rodents that could be found on the
   railway lines at the back of Edington street my childhood home, hit one or
   two of them as well.
   Take care and see you both Friday, Stephen you may consider Lycra for the
   row but it is not compulsory.

   On 20 February 2011 08:24, Brian wrote:

   > Morning Both,

> Will continue to hold John in our prayers. Len is still receiving blood but is now being treated with steroids. He is happy because he is receiving some form of treatment. They will be having a medical case file meeting in about

a week - which does not seem to be good news. Bob - good news this year (and always) - find a copy of Virtue Reborn written by Tom Wright (CofE Bishop of Durham) just out. I bought a copy on Holy Island on Monday.

See you Friday and Bob - in training for the W Row afterwards.

On a lighter note - Beth bought me an Archery day for Christmas - venue is
Knowsley Safari Park. The date is open. If you fancy a go I would welcome the company (my treat). Tell you more on Friday.
God bless!

Brian

   > -----Original Message-----
   > From: Stephen
   > Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2011 15:12:36
   > Subject: RE:
   >
   > 12.30 @ N : CONFIRMED
   >
   >
   >
   >
   > Stephen
     > Sent from my Nokia phone

> -----Original Message-----
   > From: Bob
   > Sent: 19/02/2011, 14:41
   > To: Brian
> Cc:Stephen
   > Subject: Re:
   >
   >
   > Agreed, Bri once again short but sweet.
   > See you both.
   >
   > On 19 February 2011 14:08, Brian wrote:
   >
   > > 12-30

   > > Brian
   > >
   > > -----Original Message-----
   > > From: Bob
   > > Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:39:45
   > > To: Stephen
   > > Cc:Brian
   > > Subject: Re:
   > >
   > > In that case all we require is the time, "Cometh the man cometh the
   > hour."
   > >
   > >
   > > On 19 February 2011 13:24, Stephen wrote:

   > > Venue was confirmed as N********
   > >
   > >
   > >
   > >
   > > Stephen
   > >
   > > Stephen Power
   > > Sent from my Nokia phone

   > > -----Original Message-----
   > > From: Bob
   > > Sent: 19/02/2011, 12:42
   > > To: Stephen
   > > Cc: Brian
   > > Subject: Re:
   > >
   > >
   > > Hi Guys,
   > >
   > >
   > > Good to hear John is out of hospital, not so good to hear he is still
   > > baffling medical science. Brian I assume by your silence matter with Len
   > > are
   > > no nearer a resolution? Lads do we have a time and venue for Friday yet?
   > > The
   > > time fast approaches.
   > > You know that both of you and your families are never far away from my
   > > prayers I just have a feeling that we are all due for more than our
   > share
   > > of
   > > the GOOD NEWS (in more ways than one) for the rest of 2011.
   > > God Bless see you next week, Rob.
   > >

> > On 19 February 2011 12:29, Stephen wrote:
   > >
   > > > John is out of hospital.
   > > > They are no farther forward as to the reasons for his pain.
   > > >
   > > >
   > > > Rgds
   > > >
   > > >
   > > > Stephen

Happy Birthday

2011-02-21T12:21:00.000Z

Happy Birthday