Encouragements from the Elders - June 2020
Each week of social distancing, one of our elders shares a little word of encouragement from the Bible...
Return to this month's messages here.
Return to this month's messages here.
Friday 26 June 2020
Tony encourages us to live out Hope
In 2015 Liz & I visited Turkey on a cultural tour holiday. It was part of the celebration of our 40th Wedding anniversary. We visited the area of western Turkey inland from Ephesus that Peter referred to in his first letter which we are looking at in our morning services. We stood where the early churches had been, and I was able to pray – deliberately continuing their prayer – though part of a secular group in a predominantly Islamic country.
Peter wrote to the Christians in the early churches in modern day Turkey about hope in their situation there – to help them have confidence in their complex world. Our hope now is the same as theirs was then and it will give us confidence in our complex world…with its latest virus complications. As Christians we are called to know undeserved favour from our Father God – grace – and His peace in abundance. Jesus' life, death and rising again make new life possible and we are thankful that we are invited to live it out, empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Our hope is to live out Jesus' risen life in the expectation that the destination of life’s journey is that one day everything will be transformed into this new life. The long curve of history really is expressed in our prayer “Thy Kingdom come”. Right now may I share the latest Tear Fund prayer under the banner “A God unchangeable – a hope unstoppable”.
Father God, Thank you for the gift of relationship and community. We pray this crisis will bring people together, not drive them apart. For those of us who are anxious, bring peace. For those of us who are sick, bring healing. For those of us caring for others, bring strength. For those of us who are lonely, bring comfort. For those of us who are not lonely, help us to see those who are and help us to reach out to them in whatever ways we can. We pray that this crisis will bring about renewed trust in your goodness. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
God bless,
Tony
Tony encourages us to live out Hope
In 2015 Liz & I visited Turkey on a cultural tour holiday. It was part of the celebration of our 40th Wedding anniversary. We visited the area of western Turkey inland from Ephesus that Peter referred to in his first letter which we are looking at in our morning services. We stood where the early churches had been, and I was able to pray – deliberately continuing their prayer – though part of a secular group in a predominantly Islamic country.
Peter wrote to the Christians in the early churches in modern day Turkey about hope in their situation there – to help them have confidence in their complex world. Our hope now is the same as theirs was then and it will give us confidence in our complex world…with its latest virus complications. As Christians we are called to know undeserved favour from our Father God – grace – and His peace in abundance. Jesus' life, death and rising again make new life possible and we are thankful that we are invited to live it out, empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Our hope is to live out Jesus' risen life in the expectation that the destination of life’s journey is that one day everything will be transformed into this new life. The long curve of history really is expressed in our prayer “Thy Kingdom come”. Right now may I share the latest Tear Fund prayer under the banner “A God unchangeable – a hope unstoppable”.
Father God, Thank you for the gift of relationship and community. We pray this crisis will bring people together, not drive them apart. For those of us who are anxious, bring peace. For those of us who are sick, bring healing. For those of us caring for others, bring strength. For those of us who are lonely, bring comfort. For those of us who are not lonely, help us to see those who are and help us to reach out to them in whatever ways we can. We pray that this crisis will bring about renewed trust in your goodness. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
God bless,
Tony
Wednesday 17 June 2020
Reflections from Liz
I really enjoyed reading Gordon’s insight into quarantine from a Biblical perspective last week and also the significance of the date 2020. What a wise Elder Gordon is. It is good to be reminded of the positive impact on nature and the environment of lock-down from fewer people travelling and the reduction in pollution.
Previous messages from Elders of hope and encouragement and on patience have all been really insightful and helpful as we all strive to live lives that bring blessing to others. (Thank you Alison for focusing on blessings too)
For me I have been reminded of the need to BE STILL. For anyone who knows me well it is not something I find easy. I am a bit like Martha rushing around being busy, unlike her sister Mary who prioritized siting at her Master’s feet (Jesus) rather than helping her sister prepare a meal.(Luke 10 38-42) However I am finding that having more time due to lock-down has meant I can spend more time with God and rest in Him.
Whatever we are facing we can trust that God is with us and we need not fear. Psalm 46 is one of many Psalms that give comfort. God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear (v1-2) It ends with this promise ‘Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth’. The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our strength.
The other night I woke at 4am. I felt the need to pray for a lovely friend and two songs came to mind that many of you will know:
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am God,
Be still and know that I am God,
Be still and know that I am God.
I am the Lord that healeth thee,
I am the Lord that healeth thee,
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust.
CCLI Song # 583265. Lee Herrington | Tom Fettke. © Words: 1992 Curb Word Music (Admin. by / Small Stone Media BV, Holland (Admin. in the UK/Eire by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 5599
Be still for the presence of the Lord
Be still for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here
Come bow before Him now in reverence and fear
In Him no sin is found. We stand on holy ground
Be still for the presence of the Lord the Holy One is here
Be still for the glory of the Lord Is shining all around
He burns with holy fire With splendour He is crowned
How awesome is the sight Our radiant King of light
Be still for the glory of the Lord Is shining all around
Be still for the power of the Lord Is moving in this place
He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace
No work too hard for Him In faith receive from Him
Be still for the power of the Lord Is moving in this place
CCLI Song # 120824. David J. Evans © 1986 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 5599
May we find comfort and encouragement in these words and may they give us renewed hope for the future. Despite the limitations of lock-down and the restrictions on meeting together may we know that God is with us. We can talk to Him and be encouraged by the promises in His Word.
“Be still and know that I am God”
Much love,
Liz
Reflections from Liz
I really enjoyed reading Gordon’s insight into quarantine from a Biblical perspective last week and also the significance of the date 2020. What a wise Elder Gordon is. It is good to be reminded of the positive impact on nature and the environment of lock-down from fewer people travelling and the reduction in pollution.
Previous messages from Elders of hope and encouragement and on patience have all been really insightful and helpful as we all strive to live lives that bring blessing to others. (Thank you Alison for focusing on blessings too)
For me I have been reminded of the need to BE STILL. For anyone who knows me well it is not something I find easy. I am a bit like Martha rushing around being busy, unlike her sister Mary who prioritized siting at her Master’s feet (Jesus) rather than helping her sister prepare a meal.(Luke 10 38-42) However I am finding that having more time due to lock-down has meant I can spend more time with God and rest in Him.
Whatever we are facing we can trust that God is with us and we need not fear. Psalm 46 is one of many Psalms that give comfort. God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear (v1-2) It ends with this promise ‘Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth’. The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our strength.
The other night I woke at 4am. I felt the need to pray for a lovely friend and two songs came to mind that many of you will know:
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am God,
Be still and know that I am God,
Be still and know that I am God.
I am the Lord that healeth thee,
I am the Lord that healeth thee,
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust.
CCLI Song # 583265. Lee Herrington | Tom Fettke. © Words: 1992 Curb Word Music (Admin. by / Small Stone Media BV, Holland (Admin. in the UK/Eire by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 5599
Be still for the presence of the Lord
Be still for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here
Come bow before Him now in reverence and fear
In Him no sin is found. We stand on holy ground
Be still for the presence of the Lord the Holy One is here
Be still for the glory of the Lord Is shining all around
He burns with holy fire With splendour He is crowned
How awesome is the sight Our radiant King of light
Be still for the glory of the Lord Is shining all around
Be still for the power of the Lord Is moving in this place
He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace
No work too hard for Him In faith receive from Him
Be still for the power of the Lord Is moving in this place
CCLI Song # 120824. David J. Evans © 1986 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 5599
May we find comfort and encouragement in these words and may they give us renewed hope for the future. Despite the limitations of lock-down and the restrictions on meeting together may we know that God is with us. We can talk to Him and be encouraged by the promises in His Word.
“Be still and know that I am God”
Much love,
Liz
Thursday 11 June 2020
Gordon considers "A Biblical View of Quarantine"
The word 'quarantine' is defined as a time of compulsory isolation or detention to prevent the spread of infectious disease. It is derived from the Italian word 'quarantina', which means 'a period of forty days', from 'quaranta', the number 'forty', from the Latin 'quadraginta'. So here are a few occurrences of the number 'forty' in the Bible. This is just a selection. See if you can find a few more.
The number forty in the Bible signifies change. Whenever the number forty appears, a a fundamental change takes place. This is the year 2020 AD. Twenty plus twenty equals forty. The Earth is in quarantine. Rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, and there is less theft and murder. The Earth is at rest for the first time in centuries. The hearts and minds of people are changing.
2 Chron 7:14 'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land'.
2020 also signifies perfect vision. Heb 12:3 'Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith'. Who says God isn't in control!
Blessings,
Gordon
Gordon considers "A Biblical View of Quarantine"
The word 'quarantine' is defined as a time of compulsory isolation or detention to prevent the spread of infectious disease. It is derived from the Italian word 'quarantina', which means 'a period of forty days', from 'quaranta', the number 'forty', from the Latin 'quadraginta'. So here are a few occurrences of the number 'forty' in the Bible. This is just a selection. See if you can find a few more.
- Gen 7:12 'And rain fell on the earth for forty days and forty nights'.
- Gen 25:20 'Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah'.
- Gen 26:34 'When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith.
- Gen 50:3 'So the physicians embalmed Jacob, taking a full forty days, for that was the time required for embalming'.
- Acts 7:30 'After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush'.
- Ex 24:18 'Moses stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights'
- Ex 34:28 'Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights'.(again!)
- Josh 14:7 'Caleb was forty years old when Moses sent him to explore the land'.
- Num 13:25 'At the end of forty days, they returned from exploring the land'.
- Num 14:34 'For forty years – one year for each of the forty days you explored the land – you will suffer for your sins'.
- Num 32:13 'The Lord made them wander in the desert for forty years, until the whole generation who had done evil was gone'.
- Judges 13:1 'Again the Israelites did evil, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years'.
- 1 Sam 4:18 'Eli led Israel for forty years'.
- Acts 13:21 'Saul ruled for forty years'.
- 1 Chr 29:27 'David ruled over Israel for forty years'.
- 2 Chr 9:30 'Solomon reigned over all Israel for forty years'.
- 1 Kings 19:8 'Elijah travelled for forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God'.
- Matt 4:2 'After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry'.
- Acts 1:3 'Jesus gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared over a period of forty days and spoke about the Kingdom of God'.
The number forty in the Bible signifies change. Whenever the number forty appears, a a fundamental change takes place. This is the year 2020 AD. Twenty plus twenty equals forty. The Earth is in quarantine. Rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, and there is less theft and murder. The Earth is at rest for the first time in centuries. The hearts and minds of people are changing.
2 Chron 7:14 'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land'.
2020 also signifies perfect vision. Heb 12:3 'Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith'. Who says God isn't in control!
Blessings,
Gordon
Thursday 4 June 2020
"Walk like an Egyptian?"
Rob reminds us how it's time to "Walk like a Hebrew"
Whenever I am in deep need for encouragement, particularly spiritual encouragement, I head for one person, my sister. Helen is a remarkably steadfast woman of God, who is nearly always able to offer encouragement and does so instinctively. It is now part of her spiritual DNA.
Am I known for being an encourager? Hopefully, my family, my work colleagues and my brothers and sisters in Christ will have often felt encouraged and supported by the things I have said and done. But I must admit I am still a work in progress. I would put ‘working towards’ on my spiritual appraisal. What about you?
Romans 15:4 says, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope”.
No one can now doubt that this crisis, and many of other life’s challenges, requires endurance. But what can really make a difference is when this is supported by encouragement from the scriptures and our brothers and sisters in Christ. That helps us to keep us plugged in to hope in Christ.
In Hebrews 11 often subtitled as the ‘Heroes of faith’ the word faith is repeated many times but as I have heard it preached more than once, the most important word in the chapter come right at the start - hope! Hope in God is what kept those heroes going forwards in faith and hope is what kept Joseph going in his prison cell, far all who he loved and seemingly at the complete mercy of a despotic government. He kept hold of who he was in God and walked with hope and in faith.
Let’s remember to encourage each other.
PS By the way another fine example of an encourager is our own Kath Hilborne. Thanks Kath and God bless you!
Blessings,
Rob
And yes Kath you must include the post script!
"Walk like an Egyptian?"
Rob reminds us how it's time to "Walk like a Hebrew"
Whenever I am in deep need for encouragement, particularly spiritual encouragement, I head for one person, my sister. Helen is a remarkably steadfast woman of God, who is nearly always able to offer encouragement and does so instinctively. It is now part of her spiritual DNA.
Am I known for being an encourager? Hopefully, my family, my work colleagues and my brothers and sisters in Christ will have often felt encouraged and supported by the things I have said and done. But I must admit I am still a work in progress. I would put ‘working towards’ on my spiritual appraisal. What about you?
Romans 15:4 says, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope”.
No one can now doubt that this crisis, and many of other life’s challenges, requires endurance. But what can really make a difference is when this is supported by encouragement from the scriptures and our brothers and sisters in Christ. That helps us to keep us plugged in to hope in Christ.
In Hebrews 11 often subtitled as the ‘Heroes of faith’ the word faith is repeated many times but as I have heard it preached more than once, the most important word in the chapter come right at the start - hope! Hope in God is what kept those heroes going forwards in faith and hope is what kept Joseph going in his prison cell, far all who he loved and seemingly at the complete mercy of a despotic government. He kept hold of who he was in God and walked with hope and in faith.
Let’s remember to encourage each other.
PS By the way another fine example of an encourager is our own Kath Hilborne. Thanks Kath and God bless you!
Blessings,
Rob
And yes Kath you must include the post script!
