Encouragements from the Elders - May 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 29 May 2020
Join with Alison in this prayer from Ffald y Brenin, proclaiming blessings over our community ...
Heavenly Father, we take upon ourselves the mantle of authority that Jesus delegates to His disciples and in this unprecedented season we speak to every household in our communities and we say to you:
“We bless you in the Name of the Lord. We bless you that the peace of God that passes all understanding may reign over your homes. We bless your marriages that they may be strong and whole. We bless the partners in each marriage that the relationship between them may be loving, forgiving, merciful and strong. We bless every intergenerational relationship within each household that there may be peace and love and understanding flowing between each one.
In particular we bless those in our communities who are feeling alone or isolated at this time. In Jesus’ Name we bless every network of wholesome and supportive friendship. We bless you with innovative ways to connect and support one another. We bless your relationships that they may be strengthened and deepened during this season.
We bless the health of all those in our communities that you may be strong and well. In particular we lift up those who have underlying health conditions and we in Jesus’ Name we resist any sickness or disease which seeks to invade this community. To every person both young and old we say, be well, be strong, be healthy. To any who are currently suffering with Covid-19 right now we say we bless you in Jesus’ Name with a speedy recovery. We bless the relatives of those who are sick that the Lord may comfort you at this time.
To those working on the frontline in the NHS, we honour you and we bless you in Jesus name. We bless you with great strength, wisdom and divine strategies to bring health to those who are suffering so acutely at this time. We bless you with a sustained resilience as you continue to serve the most vulnerable.
To the business owners in our community who continue to serve us we bless your wealth. We bless you with divine strategies for your business during this challenging season. We bless you to have enough to live and enough to give. We bless the work of your hands that whatever you turn your hand to which is wholesome may be profitable.
We bless the grass of the fields that it may be strong and nutritious throughout the year. We bless the flocks and herds that they may be well and strong and that they may multiply. We bless the cultivated land that it may yield rich harvests.
We bless the local schools at this time. We bless the teachers with creative and engaging strategies to impart principles and learning. We bless the children’s capacity to learn and develop relationships and we bless their simple trust in Jesus, that their trust may grow and become enriched.
We speak to the churches and all other places of Christian worship and we say we bless you in the Name of the Lord. We bless you as you meet and connect on line that and in new ways that the Holy Spirit and the Word of God may flow out from you in power. We bless the hearts of all who live in this community that you may be quickened to hear and respond to the Voice of the Living God. We bless all who live and work here, that the overspill of the blessings of the presence of the Kingdom of God may fall upon you. We bless you that unprecedented breakthroughs would follow this season of brokenness.”
Amen
Join with Alison in this prayer from Ffald y Brenin, proclaiming blessings over our community ...
Heavenly Father, we take upon ourselves the mantle of authority that Jesus delegates to His disciples and in this unprecedented season we speak to every household in our communities and we say to you:
“We bless you in the Name of the Lord. We bless you that the peace of God that passes all understanding may reign over your homes. We bless your marriages that they may be strong and whole. We bless the partners in each marriage that the relationship between them may be loving, forgiving, merciful and strong. We bless every intergenerational relationship within each household that there may be peace and love and understanding flowing between each one.
In particular we bless those in our communities who are feeling alone or isolated at this time. In Jesus’ Name we bless every network of wholesome and supportive friendship. We bless you with innovative ways to connect and support one another. We bless your relationships that they may be strengthened and deepened during this season.
We bless the health of all those in our communities that you may be strong and well. In particular we lift up those who have underlying health conditions and we in Jesus’ Name we resist any sickness or disease which seeks to invade this community. To every person both young and old we say, be well, be strong, be healthy. To any who are currently suffering with Covid-19 right now we say we bless you in Jesus’ Name with a speedy recovery. We bless the relatives of those who are sick that the Lord may comfort you at this time.
To those working on the frontline in the NHS, we honour you and we bless you in Jesus name. We bless you with great strength, wisdom and divine strategies to bring health to those who are suffering so acutely at this time. We bless you with a sustained resilience as you continue to serve the most vulnerable.
To the business owners in our community who continue to serve us we bless your wealth. We bless you with divine strategies for your business during this challenging season. We bless you to have enough to live and enough to give. We bless the work of your hands that whatever you turn your hand to which is wholesome may be profitable.
We bless the grass of the fields that it may be strong and nutritious throughout the year. We bless the flocks and herds that they may be well and strong and that they may multiply. We bless the cultivated land that it may yield rich harvests.
We bless the local schools at this time. We bless the teachers with creative and engaging strategies to impart principles and learning. We bless the children’s capacity to learn and develop relationships and we bless their simple trust in Jesus, that their trust may grow and become enriched.
We speak to the churches and all other places of Christian worship and we say we bless you in the Name of the Lord. We bless you as you meet and connect on line that and in new ways that the Holy Spirit and the Word of God may flow out from you in power. We bless the hearts of all who live in this community that you may be quickened to hear and respond to the Voice of the Living God. We bless all who live and work here, that the overspill of the blessings of the presence of the Kingdom of God may fall upon you. We bless you that unprecedented breakthroughs would follow this season of brokenness.”
Amen
Friday 22 May 2020
Colin encourages us to keep persevering...
At this time I am reminded that we, as God’s people, are called to be patient. It’s not one of my strong points, I have to admit, but for now I am managing reasonably well.
In the Letter of James, in chapter 5, we read this:
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near….
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
We are going to need to continue to be patient and also to persevere, because as much as we would like the present situation to end and our lives to ‘go back to normal’ I think that we all know in our hearts that this is not going to happen for some time.
So, just as the farmer waits for the land to yield it’s crops, so we must wait for the world to recover. If we keep saying to ourselves that in just another couple of weeks – or just another couple of months – I can get back to my life as it was, it is almost like wishing our lives away. Let us strive to be content, despite the disappointments, and to live lives of patience.
We need to persevere like the prophets. We need to live lives that are upbeat in the face of this adversity and focus on what is good and right and true. James says in verse 11 “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered.“
I pray that we can all seek the gift of patience from our God and persevere in the power and comfort of His Holy Spirit. Colin
Colin encourages us to keep persevering...
At this time I am reminded that we, as God’s people, are called to be patient. It’s not one of my strong points, I have to admit, but for now I am managing reasonably well.
In the Letter of James, in chapter 5, we read this:
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near….
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
We are going to need to continue to be patient and also to persevere, because as much as we would like the present situation to end and our lives to ‘go back to normal’ I think that we all know in our hearts that this is not going to happen for some time.
So, just as the farmer waits for the land to yield it’s crops, so we must wait for the world to recover. If we keep saying to ourselves that in just another couple of weeks – or just another couple of months – I can get back to my life as it was, it is almost like wishing our lives away. Let us strive to be content, despite the disappointments, and to live lives of patience.
We need to persevere like the prophets. We need to live lives that are upbeat in the face of this adversity and focus on what is good and right and true. James says in verse 11 “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered.“
I pray that we can all seek the gift of patience from our God and persevere in the power and comfort of His Holy Spirit. Colin
Friday 15 May 2020
A Note from Tony, "Inviting the Lord into our Lockdown... Staying Alert!"
I learned last week in celebrating VE day that the now well known poster “Keep calm and carry on” had its origin in WW2 but was only rediscovered in 2000 – having been rarely used in WW2 itself. It made me think of my rediscovery of Psalm 91 in our presently strange and worrying times….how I find strength from God…so please do read on…
How we manage through Lockdown and emerge from it – staying alert as we go - is a great problem for us all. I’d like to share something of what Liz & I are doing to start to start each day …and commend this to you.
We try to start each day by committing it to the Lord – we use the Church daily 5 minute talk on facebook – today (Wednesday) for example - Colin talking about a “hand-in-hand” relationship with Father God – and then we pray – simple things – entrusting to the Lord’s care all that we have a care for – casting outwards from family and church family to extended family and friends – then on to community and nation….and the community of nations.
In a way it's childlike and repetitive – there are some people and situations that we pray for every day – and then other people and things that we have a shorthand approach to – Lord, we recall those who we were praying for in our fellowship group…or thinking about the other day …or whenever…the quick thoughts of them pass through our minds but many are unspoken day by day.
I have found the re-discovery and repeated reading of Psalm 91 most helpful in a surprising way – I know I have read it many times in the past because I have written notes in the margin of my Bible back in 2012 – but now it strikes me with a new immediacy and relevance…..(v2) resting in the shadow of the Almighty…(v5) you will not fear…(v11) He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…(v15) He will call upon me and I will answer him…I will be with him...and more.
I find strength here …I do call upon Him and ask that His angels stand with us.
As our prayers ripple outwards we seek to connect our communities, nation and nations to Christ…”standing in the gaps” where the cross of Jesus bridges all gaps and invites everyone to come to Him and find rest. Though they may not believe – we will stand in the gap for them!
I hope this will bless you also…it’s a good place to find strength to carry on!
God bless,
Tony
A Note from Tony, "Inviting the Lord into our Lockdown... Staying Alert!"
I learned last week in celebrating VE day that the now well known poster “Keep calm and carry on” had its origin in WW2 but was only rediscovered in 2000 – having been rarely used in WW2 itself. It made me think of my rediscovery of Psalm 91 in our presently strange and worrying times….how I find strength from God…so please do read on…
How we manage through Lockdown and emerge from it – staying alert as we go - is a great problem for us all. I’d like to share something of what Liz & I are doing to start to start each day …and commend this to you.
We try to start each day by committing it to the Lord – we use the Church daily 5 minute talk on facebook – today (Wednesday) for example - Colin talking about a “hand-in-hand” relationship with Father God – and then we pray – simple things – entrusting to the Lord’s care all that we have a care for – casting outwards from family and church family to extended family and friends – then on to community and nation….and the community of nations.
In a way it's childlike and repetitive – there are some people and situations that we pray for every day – and then other people and things that we have a shorthand approach to – Lord, we recall those who we were praying for in our fellowship group…or thinking about the other day …or whenever…the quick thoughts of them pass through our minds but many are unspoken day by day.
I have found the re-discovery and repeated reading of Psalm 91 most helpful in a surprising way – I know I have read it many times in the past because I have written notes in the margin of my Bible back in 2012 – but now it strikes me with a new immediacy and relevance…..(v2) resting in the shadow of the Almighty…(v5) you will not fear…(v11) He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…(v15) He will call upon me and I will answer him…I will be with him...and more.
I find strength here …I do call upon Him and ask that His angels stand with us.
As our prayers ripple outwards we seek to connect our communities, nation and nations to Christ…”standing in the gaps” where the cross of Jesus bridges all gaps and invites everyone to come to Him and find rest. Though they may not believe – we will stand in the gap for them!
I hope this will bless you also…it’s a good place to find strength to carry on!
God bless,
Tony
Friday 8 May 2020
A Message from Liz on Beautiful Words
Last Sunday Tony was speaking in the morning service on the Parable of the vine. It was the reading in our wedding service. Since then I have been reminded of one of the hymns we chose at our wedding too: May the mind of Christ my Saviour. The words of this hymn are beautiful and I thought I would share them with you, with additional thoughts added in italics.
1 May the mind of Christ, my Saviour,
live in me from day to day,
by his love and power controlling
all I do and say.
May we commit each day to God and ask Him to guide all that we say and do. Let us consider what would Jesus do as we face our daily challenges
2 May the Word of God dwell richly
in my heart from hour to hour,
so that all may see I triumph
only through his power.
May we let God’s word speak to us especially when we are feeling down. His power is greater than anything we may face
3 May the peace of God my Father
rule my life in everything,
that I may be calm to comfort
sick and sorrowing.
May we know God’s peace in our hearts and pray for His peace for others too. We will all know of people who are struggling physically, mentally and spiritually at the moment. God has promised that He is always there for us. Let’s ask Him to fill us with his Holy Spirit each day.
4 May the love of Jesus fill me
as the waters fill the sea;
him exalting, self abasing:
this is victory.
May we continue to praise God in the midst of this pandemic. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. God is love
5 May I run the race before me,
strong and brave to face the foe,
looking only unto Jesus
as I onward go.
May we be strong as we face this invisible enemy. May we be strong and put on God’s armour.May God protect us and all we love.
6 May his beauty rest upon me
as I seek the lost to win,
and may they forget the channel,
seeing only him.
May others see God in us through our words and actions. May we share the hope of new life in Christ during these difficult times. Amen.
Many of you who have social media may have heard the UK Blessing involving people from 65 UK churches. It is a blessing over the UK and well over a million people have listened to it. If not here are the words, and the video is below.
The Lord bless you and keep you,
make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace
And may his favour be upon you and a thousand generations
And your family and your children, and their children and their children
May his presence go before you and behind you and beside you
All around you and beneath you
He is with you he is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming and your going, in your weeping, in your rejoicing
He is for you He is for you, he is for you, He is for you Amen.
A Message from Liz on Beautiful Words
Last Sunday Tony was speaking in the morning service on the Parable of the vine. It was the reading in our wedding service. Since then I have been reminded of one of the hymns we chose at our wedding too: May the mind of Christ my Saviour. The words of this hymn are beautiful and I thought I would share them with you, with additional thoughts added in italics.
1 May the mind of Christ, my Saviour,
live in me from day to day,
by his love and power controlling
all I do and say.
May we commit each day to God and ask Him to guide all that we say and do. Let us consider what would Jesus do as we face our daily challenges
2 May the Word of God dwell richly
in my heart from hour to hour,
so that all may see I triumph
only through his power.
May we let God’s word speak to us especially when we are feeling down. His power is greater than anything we may face
3 May the peace of God my Father
rule my life in everything,
that I may be calm to comfort
sick and sorrowing.
May we know God’s peace in our hearts and pray for His peace for others too. We will all know of people who are struggling physically, mentally and spiritually at the moment. God has promised that He is always there for us. Let’s ask Him to fill us with his Holy Spirit each day.
4 May the love of Jesus fill me
as the waters fill the sea;
him exalting, self abasing:
this is victory.
May we continue to praise God in the midst of this pandemic. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. God is love
5 May I run the race before me,
strong and brave to face the foe,
looking only unto Jesus
as I onward go.
May we be strong as we face this invisible enemy. May we be strong and put on God’s armour.May God protect us and all we love.
6 May his beauty rest upon me
as I seek the lost to win,
and may they forget the channel,
seeing only him.
May others see God in us through our words and actions. May we share the hope of new life in Christ during these difficult times. Amen.
Many of you who have social media may have heard the UK Blessing involving people from 65 UK churches. It is a blessing over the UK and well over a million people have listened to it. If not here are the words, and the video is below.
The Lord bless you and keep you,
make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace
And may his favour be upon you and a thousand generations
And your family and your children, and their children and their children
May his presence go before you and behind you and beside you
All around you and beneath you
He is with you he is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming and your going, in your weeping, in your rejoicing
He is for you He is for you, he is for you, He is for you Amen.
Friday 1 May
Gordon shares 'An Architect's View of the Bible'
Our church building is closed, as is every other place of worship in the land. However, one building remains open. Anyone can visit it, any time of the day or night. I've been spending quite a bit of time in it lately.
The Bible is like a magnificent palace constructed of precious oriental stone, comprising sixty-six stately chambers. Each one of these rooms is different from its fellows and is perfect in its individual beauty, while together they form an edifice which is incomparable, majestic, glorious and sublime.
In the book of Genesis we enter the vestibule where we are immediately introduced to the mighty works of God in creation. This vestibule gives access to the Law Courts, passing through which we come to the Picture Gallery of the Historical Books. Here we find hung upon the walls scenes of battles, heroic deeds, and portraits of valiant men of God.
Beyond the Picture Gallery we find the Philosopher's Chamber, the Book of Job, passing through which we enter the Music Room, the Book of Psalms, and here we linger, thrilled by the grandest harmonies that ever fell on human ears. Then we come to the Business Office, the Book of Proverbs, in the very centre of which stands the motto: 'Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people', Proverbs 14:34. Leaving the Business Office we pass into the Research Department, Ecclesiastes, and then into the Conservatory, the Song of Songs, where we are greeted by the sweet singing of birds, and the fragrant aroma of the choicest fruits and flowers.
We then reach the Observatory, where the prophets with their powerful telescopes are looking for the appearing of 'the bright Morning Star', Rev 22:16, prior to the dawning of 'the sun of righteousness', Malachi 4:2.
Crossing the courtyard we come to the Audience Chamber of the King, the Gospels, where we find four life-like portraits of the King himself, revealing the perfection of his infinite beauty. Next we enter the workroom of the Holy Spirit, the Acts, and beyond that the Correspondence Room, the Epistles, where we see Paul, Peter, James, John and Jude busy at their tables under the personal direction of the Spirit of Truth.
Finally we enter the Throne Room, the book of Revelation, where we are enraptured by the mighty volume of adoration and praise addressed to the enthroned King, which fills the vast chamber. In the adjacent galleries and Judgment Hall there are portrayed solemn scenes of judgment and wondrous scenes of glory associated with the coming manifestation of the Son of God as King of kings and Lord of lords.
I'm in the Research Department at the moment.
'Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter.
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man' Ecclesiastes 12:13.
God bless,
Gordon
Gordon shares 'An Architect's View of the Bible'
Our church building is closed, as is every other place of worship in the land. However, one building remains open. Anyone can visit it, any time of the day or night. I've been spending quite a bit of time in it lately.
The Bible is like a magnificent palace constructed of precious oriental stone, comprising sixty-six stately chambers. Each one of these rooms is different from its fellows and is perfect in its individual beauty, while together they form an edifice which is incomparable, majestic, glorious and sublime.
In the book of Genesis we enter the vestibule where we are immediately introduced to the mighty works of God in creation. This vestibule gives access to the Law Courts, passing through which we come to the Picture Gallery of the Historical Books. Here we find hung upon the walls scenes of battles, heroic deeds, and portraits of valiant men of God.
Beyond the Picture Gallery we find the Philosopher's Chamber, the Book of Job, passing through which we enter the Music Room, the Book of Psalms, and here we linger, thrilled by the grandest harmonies that ever fell on human ears. Then we come to the Business Office, the Book of Proverbs, in the very centre of which stands the motto: 'Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people', Proverbs 14:34. Leaving the Business Office we pass into the Research Department, Ecclesiastes, and then into the Conservatory, the Song of Songs, where we are greeted by the sweet singing of birds, and the fragrant aroma of the choicest fruits and flowers.
We then reach the Observatory, where the prophets with their powerful telescopes are looking for the appearing of 'the bright Morning Star', Rev 22:16, prior to the dawning of 'the sun of righteousness', Malachi 4:2.
Crossing the courtyard we come to the Audience Chamber of the King, the Gospels, where we find four life-like portraits of the King himself, revealing the perfection of his infinite beauty. Next we enter the workroom of the Holy Spirit, the Acts, and beyond that the Correspondence Room, the Epistles, where we see Paul, Peter, James, John and Jude busy at their tables under the personal direction of the Spirit of Truth.
Finally we enter the Throne Room, the book of Revelation, where we are enraptured by the mighty volume of adoration and praise addressed to the enthroned King, which fills the vast chamber. In the adjacent galleries and Judgment Hall there are portrayed solemn scenes of judgment and wondrous scenes of glory associated with the coming manifestation of the Son of God as King of kings and Lord of lords.
I'm in the Research Department at the moment.
'Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter.
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man' Ecclesiastes 12:13.
God bless,
Gordon
