To all Members, Friends, Acquaintances and others [this magazine gets everywhere!], welcome to another edition of our Church Magazine ...... the Magazine that reaches those parts of you that a cup of tea can never reach! Because we trust and pray that as your read, browse or meditate upon the contents of this publication, that you will not only be informed in mind, but also enriched and blessed in soul also!

As I wonder what I should share with you in this article, I am reminded of wise advice given to me while at Bible College. They said "only write about things you really know about". I am going to take that advice and take you back to my fourteen years banking experience, and see if the world of finance and banking can give us any insight into the Word of God.

Our text is taken from the letter of Paul to the Church at Philippi:

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus" Philippians 4 v 19

Here we have in this verse "God’s blank cheque"! I have seen many, many thousands of cheques in my banking career - but never one as thrilling, or as exciting as this one. Let’s look at some details of this cheque:

FIRM or ESTABLISHMENT

 

"But my God" - every cheque is drawn on a firm or company e.g. Northern Bank Ltd., Ulster Bank, or nowadays Halifax Building Society, or Nationwide-Anglia Building Society. Sometimes a Bank/Building Society will have a sign over their door saying "Established 1830" to let you know that they are experienced and have had a good name, and have a steady, strong background.

Paul says "My God" - this Name was established before time began. His Name is above all others, reliable, truthful - there have never been any dissatisfied customers. and He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

PROMISE

 

"Shall Supply" - it is a terrible thing to break a promise, even when the circumstances are outside your control. Benjamin Franklin said "Promises may get their friends, but non-performance will turn them into enemies".

But this is God in Philippians 4 v 19, a God Who keeps His promise forever - "My God shall supply".

AMOUNT

 

"All your need" - as you read this article I wonder what your need is! If you are not a Christian, that is, if you have never personally repented and turned from sin, and accepted Jesus Christ and His work at Calvary to cleanse and save you, then your greatest need is a Saviour. But your need could also be material, physical, temporal spiritual. Maybe your Christian life is routine and lukewarm and you need to return to your "First love". Whatever your need [not your greed!] "My God shall supply all your need".

CAPITAL

 

"According to His riches in Glory" - a Bank/Building Society is only as strong as its Capital. The Capital is its foundation on which they can make the promise to meet the demands upon them. But for a moment look at the Capital at God’s disposal "His riches in glory". We could spend such time looking at the:

Riches of His Goodness Romans 2

Riches of His Grace Ephesians 2

Riches of His Glory Romans 9

Our financial system trade in many commodities, but primarily in three, - gold, silver and copper. God also trades in three areas - His Goodness, His Grace, His Glory.

[a] Copper is in abundance ...... and so there is an abundance of the Goodness of God. It reaches and feeds the birds and beasts, it reaches both Godly and ungodly.

[b] Silver is more precious [limited] ...... and so the Grace of God is more limited than His Goodness. His Grace is not extended to Angels, nor to animals, but only to the Sons of Adam.

[c] Gold is most precious [Rare] ...... God’s Glory is found in the bloodwashed bride, the Church, those saved by the Goodness and Grace of God.

God’s heavenly treasury is full because of Calvary, and so He can take from the Spiritual Capital and supply the need.

SIGNATURE

 

"By Christ Jesus" - it did not take fourteen years in the Bank to learn that a cheque is no use without a signature. That is why when we pray, we always ask "In His Name", because it is the Name of Jesus Christ that unlocks the door to the Bank of Heaven.

"Whatever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do" John 14 v 13.

If it was not for the Blessed Son of God we would have no hope, no promise, no capital, no salvation!

I hope that your eternal destiny is resting not on something that will crash and fail as we have seen happen in our earthly financial markets, but on the precious Blood of Christ that can cleanse and save, and will never lose its power.

Please enjoy your journey through the rest of the articles in the magazine and may it bring much blessing to your heart.

oOo

Outside an ancient city wall

A rugged hill stands nigh

On which my Lord in love to me

An atoning death did die.

We see the throng from Pilate’s hall

To Calvary wend their way;

And in their midst the Lamb of God

To slaughter led that day.

The place is reached, the ponderous cross,

Is laid upon the ground;

Unto the wood His hands and feet

By cruel spikes are bound.

Uplifted now upon the cross

Behold His lovely form;

His visage marred, His blessed brow

Enclosed in crown of thorn.

All Hell’s let loose against the Lord,

And man his heart has shown,

That he by nature is depraved,

And far from God has gone.

And in this throng that now surrounds

My dying Saviour’s cross,

Myself I see, by nature vile,

All sinful, helpless, lost.

And now when men have done their worst

God hides Him from their view,

And to His Blessed Son deals out

What should have been my due.

The flaming sword which long has slept,

God bids it now awake

To smite the Man that was as He,

Thereby my peace to make.

And there my sin’s enormous load,

On Him by God was laid;

The debt which I could never meet

By precious blood was paid.

From such a sight the sun withdraws,

Golgotha’s rocks are rent;

The wrath of God that was my due

On Christ His Son is spent.

Now every jot and tittle done,

"Tis finished", Jesus cries,

His spirit up to God He yields,

He bows His head, He dies.

By loving hands He’s taken down,

And wrapped in linen white;

In Joseph’s tomb, which then was new,

My Lord’s laid out of sight.

The morning comes, so long foretold,

When He should rise again,

And conquer death, that awful foe,

And spoil his dark domain.

And angel down from Heaven sent

Now rolls away the stone,

The Lord comes forth in majesty,

His atoning work is done.

Ascended now to God’s right hand,

The doors lift up their head,

The Lord of Glory enters in,

Who liveth and was dead.

Before God’s face my name He bears,

I’m seen in all His worth;

He’s left me here - why should I fear

To tell His glories forth?

And now I look for His return,

He says "I quickly come",

What will it be His face to see,

And dwell with Him at Home?

J.Foster

oOo

Our Ladies’ Fellowship commenced the New Year with a visit from Mrs McCracken. This proved to be a most interesting and blessed time as our sister explained to us what it is like to be a Jewish woman in these times. Her love and concern for the Lord’s chosen people was obvious to us all as was her love for the Lord Himself.

In February we had a visit from Mr C Ferguson from the Leprosy Mission, when again the ladies present were greatly blessed and challenged by God’s Word and by the slides shown.

At time of writing it is hard to believe there are only two more Fellowship meetings left for this season. How time flies reminding us of the brevity of time and our need to be busy for the Lord. That leads me to mention the last Wednesday of every month. That is when we have our Ladies’ Prayer Meeting and what a blessed time we enjoy together. I never think of these times but I think of Hannah who poured out her soul before the Lord, I Samuel 1 v 15. In verse 19 we read the Lord remembered her and in verse 27 Hannah could say "The Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him". What a great God we have.

May I encourage you all to come to these meetings. We miss some of you who used to meet with us and look forward to seeing some new faces in the coming months.

"The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad" Psalm 126 v 3

Emma Simpson

oOo

In the midst of such changes let us hold on to something that never changes. It is the unchangeable Word of God. Here is something which remains the same. Its Power is the same, and its Message is still applicable today. If the world changes itself geographically or politically may we never allow ourselves to be confused. We do have a Divine Light for these dark days. We do have a Divine Authority for these days of uncertainty. God’s peace is the only peace worth having. May this blessed peace fill our hearts and overflow to those round about us.

S.M.

submitted by Jean Craig

oOo

One day an artist sat sketching in a lovely woodland. Before him was a pleasant little stream, and all about him were trees - birches, oaks, and maples. Now and then he would rest a few moments enjoying the songs of the birds, the squirrels at play, and even the wood mice that became brave enough to scurry close to his feet.

One time a mother squirrel with her little one caught his attention. What fun they were having! It seemed to be a game of tag, as they chased one another from tree to tree. Coming to the edge of the stream, the mother squirrel jumped lightly across and then waited for her baby to follow. The young squirrel ran to the edge of the stream as his mother had done, but there he hesitated. To his eyes the stream seemed far too wide and he was afraid. Mother Squirrel chattered coaxingly and even scolded. Several times she jumped back and forth to show her little one how easy it was for the stream seemed far too wide and he was afraid. Mother Squirrel ran up and down the bank hunting for an easier way across.

Finally, the mother found a way. With keen interest the artist watched her tug at the branch that seemed too heavy for her to manage. Soon she had it in the water, and pushing with all her strength she forced it to touch the other side. In a twinkling the baby squirrel had crossed the frail bridge reaching his mother.

As the squirrels disappeared into the woods the artist thought of One Who at awful cost had found a way - a way to bridge the great gulf that separated us from God.

The mother squirrel’s love prompted her to find a way to bridge the stream.

But, oh, how great the love that caused our Saviour to be willing to make a way to bridge the distance between poor sinners and a Holy God.

To make a way our Saviour had shed His blood on the cruel cross, for, "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleasnes us from all sin" I John 1 v 7. No other bridge would do, no other way, for He has said, "I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me. John 14 v 6

Jean Craig

oOo

Often during a busy day,

I pause for a moment to silently pray,

I mention the names of those I love,

And treasured friends I am fondest of -

For it doesn’t matter where we pray,

If we honestly mean the words that we say,

For God is always listening to hear

The prayers that are made

By a heart that’s sincere.

oOo

It hardly seems like three months since out last young people’s report. Since then the young people have been very busy, and we have enjoyed good times of fellowship together.

Our first meeting of the New Year was taken by a group from 1st Ahoghill Presbyterian Church. They had a very interesting programme and a blessed time was had by all who attended. On Sunday 20th January, Roy Robinson from Enniskillen was our guest speaker. Roy also took part in the evening service where he gave his testimony. All who were present were challenged by his faith and his courage in battling against illness.

February was a busy month for the young people. Our two regular meetings were taken by Maurice Brown [Belfast Bible College]. Maurice was on his field term from the College at Ballee. We all enjoyed his messages and had good times of fellowship with him and his wife. On behalf of the young people I would like to wish them God’s blessing as they seek to follow Him. On 10th February we accompanied the Pastor to Ballee Mission Hall. The choir also sang at the missionary weekend on Saturday 23rd February. The following night we were responsible for the Youth Meeting at Ballymena Congregational Church. Again a blessed time was had by all and opportunity taken to make new friends.

On 2nd March the choir accompanied the Pastor to Londonderry. On 3rd March we enjoyed a visit from the Youth Group of Cullybackey Elim. Eric Magee, who is the speaker for our annual weekend, was in charge of the meeting on 17th March. At this meeting he introduced his study for the weekend on the book of Amos. This year we are going to stay in Portrush from 22nd-23rd March. A blessed time is anticipated by everyone.

Since Christmas it has been very encouraging to see an increase in numbers at the Sunday evening meetings. We have needed extra chairs nearly every week, but there is still room for more. Please plan to attend the meetings arranged and enjoy a good time of fellowship.

Derek

oOo

There is nothing better I can do

Than give the Lord my life,

He trod the way to Calvary

And suffered on the Cross.

He did no sin to suffer such

But bore it all for me,

That I might know that from my sin

His blood can set me free,

He died, the just for the unjust,

The purpose of God’s Will

To redeem a people for Himself

Why do you linger still?

O come to Him, trust in His blood

Receive a pardon now,

Give Him your soul, your life, your all

And know the peace of God.

R L Cameron

oOo

God made the Sun - it gives

God made the Moon - it gives

God made the Stars - they give

God made the Air - it gives

God made the Clouds - they give

God made the Earth - it gives

God made the Sea - it gives

God made the Trees - they give

God made the Flowers - they give

God made the Fowls - they give

God made the Beasts - they give

God made the Plan - He gives

God made Man - he ?

oOo

Our theme at the Good News Club this term has been the latter part of the Life of Christ, leading up to a number of lessons on the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus just before Easter time. The interest has been good, as usual, and the children have settled well during the meetings. Attendance has been down somewhat since before the Christmas break, however, and although this has been discouraging, we have also been delighted to see the occasional new face appearing at the club from week to week as well.

The last report on the Good News Club was written a couple of weeks before the Church Magazine was actually published. Between the time of writing and the magazine coming out, however, a young boy who has been coming regularly to the meetings stayed behind one evening and asked the Lord Jesus into his heart. We praise God for this, and trust that He will save many others in the days ahead. It is reassuring always to remember that "... it is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish" Matthew 18 v 14, and indeed just a few weeks ago another young girl who attends both the Good News Club and the meeting at Tullygarley on a Wednesday evening, told me that she too had accepted the Saviour on the Wednesday beforehand. It is news like that, of course, that makes it all so worthwhile.

The Club is due to end for the summer period at the end of April. I would just like to thank every member of the Church concerned for their prayerful interest and support for the meetings to date, and to ask you to continue to pray for the few remaining meetings.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" James 5 v 16

Ivan Bankhead

oOo

Jesus Christ is risen! Happy now are we;

Over sin He’s conquered - wonderful victory!

Easter flowers are blooming, clad in colours gay,

Telling of God’s Glory, on this Easter Day!

Jesus is our Saviour, to Him we belong;

We shall ever praise Him in our joyful song!

~~~

Do no sinful action, speak no angry word,

You belong to Jesus, children of the Lord.

Christ is kind and gentle, Christ is pure and true,

And His little children must be holy too.

~~~

God Who made the earth, the air, the sky, the sea,

Who gave the light its birth, careth for me.

God Who made the grass, the flower, the fruit, the tree,

The day and night to pass, careth for me.

~~~

God is always near me, hearing what I say;

He knows when I am good or bad, each and every day.

God is always near me, though I’m very small;

He will keep me in His care, He is Lord of all!

~~~

Wear a great big smile upon your face,

Wear a great big smile upon your face,

Chase away your frown - turn it upside down

With a great big smile upon your face.

Leave no room for gloom upon your face,

For the Lord can every care erase;

He’ll forgive each sin if you trust in Him,

He can put a smile upon your face.

oOo

Jesus can never fail; never fail, never fail;

Jesus can never fail, no, no, no.

Jesus can satisfy, satisfy, satisfy;

Jesus can satisfy, yes, yes, yes.

~~~

One way to do great things for Christ

Is to do little things for others.

~~~

Now is God’s appointed time,

Accept Him while you may;

Tomorrow is uncertain,

God’s promise is today.

~~~

It’s never too early to receive Christ,

But at any moment it could be too late.

~~~

God forbid that we should present our gifts and withhold ourselves.

~~~

Good, better, best;

Never let it rest

Till your good is better

And your better best.

~~~

It does not require a decision to go to hell -

Just continue to travel in the same direction as you start!

~~~

It is well to remember that mansions in the sky cannot be built out of the mud we throw at each other!

~~~

Food for thought:

The duty of the many should not be the task of the few.

oOo

Just recently I attended a meeting in Ballymena and during the course of the meeting the preacher referred to the revival going on in China at the moment. He said that hundreds were getting saved each week and the Church of God was growing at a tremendous rate, how Churches were being formed and the young Christians were praying and learning very quickly - so it set me thinking. Once we heard about things like this happening in Scotland, Wales and of course England and Northern Ireland. Remember the great revivals in the islands off Scotland and 1859 revival in Northern Ireland. Yes friends we used to send missionaries to places like China but it seems that the tide has turned and I wonder how long will it be before we hear about missionaries from China coming to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. As I read the magazines I realise that the people all over Britain have become so hard towards the things of God. Churches in England and Scotland are now being used as car showrooms etc., even a Blacksmith’s Shop. Dear friends something has gone wrong. Of course what is happening in China today is in answer to prayer. Prayer has moved the hand that moves the world and God is working. Let’s pray that God will use His servants all over the world today to start a smaller work in other countries too, even our own. Some missionaries I have read about recently have going through a bad patch, going through as it were one of the storms on the Christian pathway. I cannot mention them all of course but please remember Tom Johnston, a missionary with OMS in Greece. His wife was killed in a car crash and one of his children is paralysed from the chest down. Tom has still to have some more surgery, pray for God’s hand upon him. Pray too for John and May Wilson OMS. John has had a brother, sister and sister’s husband all die within the last few months. John writes in his prayer letter. "Storms come into every life sooner or later, the clouds black out the sun, the tempest rises and we ask ‘Why this storm Lord?’ yet it’s good to be able to trust in God and know His will in the midst of the storm!"

Nancy Gill, a missionary in Indonesia, has had a lot of opposition in her work there. Yet she said that in the difficult situations she has seen God’s hand at work. Please pray for all these folks and many more like them who are going through hard times, yet at the end of it all they can all say,

Through it all, through it all

I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,

I’ve learned to trust in God

Through it all, through it all,

I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

Wilma Wells, ‘Taiwan’ is seeking prayer for two young girls who have got saved recently. Their father gave them an ultimatum, "Give up Jesus or leave the house". So they decided to leave home. Their father was furious and beat them. He threatened that if they left home he would kill them, then kill the Pastor and then himself. So you can see friends a missionary has many jobs to do apart form preaching the Gospel. Sorting out problems like this can be a big problem - no wonder we need to pray for missionaries.

Always remember our own missionaries - Geoffrey and Gillian in Panama. I know most people in the Church get their prayer letter and that keeps us up to date - so don’t forget to remember them and the children.

Sam and Anna still need the Hand of God upon them. We thank God for all He has done for both of them in the past year or so, but keep on praying for this great work.

Remember James and Audrey in the College. May God richly bless them both.

Desmond Shaw

oOo

YOUTH: too happy to think - time yet

MANHOOD: too busy to think - more gold

PRIME: too anxious to think - worry

DECLINING YEARS: too aged to think - heart gets hard

DYING BED: too ill to think - weak, suffering

DEATH: too late to think - the Spirit has flown

ETERNITY: forever to think - God’s mercy past, into hell I am rightly cast forever, to weep my doom.

oOo

In our day and generation much is said concerning "Christian Unity" i.e. overlooking the differences in our doctrinal, theological and denominational stance, and uniting with other Churches on a vague, insipid and artificial way regardless of conviction. Such a procedure is invalid and wrong for three reasons:

[a] We would have to seal the Scriptures: we would have to accept man’s word as being equal to the unerring Word of God

[b] We would have to stifle our Consciences: we would have to accept error in doctrine whether infant baptism, purgatory or the worshipping before idols, none of which find place in the Word of God.

[c] We would have to surrender our reason: liberty of conscience is a blessed part of our Protestant birthright. We ought not to surrender our right of private judgement and our ability to think and reason for ourselves.

Let us endeavour in our Fellowship not to be swayed by the dictates of men, but rather to stand firm on the Word of God, seeking to honour and glorify the Saviour in all that we do. No doubt that will insure the wrath and displeasure of the modernists and ecumenicalists in our society, but it is far better to please God and our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ.

May we live and die with our faith fixed firmly in Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

oOo

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

Ye soldiers of the cross;

Lift high His royal banner,

It must not suffer loss;

From victory unto victory

His army shall He lead,

Till every foe is vanquished,

And Christ is Lord indeed.

B Craig

oOo

I was brought up in a Christian home, and at an early age gave my life to the Lord. I was baptised on 3rd October 1965 as an outward profession of faith, and for a number of years enjoyed a Christian life.

The problem came in my late teems when I was invited to partake of the pleasures of the world. A little bit of this, a little bit of that, what was all the fuss about, it didn’t hurt at all. Then I came to a crossroad in my life, I could no longer carry on as I was. It was hypocritical of me to to Church on a Sunday when the rest of the week was spent at the pub. To my discredit I gave up on Jesus. I would emphasise I gave up on Jesus, thankfully He never gave up on me. A few times over the years I felt as though God was calling me back but I chose to ignore the call, my main excuse being ‘old age would be time enough!’ [A very foolish argument because none of us can guarantee tomorrow. Each hour of each day is Deo Volento.] Immediately before Christmas 1989 I went with my parents to visit Jim and Attracta Hanna, who are working with the Dublin Christian Mission. At this time Jim spoke to me about my backslidden state and at the time I quite resented the fact. I was to go down again before Easter 1990, and I was not looking forward to being challenged again. However, to my surprise, there was no challenge, instead I was told there was a very good fellowship at Ballee Baptist - perhaps I might go there some Sunday.

God’s Spirit was at work in three ways. Firstly having used Jim Hanna to speak to me. Secondly by encouraging me to take out my Bible and start reading from Genesis one. Thirdly and perhaps most strikingly as far as I was concerned any enjoyment which I had in having a drink was taken away from me over a period of time. One Saturday evening in September while I was sitting in the Adair Arms the barman said, "You are not winning". I looked rather puzzled and he continued, "If you are trying to drown your sorrows you are not succeeding". That was the last time I was in the Adair Arms, because I decided in future instead of going out for a drink on Saturday night, I would go to Church on Sunday.

On Sunday 4th November I felt as though Pastor Kennedy was speaking directly to me. Any arguments which I might have had for carrying on as I was were being taken away from me one by one. I wanted to talk to the Pastor that evening but I couldn’t. As I left the Church I had a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat. God was speaking. I was being re-called to life with Jesus, the only meaningful life one can have. When I got home I started reading Isaiah chapter 1. Verse 18 seemed to stress the urgency - "come now and let us reason together." The warning in verse 20 brought to mind another warning "my spirit shall not always strive with man". God in His mercy had brought me back to the crossroad and yet I was hesitant, I had a problem - cigarettes had become my panacea. After talking with Pastor Kennedy on the Monday evening I went home and prayed for forgiveness, I felt much better but still not totally at ease. As I drove to work on Tuesday morning I was thinking over what Pastor Kennedy had said, "We cannot compartmentalise Christ, we must allow Him to enter every facet of our lives". Before I got out of the car I prayed that I might have a sense of His presence, and as I did so I felt as though a great burden had been lifted. At last I was back on the right road, but things were still far from right. I was still smoking and worse still I had made no effort to tell anyone of the wonderful experience which I had had. It was Saturday before I told anyone. The first person I told was my Mother - perhaps it was most appropriate as it was her prayer which was being answered - the prodigal had returned. That evening I attended a service where the topic was the call and the will of God. During this service I re-dedicated my life to Christ and I prayed as I sang the words of the chorus - "Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me".

God answered that prayer by taking away the desire for cigarettes - yes I still had the physical pain and stress of withdrawal, but that in itself was a good thing because the greater the pain the more I had to depend on Him. I had the joy of proving that His grace was sufficient for me. Had I been depending on my own resolve I would still be smoking now.

I can never be perfect - only Christ was perfect - but having been re-called I can enjoy spending the rest of my life striving like Enoch to have an even closer walk with God.

Before I put down the pen I should like to offer a thought to each of you as the shoe fits:

[1] To those who as yet do not know Christ as their own personal Saviour, "Behold now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation", not tomorrow, not next week, not in old age. Remember the warning "My spirit shall not always strive with man". Genesis 6 v 3

[2] To the backslider - as you are now so once was I - WAKE UP. The devil is never too busy to rock the cradle of a sleeping backslider. "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost its savour wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men" Matthew 5 v 13

[3] To the Christian who says "I can’t" - think again. Like Paul can we not all say "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4 v 13

[4] To the young in Christ - yield not to temptation - if you have a friend who you feel is hindering your walk with God, question that friendship. "Be ye not unequally yoked one with another"

[5] Finally to those who are praying for loved ones - God hears your prayer. Keep praying, it may take a long time but the answer will come in accordance with His plan.

Unanswered yet, that prayer your heart is pleading,

Unanswered yet, though sought for many a year.

Think not the Lord He is unheeding

Your prayer will be answered, someday, somewhere.

Richard E Magowan

oOo

We shall do so much in the years to come; but what have we done today?

We shall give our gold in a princely sum; but what did we give today?

We shall lift the heart and dry a tear, we shall plant a hope in the place of fear,

We shall speak the words of love and cheer; but what did we speak today?

We shall be so kind in the after awhile; but what have we been today?

We shall bring to each lonely life a smile; but what have we brought today?

We shall give to truth a grander birth, and to steadfast faith a deeper worth,

We shall feed the hungering souls of earth; but whom have we fed today?

We shall reap such joys in the by and by; but what have we sown today?

We shall build us mansions in the sky; but what have we built today?

‘Tis sweet in love dreams to bask, but now and here do we do our task,

Yes this is the thing our souls must ask - what have we done today?

oOo

oOo

Doubt sees the obstacles ...... Faith sees the way.

Doubt sees the darkest night ...... Faith sees the day.

Doubt dreads to take a step ...... Faith soars on high.

Doubt questions "who believes" ...... Faith answers "I!"

oOo

God has a purpose in our heartaches,

The Saviour always knows what’s best;

We learn so many precious lessons

In each sorrow, trial and test.

~~~

For the Christian, disappointment may be God’s appointment.

~~~

As long as we keep our eyes upon Jesus

The tempter can do us no ill;

The Saviour stands near to help and support us,

To steady our feet and our will.

~~~

Satan’s ploys are no match for the Saviour’s power.

~~~

Go to Jesus with your burdens,

Take them to the Lord in prayer;

If you truly love and trust Him

He will every burden bear.

~~~

God invites us to burden Him with what burdens us.

~~~

Growing old but not retiring,

For the battle still is on;

Going on without relenting,

Till the final victory’s won.

~~~

We cannot avoid growing old,

But we can avoid growing cold.

~~~

God takes notice of your service

Freely rendered in His Name;

Even though by friends forgotten,

You He’ll honour just the same.

oOo

Mr Mervyn McMullan

Mrs Joan McMullan

Mr Cyril Mitchell

Mrs Elaine Luke

Mrs Susan Bell

William [boy] to Alice & Ivan Dalrymple on Friday 15 February 1991.

Sunday 28th April am/pm Auldwyn Calderwood

Sunday 5th May am/pm Anniversary Weekend - speaker: James McKeown [BBC]

Tuesday 11 June 8pm Paul Chang, Christian Nationals

Sunday 16th June 6.30pm Special Guest Service

Sunday 30th June am/pm Youth Sunday - speaker: Bob Fleming

Sunday APRIL

7th Miss Yvonne Kirk

14th Mrs Margaret Russell

21st Rathmore Street Trio

28th Mrs Tennant

MAY

5th Mrs Phyllis Corrigan

12th New Life Quartet

19th Mr Richard Davison

26th Janet and Hugh

JUNE

2nd Mrs Jean Wilson

9th Miss Beverley Murray

16th Cornerstone

23rd Mr William McBride

30th Youth Sunday

If you have any news for the magazine, any comments you would like to make, we would be only too glad to receive them. Think about it - and let us know as it would make our task much easier in compiling the magazine, we have three months before the next issue is due.