Selling Out
Thank
you for opening this summer edition of our church magazine, I trust that you
will enjoy reading it the whole way through, and that it might be of help,
blessing and encouragement to you.
Our
province has been through a lot of change since our last magazine. Regardless of
how you voted, (or didn't vote!) in our referendum on the 22'd May, we all now
know that things are likely to be different in the future. I think as a Pastor,
I was asked more about my views on the referendum, than on any other Biblical
subject you would care to mention. One man, who tried by provocation to discover
what way I would vote, exclaimed, "Pastor, you're selling out!"
I've
thought a lot about that phrase since, and in reflection I am convinced that
there are times when the Lord calls on his children to "sell - out"
for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
It
all began when the Lord Jesus called a small group of ordinary men to an
extraordinary destiny, and their response of the twelve was to immediately
forsake all and follow Him (Luke 5: 11). Peter left his family and fishing
business, James and John left their father Zebedee, Matthew left his revenue
agency and his wealthy friends. So strong was their fascination with, and trust
in Jesus Christ, they felt no need for earthly securities, more than adequate,
was the protection under the shadow of his wings.
Their
"sell - out" was sudden, all -encompassing, and in the eyes of
unbelievers ... fanatical. However, such action was not folly, it was rather the
height of human wisdom, for a created being to follow the command of the
creator.
The call to "sell-out" was not only to the apostles... nor did all who where so commanded respond in the affirmative. To the rich young ruler of Matt 19 such a request was a stunning blow. A spiritual bombshell to a man who saw the future in terms of bigger, better, and more expensive. But the words of Christ detailing the cost of discipleship were plain and clear and did not allow for misunderstanding "sell what thou hast and give to the poor." His theological beliefs were shaken to the core, and he turned away very sorrowfully.
ARE
THERE ANY ADVANTAGES IN "SELLING - OUT"?
1.
IT'S BENEFICIAL ... We must "sell - out" to enable God to use
the wealth that he has lent to us. We are but stewards, servants, charged with
the task of using, and investing our wealth in a way pleasing to God. We must
learn from the example of many saints in the early church, who in Acts ch. 4
sold their excess properties and possessions to meet the material needs of those
believers in need. Such action is beneficial to the saints who give, for it
destroys the plague of materialism and greed, and also beneficial to the saints
who receive, for their need is met.
2.
IT'S VALUABLE...The cost of our sacrifice or "sell -out" is in
direct proportion to the extent of our love for Christ.
The
measure of spiritual love is not related to our biblical knowledge, or the
frequency of our church attendance, or even the sincerity of our Christian
life... all of these are important and must be encouraged. But the measure of
our love is how much we are prepared to sacrifice for the Lord.
The
best example of the value of "selling - out" is seen in the work of
redemption, when Christ left the glory of Heaven, and "made Himself of no
reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the
likeness of men.... He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the
death of the cross." (Phil 2:7).
Listen to the words of David when Araunah the Jebusite offers to give him the threshing floor, and the animals, to make a sacrifice unto the Lord (2'd Sam 24:24)
'Neither
will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me
nothing."
"Selling
- out" reveals to what extent we love the Saviour.. "Love so amazing,
so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."
3.
IT’S PERSONAL… Something very dear to me may mean nothing at all to you, and
vice versa. For me it might be an actual possession, for somebody else it could
be a dream, and ambition or longing. I have no right to stand in judgement…
all I ask, in the light of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus for you, is it not
time you sold – out for Him? Give Him your life… your all by repenting of
your sin, and trusting in His death at Calvary to cleanse you from your sin…
but don’t stop there. Continue to live every day sold – out to Christ. Your
possessions, energy, your intellect, your gift and ability.
"Pastor
your selling - out!"
I
hope so ... everyday!
L
Kennedy
The
other day 1 saw a little card with poem on it. I'd like to share it with you.
I
got
up early one morning and rushed right into the day,
I
had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray.
Problems
just tumbled about me and heavier come each task,
Why
doesn't God help me I wondered, He answered me "You didn't ask"
I
wanted to see joy and beauty but the day toiled grey and black.
I
wondered why God didn't show me, he said, "You didn't seek"
I
tried to come into Gods presence I used all of my keys on the lock,
God
gently and lovingly chided "My child you didn't knock".
I
woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day,
I
had so much to accomplish that I had to take time "to pray".
May
God bless all His Pastors
Throughout all the world.
Grant
them a double portion
Give
them new strength to stand.
We
think of God's servant Moses,
When
bearing a heavy load.
How
God appointed seventy elders
To
help him on his road.
Sometimes,
the Pastors burdens
Are
too heavy for them alone.
Then
they need to be uplifted
In
prayer before the throne.
So
looking unto Jesus
Who
bears and answers prayer,
They'll
find perfect comfort
Knowing
that He's always there.
Submitted
by Elizabeth McBride.
God
never alters the robe of righteousness to fit the man, but He alters the man to
tit the robe.
TO
many
people make cemeteries of their lives by burying their talents.
"Peace
perfect peace in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace
within"
"Peace
perfect peace with sorrow surging round? On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is
found"
"Peace
perfect peace our future all unknown? On Jesus we know and He is on the
throne"
"Peace
perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours? Jesus has vanquished death and all
its powers"
"It
is enough, earth's struggles soon shall cease, and Jesus call us to Heaven's
perfect place".
Outside
the hospital was both traffic and noise. Inside the building there was activity
as nurses moved at a steady pace up and down the corridors. It was anything but
peaceful. In a side ward lay the frail form of one I dearly loved. I knew and
she knew that the end was not far away.
But
there was no anxiety, no fear of death, only calm and perfect peace.
Earth's
struggles would soon cease. "Peace Perfect Peace". flooded the room.
Too late now to try to make peace with her maker.
This
had all been done. Peace with God had been made many years before. Now the peace
of God was in complete control.
One
of his own dear ones was coming borne and all was perfectly restful. Jesus was
calling her to "Heavens Perfect Peace".
lsaiah26
v 3 says "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on
thee: because he trusteth in thee".
"Let
us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and
find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4v16)
Have
things that once were joys to you changed to disappointments and heavy
heartedness:?
Did
you talk it over with Jesus?
Have
things not turned out as you expected? Do you find yourself completely filled
with grief over present circumstances?
Have
you talked it over to the Lord Jesus?
Do
tears slip down your cheeks when you want more than anything to display control
and composure?
Have
you turned to Christ and poured out to Him your true feelings?
You
face situations where you manage to put on a good front and pretend you are not
in the least concerned, but deep down there is a tremendous amount of fear.
Then
what? Do you tell it to Jesus?
And
honestly now aren't there times when you dread the thought of death?
Have
you ever confessed this to your Saviour? The friend who keeps all your secrets.
When
you take the step of faith for Salvation, you completely settle the Sin question
in your life. Now that your trust and hope is in Christ there ought to be many
"tell" sessions between you and God.
In
days of Joy, or Deep Sorrow, Tell Him.
Both
submitted by A.Moore.
As
Paul pens his letter to the Ephesians, his heart is overflowing with praise and
thanksgiving to God, for the great Gospel he proclaims. As he contemplates God's
love he can scarcely contain himself, and in chapter 1 from verse 3 to verse 14
he takes us up a stairway, stopping at each step to extol God for facets of
truth concerning salvation, until he comes to the top, and there poised he sees
our inheritance opening up before him. Our position is denoted; our privileges
are defined; our possessions are described. our practice should then be
determined and our hearts thrilled at the power that is displayed . Realizing
that every blessing provided for the journey is leading us triumphantly to the
great Redemption Day, when this corruption shall put on incorruption, and this
mortal immortality, and death is swallowed up in victory. What a day! That day
for us all may be very near, however, if the Lord tarry, it may for some be
distant, but whether near or far, Paul has great truths in Ephesians to share
with us to encourage, strengthen and rejoice our hearts on the way.
When we move into chapter 2 the change is startling, we seem to suddenly change from the pure air of the heavenlies to the poisoned atmosphere of the pit. In chapter 1 we were reminded of our 'present position', here we are reminded of our 'past condition' what a picture of degradation is portrayed for us in God's album; verses 1-3. It is well to remember that this record is always correct not touched-up but true to life: By nature we are corrupt, at enmity with God, rebels living in moral death, controlled by the Devil and condemned by God.
As
to our condition
----- Dead in sins
As
to our circumstances
Living in trespasses
As to our characteristics ----- Walking in the path of transgressions.
We
walked in the direction of the world
We
walked by the dictation of the Devil
We walked under the dominion of the flesh.
As
we stand with bowed heads, and bowed hearts before this Divine pronouncement
dare any one of us lift the proud heart against another. May we ever remember
the quarry where God found us, found us depraved, and not by circumstances or
environment, but by nature. If we do, it will not be difficult for us to grid
ourselves with humility. 1' Peter 5 v 5.
What a relief it is to turn to the consideration of God's mercy, love and grace verse 4-10. "But God." God looked out upon a world of sinners, lost and ruined by the fall, and, instead of destroying them, He elected to redeem. regenerate, restore and reconcile, and that because of His infinite love and unlimited mercy. Salvation is here viewed as;
1.
Quickening verse 5
2.
Resurrection verse 6
3.
Ascension verse 6
4. Creation verse 10.
Human
worth is eliminated - "not of works" human whims are eliminated -
"not of yourselves." God is the author of our salvation
Grace
is the source of our salvation Blood is the means of our salvation.
Faith
is the appropriation of our salvation Resurrection is the proof of our salvation
Good
works are the evidence of our salvation.
In
verses 11 and 12 we are called to remember our 'aforetime' we can underline at
least fifteen things in this chapter that marked our, 'aforetime.'
1.
Dead in sins
2.
Walking in sins
3.
Walking in the world's course
4.Walking
in the Devil's dictation
5.Living
in the lusts of our flesh
6.Doing
the desires of the flesh
7.Doing the desires of the mind
8.
Children of wrath
9.
Gentiles in the flesh
10.
Uncircumcision
11.
Separate from God
12.
Alienated
13.
Strangers
14.
No hope
15. Without God
How humble we should be as we remember our past condition and how happy as we recall the change that Christ has wrought. Verses 13 -18 –“But now” we are overwhelmed as we view the wonder of the wealth of our salvation. 'Aforetime' - 'in sins' - 'afar off' now - in Christ - made nigh. How was this made possible - through Christ?
By
His incarnation His flesh
By
His crucifixion His cross
By His resurrection He came and preached peace.
Here we have the glad assurance from the risen Lord. Note the four distinct steps in Christ's work of making peace.
1.
He broke down the middle wall of partition.
2. He abolished in His flesh the enmity
3.
He created in Himself of the twain one New Man.
4. He reconciled both in one body unto God through the cross.
Through
Him we both (circumcision and uncircumcision) have our access in one Spirit unto
the Father. This 'access' is more than a privilege for stated occasions, it is
'a life.' It occurs only three times in the New Testament - Romans 5 v 2,
Ephesians 2 v 1 8 and Ephesians 3 v 12. 1 suggest that it is the freedom of
which our Lord Jesus speaks in John 10 v 9 - "shall go in and out and shall
find pasture," "in" for worship "out" for work: What a
life of access. So then we are no more strangers and sojourners but fellow
citizens with the Saints, (a city for freedom and fellowship) and of the
household of God, (a house for family and friendship).
Verse 20-22 contain something that lies dear to the heart of our Lord - "That they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that Thou dids't send Me, and lovest them, even as Thou lovest me" - John 17 v 23.
In
verse 20 we have The Foundation.
In
verse 21 we have The unification - "Fitly framed."'
In
verse 21 we have the adoration - "A holy sanctuary."
In verse 22 we have the habitation - "Habitation of God."
The
Church, not any earthly cathedral or shrine, is the real building of God in this
age: David said, "The house of the Lord must be very magnificent in fame
and splendor in the sight of all nations." 1 Ch. 22 v 5.
David
Mitchell.
It
was placed upon His head
Knowing
soon He will be dead
Thinking
about you and me
On
the tree of Calvary
People
mocked infront of Him
Tearing
thoughts from limb to limb
But,
knowing He will rise again
Victory
over sin! completing.
Submitted
by Deborah Kennedy.
In
order to understand the Old Testament view of woman, one must turn to the book
of Genesis. When God created mankind, He created both "male and
female" (Gen. 1: 27 & 5:2). Both were created in God's image. The man
was created before the woman - the woman was a "helper" to the man.
God's special act of creation, causing the man to sleep (note.. taking something
away from man and transforming it) and creating from a part of his body " a
helper comparable to him" (Gen. 2: 18, 20) clearly introduced to both the
original couple the uniqueness of their need FOR ONE ANOTIHER. Because the woman
was called "helper" does not imply that she was inferior to man. (The
same Hebrew word translated as helper is used of God in His relationship to
Israel - Psalm 33: 20 & 70: 5).
In
Israel in ancient times, people seldom had this perspective of women. She was
often treated as little more than an object. In fact, one of the non-biblical,
Jewish prayers dating from that era said, "I thank Thee that 1 am not a
woman."
Jesus
lived and taught a better way - returning dignity to the woman, that dignity
that God had always intended her to have. He allowed women to accompany Him and
His male disciples on their journeys (Luke 8 : 1-3). He refused a social taboo
and talked with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, leading her to a conversion
experience (John 4). Jesus allowed Mary to sit at His feet (Luke 10 : 3 8-42).
Although the Jews segregated the woman in both temple and synagogue, the early
church did not separate the congregation by sex (Acts 12: 1-17, 1 Cor 11: 2-16).
Paul
wrote that men and women are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3 : 28). The blood
that purchased woman is every bit as precious as the blood that purchased man.
However, God ordained that every believer realize the significance of their
mission and ministry as His servants. This cannot be overlooked. Though it was
the woman who actively disobeyed God, in the word of God Adam is held as the
disobedient one who knowingly-broke trust with God. (Rom 5: 12 & 17: 1; 1Tim
2: 14).
Remarkably,
God chose to bring about His deliverer/Messiah by the seed of a woman. In short,
the first one scarred by sin is selected to be the one first promised to become
an instrument of God's redemptive working. However deep the failure. Eve's
testimony declares Gods grace goes deeper yet.
God
used other radiant women in order to further His kingdom (amongst them are
Sarah, Rebekah, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Mary, Anna, Mary Magdalene, Martha and
Mary, Phoebe) and is still using women today.
The
spirit of submission, whereby a woman voluntarily acknowledges her husband's
leadership responsibility under God, is an act of faith. It is much easier for a
woman to perform this act of submission where the man lovingly gives himself to
caring for his wife (as Christ did for His Church) - never exploiting the trust
of her submission (Eph 5 : 7; Eph 5 : 25-29).
Man
and woman are different because they are complementary - they CANNOT BE CONTARED
- God doesn't compare them - Why should-we?
"Woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam, not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near to his heart to be loved by him"- quote taken from Matthew Henry.
Submitted
by Karen Moore.
From
Ballyclare to Belfast, Castlewellan to Ahoghill, we've practised, sung,
listened, thought, quizzed and discussed our way from March to May. in short,
we've had a busy time of it. For a change.
March
began with our annual visit to our friends at Ballyclare Baptist, where under
the guidance of Mr. Noel Bell we learned about the Bible's teachings regarding
money and talked about our attitudes towards it.
On
March 18, Auldwyn Calderwood led us in a challenging discussion, which helped us
think about the impact of our Christian beliefs on different aspects of our
lives.
Two
weeks later, we paid our first ever visit to Brookside Presbyterian, where our
ex- member Bill Cull encouraged us to study God's word for ourselves giving
loads of examples of how true science fits in perfectly with the Bible.
Jim
Magill of "Jim & Frances" fame was our guest speaker on 12 April.
After an enjoyable quiz, Jim told us all about the great things God has done and
is doing in his life.
"Thought-provoking",
"good fun" and "very little sleep" are the evaluations of
just three of the participants in this year's YPF Weekend from 24-26 April, for
which we returned to the cosy little dwelling that is Castlewellan Castle. There
the youth coordinator for Tear Fund, Clare Henderson, used lots of games and
discussion to introduce us to the real injustices, which exist in God's world
today, and in our Quiet Times we talked about God's attitude to unfairness. As
God's people representing Him on earth, we were really challenged to adopt His
mindset and take action to help the poor.
Our
penultimate meeting took the form of a ... well, lots of things really. As a
follow-up to the Weekend we took a closer lock at some of the action we could
take: pray for those in need, give and raise money to help them, and write
letters to people in power about them. As a result, many impressive-looking
envelopes landed on our doormats in reply to cards we sent concerning the
cancellation of Third World debt and human rights. We hope to get involved in a
project along a similar theme in the near future.
On
24 May, end-of-year tradition continued as we had a talk from Pastor Kennedy, in
which we all examined our feet from a Biblical perspective. As ever we had a
profitable and footful time together (sorry). At that meeting we also elected a
new Youth Committee: Peter Bankhead, Noel Bell, lan Calderwood, Neil Harkness,
John McCartney and Karen Moore. As for me, 1 was sorry to leave (although don't
tell them that), and 1 wish them all the best for the year ahead.
As
well as live performances at our YPF meetings in Bailyclare and Brookside, the
YPF Choir also visited Larne Mission Hall on 22 March and Shankhill Baptist on 9
May. A huge thank-you to everyone who's been faithfully attending those rather
strange events on Sunday afternoons we like to call "choir practices".
Finally,
another massive thank-you goes to all of you who have supported us over the past
year - to those who pray for us, encourage us, who took part in our meetings,
transported us or helped in any other way, we appreciate it lots.
Susan
Bankhead
"Your
message is clear, you sound so sincere, your intentions are good, Forgiveness of
sin, life without end, I'd believe it if 1 could. I've watched from afar, 1 see
how you are, with the people you're around, And 1 don't see a trace of the love
and the grace you talk so much about. If you want to lead me to Jesus you'd
better find a better way, 'Cause your life is speaking so loud that 1 can't hear
a word you say. "
Grover
Levy
SINS
FORGIVEN
EPH 1 V 7
SINS
REMOVED
PSALM 103 V 12
SINS
BLOTTED OUT
ISAIAH 44 V22
SINS
CLEANSED
1 JOHN 1 V 7
SINS
FORGOTTEN
HEB 10 V 17
SINS
CAST BEHIND GOD'S BACK
ISAIAH 38 V 17
SINS
CAST INTO THE SEA
MICAH 7 V 19
SETTLED
FOREVER SIN'S TREMENDOUS CLAIMS,
GLORY
TO JESUS BLESSED BE HIS NAME.
1.PUT
BY GOD TO THE SINNER
2.
PUT BY JESUS TO HIS FATHER:
3.
PUT BY TIHE LORD TO
HIS SERVANTS
" WHY STAND YE HERE ALL THE DAY IDLE? "
MATTHEW 20 V
6
Submitted
by Samuel Moore
Yesterday
is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift, and that's why its called
the present.
"It is important to let people know what you stand for. But it is equally important to let people know what you don't stand for” Mary Waldrip
Submitted
by Louise McAuley.
It
takes
more grace to keep us humble on the mountaintop that? to make us strong while we
climb the mountain.
Good
intentions: It's always easy the night before to get up early the next morning.
At
the time of writing, summertime is almost here and the ladies work takes a short
respite from the business of the rest of the year. Our monthly missionary
meeting finished in April with a visit from Linda Hey from Armoy. We enjoyed
good fellowship whilst being challenged by what Linda had to say. This completed
a busy and exiting programme for 1997198. Our meetings recommence on September
90 1998 so if at all possible please plan to join us - we would love to see you
there. Please also pray as we make preparations for a new programme for 1998199.
Our
prayer meetings continue throughout the year. It has been encouraging to see the
prayer meeting well attended. A big thank you to all the ladies who take part
each month as standing before a group of people leading a meeting can be a very
daunting task. Please join with us on the last Wednesday of each month,
especially over the summer holidays when so many are away. It is always good to
be found in the place of prayer.
On
25'h April this year a crowd of 53 women left the church and headed off to
Cookstown on our annual ladies outing. I was just explaining to the driver how
the last time we were in Cookstown the rain poured down when the heavens opened
and down came the rain! (The sun was shining when we left Ballymena!). Our
clothes were a little dampened but our spirits were not and everyone enjoyed
going round the shops for a little while. After we left Cookstown we proceeded
to "Ella's Barn" were we enjoyed watching and listening to the skills
of 'Ella' herself as she decorated cakes, inade porcelain flowers and baked a
cake!
She
made it all look so easy! We then thoroughly enjoyed a delicious meal (all home
cooking) followed by at least 3 (or in some cases 4) deserts. By going home time
most of us had gained at least 1/2 stone but nevertheless we returned to
Ballymena very contented ladies. If you have never been with us on our outing
why not come next year. The fellowship is really great and it is a good
opportunity to make and meet new friends.
As
we plan to recommence a new seasons work why not come and join us for a time of
fellowship and a cup of tea afterwards. We look forward to seeing you all in
September.
Lesley
Kennedy
I'll
lend you for a little while, a child of mine, He said,
For
you to love while he shall live, and mourn when he is dead.
It
may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But
will you till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll
bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,
You'll
have his lovely memories, as solace in your grief
I
cannot
promise he will stay, as all from earth return,
But
there are lessons taught down here, I want this child to learn,
I've
looked the wide world over, in my search for teachers true,
And
from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now
will you give him all your love? Not think the labour vain,
Nor
hate me when I come to call, to take him back again.
I
fancied that I heard them say, Dear Lord Thy will be done,
For
all the joy this child will bring, The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll
shower him with tenderness, and love him while we may,
And
for the happiness we've known, forever-grateful stay.
And
should the angels call for him, much sooner than we planned,
We'll
brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
Submitted
by Alice McKeown
1.
Name a lady who sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word? Luke ch 10v39.
2.
What gift was given to Jesus in the house of Simon the leper in Bethany? Matthew
ch 26 v's 6&7.
3.
How did Jesus' Passover feast end? Matthew ch 26 v 30.
4.
How did Jesus say we are to treat our enemies? Matthew ch 5 v 44.
5.
Who sentenced Jesus to death? Matthew ch 27 v's 2 & 26.
6.
What scaled the mouth of Jesus' tomb? Matthew ch 27 v 60.
7.
Who heard the angel's message "He is not here: for He is risen?"
Matthew ch 28 v's 1 & 6.
8.
Give Jesus' last promise to His disciples? Matthew ch 28 v 20.
9.
Name the blind man of Jericho? Mark ch 10 v 46.
10.
Who was the brother of Martha and Mary? John ch 11 v's 1 & 2.
11.
How was Stephen put to death? Acts ch 7 v 59.
12.
Who looked after the clothes of Stephens killers? Acts ch 7 v 58.
13.
What is promised to those who are "faithful unto death?" Revelation ch
2 v 10.
14.
What will God "wipe away" from the eyes of his ransomed people?
Revelation ch 7 v 17
1
5. Give two crowning names for Jesus found in the book of Revelation? Revelation
ch 19 v 16.
16.
What is the last verse in the Bible? Revelation ch 22 v 21.
26th
May 1998: Just received the results of Liz’s scan today! (Some reflective
thoughts)
It
was a warm sunny evening in St Petersburg (Leffingrad), we were traveling back
to our lodgings after our days work at the church. That day we had begun
removing the old staircase built by the Bolshevics, when 70 years ago they
decided God's House could be better used as a rope factory.
It
had been suggested that one or two well directed blows with a sledgehammer would
bring the whole thing crashing down! Although the suggestion was not mine, it
seemed the task was, and after all they were correct, it did come crashing down
- ON TOP OF ME!
Soon
we found ourselves chugging along on the old Russian bus (standing room only),
weary and sore after being dragged from the rubble, homesick and hungry, with
nothing to cheer us.
Miles
of concrete tower blocks lined our route, between each block barren waste, no
children playing, no adults enjoying the sun. NOTHING! Then ahead of the bus I
saw a young Russian mother strolling along pushing her young child in a large
old-fashioned pram. This was such a contrast to the barrenness around us, and I
longed to see, not only a smiling face but also the chemistry of love that
radiates from a mother, rewarded by the giggles and coos of her offspring. It
was not to be. As we drew along side and then overtook, the bruises and a pain
in replaced pains of my weary body my compassionate heart, for this young mother
was crying. Already she was now fading into the distance behind us, but my heart
and mind were captured by the agony expressed on the tear stained face of this
lovely girl. Now who this girl was, I know not, what caused her so much pain I
know not, but that night as I made mention of her to my heavenly Father who
loved her enough to sacrifice His own son for her, I realised something much
more awful. From early school days this girl had been taught, "There is no
God." Perhaps university or even military service, "There is no
God." Whatever the problem in this life, which was causing her so much
pain, it was more awful that she knew not.
Psalm
46, "God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in
trouble."
None
of us are immune from trouble and so when in November 1997, Elizabeth, my wife,
was diagnosed with cancer, it was God who was to make the difference.
"Keep
your eyes upon Jesus, let nobody else take His place. So that hour by hour you
may prove His power. Till at last you have won the great race."
Now
to keep your eyes upon Jesus becomes difficult when storm clouds come between.
To let no one else take His place is a struggle when doctors and nursing staff
have so much control of your life.
Difficulties
and struggles can be dissolved by prayer, and so it is that when the people of
God pray for those weakened by the struggle, or lost in the cloud, that the
Peace of God which passeth all understanding, which keeps ours hearts and minds
fixed upon Him becomes the experience of those for whom we pray,
In
these last months hour by hour proving His power has been our experience and
testimony, and we are mindful that you prayed for us. It has now been eight
months since Elizabeth's cancer was diagnosed, and today 26h May 1998, the
result of the latest scan was revealed to us, quite simply All Clear! We say
with the Psalmist, "Our God is in the Heavens, He hath done whatsoever He
hath pleased." Psalm 115 v 2.
We
both thank you for your prayerful intervention in our lives and we are enriched
by your fellowship in our suffering. Trusting now you will also REJOICE with us
AS WE meditate upon Him.
From
George McConnell
All
God's testing have a purpose,
Some
day you will see the light.
All
He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk
by faith and not by sight.
August
2" AM & PM
David Mitchell.
9th
AM & PM
Robert McMaster.
16'
AM & PM
Geoffrey MeGrath.
23rd
AM & PM Ken
Brown.
30th
AM & PM Auldwyn
Calderwood.
Bible
study recommencing Tuesday 8th September 8..00 pm. Subject to be announced.
Tuesday
15th September 8:00pm. Steven Williams (JEB.)
7hefollowing
believers were baptised on Sunday 28h June, '98.
lan
Calderwood, James Elliott, Laura
Gardiner, Stirling Kirk, Heather Logan, Richard Logan, Nancy McAuley, William
McAuley, Steven Smyth.
Alan
Johnston & Shirley Hogg who were married in Castlederg Free Presbyterian
Church 6/6/98 Gareth
Fleming & Diane Robinson on their engagement 6/6/98