Below are the entries from December 2011.
To see the current Join The Journey articles click here
Derek Noble:
I have been married to Lesley for 44 years we have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. We moved to Lisburn 6 years ago this month.
MARK 1 v 29-39
The passage tells of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law and as verse 31 shows she was able to prepare the meal. “He took her by the hand and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her and she prepared a meal for them.” Not only did Jesus heal her but He also strengthened her— what a change from fever to food in an instant!
The people of the area had already heard about Jesus [ v28] so after sunset we are told the whole town gathered at the house bringing many people who were sick and demon possessed. Jesus healed many and cast out demons. Whatever problems we have Jesus can help us. Even though Jesus must have been tired after such a busy evening [ v35] tells us He got up before daybreak to go to a quiet place to pray. This is a lesson for all of us and reminds us of the importance of making time to be quiet with God in spite of leading busy lives.
His disciples were keen for Him to stay in Capernaum [v37] “Everyone is looking for you.” But Jesus, giving a foretaste of the Great Commission in Matthew 28 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations……” responded saying “We must go on to other towns as well and I will preach to them too. That is why I come.”
Ann Bodel:
Hi, I’m Ann. I have been worshipping at Seymour St for the past three years and feel very much at home. My late husband Tom and I retired to Lisburn in July 2006 to be near our two daughters and their families. Sadly in June 2007 my husband was diagnosed with brain tumors and died ten days later. This was a very traumatic time for us as a family. With God’s help and the support of family and friends we have been able to accept the situation. I know that despite my recent troubles I have so much to be thankful for. I live a very busy life with school runs, walking, coffee stops, luncheon club, other Church activities and travelling.
MARK CH 1 V 29-39
On first looking at this passage it is divided into two sections, Verses 29-34 – Jesus heals many, and verses 35-39 – Jesus prays in a solitary place.
Verses 29-34
Tell how Simon’s mother in law was healed by Jesus. This was the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and he chooses a very ordinary woman to heal. Firstly he takes her hand (he touched her) he then helps her to her feet (she trusts him) at this point she was healed and she began to serve him. Many people were healed and delivered from evil spirits at that time, yet the focus seemed to be on Simon’s mother in law. My thoughts would be simply, that as God touched her she trusted him and served him.
Verses 35-39
Reveal to us that Jesus had healed many people and had driven out evil spirits. He must have been physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted. In spite of this we find him raising early in the morning. Finding a place of solitude to pray and spend time to be refreshed and renewed by his Father God. We as Christians also need to set time aside from our busy lives to get to know God, to be touched by him, to trust him, to hear him speak and to know his will.
Daphne Hanna:
Hi Folks, I'm Daphne, married to Clifford for almost 32 years, Mum to Edward & Patricia, Nana to William-John. As a family we first came to Seymour Street in 1987, were I was involved in Girls Brigade, Sunday School and Children's Church. I was away from Seymour St, for quite a while and returned in 2007 to find a lot changed, not least the little ones from Children's Church were all grown up.
I am currently active in church for World Mission and Church Council. Self-employed as a Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I am passionate about personal development and growth, spiritually, emotionally and physically for all.
Rev Brian has asked me to comment on Mark ch1 v 21-28
Jesus' Public Ministry – Jesus drives out an impure spirit.
This passage makes me think of three things. Jesus did not hang around when he and the chosen disciples arrived in Capernaum, he didn't wait to be invited anywhere, instead he quickly got to work, knowing what God required of him. teaching with such confidence, that he astounded the people in the synagogue.
I wonder when we feel God's calling, do we go forward with such confidence, do we feel we have God's authority to work on his behalf, or do we hang back, maybe not 100% certain about what we are really ‘hearing and feeling', unsure of our ability to do the tasks He is asking of us. When I am in doubt I simple recall, ‘God will equip the called',
.
Secondly I think of the power of Jesus. Daily in the press or on the news we are bombarded with images of celebrities, wielding power over our ability to value ourselves just as we are, as God made us, and yet these people are here today and gone tomorrow.
In verse 25 we read of Jesus' power over the unclean spirit, demanding that he leave the man's body. In this verse we learn how Jesus uses his power to heal the emotional turmoil the man is in, just as he can heal us today. There is no greater power than God, He is steadfast and sure, He will build you up in His name and never let you down.
Finally, I think of how awesome it would have been to be present to witness at first hand the Son of our Lord, spreading the Gospel and teaching in this way. In our modern world, where we are constantly searching for something more, we might say that Jesus not only has the X Factor BUT the XTRA FACTOR!
David Gill:
Born in Liverpool, I lived in 23 different places until I settled in Lisburn when Marion and I were married. Spent 10 years in Agriculture, then the rest of my working life in QUB progressing from technician to Admin. Assistant. Enjoy many crafts including dry stone walling, European cooking, mosaicing, photography, woodworking, and gardening. I also enjoy all weather walking in the countryside with my friends, and helping in the A-team and Luncheon Club. We are blessed with three children and five grandchildren.
1 Corinthians 9; 16-23
This passage divides into two parts. (In verses 1-15 Paul goes into a lot of detailed arguments for and against being paid to minister the gospel.) In verses 16-18 Paul is rounding up his reasons for not taking payment for his ministerial services. He also explains that the reason he does not work full time (as a tentmaker) is because he has a duty to preach the gospel, both from a divine call, and the fact that he is blessed with the intellectual ability to do it, he does it willingly, and his payment is the privilege of being able to do it.
In verses 19-23 Paul goes on to explain how he manages to convert people from all walks of life by fitting in with their lifestyles without breaking the law or the moral code. He says he is a free man, meaning I think that he can ignore the ceremonial law, and thereby make himself more easily available to the Jews, Samaritans, Gentiles and any others that he meets. At no time does he break God’s law in doing this, but he doesn’t preach to, or at, the weak in faith. Instead he puts himself in their position, starts from where they are at, and works with those people at their level. By this means he hopes to win people in all levels of society.
Ben Jones:
Hi, I’m Ben. I have been married to Jill for 27 years. We have five children; Claire (25), Thomas (24), Paul (22), Anna (18) & Michael (12). We have been members of Seymour Street for nearly 20 years. I enjoy singing in the choir & playing 5 a side on a Tuesday evening. I am a class leader and also a member of the fund raising committee. I was previously leader of the Anchor Boys for 14 years. I am Sales Manager at Priory Press, a printers in Holywood and am also a school governor at Harmony Hill Primary School.
1 Corinthians 8 v 1-13
Freedom With Responsibility:
Love is more important than knowledge. Knowledge can make us look good & feel important, but we must be careful not to become arrogant or look down on anyone else. We never really know enough until we recognise that only God knows all.
Our salvation is not determined by good deeds, but by the free gift of God.
Our freedom as Christians is tied to Christian responsibility. We must be careful not to discourage other Christians by our example. When we love others our freedom should be less important to us than strengthening the faith of others.
Andrew Wright:
Hey I’m Andrew, am 22 and have been going to Seymour Street since I was born! I’m a leader with youth club and Sunday school, sing in the choir, enjoy the 5 aside on Tuesday nights and was part of the team that went to Uganda last summer. I’m currently in my final year studying for an MEng in Civil Engineering at Queen’s and my interests include travelling and current affairs.
1 Samuel 3: 1-10 – God Calls Samuel
What strikes me is that even for a character such as Samuel, who would go on to become one of the Lord’s great servants; the calling was not immediately obvious. Nonetheless, Samuel’s persistence with Eli eventually reveals that the voice was from heaven. This reminds us that God often calls us when we are least expecting it!
I was impressed with how Samuel was so obedient and trustworthy even at a young age; “Speak Lord, I am your servant and I am listening.” By saying this Samuel is not only honouring what Eli had instructed, but he is also illustrating his genuine faith in God. I think the word ‘listening’ is important as it highlights how our relationship with God should be a two way process. We should certainly bring our thoughts and worries to him in prayer, but should listen to his guidance in return and be willing to act upon it.
Reflective song
A favourite in Seymour Street… ‘Hear I Am, Lord (I, the Lord of sea and sky)’ by Dan Schutte
Find @ spotify; Dan Schutte – Here I Am, Lord (Anniversary Recording)
Or alternatively you can find it in Songs Of Fellowship No. 803
Chris Allen:
Hi, I’m Chris, husband of Karen and we have been married for almost 28 years. I’m dad to Lauren, Jonathan and Andrew who are all at very different and interesting stages of their careers / school life. I have been a lifelong member of 2nd Lisburn Boys’ Brigade Company at Seymour Street Methodist Church and it has been an honour and a privilege to have been Company Captain for the last (almost) 19 years. At work I am a civil servant and away from work I enjoy hill walking, caravanning, following Manchester United and watching motorbike racing.
I have been asked to think about John 1: 43-51.
There are a couple of points I would like to draw on in this passage.
- When Nathanael heard that the Messiah was from Nazareth he was surprised. Fortunately for Nathanael he went to meet Jesus and became a disciple. If he had stuck to his prejudice he would have missed the Messiah. You too can invite people to come and see who Jesus really is.
- Jesus knew about Nathanael before the two ever met. Jesus also knows what we are really like. God knows the real you and wants you to follow him.
Jacqueline Sweeney:
Hi, I'm Jacqueline Sweeney. Wife to Andrew, mum to Reuben and Abigail. Part-time Occupational Therapist working with children and young people. Always on the go and love meeting up with family and friends. Andrew and I currently run Coffee Fellowship, why not come and join with us for a cuppa on Sunday morning?
At first glance this Psalm is not as familiar to me as some others and I have to confess I did find myself reading over it several times in several different versions to gather my thoughts!! So here goes….what do I make of Psalm 29?
The Psalm is divided into 3 parts with a beginning, middle and an end!
Beginning..v 1& 2, David begins by acknowledging God in worship.
Middle..v 3-9. David describes God as ‘the Voice'. God of Creation, powerful, majestic, in control, seen in the thunder, raging waters and deserts.
Q: Where do you think of when you read these verses? A Mediterranean thunder storm with loud booms and bangs, lighting up the sky with sheets of white…a majestic mountain range like the Himalayas, the Rockies, or even the Mountains of Mourne? Have you been to a desert, perhaps the Sahara, a hot desolate place, barren in places yet blooming with vegetation in other parts? What about the power of the sea on a stormy, windy day on the North Coast …a surfers paradise for some.
David the Psalmist tells us that Our God is here, this is the evidence that He exists and all His People glorify Him.
End..v11 David finishes the Psalm with a promise from God – the promise of strength and peace.
Life can sometimes feel like a raging sea, a desolate desert, life is not always a mountain top experience. Do we ascribe greatness to the Lord in ALL our experiences of life both good and not so good? Perhaps easily in the happier times but what about in the more difficult times?
Let us be encouraged by this Psalm, that the power and majesty of our Lord shown to us through creation…that this same power and majesty can be seen and experienced in our everyday situations. Can we testify to the power and majesty of God during the difficult times in our lives?
So our challenge is to hold tight to God's promise of strength and peace…and in all things and situations we are facing to give to the Lord the praise due His name.
Song to reflect on Psalm 29…God of the Mountains (Creation Praise) Sue Rinaldi, Caroline Bonnett & Steve Bassett
Joan Clarke:
I have been privileged and blessed to travel life’s journey surrounded by the love and care of the those who have for over seven decades shared my life in the bosom of Methodism in Seymour Street Church and the local community. I was born a few hundred yards from the Church and William Foote School (the Church School). I began Sunday School and Day School in the same week aged 4 years. I gave my life to Christ through the influence of the Leader of the Christian Endeavour Group at the age of 12 and as a child and adult I have been involved in many aspects and activities within the Church. I was trained as a Shorthand/Typist and worked for over 30 years as a Secretary In the Electricity Supply Industry in Northern Ireland.
My husband John and I were married in Seymour Street Church in January 1974 and together still enjoy the fellowship of the Indoor Bowling Club and Luncheon Club. He is a member of the A Team and I am a member of MWI. Over the past few years I have been part of the Pastoral Care Team. This work has given me insight into loneliness, sickness, family problems, etc. and I hope I have been able to share a little comfort, encouragement and the love of Jesus, and demonstrate the concern of the Church Family with those whom I meet in this way.
The Rev Anderson has asked me to reflect on Mark 1 v4-11 – Jesus Baptised by the Holy Spirit.
These verses teach us –
Repentance – I recall the street mobiles that declared “REPENT AND BE SAVED”.
The presentations have changed but thank God the message will remain for ever the same.
Forgiveness and acceptance of the Holy Spirit to live and work in us.
Prayer:
Dear Lord thank you for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Help us to see how we can use
these gifts to built our church and serve others.
Thought – What gifts do you have and how can you use them to serve others?
Clifford Mayes:
I am married to Janine and father to 3 fantastic kids. Next June we will be married 20 years and have been members of Seymour Street since the mid-1990s. I teach the primary 2 and 3’s in Sunday school and love the way they are like little sponges, absorbing the stories and memory verses. Over the years we have come to see Seymour Street Methodist as a special place which feels very much like home. At work I am a paediatrician based in the Royal Maternity Hospital.
I was asked to think about Psalm 126.
This psalm is really a song of joy – the notes at the bottom of the page in my bible say it could have been written for the Israelites returning from exile in Babylon. The point is the surrounding nations notice what God has done for his people; “the Lord has done great things for them.” These nations notice the reaction of the Israelites, the psalm talks about “laughter” and “songs of joy” and the people of Israel are “filled with joy.” At Christmas we have so much more to celebrate than those in the Old Testament.
The tone of the last 2 verses is different. They remind me of the beattitudes and seem to say that although we are filled with joy there will be tears and weeping. It won’t be easy. But as we have something amazing to give (“carrying seeds to sow”) according to verse 6 ultimately we will see results.
The challenge then at any time of year is whether others can see our joy and whether the seeds we have to sow are making a difference – in New Testament language are we salt and light?
Jennie Guy:
So, I’m Jennie, and I’m originally from the ‘burn. Although I now live in London I love that I still feel part of the Seymour Street family. It’s a church that helped birth a passion in me for mission, and fuel my heart for justice, which led me to go on a Transform team to Cameroon in 2005. Which eventually led me to Tearfund, where I’ve been working for the past 5 years. I’m now part of a lovely Church in Richmond, where I serve on Prayer Team, I’m helping to lead a discipleship group and I generally just love being part of whatever God’s doing in this neck of the woods. I also love cats, having tea parties, and getting out in the fresh air.
Luke 1; 46- 55
Mary’s song. Isn’t it amazing. I’m so moved when I hear how Mary’s heart was just bursting into song. Often we look at this passage and reflect on how special Mary must have been. But for Mary, this is her ‘lightbulb moment’. She’s suddenly aware of who she is, and who God has called her to be. All at once, she realizes. Wow. God knows me. God chose me.
Imagine you have a daisy in your hands. Imagine carefully detaching each petal, and with each gentle movement…
He loves me.
He loves me.
He loves me.
Mary recognized this, and was overwhelmed with joy. Real, life-giving, dancing like no-ones watching, excitable joy. I love picturing Mary’s reaction. I love seeing it in other people, when they too realise that they are significant in God’s eyes. You see, I think we all need to know how much God loves us.
God knows your name (he spells it out with Alphabites at tea-time).
God knows you inside and out (your picture is on his fridge door)
And God really loves you. Next time you see a daisy – remember that. He loves you.
Eric Rainey:
Together with June we have lived in Lisburn since 1980 when we first moved to Lisburn. We hadn’t been very long here when Rev Billy Alford arrived on the doorstep with the warmest of all welcomes to Lisburn. He assured us that he hadn’t arrived to recruit us to Seymour Street but on the very first Sunday the warmth of the welcome to us as newcomers was such that we never considered looking anywhere else. I particularly remember the words of both Lyn Doran and the late Edwin Ferguson on that occasion. I wonder if we ever stop to consider just how important a friendly word can be. Of all the family, Joy is the only one who can honestly call herself a Lisburn person , having been born here. Paul and Carole were 4 and 2 respectively when we arrived . All have grown up in the Church, are now married and have families of their own.
Having “retired” in 2009 from a fascinating career with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and June a year or so earlier from teaching , life is now very different but equally fulfilling. Days are still very busy with many commitments and interests but for June and I our overriding priority is to support the family Paul and Kirsty, Carole and Simon, Joy and Jeff and the five Grandchildren (so far !) Cara , Zoe, Andrew , Stephen and Isaac.
When did we ever find time to work?
Thoughts on John 1 6-8 and 19-28
June and I were privileged to travel to The Holy Land earlier this year with Desi Maxwell. The picture above shows us in front of “the Garden Tomb” in Jerusalem which at the very least gives us a visual “understanding” of Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb in which the body of Jesus was placed .
Much more striking and meaningful was to travel along the Jordan, to visit the wilderness and desert (fairly desolate even before the dry season actually arrived), Nazareth and The Sea of Gallilee to “feel , see and touch” the Land where Jesus walked and Talked . John the Baptist must have been some “man”. I would love to have met him. The “often trivial” things which are important to each of us (particularly at this time when Christmas approaches ) meant little or nothing to Him.
He lived in a very hostile environment, He survived on a subsistence diet but He was absolutely passionate about bearing witness to Jesus . He came only as a “witness to the light” setting his credentials in the words of ISAIAH.
“I am the voice of one calling in the desert, Make straight the way for the Lord”
What do people see when they look at me or when they look at you, particularly those who don’t know us very well? – A very searching question.
My favourite Hymn is 739 in Hymns and Psalms “May the Mind of Christ of Christ my Saviour”
Unfortunately it doesn’t include the verse, found in some other Hymn books.
“May his Spirit, rest upon me
As I seek the Lost to win
And may they forget the Channel
Seeing only HIM”
Have a lovely Christmas
Eric
Catherine Easson:
I’m Catherine; I’m currently in year 13 at Wallace High School studying Home Economics, Art, Music and Biology. I enjoy singing, dancing and playing the cello. I love working with children, I’m an assistant teacher in Gillian Jones Dance School and help out with Cabin boys, Youth Club and Sunday school in Seymour Street. This year I was part of a team working with Kids4School in Tanzania, which was a great experience.
Luke 1:26-38
I’ve been asked to reflect on Luke 1:26-38 when Mary is told she will be the mother of the Son of God.
My initial reaction considering Mary was around a similar age to me was, how scary! I don’t know if I could cope with an angel appearing and talking to me never mind them telling me I was going to carry God’s child. I would even wonder did I dream it? Why me?
Mary would have had such a hard time, looked down upon by her village as though she were immoral, and probably rejected by her family. And most importantly what will Joseph think, will he end the engagement? Even the few people she can really trust may leave her on her own when she most needs them. We can’t all serve God in this way but I think it is so important that we trust God and are willing to serve. As Mary said,
“Yes, I see it all now: I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.”
I really feel challenged to stop making excuses and serve God in whatever way he wants me to.
Peter Livingstone:
I grew up in Crumlin, but went to Friends'. I work in purchasing for a pharmaceutical company. I've been married to Jo for nearly 10 years and have 3 very energetic boys in Mark, Isaac and Nathan. I enjoy being part of a team leading Snass each Sunday night were we have plenty of fun, fellowship, food!
Here are a few thoughts on Mark ch1 v 1-8.
How are you at preparation? I have to admit that lastminute.com sums me up well! It was not unknown in my uni student days to get up at 5am begin an essay and hand it in at 4pm completed on the same day. Jo on the other hand writes many a list and is well organised planning events in advance. And so in Mark 1 the writer tells us that John the Baptist “prepared the way” for Jesus' coming. He was God's messenger - baptising people and preaching changed hearts and lives for the forgiveness of sins. He became popular, gained notoriety even, for his unusual dress and eating habits.
Yet John the Baptist knew he was only preparing the way, v7
“there is one coming after me who is greater than I … He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”
In an age of celebrity, of Twitter and YouTube, of being famous for being famous, how many would be able to say don't follow me – follow Him. Don't we like recognition for the well done job, event, thing we did?
As you prepare for the Christmas season; the planning, the presents, the ph(f)easting don't miss the events of the morning after the night before - as the big red man leaves, the Son arrives with the best present of all.
Hannah Stewart:
I am 18 years old, grew up in Lisburn and was blessed to be a part of the family that is Seymour Street. I went to Wallace High and loved my time there. I am currently in my first year of Medicine at the University of Aberdeen and I can’t believe how quickly it’s going!
I was asked to share my thoughts on
Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13.
It is a psalm that tells us about how God has blessed His people, restoring them and saving them. It speaks so clearly of God’s goodness, faithfulness and unfailing love for us. He wants to restore and bless us, to cover all our sins and give us His salvation through Jesus – a gift freely given if we choose to accept it! It’s amazing to think that Almighty God, Creator of all the universe, loves each of us just as we are and wants to pour out His blessings abundantly on our lives.
Verse 8 says, “I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people.”
This Christmas season is such a hectic time of year, I know that I personally can find it difficult to hear God amidst the busyness. I think it’s important to ask ourselves if we are ‘listening carefully’, as the author of this psalm was? It says that God ‘speaks peace’, but are we allowing Him to speak peace into our lives? I wonder what that would look like to those around us if we were radiating God’s peace at this time of year. I think this psalm is both a challenge and an encouragement to all of us to take time to listen to our Heavenly Father and to accept and rejoice in the peace and all the other blessings He gives.
The readings below come from the lectionary and are for the first week in Advent. They are not obvious Advent readings as they look at the bigger picture of human existence from God's point of view. They are to do with the calling for God to act and the global impact of Jesus coming. Future weeks will deal with the characters in the Christmas Story.
Carolyn Good:
I grew up in Finaghy in Belfast, attended school at Friends’ in Lisburn and then nursed for 18 years until I had to give up due to arthritis. Currently I ‘manage’ the home and try to keep my husband Paul and kids Matthew (18) and Susy (15) in tow! I enjoy crafts, reading and music (although there’s hardly a musical bone in my body!)
As a family we have worshipped in Seymour Street for the past 19 years and it is very much part of my life. I am part of the Prayer Ministry Team in Seymour Street and I consider it a privilege if, through me, God can make a difference in someone’s life. I continue to praise God daily for restoring my mobility nearly two years ago and am thankful for each day He gives me.
The passage I have been asked to comment on is Isaiah 64: 1-9
This passage reminds me a lot of the Psalms.
Isaiah comes to God in his desperation, crying to Him to show Himself to the Israelites. In doing so he is reminded of how faithful God has been to them in the past, and Isaiah’s despair turns to comfort.
So often when we are in our most desperate place, and we come with a cry to God, that is when we see God most clearly and are reminded of his faithfulness to us in the past and assured of his sufficient grace for the future.
Jeremiah 29: 12 says:
“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen”
(The Message).
The one thing that challenges me most in the passage is the sheer passion and desperation that Isaiah has for the people of his day. He has such a longing for them that he just empties his heart before God and begs God to show Himself to them.
I have to ask myself, particularly in this season of Advent with all its busyness, “Am I as desperate and passionate, as Isaiah was, for people to see God and experience His love and forgiveness in their lives this Christmas? Are you?”
James Nelson:
A little about myself. I am 29 years old and married to the beautiful Laura. We live in Lisburn near the town centre and I have attended Seymour Street Methodist Church for most of my life. I had a hobby of motorcycling but as I am growing old(!) I have sold the bike and am now about to enter the world of caravaning. Next summer look out for me moving slowly with the caravan on a road near you!
Looking at Mark 13 v24-37
My first thoughts on this passage. It is hard to understand.
- What times exactly is Jesus talking about?
- Have some of the events described already happened?
- And then the “when” question - When will Jesus come back and what will it be like?
Many questions – a comfort too to know that Jesus didn't know all the answers as he didn't know the day or the hour of his return.
It's such a difficult scene to picture, the return of Jesus with great power and glory. So many don't know him and everyday life goes on as if he doesn't exist. What will it be like when his rule and authority and might and splendour and beauty and justice are revealed? It seems it will be a dramatic change, an unspeakably powerful and moving event – a change from Jesus being utterly ignored so often and seen as one who died long ago whose words in the bible are irrelevant, a change from that to the realisation that he is in charge, very much alive and very, very important.
Hard issues to think about.
Prudence Orr:
Born and grew up near Dungannon. Asked Jesus into my heart at a Scripture Union Camp when I was 13. Taught in Bangor and Donaghadee for about 8 years. Worked as a pastoral mission partner with nomadic people in Kenya for 12 years. Married a widower when I was about 46 but was widowed two years later. In the year 2000 married George whose wife Pat had died. I love to see others coming to Jesus, learning His Word, and following His plans for their lives.
The Rev Brian Anderson asked me to read Psalm 25 v 1 – 10 and share my comments on it:-
At the Evening service last Sunday Brian taught us that Jacob stayed alone on one side of the stream Jabbok but he sent everyone else and his inheritance to the other side of the Jabbok. There Jacob needed to be alone and he wrestled with God.
This Psalm 25 is as if David is alone with God, crying out to Him. It is a most intimate prayer for he says:
“To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul, You are the God of my salvation.”
It challenged me: How often do I spend time alone with God, unhurried and uncluttered time, waiting and wrestling with God?
It pleased me: For David in his personal prayer reaches out to all people. He is not the only one who needs to know that:
“Good and upright is the Lord Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.”
It teaches me and all people that:
- God is a forgiving God. I need to confess my sins, past and present.
- God is a guiding God. I need to be humble and ask Him to make His ways known to me.
- God is a demanding God. I need to go on learning to seek God, to obey God, to trust God and one day to know God fully.
A verse to meditate on and share with others: Psalm 25 v10:
“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, For those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.”
Stephen Pollock:
I'm married 19 years. I'm Currently A chef/Manager in The Bank of Ireland HQ in Belfast and I also am a Part-time lecturer of Hospitality @ SERC Lisburn. I'm currently taking The Gourmet men's club with full numbers of 16. My hobbies/interests would be cooking, weight training, cooking, music/film and not forgetting COOKING!!!!
My favourite passage- James ch4 vs 8-14.
Read it and you will never take life for granted when you finish with vs14. I've always had a very PERSONAL love for this book. Life is a difficult enough journey, however by reading this book most everyday questions can be answered, along with very challenging commands. Let's face it we are all sinners! and we can be easily mislead, here are some examples:
- One faces temptation? – James ch1 vs 13-14
- Have you had bad thoughts & been Judgemental? James ch2 vs 2-6
- Are you Doubtful? James ch 1 vs 5-7
- Well feeling better? try the whole Book. It's only 5 Chapters!