Thursday 7th November

“We had our annual visit from ‘Books Alive’ at Thursday Fellowship this week. We started the service with Psalm 62 v 1-2 and 5-8, which speak of the Lord being our rock, fortress and refuge. Our worship songs followed this theme. Gillian Clark, manager of ‘Books Alive’, spoke about Psalm 121 being a Song of Ascents, sung by pilgrims going up the hill to Jerusalem. She applied it to our own pilgrimage through the whole of life’s journey to the glory of eternity. Throughout, the Lord is there to help us through the troubles and dangers of our lives, totally trustworthy, comforting us, encouraging us and protecting us. Afterwards we enjoyed buying cards, calendars and books.”

Thursday, 14th November

Sue Cunningham was our speaker. “Miriam, the sister of Moses, was gifted by the Lord as a prophetess, poet and musician, gifted to encourage her people. The time came when she resented Moses’ leadership, and she influenced their brother Aaron in her niggles and envy, complaining that they could do a better job. The Lord was angry and disciplined them both, but especially Miriam. She was struck down with leprosy for seven days, humiliated and cast out, to teach her an important lesson. Moses lovingly insisted that all the people should wait till she’d learnt her lesson, was healed physically and spiritually, and restored to the ministry the Lord had given her, as prophet and encourager of her people through music. How important it is that we accept and use the wonderful gifts the Lord has given us and that we’re not envious of those that others have!”

It was good to catch up with DBC’s former pastor, Malcolm Haines at our Thursday Fellowship this week.

Malcolm reminded us that he was called to leave two and half years ago but he wasn’t really sure where he was going or what he was going to do! But, God is using him in his new role and sphere of influence and testified that he has grown in his faith and relationship with God.

Malcolm spoke to us about truth. He had noticed with some of his students at school that they frequently used part truth to make up a story to be the whole truth! Real truth however, cannot be manipulated.  So often Jesus isn’t taken seriously by people or even misrepresented. They frequently mix up what is true, but Jesus taught us that truth, real truth sets us free to live life to the full. Do we take His teaching seriously?

There are 100 truths in the Bible about Jesus and Malcolm spoke to us about 2 of them:

Jesus is God.

This was controversial when Jesus said it and claimed it, but He was so wise in how He expressed this truth to the people.  He left nobody in any double that He was indeed God. He forgave sins (who but God could do that?) He said to his disciples, if you have seen me, you have seen the Father; I am not of this world; and importantly, before Abraham was born, “I am!” If you know, you know! Malcolm encouraged us to think carefully how we respond to Jesus’s claims about himself and to consider if we are living lives in worship of Jesus.

Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

Jesus said it! Everyone needs to put their trust in Him.  All the Bible points to Jesus being the way, the only way. Jesus also said that He is the Bread of Life, the Door, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the world, the true vine, and the resurrection and the life.

Be inspired to learn more about Jesus.  Be disciplined.  Pick up your Bible and search out the truth. When the truth rings true in your hearts then you need to respond.  Why not go to Jesus prayerfully and tell Him that you want to Live for Him each day and trust Him for all eternity.

We had an in-house meeting this week with Faith leading and Jane speaking.

Jane’s topic this time was ‘birds of the Bible’ with particular reference to four passages of scripture.  The first three are very comforting and encouraging, the last one serves as a warning and food for thought!

Psalm 84 v 1-4. The psalmist seems almost jealous of the small birds that have such unhindered access to the temple and the altar. They are even able to build nests for their young.  It is a place of safety and rest. Do we yearn for God’s presence? Do we long to be in that place of safety and security and ultimately the love, joy, peace and blessings that this closeness brings?

Matthew 10 v 29-31; Matthew 6 v 25-27. Even though some birds fall and die, God sees and God knows.  He cares for and feeds all the birds, so how much more does God care about us and for us? We needn’t be worried or anxious about anything.  We are worth more than many sparrows!

Ecclesiastes 10 v 20. This verse serves as a metaphor to be wise about how we live particularly regarding what we say! You don’t know who is listening do you or watching? There is a warning here that we are accountable for our words and dare we say, our thoughts!  We should always strive to act with grace and integrity and be mindful in speech and thoughts the consequences of speaking ill of others. Colossians 4 v 6a – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” 

We finished our meeting with singing the lovely song, This is my desire to honour You – Lord, I give you my heart, I give you my soul; I live for you alone. Every breath that I take, every moment I’m awake, Lord, have Your way in me! (Reuben Morgan ©1995 Hillsong Publishing)

We had an in-house afternoon at Thursday Fellowship this week entitled, ‘Our Choices’. 15 members gathered and it was an opportunity for many of us to bring favourite hymns, poems and thoughts – what a lovely afternoon and what glorious sunshine and warmth for this time of year!

Faith started the meeting reading from Romans 12 v 1-2 and then brought some thoughts from Frances Ridley Havergal from a recent Our Daily Bread devotional. Frances, who was particularly affected by loneliness from the age of 11 came to know that with Jesus she was never alone.  As we offer ourselves to Him, our lives are transformed into His likeness. Faith chose Frances’ most famous hymn, Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee.  Interestingly, this was June’s choice of hymn too.  June loves the words – they mean so much!

Maria read ‘God’s Grandeur’, a poem written by the 19th Century poet and Jesuit priest, Gerard Manley Hopkins. One poignant line says this, “And for all this, nature is never spent; there lives the dearest freshness deep down things;”

Wendy brought a selection of lovely thoughts and a beautiful poem written to remember our dear friend, Yvonne Waller.

• People will never forget how you made them feel!
• A smile is a most wondrous thing! If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!
• Regarding a smile, “Let’s start an epidemic quick and get the world infected.” (Attributed to the late Spike Milligan).

Sylvia chose, Blessed Assurance , Jesus is mine because it cheers you up!

Sue read a beautiful song called Above all powers, above all kings written by Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche with the wonderful chorus:

Crucified, laid behind the stone;
You lived to die, rejected and alone;
Like a rose trampled on the ground,
You took the fall and thought of me,
Above all. 

Although Maureen was unable to be with us, her choice of song was In Christ Alone – a firm favourite and one which most people present are planning to have at their funeral/memorial service!

We sang, Father I place into your hands which holds a very special place in Kath’s heart particularly the line about placing into God’s hands the things that trouble me!

Jane told her story of how she came to faith and left us all with a challenge: Do you have a story to tell? Have you got your story straight? Are you willing to share it?

To finish our meeting, we sang O the deep, deep love of Jesus written by Samuel T Francis.  This hymn came about when the author, a young man at the time, was standing on a bridge overlooking the river Thames contemplating taking his own life. He had a spiritual awakening and went on to write many more hymns and poems.

Gareth leads this month’s prayer opportunity. Please click on the link below to access the video on FaceBook:

https://www.facebook.com/downsbaptistchurch/videos/1919992508478137

We welcomed Claire Withams to our meeting today to tell us a little about her fascinating work as a Hospital Chaplain.

The main task of a chaplain in the hospital is to provide spiritual care to patients. The aim is to come in with an open heart to sit and connect with people who may be going through tough times — regardless of their religious beliefs. But so often there is an opportunity to share something of God’s love and to give out a New Testament or leave some in the chapel or on the notice board. (They are quickly taken!)

Isaiah 40 v 1 – Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

Claire likened her work to going out into the world to the forgotten and dark corners to bring a glimmer of light, comforting presence, peace and a measure of calm. It isn’t any easy role and Claire recognised how important the Holy Spirit is as well as the need to be an empty vessel for God to work through. The encounters with people in their time of need are such a blessing.

Claire chose the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4 as her passage and posed the question, “Where can you find the ‘wells’ in your difficult and dark places?”

Claire’s favourite Bible verse is Deuteronomy 31 v 8 – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (NIV).

“As we walk forward with faith, His presence upholds us.” This was so evident as Claire was speaking to us, so was her love, care and concern for all the people she comes into contact with on a daily basis.

Claire’s choice of song to finish with was – I the Lord of sea and sky (Daniel L Schutte © 1991 New Dawn Music) – with the wonderful chorus:

Here I am, Lord
It is I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
If You lead me;
I will hold Your people in my heart.

Our speaker this week was Connie Croly, who always brings an interesting and thought-provoking message!

Today was no exception when Connie posed the question, “Are you still alive?” Are we moving on with the Lord as individuals and are the churches we attend moving on too?

We have been set apart to follow Jesus wherever He leads.  How much is Jesus seen in us by others? We need to let the beauty of Jesus shine forth. Is God perhaps saying things to us in these days?  Our reputations are not enough!  Is the Holy Spirit evident in our lives and are we people seeking to further God’s Kingdom? We need to trust Him and to abandon ourselves to God remembering that whom God calls, He equips. He will strengthen us and give us all we need to accomplish His will. He is working His purposes out. We may have plans, but are we ready to change these plans? Our God is a God of surprises. Is this God’s moment for you?!

We have a choice and have been given free will to follow Him and do things His way. This is always the best course of action. We are privileged people so let’s be reckless in His service.  Let’s give God what is right, not what is left! God does not always call the qualified but He does qualify the called! So let’s follow our God – all is possible and nothing is too difficult for Him.

We sang one of Connie’s favourite hymns to close our service written by John E Bode (1816-74):

O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou for ever near me’
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.

Martine Johnson, a member of our congregation, is in the process of making some cards to sell in our shop.

We thought you might like to see a couple of her paintings: The first one is called Faceless Angel and the second one, Spiritual Warfare.

Our friend Daniel Gitau has rung the UK to ask for prayer.

There are many pressures and unsettling things happening in the political sphere that are making Daniel’s position difficult and causing upset in the country. (e.g. Anti-government demonstrations calling for President William Ruto’s resignation and the dissolution of parliament, among other demands.  Also, Daniel tells us that doctors are on strike because they are not being paid).

Please do continue to uplift our friends in Kenya to our Heavenly Father on a regular basis. We know that prayer changes things.

We welcomed back Graham Dawson to our meeting who brought a very pertinent and thought-provoking message from Exodus 33 v 7-11 focusing on verse 11a, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.”

Moses, the man of prayer, would go out to the Tent of Meeting to commune with God.  There was such intimacy – real honesty and heart to heart communication.  Do we yearn for that intimacy with God? Prayer should be at the centre of everything we do!

Jesus said in John 15 v 14, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” Is Jesus your best friend? Friends and particularly best friends, share their life experiences with each other.  There is that closeness, that desire to spend time with each other. How much time do we spend in His presence?

We were reminded of the verse in James 4 v 8, ‘Come or draw near to God and He will come or draw near to you.’ Jesus is always waiting and inviting us to come close or for some, closer.  Do you need to spend more time with Him? Prayer is God’s idea, He initiated it and it is a ‘ritual’ for us to enjoy. Graham said that “Prayer is being unbusy with Jesus!”

Graham challenged us by asking if we really wanted to know Him! We need to practice the presence of God in everyday life even the mundane just like Brother Lawrence the 17th Century French monk.  Open yourself up to more of His presence but beware because the more you get to know God, the more you will want Him!

It was a very blessed afternoon.  The readings, songs, thoughts and Graham’s message dovetailed together so beautifully – The Holy Spirit was definitely at work!  We had an opportunity to be still and to reflect before singing Noel Richard’s song, To be in Your presence, to sit at Your feet, where Your love surrounds me, and makes me complete. This is my desire, O Lord. To rest in Your presence, not rushing away; to cherish each moment, here I would stay.  This is my desire O lord. May that be our heart-felt prayer this week.