Coach House Talks and Beacons: Recent Episodes
Coach House Church
It’s all about making Jesus known. We are a bible believing, Jesus worshipping church. The Coach House Church is a contemporary, spirit filled church. We are a church that loves and accepts everyone, no matter what your background or experience. If you are exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come and join us on Sunday. Our family here are from different backgrounds and nations, coming together as one to make us who we are.
We should be reminded that Jesus was eager to eat the Passover meal with his disciples ‘before His suffering began’ and the significance should not be lost on us.
“Which of the commandments is the greatest?” Jesus replied “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, Love your neighbour as yourself. All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments”
When don’t always do the best job making plans or keeping promises because we don’t foresee what might come up and we’re not reliable. This is because we’re limited human beings, this is real life,
Covenant helps us to see how special and set apart we are to God. Covenant helps us to understand the WHY of Gods relationship with us.
How do you respond to conflict? I wonder how you respond to conflict? If we think someone has done us wrong, how do we deal with it: Revenge, Gossip, Calling it out, Refusing to interact
As we start our Big Picture journey through scripture, I would like us to ask the WHY question, rather than the HOW?
With this in mind, we are going to attempt to show how the entire Bible fits together into one beautiful, cohesive narrative, that has at its centre a single desire and motivation, but has many strands to the story.
In a few weeks we start our grand tour of the Bible, exploring the major themes that hold all the scripture in one coherent story that is brilliant and life changing news for humankind throughout history and ahead of us into our future.
...following the Sunday morning service at the end of November. It was a special time as God decided to join us in a very tangible way by the Holy Spirit. We wanted to listen and be inspired and then to act as God directed us.
These observations, unlike other books in the Bible, are deliberately written from the perspective of a writer who tries to find satisfaction in life in a world where eternity and God does not matter.
These observations, unlike other books in the Bible, are deliberately written from the perspective of a writer who tries to find satisfaction in life in a world where eternity and God does not matter.
These observations, unlike other books in the Bible, are deliberately written from the perspective of a writer who tries to find satisfaction in life in a world where eternity and God does not matter.
These observations, unlike other books in the Bible, are deliberately written from the perspective of a writer who tries to find satisfaction in life in a world where eternity and God does not matter.
Let me tell you a story about a father that had two sons. One of them was an obedient son when his father was present - but disobedient when he was not there; and the other son was impulsive and short sighted when it came to decisions. One day the impulsive son asked his father for his inheritance in advance, packed up and off he went into the big wide world.
These observations, unlike other books in the Bible, are deliberately written from the perspective of a writer who tries to find satisfaction in life in a world where eternity and God does not matter.
After 19 months of protecting the church with policies and safe working practices when we open the building, Covid finally hit the Jackson household in the last week or two. We are recovered from it now after spending the requisite time in isolation. I am thankful that the symptoms were mild and we recovered very quickly.
These observations, unlike other books in the Bible, are deliberately written from the perspective of a writer who tries to find satisfaction in life in a world where eternity and God does not matter.
I recently watched a few of the new episodes of the programme: Who do you think you are? It’s where celebrities are given the opportunity to trace their family tree, to delve into the archives, meet historians who can unearth documents and discover their ancestors.
God can get us through anxiety because he doesn’t change, even when our circumstances do. In this Beacon I look at how we confront the experience of anxiety by trusting God and experiencing his peace.
Before I launch in I am going to do the typical preacher thing of defining what justice is. It’s important for us to know what we’re talking about before we try and unpack it. So what is justice? Justice according to the dictionary is “the quality of being fair and reasonable” or “the administration of the law or authority in maintaining fairness”.
The following day the contrast could not have been more marked. It was cold and wet and windy. Thoroughly miserable. I remember that Autumn had truly arrived. I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised that, at the end of September, it was going colder, after all this is what is supposed to happen at this time of year.
I want you to remember back to your younger days, perhaps your teenage years, when all the years were in front of you, when nothing was impossible and in the blinkered view of youth, we all knew better than our parents or elders! I want you to think of the cycles we see played out before our eyes, that we also played out before that…
Frustrations… They can seem so insignificant at the time, but they can do you some real damage and not just you, but others too. But where do they come from?
Our Watches, our clocks - to the minute - time is all accountable - how long will the preach be, how long will we sing for, - how many of these precious minutes are we prepared to give to God this Sunday morning?
As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. This was something that my dad repeated to my brother, sister and me often when we were kids. Life brings lots of opportunities to create enemies. Whether it be because someone has outright offended us or just because they have annoyed us in some way.
I was aware a short time later of the wind starting to be heard, but a cursory glance confirmed that the sun was still out and I kept me head down working. Then the house phone rang....
The rich who have all the money in the world - still don’t find happiness. Having riches just drives the desire for more. Those who like the latest electrical gadget are always enticed by the next generation and it becomes the must have. Whole company ethos’s are formed on ‘capturing this desire’ which is a peculiar drive entirely common only to mankind.
I have the privilege to restart this series and today’s beacon It’s called The Wall. In the bible walls are often use to protect and guard precious gardens and vineyards.
Why if we are looking at Ecclesiastes do we start with Jesus teaching? Because Jesus summarises much of what we will see in Ecclesiastes in this simple observable explanation of life and I believe it will help us get a handle on how to approach the book of Ecclesiastes, and how to value what it is saying to us.
And finally. Love. The major underpinning of everything we do. The glue that holds all things together.
In other words, even-though it is necessary that we walk through the valleys of life for a little while, we need to come to the clear understanding that these valleys are only a test—we are being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—and here is your shout, your faith is much more precious to God than gold
There are plenty of people who will be making these same kind of life changing decisions on a daily basis, not necessarily from a sporting stand point, but it may be a career decision, an academic choice or even a life change due to changing health. It may even be in relation to 16 months of Covid and restrictions.
Faith, like a marriage, is a decision we have to make each and every day. There is a day that we make a commitment, but after that we have to keep stepping into it. It hasn’t always been easy, the devil is always looking for a way to take us off the right path, but it has been the best for me.
It is sometimes said that “All good things must come to an end” This thought seems to be rooted in our very British opinion that we don't deserve to have good things. We need to have something to moan about and that won't happen if things in our life are good. Well right now one good thing is coming to and end, and that is the beacons.
After living in Britain for over a decade I have noticed that British people love to talk about the weather. If it is hot- it’s too hot! If it is cold -It’s too cold! When it rains -it’s miserable. When it doesn’t rain-it’s too dry! Let me just ask this then “what would be the perfect weather for people around here?
Last weekend I went to my brother’s fiancé’s hen do. It was a really nice time celebrating the bride Aoife, and preparing for the wedding that will be in a few weeks time. This reminded me of the passage in Revelation where it talks about the bride of Christ being the Holy city of Jerusalem.
There are some bible passages that are just so uplifting and encouraging. One of these is Ephesians chapter 3. To put it in context: It is part of a letter written by the apostle Paul who had the dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
If I mentioned the name David Prowse, then many of the film buffs amongst us would immediately recall that he was the actor that played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars films. However, before the intergalactic imagery and ‘I am your Father’ lines, David Prowse was famous for an altogether different role.
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
Today I want to talk about wages and work. Now in the last few weeks Ive been offered a full-time job by a few companies that would like me to join their team. It’s been really nice to be thought of in that way.
I suffer from it from time to time, chronically, and you know, it never quite goes away. When it shows up I find my room a mess, leave my responsibilities behind, and put off my job list for another day. This beacon helps us see how God empowers us to grow in faith and progress.
It's been very warm recently. Warm weather seems to divide us into two camps, those who like it hot and those who don't. I have to say that I am in the latter group, hot weather slows me down and I can't get anything done. As I write this beacon it is 28 degrees in my house so it is a miracle that I am even writing at all.
However, at this end of the term I am very tired and that makes me more prone to forget things. I’ve forgotten to lock my car or what I’m doing when I get places. I have been forgetting to take medication and do things that are normally in my routine. I also begin do more things wrong, to sin. For example, recently I have been much quicker to get angry. I have been angry or more angry at things that wouldn’t normally bother me. It’s not nice...
Today, we look to the end of 2nd Peter, where we see Peter concluding his letter of warning to the Churches, particularly those of Asia Minor, or modern-day Turkey, at the time.
I find this a very difficult Beacon to write. It’s the morning after the Euros final – England against Italy.I’m in a strange emotional state, floating between the reality of a normal day and the despair of the emotional rollercoaster of the night before. I will suddenly feel myself getting quite depressed and have to shake myself from it. As I look down on the traffic from the church office window
Lots of people like to do puzzles. Maybe you enjoy solving a Sudoku number puzzle, putting together a jigsaw or planning moves in a game of chess. All of these keep your brain cells firing. It’s a way to challenge yourself and there is a sense of satisfaction when you complete the challenge. It’s about making decisions, selecting choices and planning a series of strategic moves.
Dates; the wonderful thing about the English language is that one word can have two very different meanings. On the one hand a date could be just be a marker of time, or maybe a special occasion where two people spend time together, or on the other hand it could be that sticky dried fruit that you eat at Christmas.
What we do with wealth can be many things, including good, comical, tragic and stupid. This beacon includes a wet passport, a reflection on Smaug and what Jesus wants us to do with our money.
After working hard all week, everybody looks forward to the weekend. you all know what I’m talking about when I say “the Friday feeling”. It’s that feeling you get when you’re able to let your hair down and not stress that you have to get up the next morning;
I would say since shame is a direct result of the fall it’s something that we were not made to feel and from experience it can often be unhealthy. The difference between guilt and shame is that guilt is to do with what we’ve done and shame is to do with who we are. Not that we should be walking around naked, I very much like wearing clothes, but shame can make us hide too much.
Hey - are you struggling? Do you need to speak to God for help? Unsure how to do this amazing thing called prayer? Well, stick with me over the next few minutes and hopefully you’ll go from this Beacon, able to pray and leave all your worries and cares with Jesus, knowing He will answer all of your requests.
Way back in 1997, a British band by the name of Chumbawamba had a top 10 hit with a song called ‘Tubthumping’. It contained a limited lyrical content, but I remember at the time, liking the refrain.
We are not meant to go through life confused. We should ask questions, get support from others who have a good understanding, read the simple truths in the bible and put our trust in Jesus. Then we can know and believe and trust as Nicodemus did, understanding the clear message
In an age when everybody is a mini celebrity on the social media websites, we find ourselves in a situation where very often compare our lives to others. We have access to private information about other people like : what they are eating where they go and who they are hanging out with. In the pre-Internet era, we only knew what our close friends were up to;
But sometimes, like with our fireman friend, it is possible to coax someone out. Often you have to go in the burning house, you have to understand their position, whether it be that they’re suffering or selfish or whatever it may be. I’m not saying you should join them in their sin. A fireman doesn’t put himself in the fire. In fact, a fireman on fire is no help to anyone. .
One of the questions that Christians frequently ask is “Why doesn't God answer my prayers?” You know that feeling, you ask for something, you feel it is right to do so, you ask repeatedly over a period of time and still nothing happens. This can be disheartening or discouraging, it can lead to doubts or even a loss of faith, so it is important to understand why this sometimes happens..
This last weekend i had the absolute pleasure of going again to see Noah, the oldest of our boys play in the Tytherington Juniors 5v5 Festival. Noah and His team mates ably managed by Mark, Chris and Cooke managed to get to the semi-finals. There they had a very comfortable win with Noah bagging 4, and then onto the final they went. It was a tough game, but .
A frame for a piece of art is very important. It helps you focus on a painting. It helps you pick out important parts of the art and shows it off. It separates it from the rest of the world and highlights it. Sometimes a frame can be found in surprising places like one I saw on Facebook around a child’s drawing on a wall.
When I was younger I attended Sunday School and one of my teachers, Norma Wilson, used to give us memory verses to learn. We actually enjoyed the challenge of learning a range of key verses and we collected points. And we all know what points make …prizes of course..
Why am I telling you this? Well, I might have good road sense and a fairly good understanding of where places are and how to get to them, but I would be foolish to think that I knew everywhere and everything if I was called upon to go somewhere. Often it is the precise location we need as well as the general direction.
Growing up most of my friends were big fans of scary films. I didn’t want them to believe that I was not tough enough to watch them so I would watch them, but when the scary bit came on I used to hide my face in a cushion or behind my hands. I was too scared. Even now I’m not able to watch scary films. The only difference is that now I’m ok with it. I don’t mind people thinking that I’m chicken.
How many footballing careers have been cut short by injury? Countless. Whether it’s Brazilian Ronaldo, Fernando Torres or Jack Wilshere - many players fade into the background with niggling knees, worn ankles and pesky metatarsals. Injury comes with the territory. Setbacks, failure and trials are a part of life, listen on to see the surprising advice God gives us to get us back on our feet.
It is always sad when someone passes away. For close family or friends the loss is felt the most, for more distant family or friends less so but there will still be a time of mourning or reflection. For most of the rest of us we might not even know someone has died, the only way of knowing is if we happen to see a report in the newspaper or perhaps, in this modern age, in a facebook post.
We’ve all felt like God was far away from us once in a while. But you know what … That is a lie that we can easily fall for if we aren’t careful. God is not a feeling .. He’s much more than a feeling. Our feelings lie to us all the time. Feelings change quickly and can make us lose sight of the truth. This passage reminds us of the reality of where God is when we are brokenhearted: close.
Generosity is one of those virtues that we all know is good to have. But how can we know how much to give? It says in the bible we should give 10% but is that 10% before tax or after tax? Should we take out vital expenses first? How do we know we are doing it right?
Now as someone with fewer follicles each year, I am obviously not going to be a candidate for the most luxurious hair 2021. My hair began to recede many years ago, I suspect due to it being subject to long periods in chlorinated water during my swimming days, or the peroxide from my ‘hair metal’ years of long shaggy perms!
Recently we had a clear out and tidy up at home. It was the first chance we had had since our house had been full of people throughout the last year, as different friends and family stayed over, as they left uni, started jobs in Manchester or were just between jobs. It was great having a full house over the lockdowns as we always had lots of people to chat to and share meals with.
Even though Travelling is off the menu for another year, where would you like to go and visit once the restrictions are lifted ? What type of tourist are you? The “planning to the last detail” type or the “easy going one” -that takes things as they come and is adapting to whatever they find . Do people even do these kind of holidays anymore ? When you go on holiday do you like visiting and exploring new places or just lying by the sea reading a book..
What does standing firm look like practically? Perhaps we’re fighting off thoughts like “I’m too unrighteous and God could never forgive me.” As Christians, the objective truth is that we are clothed with God’s righteousness because of what Jesus has done for us. As Ephesians says, we have the breastplate of righteousness. However, we are still faced with a choice.
How are you feeling today? Do you feel useful? Are you happy with your contribution in life? I know that in our household we often “discuss” who is doing the most washing up or the most ironing. Of course this isn't what we are really discussing, the real agenda is “I'm doing more than you, you ought to do more”.
You see it’s easy to let frustration get the better of us on the road. And also on the road of life. But the reality is cursing at other drivers doesn’t get us where we are going any faster.
I am a teacher and one day one of the kids called another one weird. I responded with, well so are you, so are all of us. None of us are exactly like someone else. We all have our own likes and dislikes, our own desires, our own ways of being.
In one of those rare moments of madness the other week I found myself in Aldi (although other supermarket brands were available!) doing some shopping with my mum before we went away to the caravan for a few days. Just one of those essential shops!
You may have seen beautiful reflections when you’ve walked around the Lake District, seeing the trees and fells perfectly replicated on the surface of the lake. It makes you appreciate the creation around you as you look at it from a different perspective, not having to crane upwards but looking straight ahead
You might wonder how does the Russian novel Link to today’s beacon. In one of his beacons last week -The one in which he was talking about revenge -Jamie mentioned something about Punishment fitting the crime and this made me think of this book because -spoiler alert -The main character gets a punishment which fitted his crime. That’s all I’m gonna say not wanting to spoil the whole book for those of you who would like to read it.
No one would watch a programme about someone hoovering their house daily, but plenty of people watch Grand Designs. Maintenance is boring and makeovers look amazing, but without maintenance, the results of a makeover are quickly lost.....
It's that time of year when accountants can start to relax a bit. From the start of April to the end of May they are busy poring over figures that relate to the previous financial year. Taxes have to be paid and reports prepared. Investors and shareholders want to know how their company is doing.
So if both the Bible and modern science teach us that our lives are moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts, then we need to ask ourselves, “Do I like the direction my mind and thoughts are taking me?”
Last Sunday I was really drawn to read a verse from Nahum. This is a book of the bible that we rarely read and once I read the whole thing (it is a very short book) I understood why. The book is about the judgement of Nineveh. This was a large town in the ancient world, that was a political cornerstone of that area.
On the church calendar, the Sunday just gone (23rd May) is known as Pentecost. This is significant because it is the day when Peter all those years ago, stood on the steps in Jerusalem and boldly announced the truth of Jesus to the crowds gathered in Jerusalem for the feast of Weeks (which we now know as Pentecost –meaning ‘fiftieth’ the nearest Sunday to 50 days after Easter Sunday)
Depending on your beliefs and your point of view will determine how you think gold was formed at the beginning of time. Whereas diamonds and pearls, among other precious gems have been formed as the result of huge amounts of pressure and the highest temperatures, gold was not formed in the same way.
Last week after church, with a small group of people, we were discussing this subject. To me the reason why we are sometimes compared to sheep was evident but someone in the group was confused about the analogy and someone else had to explain: It’s because most of the time we do what everyone else is doing. It takes one person in a group to panic, and it extends to the whole group. In a group of children, it takes one kid to start crying..
What was your favourite birthday present two years ago? Unless it’s odd, flashy, useful, or a treadmill cluttering your garage, it’s likely to fade into the other ‘stuff’ you’ve accumulated over the years. Good gifts embed themselves in our lives but are easily forgotten, not least the good things God has done for us – so let’s take the opportunity to look again.
Have you ever felt under threat? The answer to this question is probably yes, to some degree there is threat all around us. Right now I know that there are many people worrying about the Indian variant of the Corona-virus that is currently surging through Bolton.
So let me tell you this story that happened this week. As I love to do, I go as often as I can to watch Noah the eldest of our twins, play football. He’s quite good. Can play defence, upfront, good goal scorer and his awareness of the game is great. Now this week i was blessed to go and see him play against another team from his division.
Have you ever sat back and thought about all the little moments that brought you to where you are today. Even you being born was a very unlikely circumstance and yet it happened. Elevation worship released a song called million little miracles. It’s about the fact that there are so many things that God does for us every day that seem tiny to us but change the course of our lives.
On the day that I should’ve sent the beacon to be posted I realised that I didn’t have one; not even an idea. Not a pleasant feeling. Normally What I tell you in the beacons is given to me by what I read in the week or by the conversations I have with others or with the Lord. Sometimes I get inspired by the things I listen to.
Did you know that coal, graphite ( pencil lead) and diamonds are basically formed from the same things – pure carbon? You would never call coal or graphite a treasure or think that it could be described as priceless: useful and often essential but not something of beauty.
Our problem is that there is nothing we can do to restore ourselves back to plumb. We are way off the intended plumb line and it is impossible for us to claw ourselves back in line – we are heading for disaster
Why does anyone still bother with Christianity? Most people in the UK don’t, and that’s true most of all for millennials. So I want to offer you three crude, practical reasons why I’m a ‘bothered millennial’, who has, for some reason, remained a Christian till the grand old age of 26.
The world around us is complicated. As we go through school we get taught all sorts of different things about the world around us that attempt to explain what we can see. Do you remember learning about rain?
Now I’m going to be a little honest here. I have the absolute privilege to lead our church in Worship. It’s an interesting activity and vocation. You see, if you’re a worship leader, it may seem like you want to be the next rockstar but it’s not
Just like with all pain it’s a sign that something is wrong, that there is something that we need to fix. However, sometimes it goes too far or goes on too long. We can get caught up by it and it can hold us back and imprison us. Sometimes it’s not even real guilt it’s false guilt
One of the things that I find most annoying is the seemingly endless closed lanes marked out with thousands of glaring orange and white traffic cones – with no sign of maintenance crews, wagons, asphalt laying or lane marking going on at all.
...Yes, in the films it’s meant to be amusing and not particularly scary. But, you may have wondered how the transport system works in busy cities in other countries, India, for example, and be amazed at how there aren’t more collisions and disasters given that there doesn’t appear to be much organisation on the highway. It works for them somehow!
Boasting is something that we, as humans are very good at from a very young age. We love to have something better, to know something more, to be something greater than our fellow human beings. Humility and meekness does not come to us naturally.
God is unique because unlike us, he created everything. There is nothing outside the scope of his knowledge. Technically, he could explain any process in an incomprehensible amount of detail on any subject (like whether or not woodpeckers get headaches).
Now you might be wondering whether I am going to talk about separating the good from the bad, like the wheat and the chaff, or the sheep and the goats, but no, or maybe the seed on the good soil, but not that subject either. Today I am talking about belonging, and we will see where my garden story fits in later.
After having this battle in my life I have come to realise just how real it is. Choices have to be considered, I have determined that my will is of such a poor standing and that my way or the consequences that are attached to my choices are bad that I really need to make a positive stand.
Jamie and I went to watch Noah play football the other day. I ended up watching a match between two teams of kids that had no idea how to play football for a few minutes. They looked very different from a professional team as they would all crowd round the ball rather than finding space.
There are so many elements to creating the great day, to making sure everything runs smoothly, that it is as good as it could possibly be, so that everyone is relaxed and can enjoy every moment, creating memories to last a lifetime.
In our old house, Mel wanted some shelves putting up in a little alcove. No problem said I (on a rare ‘ready for DIY’ kind of day!) ‘It can’ be that difficult’ I thought to myself as I headed for the tool bag to retrieve the drill and screws.
They were chosen to share this message of salvation with everyone making it available regardless of social status and social rules. Jesus does not keep in high esteem what people keep in high esteem. The Bible tells us that our good deeds are regarded as dirty clothes in the eyes of God.
“Out of intense complexities, intense simplicities emerge” – One liner’s tell us what we need to know without the faff. Here’s one from the Bible:
One thing that has not changed though is that this life is still “but a breath”, it is brief, whether we are godly or not; so we should take note of David's advice and Jesus example in the presence of the ungodly.
What a team effort. Matt and Rosie last weekend got married in one of the most intimate, cosy and fun filled weddings I have ever been to, and Ive been to a few.
In many of our beacons we have talked about the need to share the good news we have received with other people. We have said why it is important to let others know the message as their eternity depends on it. But how should we do it?
It was a fantastic occasion, even in these times of restricted numbers and masks. Nothing deterred us from putting on a good show and the Coach House family rallied around to turn the church into a stylised lounge with sofas and lights to create a homely, intimate feel.
When we turned a corner, my initial response was to counteract the lean into the bend which meant we stayed in a straight line and, consequently, caused some tension.
This game mimics dangerous circumstances from the life of Ethan Hunt from Mission Impossible or James Bond. People like you and me would normally not have to get out of a lab before it explodes or find a code to disarm an atomic bomb before it destroys the world.
Verse 10 switches spices and adds in the action of seeking in it’s second half. Not only those who fear God lack nothing, but those who seek him out. He is awesome, but he is also to be known. Taste God, fear God, seek God lack nothing and experience goodness. That is the flavour of the passage.
The recent COVID emergency has brought some really difficult times. I don't think many of us can say that given a choice we would want to go through the same experience again. That said, there have also been some striking examples of service and, some well deserved recognition of that service.
Last week I was having an interesting discussion with Andy and Steve Adshead. We were talking about how in the past certain churches have banned or frowned upon certain activities that seemed “worldly” but were clearly in the bible, like dancing.
I had no defence as I processed the truth of this observation. I couldn’t deny that he voiced a secret I already knew but didn’t want to admit: my prayers were pathetic.
In a few days I will at last be able to get my boat wet and will be able to go sailing on the sea, off Anglesey. I look forward to this point in time with great eagerness, but the scenario is nearly always the same each year…
Recently I watched a documentary called ‘Invisible World’ which was presented by Tony Robinson. He showed and explained some phenomena about our world that I hadn’t considered before. He made some statements that made me think. Although he wasn’t necessarily coming from a Christian point of view
Watching people in the train station I sometimes make up stories about where they’re going and what they’re doing. Most of them are absorbed by their phones and they are functioning on autopilot because they know where they’re going and what train to take.
How are your New Year’s resolutions going? You may think it’s strange to be saying this in April, but actually, it’s the most important time to ask the question. The joke is that New Year’s resolutions are thought about at New Year, because that’s where most people leave them…and don’t touch them again for another full year.
Now you have to understand that I was quite keen on trains, I travelled on them whenever and wherever I could, I took photos of them, and I confess that I also wrote down the numbers. I even had a model railway at one time and I was quite excited at the prospect of getting to ride on a train that many others wouldn't, maybe God would even let me drive this train.
Are you like me - like arriving early for meetings, parties, church services and lunches??.. probably more likely I arrive to lunches early because I really like starters and nibbles. You know the ones I mean - Olives, warm recently baked bread ready to dip into olive oil and balsamic glaze,
Jamie and I watched the TV program called the repair shop this week. In the program the experts took items that used to be precious, whether that be toys or trophies or even a bell. These things had been broken, whether by accident or just through the course of time.
One of my favourite TV shows is one called ‘Would I lie to You?’ The premise of the show is that celebrity teams have to make convincing arguments from statements which they have not seen beforehand, which the opposite team then has to simply work out : is it the truth or a lie?
One of the important aspects of working with children and young people is in encouraging and developing their skills in using their voice. By this, I mean in having the ability and confidence to speak up when they need to. This may be to report a fault, rather than putting up with second rate equipment.
If there is a good thing that came out of the past year, it must be the fact that some people started to look around and see the needs of others and reached out a helping hand. Throughout the last year we have seen people organise, or help out at food banks or charities that helped ordinary people with basic needs like : food , clothes, keeping the house warm and so on.
It makes us feel like David is boasting about himself, and that because he’s racked up enough points with God, God has come to his aid to rescue him in his time of need. We can easily treat moral actions like nectar card points that we gradually save up over time
Television was one of the greatest inventions of the last Century. It has become one of the essentials of life, something that few of us can ever remember being without. I have to say I don't watch a huge amount of television but it does provide a useful source of entertainment from time to time.
If the nevers of life are discouraging you, if you’ve waited for the Lord to fulfill His promises to you, if you wonder why God has allowed such a lengthy delay in answering the deepest cries of your heart—if that’s where you are, friend—then listen on
So my first point is that even when we try to go against what God wants, God will still use it for good. Those sailors began to praise God because Jonah had been on the boat. If Jonah had chosen to do what God had wanted, He may have saved the sailors in another way, but the point is that God will use whatever we do for His glory. Even when we disobey
‘Mamma Mia’, here I go again. These beacons come round quite frequently, so thank you for another opportunity that I have for you to ‘take a chance on me’. Being an encouragement is the ‘name of the game’ and its definitely not about the ‘money, money, money’. It’s more about ‘knowing me, knowing you’ but ultimately knowing God.
If you know our house then you’ll know how much we like visitors, in usual times, people staying over and people coming for meals. We’ve had many a bonfire and a big pan of curry and chatted late into the night. However, there have been some unwelcome visitors in the house lately-tiny four legged ones.
Today I would like us to look at appearances. How do we appear to other people? is it a true image of ourselves or is it someone else that we project outwards? In a world where people put most of their lives on social media we can project an image of ourselves that is very far from the truth.
I have the gift of simplification, do you have it too? It’s a double edged sword, and often a keyboard with a worn down delete key. I love simplifying things, even when I don’t do it well. I’ve recently been editing and a couple of friends’ essays and cover letters, and my favourite part is pressing ‘delete’ on a huge chunk of information and then seeing that word count drop.
Well I had a day at home and although I had work to do I had agreed that it would be my turn to make Dinner. The day before we had a Turkey thigh, which I had slow cooked for 8 hours, so we had a big bowl of stock to use and it made perfect sense to me to make a soup. I will leave it to you to guess what was added to the soup but I can assure you the result was well worth the effort
There is a story about a man who had parked his motorhome at a campsite near Newquay. One night, someone was trying to steal fuel from his motorhome. He put the hose in and sucked hard. At this point, the motorhome owner heard a noise and went outside to see a man throwing up. Turns out, the thief had put the hose in the waste tank instead of the fuel tank. Gross!
Have you ever seen the film the Lord of the Rings? We are watching it for the first time with the kids. I had forgotten how much I love the films and it is a joy to be able to introduce them to somebody else. My brother and sister and I used to spend hours fighting imaginary orcs with our bows and arrows and now Jamie and I can watch the boys, Noah and Eli, do the same.
One thing that keeps cropping up, is the encouragement to submit, whether to authorities, masters, or husbands – it is a fairly inclusive instruction for us to live in harmony with each other, in order to show those outside the church, how good God is. It culminates with the plea to ‘to be of one mind’.
Milk in glass bottles, warm, with a thick layer of cream at the top that you were keen to drink, even though it had been in a warm classroom for half a day? School dinners where there were always seconds and your friends were happy to give you the tapioca and prunes that they weren’t keen on?
“What are you grateful for today?” I often ask my husband and he often asks me this question at the end of the day. When I ask him this question I think about what happened on that day that blessed me, something that made me smile or made me glad. Basically a good thing that happened over the day that just ended. We started this little game
Perhaps it feels strange to hear this coming out of the Bible. Ecclesiastes is a weird book. To put it bluntly, it is very ‘earth centred’. If you’ve ever heard someone say that Christianity is a ‘pie in the sky’ religion that only cares about stuff that happens after you die, then Ecclesiastes busts the myth.
The phrase often used when businesses close is “Gone to the wall”. We have heard this many times recently but where does this rather odd phrase come from? Well before a business goes to the wall, and it can be seen beforehand that this is going to happen we say that “The writing is on the wall” for that business.
Doing right is a personal matter. doing what is right lies squarely on the shoulder of us, as individuals. No matter what others do, you know what you have to do. If you know the difference between right and wrong, then you know what you need to do to please God. And God makes this personal; the Bible says, And as for you, brothers, (or sisters), never tire of doing what is right. He puts it firmly in our lap.
People are more worried because they can’t spend time with friends and family. We can’t share our concerns or be heard which means we bottle it all up, making us feel worse. We are worried about catching the virus, or passing on the virus. We are worried about having the vaccine and not having the vaccine.
Before God, who is always wise and aware of our inner intentions, what good is cultivating an image of righteousness at any point in our lives when actually carrying out the deed? Absolutely nothing. The skills we are told that are worth at least twice the salary of minimum wage are not worth mentioning before God.
I suppose the ramble at the beginning is because…. Well, here is my confession (and/or excuse if you like?) … I completely forgot about getting this in on time, because, and I know that this is not good reason, I had done my preaching notes early and deposited them in the same way as I would a beacon transcript – and then convinced myself that the beacon was therefore done! All well and good until a timely reminder pops up from...
In my normal working week, I would spend an afternoon in an audiology clinic, supporting the clinical audiologist. I would sometimes be the tester and sometimes lead the play activity- putting the man in the boat or the peg in the board while the pupil was being tested, supporting them to maintain their attention so they could respond consistently to the quiet beeps they were listening to through the headphones.
I miss standing on the top of a mountain or a hill! I miss being able to look far and wide to houses, roads and people. From above, majestic buildings and big structures lose their towering height, somehow when you look at them, they don’t seem so intimidating or frightening; they seem more approachable and not so overwhelming.
Do you start things enthusiastically and then get bored and bogged down with the details? I’m a great project starter, or even better, a project ‘imaginer’. It’s all so great in my mind but when I get down to doing it, indifference sets in because the project never lives up to the ideal. Shelves on the wall, artwork on my desk and stories on the bookshelf have all met the same fate.
As I sit down to write this beacon I feel replete having just polished off this years substantial helping of pancakes. I expect that I am not alone in this, although I know that by the time you hear this Beacon we will already be 3 days into the lent period.
It’s good to listen to yourself think. I try to regularly. Separate yourself from your own reasoning and ask yourself, why am I thinking this way? Is it really the right way to be thinking? My name is Jamie and welcome to this Coach House Beacon.
Have you ever been with someone in absolute quiet and started to breathe in the same way, the same depth and length of breaths? Or have you ever been walking with someone and noticed that you are taking steps at the same time in the same pace? This happens with me and Jamie quite often.
The game was always great fun and sometimes you were on it, almost being able to sense which hole the mole would appear in and be ready to bring the hammer down and then get ready for the next one.
When you listen to current discussions or reports on the news or social media, you may have heard the term resilience used. The situation over the past year has brought this term to the fore and the importance of being resilient, emotionally, mentally and physically. And I would add, for a Christian, to be spiritually resilient
A sad piece of news I heard this week was that the singer Mary Wilson had passed away on Monday. Mary was the cofounder of a band called The Supremes together with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard back in the 60s.
We all love a well-chosen gift. For my 18th birthday my brother got me surreal, rubber horse mask. On another occasion he got me a mug with a Monsters Inc. meme printed on the front of it. My housemate, Daniel, got me a basic Casio watch that I’ve worn almost every day for the past two years, and it survived plenty of punishment as I took it into school with me every day.
If there is one household chore that really seems to divide opinions it is ironing. I quite like it, albeit in small doses, my wife however hates it and would rather I do all of it. Ironing comes at the end of the laundry process. First the clothes have to be washed, made clean, with all the stains removed. Then they have to be dried, carefully, to avoid too many creases. And lastly the ironing, folding and putting them away, ready to use again.
No one lives in isolation. All of us have and need relationships.They determine to a great extent how successful and joyful we are. Our relationships make it possible for us to pursue various goals and engage in various activities. And they play a key role in helping us overcome adversities and hardships
Many of us that are in churches have found passions within the church. We have found roles that we are really good at and we have built ministries for ourselves within church. This is a really good thing, but what happens when God moves us on or something happens to us that means we can’t serve in the same way.
We adapted, but I missed the camaraderie and fellowship and I also missed getting out and about in the beauty of the Lakes and mountains. Me and Mel made up for it with the odd walk from home, but it wasn’t quite the same grandeur.
A rocky table is annoying and sometimes no matter how much trouble you go to to even out the wobble, folding up cardboard and pushing it under one of the legs, it still doesn’t seem to be secure and stable, spilling your coffee atthe slightest nudge.
Until the New Jerusalem comes and we live in perfect harmony with our Creator, what part of His shalom can we really expect to experience in our daily lives?
Do you remember that feeling, when you expect guests for dinner? It seems like a life time ago since we last had people in the house gathered around food or since we were able to chat with new acquaintances or catch up with friends in person.
Am I healthy and fit? It’s a bit of a horrible question isn’t it? And to be honest, it’s a bit irrelevant. I could say ‘yes’ and show 10000 steps I did on a smart watch and I’d nod my head and say it’s good going. Without context it doesn’t mean much. I can do a decent 5K,
I think that in the current situation there will be some of you out there that feel as though you are walking through mud at the moment. It is dragging you back, slowing you down, stopping you from getting where you want to go.
Part 2 - Dont Settle for Less. - Clean Heart, Clean Mind, Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what.
Throughout history lots and lots of people have claimed to be God or God’s chosen leader on earth. There are so many cults around the world, that have convinced many people. There are also many other religions. So what’s so different about Christianity?
Once upon a time the cry of ‘Any old iron…. Any old iron?’ would reverberate around the streets, as rag and bone men did the rounds collected our old junk and taking it away to make a few pennies on.
Have you ever sat down to pray and talk to God and considered how many other people across the world are also doing the same thing? Or maybe when you are singing and worshipping in a small group of believers, have you ever thought how many hundreds or thousands are also sending their thanks and praise towards heaven.
Last Sunday’s we started an Alpha course at church. I had heard about this course before but I never had a chance to experience it myself. It’s interesting as it makes you think about questions that you never realised you had or never thought about before. I’m giving you just an example : What makes you happy ? Or what would you ask God if you had a chance?
Like Cool Runnings suggests, you’re unlikely to win an Olympic Gold in the Bobsleigh if you grow up somewhere without snow, ice and the prevalence of that sport. We have personal limitations too, and we realise this as we get older.
Do you ever feel that you aren't serving God as you ought? Do you sometimes feel that you are failing in your Christian walk? Do you sometimes feel that you only go to church on a Sunday to make up the numbers?
It’s at this point the Holy Spirit begins to unlock and unleash the fullness of the person’s potential, unfolding before him all he’s created to be and to do, helping him to succeed at accomplishing God’s purpose for his life.
I had to tear up all the plans I did have for the next term less than a week before that term started. I then wasn’t given enough information to start planning the lessons I would need to be teaching until the term started.
Have you ever justified an action based on something that you believe has given you either the power to do something, or at the very least, protects you from blame and gives you something to hide behind! I’m sure you have, because mankind continually does it all the time. We are so good at it; we don’t even realise we are doing it
Some like the first glimpse of new growth in Spring and others love the Autumn colours. Whatever your preference, I suspect that most people would prefer dry, warmer days rather than cold, damp days and at some point we all yearn for the end of Winter days.
As this new year began at midnight last December 31st, I must confess to feeling very apprehensive as to what might lie ahead in the year we were just beginning. My feelings were influenced by all that had happened in the previous year,
The Lord has a road prepared for all of us and some of the things he wants us to do have the task of building character in us at the cost of ego and pride. God gives us the custody of worldly things in the course of our lives to help us understand the difference between materialism and what He holds as treasure.
Films like The Great Escape, Mission Impossible and the Oceans series epitomise human planning to me. It gives human ingenuity a colourful and vibrant appearance. Whether it’s Steve McQueen vaulting barbed wire fences on his motorbike to escape the Nazis, or Tom Cruise’s character lowering himself through hole full of laser tripwires
There is a question which I have often pondered at this time of year, and it is this; on what day do I stop wishing people a Happy New Year? If I see somebody for the first time in March or April, is it too late to wish them a Happy New Year? Answers on a postcard please, but one thing is for sure, as this is my first Beacon of the year it isn't too late, so Happy New Year everybody
Do you like Bread? A warm baguette with soup, or freshly made bread straight out of the oven with lashings of butter…? What about soft sliced white bread with fresh cooked bacon in to make the best of bacon butties.
We can’t predict what the next year will bring. None of us could have predicted how 2020 would go. None of us could know how much time we would spend in our homes and without our friends. And none of us know what 2021 will bring. Maybe things will go back to normal. Maybe we will be able to go back to seeing those we love on a regular basis.
Judging by the sheer amount of fireworks exploding into the sky at Midnight on New Year’s Eve, plenty of people were happy to see the back of what has been a troubled year, with Covid changing the way we interact and behave, and the deliberations and brinksmanship of Brexit, 2020 has had its fair share of challenges
So it's the end of the crazy year, thats been 2020. Andy, Mel, Bekah and Jamie sit round and discuss the Beacons. Which are there favourite, which ones to head for if its your first time listening. ENJOY
The more excuses you produce, the less convincing you sound. The words provide a verbally comprehensible answer to a doubt or request. However, the fact that so many words were used to begin with casts doubt on the answer. Rationally, the excuses may or may not be true, but it’s often indicative of someone who’s afraid or trying to cover their back.
One thing that I have learned as a Christian over many years is this. There are no words, that any speaker, no matter how good, can say, that are better or more effective than the scripture itself.
But what is the best Christmas song ever written? The Messiah by Handel?,Joy to the world, Silent night, Away in a manger, Jingle bells . . .
Every type of government that we have ever seen, even if it has “safeguards” in place, becomes corrupt and becomes about money. Democracy is meant to have the safeguard that the government can be voted out but has still become about money
It seems that many have taken to putting up Christmas decorations well before the start of December in order to bring some cheer in these strange times, where we cannot be together as much as we would like.
What a year it’s been. What a journey we’ve been on together. There are some points in history that you will never forget, no matter how hard you try in certain circumstances. But sometimes they are part of lovely memories.
If you live in the Western world, you likely have a constitutional “inalienable right” to freedom! You may have freedom to practice religion, freedom to speak, freedom to travel, and the list goes on.
You know that feeling, when we get to work on a Monday morning, and are already tired and wishing for another weekend. As a result of the last year happenings, with it being such an unusual year, I think people feel even more restless and tired.
These are well known words from Isaiah chapter 9 describing the coming of the saviour, Jesus, in the future. From this passage we later hear of his nature and character “he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
One thing is for sure on a cold December morning and that is that summer holidays seem an awfully long way away. We were fortunate enough to be able to go to the seaside this summer, it wasn't that warm whilst we were there but we did get to go to a couple of beaches.
You know what - I’m tired. Today I’m not going to hide it, I’m tired. I just want a holiday. Its been a long time since I've been able to put my feet up, sit back - even it seems just having one day off is now a very distant memory.
Jamie and I watched a program on Netflix called we are the champions last week. In it, there are lots of different zany contests around the world, including things like cheese rolling, yoyo contests and chilli eating.
One of the amazing things of this strange year, has been the way in which people have responded. I remember well speaking with Jamie way back in March about how we could keep connected with people
It’s at this time of year that darkness is very real. We wake up in the dark and return home in the dark, with the shortened daylight hours. And it can really affect people, not seeing and feeling daylight.
The way we prepare for things is very important. I’m talking about preparing for simple and ordinary things as well as things to which we give more importance, things which have life long effects.
He did this through a natural process called tree grafting in which, a branch from an orange tree, for example, is transplanted (grafted) onto another tree, like an apple or an olive tree. If successfully grafted
Challenges can turn us inwards. This is particularly true at the moment, when we’re much more isolated than usual, with a lot more time to think over our problems. I come to this subject, because I noticed my own prayers turning ‘inwards’
One of the most discussed topics in the last year has been the wearing of face masks. In almost every country in the world there have been protests when local governments have made the wearing of face masks mandatory. At the beginning of the pandemic
The feeling of your breath being sucked out of your lungs as the drowning from not being able to get oxygen into them, as your knees and legs feel the pain of not being used properly for a while, that everything in your body and mental strength drains with each foot step.
Sometimes we have a real fear of failure. I felt that this week when I was doing my couch to 5k run. I am an asthmatic and have dodgy knees so running is very difficult.
During this Corona Virus outbreak, I have had to carry out a nx§umber of funerals, which under normal circumstances would have had the church packed to the rafters, however, due to restrictions all of them have been done with limited numbers and a sense of being distant from those we would like to be close to.
It is certainly true that there have been times when it is clean and tidy, but mostly it feels busy and a bit like painting the Forth Road Bridge – clear one bit then start again at the beginning.
The Bible asks us to have faith in God. Hebrews 11:1 even defines what faith is. All the great heroes of Scripture had faith in God, not that their faith didn’t wobble at times.
You know how it is when someone tells you a story and you can see it in your head, or when you read a good book, and your brain fills in the gaps and your imagination colours it in bringing it to life. Isn’t that a great ability to have ? Some people are able to do this more then others.
We have the power to thrive in any situation. What do you think of that? Does it sound far-fetched? Does it even sound like a Christian statement? Your mind might be turning to those deeply cringeworthy motivational speakers, whose video clips haunt your Facebook feed
Autumn is a beautiful time of year. As the leaves on the trees turn to various shades of red, yellow and golden brown they offer up a wonderful display for us to enjoy.
Do you ever have nightmares? That one thing that keeps you up at night ? The one thing you simply can’t get out of your brain
When we get to know somebody, we get to know what they sound like, so if someone imitates them, we are more likely to recognise it. I know my husband well so I would know if someone pretended to be Jamie on the phone or by text because I know how he writes and the sorts of things he says.
The balance is a difficult one and I am sure that there are many difficult challenges and decisions being faced in family groups also. It all may seem very oppressive and restraining, and it may even seem unnecessary if you have not encountered Covid 19 knocking at your door
I don’t like the damp and dark days that seem to suddenly leap out in front of us at this time of year. I much prefer the long warm evenings of summer, when every window is open, when I can enjoy being outside in the garden, when friends can sit and chat long into the balmy evening.
Then there was the other criminal. But in his case, he appeared to have a rather different attitude of heart than his confederate. Maybe it was that the Holy Spirit was working in his heart during those last hours of his life.
We LOVE the familiar, no surprises, known, routines and habits. We don’t take well to people or circumstances that bring about change. For example: A New boss at work, with new ideas, new targets and new standards- not good !
Many of us are familiar with the fear of exposure. Perhaps we’re new to a job and we don’t quite have the skills that we put on our CV. So, we work hard so that people won’t see our mistakes and we try to blag our way through it.
We recently opened the church for the first time on a Sunday after the lock-down. At that service we sang “Praise my soul the King of Heaven”. This song features the repeated refrain “Praise Him Praise Him” which reminds me that it is really important that as Christians we praise God.
Everyone has to live with it, and we all have different ways of handling it. Most of us would not hand a car salesman our bank account details and tell them to surprise us with any type of car
My dad loves the idea of treasure hunters. He was always intrigued by the idea of finding something historically significant and I caught the bug too.
A few weeks ago, I fulfilled one of my want to do ambitions. I had been involved on three peak challenges as the minibus driver on occasion but not climbed any of the three peaks, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike or Snowdon.
Who am I that the highest King, Would welcome me, In my Father’s house , There’s a place for me , I’m a child of God
In our Bible passage the cause of the woman’s disability is an evil spirit, and Jesus said that she had been bound like this for eighteen years by Satan.
How is your hindsight? Are you able to look back on your life and see where you have been, where you come from ? to see where the crossroads were to meditate on the the choices you made and where they have taken you, what they have thought you?
Have you ever been forced to undergo an exercise programme? It’s not a fun experience. Perhaps you got an injury, and had to go to physio to fix a certain collection of muscles and joints over a period of time.
I want to point out that certain situations will make your position irrelevant. Certain situations will make it not matter that they call you a Leader, CEO, President
When I was young my Dad told me a little story. I think he must have told it me more than once as I can still remember it now. He thought it was funny, and so did I at the time. It concerned a friend of his, although I suspect that it was actually my Dad or one of his brothers. Maybe the story wasn't even true
The gospel is simple right? We are all sinners. We have all gone apart from where God would want us to be. We were made to be in a perfect relationship with our heavenly father and in perfect relationship with each other
I’m not sure about you, but I am getting awfully confused with all the ever-changing rules and regulations that we are having to conform to and obey as national lockdowns, become local ones - local ones become different depending where you live and so on and so forth.
You must have played hide and seek when you were younger, or maybe you’ve played it recently with younger children. You get more creative each time you play, more daring, squeezing into the tightest of places trying desperately to not make a single sound and give yourself away.
We are told that in the end times, there will be a “Great Feast" — a marriage celebration. The Lamb of God will be the bridegroom and the body of believers will be the bride.
Whenever people learn new skills, they have to start with the basics. If you learn to play an instrument you have to practice, practice, practice the basics. I’m thinking back to when I learned to dance salsa.
It’s a small snapshot, and from my own limited perspective, so I encourage you to read Hebrews and Revelation in your own time.
One of the benefits of being a football fan and following my chosen team to lots of away games is that you get to visit towns and villages all over England. I like driving and as I travel around I get to see lots of interesting things
What would it feel like, when the guest you were waiting finally arrives and you say “Please — don’t apologise. In fact, you know what, thank you for being late!’”
Sometimes we think that our leaders, the people we see worshipping at the front or speaking, we think these people are somehow special. We think that because God has given these people different gifts
The system was lifeless, so I investigated further. Then I noticed a fault referenced on the control panel.
I had a sense of entitlement that I should get off the boat first. I thought that it was my right. Rights are something we hear quite a lot about these days
She reminds me of two elderly ladies that I knew in my first church fellowship back in the 1970s. They were of the First World War generation.
Before electricity was lighting the streets, the nights were dark . If you were brave enough to venture out after dark, you needed a beacon- a lamp to light your way to ensure you didn’t end up in a ditch.
When you’re working your back off, the last thing you want to hear is ‘you’re not doing enough’ or, for that matter, anything that diminishes the quantity and quality of work you think you’ve been doing.
It was easy to defend this structure at first, with tiny waves lapping at the edges of our defences. However, it was soon a case of shoring up the multiple breaks
We live in a world where most people are lost. They don’t know where they’re going or what they are doing.
So now we have the unusual picture of people training by worked up a sweat in the gym whilst having no clothes on, because the original translation would be to ‘exercise naked’!
I once set off on a journey to sunny Scarborough. I rather presumed that if I followed the signs that I would arrive there without too much of a problem. However, this did not take into account the two small children who caused some distraction at key moments:
Here it was that possibly, Pilate, for the first time in his life, came face to face with Truth. According to history, and I don’t have the citations to hand
What is your favourite colour? Or maybe, what is your favourite dish ? I’m sure that, like most of us, you have a favourite place to go on holiday. Perhaps under the current circumstances your favourite place might be somewhere in your house?
What do you pursue? Are you the kind of person who develops long term goals and plans? Personally, my plans change with the seasons and I find it pretty hard to commit to just one goal or another
Sadly in today's hedonistic and self centred culture the true meaning of holidays has been lost. We see holidays as one of our rights, enshrined in law
Did you know that sin could hold you captive? when sin holds you captive it is like that cold, dark freezer without air, but when you are set free, you get to experience the wonderfulness of the fresh air of God
In life, it can sometimes feel like some people have an unfair advantage. Maybe they’re born prettier or cleverer or funnier. Maybe you feel like the only one that doesn’t have some sort of special gift or party trick. Maybe you always feel like an outsider
Tick tock…. tick tock…. tick tock……. Have you ever noticed the ticking of a clock (or even your watch) when there is a period of silence? Tick tock…. tick tock…. The seconds counting away time, almost reminding us in the stillness that time marches on?
I would like to do something a bit different in today’s Beacon and look at how God used the famous scientist, Albert Einstein, in helping to establish the modern state of Israel.
It’s the start of a new school year- although a little strange this year. Most Septembers throughout my life have had September as a new beginning-whether it was when I was a student or for the last 30 or so years as a teacher.
I don’t know about you but for me September is a time for a new start . As I start back at work - yes, you guessed, I work in a school - I set myself new targets when it comes to diet and exercise. I plan to be good,
A lot of us have a vested interest in our own opinions, and it’s only human. We all do it. Superficially, it can make us feel important. It can make us feel like we’re better than others, and depending upon our abilities,
As we walked down the coastal path we passed a marina and outside alongside the path they had placed a large number of anchors. Each one had a brief description, when it was made, where it was made, and what it was used for.
This truth is so important that it is also taught in many place in the bible including the Old Testament in Proverbs 10:12 (NLT) "Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offences..”
One of the most challenging, and arguably one of the most famous instructions that Jesus gave can be found in Matthew 5. It says “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
The book of Romans in chapter 12 tells us to ‘be honest in the evaluation of ourselves, measuring ourselves by the faith God has given us
I watched a family walking down the beach. The adults were walking quickly as they could see a dark cloud looming and moving swiftly towards them. However, they couldn’t just dash back towards shelter as they had a young child with them.
I remember standing, one evening back in the 1970s, talking to my youth leader in the church building that had become my spiritual home after my coming to Christ not so long before. And I said to him, “I am for Jesus”. This incident has always stayed in my mind because I sincerely meant it
There are no better words than those of the bible. When we are in need, be that a little need or great need, the answers will only ever be found in scripture. Let’s read from the book of Isaiah, chapter 61. As I read, listen carefully for the words that apply to you and let them speak to you in a way that no other words can.
What’s your favourite season? Mine has always been summer, for multiple reasons. For example, I love the heat, so a wet summer is absolutely miserable to me. I love the long, light evenings. I love the light mornings which enable me to actually wake up without setting 5 or more alarms.
Think back to when you were at school. Maybe that's a long time ago or maybe fairly recently. Which lessons did you like and which lessons did you really want to get out of? I know that I didn't especially like the history class.
I’ve been thinking about ‘paths’ lately and I haven’t been able to get this out of my head. So many of us focus on other people and what they’re doing in life, instead of focusing on ourselves and the path God has for us.
I was reminded of something Jesus said in Luke last week. I’ve been looking after the kids in the day with Jamie and their mum being at work. Eli would come out with some random sentences but one thing that he said stuck with me. It was “You know Bekah, I love God”.
Can I ask a question? What is your view of God? Maybe, you don’t have one, maybe, if you do, it’s derived
There’s always one thing we like to talk about – the weather. It must be so boring to live in a country where every day is predictable: yet another sunny day with clear blue skies! Well, I woke up one morning recently to hear the fog horn in the distance.
I acknowledge my source for today’s Beacon as being Messianic Bible Ministries. There is an old, grand hymn entitled Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God almighty, that was written by Reginald Heber.
Recently I went with a friend on a road trip to Romania and back. It’s a long and tiresome journey .my friend did the driving and I tried to do the navigating. As I’m here to tell the story, you can guess that it went ok . We got there and back in one piece.
I wonder if you can relate to this experience. You get worried about something, perhaps something you did, or anticipating a stressful situation, and you keep mulling it over in your mind.
Oliver Hardy, of Laurel and Hardy fame, had many great catch phrases. One of the best known of these was “That's another fine mess you've gotten us into” usually delivered towards Stan as they sat there covered in dust, water or paint, after one of their schemes had gone horribly wrong.
There is a well loved old gospel song that says, “Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” These Beacons have been run-in for quite some time now.
There are those who say “I would love to have faith in God but I doubt too much” or “I would love to become a Christian but I don’t have enough faith to not doubt.” They say it as if we must have somehow blinded ourselves to our doubt in order to believe.
Now today, I’m feeling a little nostalgic. One of the films that used to be a staple diet of Christmas telly when I was a kid was the original ‘The Italian job’, not the later remake, but the 1969 Michael Caine classic
I love being on the coast any time of year. It’s obviously better in great Summer weather – a gentle breeze and clear blue skies, with uninterrupted views across the sea to the horizon. However, this is Britain and I also know that you have to savour every drop of good weather available as the perfect setting is not guaranteed for any length of time.
On Christian TV shows I have sometimes seen short street interviews in which passers-by in shopping centres have been asked if they believe anything that is written in the Bible. Almost all the time the interviewees respond negatively, and their conclusions are that the Bible is a lot of tosh
Our culture often sees Christians as “judgey”. The world thinks that we think we have all the answers and have it all together and we are judging them for how they act and what they think or say. They think that the bible is a rule book that we are meant to follow and nothing else.
It’s hard to wade into a river and keep your feet planted in the ground once you gain any depth. Eventually, you’ll swim or get swept along and there’ll be little point resisting it. While you’re on the border, the choice is still within your power, your feet aren’t sinking into the mud too deeply and you’re exercising your body to resist the current.
The recent change in the COVID restrictions around Greater Manchester have made it seem as though what we previously knew as normality is still a long way off. So much of what we considered normal was suddenly cut off and we had to change the very way we live.
A young man went into a shop to buy 3 boxes of chocolate: small, medium, and large. When the shop manager asked him about the three boxes, he said, “Well, I’m going over to a new girlfriend’s house for tea. Then we’re going out. If she only lets me hold her hand, then I’ll give her the small box.
Philippians was one of the letters written by Paul to the churches he started or was involved with. Paul was most probably in prison in Ephesus while he was writing this letter and so what he has said is even more meaningful. He wasn’t able to go out anywhere and was imprisoned unjustly for things he hadn’t done.
We race on most Saturdays during August here at Llanfwrog. We love the social interaction that this affords us, but the principle behind the racing is to raise money for the RNLI, a charity I support, and if you have listened to previous beacons … you will understand why!
A recent article in a newspaper explained how scientists –cosmologists in particular - had been able to measure energy that comes from the stars. They called it ‘cosmic background radiation .
I want us to have look at baptism, which in the Christian Church is a sacrament; the other being the Lord’s supper or communion. Baptism in water is something that new believers in Christ go through to symbolise their dying to sin and their old ungodly ways and rising to newness of life in Jesus.
A couple of weeks ago, I went on holiday by myself for a few days in Filey. Like many people, I’d become sick of my surroundings and I hadn’t gotten away properly in months. At the same time, it was a decisive opportunity for me to spend time with God, which I’d been avoiding or simply hadn’t materialised in the wake of a trash routine.
A couple of weeks ago, I went on holiday by myself for a few days in Filey. Like many people, I’d become sick of my surroundings and I hadn’t gotten away properly in months. At the same time, it was a decisive opportunity for me to spend time with God, which I’d been avoiding or simply hadn’t materialised in the wake of a trash routine.
One aspect of the lock-down that some of you may have noticed has been the lack of competitive sport of television, or indeed for people to go and watch in person. This has meant that on TV and online we have had a surfeit of re-runs of great sporting moments, one of which which reminded me of a passage in the bible. We will come to the event in a moment but lets start with some words from the bible written by the apostle Paul to some friends in Corinth to encourage them in their faith.
One aspect of the lock-down that some of you may have noticed has been the lack of competitive sport of television, or indeed for people to go and watch in person. This has meant that on TV and online we have had a surfeit of re-runs of great sporting moments, one of which which reminded me of a passage in the bible. We will come to the event in a moment but lets start with some words from the bible written by the apostle Paul to some friends in Corinth to encourage them in their faith.
We, as Christians are Jars, in 2 Corinthians in the bible it says we are Jars of Clay. Not many of us have paid attention to the fact that we are vessels of God. God is within us, but it's not a sealed Jar, where nothing can escape, it has a top that is open, so we can share Him, tell people about Him, love Him to others.
We, as Christians are Jars, in 2 Corinthians in the bible it says we are Jars of Clay. Not many of us have paid attention to the fact that we are vessels of God. God is within us, but it's not a sealed Jar, where nothing can escape, it has a top that is open, so we can share Him, tell people about Him, love Him to others.
We need to take time to rejuvenate ourselves and make sure we are not burning out. We also need to make sure we stay relevant to the world. We need to make sure we can relate to those around us in the world by understanding what they are into.
We need to take time to rejuvenate ourselves and make sure we are not burning out. We also need to make sure we stay relevant to the world. We need to make sure we can relate to those around us in the world by understanding what they are into.
Scripture has many times spoken the truth ahead of sciences discoveries, whether it be describing the stones in the new Jerusalem in revelation, a list of stones which modern science has proved will illuminate in pure light – we shone lasers at them and they responded with beautiful light.
Scripture has many times spoken the truth ahead of sciences discoveries, whether it be describing the stones in the new Jerusalem in revelation, a list of stones which modern science has proved will illuminate in pure light – we shone lasers at them and they responded with beautiful light.
In Hebrews chapter 11 it sets out a long list of champions of the bible, people of great faith and trust in God, who did not have an easy ride by any stretch of the imagination and who succeeded, overcame and finished the task they had been given.
In Hebrews chapter 11 it sets out a long list of champions of the bible, people of great faith and trust in God, who did not have an easy ride by any stretch of the imagination and who succeeded, overcame and finished the task they had been given.
A definition of waiting is “To abstain from action or departure till some expected event occurs.” I think one of the main requirements of waiting is to have patience. When I was about thirteen years old I was sent home from school at lunchtime on one particular day; in fact everyone was sent home then from the school because a strong blizzard was expected to hit, and it was feared that the buses would have to stop running because of the storm.
A definition of waiting is “To abstain from action or departure till some expected event occurs.” I think one of the main requirements of waiting is to have patience. When I was about thirteen years old I was sent home from school at lunchtime on one particular day; in fact everyone was sent home then from the school because a strong blizzard was expected to hit, and it was feared that the buses would have to stop running because of the storm.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Stand Up and Be Counted”…? What about the phrase “Man Up!”? Ever wondered where they came from or what the true meaning of them is? If we take a look at Collins their definition of Stand Up and be Counted is this… If you say that someone should stand up and be counted, you mean that they should say publicly what they think, and not hide it or be ashamed of it.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Stand Up and Be Counted”…? What about the phrase “Man Up!”? Ever wondered where they came from or what the true meaning of them is? If we take a look at Collins their definition of Stand Up and be Counted is this… If you say that someone should stand up and be counted, you mean that they should say publicly what they think, and not hide it or be ashamed of it.
As the current lock-down has eased, certain activities that had been banned for a while have now resumed. One such recent activity that became available again was getting your hair cut. At the stroke of midnight barber shops and hairdressers were open for business, serving needy customers who had been missing their expert attention for far too long.
As the current lock-down has eased, certain activities that had been banned for a while have now resumed. One such recent activity that became available again was getting your hair cut. At the stroke of midnight barber shops and hairdressers were open for business, serving needy customers who had been missing their expert attention for far too long.
Dalmatians are renowned for their playful nature, but more than that they are known for their white coat and black spots. In Jeremiah 13 the very famous phrase “Can a leopard change it’s spots?“ is found. We might ask it differently: can people change? Can I change? Can you—not even will you, but more to the root of the matter—can you be any different at the end of 2020 or even lockdown than you are right now?
Dalmatians are renowned for their playful nature, but more than that they are known for their white coat and black spots. In Jeremiah 13 the very famous phrase “Can a leopard change it’s spots?“ is found. We might ask it differently: can people change? Can I change? Can you—not even will you, but more to the root of the matter—can you be any different at the end of 2020 or even lockdown than you are right now?
I was thinking about the number 100 and where it’s found in the bible and I immediately thought of Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep. Luke 15 says: “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.
I was thinking about the number 100 and where it’s found in the bible and I immediately thought of Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep. Luke 15 says: “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.
Ok…we’ve all seen the Marvel and DC Comic characters, whether it in the comics or on the TV, or even more likely on the big screen adaptions that have been so much part of our lives in recent years.
Ok…we’ve all seen the Marvel and DC Comic characters, whether it in the comics or on the TV, or even more likely on the big screen adaptions that have been so much part of our lives in recent years.
It’s been a strange old year hasn’t it? Usually we’d have been watching ‘wimbledon’ urging on our champion, groaning when they missed and cheering after another amazing rally where you thought – they’ll never reach that return, they can’t stretch for that ball surely!
It’s been a strange old year hasn’t it? Usually we’d have been watching ‘wimbledon’ urging on our champion, groaning when they missed and cheering after another amazing rally where you thought – they’ll never reach that return, they can’t stretch for that ball surely!
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. Then in verse two we are introduced to the Holy Spirit who is described as moving or hovering over the face of the waters.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. Then in verse two we are introduced to the Holy Spirit who is described as moving or hovering over the face of the waters.
We live in a world at the moment where we are told to stay at home and isolate if you want to live and also to protect others . In recent weeks on the news we are shown emotional moments where families are reunited ; grandparents were able to form a bubble with their children and grandchildren.
We live in a world at the moment where we are told to stay at home and isolate if you want to live and also to protect others . In recent weeks on the news we are shown emotional moments where families are reunited ; grandparents were able to form a bubble with their children and grandchildren.
It wasn’t long ago that I appeared last, but don’t worry, you haven’t missed anyone, it’s just that I have subbed in for someone else! I don’t know about you but when I think of a substitute, I think of football teams and the substitutes who make the bench for an important game. They are not seen as one of the first eleven, not quite good enough to make the starting line-up.
It wasn’t long ago that I appeared last, but don’t worry, you haven’t missed anyone, it’s just that I have subbed in for someone else! I don’t know about you but when I think of a substitute, I think of football teams and the substitutes who make the bench for an important game. They are not seen as one of the first eleven, not quite good enough to make the starting line-up.
One of the many things that have noticeably changed during the recent lockdown is peoples shopping habits. Having to queue outside in the rain, follow at a safe distance and only buy 2 toilet rolls at a time are all new concepts to us. One change that we have made is to go to alternative supermarkets that we don't normally go to.
One of the many things that have noticeably changed during the recent lockdown is peoples shopping habits. Having to queue outside in the rain, follow at a safe distance and only buy 2 toilet rolls at a time are all new concepts to us. One change that we have made is to go to alternative supermarkets that we don't normally go to.
As we refresh our space at the start of this new season, I urge you to not neglect the space inside—your very soul, the core of who you are. I want you to ask three questions of yourself as we take a spiritual inventory
As we refresh our space at the start of this new season, I urge you to not neglect the space inside—your very soul, the core of who you are. I want you to ask three questions of yourself as we take a spiritual inventory
Most of us try to fit in. We like to feel that we have things in common with other people and that we’re part of a group. Society tells us that we need people to like us and we need to fit in. But peer pressure can make us do awful things; it can make us lie or cheat or do a whole number of bad things.
Most of us try to fit in. We like to feel that we have things in common with other people and that we’re part of a group. Society tells us that we need people to like us and we need to fit in. But peer pressure can make us do awful things; it can make us lie or cheat or do a whole number of bad things.
Imagine being a robot that kept doing the same task, without deviation, over and over again, day in day out …. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and repeat! It wouldn’t be much of an existence would it? I’d like to welcome you to today’s beacon. By all counts this is number 91 since we floated the idea of doing these devotionals to keep connected with each other in the lockdown.
Imagine being a robot that kept doing the same task, without deviation, over and over again, day in day out …. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and repeat! It wouldn’t be much of an existence would it? I’d like to welcome you to today’s beacon. By all counts this is number 91 since we floated the idea of doing these devotionals to keep connected with each other in the lockdown.
There is nothing better than sitting on a kayak on a beautiful flat sea with the sun shining down. The sea is crystal clear and the kayak glides through the still water. It’s so easy to look down through the deep water: following the lines from the marker buoys down to the lobster pot on the sea bed, watching the crabs scuttle across the sand, seeing all the colours of the seaweed swaying below.
There is nothing better than sitting on a kayak on a beautiful flat sea with the sun shining down. The sea is crystal clear and the kayak glides through the still water. It’s so easy to look down through the deep water: following the lines from the marker buoys down to the lobster pot on the sea bed, watching the crabs scuttle across the sand, seeing all the colours of the seaweed swaying below.
In this Beacon I’d like to share a testimony of something that the Lord did for me many years ago. I want to do this to show you just how gracious and wonderful the Lord is. I’m not blowing my own trumpet; I just want to encourage you in the Lord: to build up your trust in Him.
In this Beacon I’d like to share a testimony of something that the Lord did for me many years ago. I want to do this to show you just how gracious and wonderful the Lord is. I’m not blowing my own trumpet; I just want to encourage you in the Lord: to build up your trust in Him.
I wonder how you experience life – does it feel like a burden? Lots of people to please, lots of standards to keep, lots of things you’ve got to be, and to top it all off, you’ve got to try and please God as well. I think that life can feel like that sometimes.
I wonder how you experience life – does it feel like a burden? Lots of people to please, lots of standards to keep, lots of things you’ve got to be, and to top it all off, you’ve got to try and please God as well. I think that life can feel like that sometimes.
I wonder how you experience life – does it feel like a burden? Lots of people to please, lots of standards to keep, lots of things you’ve got to be, and to top it all off, you’ve got to try and please God as well. I think that life can feel like that sometimes.
I wonder how you experience life – does it feel like a burden? Lots of people to please, lots of standards to keep, lots of things you’ve got to be, and to top it all off, you’ve got to try and please God as well. I think that life can feel like that sometimes.
How much time do we spend making plans? Places to go, people to see, things to buy, decorating, garden improvements, cooking, parties, and many more. Of course none of these things are bad in themselves, in fact planning ahead is an important part of life.
How much time do we spend making plans? Places to go, people to see, things to buy, decorating, garden improvements, cooking, parties, and many more. Of course none of these things are bad in themselves, in fact planning ahead is an important part of life.
“For we all stumble in many ways.” James admits that we all sin, and uses this stumbling imagery for it. When we stumble, we still stay on the path and move forward, even though we might be spreading our arms out and hitting the pavement hard. It is a good comparison to sin.
“For we all stumble in many ways.” James admits that we all sin, and uses this stumbling imagery for it. When we stumble, we still stay on the path and move forward, even though we might be spreading our arms out and hitting the pavement hard. It is a good comparison to sin.
When we were created, God created us to have a natural rhythm. So much of life has a rhythm; the seasons, day and night, even the heart beating inside of us. There is a pattern that life is supposed to follow.
When we were created, God created us to have a natural rhythm. So much of life has a rhythm; the seasons, day and night, even the heart beating inside of us. There is a pattern that life is supposed to follow.
Imagine being given an instruction or asked to do something and then taking 15 years to get round to it. It must be pretty frustrating to be waiting for the end result, especially if the way had been made for the job to be done in the first place.
Imagine being given an instruction or asked to do something and then taking 15 years to get round to it. It must be pretty frustrating to be waiting for the end result, especially if the way had been made for the job to be done in the first place.
We have some sayings, or idioms in our language: a pain in the neck- when there is a nagging problem, usually a person, or stiff necked- meaning someone who is proud, arrogant and unbending, not willing to change or compromise. Neither of these are descriptions we would wish to be used by others about us. They are not positive or flattering.
We have some sayings, or idioms in our language: a pain in the neck- when there is a nagging problem, usually a person, or stiff necked- meaning someone who is proud, arrogant and unbending, not willing to change or compromise. Neither of these are descriptions we would wish to be used by others about us. They are not positive or flattering.
In this parable the word used for “weed” is the Greek word zizanion, which is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word zonin. Now zonin was a kind of ryegrass that to begin with looks just like real wheat. The significant difference is that it is poisonous! The difference can’t be seen until the heads appear as the plants approach full maturity.
In this parable the word used for “weed” is the Greek word zizanion, which is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word zonin. Now zonin was a kind of ryegrass that to begin with looks just like real wheat. The significant difference is that it is poisonous! The difference can’t be seen until the heads appear as the plants approach full maturity.
Before the recent international scandal and demonstrations,I wonder if people thought consciously about racial equality in their day to day activities and in their interactions with their neighbours or strangers on the street
Before the recent international scandal and demonstrations,I wonder if people thought consciously about racial equality in their day to day activities and in their interactions with their neighbours or strangers on the street
There are many scriptures that warn and encourage us to abandon sin for the sake of knowing and seeing God, which brings its own reward and many other rewards as well – I often think of passages such as ‘blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God’, or ‘blessed is the one who endures temptation…’
There are many scriptures that warn and encourage us to abandon sin for the sake of knowing and seeing God, which brings its own reward and many other rewards as well – I often think of passages such as ‘blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God’, or ‘blessed is the one who endures temptation…’
Gates are generally used to control access. If your sole purpose was to keep people out then you would just build a wall, but a gate allows access or egress. It allows you allow in what you want, it is under your control and it is your choice when it is open or closed.
Gates are generally used to control access. If your sole purpose was to keep people out then you would just build a wall, but a gate allows access or egress. It allows you allow in what you want, it is under your control and it is your choice when it is open or closed.
There are some of us who are quick to bring up, at the earliest opportunity, what friends and family did to hurt us in the past. I know of Bible believing, Holy Spirit filled prayer warriors who deliberately keep on living in the past: either in their own past, or reminding others of their past.
There are some of us who are quick to bring up, at the earliest opportunity, what friends and family did to hurt us in the past. I know of Bible believing, Holy Spirit filled prayer warriors who deliberately keep on living in the past: either in their own past, or reminding others of their past.
Over the last few weeks we have been working on the church. I have sat working on planning lessons or painting while Jamie and Andy go under the floor or in the ceiling to fix and update the church. This week, while they’ve been working, they have found that some lights have been wired incorrectly and then the mistakes have been hidden away with more bad wiring. The lights look like they work on the outside, but their insides are broken
Over the last few weeks we have been working on the church. I have sat working on planning lessons or painting while Jamie and Andy go under the floor or in the ceiling to fix and update the church. This week, while they’ve been working, they have found that some lights have been wired incorrectly and then the mistakes have been hidden away with more bad wiring. The lights look like they work on the outside, but their insides are broken
No doubt in the last few days you will have seen and heard the weather outside your homes. It has been quite some time since I have heard thunder and experienced the lightning flashes illuminating the sky with such dramatic effect. As a kid we were told that thunder was the sound of God moving His furniture around!
No doubt in the last few days you will have seen and heard the weather outside your homes. It has been quite some time since I have heard thunder and experienced the lightning flashes illuminating the sky with such dramatic effect. As a kid we were told that thunder was the sound of God moving His furniture around!
If I stand on the shoreline in Anglesey and look out to sea, then I can see a blue marker buoy in the middle distance, and a lighthouse on the rocks towards the horizon. From where I look, the blue buoy looks like small triangular shape and it also looks like I could kayak over to it easily.
If I stand on the shoreline in Anglesey and look out to sea, then I can see a blue marker buoy in the middle distance, and a lighthouse on the rocks towards the horizon. From where I look, the blue buoy looks like small triangular shape and it also looks like I could kayak over to it easily.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet God face to face? I don’t mean after death, but here and now whilst still alive in this world? Now we believe that Jesus was God incarnate, and during the time that He lived on earth God was walking about amongst people, only they didn’t know it at the time.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet God face to face? I don’t mean after death, but here and now whilst still alive in this world? Now we believe that Jesus was God incarnate, and during the time that He lived on earth God was walking about amongst people, only they didn’t know it at the time.
When you think about mud ,what do you associate it with? Is it dirt, something you try to stay away from or something like nourishment, or healing ? Mud treatments in a good spa are a very pleasant experience aren’t they?
When you think about mud ,what do you associate it with? Is it dirt, something you try to stay away from or something like nourishment, or healing ? Mud treatments in a good spa are a very pleasant experience aren’t they?
Sober thoughts are difficult to come by. They are the thoughts you have when you are seeing reality clearly, uninterrupted by outside influences whether it’s (literally) one drink too many or late night thoughts about getting your life together that evaporate when the morning comes.
Sober thoughts are difficult to come by. They are the thoughts you have when you are seeing reality clearly, uninterrupted by outside influences whether it’s (literally) one drink too many or late night thoughts about getting your life together that evaporate when the morning comes.
As you enjoy your own garden, or maybe sit in the garden at church, remember the promise of that eternal garden in which you will one day rest, and give Him thanks.
As you enjoy your own garden, or maybe sit in the garden at church, remember the promise of that eternal garden in which you will one day rest, and give Him thanks.
To become a soul winner, we must make it a part of our duty and obligation to do. Many think they must wait for some sign, before they go and witness, but this is not right. When we receive Christ, we are commanded to go and witness for Him.
To become a soul winner, we must make it a part of our duty and obligation to do. Many think they must wait for some sign, before they go and witness, but this is not right. When we receive Christ, we are commanded to go and witness for Him.
The story of the prodigal son is a story told by Jesus to make a point to the religious leaders of the time. There were also tax collectors and sinners around that were listening in. Jesus was speaking to both of them and turned the narrative of the day on its head.
The story of the prodigal son is a story told by Jesus to make a point to the religious leaders of the time. There were also tax collectors and sinners around that were listening in. Jesus was speaking to both of them and turned the narrative of the day on its head.
Have you ever started something and then a little later found yourself saying I wish I’d never started? I’m sure that this is familiar to a lot of us. I want to tell you about an instance where the job started looked far too big to complete, and the tools I had were not up to the task uncovered.
Have you ever started something and then a little later found yourself saying I wish I’d never started? I’m sure that this is familiar to a lot of us. I want to tell you about an instance where the job started looked far too big to complete, and the tools I had were not up to the task uncovered.
Do you have objects that you treasure? They may or may not be worth a lot of money but they are of value to you. Maybe it’s a set of coins you’ve collected. I have some thre’penny bits and sixpences in a tin together with ha’pennies, shillings and half crowns that were given to me as a Christmas present by my Nana
Do you have objects that you treasure? They may or may not be worth a lot of money but they are of value to you. Maybe it’s a set of coins you’ve collected. I have some thre’penny bits and sixpences in a tin together with ha’pennies, shillings and half crowns that were given to me as a Christmas present by my Nana
The reason I’m fascinated by this story is because I’ve always wondered what happened to this widow who entered the Temple virtually destitute and who left it absolutely destitute! Did she go and lie down in some out-of-the-way place and wait to die?
The reason I’m fascinated by this story is because I’ve always wondered what happened to this widow who entered the Temple virtually destitute and who left it absolutely destitute! Did she go and lie down in some out-of-the-way place and wait to die?
The Babylonians were set to take over the world; they prospered through the misfortune of others ; they killed and looted the nations they were invading , taking the locals as slaves
The Babylonians were set to take over the world; they prospered through the misfortune of others ; they killed and looted the nations they were invading , taking the locals as slaves
Today I want to encourage you to try again. I like attempting to play games that take skill and effort and one of my favourites is called ‘Dark Souls’ and it’s famously difficult.
Today I want to encourage you to try again. I like attempting to play games that take skill and effort and one of my favourites is called ‘Dark Souls’ and it’s famously difficult.
God spoke to me directly. I believed, as so many do, that this world was created by “accident”. A “big bang” followed by billions of years of accidental chemical reactions all bringing us to where we are now. God just asked me the question “Do you really think all this happened by accident?”
God spoke to me directly. I believed, as so many do, that this world was created by “accident”. A “big bang” followed by billions of years of accidental chemical reactions all bringing us to where we are now. God just asked me the question “Do you really think all this happened by accident?”
The issue in this passage is not about drinking alcohol. The Bible only prohibits the misuse of alcohol. As a matter of fact, Jesus turns over 180 gallons of water into wine in this miracle. This is enough alcohol to get them plastered. But they had already drunk wine up until now.
The issue in this passage is not about drinking alcohol. The Bible only prohibits the misuse of alcohol. As a matter of fact, Jesus turns over 180 gallons of water into wine in this miracle. This is enough alcohol to get them plastered. But they had already drunk wine up until now.
Elijah really was a man of God, and because he listened and acted so faithfully God blessed him by allowing him to get involved in His plan and see some amazing things. It will not always work in this way. God doesn’t work with recipes and we can’t control God or make Him do anything, but He is able
Elijah really was a man of God, and because he listened and acted so faithfully God blessed him by allowing him to get involved in His plan and see some amazing things. It will not always work in this way. God doesn’t work with recipes and we can’t control God or make Him do anything, but He is able
Lockdown rules are starting to relax, but the danger is we forget the rules designed to keep us on the right path and relax so much we put ourselves at risk …… the Bible has quite a lot to say about over relaxing, although you may not see it as this at first glance.
Lockdown rules are starting to relax, but the danger is we forget the rules designed to keep us on the right path and relax so much we put ourselves at risk …… the Bible has quite a lot to say about over relaxing, although you may not see it as this at first glance.
Today is a special day. It was not intended to be like this when we set off, but today marks the day that we began our journey through the book of Acts, exactly a year ago. What this actually means is that it was also Pentecost when we started to experience the rhythm of the book of Acts and the effectiveness of the early church. We didn't dwell too much on Pentecost itself that day because we would encounter it on the journey a week or two later.
Today is a special day. It was not intended to be like this when we set off, but today marks the day that we began our journey through the book of Acts, exactly a year ago. What this actually means is that it was also Pentecost when we started to experience the rhythm of the book of Acts and the effectiveness of the early church. We didn't dwell too much on Pentecost itself that day because we would encounter it on the journey a week or two later.
Jesus said that God’s Word is truth. So that would mean, for example, that the story of creation and the fall of man from innocence in paradise as recorded in Genesis is true. It is not a myth or fairy tale, they really happened as recorded in Genesis.
Jesus said that God’s Word is truth. So that would mean, for example, that the story of creation and the fall of man from innocence in paradise as recorded in Genesis is true. It is not a myth or fairy tale, they really happened as recorded in Genesis.
Jesus said that God’s Word is truth. So that would mean, for example, that the story of creation and the fall of man from innocence in paradise as recorded in Genesis is true. It is not a myth or fairy tale, they really happened as recorded in Genesis.
Jesus said that God’s Word is truth. So that would mean, for example, that the story of creation and the fall of man from innocence in paradise as recorded in Genesis is true. It is not a myth or fairy tale, they really happened as recorded in Genesis.
It’s popular to hear that Christianity is an escape from reality. Basically, you have a hope that you’ll get to heaven when you die, and that’s a pretty nice deal, and in the meantime you can eke out a smile, tolerate your neighbours and cope with the messiness of work, relationships and family while you’re alive on the earth.
It’s popular to hear that Christianity is an escape from reality. Basically, you have a hope that you’ll get to heaven when you die, and that’s a pretty nice deal, and in the meantime you can eke out a smile, tolerate your neighbours and cope with the messiness of work, relationships and family while you’re alive on the earth.
Last time I spoke I talked about some of the aspects of the Lord's Prayer. Many of us see prayer as a time when we ask for stuff. Now there is nothing wrong with asking for stuff, in fact God wants us to seek Him for His provision as it delights Him for us to be getting involved in His work.
Last time I spoke I talked about some of the aspects of the Lord's Prayer. Many of us see prayer as a time when we ask for stuff. Now there is nothing wrong with asking for stuff, in fact God wants us to seek Him for His provision as it delights Him for us to be getting involved in His work.
People have always been fascinated by eternal life; myths about creatures that cannot die and wells of eternal youth preoccupied thinking minds from very early histories.
People have always been fascinated by eternal life; myths about creatures that cannot die and wells of eternal youth preoccupied thinking minds from very early histories.
What are the good things in our lives that keep us from the best thing, a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ? Is it our family? Some people never follow Jesus, and never get to know Him, because following Christ brings division in their family.
What are the good things in our lives that keep us from the best thing, a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ? Is it our family? Some people never follow Jesus, and never get to know Him, because following Christ brings division in their family.
The message of the Kingdom of God, under Gods sovereign control has gone from Jerusalem to Rome, from Jew to Gentile and the impact has reverberated through time and is still active and Spirit led today and this is probably why the historical account from Luke ends here - job done! Mission accomplished - now it’s over to us.
The message of the Kingdom of God, under Gods sovereign control has gone from Jerusalem to Rome, from Jew to Gentile and the impact has reverberated through time and is still active and Spirit led today and this is probably why the historical account from Luke ends here - job done! Mission accomplished - now it’s over to us.
Have you ever stumped your toe? It really hurts. A little toe is so tiny and seems so insignificant, but it really affects your whole body if it doesn’t work properly. In the bible it says we as a church are a body.
Have you ever stumped your toe? It really hurts. A little toe is so tiny and seems so insignificant, but it really affects your whole body if it doesn’t work properly. In the bible it says we as a church are a body.
Hope is something that has to be viewed from a particular angle, in order for it to make any sense to us, given that the word ‘hope’ can mean different things to different hearers and readers.
Hope is something that has to be viewed from a particular angle, in order for it to make any sense to us, given that the word ‘hope’ can mean different things to different hearers and readers.
It’s much easier to keep going when you see the finishing line, when you know what the goal is. So, let’s persevere by putting one foot in front of the other, bit by bit as it says in Philippians 3:14
It’s much easier to keep going when you see the finishing line, when you know what the goal is. So, let’s persevere by putting one foot in front of the other, bit by bit as it says in Philippians 3:14
What is the one thing you have missed the most during the current lock-down? For most of us it is likely that it is just being with others and having conversation. Having the opportunity to just chat with friends is a very important part of our lives.
What is the one thing you have missed the most during the current lock-down? For most of us it is likely that it is just being with others and having conversation. Having the opportunity to just chat with friends is a very important part of our lives.
Now I’ve asked myself many times why the other 11 didn’t try to walk on water as well and I’ve found that the main reason that I come up with is similar to the reasons why we fail to take steps of faith in our lives today.
Now I’ve asked myself many times why the other 11 didn’t try to walk on water as well and I’ve found that the main reason that I come up with is similar to the reasons why we fail to take steps of faith in our lives today.
Paul goes from captive on the ship to captain of the ship. He sort of takes charge. And now, everyone wants to listen to Paul
Paul goes from captive on the ship to captain of the ship. He sort of takes charge. And now, everyone wants to listen to Paul
Nowadays there are lots of different ways we can identify ourselves. There’s what we do for a job, what gender we have, what race we belong to, what our social media profiles look like, who are friends are, how much money we have, where we come from.
Nowadays there are lots of different ways we can identify ourselves. There’s what we do for a job, what gender we have, what race we belong to, what our social media profiles look like, who are friends are, how much money we have, where we come from.
My name is Andy and I am the pastor of the Coach House Church and I want to admit something to you.
My name is Andy and I am the pastor of the Coach House Church and I want to admit something to you.
There’s something good about a list and being able to work your way through it –carefully ticking off each item or even better, dramatically crossing out. It is a satisfying feeling to know you’ve made progress, you’ve used your time well, or just got rid of some annoying job that’s been lingering around for a while.
There’s something good about a list and being able to work your way through it –carefully ticking off each item or even better, dramatically crossing out. It is a satisfying feeling to know you’ve made progress, you’ve used your time well, or just got rid of some annoying job that’s been lingering around for a while.
In as much as we have a future we also have a past and these are our roots. Roots are important for all of us, whether that is as individuals or as a group. Our past experiences, whether personal or shared, are all tools that God uses in our service of Him.
In as much as we have a future we also have a past and these are our roots. Roots are important for all of us, whether that is as individuals or as a group. Our past experiences, whether personal or shared, are all tools that God uses in our service of Him.
Let me ask you a question. How does this Beacons come to you? I’ve no idea. I know I prepare the message, and I save it on my laptop – not sure how that works,apparently in a Cloud somewhere.
Let me ask you a question. How does this Beacons come to you? I’ve no idea. I know I prepare the message, and I save it on my laptop – not sure how that works,apparently in a Cloud somewhere.
To gain some perspective, we must first understand that everything is little compared to God; He created the entire universe. Sun, Moon , Stars, Earth ….Everything..!!! But the question of whether God cares
To gain some perspective, we must first understand that everything is little compared to God; He created the entire universe. Sun, Moon , Stars, Earth ….Everything..!!! But the question of whether God cares
Marriage is meant to be one man and one woman being united. The fairy tales almost got it right. You are supposed to commit to one person and that commitment is lifelong. But, it won’t always make you happy.
Marriage is meant to be one man and one woman being united. The fairy tales almost got it right. You are supposed to commit to one person and that commitment is lifelong. But, it won’t always make you happy.
It's going to be a tough trip. His whole life's been tough. This journey is tough. Nothing comes easy. If you think, if I'm in God's will, things are just going to run smooth. Yes, the Lord may open doors, create opportunities for you, confirm His will by doing so. But it doesn't mean that the path is going to be smooth and problem free.
It's going to be a tough trip. His whole life's been tough. This journey is tough. Nothing comes easy. If you think, if I'm in God's will, things are just going to run smooth. Yes, the Lord may open doors, create opportunities for you, confirm His will by doing so. But it doesn't mean that the path is going to be smooth and problem free.
I want you to visualise my condition. My own confidence had gone, my own abilities were not going to save me, as good as they were. There was absolutely nothing I could do. My body had shut down just to keep me alive ……. when suddenly the beautiful, amazing sound of a helicopter appeared over my head.
I want you to visualise my condition. My own confidence had gone, my own abilities were not going to save me, as good as they were. There was absolutely nothing I could do. My body had shut down just to keep me alive ……. when suddenly the beautiful, amazing sound of a helicopter appeared over my head.
In this time when communities take a special interest in creating conflict around the world
In this time when communities take a special interest in creating conflict around the world
You have heard the term - kerb appeal – the importance of presenting your house well so that others have an immediate and positive impression. Maybe it’s because you want to sell and the better it looks the better the chance of a good sale.
You have heard the term - kerb appeal – the importance of presenting your house well so that others have an immediate and positive impression. Maybe it’s because you want to sell and the better it looks the better the chance of a good sale.
We hear a lot in the media these days about how to look after our mental health. Worries are seemingly very deeply embedded in our lives. We spend a lot of time worrying about what to eat, what to buy, who to see, how to deal with certain situations. Sometimes these worries get worse and become anxieties.
We hear a lot in the media these days about how to look after our mental health. Worries are seemingly very deeply embedded in our lives. We spend a lot of time worrying about what to eat, what to buy, who to see, how to deal with certain situations. Sometimes these worries get worse and become anxieties.
As far I can remember, I’ve always believed in God, but I hadn’t made any definite adult commitment to follow him. Until I was in my late 20’s, and various things made me begin to think again about where my life was going, and what I said I believed. I was in a new job.
As far I can remember, I’ve always believed in God, but I hadn’t made any definite adult commitment to follow him. Until I was in my late 20’s, and various things made me begin to think again about where my life was going, and what I said I believed. I was in a new job.
Our souls continue living in a corruptable body. We are going to sin! I make mistakes every day! None of us can be absolutely perfect. None of us can be absolutely flawless. None of us are above being tempted.
Our souls continue living in a corruptable body. We are going to sin! I make mistakes every day! None of us can be absolutely perfect. None of us can be absolutely flawless. None of us are above being tempted.
Emily talks to us about the persecuted church and what Open Doors are doing in parts of the world where preaching the gospel is more restricted.
Emily talks to us about the persecuted church and what Open Doors are doing in parts of the world where preaching the gospel is more restricted.
Have you ever had the feeling that something in the world wasn’t right? Like things are too painful or too unjust? Or that there was something missing, but you just couldn’t put your finger on it.
Have you ever had the feeling that something in the world wasn’t right? Like things are too painful or too unjust? Or that there was something missing, but you just couldn’t put your finger on it.
A few weeks in now and I am very conscious of the distance that we are having to keep from one another. These are strange times and call for a change to the normal way of life.
A few weeks in now and I am very conscious of the distance that we are having to keep from one another. These are strange times and call for a change to the normal way of life.
Today, I thought it would be fitting to talk about our plans in life. Often, we can become a bit prideful towards how life should go for us.
Today, I thought it would be fitting to talk about our plans in life. Often, we can become a bit prideful towards how life should go for us.
Have you ever been to visit one of the old castles or fortresses around the country such as Conway Castle? Even though there is evidence of decay, you can still marvel at how they were constructed.
Have you ever been to visit one of the old castles or fortresses around the country such as Conway Castle? Even though there is evidence of decay, you can still marvel at how they were constructed.
I saw something in the news recently that caught my eye and made me think. Apparently someone has been launching a large number of satellites into space. These are being sent up in batches and are currently orbiting quite close to the earth.
I saw something in the news recently that caught my eye and made me think. Apparently someone has been launching a large number of satellites into space. These are being sent up in batches and are currently orbiting quite close to the earth.
Today I would like to share with you something about rainbows. Rainbows are caused by sunlight passing through water droplets in the atmosphere after rain.
Today I would like to share with you something about rainbows. Rainbows are caused by sunlight passing through water droplets in the atmosphere after rain.
Andy continues to tell us about Paul's three trials near to the end of Acts. He groups together the trials and highlights the important parts that link them together. He talks about Paul's defence of Christianity in each.
Andy continues to tell us about Paul's three trials near to the end of Acts. He groups together the trials and highlights the important parts that link them together. He talks about Paul's defence of Christianity in each.
I’ve noticed as I’ve been talking to people during Lockdown – people are reminiscing a lot. Maybe it’s just having time to think.
I’ve noticed as I’ve been talking to people during Lockdown – people are reminiscing a lot. Maybe it’s just having time to think.
Like any good parent, and especially the parent of all things, God will never give us what He knows would harm us. His desire is to help us to be more like Christ, to be Christlikeness so that we become salt and light in the world.
Like any good parent, and especially the parent of all things, God will never give us what He knows would harm us. His desire is to help us to be more like Christ, to be Christlikeness so that we become salt and light in the world.
Names are often important for us. It represents part of who we are. We relate people’s names with who they are. It’s how we remember them.
Names are often important for us. It represents part of who we are. We relate people’s names with who they are. It’s how we remember them.
The very name ‘Beacons’ suggests a bright light in the darkness, somehow defiant against the surrounding blackness - a torch being lit to relay a message, either of warning or of hope.
The very name ‘Beacons’ suggests a bright light in the darkness, somehow defiant against the surrounding blackness - a torch being lit to relay a message, either of warning or of hope.
In this time of con1nued uncertainty, I want to talk about a short set of instructions in the Bible. Colossians 4, verses 2 to 6, is a short passage written by Paul during his time in prison.
In this time of con1nued uncertainty, I want to talk about a short set of instructions in the Bible. Colossians 4, verses 2 to 6, is a short passage written by Paul during his time in prison.
Nehemiah was in exile in Persia, along with many of the Israelites. In effect he was in lockdown in a different country.
Nehemiah was in exile in Persia, along with many of the Israelites. In effect he was in lockdown in a different country.
Josh talks about Paul being brought before Felix, the Roman governor. He describes the trial and how Paul tries to explain his faith, using the trial as an opportunity to do this.
Josh talks about Paul being brought before Felix, the Roman governor. He describes the trial and how Paul tries to explain his faith, using the trial as an opportunity to do this.
Do you ever feel that you're working really hard and yet you also feel that you aren't getting anywhere. Things you want always seem to be just out of reach.
Do you ever feel that you're working really hard and yet you also feel that you aren't getting anywhere. Things you want always seem to be just out of reach.
I’d like to share an experience that I had with the Lord when I was a new Christian. It happened on one of the April weekends away in Southport that my church arranged every year.
I’d like to share an experience that I had with the Lord when I was a new Christian. It happened on one of the April weekends away in Southport that my church arranged every year.
To be honest, with Easter behind us, I began to feel that Enforced Fasting was a strange topic. Depending on your church tradition, some of you may be in the habit of giving something up for Lent - but all thoughts of Lent are cancelled out on Easter Sunday when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
To be honest, with Easter behind us, I began to feel that Enforced Fasting was a strange topic. Depending on your church tradition, some of you may be in the habit of giving something up for Lent - but all thoughts of Lent are cancelled out on Easter Sunday when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
As a child growing up as the son of a worship leader, I was introduced to the term worship very early on. My pops would regularly read from the bible in His worship slot.
As a child growing up as the son of a worship leader, I was introduced to the term worship very early on. My pops would regularly read from the bible in His worship slot.
In our country today there is an epidemic of loneliness. This was even before we had to stay home to save the NHS. People feel lonely whatever walk of life they’re in and however old they are.
In our country today there is an epidemic of loneliness. This was even before we had to stay home to save the NHS. People feel lonely whatever walk of life they’re in and however old they are.
I'm not sure about you, but I've never been particularly concerned about the clothes I wear. I know what I like, and I know what I don’t. Different occasions demand different types of attire. Weddings and funerals, or work come to mind.
I'm not sure about you, but I've never been particularly concerned about the clothes I wear. I know what I like, and I know what I don’t. Different occasions demand different types of attire. Weddings and funerals, or work come to mind.
Andy talks about how the cross was part of God's plan. It was his purpose to free us, not from Roman rule or human tyranny, but to free us from sin and death. He talks about how Jesus predicted this and how His death changes everything.
Andy talks about how the cross was part of God's plan. It was his purpose to free us, not from Roman rule or human tyranny, but to free us from sin and death. He talks about how Jesus predicted this and how His death changes everything.
Paul was just penning down a few thoughts of the event known as the Coming of the Lord, also known as Jesus’ return or the Second Coming in other passages in the Bible.
Paul was just penning down a few thoughts of the event known as the Coming of the Lord, also known as Jesus’ return or the Second Coming in other passages in the Bible.
Andy talks about Jesus as a servant. He talks about Isaiah 53:8 and how it links to the gospel plan. Andy links this passage to our series in Acts. He shows how the whole bible is truly about God's plan to save us through Jesus.
Andy talks about Jesus as a servant. He talks about Isaiah 53:8 and how it links to the gospel plan. Andy links this passage to our series in Acts. He shows how the whole bible is truly about God's plan to save us through Jesus.
There is a great event described in the Old Testament part of the bible where God displayed his power and told his people to never forget what had just happened.
There is a great event described in the Old Testament part of the bible where God displayed his power and told his people to never forget what had just happened.
This time last year I was at a wedding enjoying seeing two good friends getting married. It was a time of great joy seeing two people reaching a point of change in their lives, committing to live together, to sharing all they had, and to sharing the same aims and objectives in life.
This time last year I was at a wedding enjoying seeing two good friends getting married. It was a time of great joy seeing two people reaching a point of change in their lives, committing to live together, to sharing all they had, and to sharing the same aims and objectives in life.
This is one of the characteristics of Jesus: He never turned people away. We’re told that He welcomed them. He was always ready to receive those who came to Him.
This is one of the characteristics of Jesus: He never turned people away. We’re told that He welcomed them. He was always ready to receive those who came to Him.
For others, though, myself included, the day to day reality couldn’t be more different – normal routine has gone out the window and they are stuck at home with nothing much to do. Social isolation.
For others, though, myself included, the day to day reality couldn’t be more different – normal routine has gone out the window and they are stuck at home with nothing much to do. Social isolation.
We all know people that are what we would call “good people”. They’re respectable and don’t hurt anyone, they seemingly don’t do anything wrong. So why doesn’t God say they’ve done enough and can go to heaven?
We all know people that are what we would call “good people”. They’re respectable and don’t hurt anyone, they seemingly don’t do anything wrong. So why doesn’t God say they’ve done enough and can go to heaven?
We all know people that are what we would call “good people”. They’re respectable and don’t hurt anyone, they seemingly don’t do anything wrong. So why doesn’t God say they’ve done enough and can go to heaven?
We all know people that are what we would call “good people”. They’re respectable and don’t hurt anyone, they seemingly don’t do anything wrong. So why doesn’t God say they’ve done enough and can go to heaven?
The Bible tells us that the church is one body made up of many parts. You can read it for yourself in the first le8er to the Corinthian Church, chapter 12.
The Bible tells us that the church is one body made up of many parts. You can read it for yourself in the first le8er to the Corinthian Church, chapter 12.
As the boats began to cross the lake, Jesus rested. While he rested, a sudden, violent storm broke over the lake. Several disciples, who were fishermen, panicked. These were people who were familiar with the weather condi7ons around the lake and could recognise the very real danger they were facing. None of this was a fear-induced illusion.
As the boats began to cross the lake, Jesus rested. While he rested, a sudden, violent storm broke over the lake. Several disciples, who were fishermen, panicked. These were people who were familiar with the weather condi7ons around the lake and could recognise the very real danger they were facing. None of this was a fear-induced illusion.
If we believe that God is the creator as in Psalm 33 then we believe in a greater power, far bigger than our minds can fully comprehend. A power that speaks and whose words are enough to create; a power that is solid, strong, firm, decisive.
If we believe that God is the creator as in Psalm 33 then we believe in a greater power, far bigger than our minds can fully comprehend. A power that speaks and whose words are enough to create; a power that is solid, strong, firm, decisive.
From time to time things happen in our lives that we weren't necessarily expecting. Mostly these tend to be individual events affecting just one person or family. Unpleasant as these events are, there is often the consolation that friends and family come together to help, both in practical ways and, as Christians, in prayer.
From time to time things happen in our lives that we weren't necessarily expecting. Mostly these tend to be individual events affecting just one person or family. Unpleasant as these events are, there is often the consolation that friends and family come together to help, both in practical ways and, as Christians, in prayer.
Steve talks about the road to Jerusalem and how it is a road of humility, a road a fulfillment, a road of submission and a road of submission. He talks to us about what Palm Sunday means as it is the start of the last week Jesus would spend before his crucifixtion.
Steve talks about the road to Jerusalem and how it is a road of humility, a road a fulfillment, a road of submission and a road of submission. He talks to us about what Palm Sunday means as it is the start of the last week Jesus would spend before his crucifixtion.
I know the situation is serious. I know people are really struggling. Some are in terrible suffering. But this morning, I couldn’t help enjoying the lockdown. A leisurely .me with God – nice early morning coffee, no need to keep one eye on the clock.
I know the situation is serious. I know people are really struggling. Some are in terrible suffering. But this morning, I couldn’t help enjoying the lockdown. A leisurely .me with God – nice early morning coffee, no need to keep one eye on the clock.
I recently read an article in a magazine, entitled: “Why Didn’t God Heal Grandad?”. The writer, who was a church pastor, was addressing the question of why is it that God doesn’t always answer prayer for healing? He was especially quizzical about his grandfather
I recently read an article in a magazine, entitled: “Why Didn’t God Heal Grandad?”. The writer, who was a church pastor, was addressing the question of why is it that God doesn’t always answer prayer for healing? He was especially quizzical about his grandfather
2 Corinthians 5:7 says we should “walk by faith and not by sight”. The bible talks in several places about living by faith. But what is faith? And how can we live by it? Is it to do with how we feel or is it more than that?
2 Corinthians 5:7 says we should “walk by faith and not by sight”. The bible talks in several places about living by faith. But what is faith? And how can we live by it? Is it to do with how we feel or is it more than that?
WHAT IS AFFIRMATION?? Well the dictionary explains affirmations as these words: assertion, confirmation , certification declaration ratification, stamp of approval. and this got me thinking where does my affirmation come from?
WHAT IS AFFIRMATION?? Well the dictionary explains affirmations as these words: assertion, confirmation , certification declaration ratification, stamp of approval. and this got me thinking where does my affirmation come from?
It was strange at first, but we soon began to realise the truth of the statement ‘Be still and know that I am God’ found in Psalm 46:10. If you look at the rest of the Psalm, it is hardly a peaceful and quiet scenario, what with mountains trembling, waters surging, God’s voice thundering!
It was strange at first, but we soon began to realise the truth of the statement ‘Be still and know that I am God’ found in Psalm 46:10. If you look at the rest of the Psalm, it is hardly a peaceful and quiet scenario, what with mountains trembling, waters surging, God’s voice thundering!
Andy speaks to us about how Paul knew that he was going to Rome. He knew that this was God's purpose for him and so he set his face towards it and would not let anything turn him away, even though he knew that he would probably endure suffering.
Andy speaks to us about how Paul knew that he was going to Rome. He knew that this was God's purpose for him and so he set his face towards it and would not let anything turn him away, even though he knew that he would probably endure suffering.
Daniel leads on from what Andy has taught us last week about how Paul deals with what he has been accused of. He talks about how he structures and lays out his defence. Paul also uses this opportunity to declare the gospel.
Daniel leads on from what Andy has taught us last week about how Paul deals with what he has been accused of. He talks about how he structures and lays out his defence. Paul also uses this opportunity to declare the gospel.
Andy speaks to us about the tension in Paul's missionary journeys. He talks about How Paul knew he was going to Jerusalem and how the destination should help us on the journey. We should have our face set towards where God wants us to go.
Andy speaks to us about the tension in Paul's missionary journeys. He talks about How Paul knew he was going to Jerusalem and how the destination should help us on the journey. We should have our face set towards where God wants us to go.
Andy speaks to us about how Paul left the Ephesians and how the elders were upset that he is leaving. It was clear from Paul that he knew that he wasn't going to see them again. Paul knew his life was planned and that God had given him the steps before him.
Andy speaks to us about how Paul left the Ephesians and how the elders were upset that he is leaving. It was clear from Paul that he knew that he wasn't going to see them again. Paul knew his life was planned and that God had given him the steps before him.
Jamie talks about how Acts 18 is like a job interview. He talks about how we can use what we do to connect to other people. He talks about how Paul connects with Priscilla and Aquilla. He talks about how Paul begins to contextualise the gospel and how we should take the leap to talk to others.
Jamie talks about how Acts 18 is like a job interview. He talks about how we can use what we do to connect to other people. He talks about how Paul connects with Priscilla and Aquilla. He talks about how Paul begins to contextualise the gospel and how we should take the leap to talk to others.
Steve leads us through Acts 17. He tells us about how we should always share the gospel where we can. He talks to us about Paul's journey in Thesselonica and how Paul preaches the gospel to the Jews and then the gentiles there.
Steve leads us through Acts 17. He tells us about how we should always share the gospel where we can. He talks to us about Paul's journey in Thesselonica and how Paul preaches the gospel to the Jews and then the gentiles there.
Andy speaks to us about how church life can be a struggle. We strive for unity but we are all individuals and this leads to disagreement and sometimes to separation. He talks about Barnabas and Paul and how they split in their missionary journey over a disagreement about John Mark.
Andy speaks to us about how church life can be a struggle. We strive for unity but we are all individuals and this leads to disagreement and sometimes to separation. He talks about Barnabas and Paul and how they split in their missionary journey over a disagreement about John Mark.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.