Blog Archives

Monday 17th May 2021

17/5/2021

Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Speaking?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.

Here are the songs for today.
This week is all about How we cope with Speaking.

“May the Words,” Ellie Holcomb - A beautiful song asking that our words would be acceptable in the sight of God
“Take My Life and Let it Be,” Paul Zach, featuring Liz Vice - a beautiful acoustic version of this hymn. verse 3

Verse 3
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Let’s Pray For Moderator
Pray for politicians in all parties as they debate matters which affect us all. Especially, pray regarding the major liberalisation to abortion legislation in Northern Ireland.

Strength and peace in worship
‘The Lord give strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.’ Psalm 29:11. Today as we worship in person, online or on our own, ask God that he would strengthen
us as his people and bless our hearts with his peace.

Global Mission - Covid-19
Pray for those living in countries where healthcare and state support is limited. Pray for India where case numbers are extremely high and for neighbouring countries including Nepal where case numbers are rising fast. Pray for PCI’s partners in India and Nepal at this difficult time.

Global relief and development
Pray for Christian Aid, Tearfund and PCI partners around the world involved in humanitarian relief and development work, reaching out to those in greatest need in the name of Jesus.

J.John
J.John talks with Samara Levy, the inspirational mum of two who is serving Jesus in Syria and the Middle East.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Doing What’s Right In Our Own Eyes

How Long Does It Take To Read The Bible
This Website was mentioned in Tides on Thursday, it is a page giving timings for how long it takes tech average person to read the individual books of the bible. It may surprise you how little time it actually takes. It also gives you lots of options as to how long it will take to read the whole bible or just the New or Old Testaments.

https://www.crossway.org/articles/infographic-you-can-read-more-of-the-bible-than-you-think/

RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Highlights of the show include The Florence Nightingale Garden: A Celebration of Modern Day Nursing designed by @rmalandscape; Finding Our Way: An NHS Tribute Garden by @NFerrettCohen and @biblesociety: The Psalm 23 Garden by Sarah Eberle Landscape and Garden Design.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/gardens

Revival (5 minute video)
Do you long for revival? From time to time, the Lord has brought supernatural renewal to his people using the ordinary means of grace—prayer, the preaching and reading of Scripture, and singing the wonders of the gospel of Christ. As Alistair Begg reminds us in this clip from Sing! Global 2020, no situation is hopeless when almighty God is on our side. Sometimes, when things seem most bleak, God is merely setting the stage for his surprising work of grace. So we walk forward with confidence, proclaiming the Word of truth, and waiting patiently on the Lord.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 15:40

Play the "Strand Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3576afcc6c40

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Friday 14th May 2021

14/5/2021

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Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Believing?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

“All the Stars,” Caroline Cobb - A Song about God’s covenant with Abraham, based on Genesis 12:1-9, 13: 14-18; 15; 17:1-14, 22:1-19
“Abraham,” Denison Witmer - A rather slow moving account of God’s relationship with Abraham
“Abraham and the Gospel,” Timothy Brindle - For all of you who love Rap/Hip Hop, this is how Abraham links to the Gospel.
“Justified,” Shai Linne - If the previous Rap has whetted your appetite for more, then here is one about justification based on Romans 3, which is Paul’s account of being made righteous.

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for all aspects of Older Peoples Services as they continue to work in a stressful and challenging environment. Pray for our residents as they look forward to a more relaxed visiting regime. Give thanks to our Heavenly Father, that we are again Covid-19 free in our homes.

Council for Public Affairs
A number of the Council’s Panels are meeting around this time. Pray for them as they consider the Church’s voice on different issues in the public square including education, peace and reconciliation, human identity, wellbeing and welfare.

General Council
Pray for the Clerk of the General Assembly, the Rev Trevor Gribben in his ongoing work,
especially in terms of his liaison with other churches and governments in relation to Covid-19. Pray for the meeting of the four Clerks of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland taking place this week.

Council for Training in Ministry
Refresher training for Accredited Preachers is provided annually so they can develop their thinking and practice of preaching. Andrew Faulkner is leading the training this year, which will be online. Give thanks for Accredited Preachers throughout Ireland, and pray that the Lord would bless them through this training, and use them as they lead worship and preach his word.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Samson

Bible Trek (3 minute video)
The Sea of Galilee provides the location for two of the most famous stories in the Bible. The first involves Jesus asleep in a boat, unaware of a frightening storm that scares even the experienced fishermen on board. The second features Jesus walking on the waters towards the disciples in a boat and Peter’s extraordinary faith as he gets out and walks towards him. Understandably, both of these events raise questions about Jesus’ identity – could this really be the Son of God?

J.John with RT Kendall (30 minute video)
Join @Canonjjohn as he interviews @DrRTKendall about his time as pastor of Westminster Chapel and his 'road to Damascus' encounter with God. Available to watch now on UCB Player.
https://t.co/0mnj9H5Xkl

Following Jesus Far From Home (52 minute video)
Mary Willson speaks on 1 Peter 2:11–3:12 at The Gospel Coalition’s 2016 Women’s Conference. https://t.co/03mwr5oDT6

Adam & Eve
Have you ever wanted to learn a bit more about each character of the Bible? Our Bible Biogs podcast looks at a 'bios' for some of the most significant Bible characters! Listen now on UCB Player.
https://t.co/lJe1uuPViU

6 Questions about the Book of Job
Christopher Ash has studied and written about Job and in this short article asks some of the most common questions about the book of Job. It will only take a few minutes to read.
Christopher is writer in residence at Tyndale House in Cambridge and a full-time preacher, speaker, and writer.

https://www.crossway.org/articles/6-questions-about-the-book-of-job

Care For The Family - Concerns about Drama based in NI
CARE NI wrote to the BBC about new drama Three Families, which claims to portray a 'balanced' view of abortion in NI, despite not featuring any experiences of women who suffered after their abortion or those who are thankful for the children they have today because of NI's life-affirming law.

Read the letter here :

https://care.org.uk/uploads/blocks/Letter-to-Chair-of-BBC-May-2021-Bex-Stevenson.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2RZQG6dQFfFWM1EVxUD3cHlg9-2bkdWSll7-hMDwtHfhWEjpnDcmkfUBc

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 2:58

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush.

Today it will take a little longer as it is Friday.

Play the "Portrush Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=073573dccfa0

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Thursday 13th May 2021

13/5/2021

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“Most Merciful God,” Will Retheford, Young Oceans, Caroline Collins
“Thy Mercy, My God,” Sandra McCracken - This is the song from Sunday
“My All in Thee,” Young Oceans, Ellie Holcomb
“Mercy” by Tenielle Neda

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Let’s Pray For Forces Chaplains
There are currently 10 ministers serving full-time as chaplains across the three services in the UK. Most are based at home; some are deployed overseas. Often, they can be away from home and family for long periods of time. Pray for their safety, their families and their ongoing ministry to service personnel of all ranks.

Limerick
Pray for Rev Stephen Hancock and the United Presbyterian and Methodist congregation of Limerick.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Shibboleth

Bible Trek (2 minute video)
Here by the shores of Galilee, four ordinary fishermen receive the call of the Rabbi Jesus and leave behind their nets to start a new life. Simon, Andrew, James and John – young, uneducated men with few prospects beyond fishing – leave behind the family business, join Team Jesus and go on to change the world.

Free Audiobook This Month - ALL OF GRACE
Charles Spurgeon is one of the great preachers in the history of Christianity. Spurgeon also communicates brilliantly through the written word, and his giftedness to proclaim the doctrine of grace shines in his little gem, All of Grace. Many Christians believe that this small book presents better than any other non-canonical work the gospel of salvation alone by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This short book is one of the bright jewels in post-apostolic writings on grace. All of Grace is a perfect companion for Christians who wish to refresh their confidence in the grace of God. This book also makes an excellent introduction to those who are exploring the Christian gospel. Whether you are new to Christianity or a long-time believer, All of Grace will capture your attention and interest page after page.
https://christianaudio.com/free/

1 Kings (Bible In 30 Minutes) (30 minute audio)
If God said you could have anything you wanted, what would you choose? Explore this and more interesting questions as we study 1 Kings!
https://t.co/oC2sqmS2oV

http://twitter.com/UCBMedia/status/1391066626385227779

Evensong - The Gettys
The Gettys have released a new deluxe version of their 2020 Album Evensong, you can listen to the entire album for free on Youtube.

Jesus Calls Fishermen
Here by the shores of Galilee, four ordinary fishermen receive the call of the Rabbi Jesus and leave behind their nets to start a new life. Simon, Andrew, James and John – young, uneducated men with few prospects beyond fishing – leave behind the family business, join Team Jesus and go on to change the world.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:39

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush.

Play the "Portrush Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=385d7f19a1ff

0 Comments

Wednesday 12th May 2021

12/5/2021

1 Comment

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.

Here are the songs for today

The Law of Liberty/Mercy Over Judgment (2:8–13)

“Liberty,” Shane and Shane
“Mercy,” Amanda Cook

My past embraced
My sin forgiven
I'm blameless in your sight
My history rewritten
'Cause you delight in showing mercy
And mercy triumphs over judgment
You delight in showing mercy
And mercy triumphs over judgment
Oh, love great love

“Storehouse,” The Gray Havens - I’ll go down to the storehouse of mercy - This is a beautiful song that is well worth a listen.

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Let’s Pray For Edwin & Anne Kibathi (global mission workers to East Africans in the UK)
Give thanks that the congregation in London and fellowship groups in England are now starting to meet in-person and remember them in prayer.

South Sudan
Pray for the ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan as well as their
peace-building and humanitarian work. The United Nations recently warned that the slow pace of reforms and political disputes risks the return of a large-scale conflict. Pray for wise political leadership, progress and peace.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Jordan

Bible Trek (2 minute Video)
Jesus’ hometown was technically Nazareth, a hamlet in Galilee, but later on he relocated to Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee. This was a strategic move, as bustling Capernaum became the epicentre of his ministry. Here, Jesus healed the sick, raised people from the dead, taught parables and called his disciples. From this small corner of the world, Christianity emerged and changed the world.

Keswick At Portstewart
This year the Keswick Convention will be online, read all the latest news here.
https://mailchi.mp/8c15a5bebfc0/keswick-at-portstewart-news-may-2021?e=3d8faec842

Open Doors - World Watch List
Open Doors has released the World Watch List. The list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian in 2021.
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/

This week the focus is on China the 17th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here

https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/china/

Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.

13 – 19 May
– Continue to pray for the follow up from Ulster University Belfast CU’s (UUBCU) online events week ‘Curious’ in March. Pray for the students who came along and for the conversations about Jesus that students will continue to have in the coming weeks.
– Pray for students across Ireland coming to the end of what has been a tumultuous year, as they face many end–of–term assignments and exams, with little connection and support for many.

The Pursuit Of God (3:38 hour video)
Audiobook on Youtube, The Pursuit Of God - A.W. Tozer

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 3:07
Frances 3:39

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush.

Play the "Portrush Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=001c0c57d0b5

1 Comment

Tuesday 11th May 2021

11/5/2021

1 Comment

“Lead On, Oh King Eternal,” Sara Groves
“Waters Roll” by Jenny & Tyler - a cry for each person to be treated the same through the love of God.

I have heard stories of miracles
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
I have a dream of a different world
Where the waters ever-roll and the earth thirsts no more

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Let’s Pray For Healthcare Chaplains
Pray for all involved in PCI healthcare chaplaincy work. Pray that they will bring words of reassurance, comfort, strength and encouragement to patients, staff and family members.

Kilkenny
Give thanks that online Bible Study and Fellowship Groups are continuing during the challenges of vacancy and lockdown. Ask the Lord to guide and bless the congregation, and pray that very soon it would be possible to appoint a new minister. Pray too for Rev David Conkey (vacancy convener).

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Our Hearts Melted

New City Catechism
Q. Does Christ’s Death Mean All Our Sins Can Be Forgiven?
A. Yes, because Christ’s death on the cross fully paid the penalty for our sin, God graciously imputes Christ’s righteousness to us as if it were our own and will remember our sins no more.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/does-christs-death-mean-all-our-sins-can-be-forgiven/

Is God Still In Control? (30 minute audio)
How can you still believe that God’s in control when bad stuff is happening to you? In this episode of 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes,' we study one of the toughest books in the Bible... Job! Listen now.
https://t.co/cxKpitP6pL

Your Life Matters (27 minute video)
Do you ever feel like a 'little person' in God's big plan? Listen to this message on Answers with @BaylessConley as we explore some of the lesser-known Bible heroes, and learn how they were obedient to God's call on their lives.
https://t.co/wOqq5hFiWf

Who Is Jesus?
If you've ever had questions about Christianity (or maybe you have a friend with questions), UCB have put together this resource page that explains who Jesus is and what it means to have a relationship with him. Learn more at the link below!
https://t.co/xXBrfEnIIu

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:59

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush.

Play the "Harbour Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2190e068a800

1 Comment

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