Last week, while enjoying the tranquil setting of the River Bann as it flowed towards the sea, we were aware of the presence of ‘those who go down to the sea in ships.’
Some boats were secured in their allotted moorings, others were being prepared by their owners for the next voyage, while the remainder sailed past in the sunlight.
Consequently, it was a surprise to see a boat drifting uncontrollably while one of its occupants shouted towards a passing craft, ‘Can you help us?’ A rope was thrown and the boat in question was towed safely to shore.
The following day there were reports in the media about a potential collision between the Larne-Stranraer Ferry and a Submarine. This was averted due to the diligence of the ship’s ‘look-out,’ the person who must, by sight, keep a constant watch for danger.
Last Saturday the Coastguard was called to Portstewart to assist three swimmers who were experiencing problems.
On each occasion there was a pleasing outcome, but the result could have been so different if there had been no-one available to give help, no-one to call upon.
So it is with life. What if we had no-one to approach, no-one to give help and leadership in the many problems and difficulties we encounter? But we do have help in our challenges as our Quote today, taken from Genesis 28:15, assures us, ‘I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.’
The lyrics of today’s Hymn ‘Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?’ suggest that personal stability can only come from the right foundation, the writer being inspired by the words of Hebrews 6:19; ‘We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.’
Frances.

Let’s Pray for Those recovering from COVID- 19 Give thanks for those who are now recovering from contracting the COVID-19 virus and their stories of what God has done. Pray for those who still feel weak and tired as they continue to recover, asking that God would continue to build their strength and energy levels

The Trinity (35 Minute Audio) One God or three? The fact that one God is also three persons is a tricky concept to understand! In this episode of Life Issues, Paul Hammond explores the theology of the Trinity with John Tancock. Listen now on the UCB Player App: https://player.lightcast.com/ykTO5ITN

J.I. Packer Watch J. I. Packer answer crucial questions about the Christian faith: What Is Repentance? What Is Faith? What Is the Church? What Is Doctrine? What Is Christian Unity? Who Is the Holy Spirit? What Is the Lord's Supper? What Is Baptism? All the videos here https://www.crossway.org/jipacker/

Jigsaw Times for Thursday’s Jigsaw Janice 2:14 Frances 4:57 Derek 6:20 Eric 9:30 Weekend Jigsaw - A little bit more difficult for the weekend. Please remember that there will be no blogs next week so if you want to submit a time please do it in the comments below. Play the "Sea" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=15272d040334

All sovereign God,
we come before you humbled by the experience of coronavirus and lockdown.
Our world has been stopped in its tracks:
so much of what we take for granted suddenly became uncertain;
so many of the plans we made have not prevailed,
our lives really feel like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
We confess we do not like the sense of not being in command,
we are reluctant to release control even to you,
we see so many ways in which we have been proud, boastful and foolish.
Forgive us for our lack of faith that has been revealed,
for the restlessness in our hearts that has been uncovered, 
for the many ways in which we stubbornly rebel against you.
Teach us what it means to seek first your Kingdom,
for your Kingdom to come and your will to be done,
to patiently allow your Kingdom to grow like a tiny seed to a great tree.
For too often our thoughts are not your thoughts,
our ways are not your ways,
as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so your ways and will tower above our puny imaginings.      
For you reign, rule and overrule, 
for your glory and our good,
and that your grace might be known to the ends of the earth.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen

Let’s Pray for Wisdom in witness Give thanks for a greater awareness among many of the fragility of life and our need of God. Pray that God would give many opportunities among friends, neighbours and colleagues for wise and winsome witness to the difference faith and hope in Christ can bring to life and wider society.

Bible Society Prayer The BSNI Zoom Prayer Meeting will be on Wednesday 29th July at 1pm. (Next Wednesday) We would love to see you there and join with you in prayer. Click the picture to get the link to the meeting or keep an eye on our social media pages. If you would like to share this link with your church family we would love for you to pass it on ZOOM MEETING

Help Me Pray This webpage contains lots of resources to help you pray. Articles to read and videos to watch.​ https://www.24-7prayer.com/helpmepray

Jigsaw The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw Janice 1:40 Wilfred 4:08 ​Frances 4:20 Jean 4:39 Eric 6:16 ​Play the "White Rocks" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1e5909cc1324

Last week I mentioned a chorus about a door that is open, this week I am writing about a door that was closed. ​

A few years ago my niece and I celebrated our special birthdays by flying to the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. The main attraction in going there was the flight on a small plane which lands on the beach. On one of our walks on the Hebridean Way, we noticed a small cottage by a lake, the door was closed, a swan was standing tapping on it with her beak. We were fascinated and stood to watch as she tapped and waited, repeating her efforts. The owner eventually opened the door and threw out some food for her to eat. Her cygnet was waiting closeby and soon joined her.  Obviously this was a routine for the persistent swan.

I am reminded of a parable in Luke ch 11 which Jesus told to his disciples about a person who went to a friend's house at night to ask him for bread to feed an unexpected visitor. The friend refused and said his door was closed and his children were in bed for the night, but because of the man's persistence he decided to give him the bread. On another occasion Jesus told a story in Luke ch 18 about a persistent widow who was seeking justice. She kept going to the local judge with her request but he refused. Eventually, because of her persistence he ensured she got justice. 

Jesus told these stories to remind us we should always pray and not give up. Last year, in Burnside church many participated in "The Forty Days of Prayer" programme using the booklet "Catching the Wave". After completing it, Richard reminded us to continue praying for the particular persons or big issues we had prayed for during the forty days. The Try Praying banner is still on the outside wall of our church.

Lockdown has provided us with more time than ever to "pray without ceasing". 
Wilma

Let’s Pray for Care homes Give thanks for the many ways in which staff in care homes have shown great dedication and devotion to residents in a time of great stress and strain. Pray for the ongoing battle to keep care homes infection free, asking God to gradually restore normal patterns of daily life together and safety in visiting.

Persuasive Evangelism Podcast (23 Minute Audio) With special guest Glen Scrivener: - When sharing the gospel, where do you start? In this episode of PEP Talk, Andy and Kristi speak with Glen Scrivener about his book 3-2-1: The Story of God, the World and You and how he works from the love of the Trinity down to our ultimate goal of union with Christ. Listen Here. https://www.solas-cpc.org/pep-talk-podcast-with-glen-scrivener/?utm_source=sendinblue&utm_campaign=Insight_July_2020&utm_medium=email

Jigsaw Times for Monday’s Jigsaw Janice 1:42 ​​Jean 2:56 Derek 4:00 Frances 4:51 ​Wilfred 5:03 Eric 5:30 Play the "Benone Beach" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=03ccb3f82c45