Little Things mean a Lot.’
This may be a sentence we use often in our conversations but not everyone may be familiar with the fact that this was the title of a popular song published in 1953.  
Basically, the lyrics of the song point out that happiness does not come from occasional grand achievements, but from the little things that fill our daily lives.
For example, Verse 2 is as follows:

‘Give me your arm as we cross the street
Call me at six on the dot
A line a day when you’re far away
Little things mean a lot’

When was the last time you got a thank you note or an unexpected phone-call which brightened your day?  Did that ‘little thing’ mean a lot to you? Might it be possible that the ‘little things’ in reality turn out to be the ‘big things?’
As we note in Matthew 19:14 NIV, Jesus welcomes the children.  He said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.’
In the Parable of ‘Feeding of the Five Thousand’ we note that Andrew, one of Jesus’ disciples, pointed out that there was a boy present who had five small barley loaves and two small fish, but he added, ‘How far will they go among so many?’
We know the end of the story…everyone well fed and twelve baskets of bread left over!
We learn in James 3:4 NIV that ‘a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.’
And in that very familiar Hymn, ‘Jesus loves Me,’ we read ‘Little ones to Him belong.’
Our Song this week?  It can only be: ‘The Little Things’
Frances.

Let’s Pray for Those still shielding  Give thanks for the patience and perseverance of those who have had to shield and exercise greatest caution and restraint during lockdown due to underlying health conditions. Pray that as some shielding restrictions are relaxed, a greater freedom and confidence will be enjoyed by those gradually beginning to edge back to a more normal rhythm of life. ​

Amos (59 Minute Audio) If you would like to learn more about the prophet Amos listen to Michael McKelvey—associate professor of Old Testament at RTS Jackson, and author of the commentary on the book of Amos in the ESV Expository Commentary Volume 7, speak about Salvation in the book of Amos​ https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/help-me-teach-the-bible/michael-mckelvey-on-teaching-amos/ Here are some other resources on Amos: Sermon series on Amos by Phillip Jensen Does God Care? The Message of Amos by Mark Dever Sermon series on Amos from University Reformed Church Sermon series on Amos by Hugh Palmer

These Three Remain Lessons we are learning about being the good news, Joanne Smith, minister of Caledon & Minterburn reflects on what her churches have been learning about experiencing and expressing the good news of the gospel in their witness during Covid-19 Read The Article Here https://bit.ly/3iI4UiG

How To Consume The News The COVID-19 pandemic and protests of racial injustice, and the media whirlwinds surrounding both, have heightened an emerging tension for Christians. We need knowledge and information to act rightly and wisely, yet excessive news consumption often creates anxiety, division, quarrelsomeness, and frustration. Read the article here https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/wisely-consume-news/

Jigsaw Times for Thursdays puzzle Janice 2:12 Derek 5:33​ Do remember that the Friday puzzle is larger than the puzzles during the week, so it should take longer to complete. Even Janice takes a little bit longer at the weekend. ​ Play the "Sunset Flight" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2661e1c9cbce ​

Lord of changing seasons,
we thank you for summer.
This year, like everything else, our summer feels different:
our holiday plans have been disrupted,
our church life feels like it is winding up not down,
school holidays feel like an extension of lockdown,
rather than a welcome change of rhythm and routine.
Often, we treat summer like an escape from reality,
but this year we need it to offer rest on an unfinished journey. We come to you as reeds bruised by a stormy spring,
knowing that you desire to lift us up, not break us.
The smoldering wick of our spirit burns low,
but you want to fan it back into flame,
not see it snuffed out.
Shine again upon our lives like summer sun.
Calm our troubled souls like summer breeze.
Help us to relax into the carefreeness of long summer days
So renew us in mind.
Refresh us in body.
Restore us in spirit.
Recreate us again this summer,
that we might better bear again the likeness of your Son,
and find our rest in him.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.

Let’s Pray for Ongoing Witness Give thanks for the many ways congregations and their members have been able to show and share God’s love throughout the period of lockdown. Pray that God would enable the building of ongoing relationships with those with whom churches and their members have made new points of contact, asking that gospel opportunities will follow. ​

Jigsaw Times for the Tuesday Jigsaw Janice 1:31 Wilfred 2:50 Jean 3:06 Derek 4:36 ​Play the "Coastline" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2ff75ab91a28

Good news!   ​ As I write, hairdressers are opening, appointments are being made. Spirits are lifting! During lockdown the topic of hair has been often in our conversations. Many were getting impatient at not being able to access an appointment. Some resorted to DIY trimming, spouses, family members and friends having a go, with quite good results. During this period hairstyles have changed some for the better others less so. Colours have also changed, some virtually overnight! Obviously the biggest change is longer hair which gets out of control and difficult to manage. Dogs have needed clipping and may have had difficulty getting such. This was not a problem for Dougal, who was looking smart after his clipping and I am sure he was happy too.

In Biblical times long hair was one of the characteristics of the Nazarite vow. Numbers ch 6. The word Nazarite comes from Hebrew meaning to "separate" or to "consecrate". Such a vow could be for a short period or for life as in the case of Samson. He was set apart from his birth for the deliverance of the Israelites from their Philistine enemies. In dealing with them he demonstrated many great feats, as recorded in the book of Judges. The secret of his strength was his Nazarite vow, symbolized by his unshorn hair. The source of his strength was the Spirit of God Judges ch 13 v 25 and ch 14 v 6 and 19.

As a result of his love affair with a Philistine woman named Delilah, he succumbed to her pressure to disclose the secret of his strength, which had a catastrophic outcome. She arranged for his hair to be shorn by the Philistines who gouged out his eyes and put him to work in a prison. Samson had been robbed of his special consecration to the Lord. We read in ch 16 v 19 "his strength left him" and in v 20 "he did not know that the Lord had left him"  
What a tragic statement!  
But there was a way back. In prison his hair began to grow. When the Philistines called on him to entertain them as they offered sacrifices to their god Dagon, he prayed to the Lord for strength. As a result of his great strength and actions, their temple was destroyed and thousands killed including Samson.

There is a way back to God from the dark paths of sin
There is a door that is open and you may go in
At Calvary's cross is where you begin 
When you come as a sinner to Jesus

I learnt this chorus over 70 years ago at Portstewart CSSM .
Wilma

Lessons About Social Media Lessons we are learning about engaging in the digital space:  PR consultant Rebecca McConnell offers some guidance & encouragement to churches as they continue to develop their #digitalministry during the coronavirus pandemic. Read The Article Here https://t.co/oAvIsT5vdY

Churches Are Now Accessable The modifications churches made for the #COVID19 crisis could continue to serve people who need them long after the pandemic has passed. Read the article here. https://t.co/6UrVXvWFm8

Jigsaw The times for Monday’s Jigsaw are Janice 1:33 Jean 3:09 Frances 3:59 Wilfred 4:32 Derek 5:02 Eric 5:26 A huge entry of times today. I also was told this week that the Jigsaw keeps some people up until well after midnight. Play the "Portstewart Edgewater" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0ecb3eafed06

On Wednesday the Theme of the Blog is Prayer. Let’s Pray A prayer of thanks for God’s presence with us on the journey. ​Which links with our bible study today, Joy Through Presence.

Faithful God,
we pause on this unexpected and unchosen path, somewhere between our Mizpah and Shen,
to raise our Ebenezer stone,
declaring ‘thus far has the LORD helped us.’
You have been present with us on this journey -
sometimes guiding reliably,
like pillar of cloud by day,
sometimes spectacularly illuminating,
like pillar of fire in the night;
always providing like you did daily manna in the wilderness, drawing forth faith one day at a time.
At times we have looked for you,
in earthquake, wind and fire,
but like Elijah at Horeb, mountain of God,
you have spoken in the gentlest of whispers,
and we have found it enough.
Like Samuel in the night,
or Mary in the garden,
we have known you speaking our name,
calling us to learn from you,
to follow you to places
to which we have never been before.
And you will be present with us as future days unfold.
You say,
‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’,
and we reply with fresh confidence,
‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.’
God of peace,
who through the blood of the eternal covenant,
brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great Shepherd of the sheep,
continue to equip us with everything good for doing your will, keep on working in us what is pleasing to you,
through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.

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Leading Out Of Lockdown Pray about the many challenges of leading out of lockdown, asking God to help those who lead in every area of life to find the right balance of progress and restraint, wisdom and courage. Pray for those who lead church life gradually out of lockdown, asking God that he will give them good judgement as they guide his people in their life together and witness to others in these days.

Christian Unions Ireland A Prayer diary for the month of July can be found here. https://www.cui.ie/blog/216/prayer-diary-july-2020

Global Mission Updates You can read and download the July August updates from various Global Mission Workers via the link below. Each update includes relevant prayer points to help you support them in their ministry at this challenging time. https://bit.ly/3cmIDTn

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Jigsaw​ Janice 2:28 Derek 5:51 Wilfred 6:52 Eric 8:10 Play the "Beach" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0c743fbfaa8b

Wilma’s Thoughts On Tuesday Every Tuesday Wilma shares her thoughts The Royal Ramblers were staying in a cottage near Westport, where the majestic Croagh Patrick mountain 2507 ft is frequently in view, the locals have nicknamed it the "reek" from an ancient word meaning "stack" or "rick". The last Sunday in July is known as Reek Sunday, when pilgrims climb it in honour of St. Patrick, who is reputed to have spent 40 days there.

Visitors to the area are asked by locals "have you been up the reek?" or "when are you going up the reek?" It is something they expect you to do, so we decided to accept the challenge.
There is a clearly identified path to the summit, but exceptionally rough in places, with loose stones and boulders. There were many walkers on the mountain from all over the world, who provided interesting encounters and conversation on the way. We were about 20 minutes from the summit where there is a small chapel, when I felt I could go no further as I had hurt my knee. At this stage we were aware that the last part had a lot of loose shale and more difficult to climb. I was exceedingly disappointed, having got so far.  My companions did not want to go on without me, which was an added disappointment. We admired the wonderful view of Clew Bay and it's reputed 365 islands, and managed to make our way down the mountain which can be more hazardous than the ascent!
In life, generally, we experience many disappointments, but during this pandemic, many more than usual, either individually or collectively. As a church, our big disappointment was the closure of our church building which resulted in us not being able to meet for Sunday worship or other activities.
However, there has been much blessing through on-line services and the scattered church is growing.
Moses "the man whom God knew face to face" was an experienced mountaineer. He was associated with Mt. Horeb and Mt. Sinai, and the less familiar Mt. Nebo. In Deuteronomy ch 34 we read that Moses climbed Mt. Nebo which is in the land of Moab. God had directed him to go there. He showed him all the land He had promised to give to the descendants of Abraham and told him "I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it". In the wilderness God had instructed Moses to speak to a rock at Meribah to provide water for the Israelites. He lost patience with their complaining and quarrelsome behaviour, and in a rage struck the rock twice with his staff. He failed to honour God.
The picture of Moses, age 120 years, standing on that mountain surveying the Promised land is heart rending. He must have been sad and very disappointed that he was not permitted to lead the Israelites on the last leg of their journey.
I think God is often disappointed with us. Jesus was so, when here on earth. On one occasion He met a rich young ruler who wanted to get to heaven on his terms. He was not prepared to give up what meant most to him, his riches. He rejected Jesus and His salvation. We read in Mark ch 10 v 22 "the man's face fell" obviously disappointed "he went away sad".
We cannot earn salvation, it is not on our terms, our good works can never satisfy God.
Ephesians ch 2 v 8 "it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast."
Wilma

Chaplaincy Pray that God would open up opportunities to show and share his love in the ministry provided through chaplaincy in health care, prisons, the armed forces, education and sport. Pray for chaplains as they seek to be present in difficult circumstances, listen carefully in conversation and deftly direct others to God, asking for wisdom, tactfulness and boldness.

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Christian Unions Ireland  The Fruit of Lockdown. How have students been dealing with the ‘new normal’? CUI asked several students to share how God has been working in this unexpected period both in and through their CUs and individual lives. Read the article here. https://www.cui.ie/blog/215/the-fruit-of-lockdown

New Horizon Online Evening Celebrations 8pm Sunday 26th - Thursday 30th July. Healthy Church Serving Church - Christ’s Body In Action, Chris Wright, Heather Morris, Gilbert Lennox, Barry Forde, Malcolm Duncan.

Keswick Podcast Our latest Keswick Convention Podcast is out now! James Cary talks to Director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, Andy Bannister. They talk about evangelism, apologetics & terrifying moments in Speakers Corner on step ladders.  https://www.buzzsprout.com/866182/4414739-9-andy-bannister-apologetics-step-ladders-and-standing-your-ground

SING Each year the Gettys organise a conference of music and bible teaching. They have created a playlist on Spotify of the music to be used at the conference this year.​ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5eyuae5iKbtYL8go7yB4ip?si=JgLox68hSQuJAASRPkzuwg

God Is Our Help (2 Minute Video) The Psalms remind us that God is not far from us in our trouble. Be encouraged by this reading of Psalm 46 by Kristyn Getty and rest in the promises of God to be with us—and for us—in our time of need. Psalm 46 Reading

Is There Such a Thing as Race? The biblical way of talking about people groups leans heavily in the ethnicity direction, not the racial direction. In the last day when the global mission of Christ is finished, there will be redeemed people “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9). John Piper has written a fascinating article examining race and ethnicity. READ IT HERE

Jigsaw Janice 2:05 Jean 3:52 Derek 6:08 Wilfred 6:08 ​ In response to yesterday’s comment Janice says, “I study all the pieces before I touch the screen, Getty family singing along.” Play the "Balintoy" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=20e946118647