Let’s Pray For Social Witness Give thanks for those working tirelessly to safeguard our children, young people and adults at risk. Give thanks for the technology that makes it easier to keep in touch during this Covid-19 crisis. Pray that the same protections will be in place in the virtual contact, as is afforded in our face-to-face contact. Public Affairs As we complete our first week of the new restrictions here in Northern Ireland, pray for all those affected, particularly those in schools, and also for those charged with the responsibility of making and implementing the decisions throughout the island of Ireland.

While carrying out some research for the Song I have chosen this week, I encountered the following:

‘Dr. Everek R. Storms of Ontario spent a vast amount of time studying the promises of Scripture. He is quoted as saying:
‘The Holy Scriptures contain a grand total of 8810 promises. How do I know? I counted them.’

That’s a number I won’t forget. If at any time I am taking part in a Quiz and that question arises, I am confident that I will know the correct answer.  How am I so sure? Those digits formed the registration number of the car my husband owned when we first met!

God’s promises never change. They stand as strong and secure as when He first spoke them, and Christians through the ages have clung to them in times of danger, doubt and despair.

In Hebrews 13:5 NIV we read ‘Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’

The Song for this week was written and composed in 1886 by R. Kelso Carter, who at that time was serving as a Professor in Pennsylvania Military Academy. Interestingly, it has been suggested that the rhythmic tone of the Hymn’s music possibly reflects Professor Carter’s Military Academy experience.

We are reminded of our daily dependence on God as we listen to ‘Standing on the Promises of God.’

Frances.

Halloween Some online resources for children this Halloween. https://www.ucb.co.uk/bagofhope

Keswick Podcast Season 2 of the Kes Talks Podcast: This episode brings the first Bible reading John Risbridger gave in 2019. He spoke about Psalm 63, a Psalm filled with longings for God, spoken from within a dry & parched land.  Certainly a message relevant to us today. http://keswickministries.org/podcasts/

Let’s Pray For Social Witness Pray for all residents and staff in our Social Witness homes and units as they cope with the stress of regular Covid-19 testing. Pray for the Senior Staff Team as they deal with the additional workload generated by new procedures and guidelines.  Public Affairs Pray for those involved in the Council as they continue to contribute to important, ethical, public square issues that are ongoing – such as the Dying with Dignity Bill in the Oireachtas – now going to Committee stage.

O Soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see.’
These are the introductory lines of a Song composed in 1918 by Helen H. Lemmel, but their relevance to our present circumstances is such that they might have been written today.

Helen Lemmel was an accomplished musician who wrote more than five hundred Hymns and Poems. She remained active for God in her musical and literary pursuits until her death at the age of ninety-seven.

There are many Bible references concerning the importance of living our lives with a focused attention on Christ, one being found in Jeremiah 29:13 NIV ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’
As restrictions in association with Covid19 continue, or in fact are on the increase, we might feel a sense of despondency and despair, or, as the Song puts it, ‘no light in the darkness.’

Often this Song is introduced by using the opening lines of the first verse, which I quoted initially, but the first line of the Chorus is used on occasions. This reads, ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face.’Now that makes the outlook brighter!  Reading further, ‘And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of his glory and grace.’   From despair to hope.

Let’s focus on these encouraging words as we listen to our Song today: ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus.’

Frances.

Sharing Our Faith (45 minute Audio) Ever wondered how to share the Christian faith with people of other religions? Listen to this insightful interview with Joseph Steinberg – CEO of Christian Witness to Israel – for practical tips on how to share your faith with respect and godly truth! https://t.co/Ir1ZZLJxXs

Virtually Keswick  Remember, you can still catch up on sessions from Virtually Keswick Convention 2020! Go to https://t.co/ZUAjxeVaSe and click on the Daily programmes and Events sections to view.