Blog Archives

Wednesday 24th November 2021

24/11/2021

Beside The Burn
On the Burnside Blog this week we begin our journey with Ruth through Advent. Each day finding “Hope Under Bethlehem Skies”. This is a short devotional video drawing us towards Jesus.
The book is now available as an ebook for immediate download and at the special price of £1.99
https://www.10ofthose.com/

Music to accompany - Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies

The full playlist on Spotify
Or search for “Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies” on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/

The Playlist as it grows on YouTube
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIY5l1NKZ7v-VnhF57R6uV2b

The Song For Today

Deliver Us Andrew Peterson
The whole Album that this song comes from is also worth a listen at Christmas.
https://open.spotify.com/album/24WQoKJPICucZjGnvwgohy?si=12QqLp4BRKyQc62EZd8eCQ

Let’s Pray For Naomi Keefe (global mission worker, Brazil)
Pray for preparations for an evangelistic street event at Christmas by the Good News Club children. Pray too for Beberibe congregation’s preparations to hold an evangelistic event for the first time in a nearby condominium block. Pray that God will prepare the hearts of people.

Scripture Union Malawi (SUM)
Prayfor the ongoing work of Scripture Union in Malawi reaching out to children and teenagers with the message of God’s love. Give thanks for all in leadership in (SUM) as they serve.

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

Paul Tripp
The Gospel: One Chapter At A Time is a resource from Paul Tripp, in which he summarizes each book of Scripture in a brief video segment and reveals how it points back to Jesus Christ.
Lamentations Summary

https://www.paultripp.com/bible-study/posts/lamentations-summary

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 Brunei the 39th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here

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

Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.

26 November – 2 December
One of the most exciting events of the year in Belfast is the city–wide carol service on 8 December. We hope to see many hundreds of students across Belfast come and hear the gospel. Pray that the CUs across Belfast will unite together behind this vision and that CU students will be bold in their invitations.
Pray for CU committees as they take time to look back at the semester and to solidify plans for the next semester. Pray that through the end–of–semester tiredness they would know God’s faithfulness and not grow weary but lean on him and trust in his strength to carry them next semester again!

A Prayer of Thanks
God, You are good, and Your steadfast love endures forever! Even in the hardest seasons, I always have a reason to worship You.
Thank You for giving me victory and abundant life in Jesus Christ! Although I don’t deserve it, You shower me with unconditional love and forgiveness.
And so no matter what the future may hold, I will shout for joy because You are with me. You comfort me and bless me in the presence of my enemies. Nothing compares to You and no weapon can stand against You. In all things, I am more than a conqueror through You!
Be glorified through me, God. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart bless Your name.
I want my life to bring You praise.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From YouVersion - the Bible App for Smart Devices

Crown Jesus Ministries
The latest newsletter from Crown Jesus is available to read here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/2411deba-d305-451b-8d81-d42f309c5751

Getty Music Christmas Hymns
Keith and Kristyn Getty are offering a free download of a 15 song album of their favourite Christmas Hymns. simply provide you name and email address t the link below and download for free.

https://www.gettymusic.com/getty-christmas-hymnal?mc_cid=1b65ef2f34&mc_eid=def46f1922

Trials
Inspired by yesterday’s trial on the Blog, Frances shared this hymn about trials with me.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:49
Eddie 3:15

Play the "Dunluce Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=21cdd1269e11

3 Comments

Tuesday 23rd November 2021

23/11/2021

2 Comments

Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies
During Advent we are thinking about finding Hope in a broken world and this song from Andrew Peterson helps us focus on Jesus - Is He Worthy
This is an extra song today which I have featured on the Blog before.
https://youtu.be/OIahc83Kvp4

Let’s Pray For Louise Davidson (deaconess in West Church, Bangor)
Give thanks that Louise facilitated bringing women of West and Kilcooley together to meet and interact with one another over the past few months through various events. Pray that Louise would continue to show the love of Jesus in a real and loving way to all she meets.

Strand (East Belfast)
Pray for the ongoing work and witness of this urban mission congregation. Pray for guidance for Rev Danny Rankin (minister), the kirk session and all involved in leadership in Strand.

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

Paul Tripp
The Gospel: One Chapter At A Time is a resource from Paul Tripp, in which he summarizes each book of Scripture in a brief video segment and reveals how it points back to Jesus Christ.
Jeremiah Summary

https://www.paultripp.com/bible-study/posts/jeremiah-summary

New City Catechism
Q)What is the Lord’s Supper?
A) Christ commanded all Christians to eat bread and to drink from the cup in thankful remembrance of him and his death. The Lord’s Supper is a celebration of the presence of God in our midst; bringing us into communion with God and with one another; feeding and nourishing our souls. It also anticipates the day when we will eat and drink with Christ in his Father’s kingdom.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/what-is-the-lords-supper/

Truth
Whatever is true … Think about such things
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/think-these-things-true/

In Prison (7 minute video)
Matt was in prison, devastated after losing everything. As he laid in his cell, he started to remember the words to an old song he used to sing at church. Could his life still be changed? Watch his story.
https://t.co/VjizrIzxfC

My Jesus, I Love Thee
“My Jesus, I Love Thee" was performed live at TGC's 2021 Women's Conference by Davy Flowers, Bethany Barnard, and Shane & Shane of The Worship Initiative.

Poor Santa!
I know better than most (through writing this Blog) how easy it is to include mistakes when publishing. Sometimes, however, the mistakes are just too good not to share. Most readers of this Blog will probably see nothing wrong with this event, but there are at least two who will be appalled at what is happening to poor Santa!? (This is the advertising poster at the Mouse Hole in Portrush)

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:46
Eddie 3:13

Play the "Waves Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=11cf2c9f4bda

2 Comments

Monday 22nd November 2021

22/11/2021

2 Comments

Beside The Burn
On the Burnside Blog this week we begin our journey with Ruth through Advent. Each day finding “Hope Under Bethlehem Skies”. This is a short devotional video drawing us towards Jesus.
Read Day 1 from “Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies” along side this Blog.

There are two copies of the book still available at church if you would like a copy email me and I will drop one round to you or post it. [email protected]

Alternative version of the song with a dramatic video telling the nativity story.
Light Of The World - Lauren Daigle

Let’s Pray For Moderator
Pray for the Moderator as he travels to First Portadown on Saturday for the opening and dedication of the refurbished meeting house. Pray that the event would go well and that the meeting house would be a source of blessing to the congregation and the local community.

Worship that empowers
‘You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom
I can rely.’ Psalm 59:17.
Ask that as we worship today

Derek & Jane French (global mission workers, Spain)
Pray for Bilbao International Church, their regular weekly meetings and special events for non-believers. Pray for their new weekly men’s group which started in October. Pray for Godwin and others as they help to lead it, alongside Derek.

Pakistan
Pray for the work and witness of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan. Pray for Christians in the country who are suffering persecution to remain steadfast in their faith. Pray too for the Covid-19 situation.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Let Not Your Right Hand Know What Your Left Hand is Doing.

Glenn is coming to Coleraine in April of next year, so I will give some more details nearer the time.

Paul Tripp
The Gospel: One Chapter At A Time is a resource from Paul Tripp, in which he summarizes each book of Scripture in a brief video segment and reveals how it points back to Jesus Christ.
Isaiah Summary

https://www.paultripp.com/bible-study/posts/isaiah-summary

Ulster Memorial Tower
On Friday morning in France The Moderator took part in a special Somme Association service to commemorate the centenary of the dedication of the Ulster Memorial Tower, which took place on 19th November 1921
Read the Story here:

Facing the Canon (30 minute video)
J.John speaks with Kevin Shaw, a former Commanding Officer in the Royal Navy.

Dyslexia-Friendly Bible Books
The Bible Society have added the following titles to their dyslexia-friendly range of Good News Bible books:
Exodus:
https://t.co/FBf4PR7vzB

Judges and Ruth:
https://t.co/XQWtgft6SK

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs:
https://t.co/WmHTNpMIxA

Santa
What are your views of Santa Claus? Trevin Wax shares why he loves everything about Christmas.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/i-love-santa/

6 Reasons Christians Need to Learn to Lament
We began 2021 with a four week series learning how to Lament, here Mark Vroegop gives us some reasons why we should learn how to do it.
https://www.crossway.org

The Emery Cross
The Emery Cross - this amazing woodland art in Donegal was created by Liam Emery by using over 3,000 trees of two different types with the cross planted in Japanese Larch which turns a golden colour in autumn.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 7:23
Jean 10:26
Eddie 13:05

Play the "Portrush Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3968343a4bc3

2 Comments

Friday 19th November 2021

19/11/2021

2 Comments

Beside The Burn
On the Burnside Blog something different for Friday. On Sunday we are embarking on an Advent journey through the Book of Ruth which may not be the first place you turn to in your bible at Christmas, but we are going to discover how much Ruth teaches us about Jesus. Before we study the chapters in detail, we are going to get an over view of the book and today I am simply going to read the four chapters. This will last about 17 minutes so why not get a cuppa and listen. Alternatively read the book yourself or follow along, I am reading from the NIV.

Advent 2021
This Advent we are going to approach Christmas through the book of Ruth. Beginning on Monday 22nd November we are going to read some verses, think about what they mean and worship using a Christmas song.

Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies
I am going to base the thoughts each day on a new book of Advent Devotional Readings - “Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies” by Robin Ham. It will add to your experience if you have a copy of the book (although it is not essential).
You can order it through :

10 Of Those https://www.10ofthose.com/

Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk
Or order it at Faith Mission Bookshops or where ever you buy your books.
A limited number of copies are available in the vestibule on Sunday. Leave £3 in an envelope and take a book.

You can read a sample of the book here https://beta.10ofthose.com

Please note we will be starting the Advent adventure a week early on Monday 22nd November (as we will be using reading on weekdays only and taking a break on Saturdays and Sundays).

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
More people than ever are facing the challenges of dementia, either for themselves or someone they love. The demands on the immediate family of caring for a loved one with dementia are great especially in these times when getting a diagnosis or seeing Consultants for appointments has been made more difficult with the pandemic. Pray that both those suffering from dementia and their carers would have the support they need.

Valuing life
In the midst of changes to abortion legislation across Ireland pray that women and their families who experience a pregnancy crisis situation would receive wise and compassionate counsel that values both lives, and that as a denomination we would continue to find practical ways to offer support and care.

General Council
Pray for Lindsay Conway, Secretary to the Council for Social Witness as he concludes 19 years of service in that role. Give thanks for his contribution over that time and pray that God would continue to lead him as he commences his retirement. Pray also for his successor, Dermot Parsons, who has been shadowing Lindsay during these last few weeks, as he takes on this key and challenging role in PCI.

Council for Training in Ministry
Six people have applied for Ordained Ministry this year. The application process runs through until Easter, with placements, interviews and assignments. Pray that the Lord would guide and give wisdom to applicants and interviewers as together they seek the Lord’s will.

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

Paul Tripp
The Gospel: One Chapter At A Time is a resource from Paul Tripp, in which he summarizes each book of Scripture in a brief video segment and reveals how it points back to Jesus Christ.
Song Of Solomon Summary

https://www.paultripp.com/bible-study/posts/song-of-solomon-summary

Evangelical Alliance
As Cop26 took place in Glasgow, the Evangelical Alliance Scotland director Fred Drummond interviewed Bishop Dr Thomas Schirrmacher, secretary-general of the World Evangelical Alliance. Listen in on their wide-ranging conversation on the big issues in our culture today, such as the role of evangelicals when it comes to the environment and Cop26, the increasing global persecution of Christians, and more.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:26
Eddie 3:12

A very challenging view of the Aurora as seen at Dunluce Castile a few years ago.
Play the "Aurora Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=244b723c7d5e

2 Comments

Thursday 18th November 2021

18/11/2021

3 Comments

Beside The Burn
On the Burnside Blog this week we continue our series Finding Jesus In Genesis as we explore the life of Joseph. A short daily devotional exploring God’s Word.

Please note we will be starting the Advent adventure a week early on Monday 22nd November (as we will be using reading on weekdays only and taking a break on Saturdays and Sundays).

Let’s Pray For Leslie & Mabel Brush (community outreach workers in Tartaraghan)
Give thanks that opportunities for visitation and meetings in-person are resuming and generally people are coming back. Women’s Bible Study meets fortnightly. “Men @ 10.30” met periodically outside, but plan to restart weekly in the church hall soon.

Smithborough (Co Monaghan)
Pray for the life and witness of this home mission congregation and for God to continue to guide Rev Alan McQuade, the kirk session and those in leadership roles as they serve.

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

Paul Tripp
The Gospel: One Chapter At A Time is a resource from Paul Tripp, in which he summarizes each book of Scripture in a brief video segment and reveals how it points back to Jesus Christ.
Ecclesiastes Summary

https://www.paultripp.com/bible-study/posts/ecclesiastes-summary

Life Issues
Our news is often saturated with stories of hostilities across a divided world. We may even ask ourselves if there can be any hope for peace in these days? In this episode of Life Issues Dan Morrice encourages us with tales of peacemakers around the globe. You may remember Dan from the documentary he filmed with Louise Glenn with the Chilean miners.
https://t.co/44IVFhOPX8

God Is Present
When life hits rock bottom, we may be tempted to think God’s abandoned us. But Paul’s final days in a Roman dungeon tell a different story, reminding us that God is present and will accomplish His purposes. Learn more on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. 2 Timothy 4:14-18
https://www.truthforlife.org

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:41
Jean 3:07
Derek 3:32
Eddie 3:33

Play the "Thursday Balintoy" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2bd98de11ec8

3 Comments

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