This is now the third week of the new format Blog and I’m going to tweak things a little. I’ve discovered that when I put new items on the Blog during the week, it isn’t always obvious what is new, so instead of having different sections on the Blog like Music, Video, Audio etc I’m going to reduce the number of sections and put all the new content each day at the top of the page.
Beside The Burn will still be the first section you see, and Jigsaws will be the final item, but in between items will be listed chronologically.
A devotional video each day, this week exploring Revelation Chapter 1.
Monday
Sunday 18 September
Moderator's Prayer
The Moderator will be engaging in worship today at 1st Omagh Presbyterian Church. By prayer, encourage all those leading in worship across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to be given the grace to declare the wonder of the gospel hope in the face of death.
Knowing the blessings of God in worship May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.
Ask that as you worship today you may know the blessing of God’s ability to constantly exceed our expectations of him.
Monday 19 September
Moderator's Prayer
On the day of Her Majesty’s funeral in Westminster Abbey, we acknowledge that the death of The Queen will be felt most keenly by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren – let us remember them in their loss, praying they will find true peace at this time.
Let each of us take a few moments to give thanks for God's grace seen in the life of Elizabeth II and pray that her influence will shape the future of the monarchy and encourage Christians everywhere to be bold for Jesus.
Derek and Jane French (global mission workers, Spain) Pray for Derek and Jane as they balance the various aspects of their work - Grupos Biblicos Unídos (GBU) student ministry in the north of Spain, Andamio Kids Publishing and preaching and pastoral work in Bilbao International Church.
Tuesday 20 September
South Belfast Friendship House Pray for Carol Reid and William Harkness as they adapt their work to the school timetable following the summer period, and endeavour to find ways to spread the gospel in the area.
KilkennyGive thanks for answered prayer in Kilkenny. Pray for some children who became Christians at summer camps that they will grow in their knowledge and love for God’s Word. Pray too for new families who are coming to the church, and that they will integrate into the church family and walk with God.
Wednesday 21 September
Naomi Keefe (global mission worker, Brazil) Pray for Naomi who is on a short home assignment and involved in deputation speaking this month. Remember her as she prepares to return to Brazil early in October.
Pakistan Pray for God’s blessing on the staff and students at Gujranwala Theological Seminary and United Bible Training Centre, Pakistan.
Thursday 22 September
Michaela Tucillo (community outreach worker in Abbey) Pray for Michaela as she settles into her work in Abbey Presbyterian, Monkstown and pray for the building up of relationships with people in the local community.
Lisbellaw, Lisnaskea, Maguiresbridge & NewtownbutlerGive thanks for the new pastoral support team, praising God for the gifts and talents he has blessed them with, so that they may be a blessing to others for his glory and our good.
Friday 23 September
Social Witness Pray for the Older People Services Committee due to meet this coming week, remember the convener, Rev Nigel Reid and the committee members as they make plans and decisions for the coming year. Pray that God will move mightily among the staff and residents who form the various homes under Older People Services.
Education Pray for all those who work in our schools as everyone settles into the new school year. Pray
especially that Christian teachers, support staff and pupils might have opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ amongst their colleagues and peers through their daily interactions. Give thanks for those who volunteer in Scripture Union and other Bible clubs within our schools.
Saturday 24 September
General CouncilPray for the General Assembly Business Committee as it meets next week. Remember especially Rev Roy Mackay (convener) and Rev Mervyn Burnside (convener of the Arrangements Panel) as they provide leadership in this important work.
Training in Ministry Union College Management Committee meets on Monday 26 September. The members of the Committee bring expertise and experience that enhances the support and oversight that the Committee brings to the College. Give thanks for it, and pray for its members, especially its convener, Very Rev Dr Ivan Patterson.
Scripture Union
The latest prayer points from Andrew Neill the North Coast Scripture Union E3 Worker. READ MORE HERE |
Free Article From Presbyterian Herald
10 years of farm family health checks Rebecca McConnell meets Christina Faulkner, coordinator of the Farm Families Health Checks programme as they celebrate 10 years of bringing medical health checks in a portable clinic to farmers and their families across Northern Ireland. https://issuu.com/presbyterianireland/docs/presbyterian_herald_september_2022/s/16636651 |
Keith Getty on Lessons from the Life of Queen Elizabeth II
I was outside relaxing with friends on September 8, when we heard the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. The four of us—including a British church denomination leader, a Royal fine artist, and a previous chief operating officer of the Royal Albert Hall—spent some time reflecting on her extraordinary life. READ MORE HERE |
King Charles has told faith leaders he is a “committed Anglican” but he believes “the Sovereign has an additional duty.”
“It is the duty to protect the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for Faith itself.”
Read More Here https://www.royal.uk/kings-remarks-faith-leaders
“Thy throne shall never like earths proud empires pass away.”
Smiling to myself that she picked these words to be sung at her own funeral to show where her power and ultimate loyalty actually lay…
The Power of Prayer
John Sentamu speaks about a time when the Queen prayed for him and what happened… https://twitter.com/johngrovesuk/status/1571748651311022083 |
Find Safety with the Holy Spirit
We have a surer and better safety as Christians. When we put our faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit marks us safe with Jesus. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/safety-holy-spirit/ |
Today we give you thanks for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her life of faithful witness and service.
Grant wisdom to those who lead us, that they would be inspired by the example of The Queen and lead with integrity, courage and skill.
We pray for King Charles III as he leads the Commonwealth, our nation and his family through this time of grief. We ask you to comfort those who mourn, thinking especially of the Royal Family and those closest to The Queen.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
A Prayer from Innovista.
Some Prayer suggestions from Open Doors
Please join us in praying over the coming days and weeks:
- Praise God for Queen Elizabeth’s Christian witness and pray that, as people across the world reflect on her life and legacy, her faith in Jesus will spark faith in others
- That the Lord will continue to raise up leaders like Queen Elizabeth to be salt and light throughout the world
- For King Charles to know God’s comfort as he mourns, and to seek God's wisdom as he starts his reign
- That the new Prime Minister and her cabinet will govern wisely and use their influence to defend Christian freedom around the world.
Father God, we thank You for the life of Your daughter Elizabeth. We are grateful for her dedicated service and for the hope she brought to so many. May the seeds of her testimony have a plentiful harvest, and may reflection upon her life lead others to Jesus. Bless and equip King Charles III so that, as Defender of the Faith, he may reign in line with heaven, doing everything in his power to strengthen the church in the UK and around the world. Amen.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
From Evangelical Alliance
“wooing an errant generation back to the faith of their fathers”?
- Pete Greig
Welcome Pack For Students
Ideal for someone who has just got a place at university, order them a pack as a going away present! Containing 3 great books to encourage, and food and snacks to engage with new housemates. All for just £10! http://bit.ly/UCCFPack |
Chris Tomlin has a new album Always. You can listen at the link below.
https://christomlin.lnk.to/AlwaysAlbumTP
The Whole Album for free on YouTube https://youtu.be/-iVU0TWlwv0
Tears And Celebration
Written by Andy Flanagan from Portadown
J.John speaks with Andy Bannister; evangelist, apologist, and author of 'The Atheist Who Didn't Exist'.
Each day a Jigsaw puzzle for a little bit of fun. Share your time in the comments below to encourage others. Please include which day’s puzzle the time is for.
After a week in the New Forest we moved for a few days to stay at Chatsworth House in the Peak District.
Today’s puzzle captures the stunning Chatsworth House in the light of the setting sun.
Best Time
Eddie 2:17
Play the "Chatsworth Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=249f21113edc
Today’s puzzle is from Chatsworth House once again and includes one of the amazing metal sculptures which were on display in the grounds this summer.
Best Times
Eddie 3:35
Play the "Chatsworth Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3c6aa7c34d25
Chatsworth House again, today it is the entrance bridge over the Derwent River.
Best Times
Eddie 2:50
Play the "Bridge Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0c90d6177d39
While staying at Chatsworth House we decided to investigate the Derwentwater Dam and while cycling round the Dam we discovered this memorial to mark the place where the Dambuster training flights took place.
Best Times
Eddie 3:26
Play the "Dambusters Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=15bd72764583
One final photo of Chatsworth House for the puzzle today with some reflections on the lake. As always there are a few extra pieces in the Friday puzzle for slightly more of a challenge.
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3d527fbe1753