Today tides is taken from JOHN 21:7-14
The disciples catch 153 fish after being told by the risen Jesus where to fish. They then eat with Jesus on the beach.
Do read all of the Tides devotional but here are just a couple of highlights.
Stephen Johnston writes -
Left to our own devices, of which we can have many, we do not catch many fish. This passage calls us as individuals and churches to die to self-reliance. Our abilities, whatever they might be, will not see people saved and brought into the Kingdom. We desperately need the touch of the Lord.
Cry to God for genuine Holy Spirit inspired renewal and revival.
D.A. Carson writes -
“What is the most urgent need in the church of the Western world today?... The one thing we most urgently need in Western Christendom is a deeper knowledge of God. We need to know God better… One of the foundational steps in knowing God, and one of the basic demonstrations that we do know God, is prayer.” (D.A. Carson “A Call to Spiritual Reformation”)
Remember that the best place to fish in Portsewart Bay is to line up your position in a boat with the cross on top of Dominican College and the Praying hands of Burnside Tower. When our prayers are lined up with the cross then we will be in the right place to fish.
Helping your kids talk openly with God now will also impact the way they view prayer in the years to come. So, here are 4 easy prayer activities to help your family pursue God through prayer.
https://blog.youversion.com/2020/04/4-fun-activities-to-try-with-your-kids/
Perspective
This is an interesting perspective on the current crisis on Twitter from @ChristyWimber
“Let’s stop saying, ‘we’re all in the same boat.’ We’re in the same storm but not the same boat. Some live with the inconvenience of missing friends & staying home while others are in great crisis & feel ship wrecked emotionally & financially. This storm is not the same for everyone.”
Moderator Expresses Appreciation for Frontline Workers
The Moderator and all the Irish church leaders have released a statement expressing their thanks to this on the frontline.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/April-2020/Church-Leaders-thank-you-to-those-on-frontline.aspx
Support For Those Working On The Frontline
Following a meeting by video conference on Friday 17th April, the leaders of Ireland’s main Churches have expressed their deep appreciation and thanks for those working on the frontline during the current Coronavirus pandemic, commending them for “their work, courage and compassion.” The Moderator, along with the leaders of the other main Churches, is issuing a call to all of us in Northern Ireland, as follows:
On Thursday evenings at 8pm, across the UK, we continue to show our appreciation for those who work in our health service, and for all who care for the community in various ways, by sharing in a round of applause. May we encourage you, when you go back into your homes on Thursday evenings, to join with us in offering a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all those whom we have acknowledged in our round of applause. Pray that they may know God’s strength and courage, safety, and blessing in their work. Pray too for those for whom they are caring - the sick, vulnerable, dying and all in distress.
Access To Cemeteries
The leaders of the main Churches (which includes the Moderator Rt. Rev. William Henry) have been in correspondence with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the fact that recent regulations have meant the individuals are unable to visit the grave of a loved one, as all Councils have closed their burial grounds to the public, apart from the small numbers (up to 10) permitted to attend an actual funeral. It has been pointed out that in a situation where a next of kin has not been able to be present at the time of death, nor perhaps even been able to attend the funeral, then being able to visit the grave, at a later date, could be very important in the grieving process. However, at this stage the NI Executive have not felt that it is wise to relax these restrictions. They have however given a commitment to keep this under review.
“VE Day” - FRIDAY 8th MAY 2020 & SERVICES ON SUNDAY 10th MAY
The year 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Friday 8th May has been designated a Bank Holiday in the UK and special events were to have taken place on that day with special Services being held on Sunday 10th May. Obviously most of these plans have been radically changed in light of the restrictions linked to the current pandemic. ‘Let’s Pray’ will have some specific prayer points on those dates and a few other simple resources are planned to be made available on the PCI website. The Church Leaders will be issuing a joint statement in advance and the Moderator will be making particular reference in his ‘on-line’ Service on Sunday 10th May.
Scams
Churches throughout Northern Ireland are asking elderly and vulnerable members of their congregations not to be duped by individuals offering to do their shopping with cash or deliver their church envelopes to clerics.
A post on the Parish of Antrim Facebok page says: “We have become aware of attempted scams in other Parishes in relation to the Parish envelopes, where Individuals have been offering to collect the envelopes and bring them to the Parish Office.
“We would like to make very clear - Parish of Antrim envelopes are NOT being collected by anyone at this time.
“Please share this out across the Parish”.
Help From Burnside
If you need any shopping then we will arrange for someone to collect and deliver the items you need, but we will not send a stranger to your door without you first asking
30 Minute Bible Study
Ever wonder how the early church spread the message of the gospel? In this episode of "The Bible in 30 Minutes," Phil and David look at the book of Acts and discuss how the Apostles partnered with God to grow the early church. Click below to listen:
https://player.lightcast.com/yUjN3ITM
Free Audio Book
Christian Audio is a website where you can purchase Christian Audio books which can be listened to on your phone, tablet or computer. Each month they offer one free book, this month it is “Don’t Lose Heart” by Jason Meyer.
https://christianaudio.com/free
Care for NI
For resources about the Coronavirus crisis from a biblical perspective check out the Care For NI website. They say, “As we all adjust to the difficult and changing world around us, CARE is here to provide you with the key facts in these COVID-19 times.”
https://care.org.uk/cause/coronavirus-2020
Just to illustrate the difference between this year and last year in Portstewart.
The photo with Dougal was taken on the 21st April 2019 & The 2nd Photo was taken on the 20th April 2020. The weather is a lot better this year, but the beach is very, very quiet.
Do remember the songs that we have been learning in Burnside.
This is Cornerstone - My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less