"If any of you lacks wisdom,
you should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you."
James 1:5 [NIV]
Don't just believe it,
In youth last night we had a thing called ‘Bring it Friday’. We do this every month but last night spoke to me so much more than it has before. Every time we do bring it Friday God speaks to us. There is most often a link between all of the things we have brought despite the fact that we plan them on our own.
Last night the thing that stood out to me the most from listening to everything that people had brought, was that no matter what we do wrong or what goes on in our lives God will always be there to pick us out and put our lives back together. God is not for the people who have perfect lives with big houses and the best job. He is for the people who don’t know where to turn and the people who have no one else. God is for the broken. We are all broken people and God is putting us back together. We just have to let him! We need to let go of the things that get in the way and have faith that God will do what is best for us.
I know people of my age at the moment are faced with life changing decisions of university, moving out, finding a job and just being an adult. When everything is a big decision like this we need to let God take us to the place he needs us to be. God has a plan for each and every one of us, whether it is going to university, finding a job, going to work or just finding out what we need to do for the best; God knows what we need. No matter our age, sex or ability God still has a plan for us but have we got the guts to let him use us?
By Chloe Willis
Jesus and the Last Supper - Matt 26:31-35
“Tonight all of you will desert me,” Jesus told them. “For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” “Peter,” Jesus replied,“the truth is, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” “No!” Peter insisted.
“Not even if I have to die with you! I will never deny you!”
And all the other disciples vowed the same.
Matt 26:31-35 [NLT]
Jesus, on a number of occasions prepared the disciples for what was ahead, speaking not only of His death but also his resurrection too!
Yet the disciples missed it. Maybe we can identify with Peter’s reaction especially during church services and times of worship. We can say things just like Peter did. I’d die for you! No-one compares to God! I will live for God all my days! And an hour later, we can find ourselves behaving or talking in a way far from what we had in mind during worship. Some may say it may be easier to die for faith than to live in a way that fully honours God. And maybe we could like Peter say whatever everyone else does, when it comes to the crunch, you can depend on me. But if we can’t give God a Sabbath of our time or a tenth of our income? If we cant guard our thoughts, words or actions? Do you really think we can give our lives for Him. What a challenge!!!
RUN THE RACE
Hopefully, by the time you read this, Peter and I will have taken part in the Swansea Half Marathon, managed to run all the way around and will still be able to put one foot in front of the other without falling over. You might even see a faint glow of satisfaction emanating from us as we bask a little bit in our physical achievement. We have, after all put a bit of effort in, in preparation for the event.
The apostle Paul tells us to throw off all things that hinder us and run the race for Christ and just as Peter and I have had to put hours of physical training in so that we could run our race, in the same way, spiritually we have to put time in with God in order to effectively be able to run the course He has set out for us.
Many times I could justify not going for a training run, excuses like "I don't feel like it", "I'm too tired", "I haven't got time", I'd rather watch tv/stay in bed/eat something. However, having the goal of our race in mind often made me put aside those excuses and reach for my running shoes. It's the same with our spiritual training. How many times do we have good intentions, but the same sorts of excuses prevent us from spending precious time with God. Well, it helps me to remember that we too have a spiritual goal that we can aim for. Paul often talks about a prize and a crown to be had from competing in Jesus' race, and just as Peter and I will have lovely shiny medals for taking part in our race, everyone who accepts Christ's challenge and who runs his race will also get a prize too. One that we really don't deserve, but by faith we receive and nothing else on earth will ever compare to. Let's all pick up the pace of our spiritual training and run our race for Jesus the best way we can, by spending more time focused on him.
Hebrews 12:1-3, 2 Tim 4:6-8, Phil 3:12-14, Col 2:6-7
By Ruth James
FRANK & CAROL FORD
Frank & Carol Ford have been AOG missionaries in Spain for over 30 years, pioneering and planting churches and placing them under the leadership of Spanish people whom they have trained. Their 3 adult children, Tim, Nicki and Katie are all involved in local churches. Frank & Carol Ford are based in the mother church in Castellon and are planting out daughter churches in Oropesa, Onda and Villareal. Frank broadcasts on local radio while Carol leads the local prison ministry. They also have a late night ministry team which goes out into the streets providing food, clothing and hot drinks. The team also testify with great enthusiasm about the love of Jesus and pray for people. There are hundreds of needy people in Spain as no less than half of the 3 million unemployed receive no government help.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS AROUND THE WORLD
Please pray for:
> For continuing health and strength as they evangelise, teach, plant churches, pastor, minister in radio and prison work.
> That the Lord would continue to bless the late-night ministry team as they minister to the down-and-outs.
> For the financial situation of the churches. Due to much unemployment the church income.
If you would like to give to Missions just put your Missions gift in an envelope marked Missions and drop it in collection any time along with your offerings. Each month, you can read a little more about Christian Mission organisations and what they do.
> for Brian, Joel, Marcus and family
> for David John’s recovery
> For Lydia and Kris’ continued recovery .
>for Liz Savage (Tumour)
>for our country following the EU Referendum.
>Please pray for all the people with deadlines, results and those leaving their place of education over the next few weeks. This is stressful time!
JULY SPECIAL EVENTS
Tenby Trip—16th July (11am-3pm on North Beach) we have decided this year to meet in Tenby
Swansea Airshow—2nd July If anyone's up for meeting up on the beach please talk to Chris.
1st Ann Parker
4th Ann Benjamin
5th Gladys James
7th Liam Williams
8th Peter James
11th Liz Screen
12th Eva Jackson
14th Bill Thomas
16th Lauren Jones
21st Gareth Whitcombe
28th Cheryl Havard
28th Ashton Williams
30th Catherine Aspland
Sunday
10:30am - Morning Service
3:30pm - O-Zone Family Service
Monday
7:30pm - 18/07/16 - LifeLounge(18+)
Wednesday
7:00pm - Prayer Meeting
13/07/16 - Mission Focus
20/07/16 - Kids/Youth Focus
Thursday
9:15am - 11:15am - Coffee Morning
No coffee AM on Thurs 21st, 28th July
Friday
7pm-8pm- R-GEN (11+)
8pm-9pm- R-GEN After Hours
No R-Gen Fri 8th,15th, 22nd, 29th July
