Friday 30th January by Sue Trantor
Even in Old Age They Will Still Produce Fruit. They Will Remain Vital and Green. They Will Declare the Lord is Just. He is My Rock.
Psalm 92 v 14
In the last chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus says to his disciple "when you were young you were able to do as you liked. You dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted. But when you are old you will stretch out your hands and others will dress you and take you where you do not want to go".
The words were a prediction of John's death on a cross. But before I understood it's meaning I took the verse at its face value and read it as a reference to a loss of independence and decline in old age.
Though I now understand the verse differently I can't help being reminded of the frailty that old age can bring. Especially with my own passing years. However, at such times I take heart from the Psalmist who said that "even in old age they will remain vital and green.
They will declare The Lord is just, He is my rock, there is no evil in him". I am sure that we all know and can be inspired by someone who has been serving God for many years, yet their love for their saviour still produces fruit and their spiritual growth remains as vital and green as ever.
Friday 23rd January by Howard Mole
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([a]relief and ease and refreshment and [b]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [c]good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
Matthew 11:29 -30 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
(v30 in particular)
The passages are from the Amplified Bible - When I read this recently, the word wholesome struck me and I had sense of that wholesomeness of Jesus; joy, happiness, fullness, contentment, completeness, laughter, protected from the world (being in the world however no longer of the world).
Wholesome may mean something different for each one of us, however, the wholesomeness that Jesus is to you will fit perfectly on your shoulders of your life.
Friday 16th January by Linda Byrne
l lift my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help". My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth
Psalm 121 v1
As a child l had to attend Glasgow eye infirmary for 2 years due to an an eye condition l was born with. The medics were kind and managed to get my full attention by turning the tests/exercises into games and l was obsessed with their pen like torches! It also helped that one of my brothers was there receiving the same treatment and tests.
Why mention any of this?
Well, l recently had cause to think on focus and what we see. What we see is dependent on the vision
that we have allows us to see. We can look, gaze even focus but if our vision is imperfect then we can see distortion, rather than perfection.
But, all through life there is and can be a deeper seeing where we can gaze on Jesus, The one alone who is holy, perfect and unfailing in love.
In him there is no distortion, only total perfection, where he holds us in his strong, unfailing love.
He listens when others don't or won't. He comforts when it hurts and he comes to soothe the place of grief.
So, lets do our spiritual exercise to help ensure we see him daily, in all his resplendent beauty.
Lets pray, lets seek him in the quiet place and lets remain in the word of God.
"I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be
shaken. " Psalm 16v 8.
Friday 9th January by Jennifer Offord
I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
Psalm 116 verses 1-2
At the end of our prayer meeting on Sunday night in Glasgow I suddenly became very moved by a very strong impression that God had heard our prayers. The psalmist says that God bends down to listen. This gives the picture of God leaning in to hear our faintest cry almost like a parent bending down to hear a child.
You don't need eloquent or perfect words to reach Him; even your sighs and tears are a language He understands perfectly.
Let us be encouraged – what a thought – the God of the universe is listening. So let us continue to pray like the psalmist for as long as we have breath.
Friday 2nd January by Alison MacDonald
Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle?
1 Corinthians 14:7-8 NLT
May 18, 1980 ws a fateful day on Mount St. Helens, Washington State . For weeks a young volcanologist, David A Johnston, 30 years old, had been watching and waiting, anticipating a mighty burst from this volcano that had been sleeping for 123 years.He wasn't the only one urging people to evacuate, others were equally sure of a catastrophic explosion any time soon. But evacuation wasn't convenient and nobody was listening. Only David was on duty that day watching, ready to sound the alarm. He had about 15 seconds. The explosion of molten rock and lava meant that he and all his equipment was never found. The death toll could have been catastrophic, in hundreds perhaps thousands of people. Instead 57 people died that day.
The most remarkable part of this event was this one man, David A Johnstone. David had given his life doing exactly what he believed scientists should do: warn people, even when warnings are unpopular. Stay at the most dangerous observation post because someone needs to be there. Risk everything to gather the data that might save others.
He wasn't thinking about himself. He was thinking about the warning. About the data. About doing his job until the very last second.
Friday 26th December by Flo Buchan
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Mat 2:10
The days are short and the nights long and dark in December, and light is at a premium. Anything that gives light is a joy. Some of us love the festive lights - the brightly lit Christmas trees in windows -twinkling lights in gardens. We love to walk on a winter’s day with the sun glimmering low on the horizon and to gaze at the stars on a clear, cold night.
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What must it have been like for the Wise Men to follow God’s special star through a darkness both natural and spiritual, and for
that shining star to lead them to the Light of the World? When they saw Jesus the Wise Men bowed down and worshiped him.
The wonderful truth is that this Christmastide we too may come to Jesus, the Light of the World, who shines through the darkness of this world, and give Him our gifts of love, worship and praise.
They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Friday 19th December by Sue Trantor
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Psalm 27 v 1
Walking in Glasgow this week I was amazed at the amount of Christmas lights everywhere. Great swathes of them twinkling all around and above. Beautiful and certainly cheering for those of us who struggle with dark nights and gloom as winter begins.
But it struck me that it must have been hard if not harder for the people of Israel in Biblical times to sit through the long winter evenings. The sun sets in Israel at much the same time as it does here and though the autumn is warmer, by January it can get very cold. Add to that the lack of lighting as most homes only had small clay lamps usually filled with olive oil. At least it was a relatively clean and safe fuel to burn according to Google. No wonder there are so many beautiful references to light in the old and new testament.
When Jesus said "I have come as a light to shine in this dark world" what a powerful message that must have been to people stumbling about in the gloom. His words would have had earthly impact as well as spiritual significance, just as they do to us despite all the twinkly lights of Christmas.
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Friday 12th December by Howard Mole
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
​I'd been looking at the news and what is going on in the world, it is so painful; so much conflict and social upset. At the point of pain, I kind of stood back from all of that and opened my spirit to Jesus, like a child, hides behind a parent and I felt Perfect Peace and a Comfort of Assurance God's Shepherd like guiding to Heaven, in Faith in the One who knows The Way.
There isn't much more to be said than that.
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Friday 5th December by Linda Byrne
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.
[Proverbs 3:5]
As a social worker, l hear many different experiences that individuals have lived through and the following was one shared with me.
The man in his forties reminisced about being a boy of four. The four year old was placed on top of the extended table. The father stood at the other end holding both arms open he said , " J.... , run to me as fast as you can, l will catch you". The child obeyed and as he launched himself off the table the father moved to the side. The shocked child crashed onto the wooden floor, he knew not to cry. But, he looked up to be informed;
" Lesson one, trust no one....".
Is our heavely father the same?
Is our heavenly father cruel?
Can our heavenly father be trusted?
'Anathema', l hear you cry and rightly so. Our heavenly father is the total opposite: He loves us.
He holds us safe in loving arms.
He hears us when we call to him.
He never leaves us.
He is faithful, always.
His heart beats in love toward us.
And how do l know all this?
Simply, because:
l am His child.
I have been drawn by Him.
Held by Him.
Forgiven by Him.
Guided by Him.
kept by Him and loved by him.
If you have never known the true love of a good father there is never a need to be an Orphan . Simply let Him love you in to loving him and dwell in the peace that only he can provide.
" I will not leave you or forsake you"
[Hebrews 13:5].
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Friday 28th November by Christine Cowan
“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.”
Psalm 119: vs 103 (NLT).
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In November this year, the Struthers Memorial Glasgow Church branch, participated in providing Christmas shoeboxes to be distributed by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian charity to be sent abroad. These gifts are aimed at young people and is a means of expressing the love of Christ to those who have little.
Surely a way of providing an opportunity of drawing precious hearts to give their lives to follow Jesus, with spoken or non-spoken messages emanating from the sweetness of Christ Himself.
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Friday 22nd November by Lynne Mellstrom
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness
​2 Corinthians 12:9
I was thinking recently about the grace extended to us by God and wondered how the current AI Internet computers would see this. Interestingly even AI seems to have a grasp on the concept of Gods eternal love shown to us saying - God’s grace is the unmerited, freely-given favour and love that God bestows upon humanity, offering forgiveness, salvation, and the power to live a transformed life. It is not something that can be earned through good works but is a divine gift accepted through faith.
We are not computers - we are flesh and blood mortals and in our busy lives we can forget that we are covered by that all encompassing grace through the blood of Jesus (which set’s us free!). It cost us nothing to bow the knee and turn towards Him who loves us, He freely offers His love and mercy to everyone, regardless of their background or actions. He empowers His church to live transformed lives, love abundantly, and grow in holiness through the help of the Holy Spirit. This is no small gift! God is with us daily through thick and thin, good times and bad - such is His grace that it’s almost too difficult to comprehend. It’s infinite!
Thank God for that immeasurable grace that is poured out today and know the peace that He brings even in this uncertain world.
A blessing to you all.
Friday 14th November by Sue Trantor
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My heart is confident in you oh God. No wonder I can sing your praise with all my heart.
A psalm of David - Psalm 108 v1
On Sunday morning nearing church, the gears on my car refused to go up or down. Somehow I crept to a halt in Westbourne Gardens. My first thought was to phone the AA or get the problem sorted instead of going into church. Thankfully, I realised prayer was my priority and the car could wait.
In the service I struggled to concentrate at first, wondering how I would get home. But then suddenly I knew I could be "confident", God would help.
Outside again in the car I tried to phone the AA but three times I was cut off, my confidence wobbled. But then the door opened and there was Leah asking if I needed help. In minutes she had contacted the AA through her phone and almost immediately I had a text saying that help would be on the way. Once the mechanic arrived the problem was fixed in two minutes.
Reading my bible later I came across the words that had so reassured me in church, "my heart is confident in you, oh God" and I knew He had been speaking to me words I really needed to hear.
Friday 7th November by Lidia Adnew
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When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
— Isaiah 43:2 (KJV)
Even in the hardest seasons, God walks beside us.
Faith isn’t built in calm weather - it grows in the storm.
When the road feels heavy, remember: His grace still carries you.
A little faith can light the darkest path
Friday 31st October by Alison Neill
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He will drink from a brook along the way, and so he will lift his head high.
Psalms 110:7 NIV
He is Jesus, the Messiah, in all 'the way' planned for Him by the Father, He knew where to find the strength and sustenance. He shows us the way, he does not leave us as orphans. We can drink freely and without price the water of life and sustenance.
"Just one touch of that precious golden love is enough for me" (song credit L Rankin)
Friday 24th October by David Shuttleton
...the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing....’
2 Chronicles 36:22b RV1885
‘....the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus ....’ —NIV
‘.... Jehovah waked up the spirit of Cyrus’ —YLT98
We must pray more earnestly and with hightened vigour that God's will is increasingly accomplished among even the most godless world leaders —specifically named in our prayers— that they do God's will, reverse wicked policies or run round in circles of confusion in the midst of troublesome campaigns to thwart them and bring them to nought, as, where and when God wills.
‘Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life [from the Israelis].’ 2 Kings 7:7 RV1885
Friday 17th October by Leah Martin
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
I’ve been teaching the biochemistry of blood this year - for the first time in quite a while - and it’s reminded me how remarkable the human body really is. Every drop of blood carries around five million red blood cells, and each one contains about 270 million haemoglobin molecules. Every second, your body produces two or three million new red blood cells to replace those that have finished their brief life’s work (about 120 days in service) circulating, delivering oxygen, and keeping you alive.
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Each haemoglobin molecule holds four iron atoms, each able to carry one oxygen molecule. That means in one tiny drop of blood, there are billions of oxygen molecules being transported and released in perfect synchrony, every moment of every day. All of it happens automatically, without us thinking, without us even noticing, a complex choreography that sustains life.
And that’s just one system. The body is full of others - networks of astonishing precision and cooperation: the way enzymes control metabolism, the way nerves carry electrical messages at incredible speed, the way cells repair damage or fight infection. Each one would be a lifetime’s study in itself.
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The psalmist who wrote “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” didn’t know the science behind it, but he recognised the truth of it. The Hebrew word for “fearfully” implies reverence, the kind of awe that stops you in your tracks. It’s a response that feels very natural when you begin to grasp even a fraction of how beautifully designed we are.
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We live in an age that can describe so much - molecular structures, genetic codes, biochemical pathways - yet knowing more should never dull our wonder. If anything, it should deepen it. The more we understand, the more clearly we can say with the psalmist: “Your works are wonderful; I know that full well.”
Friday 10th October by Annukka Kinnaird
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“For you, O Lord, have blessed it, and it will be blessed forever.“
Chronicles17:27
Over a 100 years ago, a young Frenchman called Charles de Foucauld, a descendant of an aristocratic family, decided to join a group of catholic monks. He worked in Northern Africa, living a simple life and translating the Bible.
During the turbulent times of the first world war Charles lost his life. His close friend wrote a book about him which inspired many others to do missionary work including a group of catholic nuns and monks who travelled through the Saharan desert and decided to settle amongst the Ouldeme and Vame peoples during the 1950s.
The newcomers were deeply moved by the high infant mortality rate in the area and decided to first build a dispensary and after that, inspired by Charles’s work, to study local languages and culture and begin translating the New Testament into the Ouldeme language.
A catholic priest, Father Philippe, had already finished translating the four gospels when he was chosen to be the bishop of Northern Cameroon, such a huge area he no longer had time to continue translation work. It was at this point in 1992, when our family travelled to the far North of Cameroon for the very first time and from three possible work areas we felt called to work amongst the Ouldeme and continue the work that Father Philippe had so devotedly done.
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For Willie and I, it has been an incredible privilege to be part of this chain of events, but it is not just us, it is everyone who has supported the work in one way or another, who are also linked to these fascinating historic events. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! For over three decades you prayed for us and those in the village, you went beyond duty by providing famine relief and helping with other projects as well.
We hope that, as you have been reading these lines, many of you can feel part of a great achievement, the publication of two New Testaments, audio recordings and Jesus film in both languages.
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The work still continues, and, for the most part, the local people are now leading it. They are now the main link in this chain. But they still value our prayers, support and the knowledge there are people far away in the white man’s land who are part of this chain and the team that helped to finally reach the goal of finishing the translation of Ouldeme and Vame New testaments.
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Friday 3rd October by Janet Leith
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John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me’”. From the fulness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
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John Ch 1 v 15 – 17
I noticed the word “grace” in my recent Bible reading and decided to explore the meaning of the word and how it might apply. Almost all the letters in the New Testament frequently use the word grace. For example, in greetings to the churches by the writers. But it is something that is highlighted and connected to Jesus in a specific way.
What does the word mean?
Oxford Dictionary definition
In Christian Belief – “the free and unearned favour of God”
John’s gospel makes it clear that grace came through Jesus. It is part of the work that Jesus did on the cross. He has taken our sin, paid the price for us by His death on the cross. Now we are recipients of the favour of God. We have God’s “approval or liking” because of Jesus.
I took some time to think what that means for us as individuals and as a group of believers. I suggest in this week you do the same.
God not only accepts us but His favour is on us. We need to apply that to our own lives. It will change how we think of ourselves and think and act towards fellow believers.
Grace is frequently linked to peace in the New Testament.
“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace” Ephesians Ch1 Verse 2.
May this week be one when grace and peace are our experience.
Friday 26th September by Kathleen Kearney
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is in secret and when your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly Mathew 6:6
Our Heavenly Father expects us to spend time with him. He grants us access to himself. May we realise more and more what a privilege and honour we have as his children
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Friday 19th September by Christine Cowan
9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.
10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
John 15 v 9-10 NLT
The beauty of these words spoken by Jesus are truly intriguing and tantalising. Jesus is moving nearer towards dying on the Cross and His Resurrection. His love and His relationship with His Father and the Holy Spirit just continue to deepen within me even when I struggle at times with being obedient. Again and again, there is forgiveness sought at the Cross through the power of the shedding of the Blood of Jesus at Calvary. In one divine moment I am made clean as I am wed to Christ.
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Friday 12th September by Graham Mellstrom
“And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God”
Ephesians Ch3:19
All for Love
There is love, and there is Christ’ love.
When we as individuals take time to stop and look at this powerful love of Christ, the more his love affects us to our deepest parts and we find a fulfilment that is only found in Him. In the dawning knowledge of our own inadequacies, the more we have growing hope and confidence in the victory of Jesus. The victory over sin and death, because of His love for us.
The words of this song have recently been touching my heart, speaking to me of the love of Jesus.
The weight of the promise held in your heart
My sinful condition kept us apart
In the garden of Gethsemane where mercy met your majesty
The call of redemption, Father to Son
With tears of deep sorrow, Your will be done
Perfect Saviour in holy surrender
As darkness descended, you never relented
As you gave your spirit, grace now complete
Your wounds now our healing, your pain now our peace
On the holy cross of Calvary my failure met eternity.
All for love
You were forsaken, my heart awakened
It is finished, death undone
Now forever, praise the Son
There is no greater name than this
The name of Jesus
There is no higher love than this
Oh, The Love of Jesus
All for love.
Friday 5th September by Duncan Patrick
"By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me-
a prayer to the God of my life."
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​Psalm 42:8, NIV.
It's probably not a secret that I love singing. From folk songs for senior citizens when I was in 5th Paisley Boys' Brigade to being part of the Glasgow Men's Group, I've loved how singing can help me express emotions and say something about what is important to me. It's also probably the only form of exercise I've consistently enjoyed!
How much more when singing to God how you feel about Him? It brings together your beliefs (Jesus is Lord, God is love, we WILL be free of sin, sorrow and suffering in God's eternal presence), feelings (joy, gratitude, love, awe) and aspirations (assurance, forgiveness, closer relationship with God, God's wider glorification). Best of all, it's personal, both in the sense that it's directly between you and God and in that God wants you to and empowers you to worship Him in song. The Holy Spirit Himself is at work in you, enabling you to do this.
The key is to put your theology into practice; to always keep in mind that you are worshipping One who is worthy of our worship. To forget about yourself and what you might sound like and lose yourself instead in God's glory. To join God in creating a song of love together
Friday 29th August by Isobel Marshall
I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.
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Ezekiel 22:30 NLT
I've been thinking about our spiritual walls as a church. (Ezek 22v30). We know they are not made by hands ( Heb 9 v 11) but are spiritual, made from living stones joined and fitted together. (1Pet 2v5) Our walls matter. Our life in Christ today matters; it either builds and strengthens or weakens and destroys our walls.
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Christ has made provision that the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. (Mat 16 v18) Building His righteousness and holiness within us is a deterant against our enemy like no other. That vital communion with Christ is more important than any daily task.
Our living spiritual walls protect our church and expand our spiritual land. Let us not deal in what weakens and destroys our walls, like half truths, lies, unlove, unforgiveness, indifference ... run to Christ for His forgiveness, righteousness and holiness for he has made all provision. Let us go on building in all prayer, faith, love, peace joy, the word of God - All this and more to the praise of His glory and the extension of His kingdom.
Friday 22nd August by Alison Neill
"Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love."
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Isaiah 55 verse 13 NLT
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There are things that the Lord requires of us - faith, obedience, rest, forgiveness - but the more I read and understand the Bible the more I realise that the Lord does so much that we could never do. He changes what we could never change and He acts in mighty powerful ways that we could never predict or orchestrate. Wisdom comes when we do what is required of us then watch with faith for what the Lord chooses to do for his Glory.
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See I am doing a new thing among you (Isaiah 43 v 19)
Friday 15th August by Bill Marks
What is that to you ? You must follow me.
John 21 : 22
This well known scripture relates to when Jesus appeared to seven disciples after his resurrection , and asked Peter 3 times if he loved him.
Jesus then gave Peter an indication as to how he would die, and Peter asked about the disciple following - the one whom Jesus loved (presumably John), and asked what would happen to him. This is when Jesus replied ‘if I want him to live until I come , what is that to you? Follow me!’
We live in a society where people are obsessed with what others have. We see that with children wanting a toy which another child has. How often parents are pressurised into spending money they don’t have to buy a toy / computer game because their friends at school own the latest ‘must have’ item.
But it equally applies to us as adults . Our friend has a new, top of the range car. So why can’t we have the same ( or preferably better !). Our society is polluted with this notion, egged on by so called ‘influencers’
As Christians we must be careful to learn to be content and happy where God has placed us - rather than asking why someone else has picked for a job and not me.
When we performed Passion Plays at church, I was originally cast as a wise man, then regressed to being cast as Herod, and finally as Ananias, the High priest who condemned Christ . I asked the play director why could I not be one of the ‘good guys’ like my friends, rather than a ‘baddy’. The reply was essentially ‘what is that to you?’ Do not envy other people.
It brings back the words of the old chorus
‘All God’s people got a place in the choir!’
We all have a place in God’s perfect plan, and must be content with it He knows best and loves us all equally.
As an aside I have been told that I was much better suited to playing the ‘baddy’. If the cap fits……
And it could have been worse - my son was cast as Judas!
Friday 8th August by Lynne Mellstrom
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
1 Peter 5:10
This week the church at been at its August conference - and oh what a conference it was! It might have been in a new (and super) venue but God was there aplenty for all. God was magnified and glorified, people deepened, encouraged and were refreshed in the Spirit and we had a wonderful time sharing in God’s love for us all.
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I’ve borrowed the verse above that Diana spoke about because it encapsulated the week. If anyone took something away this week it was that God’s love is plentiful, His love for us is unfathomable and we are welcome in His house and should continue to grow in His love and mercy and as the family of God.
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Blessings to you all.
Friday 1st August by Claire Beesley
“Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!”
Psalm ch 96 V2-4
We have just returned from a church organised residential youth camp, where 35 young people aged 10-16 year olds stayed at the Bible Centre at Renfrew. It was an amazing week, the kids enjoyed every activity that was planned from crafts, games, sports, inflatables and water fights. They engaged in our morning discussion groups on salvation and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Lots of questions from the children over the 3 sessions.
God’s presence was with us from the start of the first evening meeting. The kids heard from various people through the week and had a range of testimony’s from people from our various church branches.
On Tuesday night they had the opportunity to respond to a call to salvation, either for the first time or as a recommitment. 9 of the young people responded to this.
On the Wednesday evening it was on the baptism in the Holy Spirit and a large number of them stayed behind and 11 of the young people received their baptism in the Holy Spirit over the next 2 days.
It is always humbling to be a part of these events and to see God move in these lives. We pray that these young people would continue to grow in their faith and develop in their walk with Christ. We can only thank God for the work in these lives.
Friday 25th July by Rosie Gaw
“Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years”
Charles Spurgeon
I realised the truth of that this morning when reading my Bible. I must have read the story of the conversion of Saul many times but something completely fresh jumped out at me today. It was like reading it with new eyes.
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Many of us are familiar with the story where Saul, on a mission to persecute the church, is stopped in his tracks by a sudden light and voice from heaven. He asks, ‘Who are You Lord?’ and is told ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting’ (Acts 9:5). ‘But when Saul got up from the ground he could see nothing, so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was unable to see for three days and he neither ate nor drank’ (Acts 9:8-9).
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After his conversion, Saul was blind for 3 days. After his death, Jesus was in the tomb for 3 days. I don’t know if you have ever made that connection before, but Saul also went through the death – not physical death but the death of his old nature. We don’t know exactly what happened in those three days Saul was blind, only that he was praying (Acts 9:11). But we do know he had to die to the prestige of his position as a Pharisee, his reliance on good works to get into heaven, and many other things to fulfil the purpose God had for his life.
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After three days, God sent Ananias to lay hands on him and restore Saul’s sight. ‘Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptised’ (Acts 9:18). This reminded me of the verse ‘We were buried with Him (Christ) through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.’ (Romans 6:4). Baptism was symbolic of both the death of the old Saul and his resurrection into the new life of Christ. Our old nature has also been buried with Christ and the new life has come. We have been made new. Thanks be to Jesus.
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Friday 18th July by Linda Murray
What does the Lord require of you
To do justly
To love mercy
And walk humbly with your God
Micah 6:8
I have not been able to get this verse out of my head for weeks now. We seem to live in a time of fear, threat of war and darkness. The need surrounding us is great and realistically what can one man, one woman do in the face of it all? It seems especially difficult for our young people when they see what is on the news and social media as they struggle with what the future holds.
Except God doesn't give us greater burdens than we can carry nor are we expected to fix everything going around us but we are responsible for what falls to us. To pray, to treat with kindness, even a simple smile in the right places can communicate God's love to those in need.
One of the first sermons I remember Miss Black giving was
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Ecclesiastical 9 v10.
Actually it wasn't until I was much older I realised it was from the bible and not something Miss Black came up with herself!
This week I am going to endeavour to see what the Lord has put into my hands to do.
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Friday 11th July by Alison Meldrum
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!The Lord God is my strength! he makes me as sure footed as the deer, able to tread upon the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Habukkuk here is speaking of hard times, not necessary circumstances that we in the 21st century can relate to, but he is painting a bleak picture nevertheless, emptiness, despair sorrow, basically everything is barren empty and dry overwhelming!
We can’t always choose the circumstances we find ourselves in and many times they are not of our own making, but we can choose our attitude towards them.
What did Habukkuk do when faced with such dire and dark circumstances?
The amplified version describes his attitude wonderfully:-
Yet I will choose to rejoice in the Lord! I will choose to shout in the victorious God of my salvation.
What did Habukkuk do:
-He rejoiced in God
-He made a choice to worship and not worry
He said;
I WILL rejoice
I WILL exult in God
I’m sure Habakkuk didn’t feel like rejoicing. Finding Joy in such circumstances of course can be challenging, but we have to believe that God is in the bareness even if we don’t feel it.
Without Him there is no hope. He made a decision to live by faith and praise God along the way.
Habakkuk knew his God; he goes on to say in the Amplified bible;
The Lord God is my strength my personal bravery, and my invincible army.
That is our God, that is who He is for each and every one of us, these are wonderful verses. Habbakuk was confident in God because he knew Him, he knew His true character.
The final part of the verse in the Amplified version says:
He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon our high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility).
In the words of Michael Smiths song “Waymaker”
‘ Way Maker, Miracle Worker,
Promise keeper, Light in the darkness
My God that is who you are
Even though I don’t see it, you’re working
Even when I can’t feel it, you’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
God will always give us His grace, courage and the inner strength we need to live above our circumstances. We need to allow our difficulties to help us develop hinds’ feet … we will walk and make progress through our trouble, suffering, responsibility or whatever is trying to hold us back.
Trust Him, Delight in Him, Love Him with all of your heart, soul and strength.
Choose Joy, Choose faith, let go of every fear and doubt.
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Friday 4th July 2025 by Lynne Mellstrom
“The Spirit of God [Ruach Elohim] was hovering over the waters”
Genesis 1:2
The Hebrew ruach means “wind,” “breath,” or “spirit.” The corresponding Greek word is pneuma. Both words are commonly used in passages referring to the Holy Spirit. The word’s first use in the Bible appears in the second verse: “The Spirit of God [Ruach Elohim] was hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:2). In Genesis 6:17 ruach is translated “breath of life.”
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It’s the same Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) when Stephen gazed into heaven and saw Jesus at the right hand of the Father and it’s the same Holy Spirit whom Jesus spoke about who would guide and teach us and Who descended on the followers on the Day of Pentecost in the upper room. He may come as the gentle zephyr or like a mighty rushing wind but He’s the same Holy Spirit that moves in and through us (if we let Him). He is as alive today as He was at the very beginning of life.
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Are you open to the word of God moving in and though you - are you attuned to that wonderful sound that is God alone? What is God staying to you today? Like the natural wind on earth erodes and shifts sand dunes and the clouds in the sky are blown away let the wind of the Spirit move upon you and breathe life in you and through you. Don’t wait until the Spirit has to ‘erode’ your stubbornness away but let Him capture your heart and mind and be refreshed daily by His word that He has for you.
A blessing to you all.
Friday 27th June 2025 by Graham Offord
Jesus hears, but do we hear the cry of our people?
In the Gospel of John (Ch10 v9), Jesus famously stated, "I am the door."
This
He truly opens the door to life abundant.
No more fear for today or tomorrow!
When we become a friend of Jesus.
Indeed, not just a friend, but a follower of Jesus.
Standing in the shadows you will find Jesus,
He is the only one who cares and understands.
Following Jesus demands commitment but brings unfathomable joy.
I came across a song recently by Steve Green (1984) and found the words very moving – they also appeal for a response.
For the Christian – proclaim you are a friend of Jesus to your fellow travellers on this earth and have faith in Him.
If you are not yet a friend of Jesus – reach out to Him, cry out to Him, He is sure to amaze you when he comes close – as He surely will.
The song goes like this:
Everyday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What could be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who's lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize that we must give our lives?
For people need the Lord?
Friday 13th June 2025 by Alison Neill
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.
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Colossians 4: 2-3
This verse today brought together two completely different conversations in my day today. I had been very discouraged this morning and didn’t know where to start praying and was reminded in my daily reading that gratitude and thanksgiving to God is the fastest way through trials simply because it changes our perspective - Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms, 95 v2. Just a few hours later, a friend called me with great joy to say that they had met a neighbour in the street, heavy with depression and sleeplessness and right on the spot in the street they offered to pray with the neighbour. The depression lifted and they went on their way with gratitude too!
This week as we praying very specifically in our Glasgow fellowship that ‘God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ’, we remember too that such prayer comes with a sacrifice, but also a promise that ‘those who sow and those who reap will rejoice together.
The harvest is plentiful! Paul couldn’t have known as he sat in that prison cell that his words of faith would inspire millions of people to follow Jesus, and we too don’t yet see the fruits of our lives as we seek to fulfil the commands of our Lord, to whom we owe our very lives.
Friday 6th June 2025 by Linda Byrne
"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
Isaiah 41:13
Whilst on holiday, when we were children one of my brothers wanted me to go tree climbing and despite my reservations l led the way as l didn't want him to have an accident! He estimated l had reached around 25 feet when it all went wrong. I reached out for the next branch, oops it cracked and then....Argh, argh, argh as l was being slapped by every branch on my rapid descent and then thud!
Whilst in flight, l remember knowing there was not a thing l could do but wait until l landed.
In those moments l was totally helpless.
There was nothing l could do but wait.
There was no way of being in control.
I was at the mercy of the situation.
Have you ever felt as though you are being slapped by every branch in your journey through life.?
Have circumstances seemingly conspired against you?
Has your work situation seemed overwhelming?
Have family relations been strained?
Do you feel helpless?
Are you worried about finances?
Has your spiritual walk faltered?
Take hope precious friends for when we are weak, when we feel alone, challenged or isolated by the strain of life it is then that we can feel the love of God at the deepest level.
When you feel in free fall;
He sees.
He knows.
He cares more than you/we will ever know.
And through it all He is holding you, keeping you and encouraging you to
to remain safe and secure in Him.
" l wait for the Lord, my soul waits and in
His word l hope" ( psalm 130v5).
Friday 30th May 2025 by Mandy Stinglhammer
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name”
NLT Hebrews 13 verse 15
I was feeling quite discouraged , as there seemed to be so many difficulties facing so many people I know.
Then, towards the end of our little morning prayer meeting on Zoom, these words dropped into my heart: “a sacrifice of praise”.
I have known this verse, listened to sermons on it, read books about praise, but the words suddenly became real for me right there and then in my discouragement - to turn to praise even when your mind is filled with concern.
And as I turned to Him, and began to thank Him - to my shame at first I could only find one thing - but as I began to praise God for this one thing, suddenly my heart was lightened, and I found many, many more reasons to praise and thank Him.
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Friday 23rd May 2025 by Kenny Gaw
The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed..”,
Luke 17.20
In my job as a music teacher I’ve seen countless students develop their musical talents over the years. Routine practice is obviously essential for this, otherwise no development takes place.
Unfortunately, the level of perceived progress is not constant. Sometimes the student appears to be stuck and feels they are getting nowhere and at other times they are surprised at what they can actually do with the instrument.
Regular practice trains the brain in the basic techniques required and skills that have been consciously worked on gradually become automatic. Although no perceived progress is taking place, these “internal” changes are happening and will soon bear fruit as long as the student is persistent.
The same is true in the Christian life. We need to persist in the basic “practice” of time alone with God, church attendance, godly living etc to develop our relationship with God. There are times when we appear to be making little or no progress, but very often we are simply unaware of the changes that are taking place and if we quietly persist, we will be surprised at what God has done.
If we remain faithful God will soon make us fruitful.
Friday 16th May 2025 by Flo Buchan
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Eph 3:20
We’ve recently finished studying the life of Jonah in our Bible Study.
God is always working to change us to become more like Himself. He may, as He did with Jonah, ask us to do a task which is outside our comfort zone, or He may gently (in Jonah’s case not so gently) put His finger on something in our character or lifestyle that is not ideal. We have the choice to blank out God’s promptings or to listen and obey. If God is asking us to change we can be certain He will give us the power to do so, no matter how painful it might be for us, and having obeyed we will become more effective in His Kingdom.
Jonah eventually obeyed the call to go to Nineveh and the people of Nineveh repented and were saved.
May we be those who obey God’s voice. Who knows what will happen when we allow God’s mighty power to work within us so that His name will be glorified.
Friday 9th May 2025 by David Shuttleton
“….Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” – The Acts‬ â€3‬:â€6‬ â€RV1885‬‬.
This is the cry of my heart whenever I witness to anyone. I have nothing to give. I cannot preach a great sermon to them. I cannot open their eyes to truth by my intellect or words of oratory. I cry inwardly “silver and gold have I none; but what I do have, I give to you freely, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Eyes, be opened to see Jesus in all His beauty!”
Friday 2nd May 2025 by Howard Mole
A few months ago at our Tuesday night bible study, we looked at the book of Judges and one of the characters we covered was Samson Judges Judges 13-16. Samson is famous for his immense, God given, strength.
After Samson was tricked by his wife and father-in-law about a riddle he'd set, he went on a revenge spree. Morally, from that point, he went majorly downhill and ended up, weak, blind and imprisoned.
Before Samson was born, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Samson's mother and father Judges 13 v 1-17. The Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament, is usually taken to be Jesus, before His incarnation. They offered to give the Angel food, however the Angel of the Lord couldn't eat it - He had no physical form - so He burnt it up by fire Judges 13 v18-21.
How things have changed! Even after Christ's resurrection He ate - Luke 24:42. "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form," Colossians 2:9.
How things have changed! Where Samson was bent on revenge, Jesus commands us to forgive our enemies, and even bless those who persecute us! Matthew 5 v 43-48 .
At the Cross, all sin is forgiven – totally- “ as far as the east is from the west" Psalm 103:12.
Christian - accept God's Grace, fully.
If you don't know Jesus - come to church. Speak with someone who can lead you to Jesus and find the Love of God, have sins forgiven. God has a good plan for your life "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
God is good. Psalm 100 v 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Friday 25th April 2025 by Alison Neill
"When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake"
Ecclesiastes 10 verse 8
I have come across this verse in various Bible translations and notice it because it gives me such a vivid picture of the process of making changes. Change can be exciting when it is practical things like home improvements! But even the most exciting changes bring challenges, both expected and completely unexpected.
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But this verse also hints at a possible fear of making changes and the reluctance to press on for fear of harm. In our spiritual life, we often have to make changes, and have to demolish "old walls" within ourselves of fear, self-reliance, prejudice and unbelief enabling us to follow the Spirit's leading (Galatians 5 v25)..When we knock down these old walls within to grow in Christ, we all too easily fear the "snakes" that wound our vunerabilities.
But Jesus gave an amazing promise in Luke 10 verse 18 "....you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.." The snakes of threat and intimidation do not come from within us, but from our enemy to prevent glory and praise to God in our lives, but God's promises forever and always assure us of victory in him, with a resulting growth in joy and faith as we step out in obedience in Christ's name.
To his first disciples he said with joy, "I saw satan falling like lightning from heaven." Luke 10 v18
Friday 18th April 2025 by Jennifer Offord
He did this to fulfill his own statement: “I did not lose a single one of those you have given me”
John Ch18 v9 NLT
It is the moment before Jesus is led away from the garden of Gethsemane and John in his writings recalls this event when Jesus asked the guards to let John and the others go. The statement referred to is from John 6:39 (KJV) “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day”.
Adam in the garden lost everything God had given him, fellowship with God and eternal life. Jesus lost nothing accomplishing all the Father set Him to do. Fellowship now restored with God in Christ. Death defeated, tombs opened, sin forgiven. A creation made new and not even one lost that has been given Him by God.
He is not a forgetful or absent-minded Saviour, but He watches over us and will keep us by His victorious strength. He is our defender from the enemy and has no weakness that would result in Him losing a grip on us. What a security we have in Him.
As we come to Easter this weekend, we can celebrate with such a saviour who loses nothing but restores everything for us.​
Friday 11th April 2025 by Christine Cowan
We have never heard anyone speak like this!” the guards responded.
John 7:46 NLT
When facing opposition to our Christian beliefs it is comforting to know that whenever Jesus spoke, he always uttered the truth as recognised by the officers sent to detain Him. Sometimes there arises opposition in our own selves when faced with the reality of sin, as the Holy Spirit starts to reveal the need to repent and be forgiven. Yet there is the loveliness of Christ when ministering to the wounded soul who knows the straightness of the gospel message. There is nurtured in him/her the determination to cling onto the Saviour when even fellow believers try to water down His teachings, which is such a dangerous path to take. Let us ache to live at the sharp edge of the Cross in humility.
This wee poem which I believe was provided by the Holy Spirit to me, says it all:
Set this world on fire!
Filled with my desire.
Tell them I will heal them.
Oceans of my love
Flowing from above
I will always love thee.
I will never leave thee.
You are precious to me.
You are my creation.
Take me to the nation.
Oh! Walk with me to Gethsemane
And I, I will show you the way.
These drops of blood
I shed for thee.
Friday 4th April 2025 by Alison Neill
Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened.
Luke 24:8-9 NLT
Before the women remembered the words of Jesus, there was confusion and sadness. But the remembrance of the Lord's words brought joy and action. May we continue to recall and mediate on all the word of the Lord to let his joy and his purpose flow through our lives (even if others don't at first see what we have seen and known!)
Friday 28th March 2025 by Brian Green
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength
Proverbs ch17 V 22 (NLT)
In my readings in recent days I came across this verse which I have probably read many times and in different versions of the bible. However it spoke to me in a way I never really thought of before but one in a natural sense of the familiar comment "laughter is the best medicine" well i suppose we now know where that comes from and many christians and non christians quote the bible in a way without realising.
But isn't it true how in our daily walk with God if we are happy we feel good in ourselves and indeed our spirit is lifted and we can praise Him wholeheartedly, but when we get caught up in the chores of life and our spirit is less joyful or as scripture quotes "A Broken Spirit", how difficult it can be to be to find the strength to praise Him
As it says in Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it. That is the key to starting your day and when life gets on top of us, change it to "I will rejoice and be glad in it. Remember that Christ is our guide day and night and there for us in the good and bad times. this thought reminds me of lyrics of a song.
Don't lose faith, for you're never alone,
For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He'll make them right
And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night
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Finally there are more verses that i care to mention that reminds us to be joyful in Him Phillipians 4:4 "Always be full of Joy in the Lord, 1 Thessalonisns 5:16 Always be Joyful
Friday 21st March 2025 by Mandy Stinglhammer
“with battles on the outside and fear on the inside”(2Cor 7:5)
Do you ever find yourself in the midst of turmoil?
I found myself in a position like this recently -stresses and anxiety within and without.
The devil certainly knows how to whip up a storm, via circumstances that come into our lives, and our reaction to them, bringing a sense of confusion, failure and lack of peace.
Then, just as I sat in our Sunday morning communion service, God spoke to my heart.
He showed me that all the while Christ had been there, waiting for me to turn my focus away from the turmoil and centre the inner vision of my heart on Him. He was gently saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it”. He was reminding me that the way through is to keep my eyes on Christ,
The devil "prowls around like a roaring lion" (1Peter 5:8), but he is an empty noise. Jesus said "he [the devil] has no power over me"(John 14:30).
In a moment of time His “still small voice” can bring peace, and the assurance of Christ's presence in our lives.
Friday 14th March 2025 by Howard Mole
"About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud [agonized] voice, “Eli, Eli, lama Sabathani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
( AMP Matt.27 : 46)
I`d always assumed that God's presence had returned to Christ before He committed His spirit to God`s care. However, after meditating on the events around the crucifixion, I sensed that that may not have been the case, and He, in that act of commitment, bridged the gap that came in at the garden of Eden, when the fellowship of God and man was broken (Gen 3). At that point in the stages of Calvary, He restored the Way for us to live in fellowship with God, moment by moment day by day - as seen for example in the curtain torn from top to bottom in the temple (Mark 15 .38), as well as other momentous events at that time (Matt 27 : 51 and Luke 23 : 45)
It strikes me that, with simple childlike faith and by His Blood, we are turned and live in our spirit in the Kingdom of Heaven, with and in Jesus.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14: 6) As well as Ephesians 2:6 and 7 (Amp) 6 "And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus. 7 He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus."
Relax and believe and rest in His presence.
Friday 7th March 2025 by Linda Byrne
" Seek first the kingdom of God".
Matthew 6: 33
Child protection, Adult protection, protection of Vulnerable groups, Trauma informed practice, duty of candour, health and safety - on and on the training goes. This is the lot of many modern day workers.
To do our best, give our best we train as hard, as diligently and efficiently as we can and yet in this modern world more and more is added to help ensure we deliver the very best service.
But, what do we offer in our Christian service?
Do we seek God diligently?
Do we read the bible daily and love his word?
Do we pray as often as we know we should?
Do we find God in the silent moments?
Do we seek to give him our very best?
Surely, each of us can search our own hearts and find the answers to the above. Be encouraged, it is clear that if we love him and seek him with all of our hearts then we will find more of Him. Then our service will flow to others and His love will be known.
"He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him" [Hebrews 11V 6].
Friday 28th February 2025 by David Shuttleton
“Every good gift and every perfect boon is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.“ James‬ â€1‬:â€17‬ (â€Revised Version 1885‬‬.)
Dict,. Boon,. Noun. BLESSING, Godsend, bonus, good thing, benefit, help, aid, advantage, gain, asset, privilege, luxury; windfall, bonanza, stroke of luck, piece of good fortune;
-informal., perk, plus, plus point, pro;
-formal., perquisite (perk)
-literary., benison (a blessing)
-ANTONYMS., curse, disadvantage.
Let us bless our God– Father, Son and Holy Spirit, throughout this week, with a renewed sense of thanksgiving for every perfect boon in our life, as we earnestly seek to be more and more like Jesus and a channel of blessing to our fellows.
Friday 21st February 2025 by Christine Cowan
..and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir." Genesis 33, verse 14 (KJV) â€
The extract from this verse is one that over an extended period has been impressed on me by the Holy Spirit of the love of Christ for His people when we are at breaking point or even just feeling we can take no more. Last Sunday morning at the Glasgow Struthers Memorial Church Communion Service I was unexpectedly bathed in a new beautiful golden light of Jesus which saturated my spirit and penetrated my very being. It was as if Jesus was reassuring me in His tenderness that He understood me and forgave my sin. His desire was and is to draw me closer to Him than I have ever known.
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However, it is not just all about me, for as we move closer to Easter the outworking of The Cross and Gethsemane for people is touching my thoughts that there is hope for everyone to find Christ as Saviour.
When I first came into Struthers church in a state of very deep sin, I was given a poem by the Holy Spirit as follows:
Gethsemane! Gethsemane! There has to be
Gethsemane in thee!
O taste this cup I have for thee.
O take this cup in purity, there has to be
A dying in thee.
O take this cup I have for thee
O drink from this cup
I offer thee in purity and love.
Friday 14th February 2025 by Leah Martin
God is able to graciously provide you with everything, so that you will always have all you need—with plenty to help others too.
â€â€2 Corinthians‬ â€9‬:â€8‬ â€
The Kingdom of God is built on generosity. In Him, there is no lack. His love is abundant, overflowing, and freely given to us. As citizens of this Kingdom, generosity should be a defining characteristic of our lives as well.
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We often associate generosity with money, but it goes far beyond financial giving. No matter our circumstances, we all have something to give - our time, attention, kindness, talents, and possessions. Every act of generosity is an opportunity to reflect the goodness of God and bless those around us.
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When we consider the limitless generosity of God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the great plan of redemption, how can we not respond with gratitude? He has given us everything, and in return, He calls us to live in the same generous spirit.
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Let’s be more intentional about generosity, looking for ways to share the abundance we have received.
Friday 7th February 2025 by Janet Leith
1st Timothy Ch2 v1-4 & 8
I have been thinking about prayer this week. We have seen some significant answers to our prayers recently and verse 8 has been in my mind.
“…I want men (and women) to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, ….”
The apostle Paul had one of the busiest lives recorded in the New Testament. He preached the gospel, founded churches, healed the sick, raised the dead and travelled around a huge area to reach as many people as possible. Yet his letters are full of references to prayer. He prays himself, he asks for prayer for himself and many others, he urges individuals and churches to pray. So it seems prayer is a vital component to being an effective Christian.
I don’t pretend to fully understand how prayer works. Essentially it is communication with God and Paul in his letter to the Romans (ch 8 v26) tells us the Holy Spirit helps us to pray when we are weak and don’t know exactly what to pray.
Let me encourage and challenge you to pray. Spend 5 minutes every day praying as Paul instructed Timothy in verses 1 and 2.
Pray for your family members and friends
Pray for your church as a congregation and individual members
Pray for your community
Pray for your town
Pray for your country
Pray for our world
Pray that we will see the moving of the Holy Spirit in our generation.
Pray for the blessing of God
And let me encourage you. God always answers prayer often in unexpected ways. He moves on our behalf again and again.
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Friday 31st January 2025 by Lynne Mellstrom
“With my soul I have desired You in the night, Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early”
Isaiah 26:9
We are precious to God, whether you know this, feel it in your spirit or not. Your life may be in turmoil, or you could be having the most wonderful time of your life but either way God’s love for you never changes. Nor does His love cease because we are not in the right place with Him - and His love is unconditional. He has no favourites as we are all beloved and chosen by Him to receive of His love.
There is no condemnation even although God knows the human heart and it’s failings - there is only love, kindness and mercy for those who come to Him. Which of us can truly say we don’t need more of God’s love in our hearts - He desires US, are you not thirsting for more of Him? By His grace we can know Him and find a place of acceptance and love. Don’t reject the love that God would pour out to you because you feel unworthy, just come as you are.
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