Steve Restrick

Do you want to be entrusted with the secrets of the Kingdom?

Do you want to know the heart of Jesus?

John 2:24 states that Jesus would not ‘entrust Himself to them’ because He knew what they were like. #micdrop

I’ve never read and been struck by this verse in this way before. This is dramatic if you truly see the meaning of Jesus’ desire behind the words.

We all know that Jesus knows us, can see inside us, He knows our deepest and darkest stuff, and knows our private successes and how we cope with both but I hadn’t seen before that this knowledge actually affects His decisions.

His love is unconditional but His revelation may not be?!

Our character and heart affect what is released to us in the kingdom! The parable of the talents starts to make new sense, the entrusting of cities, the giving of more talents.

The second jaw drop comes at the concept of Jesus entrusting Himself to us at all. To anyone! That this would even be a thing?!

What a statement!

This relationship with Jesus is two ways in more than just speak, more than just love. Jesus is looking for people who will treasure His heart and life. Protect the gift. Prioritize the gift. Realize what they have and live differently because of it. Be completely different to the way the world treats Him.

Wow. My life affects what I see and what is given to me AND He’s looking for those who will be trusted with His relationship!

Today I want to change into someone who Jesus sees as trusted.

Steve Restrick

Let's remind ourselves of who our Heavenly Father is…

That our Father is unchanging, that He is faithful, that He loves you and me, that He walks with you through the Valley, that He has a good, pleasing plan for your life. That He knows when you lie down and when you stand up, that the very hairs on your head are numbered and you are created in His image. That His plan for your future has, is and always will be filled with hope. That your heavenly Father loves you with an everlasting love. And His thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.

Knowing and trusting all that to be true, instead of moaning about everything that is going on,

(our tendency at times, or is it just me !)

let us develop grateful hearts full of faith and trust. Instead of complaining about how bad things are, let us look gratefully to our Father who remains in control and in sovereign authority in our world and our individual lives.

Instead of being filled with worry, fear and anxiety about the future let us look to our Father and seek His will and His opportunities that this time will create for us.

Instead of falling into despair, let us look to our Father and see the Kingdom opportunities.

A call to prayer…

“Pray, have faith and trust as if everything depends on the Father;

And, work, plan and strategize as if everything depends on you.”

Remember, the person with an abiding spirit of gratitude is the one who trusts God. As you look to God as your heavenly Father, may your faith and trust grow, and may He give you grace to overcome!

Today, why not take the Serenity Prayer as your own:

God grant me the serenity (Peace)

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

“Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

taking, as He (Jesus) did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;

trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

forever in the next “

Amen.

Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

Rachel Dawson

6) (Christmas Eve)

MAGNIFICANT HOPE AT THE CENTRE OF MESS.

For the majority of us 2020 has been our first real experience of a national crisis, almost all of us have no idea what world war 2 was like. ‘Crisis, free-fall, disbelief, panic, crash, rage, lockdown, fear, anxiety, loneliness, death-rates, infection rates, isolation, lack, vulnerable, poverty’ The list of ‘impending doom’ buzz-words in our news headlines over the last 11 months have been a constant stream of difficult things to read, trying to sum up the ongoing chaos of this year! This is the world we’re living in at the moment. This is where our country’s at. Have we ever been here before, in this exact way? No! Has the world ever been this chaotic and messy ever before? YES!

Jesus; the word at the beginning, the saviour of the world, the God with us and in us arrived on earth in the middle of mess! Literally and circumstantially. Thank God for our nhs this year, but that didn’t exist when Jesus was born! Born in a humble, dirty, ill-equipped stable this was, and is a beautiful representation of His perfection in the middle of our mess. 2,000 years ago our world was so far-gone from the hope that God initially had for our lives that He had to send Jesus as His rescue plan.

Fast forward to now and our world has known war, famine, oppression, evil, genocide, and currently disease. We are still living in a complete and utter mess! None of this is how God intended it to be when he created his beautiful garden for us to thrive in.

BUT there is MAGNIFICANT HOPE at the centre of our mess. Jesus lovingly and unceasingly gives us a life line, a hope, a future, a safe-space, a relationship with the God who made us, a triumph over death, a victory over darkness, a purpose, a meaning, a joy in adversity and security in turmoil. Now that’s a list that I want to reflect on at the end of this year!

These are the buzz-words that I want to land in my heart. In 2020, when all is said and done, when the year wraps up, when the dust starts to settle, and our emotions start to centre, the magnificent hope we have in Jesus will be as resounding as it ever has been. We have no idea what 2021 will look like but we do know that the light still shines in the darkness and the darkness will not overcome it. John 1 1-18

Isaiah 9 v 6.

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’

Prayer: Father thank you so much that you loved us enough to send Jesus. Thank you for your heart to rescue us, to draw us in closer, to save us from our mess. God this world is nothing like what you intended it to be and yet you sent your only son in the middle of mess, and in the middle of chaos. God you’ve given us the biggest display of love the world has ever seen and we are so thankful. Fill our hearts with love this Christmas, bless us with your hand of favour in our hardship, and inspire us to love those around us as you would. Thank you Jesus for everything you are, and everything you’ve done!

December 22nd - Rachel Dawson

4) WAITING FOR A MIRACLE

Waiting is one of the hardest things we have to do in our walks with God; or it certainly is for me! It is really hard to keep faith in God’s promises when we have to wait for any amount of time that’s outside of our own timescale!! This year, perhaps more than ever there are people in this country desperate for a miracle and waiting for a saviour. Desperate to get out of the situations they’re in. Desperate for a move of God in their lives (although they might not know that yet). Desperate for some relief of their current situation.

Perhaps you are in a situation where you feel desperate for a miracle. Perhaps you’ve been waiting on God for a long time and you’re feeling pretty fed-up of waiting. Perhaps your compassion radar has been pinging all year for those in harder situations than you and you’re desperately waiting for the love and justice you know only Jesus can bring.

Waiting is hard. Waiting when you need a miracle is even harder. The landscape that Jesus was born in to was a tough one for the Jewish people. If you were a Jew living in Jesus’ time you would understand oppression, foreign occupation, rules, isolation and ridicule! But, somewhere in your consciousness you know waiting. You are waiting for the King that will rescue you and your people.

In Luke 2 v 25-35 we meet Simeon. Simeon has been waiting for a miracle, the Messiah, the saving of the oppressed Jewish people, and he’s been waiting for years! That is a huge thing to have to wait for, colossal in fact, but his faith in God paired with the leading of the Holy Spirit meant that Simeon’s waiting paid off.

Luke 2 25 ‘ Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God’

Our God is a faithful God who loves to bless and provide for His children. His nature is to save us, to be with us in the waiting, and to bless us. Simeon met Jesus in his miracle and instantly erupted in praise!

How do you do with waiting on God’s promises? Are you currently waiting for a miracle? How are you at praising God when you’re still waiting? Who else can you think of that

desperately needs a miracle? Let’s bring all of this to God today.

Prayer: God I thank you that you are so faithful to us, that your promises stand through the hardest times of waiting. God would you sustain us in the waiting, would you build our faith and send the holy spirit to help us. For those of us needing a miracle would you come in your love and power to save us. For those of us who’s hearts are breaking for those struggling around the UK in this time, give us the words to pray and help us to shine your light in all situations of hopelessness. God would you be known to the masses this Christmas.

December 21st - Rachel Dawson

3) DON’T BE AFRAID; THE GOOD NEWS IS STILL GOOD.

Can anyone remember a time this year when they’ve been afraid? Like genuinely fearful of the future? I’m sure this year, more than most we can all relate to that. For me, it was seeing the news reports from Italy and France when coronavirus patients overwhelmed hospital corridors. My fear was that this virus would soon be in the UK and there was nothing I could do to stop it! Fear of the future, fear of illness, fear of unsafety, fear for my family. The horrible fear that one of my family members were going to contract the virus and I wouldn’t be able to visit them in hospital! How do we relate to a God that is all good and all loving when fear can be so all-encompassing? How can we look after our emotional and mental health when fear can so easily tip our balance?

In Luke 2 when the angels visited the shepherds they were petrified. Literally spine tingling, anxiety inducing, root you to the spot petrified. And yet, in the midst of that fear was the most incredible news. V 10 ‘do not be afraid…today a saviour has been born to you; he is THE MESSIAH; your promised saviour!’

WOW! In the midst of our biggest fears this message still stands. Our saviour reigns in the midst of fear, then, now and forever more.

What the shepherds do next is completely amazing. Encouraged by the angels they overcome their fear, race to meet Jesus, are completely transformed by Him, and then share the wonderful news with anyone they come in to contact with! None of us know exactly what 2021 will look like, in fact none of us really have a clue, but we do know that all throughout the bible God consistently reminds His people that He is with us!

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

This Christmas, as you reflect, don’t let fear be the reason you can’t rush to Jesus and be transformed. What are your biggest fears right now and how can you lay them at the feet of your saviour? Do not be afraid, he is with you, and the GOOD news the angels spoke back then to the shepherds is still the most wonderful news for us today!

Prayer:

God; sometimes life is really petrifying. You know this, you know how it feels and you know our human disposition. God would you be so present in the midst of any fear we have this year. Thank you that you have overcome fear and that you stand strong at the centre of panic and anxiety. Let us hold tight to you this year Father in the midst of our own fears and bless us with your peace. Bring your peace to our emotions, our relationships, our situations, and to those really struggling in our country at this time.

December 20th - Rachel Dawson

2) FAITH IN UNCERTAINTY.

Have you ever had that experience where God speaks a word to you and you believe it, receive it and then by the end of the day circumstances seem to diminish it? Your situation is too hard, your circumstances feel too impossible. You question if you’ve heard it right? If it’s even possible or even if you dare to believe it? Perhaps even someone else’s words start to sit over the top and drowned it out.

The God we serve is not a quiet God, He’s not a distant God, He’s not an absent father, and yet sometimes hearing His voice and letting His words take root can be really difficult. When facing adversity the words and guidance we get from God can so easily be drowned out by the thoughts of others, our feelings, or the very present situations we are facing. In Matthew 24 it says ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.’

In Matthew 4 v 4 it says ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Our situations can change, our circumstances can be hard but if we allow it, the word of God will stand like an anchor in the midst of all we’re going through.

When Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth there’s a small sentence that stands out to me that I’ve never noticed before. Luke 1 v 45. ‘Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord’. Mary is blessed because she believed in the word God had spoken to her, and she held on to it throughout impossibility, in the middle of national change, and journeying in to the unknown.

What words has God spoken to you this year that are waiting to be your anchor? Is there a word you’ve forgotten about that God needs to remind you of? Is there a word you’ve not dared to believe? Are you desperate to hear from God as you read this? What is God saying to you today?

Revelation 3: 20 ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me’

Prayer: God would you help us to hold on to your words and promises when our situations are really hard. Thank you Father that your words are the anchor to our souls that whatever trials may come our way, if we keep our eyes fixed on you, you will sustain us in the storm. God would you speak a word for all those needing to hear one from you today.

December 19th - Rachel Dawson

Hey church,

7 days to go! The Christmas countdown is officially on!! How are you doing? This year has been one heck of a year hasn’t it? and I wanted to write to you all before I’m officially in post because I’ve been thinking about you!

We’ve all done some journeying this year and it’s fair to say that all of us will have found some, if not lots of this year really tough. As I’ve been praying for you as part of our church family I have a really strong sense that God would like to minister to us all as 2020 draws to a close. I believe He sees what you’ve been carrying this year and how you’re feeling right now as you read this. He wants you to know that He knows what this year has been like for you, and I believe He wants to lead you to place of rest, restoration and reset in Him.

With that in mind, and very much led by Him, I’ve written 6 thought for the days (starting tomorrow) as we journey towards Christmas. Written initially in my role at TLG for churches around the country, these have been created with our church family, and with YOU in mind. So, take the time to find that quiet space with Him this week, connect with Him, lay down your burdens and encounter once again the love, hope and joy that Jesus has for you this Christmas.

With love,

Rachel

—-

1.THE UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS.

No one expected 2020 to be the way that it’s been! How could we plan for a year like this? The answer- we couldn’t! When the Angel Gabriel visited Mary it was completely unexpected and not remotely in anyone’s plan! Mary a young woman, engaged to marry Joseph and everything seemingly going to plan. Until it wasn’t, and the plan was unimaginably interrupted. Can anyone relate to that this year? Who’s had to change their plans? Take a different path? Been forced to pull away from something you were looking forward to? Been thrown into a situation you would never choose for yourself? Who’s experienced frustration, upset, fear, anxiety, anger, overwhelm, stress? All of us? Yep, me too!

Let’s take a moment here, because all of that is rock.hard. understatement.

However you’re feeling as you read this, whatever this year has been like for you, know you are not on your own. We can all recall experiences where life has thrown something completely unexpected at us that we need to journey, but this year, all of us have faced the unexpected at the very same time. As we journey altogether towards our very unexpected Christmas, there is hope waiting for us. The amazingly- life changing invitation to walk more deeply with the God who came to save us, and soak in His presence will comfort, restore and re-set us.

So, what can we learn from the very first unexpected Christmas? Mary didn’t plan to meet an angel, plan to get pregnant, plan to have the world’s most awkward conversation with Joseph, plan to give birth in a stable, plan to be the mother of the literal saviour of the world. All of those things (and more) were unexpected and difficult for her, but what completely amazes me is how Mary responds in the face of such difficult and unexpected change. Luke 1 v 38 ‘Let it be to me according to your word’. Another translation says “I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said” In other words ‘Ok God I surrender, I will serve you and your plan’.

Complete trust, complete humility, and complete surrender to God’s plan for her life. The journey ahead was the furthest thing from easy, but right off the bat Mary allows God to lead her through the most unexpected journey the world has ever known.

Change is never easy, unexpected change and interruption is downright annoying, and HARD! How have you coped with the unexpected this year? Are you clinging on to something that actually God is asking you to let go of? What do you need to do to surrender to Gods plans for your life at this time? How can you align your God-walk through the biggest of unexpected changes this year? Take a moment today to ask these questions before God and let him minister to you. As we start to wind down on 2020 the God who sent Jesus is speaking to you!

Prayer: Father thank you that none of 2020 has been a surprise to you and your heart is to walk with us through all of life’s up and downs. God would you help us to fully trust you with the things we can’t change and in the face of the unexpected. Would you help us to surrender to your will and plan for our lives when nothing is going to our plan. Father as we journey towards Christmas we humble ourselves in complete surrender and invite you to surround us.

November 24th - Shagufta Rashid

​Today’s thought comes from Shagufta Rashid:

HOPE IN SUFFERING

We are waiting
for a vaccine to be developed to protect us from Covid-19, waiting for an end to facemasks and lockdown, waiting to be able to go into our church buildings and sing God’s praise together, waiting for the world’s economy to recover. We are waiting for God to deliver us from this pandemic and all its repercussions.

The bible is full of waiting on the Lord, waiting for Him to intervene, to rescue, to restore. Often the waiting time is prolonged far beyond what we had expected.

But still we must continue to wait, trust and hope, praying for God’s deliverance, no matter how long and hard the day. Even Elijah had to send his servant seven times to look towards the sea, before a little cloud was seen. (1 king 18:43-44)

Our trust must be in God and in His divine power, not in the scientists struggling to produce a vaccine, nor in the politicians and economists.

Jeremiah in the time of national disaster brought a message of Hope.

“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)

In a time of disaster, in a period of great uncertainty as to the future, Jeremiah was called by God to invest in Hope.

So we are called not just to see the tragedies of the present, but to have hope for the future, to believe that God has a plan for us and that in time of great trial His purposes will be fulfilled. For we know that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28)

“Earthly hopes are not always fulfilled (Luke 24:21) but our hope is the Lord Jesus Christ; whoever believes in him will not be ashamed.”

November 2nd - Steve Restrick

​Today’s thought comes to us from Steve Restrick:

You’re Invited to join together to be in God’s presence and share his heart this Saturday 10.00am. As we pray for the prodigals to return

“A smile is the shortest distance between two people.” ― Victor Borge.

A smile has no language barrier. It is a doorway from the heart of one person to another.

We know in the story of the Prodigal Son that the Father was waiting and watching and ran to his Son to embrace him. I like to imagine that the Father, on seeing his Son in the distance, in that moment of recognition, had a smile erupt upon his face. Before he could physically cross the space between them, his smile closed the gap in an instant.

First, there was the smile, then the running towards, then an embrace, and ultimately a kiss. And then a moment where the Father steps back slightly, holding the Son by the arms. The full expression of all that physicality now manifests as an irrepressibly smile upon the Father’s face.

Here in the story of the Prodigal Son, is the answered prayer of

Psalm 67, “May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favour on us.”

The story of the Prodigal is not just about God’s grace.

It’s about the body language of God. Jesus is the body language of God. The first thing Jesus does when we turn towards him is to smile and close the gap between our Heavenly Father and us.

If Jesus is the body language of God, then his people as his body are called to be his hands and his feet. It follows that we as sons and daughters of Papa God are to be his smile and embrace for others (even if it can only be a socially distant hug)

Some people are fuelled by money, some by ego, some by fear and self-protection.

We are called to be a people whose love for others is fuelled by the never-ending love of God.

Whenever Papa God speaks… it’s an invitation to know & share His heart.

And in a way that is how the story of the prodigal Son works, as do all the parables of Jesus. We are invited by Jesus to be the people who enact, retell and re-live those stories.

Sadly we can all too often get caught up in ‘other stories’ for the meaning of life given to us by society, our parents, and our own strange tales. Jesus invites us to live a different story… The Kingdom of God, story.

We are invited to inhabit the Jesus story, to re-tell and extend it so thoroughly, that it is our story.

To speak about the Gospel of Jesus, means to share his heart and values and to ‘walk the talk’, as a sincere follower of Jesus.

Jesus tells us the kind of things God the Father values and celebrates.

Be his story and share the adventure of his heart.

Day 4 - Patience

Why is patience such a big deal? Whilst Jesus modelled it, he mentioned it only twice in all his teaching (Luke 8:15; Luke 21:19), yet here Paul tells us to clothe ourselves AND, inspired by God’s spirit, he tells us that it is a fruit of the holy spirit in Galatians 5. So, why the big deal?

When I read the word patience, my 21st century brain leads me down a very different path to what was actually meant when Paul wrote the word.

As I came to sit down and write this, my first thought was of how I can be impatient in life - when something I am watching begins to buffer (how annoying), or the other day when I was driving behind someone doing 40mph in a 60mph limit. Speaking of which reminds me of one of the most helpful practices I have picked up from John Mark Comer’s book - ‘The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.’ He challenges readers who have a hurry problem (and thus a lack of patience problem) that when you pull up to traffic lights, don’t try and get in the shortest queue, but be patient and just stay in the line that you are in.

For me it’s a regular reminder of my lack of patience, an inbuilt desire to claim back every second of the day. Yet what foolishness it is, it makes zero difference. But choosing the longer line, that strangely does something for my soul. It reminds me that God is in charge, and gaining an extra 30 seconds, or even a couple of minutes, will make no difference to my day! (Confession, I’m currently at 50% of staying in the longer queue vs going for the shorter one, and I’ve yet to choose the longer queue at Aldi, that’s a whole level of sainthood I can’t quite achieve!)

Whilst these ‘micro-impatiences’ (made up concept) might be the things that nag at us each day, small reminders of a lack of trust in God, which ultimately is what impatience is, this wasn’t really what Paul was getting at. Sure, he will have wanted us to put on patience in these small interactions in our day, but this Greek word he used ‘makrothymia’ was much more about the sort of patience we need to get through the pandemic. The King James Version of the bible uses the term ‘long-suffering’ and the greek word is translated yes into patience but also into endurance, constancy, steadfastness and perseverance. Why? Because this was what the church needed to have HOPE in the midst of trials and persecution. It was what Paul needed to have HOPE under house arrest and it is what we all need to have HOPE as we navigate the current pandemic.

This kind of patience says:

• God I trust you that you will give me all the emotional resource and strength I need to get through
• God I trust you that somehow it will be alright in the end
• God I trust you that you are overall in charge, even if the current reality of sickness and isolation aren’t your will
• God I trust you that you can work this situation for my overall good and blessing
• God I trust you that there is a better life to come, hopefully in this world, but definitely in the next

I believe it is this sort of ‘patience’ Paul was choosing to clothe himself with, and this sort of patience that genuinely can give us HOPE as we continue through lockdown.

So as you seek to clothe yourselves in patience, sure be aware of the micro-impatiences you suffer from, seek to bring those thoughts captive to Christ, because ultimately they are just thoughts. But also choose to put on patience, which is long-suffering endurance and perseverance. As we seek to bring this kingdom in this challenging culture that we live in, we’re going to need to develop this fruit in some serious measure.

Day 2 - October 27th

What does kindness look like for you today?

Who might God be calling you to be kind to?

Well maybe the answer is found in the final prayer that is said every day in the Lectio 365 devotional - which states - ‘Jesus, help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet.’

Everyone means…., well, everyone - your friends, your spouse (if you have one), your kids (if you have them), your parents (if they are still around), your neighbours (if you don’t live in the middle of nowhere), random strangers (presuming you go out!) In fact is there anyone God doesn’t want you to be kind to?

That really annoying work colleague who you wish would just leave - your Father wants you to be kind to them.

That person with very different political views to you on everything from Brexit to Coronavirus response - your saviour wants you to be kind to them.

Kindness surely starts with right heart attitude. An attitude that comes from remembering that we have been forgiven so we should be giving that out as a constant gift - Paul reminds us of that in verse 13: ‘Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’

Then, having a right heart and right attitude, for that is the wellspring of kindness, we then put it into action. Kindness is a smile, it’s a good morning, it’s a ‘you before me’ as we navigate social distancing in a shop. Kindness at the moment is popping that mask on when you don’t want to and sanitising those hands, yet again.

Kindness is calling someone who is lonely, dropping a text message or maybe even writing a card.

You simply can’t run out of things, when it comes to kindness, it can and should pervade every part of our lives.

When I had planned to go ‘deeper’ each day with each element that we are to clothe ourselves in. I imagined I’d uncover some deeper theological truth, some clever little insight to bring the word to life even more. But I think it’s fair to say that with kindness, the depth is not in knowing, the depth is in doing. The deepest understanding of kindness is in the application. As with much of our discipleship - you don’t need to know more, you just need to do and obey more.

‘Jesus, help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet.’

Find out more about Lectio 365 here - https://www.24-7prayer.com/dai...

October 26th - Matt Barlow

​Today’s thought comes to us from Matt Barlow:

Following Sunday’s talk on ‘Clothe Yourselves’, I thought I’d publish a thought each day to help us really push into the teaching. Just as we get physically clothed every day, being intentional about the thoughts and attitudes we are going to wear during the day is just as important. (Well ok, getting actually dressed is probably a bit more important so we don’t get arrested, but you know what I mean!)

Colossians 3:12,14 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. …...14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love…..

So, day 1 - let’s put on, as the Greek tells us, ’splagchnon oiktirmos’

Which gets translated differently in different versions:

New Living Translation - ‘Tender hearted mercy’

New International Version - ‘Compassion’

English Standard Version - ‘Compassionate Hearts’

New King James Version - ‘Tender Mercies’

And…..wait for it……

King James Version - ‘Bowels of Mercy’

And the winner of the best translation for literal accuracy is - The King James Version!

We are to put on ‘bowels of mercy’!!!

Because where in our culture we use the term ‘heart’ to refer to the very inner passionate core of our being, they used the term ‘splagchnon’ meaning guts and bowels. The bowels were regarded as the seat of the more violent passions, such as anger and love; but by the Hebrews as the seat of the tenderer affections, esp. kindness, benevolence, compassion; hence our heart.

This means that our mercy is to have some passion to it, some emotion to it and also literally some guts to it! It’s to come from our inner being, we are changed and transformed from beings who don’t care, to those who ‘REALLY’ care.

The word oiktirmos meant mercy, compassion or pity. In other words we are to put on these things in such a way that we are truly moved by the world around us. This was the very essence of Jesus, it was the essence of the early church and it’s the essence of us the Light Church.

But let’s face it, it’s really easy not to care, and it’s also really easy to feel overwhelmed and burdened by all of the cares of the world. How do we find that balance? I know personally I can oscillate between the two. I can passionately care, and can then find myself retreating, serving just myself and not being bothered about the need in front of me. Where do you lie?

A prayer for today:

If you’re feeling a bit apathetic:

‘Father I recognise a tendency in me to care much more about me and my life than those who are in need around me. I choose today to clothe myself with tender hearted mercies, so clothe me Lord. This must be by your spirit, so clothe me today, by your spirit, in tender hearted mercies. I pause right now…… and I receive it. And as I enter the day make me aware of the needs before me and those that you call me to do something about, help me to be obedient, I pray. Amen.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the needs of the world:

‘Father, I recognise that you have clothed me with great mercy and compassion. I recognise that these robes of mercy are not of my own making, but are from you. I am honoured to carry your heart of mercy, but the burden feels too great right now. Lord I take a moment to remind myself that I am not the saviour of the world, but you are. Help me to know those people and situations I am to act on, and those I am to trust back to you, the father of all mercy and compassion. Help me Lord to manage this compassion well, but never to lose it, for I carry your heart. Amen.

September 29th - Matt Barlow

​Today’s thought comes to us from Matt Barlow:

September 17th - Helena Chapman

​Today’s thought comes to us from Helena Chapman:

A few years ago I read a book called “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. One part of the book struck me and has been a constant challenge to me ever since. I want to share it with you all.

Chan writes, “I once attended a play with my wife and some of her relatives, including Grandma Clara. During intermission, I leaned over and asked what she thought of the play. She said, “Oh honey, I really don’t want to be here right now.” When I asked why, she replied “I just don’t know if this is where I want to be when Jesus returns. I’d rather be helping someone or on my knees praying. I don’t want Him to return and find me sitting in a theater.”

Now is Chan saying that going to the theater is wrong? I don’t think so. Is he saying that we need to do works endlessly until Jesus comes back? Again, I don’t think so. But is he also posing the question of what comes first? I think maybe he is. I think maybe Grandma Clara is another Mary of Bethany; that she’s seen and known who Jesus is and would give anything to sit at the feet of her beloved.

In Matthew 22:37 Jesus calls us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.” I do not want to be lukewarm when Jesus comes back, like the church of Laodicea (Rev 3:16) nor do I want to have fallen away from my first love, like the church of Ephesus (Rev 2: 4). I want to be in love with Him, seeking Him out as my One Thing necessary (Luke 10:38-42) and the One Thing that I desire (Psalm 27:4) Nobody knows the day or the hour that Jesus will return, but until that day, I want to choose Him, every time, everyday - until He comes back or He calls me home.

I’ve recently wasted so much time on social media often spending hours a day scrolling endlessly. And you know what? It sucks. It is not satisfying, it encourages lust and comparison and can often steal joy. However I spend more time on social media than I do in the Word, or praying, or worshiping. So I’ve chosen to give it up. Because Jesus is worthy. Galatians 5:17 talks about raging against our flesh against the spirit of the age (Eph 2:1-3) and oh how much more do we need to do that today, in the midst of so many distractions. So I pray this, that the God who is slow to anger, rich in mercy and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8) and who sent His son to make atonement for the sins of the world and the Spirit to help and teach us (John 14:26) captivates us once again.

I think this thought for the day is many thoughts vaguely threaded together, but there are many things that I frivolously waste my life on, but wasting my life at His feet will never be in vain.
So I ask you to search your heart honestly, is Jesus your first love? Do you put Him first, just as He loved us first? When you meet Him face-to-face what do you want Him to say to you? Do you know Him? Have you seen Him?

September 13th - Jo Hastings

​Today’s thought comes to us from Jo Hastings:

Around 10 years ago I took part in a 24-7 prayer event at university. In the early hours of the morning I felt like God wanted to say something so I picked up a pen and started to write. It was like I could see a picture unfolding in front of me as the words came out without me having to think about them. At the time I felt it was a picture for Birmingham (the city I was in at the time) but recently with Matt’s vision and Liz’s prophecy I keep being reminded of what I wrote back then and I think this is a picture of what God wants to do in Bradford.

This is what I wrote.

I spent a night with God.

I asked him to show me his heart for this city.

And then I waited.

In the silence, I heard the quiet whisper of his heart beat.

He showed me all the people in this city who are desperate and alone, the people who are self-destructing, the people crying out for something more than just this.

The hurting, the lonely, the broken and those who simply don’t know that there is something more than just what they are living for now.

I saw their cries rise up out of the streets, every desperate whisper that no-one ever heard, rising up to heaven.

And then God began to cry.

His tears rained down washing the filthy streets clean, flooding the city.

And after the flood came the fire.

One by one the Christians began to stand up and shine with the fire of God.

A powerful army all with God’s heart beating in them, ready to take God’s light to the darkest places in the city, their light flickering into every dark corner, flooding the streets with pure, holy light.

So how do we become the kind of Christians I saw? I think it starts with intimacy. It starts with being filled with God’s presence, letting his fire fill us, letting his heart for the broken become our heart so that we see this city through his eyes. This is not a one off event, it’s a daily practice. We can’t do this on our own. Maybe we can be kind or compassionate on our own, but we will never change lives unless we are listening to what God wants to do and we are open to letting him use us.

I don’t pretend to be an expert in this. I am still very much at the start of my journey with this but I am slowly learning how to take the focus off myself and instead spend time focusing on what God might be saying or what he might be doing around me. I pray that as a church we will become that powerful army of God carrying his light to the darkest corners of this city. His city. I don’t know what that looks like practically but I believe it has to start with intimacy with God.

Bio: Hi I’m Jo, I’m originally from Coventry, I’m married to Elisha and we first joined the Light Church in 2016 when we moved to Bradford for our jobs. I work as a doctor specialising in infections, something I decided on before the global pandemic! When not working you would normally find me doing gymnastics or acroyoga, although with lockdown and our first child due in December I’ve now settled for crocheting and crafts.

September 8th - Sue King

​Today’s thought comes to us from Sue King:

GET ROOTED INTO GOD

Jeremiah 17 verses 7 - 8

‘Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in the year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.’

We have now been in this very strange situation with the COVID-19 pandemic for nearly 6 months and many of us have had this situation at the forefront of our lives and minds. So I hope this thought for the day will encourage you.

Recently I read the above passage in my bible from the Old Testament and it reminded me of a picture that I had from God a long time ago. The picture was of a mature oak tree with a large trunk and lots of roots going deep into the earth and spreading out underground. This picture reminded me, that we as Christians, can develop spiritual roots which can go deep into God. We can achieve these spiritual roots by daily reading our Bibles and meditating on what we read. And also by spending time with God in prayer and listening to what He has to say to us. The Holy Spirit, which is in our lives, helps us with this.

The oak tree produces lots of fruit(acorns), which my grandson lovingly collected , whilst on holiday last week. He wanted to show them to his teacher when back at school.

We too can produce spiritual fruit in our lives, if we GET ROOTED into GOD.

In Colossians 3 verses 12 - 14 it says

‘Therefore as God‘s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another . Forgive as the Lord forgave you

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them altogether in perfect unity.’

We are God’s chosen people and we can possess these spiritual fruits. It is God’s will that we should live fruitful lives . The fruits will grow in us if we allow our ‘roots’ to draw spiritual nourishment from a close relationship and a daily dependency on God, who can always be trusted. It also warns us in verse 6 in Jeremiah 17, if we don’t put our roots deeply into God we will be like a bush in the wastelands where the ground is parched and there is no nourishment.

At this strange time, as we continue our daily lives and routine, whatever they may be , can I encourage you to GET ROOTED INTO GOD.

Bless you all Light Church. May God keep you all safe and give you His everlasting Peace.

Bio: Sue King born in Thornton, Bradford and lived in this picturesque village forever.

Gave my life to Jesus during a Church army mission at the age of 10. Married to Brian in 1970 and celebrate our Golden Wedding this year. We have two wonderful daughters, Lisa and Victoria, and three precious grand children, Deanna, Jenna and Emerson.

Worked at Bradford magistrates court before having family. Then for 25 years worked at Heaton Royds special school in Shipley helping and teaching children with special needs ...I loved this work. Semi-retired 11years ago and now work part time for our daughter in her Opticians Practise in Queensbury. I love gardening and baking ,spending time with our family and also accompanying Brian and watching him play indoor and outdoor bowls.(I make the tea and coffee!!)

We have been part of the Light Church for a year and feel very much ‘at home’.

September 4th - Jane Garratt

​Today’s thought comes to us from Jane Garratt

As believers with saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have massive benefits.

God the Father was so thrilled with God the Son that He wants us all to be like Him. He is able to make all things work for our good towards us becoming that. God is for us! (read Romans 8:28—31)

Jesus came to be prophet (speaking forth from God) priest (mediator) and king (ruler) and we are privileged through His death and resurrection to share in these roles.

This gives us both a privilege and an obligation. Faith and obedience are necessary. And these are available to us by His grace.

In our role as priests we see three things reflected from the Old Testament:-

Deuteronomy 10:8. “The Lord set apart the tribe of Levi (the old testament priestly tribe) to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister and to pronounce blessings in His Name as they still do today.”

We carry the presence of God, by God the Holy Spirit who is in us

We serve Him, with our worship, adoration and obedience to what He asks us to do

We pronounce blessings in His Name.

Today, why not consciously incorporate an awareness of these privileges in your life, especially in bringing blessing to those around you.

“ I bless you today to be utterly convinced that God loves you, that He is for you, that there is nothing you have done that is outside the forgiveness Jesus offers you, because He died and rose again to reconcile you to God. I bless you with buoyant mood, a cheerful heart, enough to live and enough to give. I bless you with hope for your future.”

Bio: Jane Garratt born in Epsom Surrey and raised in a Christian home. Came to saving faith and relationship with Jesus Christ aged 6. Studied Applied Biology and then Biochemistry and worked as a research biologist for the makers of Aquafresh and Maclean’s toothpastes. Married Rob in 1974 and together we raised three children and now have three grandchildren. Have lived variously in Tadworth Surrey, Forest of Dean, Cleveland, Baghdad, Epsom Surrey, and Baildon. Also worked for British Steel, King’s Church Epsom, Clevedon House School & Christians Against Poverty. In 2007 left paid employment to embark on the adventure of helping poor people, in Africa and Asia, lift themselves from poverty through the God-given vision of 5000PLUS which is inspired by the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. We currently see it impacting untold numbers in 8 countries we have visited plus others we have not. Have had lots of adventures with God and proved His faithfulness, care and forgiveness over the years.

July 10th - Kiri Saunders

Today’s thought comes to us from Kiri Saunders

I’m full, but I’m not satisfied.

*** Disclaimer ***

Hi I’m Kiri and this is a long thought for the day. I’d obviously like you to read to the end, but maybe make yourself a cuppa first and grab a comfy seat because according to a website I just consulted, this is a ten minute read!

Okay? Ready? Let’s begin.

I read a book in December (one you may have heard of) which inspired me to take a spiritual retreat. ‘The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry’ by John Mark Comer speaks to today’s Western society, challenging how we live and encouraging us to slow down enough to allow our souls to catch up with our bodies. Isn’t that a beautiful picture? And for me, a wonderful challenge.

To my shame it took me six months to actually put this inspiration into action. As I write this, it is 5pm on Friday 26 June and I’ve spent the last nine hours with God. Phone turned off. No distractions. Just me and the Big Guy.

But I’m not here to talk to you about taking a spiritual retreat. Considering this is the first time I’ve ever done it, I’m not exactly an expert. I’m here to tell you about what God has spoken to me about. I hope it inspires and challenges you, as it did me.

The challenge

So here’s a question I have been mulling over in recent months: What does it actually look like to be a Christian? Yes, we meet together (now virtually) on a Sunday. We pray. We worship. We follow the ten commandments (try to). We have salvation (hallelujah). All these things are great - but you know God has so much more in store for us than that?

During my retreat day I read a book titled ‘The Barbarian Way’ by Erwin Raphael McManus. It was a challenging read (and quite short, if you’re not much of a reader but want book suggestions). There were some parts I didn’t fully agree with - including the author telling his adventurous son that if he wanted he could jump off the roof he’d just climbed onto (the parents amongst you are raising eyebrows here). It wasn’t that the author wanted his son dead, but instead he wanted to be a parent who called his children to greater endeavours, rather than send them back to the safe place. But on the whole - parenting styles aside - the book was so relevant to us today.

The book brings the challenge that many Christians have become ‘civilised’, expecting life to be comfortable, trouble-free, filled with opportunity and promise, but lacking risk and sacrifice. A safe space, if you will.

I’m 26. I think about my life and what I want from my future. I’d like a nice house with a secluded garden, a car that doesn’t squeak in-between gears (it’s been doing it for years, so I figure it’s not going to break down imminently), a good job, a husband and kids. In other words, I want comfort, ease and contentment. They’re not bad things to want, but there’s a problem.

That’s not what Jesus died for.

He didn’t die so that I could have an easy life on earth. We (which I’m afraid includes you) are being called to something quite different, a life full of uncertainty, adventure and possibility.

Here’s an excerpt that put it well:

‘Jesus did not suffer and die so that we could build for ourselves a haven, but so that we might expand the kingdom of His love. Because invisible kingdoms are at war for the hearts and lives of every human being who walks on the face of this earth. And times of war require barbarians who are willing to risk life itself for the freedom of others.’

Being a Christian is to obey the call to live radically different from the rest of the world. To be set apart, to house the Holy Spirit, to be Holy. And the question we need to ask ourselves - are we doing this? How much security do we place on the material, tangible things in our lives? On the relationships we have, or don’t have? If God asked you all to lay it down for Him, could you do it?

My own journey

So like I said, I’ve been mulling this over for a while. Even before I read ‘The Barbarian Way’ I was feeling challenged about my outlook on life and what God has in store for me. Half of me wants a normal life, the other half yearns for more of Him.

But being a Christian means that God is calling us to step up, and step out, of our normal lives.

He calls us to be in the world, but not of it. Yet, how many of our desires are of the world and not of God’s Kingdom? Do our lives as Christians look radically different to that of our non-Christian neighbour, or friend? Giving ourselves fully to God will probably mean we must give up some of the things we desire, which may well be security, control of our lives (eek!).

During my nine hours with God, I started to look back through my journal (which is sporadically populated with my thoughts and God’s promptings). On the first page I’d written out the lyrics to a Bethel Music song, ‘In over my head’.

I have come to this place in my life,

I’m full but I’ve not satisfied

this longing to have more of You.

*** Ding ding ding ***

Clearly I’ve been feeling this for some time. I’m happy in my life, I have been blessed with a lot (a house, a job, great family etc…). Yet, I want more of Him! But that’s scary, giving yourself fully to God means giving up control.

I sensed God tell me to look into why Jenn Johnson wrote the song. I found a short video of her speaking about it and I just started to cry because it put into words how I was feeling (FYI: crying is a rare occurrence for me so when I do cry, I know it’s the Holy Spirit moving me).

You can watch it here: (https://bethelmusic.com/videos...)

Jenn said ‘[The song] starts to talk about ‘further and further my heart moves away from the shore’, and to me that is definitely the Lord pulling me into uncomfortable things, listening to his voice and obeying it no matter what it looks like.

The chorus is ‘Then you crash over me, I’ve lost control but I’m free’ and to me that is the under-the-wave moment of you can’t do anything, but yet it’s the most freeing thing in the world because you can’t do anything. ‘I’m going under, I’m in over my head’ and I think sometimes it gets to this place when you’re like ‘I’m trying to get it together, but I just feel out of control over my life’ and God is like ‘It’s way more fun when you don’t! It’s way easier on your life if you just go under and let me take care of it’! ‘Whether I sink, whether I swim

Oh it makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head.’

Wow!

Where are you? Are you out in the deep waters, trusting God in all of your aspects of your life? Or are you standing on the shore looking at people in the sea and thinking, it would be cool to be out there - but it’s too scary? The majority of us, I imagine, are probably wading. We let God into aspects of our life, but our feet are still planted firmly on the sand below.

So… hit me up with something practical.

Basically the long and short of it is this:

Jesus died for you.

He died so that we may have eternal life (John 3:16).

He didn’t die so that we may have a nice life.

The best is yet to come!

So, if our call isn’t to create a nice life for ourselves, what should we do?

1. Firstly, we must die to self.

2 Corinthians 5:15

“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”

2. Next, we must pick up our cross, every day, and follow Jesus.

Luke 9:23

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me..”

3. Then we are asked to wade out into the deep. Into the place that’s not comfortable. Into a place where we are no longer in control, but God is.

Further and further my heart moves away from the shore. Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am yours. (Bethel Music: ‘In over my head’)

Romans 14:8

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

4. And with God in control, you just watch Him use your life in miraculous ways.

Ephesians 3:20

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”

It won’t be easy. But oh boy will it be worth it!

Bio: Well hello there! For those who of you who don’t know me, I’m Kiri. I’ve been at the Light Church for almost four years and I help lead the Young Adult ministry.

I don’t sound like I’m from around here and, well, that’s because I’m not. I grew up in Cambridgeshire, where it’s flatter and sunnier, but at the age of 18 I decided to travel up t’north for university. After uni I got on a plane and travelled to what has been denoted as one of the most dangerous countries on the planet, Honduras. I spent an unforgettable year teaching a class of kids aged 7-11 and successfully avoiding danger. I then got back on a plane and headed to Bradford to start in the External Affairs team at CAP. Fast forward four and here I am!

July 1st - Susanne Shackleton

​Today’s thought comes to us from Susanne Shackleton

Reset

A few weeks ago I felt God give me the word ‘reset’.

I think it was a word for me, for aspects of my life & character that God is calling to attention. Indeed it can probably be applied to a lot of people’s lives currently, in this time where we’ve been forced to stop, slow down & reflect. But it can also be applied to church, especially in light of the words ‘See I am doing a new thing’ which we have heard so powerfully recently.

I looked up the dictionary meaning of reset:

- to set again or differently

- to adjust

- to fix in a new way

- to make changes so a machine (church?!) will work again or work in a different way

And some alternative words are - restore, re-establish, reboot, readjust, restart.

I reflected on what this meant for this season. A time to start over perhaps. When things get stuck, clogged up, or aren’t going anywhere, we can press reset. A bit like a computer when we turn it off then back on again. And even then it’s not an immediate restart - there’s a period of time as it warms up, gets going again. So maybe that’s how we can view this season. Time to press reset on our lives or specific things. Time to prepare for what’s to come.

Or, more specifically, maybe that’s how we can view this season as The Light Church. Time to press reset on how we do church? Time to prepare for what’s to come before we get going again.

Maybe spend some time this week praying & reflecting on how God might be pressing ‘reset’ in your life. Then pray for our church and ask Him to speak to you about what’s next.

Should we as a church ‘return to original factory settings’? Become like the Acts church, have all the basics in place, then let God lead us to build something new, something fresh, something immeasurably more than we can imagine, allowing His love to sweep across our city and beyond.

Wherever God lead us us, I am very excited about the future of our church. There is a new and refreshing strength emerging with God’s fingerprints all over it! There’s an exciting journey ahead!

Bio: Hi, I’m Susanne. I’m originally from Essex but went to university in Sheffield in 1997 and have pretty much lived ‘up north’ ever since. Richard & I met at university and we got married in 2005. We have two sons, William aged 12 and Peter aged 9. We’ve been a part of The Light Church since 2010. I work part time as a teaching assistant at Bradford Christian School and am blessed to work with many amazing colleagues and children. I like music, films, books, theatre and am a bit potty about Giant Pandas!

June 24th - Brian King

​Today’s thought comes to us from Brian King

Hi…how are you doing/coping/surviving (or whatever word springs to mind) as we all prepare to come out of LOCKDOWN?

As I reflect on the wonderful ‘Thoughts’ others have contributed, one of the themes running through them seems to be the storm we are in. I have constantly been reminded of a book I read a few years ago by John Ortberg ‘If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat’...so much so I am re-reading it. It impacted my life and I would like to share some of the author’s thoughts which are based on Matthew 14 v22/36 where Peter tries to walk on water towards Jesus. You know we all face our own storms from time to time and they can spring up, as it did in this passage, at the most unexpected times. But here’s the good bit…the storm is something not to fear because in our storms is where we find Jesus who holds his hand out ready to grab hold of us should we start to sink. You see what Jesus was revealing wasn’t a one-off event…we can all be water walkers.

Just before our passage starts Jesus has just fed 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish (another WOW moment to get a grip of…so not surprising Jesus needed some solitude and quality time with the Father) so he instructed his disciples to go across the Sea of Galilee and Jesus would ‘catch them up’ later. However, later that evening a storm to beat all storms blew up, huge waves, gale force winds and their boat was in danger of sinking. It’s now 3 o’clock in the morning and I guess the disciples knew the only person who could save them wasn’t in the boat with them. Suddenly they see what appears to them as a ghost and they are terrified (but who else could it be walking on these huge waves?)

SOMETIMES IT TAKES EYES OF FAITH TO RECOGNISE WHEN JESUS IS AROUND. We can be like that when we are buffeted by waves of uncertainty, disappointment, self doubt and hurt…we can struggle to recognise Jesus’ presence just like those disciples.

In Mark’s gospel 6:48 he adds ‘Jesus was about to pass by them’...perhaps Jesus had deliberately sent them on alone in the boat for this very reason….it was a water walking moment for them all. In the Old Testament we read how God put Moses in a cleft of the rock so he could see God’s glory pass by before him. God told Elijah to stand on the mountain ‘for the Lord is about to pass by’. The pattern is that God has to get people’s attention (a burning bush, a wind and fire or even walking on water,) and for each person, God was going to call them to do something extraordinary. Oh yes they all felt afraid at God’s calling but every time people say ‘YES ‘to the call they experience the power of God in their lives.

How about us today…In our storms Jesus is passing by in the midst of the waves and holds his hand out to us… are we up for joining him? Who knows what he is calling us to do today but one thing I know, He is already out there In the middle of the storm. He is always ready to grab hold of us should we take our eyes off Him and be distracted by the storm and start to sink. When we answer Jesus’ call always remember OBEDIENCE IS NO GUARANTEE OF BEING SPARED ADVERSITY….there were 12 disciples in the boat and we don’t know how the other 11 responded to Jesus’ voice but only one of them was about to become a water walker. God can choose the strangest times to call us to something new…yes even in the midst of a storm.

A note of caution….water walkers must discern between Faith and Foolishness.

Peter cries out to Jesus,

Matthew 14:28 ‘Lord if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water’

It’s not just about risk taking it’s primarily about obedience. We all have to discern between an authentic call from God and what might be a foolish impulse on our part. Courage alone is not enough, it must be accompanied by wisdom and discernment. Matthew isn’t glorifying risk taking for its own sake. Jesus isn’t looking for bungee jumping, hang gliding, white water rapid shooters. Water walking isn’t something Peter does for recreation. It’s not about extreme sports, it’s about extreme discipleship. Before Peter gets out of the boat he had better make sure Jesus thinks it’s a good idea…so he checks first…he no doubt weighed up his options. Does he stay curled up in his boat where for the moment he has security and safety? Or does he obey Jesus and there may well be a good chance he could sink (I mean look at the size of those waves and listen to that gale howling)...but one thing is for sure if he (and us) don’t get out of the boat there’s a guaranteed certainty that we will never walk on water!

So what holds us back? What’s our boat? What stops us from water walking? What do we fear losing the most if we get out of that boat ?

That boat is whatever represents safety and security to us apart from God himself. Our boat is whatever we are tempted to put our trust in especially when life gets stormy. Our boat is whatever keeps us so comfortable that we don’t want to give it up, even if it’s keeping us from joining Jesus on the waves. Our boat is whatever pulls us away from the high adventure of extreme discipleship. Want to know what our boat is? ...Our fear will tell us!! Just ask yourself ‘what is it that most produces fear in me especially when I think of leaving it behind and stepping out in faith?’

Maybe that boat is ‘success’. That was the issue for the rich young ruler in the Bible. Jesus asked him to get out of the boat (‘sell all that you have and give the money to the poor and come follow me’) but he decided not to. He had a very nice boat and didn’t want to give it up.

As I look back on my own journey and recall the number of times I have struggled with this (and yes still struggling!) Something - someone - inside each one of us tells us there is more to life than sitting in the boat. We are ALL made for something more than just avoiding failure. Did Peter fail? I suppose in a way he did. His faith wasn’t strong enough, his doubts were stronger…he saw the wind and waves because he took his eyes off Jesus where they should have been - he sank - he failed…but here’s the thing…there were 11 bigger failures sitting in the boat. I suppose Peter had to live with people simply remembering this as Peter sinking and we seem to overlook the other 11 in the boat…but only Peter knew 2 other things…..the GLORY OF WALKING ON WATER (he alone knew what it was like to attempt to do what he was not capable of doing on his own, then empowered by God to do it) and only Peter knew the GLORY OF BEING LIFTED UP by Jesus in a moment of desperate need. The others couldn’t because they never got out of the boat.

So what has God been saying to us all this lockdown in particular…as we consider all the changes being made to our christian journey with Jesus, both individually as well as a Church family? Is that ‘still small voice ‘ whispering quietly, calling us out of our boat to something new? Or is Jesus shouting across the waves over the noise of the storm…’COME.’

I am sorry this was lengthy but every time I tried to whittle it down I just couldn’t, but I will finish with some words I picked up from ‘I don’t know where.’

To sinful patterns of behaviour that never get confronted and changed,

Abilities and gifts that never get cultivated and deployed -

Until weeks become months

And months turn into years,

And one day you’re looking back on a life of

Deep, intimate, gut-wrenchingly honest conversations you never had

Great bold prayers you never prayed,

Exhilarating risks you never took,

Sacrificial gifts you never offered

Lives you never touched,

And you’re sitting in a recliner with a shrivelled soul,

And forgotten dreams,

And you realise there was a world of desperate need,

And a great God calling you to be part of something bigger than yourself,

You see the person you could have become but did not,

You never followed your calling,

YOU NEVER GOT OUT OF THE BOAT.

May God richly bless you all

Bio: I was born at an early age into a Methodist family. Met Sue who I always thought ‘I was boxing above my weight’ I knew it was true love because her mum wouldn’t let me take her out on my 350cc Triumph motorcycle so I sold it !!! I married her in 1970 then got a free transfer to the Church of England. 2 amazing children Lisa and Victoria, became churchwarden, then years later became a Christian at a Billy Graham mission in Sheffield during 1985. I also now have 3 grandchildren, Deanna, Jenna and Emerson. Then we left after 50 years and joined the Light Church April 2019. The journey continues…

June 19th - Jan Barlow

Today’s Thought comes to us from Jan Barlow

​

Bio: Hi. I’m Jan Barlow, mum of Pastor Matt and his big brother Tony. Ma in law to Josie and Gene. Granny to Eve, Jed, Lily and Pixie. Married to Mike for 52 years plus. Saved by Jesus’ intervention aged 34. 500 years of Gloucestershire stock,a life transformed by God moving us to Yorkshire 16 years ago. With God’s help trying to walk the path of “life-long ordinary loving”.

June 16th - Amy McGrail

Today’s thought comes to us from Amy McGrail

Did you hear about the man who sacrificed so much, including his own life to save billions?

He gave up creature comforts and became homeless & penniless in order to put trust and faith into practice.

He travelled on foot to many cities and nations, taking only the clothes on his back, to ensure people were aware of their rights to an inheritance & access to total freedom.

He shared of many free gifts available to people, especially during times of difficulty.

He hung out with the lowest, sickest and poorest members of society when no one else would.

He befriended the lonely & outcast.

He was always honest & spoke the truth with great conviction.

He made many promises & kept them.

He was the founder of the biggest faith revolution to ever cover the globe.

He was and still is faithful until the very end.

He did more miracles than any other person recorded in history, including raising the dead & completely healing the sick.

He has billions of followers.

This man is real and sadly often forgotten about.

His name is Jesus!

At a time when many are celebrating and recognising those who have done so much for our country. From veterans to front line staff, from saints to slave abolitionists. All of whom deserve to be recognised and respected.

However let us not forget the one who made huge sacrifices and paid the ultimate price in order to secure our place in his kingdom.

The one who holds us daily in the palm of his hands, who loves us without conditions and who picks us up and carries us in his arms during times of trial. The one who deserves the most honour, the ultimate hero - our Father in heaven, our saviour and our King, our Lord Jesus Christ! The great ‘I AM’!

“For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Bio: I’m Amy, I grew up in a loving christian family - mum, dad and younger brother, & gave my heart to the Lord at age 6. I’m an auntie to a lovely niece and nephew and proud Godmother to my niece too!

We always had pets growing up, mainly dogs & I remember from a young age having a love of animals. A year ago I left my job working in schools to set up my own business walking dogs which I absolutely love and was just the change I needed! I am a lot happier now and have a much healthier work-life balance.

I’ve opened up business again recently, and even though it’s not quite back to where it was before lockdown, I am trusting God that it will get there!

In my spare time you’ll find me enjoying a host of varied activities from walking to painting furniture, brushing up on my German language skills, reading books & home interiors magazines, watching Netflix, cooking, growing veggies and much more…

I know everyone has had a different experience of lockdown, which for me has been really enjoyable. It’s been a great opportunity to slow down, spend time together as a couple and enjoy doing many of the above hobbies and contemplate God and life in general.

I pray for continued peace upon you all as you navigate through these unusual times, with God’s grace and hand upon you, Amen.

June 10th - Helen Watts

Todays thought comes to us from Helen Watts

As I walked up to meet the lady, a large box of food in my arms, I noticed she was chatting on her phone. I drew closer, she saw me, she kept chatting on her phone. I felt a bit irritated inside; why wasn’t she giving me her full, appreciative attention in readiness for the gift I was about to give her? She signalled to me where to put the box whilst she kept up her phone chat.

I returned to my car to collect the other box of food. The lady ended her phone chat to tell me she’d waited in all day on Wednesday expecting the parcel to be delivered and now it was Friday.

I drew the conversation round, we ended well and I headed back to my car, still feeling a bit irritated.

I had to say sorry to God for my attitude towards the lady, my expectation of what thanks and appreciation ‘should’ look like.

“Help me to show more of your grace in my thinking and my actions Lord.”

And God nudged me….

“How about all those times Helen when you are more focused on what you’re up to and scarcely acknowledge my presence; when you keep on with your own distractions and give me a passing nod rather than stopping to fully acknowledge my presence or to give me your full attention, to talk with me and thank me? I come laden with gifts for you every day; good things for your soul and body. My blessings are new every morning. How often are you like the lady chatting on the phone Helen?”

The lady was blessed with a food parcel to last her a few days; how much more I am blessed with abundant good gifts from God. How much more He deserves my full attention and thankfulness than anything I deserved from the lady. And yet, there’s no irritation shown by God to me, just grace, grace, grace and an invitation every day to put aside distractions and chat with Him.

Bio:

Hi, I’m Helen. I’ve been part of The Light Church for 10 years and a follower of Jesus for 30 years. I’m a neuro Physiotherapist and particularly love working with people recovering their movement after stroke. When I’m not working I like to ride one of my bikes around this hilly part of Yorkshire or cook tasty food for friends. I love being a favourite Auntie to my niece and nephew; they’re coping well with chatting or reading to me via a screen but I can’t wait until I can hug them again.

June 8th - Jyotika Almas

Todays thought comes to us from Jyotika Almas

My thought for the day is hoping against hope Romans 4:18

I was born into a staunch Hindu family and was miraculously saved at age 19 after meeting 2 Asian Christians who shared the Gospel with me.

At the time i was living in Leicester, at home with my parents and older brother (who owned the house). My family were very hurt by my conversion and my brother made my life very difficult at home. At one point he threw me out of the house in the freezing cold. This felt like a great rejection!

Thanks to my pastor and his wife who supported me until I got married. I was (and still am) very close to my family and wanted them to accept me. I knew that God had saved me for a reason and I read God’s word which said that not only me but my household would be saved. From that time i started to pray for my unsaved family.

I am on this journey to seeing my family saved (Acts 16:31). Since getting married (and living in Bradford) my husband and i have worked hard at keeping good relationships with my family in Leicester. Not many words have been said on the subject but our actions of love and care have spoken much more to them. We have made progress in building up relationships.

My sister and her family and my older brother and his family have accepted us. They have a lot of respect for us and we have built good relations with our nephew and nieces too.

My younger brother is still very angry and has not spoken to me for over 35 years.

As I write I am standing on God’s word and believing that his promise to me will come to pass and ‘my household will be saved’. Humanly speaking that looks impossible but we believe in the God of impossibilities and a God who makes a way where there is no way.

So today if you are believing for an unsaved loved one don’t give up hope ( Isaiah 55:11). I pray almost daily for my unsaved family and look for every opportunity to show God’s love to them. At times it is hard as so often the love is not reciprocated but God has not called us to just love those who love us back.

Today I want to encourage you to hope against hope(like Abraham) and I want to stand with you on God’s promise that not only you but your whole household will be saved.

Bio: I was born in Uganda and came to England at age 15. I am the youngest sibling of 2 brothers and 1 sister.

I am married to Tarzan who is the love of my life (apart of course from my 5 gorgeous grandchildren).

My hobbies include walking, swimming, cooking and enjoy serving my church family doing whatever my hands finds to do.

June 6th - John Booth

Todays thought comes to us from John Booth

Many people hit a bad patch at some point in their lives. I lost my identity approximately 33 years ago and went from being ‘happy go lucky’ to being cynical and sad. God brought me out of that place and fully restored me.

I always carry a mental picture of me climbing a mountain & looking up at Jesus who is reaching down to grab my hand. He has never let go and has given me peace & joy in life, regardless of the situation. If you are in a similar place, reach up! He will never let go. John 14:27 says “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” (Good News Translation).

I’ve had several encounters in the past but one, in particular, stands out and still sends shivers down my spine when I think of it. One of Chris’ friends asked me if I would collect a washing machine she had just bought and take it to her new cottage in a village at the other side of Skipton, and I said that was no problem. The guy selling it said he’d give me a hand to get it into my car (an estate at the time) but that he didn’t know how I would manage to get it out on my own (it was a big commercial washer). I said I’ll worry about that when I get there and set off to the new house. On the way I realised there was no way I was going to be able to lift it on my own and so I prayed for help all the way to the village. I arrived at dusk, the village had one main street and I could see all the way from the top to the bottom – it was deserted. I pulled up outside the cottage and was stood looking at the washer thinking “it’s down to me now” when I felt a tap on my shoulder, I froze, I’d just looked up & down for help and there was no-one in sight! I turned around and there stood a tall, slim man with long black hair to his shoulders and a crucifix in one ear. He smiled and said, “can I help you?” I was shaking but said “I’m trying to get this into the cottage” and he said, “let me help you” (all the time I was shaking inside). We got the washer into place and he smiled and said, “is there anything else I can help you with?” I said, “no but thank you” and he turned and walked to the door. I followed to thank him again, but the street was empty, and no-one was anywhere in sight.

James 1:6 says when you ask him, pray without doubting. Be sure that you really expect him to answer.

Bio: Hi, I’m John, I’ve been married to Chris for over 30 years and we’ve been members of the light church almost since the beginning. I gave my life to Jesus 26 years ago.

We have a son and 3 daughters from previous marriages and between us we have 9 grandkids and 10 great grandkids. I retired at 70 (and don’t know where the last 12 years have gone!). Cycling has been a big part of my life, having been a member of a cycling club and ridden coast to coast a couple of times. I love the simple things in life such as gardening and going out walking in the countryside.

June 4th - Rachael Koszalinski

Todays thought comes to us from Rachael Koszalinski

Like most of us, I have experienced many thoughts throughout the past couple of months.

Most recently, I discovered a wonderful approach for knocking those times when worrying feels a little loud and a little in the way of enjoying all the things we love.

From watching family members work tirelessly to keep the country moving, I spent a lot of energy trying to work out the most productive way of utilising all the free time that I’d been given on furlough, but just couldn’t seem to shake the thought that, ‘whatever I do will be a wasteful use of time.’ I had a long sit down, prayed to God and came to a fulfilling resolution:

The utilisation of time is unique to the person experiencing it. God will continue to give us the opportunities we need to walk with him.

What happens in this time will be different for each of us and build on our individual relationship with God.

When I began to stop thinking about searching for the ‘best’ use of my time, that was the moment when things really started to become clear!

Bio: Hi, I’m Rachael. Just turned 27, I come from Sheffield and moved to Bradford two years ago to live with my fiance Joey. We met during a Music Production degree in Leeds eight years ago - how time flies!

After experiencing the loss of a school mate, I searched for answers and found my faith at the age of 14 and have witnessed God working through my life in incredible ways.

You’ll find me working at Bradford Christian School, providing support where needed. Otherwise, I’m either walking the hills of Bradford with my dog or hidden away in a studio playing with crazy sound waves!

An introvert by nature, it’s not often that I find myself sharing a thought and so, I do hope this offers a fresh perspective for encouragement.

June 2nd - Shagufta Rashid

Todays thought comes to us from Shagufta Rashid

Coronavirus, Pandemic, Lockdown, Social distancing, suddenly these words and phrases began to echo round the World as the Covid-19 virus spread from country to country, as no disease has ever spread before.

I just want to look at ‘Coping with fear’

The opposite of faith is not doubt. It is fear!

But what is the impact on our Christian brothers and sisters, many of them poor, many of them persecuted?

For example, a partially sighted widow in Pakistan, she and her 3 daughters work as domestic helpers in other people’s homes. But when Pakistan went into lockdown they could no longer work and had no income. Their wages had been too low to set aside any savings. This widow’s only son used to try to support the family by begging on the streets. But social distancing means this is now illegal.

Hundreds and thousands of Pakistani Christians face the same plight as this widow, who did low paid jobs, in factories, brick-kilns and auto rickshaw drivers, now staying at home to stop the virus spreading.

The same is true for many other countries where Christians are poor and despised.

They are looking to God and their brothers and sisters in Christ to stand with them in the face of the troubles Coronavirus has brought into their lives!

In the western world we don’t have fear like those countries, where Christians are in the minority.

Let’s look at this example in the bible, (Mark 4:35-41)

One night, as the disciples were rowing across the Sea of Galilee, a sudden storm blew up. The disciples were frightened. They were vulnerable and powerless. Jesus was sleeping at the back, did not stir, even when the waves breaking over the small boat began filling it with water. He seemed not to care.

Many things can contribute to our fears: a sudden and overwhelming event, uncertainty about the future, a sense of powerlessness and inability to control what will happen.

An unknown deadly virus, a force outside of our control which has suddenly come upon us, is creating FEAR. HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?

The Bible teaches us about FEAR. To trust in God and not to be afraid.

It also speaks of another kind of Fear, the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10)

After Jesus had calmed the wind and waves, the frightened disciples became terrified with the Fear of the Lord.

As followers of Christ, we are not meant to live in the grip of destructive Fear.

For perfect love casts out Fear (1 John 4:18).

A reference from the bible, how to cope with FEAR,

Discipline our minds not to give way to emotions of FEAR, ‘for God has not given us a spirit of fear but of Power, Love, and of a Sound mind’ (2 Tim 1:7).

We can, by God’s grace, train ourselves to trust him, to rely on his love and his power, and banish our fears.

I just like to conclude by saying, that how much I have enjoyed reading everybody’s thought of the day.

I have come to know people better by reading their Bio, and truly blessed.

Bio: I was born in Pakistan, and came to the UK as a young teenager in 1968. I have 3 younger siblings, Tarzan, Cezar and Bushra. (Tarzan and Bushra are part of Light church). I am married, with 3 handsome boys. My husband is a Muslim, and we have been married for 42 years.

I have 3 grandchildren, Joshua (10) Maya (4) and Arya (1). Maya and Arya are sisters, and live in Birmingham. Josh lives in Halifax. I have missed them so much during lockdown! My boys and my grandchildren are the love of my life.

I am semi retired, work 3 full days for Dixons Academies, as an Education Social Worker.

I have been coming to Light Church since 2014, and feel very much part of the church family.

I enjoy cooking, gardening, and spending time with my grandchildren.

May 31st - Emma Restrick

Todays thought comes to us from Emma Restrick

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart – Psalm 37:4

During lockdown, I’ve been working through a course called ‘Questions for Jesus’ by Tony Stoltzfus which is about deepening your heart-to-heart connection with Jesus and understanding the desires of your heart.

This course teaches you how to pray to Jesus from your desires.

I thought I’d share some of what I’ve learnt from this course.

We all have desires (something we are longing for, needing, wishing to happen) and only God can fully satisfy these desires.

Tony breaks this down into sixteen desires covering four topics:

1. Connection – to be loved, to have joy, to be known and to have worth (like in great

friendships)

2. Stability – to belong, have comfort, have security and peace

3. Competence – feeling able to do something well - having approval, having recognition, goodness, coming through things

4. Achievement – having significance, having freedom, being challenged and having justice.

Tony then goes onto talking about how our brain functions in two sides.

In the rational brain (left side), we reason, think about things logically and analyse things.

In the emotion brain (right side), we process our thoughts and feelings, have instincts and intuition, we’re creative and enjoy music and arts.

When we read God’s Word (Bible), we learn the truth about God, His goodness, sacrifice and love.

However, we need to feel God’s presence through the Holy Spirit to and experience His touch when listening to him and through what we read. When both sides of our brain work together like this, it builds our faith and as we grow in faith, we can receive God’s healing and freedom in areas where we are struggling.

Part of my journey is that I struggled with approval.

Growing up I knew that I was loved (shown in action), but not often told. I heard more of the criticism and never felt I was good enough.

So I spent my life with the ‘approval’ desire unmet and this led to an unhealthy people pleasing pattern, seeking approval from others constantly, always striving for approval in friendships, school, work and Church.

I’m learning more and more to ask God what He thinks about me, what He wants to say to me and how He sees me as I need to know His truth and this course has helped me further that journey.

Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free – John 8:32

Why don’t you ask God one or two of these questions today and see what He says to you?

1. Jesus, what do I do that captivates you? (connection - love desire)

2. Jesus, what do you like about being my friend? (stability - belonging desire)

3. Jesus, what did I do today that made you smile? (competence - approval desire)

4. Jesus, what is a gift I can give to you that nobody else can? (achievement - significance desire)

Bio: Hi, I’m Emma. I have been married to Steve for four years and part of the Light Church for three years.

I grew up in Otley and was very much a ‘Leeds Girl’ who loved clubbing in my twenties!

When coming back into a closer relationship with God at 26, I moved to Bradford, and loved it and haven’t left!

In lockdown, you’ll find me on a zoom call either with family, friends, work, worship group or doing pilates.

I’m loving pottering in the garden when it’s sunny and you’ll also find me enjoying the odd game or two of rummikub or sorting something!

May 29th - David Parkinson

Today’s Thought for the Day starts off at the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone!

Where the trade winds of the northern hemisphere of the earth meet the trade winds of the southern hemisphere of the earth, approximately at the equator, there is a place where there is NO wind. That place is known as the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone. You may have heard of it referred to as the Doldrums.

I have never experienced this place but it is well documented and if you are a person who sails around the world you know ALL about it, in fact you do everything you can to minimise its effect of your journey and how long you spend in this zone.

Before encountering this zone, you will have been sailing along, enjoying the ride, making great progress and then all of a sudden, the wind is gone. Added to the challenge of no wind is the fact that you are now in the hottest place, the equator. Sailors can get stuck in this place for weeks on end.

You will be getting hot and bothered, it is stiflingly hot below decks and too hot on deck. You won’t know what to do with your time, water might be running low, you may start hallucinating due to the heat and unchanging horizon. If you are racing other yachts you will be imagining them getting ahead of you and feeling under pressure.

Here is the definition of the doldrums we are perhaps more familiar with – “a state or period of stagnation or depression”. Are you in the doldrums? Are you feeling that life has stopped? Maybe you are not making progress in your job, your relationships, maybe you think back to times with God that were amazing, where all your prayers were instantly answered, where time with him was so fresh and vibrant, maybe you were used mightily by him – where have those days gone? We know that God doesn’t change, so if someone has moved it must be US!

What to do?

Elijah understood. He had experienced great things with God, now he’s running for his life, into the desert to die! God met him, fed him, encouraged him to sleep, repeated the process and then he ran for 40 days and 40 nights, (1Kin19:1-9).

Joseph understood. Enjoying life then found himself sold to foreigners and living in a foreign land, a servant, then in prison but with a glimmer of hope to get out, that came to nothing for two years, then promotion and ruled a nation, (Gen 37-50).

Timothy understood. Mother a believer but father not. All-in for Jesus, recognised by Paul and became a travelling and ministry companion, referred to him as a son. Maybe went ‘off the boil’ a bit, lacked confidence, had to be stirred up!

It’s OK to rest in God, it’s OK to wait for Him

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psa 27:14

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word, I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.” Psa 130:5-6

However, sometimes he is waiting for us!

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. “

2Tim 1:5-7

Wherever you are at, God loves you and is committed to you. If you need to rest, then rest in his peace. If it’s wait, then wait in expectation. If it’s to get going, then fan into flame!

Bio: My name is David Parkinson and I have been coming to the Light Church for a while. Married to Wendy and father of three sons, Jon, James & Sam. I spent 33 years of my life selling fruit and vegetables on the Leicester Wholesale Fruit Market. Moved to Bradford in 2014 to serve at Christians Against Poverty.

May 27th - Jo Hastings

Todays thought comes to us from Jo Hastings

“From the ends of the earth I cry out to you, when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock which is higher than I”. (Psalm 61:2)

A few years ago I went white water rafting and there was a point where we got out of the boat and went down the rapids on a bodyboard. It was mostly a lot of fun but on one run I got sucked under the water for a lot longer than I was comfortable with. I lost my grip on the board, everything was spinning, I couldn’t work out which way was up and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold my breath. As I surfaced, still panicking, one of the instructors pulled me to the side out of the current and helped me scramble up onto a rock so I could get my breath back.

This is what I picture when I read this verse. I picture God taking hold of me, pulling me out of the rapids and leading me onto a rock where I can rest with him. This year has been a really difficult one for me and there are many times when I’ve felt completely overwhelmed and unable to see God in it all. I know that he has not abandoned me though, and that if I cry out to him he will lead me to a place where I can rest in him and see things from a different perspective. Sometimes I’ve needed other people to help me get to that point but God has always been faithful in providing people to help and support me, many of whom have been part of the Light Church.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Cry out to God and ask him to lead you to a place where you can rest with him and get a new perspective. Are you doing well at the moment? Great! Ask God if you can be his hands and feet to support others who are feeling overwhelmed and struggling. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Bio: I’m Jo, I’m married to Elisha and we first joined the Light Church in 2016 when we moved to Bradford for our jobs. We recently spent 10 months in New Zealand before returning to Bradford last summer (a huge answer to prayer as I was originally told there were no jobs in my speciality in West Yorkshire!) When I’m not working as a doctor I’m usually drawing, crocheting, doing acrobatics or practising one of my many other circus hobbies.

May 25th - Lydia Jacobs

Todays thought comes to us from Lydia Jacobs

Hello friends! I’m so inspired by all of your amazing thoughts for the day and feel really blessed to share my own small tale with you…

Sometime early on in lockdown I had finished a book of daily devotions and it was time again to pick a new one. Well, the irony of ‘Anywhere but Nineveh’ screamed to me. A devotional on Jonah’s wild journey while we’re not even allowed to leave the house? Priceless.

Now, I don’t know about you, but up until this point Jonah has always sounded like a children’s story to me. If you’ve seen enough VeggieTales, maybe you too picture Jonah as a disobedient asparagus. Never in my life did I expect to be so utterly dumbfounded and challenged.

Over the past few weeks Jonah has morphed into the most messy and relatable person I have ever studied. His battle with ugly emotions/attitudes and conflicting desire to love God whole heartedly, beautifully parallels how I’ve been feeling the past few weeks and if I’m being honest, most of my life.

God has spent this time revealing to me where I’ve been a little ‘Jonah-ish’ in my time. Like all of us, there’s been times I’ve felt so wronged and betrayed. However, I was a ‘good Christian girly’ and proudly turned the other cheek. Having shown such underserved grace I turned to God, “Well Lord, I did as you said, did you see? I turned the other cheek. Only you, Lord, may judge them… and it’s finally time for you to smite them.” [Sits in the shade with a bag of popcorn anxiously anticipating.]

Oh dear. Perhaps I haven’t forgiven quite so graciously as I imagined. God has so plainly shown me, like only God does, what my ‘Ninevahs’ are. The anger and hurt I need to sacrifice in order to give Him true control over my life. The book of Jonah is not a VeggieTales special, my friends. It holds a deep reflection of the human desire to hold on to pain and wrong-doings and the seeming unjustness of forgiving those you’d rather not. How beautiful it is, that Jesus, wholly God and wholly HUMAN, does not think this way about you and I. He knows us inside out and yet forgives us so graciously and without hesitation. How beautiful would life be if we strived to be more like Him in this way.

May I encourage you to take a pause from whatever it is you’re doing these days (from what I can see, most of you are becoming master bakers!) and ask yourself, or if you’re feeling really brave, ask God ‘where/what/who is my Ninevah?’ and maybe start to unravel whatever it is that stops you from receiving His perfect peace. I can now see that there’s never a perfect time to do these things, now’s as good a time as any.

P.S I am SO looking forward to seeing you all again!

Bio: Hello! I’m Lydia, most people call me Lyd, and a few people call my Bin-Lyd. I am 20 years old and I’ve been at the Light Church for 10 years now and have been in involved with the worship team for the past 6. I hate to admit, but I haven’t cooked or baked one thing this whole lockdown.

May 23rd - Peter Snell

Todays thought comes to us from Peter Snell

Unfamiliar perspectives on familiar places

The world looks different upside down. Try it!

It doesn’t matter that the thing you’re looking at is the same. You now see it differently, notice things on the underside of your sofa or bookcase….

You’re learning from adopting a different perspective.

I discovered the power of this a few weeks ago, walking an unfamiliar path near my home in Baildon. Approaching the top of a hill, I turned to take in the view. To my surprise I couldn’t work out what I was seeing, even though it looked so familiar.

I scratched my head and puzzled over the map, trying to decide if I was looking at Idle or Otley. It didn’t matter that I’d seen both places countless times, because I’d never viewed them from this perspective.

Bit by bit, my head started to piece it all together. It was Idle after all! And there was the train bridge across the valley. Through this unfamiliar view, I gained an insight into a familiar place that no map could give me.

Coronavirus is an upside down time. It’s disorienting, confusing and difficult. But just maybe, if we take the time to stop and take in the view, it can give us unfamiliar perspectives on familiar places in our spiritual lives. Perhaps you’re praying different prayers, asking different questions, or are just aware of needing God in new and unfamiliar ways.

The temptation is to look to the end, some date in June or July when things start to change. But if we never stop to take in the view, we’ll miss the chance for an unfamiliar perspective on a familiar place. A perspective that only comes on the journey.

Why not take a moment today to stop, look up, and reflect on what you’re ‘seeing’?

What if an unfamiliar perspective on a familiar place is waiting for you?

Bio: I grew up on the Isle of Wight, but moved North when I was 18 to York and then Bradford in 2014 to work for CAP. A year later I moved to New Zealand, where I met my Scottish wife Eilidh, and together we moved back to Bradford and joined the Light Church in 2018.

Some of my favourite things include cycling, coffee, cooking & the Yorkshire dales

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May 21st - Carol Ball

Todays thought comes to us from Carol Ball

As life as we know it suddenly changed, I felt The Lord impress on me two things. Firstly, this is not a time to just survive, but a time to thrive. The dictionary definition of thrive is to grow or develop well or vigorously.

Secondly, He was calling me into a deeper, more intimate, trusting and “childlike” relationship with Him.

Initially, I recognised and felt the need to say sorry for allowing distractions and the “busyness” of life, to draw me away from Him. From my heartfelt cry He responded through a little book called “I am with you” by Father John Woolley. One morning these words jumped off the page at me! “How much it means to me when one of My children, responding to a prompting of My Spirit, asks to live closer to me. The response to that request is automatic. Forces to draw closer our spirits are then at work”.

In the days that followed He gently ushered me into the silence and solitude - a truly safe place. Through His Word He reminded me of His deep and life transforming love for me. I am learning again how to truly befriend the silence as it really does encourage fullness in His presence. In divine silence, love rests secure…

I believe God is looking for us as His church, to use this season to thrive. To become a people whose hearts and affections are completely turned towards Him. A people who keep Him first place in their lives. Holiness seems important to God as he mentions it over 600 times in the bible. In 1 Peter 2 v 9 He tells us.. “We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. That we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of the darkness into His marvellous light.”

As The Light Church our aim has always been to be filled to overflowing with love for Him and for people. In John 1:16 we are encouraged to ” Let our light shine before men in such a way that they will see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven”.

My prayer is that as we “thrive” both as individuals and as a church family in our love for Him and each other, many people will come to know Him and Jesus will indeed be glorified.

Acts 2:47 (The Passion Translation).

“They were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were coming to life”.

Bio: I am Carol. I’ve been a Christian almost 20 years and at the Light Church from the beginning. I have one son Sam and am “Nannie” to Martha Grace aged 5. I delight in spending time with my precious family and friends. It is my absolute privilege to have worked at Christians Against Poverty for over 12 years. I have witnessed God do amazing things through this ministry and the local church. It is such a blessing to see lives being transformed on a daily basis through the love of God and His people.

May 19th - Nigel Ferreira

Todays thought comes to us from Nigel Ferreira

In this season of COVID 19 we all find ourselves with more time to spare and doing activities we do not normally make the time for. Opportunities arise that challenge us to step out of our comfort zones, and in my case the results are rewarding, so be encouraged. I’m from a family who’s artistic and creative and I recently found myself at a place needing to exercise this self-suppressed trait and not make excuses.

Colossians 3:10. ...(instead), put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

This stirs my faith to believe that I have the DNA of the Creator in me therefore I too will be creative. I’m also encouraged by Romans 4:17 (..calling forth the things that aren’t back to life).

So, I’ve taken part in a number of activities and enjoyed the process as well as the result. One such was portrait drawing exercises with my family (first blindfolded, then another, with our non-dominant hand while looking). My daughter who I drew loved my drawings and has put them on her wall.

2Peter1:3 -we have been given everything we need for life and Godliness.

There may be gifts and talents in us of a different type that only get discovered in strange times and they may take different shapes -deeper listening, compassion, kindness, patience…but can only be performed from a place of *peace in your heart.

Isaiah 26:3 -God will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him

Bio: Hi, I’m Nigel Ferreira. I’ve been with the LightChurch since inception. I’m so blessed, my lovely Wendy and I have 3 amazing, faith-filled children -Nathan, Hannah and Sophie and 2 American granddaughters (thank God for video calls).

I was born and raised in Trinidad, the last child among our ‘Great 8’ (siblings), and became a committed Christian when I was in Canada, studying opticianry. A few years later, I met Wendy while at Bradford Uni in ‘89, but soon returned to Trinidad, not with a diploma but a marriage certificate and a wife. After an adventurous 13 years we’ve since settled back in Bradford.

I never take for granted my Father’s guiding presence along our journey.

May 17th - Gemma Parker

Todays thought comes to us from Gemma Parker

Go with, not without.

Right now, we’re all feeling the pain of ‘going without’. Seeing loved ones, trips out, being in the office or at school - these are all things many of us are really missing and, I’m sure most of you will agree, it’s been really tough.

While I’m just about adjusting to this new-normal, I’ve still found myself longing for those things from God - for Him to return life to how it was. With the recent warm weather, I want nothing more than a trip to a beer garden with friends… “Imagine the frivolity of hopping in the car and taking a drive to the coast! Hmm, on that note I could also do with some new summer clothes… oh how I miss shopping. Lord, I pray for these things to come again!”

Now, of course I’m being very flippant here. Yet, God still challenged me recently: am I longing for the gifts that God can give me, more than the presence of the gift-giver Himself? When we are longing for something, we are so easily drawn to focussing in on what we want - listing our requests, rather than simply coming to the Lord in worship and praise, and desiring Him alone.

The people of Israel found themselves in a similar frame of mind during their walk in the wilderness in Exodus 17. God had shown them amazing proof of His love and presence when He parted the Red Sea and drowned their enemies behind them. And while they praised God for His protection and deliverance, this quickly turned to grumbling. The Israelites, like us, had unmet expectations. When God’s miracles slowed down, they stopped trusting Him and started doing things their own way.

While we are going without, it is easy to feel far from God and to turn our backs somewhat. When our attention shifts from what we have to what we don’t have — from what God has done to what He hasn’t yet done – we can be left feeling dissatisfied with and, worryingly, disappointed in Him.

But, the presence of God is worth so much more than any promise or gift.

The way God cares for us today might be different from the way He cared for us yesterday (or in the way he cared for the Israelites in the book of Exodus!). There will be days when prayers aren’t answered. But, don’t focus on what you’re missing out on, for He has said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Don’t give up seeking God’s glory, and ask yourself: “Is God’s presence enough for me?” Are we using this time not to hone in on the things we are most looking forward to again, or are we focusing on God’s presence in the wilderness of the here and now?

This message must come with a bit of a disclaimer: disassociating God from His gifts isn’t the solution. We should view them as extensions of His love and grace. His gifts to us are not ‘gods’ (idols) —but they are God’s, so when they do come enjoy them in praise and worship of Him, knowing that God Himself is by far the greatest gift.

Bio: Hi, I’m Gemma and have been a member of The Light Church for around 7 years. You will probably know my husband Edd more than me - he’s often gracing the stage at church with his slick hairstyle (and preaching!). You may have seen me serving refreshments though - I pride myself on making a good cuppa! In December, we welcomed our son Reuben into the world so I’m currently on maternity leave, but I work at the incredible charity TLG as their Brand and Design Lead - which I love!

May 15 - Liz Priestley

Todays thought comes to us from Liz Priestley

Well, that’s another birthday behind me! I’m now in the age group that has no upper limit, and so far past ‘three-score years and ten’ that harking back to the past, and starting sentences with ‘I remember when’, is pretty much expected

No surprise, then, that Lockdown has been an excuse for doing nostalgia in a big way, starting with our huge photographic slide collection, and - surprise, surprise! – finding a precious and encouraging ‘I remember when’.

The man pictured here is Jack Haddow, and it was taken at a home-group picnic back in the 1980s.

Some of you might remember Jack - a lovely man, long gone to be with the Lord – and in this photo he’s just a couple of years older than I am now .

Jack was a Scot and became a Christian aged just 8 years old. Growing up in a Brethren church, he loved God, loved the Bible, and lived a life devoted to God in his personal, church and home life.

When we met him in the late 70s, I remember him describing himself in his earlier years as ‘very dour’ – a word we don’t often hear, meaning persistently severe, stern and gloomy. But the Jack we got to know in our church home-group was far from dour – something had radically changed.

We saw him often, even went on holiday together, and found him one of the least dour people we’d ever met. He was a man of many spiritual gifts, which he often used in church and group meetings, and was a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, full of love, joy and the Holy Spirit.

So, what had happened?

Aged 70, having reached his sell-by date of ‘three-score years and ten’, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and his whole life radically changed. Such an encouragement to me at this stage in my life!

For the next twenty-plus years Jack was gripped by a vision of building the Kingdom of God here on earth. He absolutely overflowed with faith and love, a first-responder in a season of rapid change in the church, and always open to the Holy Spirit.

Two memories stand out.

When Jack was over 80, Bryn Jones, our senior elder, outlined a big change for the church, a serious disturbance in the status quo. After the meeting, I saw Jack almost run to Bryn, grab him in a bear hug and say, ‘I’m right with you, brother!’ I think I was the only person who heard him, but that little scene has always stuck in my mind.

He was a Caleb, a father, a mentor and support to the leaders, and a friend to all.

Caleb says this in Joshua 14:

‘Here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day.’

My favourite memory is a story I heard from the horse’s mouth – first from Jack himself, and then from the other party in the event, a foreign student who lived in our area.

It was a standing joke that Jack was on the front row every night at all our Bible Weeks. He almost camped out there. Yes, he wanted to be at the front – but it was also close to the exit for the loos.

One day, after a little sortie during the meeting, he noticed our Malaysian friend standing outside on the grass, looking quite upset. He asked if he could help, and she told him she’d been spooked by people singing in tongues during the worship. Although she’d recently been filled with the Holy Spirit and had spoken in tongues herself, friends back in her home church in Malaysia had recently written to warn her off, telling her it was not a good thing. ‘I have so many questions’, she said.

Jack offered to try and answer some of them, ‘But first,‘ he said, ‘let’s just commit this conversation to God and ask for His help .’ Then he just began to pray in tongues, asking God for wisdom.

When he finished, he said, ‘What do you need to know?’

‘Nothing,’ she said. ‘When you prayed, you were praising God, not just in my language, but in the dialect of my village. All my questions are answered.’’

I find that so inspiring! I want to see these things in my day! Jack was an old man of 70 when the Holy Spirit blew on through – changing a self-confessed dry old stick into a fire that never went out. At 80 he was still being used by God through spiritual gifts. Who knows what he can do through us, even on a trip to the bathroom!

As far as God is concerned we have no sell-by, use-by date. We are not at the back of God’s cupboard, too old to be used, but too expensive to chuck out! God wants to take off the lid and spread us around – we’re his essential store cupboard, his Tabasco, peanut butter, saffron, olive oil, rosemary, basil, honey, – Marmite!

In the dialect of our village - Ee, by gum, kids - God i’n’t finished wi’ us yet!

Bio:

Hi, I’m Liz - married to Alan, my best pal for almost half a century, Mum to Esther and David, and Grandma to two lovely boys at the other side of the world. Alan & I have been part of the Light Church from its early days. Not ready to retire - so much going on in the church! Also loving being part of a therapeutic community of quilters and crafters.

May 13th - Louise Hargreaves

Todays thought comes to us from Louise Hargreaves

During lockdown I found myself thinking that I should be doing more. I’m busy with helping the kids with their school work and working part time from home but I’ve felt a pressure to be accomplishing more. I should be praying more for this terrible pandemic, more involved in the community, making more effort to stay in touch with friends and family, doing house projects, teaching the kids how to do more housework, the list is endless! Somehow what I was doing didn’t feel productive enough. Was I achieving everything I should? What if I didn’t make good enough use of this time? What if I missed loads of opportunities to do amazing things?!

One morning I listened to a talk from “The Mind And Soul Foundation” (a charity exploring Christianity and mental health). It was all about how our understanding of identity and value is often achievement based. I could relate to that! This lockdown period was an opportunity to discover that my value doesn’t come from something I earn. I am loved and worthy and valued just as I am (such a hard concept to grasp!). At the end of Ephesians 1 it talks about how Christ fills us. If his fullness fills us then he completes us and we are enough….whatever we achieve

or don’t achieve. I was so encouraged to be reminded that I am enough. I don’t have to prove anything. I don’t need to become more amazing and neither do you. You are already amazing and you are enough.

Bio: I moved to Bradford back in 1998 to start work as a Speech and Language Therapist. Tony and I met, married in 2000 and then joined Ywam a few months later. We did a Family DTS in Scotland then travelled with a Ywam community around Europe for a few months. During this time we felt God call us to Amsterdam and we moved to “The Cleft” in the Red Light district where we raised a young family and worked with Ywam for 4 years. After moving back to the UK in 2007 I’ve been involved with Prayer Spaces in Schools and worked in the pastoral team at a primary school and now as a breastfeeding support worker. In September I’m going back to uni to study Midwifery which is both exciting and terrifying! Tony and I have 4 children (Amaris 17, George 15, Nathanael 13 and Josiah 10) and we’re so glad we started coming to Light Church last summer!

May 11th - Marie-Elisabeth McMahon

Todays thought comes to us from Marie-Elisabeth McMahon

When praying about what to bring today I kept on thinking of a passage from Shauna Niequist’s book Bittersweet.

‘I learned about waves when I was little, swimming in Lake Michigan in navy blue water under a clear sky and the most important thing I learned was this: if you try to stand and face the wave, it will smash you to bits, but if you trust the water and let it carry you, there’s nothing sweeter And a couple of decades later, that’s what I’m learning to be true about life, too. If you dig in and fight the change you’re facing, it will indeed smash you to you bits. It will hold you under, drag you across the rough sand, scare and confuse you…. But if you can find it within yourself, in the wildest of seasons, just for a moment, to trust in the goodness of God, who made it all and holds it all together, you’ll find yourself drawn along to a whole new place, and there’s nothing truly sweeter.’ -Shauna Niequist

We are all facing waves right now, and I think it’s safe to say we’d rather not be facing this particular wave. When this whole thing started I found myself just hunkering down, waiting for it to pass and if I got to do a little more baking in the meanwhile- bonus! However the timeline is changing and I know I need to change my approach. in the past few weeks the Lord has been challenging me that instead of running from this I need to embrace it. Not embrace what’s going wrong, but embracing His work through and around it. Even though I don’t believe this pandemic is ‘from’ God I believe God will not waste it and will allow it to bring out good things. In my own life it’s looked like issues surfacing and having the space to start to work through them (fun!). “Embracing the wave” will look different for everyone. For me it’s a season of fully acknowledging the pain and the loss of this season, and then looking to where the shift is taking me. This doesn’t mean giving in to despair, but rather than fighting the change trusting God that the place he takes us will be good because He is good.

Bio: Hi! I’m Marie-Elisabeth McMahon and I’m originally from Anchorage, Alaska. I came to the UK 10 years ago to study counselling and met my husband Pete. After a few years in London we moved up to Bradford 2 years ago and love it up North! This December Lucy Grace was born and made us a trio. I love watching and discussing shows, all things Disney, going on good long walks, and finding fun places to eat brunch.

May 9th - Nick Clarke

Todays thought comes to us from Nick Clarke

Hello Light Church…let me start with a question to you individually. Where is your faith level at right now? On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 represents hanging on by your fingertips & 10, you’re riding high?

If I’m honest with myself, my, ‘faith in God’ levels often fluctuate along the scale, (and none more so than recently, as I will go on to explain) but I know, deep down, that’s more about where my feelings and emotions lie moment to moment - nothing to do with the lack of God’s living spirit in my life. I have to remind myself of the truth written in Romans 8, that ‘nothing’ can separate us from the love of God - isn’t that the best encouragement? He will never leave us or forsake us, despite our own variances.

Separation in the human sense, can be a hard thing to endure - we’re having to experience & endure this right now aren’t we? ‘Lockdown’, ‘isolation’, ‘social distancing’ and, ‘shielding’ are all negative states to be in and, contra I believe, to what we were created to be - ‘together’!

Some of you know, but most probably won’t, that our daughter Nicola (Nix) got married at the end of April this year - what a wonderful occasion it was. However, when I tell you that the wedding was in Switzerland (where Nix lives) and that we, as parents, despite all arrangements in place, were prevented from attending the wedding due to the current pandemic, you might get a sense of our ‘separation hurt’?! Emotions were certainly running high on the day, but praise God for technology - we were able to be ‘zoomed’ into the wedding celebrations and really felt included in the ceremony and, part of the special day after all. All this, despite the physical separation.

Testing times such as this recent, real life example and, deeper separation experiences such as the loss of a loved one, certainly do affect our strength of faith. In Hebrews 11, it tells us that, faith is the sure and certain hope of what is to come, but not yet seen. ‘Hope’, I believe, is another crucial factor for us not to lose sight of in these unprecedented times.

I hope, that this will encourage you, as it has me, that there is a new day coming when the physical separation will end and we can draw close together again - Family, friends, Church, work colleagues and social celebrations. How this will look, time will only tell? But, for now, keep your faith strong - look on to that new day and draw strength, knowing God is always with you by His spirit.

Psalm 30 says, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning”. Some of our individual night experiences are longer than others - weeks, months, maybe years? Have the faith to look beyond to what is not yet seen - the JOY that IS coming. God bless.

Bio: My name is Nick Clarke, proud Bradford boy, born & bred & lifelong Bradford City fan (currently in my 50th season). Married to Sue for 36 years & father of Simon & Nicola, doting Grandad to Rose & Jamie.

I’ve been attending Light Church pretty much since inception and am currently part of the kids work team, leading in Lightning. I’m blessed to be able to class myself as ‘early retired’ and, love walking in the beautiful countryside around Cullingworth, where we recently moved house to.

May 7th - Joanna Martin

Todays thought comes to us from Joanna Martin

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations‬ 3:22-23‬ ESV‬‬

When I was a young girl, through to being a young adult, I would wake up each morning and lay awake listening for any sound that indicated my Dad had got up. If I hadn’t woke before him, then the sound of his footsteps down stairs would wake me, and regardless of how tired I felt, I couldn’t wait to get up and have breakfast with him! He would read UCB word for the day, and parts of the bible. He would pray with me and talk to me about the things that concerned me, and threatened to consume my young mind. This short time spent with my Dad in the quietness and stillness of the morning was something I cherished and came to rely on. No matter what kind of day lay ahead of me at school or at work, I knew that I could face it once I’d had my strength replenished by those moments.

Now, a little older and no longer in the same house as my Parents, I find myself rising early each morning to spend time with my Heavenly Father. I read my notes (UCB, or bible app plans) and my Bible, and spend time in prayer. These times are so precious! I can wake in the morning feeling afraid, anxious or sad (especially in this current situation!)- but His mercies are new every morning! I come away from my time with him with my strength replenished, or at the very least comforted.

So, I encourage you if possible, in the quietness of each morning, to listen for your Heavenly Father’s footsteps, because He has risen (in more ways than one!) Read your Bible and notes, talk to Him as you would to anyone you trust, and listen for His gentle whispers that will sooth and comfort you. As you do, I pray that you will experience the soothing comfort that only Jesus can offer, and that He will overwhelm you with delight!

“Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight.”

Psalms‬ 94:19‬ TPT‬‬

Bio:

Hi I’m Joanna Martin (or Jo as most people call me). I am Wife to Lindon, Mother to Harrison and Philippa, and daughter to Steve and Janette Sheldon. I was born and bred in Bradford, and have been at the Light Church for about 10 years now.

I am in many respects your ‘average Jo’ - I love the simple things in life such as been out in the sunshine, surrounded by nature and spending time with family. I work (as a Foot Health Practitioner) and the rest of the time I spend being ‘Mummy’.

A character in the Bible I find myself drawn to is Ruth - I think because she embodies what I value and aspire to be with the help of Jesus: full of love, integrity, compassion, devotion, gentleness and kindness… although I hope not to lose a husband in order to achieve it!

May 5th - Grace Moxon

Todays thought comes to us from Grace Moxon

One day at a time:

Matthew 6:34 (MSG): “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Anyone who knows me knows I love to plan and I love to organise (just see our tupperware cupboard). But in this time, I’ve found God drawing me to just take one day at a time. In a period of so much uncertainty, where many plans are out the window, I think we’ve been given a perfect chance to practice this more simple way of living.

I’ve been finding it really helpful to start my day with three things:
As I’ve developed this practice of coming to him each day, trusting that he’ll have what I need for that day, it has helped me not get ahead of myself and try to figure out tomorrow - trusting that when the next day, or season, comes he in his sovereignty will give me all that I need.

1. Lords prayer - asking him for my daily bread

2. Gratitude - in the midst of the day ahead, thinking about what I can be thankful for

3. Casting my burdens - praying and telling God about the things that are weighing more heavily and then placing them in his hands

I’ve seen countless answers to prayer and Gods intervention when he’s needed to and been so encouraged that God absolutely is, and always will be in control. This is very freeing and allows us to rejoice and be glad in each day, whatever it may bring.

I love corrie ten booms quote on this topic:

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength - carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

As you come to God each day, telling him about what’s going on - what you’re thankful for, what your more concerned about, he’ll walk through each day with you providing the support that you need. This scripture and this quote encourages us to fully embrace the day ahead, good or bad, with God and not to worry about the next.

Bio:

Hi I’m Grace, and I’ve been coming to the light church for just under 4 years. I’m originally from Nottingham, studied psychology at York Uni (fell in love with Yorkshire), moved to Bradford for the CAP internship and have stayed here ever since. I lead a light group with Helen Hiorns, and we also live together in Shipley. You’ll probably find me hanging out with friends, baking, out in nature, reading, doing watercolour or watching videos of golden retrievers.

May 3rd - Hildegard Hepworth

Todays thought comes to us from Hildegard Hepworth

It’s difficult for all of us this time and moment and I just want to share my thoughts of the day. Mathew 6.vers 33 but first seek his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well .I love this verse it keeps me so on track with God. I know When I give this day to the lord I can be at peace. Where we are now New year New resolutions made ,New things good Things are going to happen. BUT we do not know God’s will and plans fully, just trust God whatever happens we Have our redeemer Jesus .On 5th January Matt Barlow our pastor spoke on Isaiah 43:verse 18-19 forget the former things, I am making away in the wilderness and streams in wasteland. I was excited and Will thought this year is going to be good and everything Is coming our way ,maybe some of you felt the same. But Oh Wow! Look what happened, We are in lock down and, didn’t see this coming .On 8th March Matt Barlow our pastor spoke again on building strong families and the early church in homes, and that Jesus also had a small group ( his disciples) Colossians 4.v 15, churches in their homes .And that Has actually happened now, “so let’s us spur on one and another” it says in Hebrew 10.v24. I always make notes otherwise I forget, So want to thank you Matt, we can start seeing through Now, like a little window that God will not leave us or forsake us, his word the bible is truth Hebr4.v12 Gods word is alive and active, Be encouraged and be strong and be blessed in Jesus name. Amen

Bio: Hildegardmarried to Gary Blessed With 3 children ,One son and two daughters, 8 grandchildren all together.

We live in idle and Have been coming to the light church for about 8 to 9 years, love to be part of this friendly and community active church, It’s been a blessing to serve in children’s ministry and welcome team . I am hairdresser working from home and Also mobile, love people, I like gardening and outdoors

May 1st - Sam Tarr

Todays thought comes to us from Sam Tarr - be inspired by the fact that Sam wrote this prior to Matt’s preach on Sunday. Clearly God is speaking!

Psalm 32

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,

Whose sin is covered!

2 How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,

And in whose spirit there is no deceit!

3 When I kept silent about my sin, my [b]body wasted away

Through my [c]groaning all day long.

4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;

My [d]vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. [e]Selah.

5 I acknowledged my sin to You,

And my iniquity I did not hide;

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”;

And You forgave the [f]guilt of my sin. Selah.

6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You [g]in a time when You may be found;

Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.

7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;

You surround me with [h]songs of deliverance. Selah.

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;

I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,

Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,

Otherwise they will not come near to you.

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,

But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him.

11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones;

And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart

Unlike the common perspective on confession and sin, that is a gloomy approach, which is so easy to fall into; this Psalm is celebratory. Often we as Christians can put off confession as it may put off the mood we try to maintain. This should not be the case, as this Psalm talks about confession as the alleviation of a burden.

David narrows this burden down to four things - “transgression” (breaking a command), “sin” (missing the mark of what God intends for us), “iniquity” (the guilt and fogginess inside when there should be openness and clarity with God) and “deceit” (the vain failure to admit your sin and the reality of your situation). The next two verses detail what it is like to live trying to hide things from God - clearly no way to live. Only when David brings these four things before God do we see why this is a Psalm of celebration, and the “blessedness” - he acknowledges his sin, and his weariness is replaced by praise. Confession can be compared to unclogging a drain - only when we remove the stuff that isn’t meant to be there can the drain do its job. In the same way, when we acknowledge the stuff that shouldn’t be in our lives (those four things we looked at earlier), we can become properly working servants of God, and our relationship with him is restored - and living water flows through us. The darkness and heaviness of this life are replaced by the protection and imminent presence of God. God does not ask that we confess as Christians to pay off a debt to himself, as though he is some angry broker, but that we can experience the joy and relief of casting off our burden, and instead have the easy yoke and light burden of Christ.

The importance of confession in a relationship with God is massive - otherwise we will greatly hinder our walk with him. In Job 42, Job comes full circle in terms of his relationship with God. He goes from a shallow, transactional and obligation based view of the lord, where he gives God his loyalty and gets a family, land and good health in response; to finally witnessing God for who he is. “I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear”, he says, “but now my eye sees you. Therefore I retract, and repent in dust and ashes”. We can see that, when he truly sees God for who he is, his reaction is to immediately repent. The light of God’s glory reveals all of our blemishes. Therefore if we are not honest with God through confession we will stop ourselves getting to know him, as if we aren’t repenting, we aren’t seeing more of him - they are two sides of the same coin.

When we turn to John 21, where Peter is restored to Jesus, we see none of the deceit described in Psalm 32, which muddies the waters of relationship with God. Perhaps this is because Peter has already hit rock bottom - Jesus not only knows that Peter denied him three times and abandoned him to a horrific death, but he predicted it. Jesus asks Peter “do you love (agape) me”, to which Peter responds

“Lord, you know that I love (philia) you”. The term agape refers to the fullness of love in God; whereas philia refers to a sort of brotherly affection, the sort of love found in friendship. Jesus again asks “do you love me”, Peter responds again

“you know that I am your friend”. Now, Jesus asks a different question -

“Simon, son of John, am I your friend?”.

Peter tells him “Yes Lord, you know that I am your friend”

“Shepherd my sheep,” says Jesus. It is crucial that we are honest with God not only about our sin but our whole relationship with him - as only then can we tend his flock. Let us not fall into spiritual pride, delusion or sentimentality.

We know that when Jesus died he defeated the powers of darkness - sin and shame have no hold on us, we are freed. Therefore when we are confronted next by the fact of our own sin, let us not stop with repenting beside Job in dust and ashes, for which there are certainly times, but let us also join Peter in being honest to God and saying “Yes, lord, you know that I am your friend” - the victory Christ won over shame on the cross demands this of us.

Bio:

I’m Sam, a member of the Light Church Youth group. I am a student at Immanuel College sixth form.

April 29th - Rob Garratt

Todays thought comes to us from Rob Garratt

Scripture: Lamentations 5:21 Restore us to You, O Lord, that we may be restored; renew our days as of old. (NASB)

During this season I was drawn, rather unusually for me, (and probably for you too!!) to read Lamentations. The setting, for this Old Testament book, was a really disastrous time for Israel (586BC). They had repeatedly turned away from loving and following God and were living totally for themselves. And now they were reaping what they had sown. Towards the end of the book, there is a heartfelt cry to God to restore them to Himself so that they could be restored back to spiritual, physical, and material prosperity. They had come to recognise that the latter could not happen without first a restored relationship with God.

In these days (which I personally don’t think are days of His judgement as it was in Lamentations) I believe God’s purpose is to have us press the reset button in three areas:
May this direct our thoughts, reflections, and prayers today – that we should say from our hearts “O Lord restore us into right relationship with yourself so that we may be restored into all that you have for us, into the full abundance of life just as you planned and promised (John 10:10).

• In our lives so that each of us has a real everyday relationship with our loving Father, with our amazing Saviour Jesus and with our very necessary helper the Holy Spirit
• In the Church so that our together life and witness reflects His now plans and purposes and is saturated with His presence and power
• In the Nation so that we return to Godly values across all sectors of society.

Bio:

Raised a Shropshire lad – as a teenager worked for a number of years on a farm during school holidays and weekends – thus the rolling accent! When a first-year student in Brighton back in 1969 Jesus got hold of me radically and he’s never let go!

Married to and partnering with Jane for over 45 years. We have three great children – all who follow Jesus. In 2007 we left our employment (I was a consultant civil engineer and Jane an insolvency debt counsellor for CAP) and established an international voluntary charity which you know about – 5000Plus. We have been with the Light Church family since 2010 and Food Bank volunteers shortly after its inception.

April 27th - Furaha Mussanzi

Todays thought comes to us from Furaha Mussanzi

Bio: Furaha, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo moved to Bradford as a refugee with her family in 2002 after escaping the deadliest African war that claimed the lives of over 6 million people. She comes from a big family with 6 siblings and lives with her retired parents Ben and Kongosi, two of the most important people in her life who have instilled in her faith, courage, and banter. She manages the Millside Centre, a community centre in the heart of Bradford which is run by Reach Beyond, a Christian charity dedicated to being the voice and hands of Jesus by meeting the needs of vulnerable people in the city; something she feels deeply called to. She finds joy in co-leading the central light group and creating a safe space where genuine community is built and people can encounter God deeper. In her spare time, you’ll find her in the kitchen trying out new recipes, making YouTube videos, or face-timing her long-distant siblings and friends.

April 25th - Gareth Jones

​Todays thought comes to us from Gareth Jones

Bio: Served at the Light Church for 10 years. Married to Heather and have two children Ffion and Osian.

April 23rd - Alicia Chapman

Todays thought comes to us from Alicia Chapman

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.”

Bio:

Hi, I’m Alicia. I was born in London, grew up in the Midlands, and moved to Bradford two and a half years ago to work for Christians Against Poverty. Despite the running joke that it’ll be Scotland next (as I keep edging North) Yorkshire has well and truly won this Southerner’s heart, so I think I’ll stick around.

The proud inventor of the “ch” diet, (chicken, cheese, chorizo, chocolate… is there anything that starts with “ch” that’s not delicious!?) I’m partial to a warm blanket and time with fluffy, four-legged friends of all varieties. If you need to find me, I’ll be the only adult at the local petting farm without a child – unashamedly waiting for my turn to feed the lambs in the queue of toddlers and confused parents.

April 21st - Jenny Biglands

Todays thought comes from Jenny Biglands

‘May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvellous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is’ (Ephesians 3:17-18)

If you could choose any place to live, where would it be? For me, it would have to be surrounded by trees, I love them, I work in and live by them and go to them whenever I need space and time with God. At the moment the cherry trees are bursting out with pink and white pompoms weighing down their branches, and the beech leaves are unfolding, revealing such vibrancy that it looks like a toddler picked their colour from an illuminous paint pallet.

Maybe it’s partly because of my infatuation with this aspect of God’s creation that draws me to scriptures that speak of them. In my chosen passage we are particularly reminded of the importance of roots as a way of connecting to the infinite love of our creator God. It is true and widely known that the roots can suck up the nutrients and water from the soil to help its growth but we also know that deep and wide roots create stability and strength to support the tree through all seasons. And so, as we seek out and draw on the love of God, we will gain spiritual strength and resource to cope with the storms of life that we experience above the ground. And as trees are fundamental to the protection of the soil against erosion, God’s love will be held within and around our roots as we create space for new growth and sapling trees to spring up!

So, to finish let me pray for us all that we would be grounded by God’s life-giving love, that it would both nourish and strengthen us in this time and may we trust that it has no limits or end, whatever the future my hold.

Bio

My name is Jenny, I am married to the lovely John Biglands and have two kids, Ellie (13) and Josiah (10) who constantly surprise me and teach me more about myself than I thought possible!

Just over a year ago we decided to take our kids out of school and begin a home education adventure. Alongside this I work part-time, co-running an organisation called ‘Rooted’

April 19th - Janette Sheldon

Today’s thought comes from Janette Sheldon

Holy Overshadowing

Recently I’ve been reading Connilyn Cossettes “ Out from Egypt” books and this coincided with my Bible App readings from Exodus and Numbers about the time when the Israelites were camped under the Holy Mountain (Sinai) where God met Moses and spoke to his people.

The Israelites were so vulnerable and dependent on God for everything….their food, water, protection ....their very lives on a day to day basis. Deliberate sin met, on several occasions, with Gods wrath and terrifying consequences. The sense of fear and awe of the Most Holy Mighty God must have been a tangible daily experience.

It seems today that we are beginning to have a taste of the same vulnerability . All our usual securities are threatened and we are reminded just how powerless we are and how dependent on God we are.

God Overshadowed his people with a cloak of protection and guidance in the form of a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of cloud by day. It was a sign of His presence with them and when He moved they moved.

Today that same power and presence is within us…He just asks that we submit to His will and trust Him in the midst of uncertainty and fear. We are safe under His Holy Overshadowing because of Jesus sacrifice for us and that allows us into His awesome presence to glimpse his glory.

Have confidence in your Mighty God

He will overshadow you with His love and protection

Look to Him…. Move in Him ...Move with Him

Psalm 91 v 1-2

“We live within the shadow of the Almighty sheltered by the God who is above all gods

This I declare that He alone is my refuge, my place of safety. He is my God and I am trusting in

Holy Overshadowing by Graham Kendrick

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&ved=2ahUKEwjL4u3Vvs7oAhWZURUIHYTfBSAQwqsBMAl6BAgQEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D8irzioaRPFI&usg=AOvVaw2kvO3VgLdBNwteHsEGqfQk

Bio:

I’m married to Steve and work with him in a small family label printing business. We have been at the Light Church over 10 years.

We’ve two children… Joanna married to Lindon with two children Harrison and Philippa, and Adam who lives in Whitby with wife Maria and two girls Meredith and Felicity.

I love being out in the sunshine in the countryside or seaside enjoying nature or working in my garden. Other loves include singing classical choral music with my choir and enjoying campervan holidays and picnics with Steve and our wonderful grandchildren!

April 17th - Rae Morfin

Todays thought comes to us from Rae Morfin

Watch it below

Bio: Rae decided to give her life to God and follow Him at the age of 5 and has never even once

regretted this in 40 years. She has been around at The Light for about 10 years and has

enjoyed leading the kids and youth in various ways during that time. She is married to the

wonderful Tim Morfin, and is enjoying the extra time together the ‘lockdown’ season has brought

for them with their boys; Ben, Josh, Dan, and friend + lodger Terry. Her work involves heading

up Therapeutic Practice at TLG (Transforming Lives for Good), a new venture after recently

handing over leadership of TLG’s Volunteer Programmes. She’s pretty much fascinated by

everyone and loves being curious, chatting, creating, reading, going outside, singing or whistling

(I know - I’m sorry!), chocolate and fun.

April 15th - Bronyn Maclean

Todays thought comes to us from Bronwyn Maclean

Isaiah 32 v 17

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest

Isaiah 26 v 3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Are you anxious or are you at peace? I think it’s fair to say that many of us have felt shaken by the disruption to our way of life in the past fortnight. I’ll be honest, I have struggled to adjust to some changes made necessary to protect against the spread of Coronavirus. In the midst of this upheaval, I learned that a close family member back in Northern Ireland had received a terminal diagnosis and one short week later they have now sadly passed away. I have found it really quite difficult to be separated by distance at this time. Having the option of being physically with family taken away has caused a lot of anxiety and unrest within me.

Now more than ever I have needed God’s strength to cling to His promise of peace. I love to study the different names of God and the titles fulfilled in Jesus for reassurance of His character. One name for God in the Old Testament is Yahweh Shalom. Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, means much more than the absence of conflict but rather it invites an idea of wholeness and restoration. We often refer to Jesus as the Prince of Peace; this title is translated from Sar Shalom and actually appears in Isaiah 9. Whilst it does not appear directly in the New Testament we know that Jesus fulfills this title as Paul assured the church in Ephesus “[Jesus] himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2 v 14).

In chapter 32, Isaiah writes that “the fruit of righteousness will be peace and the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever”. This is such a challenge for our contemporary culture. Everywhere in our headlines, we see fear and anxiety ruling the day. Like the virus fear is contagious and it isn’t productive. When I read these verses in Isaiah recently it caused me to stop and reflect: “Have I subconsciously been spreading fear? Have I been listening more to the news and my social media feed than I have been tuning into time with God?” Of course, there is a place for us to share our true emotions and worries at such a difficult time, especially in an authentic Christian community. But surely as a church, we want to be a people marked by knowing Jesus himself as our peace and carrying that to those around us? Each person’s situation is unique and this pandemic will not affect us equally; there is, of course, genuine cause for concern and worry for many. My prayer is that we carefully guard the media we consume, make conscious decisions of how we steer conversations and actively seek to encourage our souls each day. God is gracious and kind and by His Spirit, He will help us enjoy His peace as we focus on His Word.

Today I encourage you to meditate on Isaiah 26 and 32. As you respond to God perhaps you’ll find it helpful to follow the acronym PRAY (inspired by Pete Greig’s model to Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield)

PAUSE: Consider the times you have enjoyed and experienced God’s peace - thank Him.

REJOICE: That God has shown us the path to peace through Jesus.

ASK: For a deeper understanding of trusting God and the grace to be someone who spreads peace, not fear and chaos.

YIELD: Agree with God that He has given you His Spirit to lead you to the path of peace.

Bio: I grew up in a Christan family of 5 in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. After 4 years of studying Geography and History at Glasgow University I moved to Bradford in 2017 to join Christians Against Poverty. I currently work as a Debt Advisor and I love being part of the Light Church family. I’ve helped out with the Job Club in the past and currently love serving on our kids and social teams. If I’m not chasing a hockey ball or hanging out with friends you’ll probably find me chatting the hind leg off a donkey!