 |
 |
John 3:16For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. |
Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army
Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Winter 2014 NEWSLETTER
Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
‘Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made,
were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade,
to write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.’ – Frederick M. Lehman (Hymn – Love of God).
Word from Mick
We are coming to the end of a very eventful year but we can draw strength. The Lord said “I will never leave or forsake you,” of course if He is dwelling in our hearts; if not, He won’t.
This week is just a little bit colder and mr robin appeared with his bright red waistcoat on and the little family of sparrows and starlings, also mr and mrs blackbird singing away. What a thrill it is to the soul, they greet me because I feed them and in turn give me great pleasure in song and friendship.
And would you believe there’s a little wild primrose looking up at me? “Praise the Lord.”
I am reminded of this-
“Said the robin to the sparrow,
I should really like to know,
Why these anxious human beings
rush about and worry so”
“Said the sparrow to the robin,
Friend, I think that it must be,
They have no Heavenly Father such
as cares for you and me. (E.CHENEY)
Psalm 84v3 & Mathew 10v29 – And the dear Lord sustains us all.
The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners! I’m so glad He did.
May the dear Lord be a present in your family gatherings this Christmas. May our song be one of praise and thanks giving to our Redeemers’ love.
– Every Blessing, Mick.
Weekly Bus Schedule (Evenings)
Mondays – Ryde – Western gardens (Ryde Esplanade)
Tuesdays – Freshwater Moa Place Car Park
Wednesdays – Wroxall Station Road Car Park
Thursdays – Shanklin Main Co-op Side Car Park
Fridays – Newport Church Litten Car Park
If anyone would like to join the prayer clock to pray a 15 minute prayer slot or more per day, then please contact Dave Sibley on:- 854903 / 07967912226 or e-mail at dave_lin@hotmail.co.uk.
Thoughts from the team
I often at this time of the year reflect on the story written by Charles Dickens whose infamous main character, one Ebenezer Scrooge appears in “A Christmas Carol”. He is shown to be mean and hard hearted, lacking in any compassion and his sole purpose was to make money at any cost. We are taken through his three visitations showing him his past, his present, and then his future if his heart was not changed. The moment in this story that I always treasure is when Ebenezer has that change of heart and becomes a generous and compassionate man. Christmas reminds us that we all have a past, a present and a future. In Christ Jesus our past is forgiven, our present can be changed into His likeness and our future hope is to spend eternity with Him forever. Jesus is God’s greatest gift, may we truly know that He is our Saviour and Lord.
Every blessing to you and your families.
– Roy (treasurer)
Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters, and you without money come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why do you spend money on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy. Listen carefully to me and eat what is good and you will enjoy the choicest of foods. Pay attention and come to me, listen, so that you will have life. –
Isaiah 55: 1- 3.
The above verses of the Holy Bible sum up perfectly the work of the Godbus as it goes out every weeknight with volunteers and shares these words of wisdom with islanders. It is fitting at this time of year as we scurry from shop to shop trying to buy presents to realise that there is a FREE gift available of eternal life. If only we throw off the chains that bind us and believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.
– Bernard Penney (Trustee)
‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…’ – John 1: 14.
We have been reminded recently with the Black Friday sales how things can get so out of hand and with the focus on getting stuff before others – a stark reminder of our human condition. Of course finding a right present for loved ones is special to us. Sometimes it takes some searching to find the gifts that represent that persons likes and personality. Jesus was brought three presents that reflected who He is, by the wise men all those years ago – Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. We are reminded that the new born babe was the King of the ages who took on our frailty. Also that He would exchange that cradle for a cross of shame and the bed of straw for a crown of thorns. The Dear Lord offered Himself as an offering for our sin once for all and in love willingly took our place, surrendering Himself to death on the cross.
The scriptures refer to the Lord Jesus Christ as the ‘indescribable gift’ 2 Corinthians 9: 15. He gave us Himself when we could contribute nothing except the sin that made His sacrifice necessary.
Often this time of year we reflect on the things that have happened where circumstances and loss have taken their toll. Life changes and unknown challenges assail many. We as God’s people are not exempt from heartache, pain and suffering. We pray that God would lift you up in your time of need if you are facing such times as these and bring you the comfort as only He can.
We pray that you will have a most blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year
May the Lord’s grace abide with you and your loved ones – The Team and Trustees.