Winter Newsletter 2022

John 3:16

For 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 2022 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

Greetings
Here we are again coming to the close of another year, we thank the Lord for the opportunity to take part in the shows, a real blessing.
It’s a wonderful time in history when God so graciously gave us His beloved Son, amazingly at his birth 324 prophecies were fulfilled, what a precious gift to save us from our sins.
In Colossians 2v6 says “as you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord”, Paul uses the word rooted and built up in Him. Just as the plant gets its food from the root so we also receive our life-giving strength from Jesus, it would be easy to get downhearted with all that is going on within and without.
Proverbs 12v25 we see an anxious heart weighs a man down but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 15v13 a happy heart makes a face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 17v22 a cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Jesus said “do not be anxious or afraid”; for a very good reason! endorphins can cause us harm.
A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness but a crushed spirit who can bear.
Proverbs 23v7 as a man thinketh so he is.
Proverbs 31v25 we see this wonderful picture of a lovely wife and mother; she’s clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at days to come, she’s free from anxiety and worry.
1Thessalonions v16 to18 rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Philippians 4v8 finally brethren whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.

Have a safe and blessed Christmas. Love in Christ Jesus, Mick and Annie.

Remembrance Day
How many these days truly spare a thought to the significance or symbolism marked by the November 11th, Armistice Day?
The powerful movie ‘1917’ and the recent remake of ‘All quiet on the Western Front’ and many more reveal a mere glimpse to the atrocities and sacrifices made by many, some no older than their late teens, who never returned again to their loved ones. Together forever they lay in fields far away along with those considered their enemies, each fighting for their own countries cause. The endless rows of poppies now grow abundantly above them. We remember above all Jesus who gave Himself for us and laid down His life that we may truly be reconciled to God and find true peace, ‘Greater love has no man than this, that he lays down his life for his friends’ – John 15: 13.
Even when on the cross Jesus uttered these words, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do ‘Luke 23: 34. Wars and hostility are a mark of our human condition and Jesus paid the price of our sin to give us hope and a future. We must follow Him and forgive each other – Ephesians 4:32,’ And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.’ ‘Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive’ Colossians 3: 13. Love from LV & NV.

Has Christmas Lost Its Real Meaning?
Many families this year will be hard pressed financially knowing that they cannot meet the needs and wants of their children. The adverts are geared to make us all want to spend and for many that means getting into debt using their credit cards. So, is Christmas about exchanging gifts and making merry at all costs? The answer of course is no. The real reason to celebrate is because of Christs birth, now that’s a real reason to be glad.
Whether we are rich or poor we all need to know that in Jesus through His death, burial and resurrection we can know sins forgiven and peace with God. That is a priceless gift, one that cost our Lord Jesus Christ His life for our sakes. So, whether you can celebrate Christmas or not, remember God’s greatest gift for He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for you and me. May the Lord grant you a blessed Christ-mas. Roy.

A Royal Throne and a Bed of Straw
This Christmas will be the first that we shall not hear the late Queen Elizabeth II give a Christmas day message, but it will be the first from her son King Charles 111. This has always been a time of reflection on the year gone by. A time to review the past and thinking about the future.
The Queen would at times refer to the true story of Christmas and her own faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Above all, the advent of Jesus is the true royal Christmas message. How many this Christmas will reflect on why He came to this world.? How many will consider the purpose of His mission to humankind? Or how many will ponder the offer of hope He came to freely give?
We live in a society and culture that has grown more distant and indifferent to the gospel or even the mention of Jesus. We find ourselves as it were in a post Christian world and we see the nations are in turmoil. Yet, despite this, the world can still be reached with the life-giving message of hope in Christ Jesus. We need the loving conviction of the Holy Spirit to bring the life-giving message of grace to those who are lost.
It is God’s work to bring light into darkness and give beauty for ashes, hope for despair, forgiveness for sin, freedom instead of guilt. It is the reason of Christ becoming flesh. The one who fashioned the cosmos, came to know the lowliness of a straw bed. He took on our frailty and came from the royal heavenly throne to wear a crown of thorns.
We who have put our trust in Him can lift up our heads. We may feel heavy of heart or downtrodden by the weight of life’s burdens and feel the overwhelming reality of our own weakness amongst all that is going on around us. Yet Jesus knows our deepest need and is the only one who can carry these needs. Let us put these things at His feet and remember He alone is able to carry them. He will work out all things together for good to those who love him – Romans 8: 28. – NV.

Have a very Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year from the Team and Trustees