O TASTE AND SEE.......

2006-12-26T07:27:00.003Z

How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.

Unity is precious to the Lord, and to us.
This season is one where many people will be drawn together in unity of purpose. Not all motives will be godly and sound, so not all unity is pleasing to the Lord.
But when we come together out of love for Him, and for each other, that is pleasing to Him.
When we do the little for the least, we begin to fulfill His desires for us - selflessness.

During this special time when our society is at it's most open, let's try to remember the less fortunate and not from a distance.
Who can you draw in to His unity?

Pastor Dave

Happy birthday to us!!!

2006-09-10T16:16:00.000+01:00

This weekend is the 15th anniversary of the official initial gathering of Elgin Church of God aka Elgin Community Church.

We started life in New Elgin Community Centre in 1991 and moved into Pinetree House in 2001.

Praise the Lord!

Thought for the week.

2006-09-10T16:08:00.000+01:00

Eph 5:4 Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, Christians have better uses for language than that. Don't talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn't fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect. The Message
{ Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. }

Gossip is

when you say something about someone that you haven't said to their face or discussed with them or asked if they mind if you say what you say.
when the subject of the gossip does not have the opportunity to set right what is being alleged or implied.
when there is very little evidence, very little encouragement, very little necessity for what you say about someone.
when you seek to make yourself look important under the black cloak of control and false concern for the person about whom you are gossiping.
when trust in the community is severely undermined and corroded.
when division creeps in and thrives resulting in dis-unity and hindrance of the work of Holy Spirit.
when we do the work of Satan in bringing down a brother or sister in Christ.

Still want to talk about someone behind their back?

I should hope not.
All you ever need to do is pray on your own in the quiet, secret place.

Read James Ch3; John 6:63.
Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

CLAN

2006-07-16T16:33:00.000+01:00

Christians Linked Across the North - a lot of our fellowship are at CLAN this week.

Check it out here.

Another time of walking.....

2006-07-06T13:48:00.000+01:00

We went to walk around Loch Affric but unfortunately we couldn't walk all the way round as there was no safe place to cross over a river that had swollen because of recent rainfall. However we had a good day of fellowship and enjoyment of God's creation.

In the pic from left to right is Mr. Dave; the Old Vic; Ronnie; Mamma Kriss; Carol.

Click here for more photos.

Walk Number 3....

2006-05-20T19:11:00.000+01:00

Great walk today, misty and wet but great.

We walked through Ryvoan Pass to the bothy and then doubled back a bit then into the Cairngorms. The scenery was stunning and the cuckoo was my highlight. Pity Kriss and Ronnie couldn't see it....

Try This Website...

2006-05-01T19:27:00.000+01:00

http://www.darwinismrefuted.com

Excellent stuff!

NOT cold and Windy....

2006-04-02T15:27:00.000+01:00

What a difference a few weeks makes, it was absolutely glorious down at Roseisle forest and beach today.

The sun was shining and there was a real warmth in the air.

Creation was really showing off the glory of God today, the sky was so blue and the trees were so green. And so many shades of green, the place was stunning. It was shouting out there is a God!!

Nunsy also found the biggest Hannukah candle that we have ever seen!!

Cold and Windy....

2006-03-06T18:52:00.000Z

The first ECC Walking Club outing took place on Sunday and it was freezing! Three of us enjoyed walking through Roseisle forest then along the beach.

The weather was great, bright and sunny, although very cold. You can see how chilly it was from the photo of Mr Dave and Mamma Kriss. Thanks to them for saving me from being "Billy No Mates"!

Pastor Dave is home

2006-02-28T21:19:00.000Z

and recovering. He needs to rest for the next two weeks.

Please pray for Pastor Dave.

2006-02-22T21:19:00.000Z

He was involved in a car smash this afternoon and is in hospital with a fractured sternum and a head wound which required minor surgery. He is comfortable as far as I am aware.

Will update as and when possible.

Awesome Sky Tonight....

2006-02-20T22:28:00.000Z

I wish I had a decent camera to take a picture of the sky tonight...it is absolutely awesome!

The sky is very, very clear and thousands and thousands of stars can be seen. We are so blessed where we live to have little or no light pollution, allowing us to see the splendour of the night sky.

Again I am in awe of God for the wonder of His Creation...it is truly breath taking!

Get out and see the sky and marvel at the awesome power of your Creator God.

It's in the post!

2006-02-11T11:15:00.000Z

My title is the often used excuse given to me when someone has let me down, creditors, plumbers, contributors.

"It's in the post!"

As if that makes it alright....

Jesus says, "When you pray..."

We say, "Jesus! You are the Lord of our lives , we will follow you and obey!"

Jesus says, "When you pray..."

My church secretary sends me the newsletter for the Pray for Scotland organisation pray-for-scotland@xc.org . I've re-printed an article from the current issue,

Praying the Price of Revival :by Stuart Robinson

Revd Dr Stuart Robinson is the Senior Pastor at the Blackburn Baptist Church, Victoria, Australia.

Introduction

In 1952 Albert Einstein was asked by a Princeton doctoral student what was left in the world for original dissertation research Einstein replied, "Find out about prayer".

English preacher Sidlow Baxter, when he was eighty-five years of age, said, "I have pastored only three churches in my more than sixty years of ministry. We had revival in every one. And not one of them came as a result of my preaching. They came as a result of the membership entering into a covenant to pray until revival came. And it did come, every time (Willhite 1988:111).

Chaplain of the United States Senate, Richard HaIverson, advised that we really don"t have any alternatives to prayer. He says, You can organise until you are exhausted. You can plan, program and subsidise all your plans. But if you fail to pray it is a waste of time. Prayer is not optional. It is mandatory. Not to pray is to disobey God" (Bryant 1984:39).

Roy Pointer, after extensive research in Baptist churches in the United Kingdom, arrived at the conclusion that wherever there was positive growth, there was one recurring factor: they were all praying churches.

In the United States of America, at Larry Lea's Church on the Rock in Rockwall, Texas, numerical growth was from 13 people in 1980 to 11,000 people by 1988. When he was asked about such amazing growth, he said "I didn't start a church - I started a prayer meeting". When David Shibley, the minister responsible for prayer in that church was asked the secret of the church, he said, "The evangelistic program of the church is the daily prayer meeting. Every morning, Monday through Friday, we meet at 5:00 a.m. to pray. If we see the harvest of conversions fall off for more than a week, we see that as a spiritual red alert and seek the Lord" (ShibIey 1985:7).

In Korea, where the church has grown from almost zero to a projected 50% of the population in this century alone, Pastor Paul Yonggi Cho attributes his churchs conversion rate of 12,000 people per month as primarily due to ceaseless prayer.In Korea it is normal for church members to go to bed early so they can arise at 4 a.m. to participate in united prayer. It is normal for them to pray all through Friday nights. It is normal to go out to prayer retreats.Cho says that any church might see this sort of phenomenal growth if they were prepared to "pray the price; to "pray and obey." Cho was once asked by a local pastor why was it that Cho's church membership was 750,000 and his was only 3,000 when he was better educated, preached better sermons and even had a foreign wife ? Cho enquired, "How much do you pray? The pastor said "Thirty minutes a day." To which Cho replied, "There is your answer. I pray three to five hours per day."

In America one survey has shown that pastors on average pray 22 minutes per day. In mainline churches, it is less than that. In Japan they pray 44 minutes a day, and China 120 minutes a day. It"s not surprising that the growth rate of churches in those countries is directly proportional to the amount of time pastors are spending in prayer.

Growth - a Supernatural Process

The church is a living organism. It is God"s creation with Jesus Christ as its head (Colossians I:18). From Him life flows (John I4:6). We have a responsibility to cooperate with God (1 Corinthians 3:6). We know that unless the Lord build our house we labour in vain (Psalm 127:1). The transfer of a soul from the kingdom of darkness to that of light is a spiritual supernatural process (Colossians I : 14). It is the Father who draws (John 6:44). It is the Holy Spirit who convicts (John 16:8-1 I ). He causes confession to be made (1 Corinthians 12:3). He completes conversion (Titus 3:5). It is the Holy Spirit who also strengthens and empowers (Ephesians 3:16). He guides into truth (John 16:16). He gives spiritual gifts which promote unity (I Corinthians I2:25), building up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12), thus avoiding disunity and strife which stunt growth.

This is a fundamental spiritual truth accepted and believed by all Christians. However, the degree to which we are convinced that all real growth is ultimately a supernatural process and are prepared to act upon that belief, will be directly reflected in the priority that we give to corporate and personal prayer in the life of the church. It is only when we begin to see that nothing that matters will occur except in answer to prayer that prayer will become more than an optional program for the faithful few, and instead it will become the driving force of our churches.

Obviously God wants our pastors, other leaders and His people to recognise that only He can do extra-ordinary things. When we accept that simple premise, we may begin to pray.

In the Bible, the battle which Joshua won, as recorded in Exodus 17:8-13 was not so dependent upon what he and his troops were doing down on the plain. It was directly dependent upon Moses prayerful intercession from on top of a near by hill with the support of Aaron and Hur. In the Old Testament, not counting the Psalms, there are 77 explicit references to prayer.

The pace quickens in the New Testament. There are 94 references alone which relate directly to Jesus and prayer. The apostles picked up his theme and practice. So Paul says, "Pray continually, for this is God"s will for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16)Peter urges believers to be "clear minded and self controlled" so they can pray. (1 Peter 4:7). James declares that prayer is powerful and effective" (James 5:16) John assures us that "God hears and answers" (1 John 5: 15). In the book of Acts there are 36 references to the church growing. Fifty-eight percent [i.e. 21 of those instances) are within the context of prayer.

We would all love to see growth in every church in the world like it was at Pentecost and immediately thereafter. The key to what happened is found in Acts 1:14 when it says: "They were all joined together constantly in prayer. They were all joined together - one mind, one purpose, one accord. That is the prerequisite for effectiveness. Then, they were all joined together constantly in prayer. The word used there means to be "busily engaged in, to be devoted to, to persist in adhering to a thing, to intently attend to it." And it is in the form of a present participle. It means that the practice was continued ceaselessly. The same word is used in Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves ......to prayer." Over in Colossians 4:2 Paul uses the same word again in the imperative form "Devote yourselves to prayer.

Most significant expansion movements of the church through its history took up that imperative.

Jesus says, "When you pray..." not "If you want give this a go..."

Let's not make our response, "It's in the post!"

Racial and Religious Hatred Bill

2006-02-02T18:41:00.000Z

Hi Folks,

Found an interesting take on the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill -

http://www.operationchristianvote.org.uk/site/

click on this to see film made by students in St Andrews (scroll down to near bottom to see film). Not sure if this would actually happen but it makes interesting viewing...

Our Lord Is Amazing!

2006-01-31T22:24:00.000Z

Hello All,

I'm back in action again, that's my internet connection fixed.

I wanted to share what happened on Sunday night at Inverness, when I was there with Armands as he preached. As you know Armands and his family were over from Latvia, visiting us for a week. After the sermon there was a call for prayer and ministry and 8 people came forward. Myself and Armands prayed for many issues and problems however the most exciting time came at the end of the line...

Last in line for prayer was a girl from Latvia (yes Latvia) who wanted to give her life to the Lord. WOW! Armands spoke to her in her native language and led her to the Lord. It was truly wonderful to see and hear. It amazed me that Armands came from Latvia to Scotland and preached in Inverness just as Skaidrite felt convicted to give her life to Jesus. I love the timing of my Lord!

While we were in Latvia last year I bought a Latvian Bible and I'd looked at it only a couple of times since. I actually thought about this Bible last week as I saw it on my shelf, wondering why I brought it back. I know now why I brought it back - it was so that I could send it to Skaidrite today. I love the way my Lord works!

Please remember Skaidrite in your prayers, not only is she a new Christian, but she is away from her family working in a strange country. Pray that she will read the Word and live by it. I love my Lord's Word!

I just love my Lord!

2006-01-28T08:51:00.000Z

For some time now, both my own personal blog and the church blog have been receiving comments from an individual who is using the title of ‘prophet of god’ for his/her self. For this reason I choose not to use capital letters for either the word prophet or the word god in my response. Neither one is accurate in this instance.
Firstly, in my understanding, all Prophets are not self appointed but are anointed, and in New Testament terms that means working within the framework of the church as described in the New Testament. Prophets are clearly identifiable, open to relationship and response amongst those they are called to serve, as they encourage, exhort and edify the church. Prophets didn’t [ even in Old Testament times ] and don’t make anonymous attacks on persons and groups. Prophets who are called by God, are not afraid of their identity being known.
Secondly, from the overall tone and nature of the comments from this ‘prophet’, I rather suspect that this individual has a very immature understanding of matters of religion and faith. They have found a particular collection of scriptures which allow aggressive points to be made, has learnt the standard ‘ranters’ rebuttals of the responses of their victims, and has found a great deal of emotional security in anonymity and the release of venting at others from that safe place. Their ‘god’ is their limited paradigm…. A pale reflection of my God.
There can be no dialogue with such types because they are not interested in dialogue, only in their own sanctimonious outpourings.
I and my church have been accused of all manner of things from ‘pagan christianity’ and being a ‘whore church’ to myself being unbiblical in my life, attitudes and practices. I have been taunted by the ‘prophet’ for not replying to any of his comments and not allowing such comments on my blogs.
I don’t agree with ‘prophet’ on any thing that has been said about me or my church.

I know real Prophets who operate in New Testament and biblical ways. When they deliver a rebuke, reproof or chastisement to me, it’s done biblically and accurately. When God tells someone something about me or my church that has been wrong, it’s 100% accurate – without fail. This ‘prophet’ has based their attacks on many assumptions and inaccuracies which would have been obvious had that person either attended my church or had the good manners and grace to ask me face to face or christian to christian in accordance with biblical procedure.

Of course, the response of the ‘prophet’ would probably be that I am not considered a christian in his eyes.

So why bother attacking the hell-bound?

It certainly isn’t out of a loving concern for the lost, given the nature and content of the attacking comments.

There are ways to engage people in life-saving discussions, ‘prophet’, and I suggest you learn and apply a few of them – if, like God, you are concerned for the salvation of souls like the Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9.

You do a great deal of accusing in your comments. Revelation tells us that Satan is the accuser of the brethren. Another reason why I don’t pay any attention to inaccuracies and accusations masquerading as godliness. I recognise their origin.

You tell me I am wrong to celebrate Christmas. You don’t even know my stance on Christmas, you’ve never bothered to check before speaking. Maybe you should check with Proverbs and James about haste in speaking. Christmas is not in the Bible and as such is not to be celebrated. Advent is not biblical either and is not to be celebrated. However if I choose to lead my fellowship in a series of meditations, bible studies and gatherings based on the relevant scriptures in Isaiah and the Gospels, at a time that coincides with the world’s TillFest called Christmas – that has nothing to do with you.

Since we are on the subject of un-biblical things, do you keep the whole letter of the Law?
Do you obey all of Leviticus, stoning adulterers, homosexuals, rebellious teenagers, whilst not wearing garments of mixed fibres, not eating pork or shellfish?
Jesus tells us that if we fall down on one point of law we have broken it all.
Paul tells us that the letter [ of the law ] kills but the Spirit gives life.
Do you own a car, ride a bus or train?
Do you listen to any aural sounds generated by a radio or hi-fi, watch television.?
None are mentioned in the Bible.
You seem to have enough latitude in your walk with God to allow you to surf the non-Biblical internet, attacking those with whom you disagree.

You accuse me and my church of hating you. This is also wrong. We don’t hurt you or curse you.
You can’t check us off against a list of persecutors so that you can receive the blessing when you are "wrongly used for my name’s sake." After every one of your railings and rantings I simply pray that you will have a greater revelation of the love and person of Jesus Christ than you have ever had before. My eldership is also concerned for you and prays for you in a similar manner.
We are trying to practice agape, unconditional, biblical love as much as we are able in our weak and frail humanity. You’ll have to go elsewhere for an unbiblical dispute over doctrine [ see Titus 3:9 ] so that you can puff yourself up with unbiblical pride about having given those ungodly tares a piece of your mind.

Speaking of tares, the KJV tells US not to uproot the tares lest the wheat be harmed…Matt 13. So you obviously know better than Jesus! How arrogant!

The reason I haven’t answered your venomous comments is twofold.
First – I really can’t be bothered to waste my valuable time in jousting with an individual who is too scared to be open and accountable about their words and actions.
Secondly - I practise my faith and my ministry in the open. People know where I live and work, they can speak to me, see me at any time. I am accountable to my God, and bishop and my people and they know that. They are more precious to me than wasting time on titillating your ego and even on blogs and such like.
You can waste your time on the internet - attacking, me - I’m following my calling about being salt and light and making disciples. I care nothing for your opinion of me. You are without meaning since you are operating so far beyond Biblical principle and in arrogance and hypocrisy.
I am absolutely unmoved by your inaccurate assumptions, gossip, slander and lies, your posturing and railing - see 1 Cor 5:11.

This entry has taken me a while to write, I’ve been busy tentmaking and praying and fitting all this into my wonderful life as a pastor, called to be alongside and amongst a wonderful group of people learning to love the Lord with more and more of themselves, deny themselves more and more and to reach out more and more to the lost every day.

Sorry ‘prophet’, you are right in only one thing you have said to me – church is not about programmes. I say it’s about learning to love God and relate with those made in His image, more and more every day.

Also, my wife will be blogging shortly in her own right. We are all equal in Christ, and she has the right to respond to you for herself.

Since you choose to be anonymous, I choose to deny you access to my church website and my blog. From here on I intend to delete, UNREAD, any incoming email or comments to my blog from you until such time as you identify yourself, your place of residence, your church etc and you learn to involve yourself in relationship as you are called to do.

My church web manager has instructions to do likewise with the Pinetree House site.

"Go into all the world.." means to be visible and accessible as ambassadors for Christ, in all your frailty such that His glory is seen in you.

I have seen nothing in anything you have written which brings glory to Almighty God and His wonderful Son Jesus Christ, nor has anything you have said convinced me that you are in Spirit.

I look forward to hearing from you in a spirit of open-ness, love and entreatment, until then I continue to pray for you that you would discover the reality of the love of God.

Jud 1:24-25: Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Christmas Day '05

2005-12-26T13:30:00.000Z

Pastor Dave & the Old Vic get ready to cook and serve the Christmas lunch.

Thought for The Week.

2005-12-11T17:08:00.000Z

Mark Chapter 1 [KJV]

Go on - read it now! You've picked up either the newsletter or you're on the website, so you are obviously interested..... go on - read the first chapter of Mark's gospel now!!

Done it? Hope so. I hope you're not on of those who finds it a bit difficult to press on.

Did you notice how in this chapter, the word 'straightway' was used three times; the word 'immediately' four times.

One thing that it seems many Christians have, is a strongly developed sense of reserve. We hold back from doing or saying things which we know deep down are appropriate and yet we can't quite bring ourselves to express them.

Yet Mark is packed full of 'straightway' and 'immediately' all through the Gospel.

There is an immediacy about being a child of God which is ok. A great deal of the immediacy of children is usually ok as it springs out of their innocence.

So maybe we too, could have immediacy.

Maybe the next time you feel you should say or do something, you should say or do it!

If you've got this far and haven't read Mark Chapter 1 as I asked you to earlier, because you just didn't, how about a little humility on your part and going and getting your bible, reading the chapter and seeing if you agree with what the Lord says ...

....straightway!

The Adventure of Advent

2005-12-05T18:53:00.000Z

This Sunday, I spoke about the need for Christians to use Advent as a John the Baptist style time of proclamation. Many of us engage in conversations with unsaved people and we get sucked into the "Are you ready for Christmas?" or "Have you got done all you need to do for Christmas yet?" kind of exchanges, playing our part but not in a spiritual way. This week my fellowship have been asked to look at the Adventure that is Advent.
Perhaps you too might like to reflect on the following readings and questions.

Please read Mark 1 vs 1-8. Rom 10 vs 13 –18.

Q1 : What do Advent, Messiah and Emmanuel mean?
Q2 : What do we talk about to our unsaved friends at this time of year?
Q3 : The reading from Mark 1 shows a particular sequence. 1) Prepare the way for the Lord; 2) Preach repentance for the remission of sins; 3) the people came out to John confessing their sins.
What currently happens when we as christians talk about the coming of Christmas year after year?
Q4 : What do you want to happen for your unsaved family, friends and enemies?
Q5 : Thinking of questions 2 & 3 above, which way seems to work best?
Q6 : What can you change?

Take time now to think of some of the likely conversations and situations you might find yourself in.
Think through what your favoured response would be.
Rehearse that response.
Now prayerfully enjoy Advent!

May the Lord bless you as you follow His plan and may you see friends and family and even your opponents coming to the place of salvation.

GET THE TAPE OR CD!!

2005-11-28T20:29:00.000Z

Hi Folks,

You have got to get a tape or cd of the message from last night....Oh Boy!!! I told Dave I could see a twinkle in his eye before we started the worship last night....

The message that the Lord brought us through Dave was awesome...I'm not going to spoil it for you, JUST GET THE CD!

I can tell you that it lead me to read and re-read Ephesians 1:1-13 tonight and I now know what Dingwall are gonna get for the next three weeks! Check out this part of scripture and see what your God has promised you, see what is there waiting for you to accept.

There is complete forgiveness, there is wisdom, there is redemption, there is your inheritence (which you get NOW), there is revelation...Oh, there is just so much. WHAT PROMISES, FREE FOR US ALL.

I have been preaching in Dingwall about the fact that we need to choose what to think about and what to meditate on, and that it should be God's goodness and His promises to us. Ephesians 1 is just that!

Go and read it again, I'm sure you've read it many times, but please go and read it again right now...prepare to be blessed and encouraged.

I'm off to read it again.....

What a Blessed Time....

2005-11-14T19:33:00.000Z

Hi Folks,

Been a bit busy to blog recently, spending most of my time preparing for meetings in Dingwall! What a blessing it is to prepare and then lead the meetings at Dingwall, I feel shattered but I'm loving every minute.

I'm just talking a break now, and about to start some prep for the Bible study on Wednesday night. We are looking at James on a Wednesday evening, we are taking our time but we'll get there.

The messages are taking quite a while to prepare, having to do one every week is hard work but again great fun and so rewarding. My admiration for you, Pastor Dave, although high already, is growing....two in a week!!

On a Sunday we are looking at the individual responsibility of the believer in relation to their walk with the Lord - how our thoughts and choices have a huge impact on us.

The main text we are coming out of is Philippians 4v4-13, I only managed to get as far as looking at verse 4 last week and preached on that verse on Sunday. My studies lead me to Habakkuk however, to a superb piece of Scripture -

Hab 3:17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Hab 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Hab 3:19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.

How awesome is that?! Even in the dire straights he was in he managed to rejoice and praise his God, even in the face of starvation and destitution he rejoiced in his God. FANTASTIC!! What an example!

How can we moan and gripe when we are faced with trials and testing times? We face nothing like that faced by Habakkuk. We face nothing like that faced by Paul, who called his trials and temptations a "light affliction" - and what a list they were!!

Rejoice in the Lord during good and hard times, praise Him, concentrate and meditate on Him and on His promises and truths, meditate on His Word.........and your outlook and your life will be changed!

I have just spent the last

2005-11-02T17:58:00.000Z

48hours in the lovely area of St Andrews.Fife. In the St Andrews Bay Hotel.
To those of you who do not know the area, the hotel sits on a headland approx 4 miles outside St Andrews itself.
It is an amazing place, developed and built specifically for those who love golf and appreciate the finer things in life. ( hotel comments, not mine) It is luxurious to say the least and very comfortable. I was there as part of my job as a Project Manager for a NHS programme. There were over 350 delegates, mostly GPs, managers and Health Care providers. Part of my work involved encouraging, sharing and the development of ideas for health care improvement. This is the fourth such conference I have been involved with and quite honestly the most difficult. Not because of the work involved but because of the things that God revealed to me during my time there.
I believe the Holy Spirit has been showing me just how lost the world is. Surounded by such extravegance and beauty, listening to the comments from delegates, the worldly things that they focus on, made me want to weep.
I began to feel so detached from the surroudings, being there but not belonging, if that makes sense. For the first time I began to understand when scripture says that we live in the world but don't belong in it.
I also remembered the subject that we covered in Roots and Shoots a couple of weeks ago. Worshiping Idols. Oh how the world worships anything other than the one true Lord and Father.
The world has lost its focus, it has turned away from the one true thing that will fulfill lives and replaced it with material gain and idolisation of the self.
I understand the service last Sunday ( 30th) was centred on surrender. Have you started surrendering your idols to God? Are you aware of what those idols are? If not please pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal these to you so that you can begin to be have the freedom that is fully available in Christ.
Don't be like some of those delegates at the conference, bound and chained to the worldly idols that they strive to attain and keep.
We don't have to strive, Christ did it all for us. Just choose to focus on Him and surrender all. I thank God for the provision of indwellling Holy Spirit who, if you allow him, will guide you and teach you the truth.
Don't drink from leaking cisterns created by man, drink from the living water of life. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK.

2005-10-23T17:10:00.000+01:00

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. Heb:11.4

Abel - we don't often think of him - do we?

He was the son of Adam and Eve who had a heart for God and because of that brought his sacrifice out of an outpouring of love and devotion to His God.

Cain just brought what he did out of obligation, it was something he had to do rather than wanted to do.

So God got second best.

Abel's heart pleased the Lord. The expression of this heart was an acceptable sacrifice.

God always wants to engage with us at a heart level not a head level. That's one reason why we need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.... so that our thought patterns can be molded and stirred by our hearts when our spirits are stirred by God's love. Usually we keep our stirrings so fiercely under control that often even we, ourself are not sure of our real feelings about something.

Sadly Cain killed Abel.

The head would often like to kill the heart!

We are also encouraged to present ourselves as a living sacrifice - our reasonable service.

The last part sounds a bit like Cain doesn't it. But that's not the case. Our sacrificial offering of all that we are is the least we can do in gratitude for eternal life. That's the kind of sacrifice that can only come out of a heart that loves God. Obligation, responsibility and a sense of duty are not strong enough to complete that offering.

Only love can lay your whole self down.

We've thought a lot lately about sacrifice, service, witness and testimony.

Where is yours coming from?

Head or heart?

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK.

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As I was sitting thinking and praying about what God wanted me to bring this week, my mind kept wandering to the thoughts of what it is going to be like being a Grandma. I was also really stirred by the pictures on the TV regarding the earthquake in Pakistan and the generation of children that have perished in that area. It started me thinking of how imperative it is for us, as believers, to share our faith with people. Some may say that we are seeing creation writhing in agony because of the sin in the world and that we are witnessing the lead up to Christ’s return. I have often imagined what it would be like at the time but it is one of those things that our finite minds cannot comprehend and understand. All we can do is continue in our faith and trust in a loving Father and Saviour.
This brings me to the point I had in mind, Legacy. What legacy have we stored up for our children and grandchildren, the future generations. Have we and are we doing all we can to ensure the future of those generations? Do we pray earnestly for the children of the world to come to know and experience a real and loving relationship with the one person who can give them freedom, a sense of purpose and a sure foundation in their lives.
It is an exciting time waiting and watching the development of a child, the birth and growth, the plans that we have. So how much more is God’s excitement as he watches his children develop and grow into His sons and daughters. I want so much more for my grandchild, not in a material sense but in understanding and acknowledgement of God’s love and Grace. Above all else, I want to give this child a rock solid legacy, a legacy that is promised to us through the atoning sacrifice of Christ.
As you sit, and prepare yourself for the service this morning, look around; who do you see? We are all children of God; we are here because someone desired to share God’s legacy with us. It is a wonderful inheritance; too good to keep to ourselves. What a fitting and priceless legacy to pass on.

1 Peter 1:3-4.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance ( legacy) incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”

Mamma Kriss

What a Chapter.....

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Do you agree with me that Philippians chapter 4 is one of the most beautiful chapters in the whole of the bible? It is crammed full of truths and of ways to live our life.

My devotional this morning took me to verse 6, and talked about not worrying.But there were lots of other verses that jumped out at me......

Verse 13 tells me I can do anything, not in my own strength but in the strength of Jesus. I can do anything in the strength of the Living God, Who dwells in me.

Verse 4 tells me to rejoice always, always have a joy in knowing what we have in the Lord.

Verse 8 tells me to keep my mind on good things, not to always thinking about negative issues. Think on things that are true, honest, just, pure.....need I go on! Keep your mind positive and you'll be positive. We are told elsewhere in The Word that as we think in our heart so we are.

Verse 5 talks of the example I need to be to other men, again not in my strength but in the Lord's strength.

And then I was lead to Col 3:15, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts....." but I think that can wait for another blog....time to go.....

God Bless.

What a Wonderful God

2005-09-28T18:39:00.000+01:00

What a wonderful God we serve....a God who creates and a God who restores!

I spent last Saturday with two great friends (Pastor Dave and Mr Dave) walking up Benrinnes, a "small" hill near Dufftown.

The weather and views were fantastic showing God's Creation at it's very best.

I was also blessed that Mr Dave was with us, he had a heart ataack exactly one year to the day! Praise the Lord that Dave was fit and well to climb that hill. Dave knows he was there due to God's goodness to him and due to God's healing power.

Praise the Lord for His goodness to us all!

This is cell - according to Acacia, our youth cell.

2005-09-22T12:55:00.000+01:00

To get closer to God

Help each other with problems

Have fun

Building relationships with others

See others come to Jesus

Challenges and brain teasers

Youth [adult] friendly

Trips and outings

Make more friends

Meet new people

See the youth [of the fellowship] grow in the Lord

Spread the Word

Pizza night.

Out of the mouths of babes?

I am off to Glasgow

2005-09-21T10:04:00.000+01:00

Today I leave for Glasgow for training for my work. I am not looking forward to the journey as I have four hours sitting on a train, in seats that do nothing for those who have back problems.

I have been away a considerable amount of time over the past 18 months with my work, something that I never thought I would be able to cope with. However, those times away have been a good time for reflection and trust. Reflection on the journey that God has taken me on over the past 5 years and the experiences and difficulties faced.

When we set out on a journey, we buy our ticket and get on the train and rely on the driver to get us to our destination. We do not think or worry what that driver is doing because we expect him to be highly skilled in driving the train, perfectly able to take us safely through our journey.

I think our walk with God is like a train journey. Our Lord is our driver, the only difference is that Jesus purchased our ticket for us; we choose to get on the train and complete the journey to our destination. I wonder, do we have that same trust and faith in Him as we do a mortal train driver? How much more safer are we in the hands of a loving father than we are in the hands of a stranger?

When I get on the train today, I know the route it goes, through the hills and valleys of the Highlands, Perth and Kinross, Tayside then on to Strathclyde.

Our journey with God is an unknown route; we know the final destination but we have no idea what we may encounter on the way. Are you willing to join me on this exciting journey? I believe the advert for this journey would read
"Wanted, ordinary people who want to take an extra-ordinary journey and adventure under the guidance of a special team called The Trinity. Anyone can apply, no special skills required".

I am excited about my journey and the route I will be led along. Yes I am wondering what's ahead but I know that my Guide will not allow me to face anything I cannot overcome with His help.

How about you?

With love, Mamma Kriss.

Acacia [youth cell] report.

2005-09-14T21:21:00.000+01:00

Hi Dave, here is my first email to you to say what happened at Acacia Cell.

We met at Jo's house. There were 14 of us altogether. Angela, Rene, Daniella, Siobhan, Jo, Jamie, Fiona, Gemma, Hanna, Kirstie, Kirsty, Pastor Dave, Nadia and Zan. We started the evening off with juice, pic'n'mix, crisps, biscuits and home made cakes by Kirsty, followed by a lovely time of praise and worship accompanied by Jamie on the guitar.

Next pastor Dave spoke to us about priorities and the importance of loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind, unlike the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians and Legalists. Their priorities were all on the outward appearance so that they would be seen to be doing what they said was right and good while on the inside they were hard, cruel and self righteous.

We also heard some scriptures telling us how much we are loved by God. It is for His pleasure we are created. Rev 4v11. He has chosen us ...before the foundation of the world. It has been predetermined that we will be God's children. He has made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1 v4-6. He will rejoice over thee with joy...He will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3v17. For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil; to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29v11. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3v16. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me oh God. How great is the sum of them. If I should count them they are more in number than the sand. When I awake I am still with thee. Psalm 139 v17+18.

We then closed with a time of prayer.

It's a wonderful world

2005-09-05T19:51:00.000+01:00

Over the past few days I have had the opportunity to travel around this wonderful area we live in. Visiting General Practices is part of my job and meeting people from all walks of life can be quite an experience. The one thing that has really struck me this past wee while is the incredible beauty of God's creation. The heather on the hills has been in full bloom and the different hues of purple stretching as far as the eye can see is amazing. It's just occurred to me as I wrote those last words that purple is a royal colour, what a fitting example.
This morning I disturbed a Capercaille bird on the moors, the first one I have seen in a long time and saw so many pheasants it was like driving through a poultry farm. Sheep wondered along the roadside and even slept in the middle of the road. Sadly I also saw two badgers that were lying beside the road after being knocked down.
I guess that what I am trying to say tonight is that we can be moved so much by the beauty of nature and creation but the one thing that remains constant throughout is the ever presence of our Lord and Father.
No matter what we experience, see, hear or feel, He is there. Even in the midst of what appears to be confusion and heart ache is the unquenchable love and grace He has for you and me.
I know that I am blessed when I take time during my journey to pull over and just take in the quietness and serenity of the countryside. I can sit and listen and talk with my heavenly father, take things to him and open my heart, mind and soul to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
I know some of you may think that this is a little fanciful or that many of you do not have the opportunity to take time out during your day, but we all have an opportunity for a few moments thought . During hoovering the carpet or with your hands in the sink, just take some precious moments to give thanks to God for His unconditional love and Grace.
You never know, you may be suprised what you hear.
God bless,
Mamma Kriss

We are in the process

2005-08-19T11:00:00.000+01:00

of putting an audio version of the New Testament together. A number of our members and friends are reading the books out loud and being recorded. We will hopefully have the project completed at the end of September.

Cell church starts at the end of this month when we go back into our full programme after the summer break. There are currently 5 cells planned to start and it's an exciting time for us as we prepare to follow the road that we believe God has laid out for us.

Our pastors are currently away down south on holiday - we hope and pray that they will have a blessed and refreshing time.

Long time no blog....

2005-08-15T19:17:00.000+01:00

Long time no blog...

What with my holidays and my pc playing up I haven't managed to blog for a while. Please pray for me this week as I prepare for delivering the sermon on Sunday. I feel the Lord is leading me to preach about rejoicing under all circumstances (among other things)....something I'm not great at.

Maybe the Lord is trying to tell me something; I always seem to learn a lot when preparing to give the message.

A different week ahead

2005-07-23T17:45:00.000+01:00

as most of the fellowship have gone off to CLAN - www.new-wine-scotland.org

However we have a Youth for Christ team visiting with us this week so they will be fellowshipping with us tomorrow. Pastor Paul MaLaughlan, from Inverness, will be bringing God's Word tomorrow morning.

There are also a few families away on holiday at this time but I'm sure that our small band of believers will be worshipping in spirit and truth tomorrow and during the week ahead.

From Latvia.

2005-07-23T17:33:00.000+01:00

Hello!! How are you doing??
This will be a quick note... we are fine! Daniella growing.

But Armands since monday
is in the hospital, tomorrow he will have an operation,
not only calculus (Gallensteine) will be operated
but also cholecyst, because it is not working...

We would appreciate your prayer, thanks!!!

well, I have to leave now... may God's blessings be with you!!

It's a lovely evening

2005-07-18T17:26:00.000+01:00

and I am contemplating going out into the garden to finish making preparations for our son's wedding in a couple of weeks time.
It has been an unusual few weeks with the weather; extremely hot one minute and then cool again. The plants and flowers have all been mixed up in their growing and blooming cycle and it made me think about how, as Christians, we too can become out of sync with God's plan for our lives.
When we allow the stresses of this world to overtake us and we focus on the wrong things, it becomes like a spinning op or gyro; perfectly balanced until all of a sudden we end up shooting everywhere or off at a tangent untill we run out of power.
Have you been there recently ? I have.
Obviously, as a mother whose first born is due to marry, I have become increasingly excited over preparations for the big day, wondering if we have done everything we need to make sure that our loved ones have a day to remember. All parents want the best for their children and planning a wedding is no exception. All the meticulous plans about the venue, service, reception and get together of the family are so important; wondering if there is anyone or anything we have forgotten that might spoil the big day.
Our Father in Heaven is like this you know. He has provided the bridegroom in the guise of Our Lord Jesus Christ and we as a church are His Bride. He has provided the most amazing wedding you can ever imagine and we as his guests (children) have an open invitation.
Do we put as much thought and energy into this wedding preparation as we do to others?
Are we as excited at the prospect of attending this (His) wedding ? Have we the reassurrance and confirmation that we are honoured guests ?
I love it when God prompts thoughts like these. Even amongst the excitement and busyness of making preparation it is so good to stop and listen to what He say's. Whatever you are involved in or how busy life seems at the moment take time to stop, sit quietly and listen; you may be suprised and encouraged by what your hear.
Even amongst all the clamour and hatred that is abundant in this world at the moment there is an oasis of calm that can be found in God. His Word is the water of life without which we slowly become parched, wither and die.
If you are reading this and you wonder what on earth I am talking about, don't ignore the prompt in your heart, speak to someone you know and trust. It is a prompt from God who is desperate for you to attend the wedding He has so lovingly prepared.
God Bless.

Checking in!

2005-07-15T11:24:00.000+01:00

God is Good - All the time!!
At last, the greatest technophobe on ECC staff finally creates her opening entry into the e-world of shared e-kklesia.
Looking forward to many blogs together.
Yes - even you POG!
Love
Pastor Louise

Thought it was time Mamma Kriss

2005-07-12T14:10:00.000+01:00

gave some thanks for the wonderful way God has been working in and with me these past months.
It took me sometime to come back down after visiting Latvia and then I entered into a hectic few weeks with my work. I was away from home again, living out of a suitcase and travelling all over the North of Scotland to one meeting or another and really missing the fellowship and love of my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Our Lord has been so faithful in His support and presence throughout this time; a little nudge here and a word there reassuring me of His continued love and grace. He knows us so much more than we know ourselves and to have Him gently reveal to us the areas in our lives that need surrendering to Him is both wonderful and painful. Painful because we cling on to those things like a limpet, not wanting to let go.
Our fellowship is entering into a new phase that is both exciting and challenging. The start of cell groups in the autumn will be the beginning of the next stage in our walk both as individuals and as a church, the church being the people not the building.
I feel it an immense privilege to be called by God to be a cell leader, humbled and scared by His faith in me. I know that as long as we keep our focus on Him and His Word then He will always guide and keep us on our journey together.
Someone said at the weekend that our faith and fellowship is growing in Him; the more we seek God the more we become the real people that we were intended to be, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, chosen by God.
Amen.

We have taken the sad

2005-07-11T12:35:00.000+01:00

but necessary decision not to allow comments on our posts.

This has come about because of the ungracious attacks on our church and some individuals by a blogger who calls themselves "the prophet of god". (pog) Now whilst we accept that not everyone would agree with everything that was posted on this blog we were hoping that we would have open and loving dialogue with whoever would want that. But it has become obvious that the pog just wants to impose their interpretation of the Holy Bible. Whilst some of what they have posted could be considered Biblically accurate it has not been written with a loving heart or with a Holy Spirit filled heart.

The pog has commented that we are not allowing free speech but free speech is a two way street. The pog does not have a public profile so we have no idea who they are. It begs the question, "What are they afraid of?".

So pog we invite you to contact our pastor via our website (link on the right) and possibly go some way to understanding us and where we are coming from and where we are going in our walk with the Lord.

I myself felt saddened when you said something about myself which, if you knew me, was totally inaccurate. In one of your comments you accused me of not reading the Bible but reading just about every Christian book out there. All I can say is that just about everyone in our fellowship would know that I am no lover of Christian books, especially the more modern ones. I cannot remember the last Christian book I actually read all the way through. Whilst there are some excellent commentaries the only word is the Word of God.

POG, you have done nothing but attack and disparage us since you started commenting on this blog. We feel sad that you seem not to want a loving relationship and we shall continue to pray for you. We trust that you will pray for us. May God richly bless you.

We trust God that our postings will bless and encourage, challenge and comfort and that we will continue to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

Be Salt and Light

2005-07-01T15:00:00.000+01:00

Do you find it hard to talk about Jesus at work?
Do you feel you should not be doing that in work time?

Let me encourage you if you are in the same boat as me in that respect. I feel that we do not need to stand on our desks and shout "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" all the time to get across our message that the Lord lives, lives in us and changes us.

We should be an example in the way we work, the way we relate to people and the way we deal with issues and problems. We can show the love of Jesus without using our mouths. We can show the love of Jesus just by being there and bringing the Lord into that place. We can show our friends and colleagues Jesus by exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.

We can be different to others in the work place. We can show others the love of Jesus just by living and working alongside people. By our actions should we be known as a follower of Jesus. Love your co-workers and show them that love.

I was encouraged in this respect in my annual review recently. My boss said "I've been watching you...others come to you for advice and counselling, you have compassion". Praise the Lord that He has changed me so much, from the unloving career minded individual who had compassion for no one but himself. THANK YOU JESUS! Thank you and bless you that you are working in me, thank you that you are interested in me enough and love me enough to want me to change. Thank you Lord that you have shown me the way you want me to act and behave. Thank you that we see that model in Jesus and in the Scriptures.

I'd encourage you if you are stressing about spreading the Gospel at work, don't (stress that is!). Just live and work for the Lord and let Jesus shine through and plant that seed. Then wait and watch Holy Spirit act!

Do you not think that actions speak louder than words?

Be salt and light where ever you work, or study or play, in fact anywhere you are.

PRAISE THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS

Yesterday was

2005-06-27T12:40:00.000+01:00

the last Sunday, until the first Sunday in September, that we will have an evening service during the summer. We do this each year and it allows families and friends to spend extra time together during the summer months. So there will be extra family days out, barbeques and fellowship gatherings in peoples' homes.

It will also be a time for recharging spiritual batteries in time for the setting up of our cell church at the beginning of September. Prospective cell leaders are away for a weekend together on 9 July.

We are fast approaching the end of various meetings and myself and Kriss will be hosting the "Underground" end of term barbeque next Monday 5 July and also the men's barbeque on Tuesday 6 July.

The last week in July will see CLAN gathering at St. Andrews - CLAN is a Christian convention and holiday week with lots of Godly teaching. http://www.new-wine-scotland.org/

Another challenging

2005-06-22T11:35:00.000+01:00

men's Bible study/fellowship last night.

We are three weeks into a four part study of the use of the tongue and last night we looked at how anger can affect our speech. The overall title of the study is "Say something nice for a change".

Some scriptures we considered were:-

Proverbs 27 v 4
Proverbs 22 v 24-25
Proverbs 29 v22
Psalms 141 v 3
Psalm 4 v 4
1 Peter 3 v 8-12

They were only a few that we considered!

As usual we went into many side issues but it was so encouraging once again to be in fellowship with a group of men who are earnestly seeking the Lords' ways and who recognise that we need to come before the Lord in prayer for His power and His guidance.

Colossians 3 v 1-11 was discussed at length and it was a wonderful time of gathering around God's Word.

Praise God!

A beautiful family.

2005-06-22T11:06:00.000+01:00

From Latvia to the Old Vic.

2005-06-20T13:15:00.000+01:00

Greetings from us in your Name Day (19th of June)!!!

Are you back in your duties now? Did your friends like the 'Kvass'?

We are doing fine! As you know probably that our daughter was born on that same day when you left.. we had a nice time in the Capital city after we left you, then we went to our town Jelgava and then after few hours we came back to Riga to the hospital... God is good! Daniella is quite okay, but every evening she has the pain in the stomach so it gives us a hard time, but with the little ones it happens so... it is so interesting to see her moving, smiling while sleeping... actually, everything is so interesting!

It was really nice to have you here in Latvia with us, we are glad to know you! greetings to your wife...

sorry for so short message, but we have some duties now... we will be writing later more..

greetings from us all!!!

Meet Daniella - a daughter for Gita & Armand.

2005-06-18T14:21:00.000+01:00

Frenzy - What a Blessing!

2005-06-17T17:45:00.000+01:00

Frenzy was amazing - just amazing! The music was superb and the atmosphere was superb - well the Lord was there so it had to be.

If you don't know what Frenzy is, it's a Christian music festival. It's like any other music festival, but without the alcohol and drugs.

I've been to Gig on the Green and T in the Park, and the contrast was huge. I didn't feel intimidated or in any danger at Frenzy. I didn't get hit on the head with a half full glass of beer at Frenzy. I didn't nearly get hit by a syringe flying through the air at Frenzy.

The worship at Frenzy was great. The crowd was mainly young people, but all were welcome, even the oldies amongst us were bopping away!

I would commend this festival to you next year - go and enjoy worship with 10,000 other believers.

One word of warning! If you think the worship in PTH is loud, maybe stay at home!

James 3 v 1 - 12

2005-06-10T13:10:00.000+01:00

THE DANGER OF THE TONGUE.

The effect of the thoughtless use of the tongue has been brought home to me in the last week. I've been wanting to post this for the last few days but I needed time and space to make sure that I could post properly.

Recently, whilst Pastor Dave was away, we heard some of our brothers and sisters give the message on a Sunday. It was after one of these times that I said something very inappropriate to someone who had been empowered by the Holy Spirit to deliver a very challenging message.

Part of the 'problem' is that I'm a big fan of Monty Python's Flying Circus. One of their sketches involves a sumptuous feast of a meal and at the end of the meal someone says something along the lines of, "Well that was appalling!" But actually meaning what a great meal that was - yes I know, you have had to have seen it!

After the aforementioned message had been given I approached the speaker and said something along the lines of, "Well that was a below average sermon!", and apparently said it in such a way that it didn't sound like a joke. But also, the speaker is not really familiar with Monty Python's and of course the words I spoke went in like a knife and brought spiritual death to that person!

Praise God our assistant pastor brought us together last Monday and we were able to be fully reconciled. We shared our feelings about the situation and before we parted we prayed for each other. I was devastated to realise just what my tongue had delivered in that unguarded moment and it has made me very aware that people have such different characters. Whilst some stuff may well be a jokey comment between you and some other folks, you may well end up speaking "death" into someone else's life.

How you say things is also very important. Say something the wrong way, with the inflection or emphasis in the wrong place, and again you can cause offence.

So guard your tongue and use it to encourage and edify.

Philippians 4 v 8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Just got home

2005-06-07T22:24:00.000+01:00

after Bible study. It was very challenging and the subject matter for the next three weeks is very much "in season" with things that have gone on in my "walk" in the last 3 to 4 days. But I'll blog about that later in the week.

Amongst other things God has been challenging me about my use of so called spare time. ie: time away from work - I'm normally free from 10am to 2pm - and my time in the evenings. I know that we all have stuff to do to keep a roof over our heads but I would just ask you to consider how YOU use your so called spare time.

God Bless.

Expectation

2005-06-04T17:58:00.000+01:00

As I sit here in my study looking outside the window and finally feeling chuffed that I've managed to conquer the blog thing, I feel a mixture of emotions of what God is up to; it was so encouraging on Thursday to see what God is doing in Latvia and also in a very treasured famous 4. I have to confess it was an effort to get to the prayer meeting; everything in me cried out NO! I was tired, frustrated, confused about work, life etc; all the states the enemy loves to keep you in. But I got there and what a blessing just to be in fellowship with my brothers and sisters, to hear what God is up to. I continually get a buzz at what our Lord is up to and the way He is changing and using us to reach this lost world. Nothing excites me more than to see God at work in lives, to hear of how the Lativian experience had changed the 4; the challenges, the faithfulness of our eternal father. WOW...

To hear of how Lynn spoke with her friend and she wants to come to church to find out more about this amazing father and His Son Jesus Christ. Awesome... It's so easy to get caught up in our daily lives to let our time with God the Father slip away because we're busy, tired etc, but I am reminded yet again that He is faithful even though so often we are not, and reminded of the importance of Hebrews 12: 'Let us fix our eyes on Jesus Christ the author and perfector of our faith'.

Tomorrow is the "marafun" and I have to run 5.2 miles. Again I feel a mixture of emotions; scared, tired, and a lot of what if's.. and I beleive that our spiritual journey can often feel like that.. daunting in what we have been called to do; but Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us, and WE CAN do ALL things through Him who gives you strength..

So what am I saying? No matter how your feeling, what challenges lay ahead, what emotions may hold you, step out in faith and trust, because God the Father has you, carefully in His hands..safe...

Be blessed.

Rain!

2005-06-04T09:17:00.000+01:00

It's raining. It's the kind of rain I like. It's vertical rain. Sometimes it's little bullets of raindrops which just patter and moisturise the ground till the soil, grass, tarmac and everything else is soaking wet. Gentle stuff. Other times it's a volley of great gobbets of water that imapact every surface, breaking up dirt, grime and dust, flushing away debris into lines or piles of detritus that are suddenly very obvious.
Not a pretty sight!
"Where did all that come from?" I ask.
It's actually "What am I going to do with all that?" that I should be asking.

In the natural, I'd let the rubbish dry out and sweep it away, put it in the bin or on the compost heap.

In my spirit, I'm very conscious that the Holy Spirit is raining on-in me and there's a heap of stuff that's come into view. I know He will show me what's next.

It's not just Latvia that's done this.
Before I even received the vision to twin churches back in June 2003, I knew I needed to look outwards more and more. We need to practice denying self so that we are able to follow closely the one who led us to the cross and beyond.
Now I know how much my spiritual vision was cluttered by the grime and dirt of my past and my present.
I had become used to staring past the obstacles - like squinting through the dirty lenses of my spectacles.

Praise God for the rain!

I think my vision is clearing up sufficiently for me to perceive my Vision.

Praise God - it's going to keep raining!

Praise Him - He's going to keep raining!

Praise Him - He's reigning!

It's good to see the photos!

2005-06-03T13:51:00.000+01:00

Looking at the photos that Mr Dave has just posted has rekindled all the thoughts that I had during the trip. Latvia is a country of great contrast as you can see from the photos. Alongside ramshackle homes is the utilitarian concrete blocks of accommodation built during the soviet times, sadly now many rundown and unrepaired. The pictures showing the village Zentene only glimpse at the apathetic atmosphere that pervades the area. Contrasting with this is the happy smiling faces of the few children that go to the small church in the old school building, footie shirts look good even if they are miles too big. Just the smile on those faces was one of the biggest highlights of the trip.

The desire to do Gods work as been rekindled to a greater height in all of us who went to Latvia but, even though we wish to support Armand and Gita and their new daughter Daniella to continue their work, the desire to see a revival of God's power and love here in Elgin is just as great. The people of Latvia are an emerging nation who face the pitfalls of suddenly being released into freedom from oppresive rules that has lead to overindulgence in alcohol and nicotine. The younger generation now look to fashion as a statement of identity and position.

Here in Elgin we have several generations who have lived in virtual total freedom for many years with the desire to fill their lives with anything other than the love of God. Just as the people of Latvia do not know of the saving Grace of Christ, so the youngsters in Elgin face the same dangers. In a sense the task here is greater as we battle against the results of years of post modernist thinking, where the centre of life is the self rather than Christ.

If your desire is to reach out to the people of Elgin, begin by praying right now for the Holy Spirit to reveal to you and me the way forward.
Dievs Svelti.

The Latvian Four with Gita and Armand.

2005-06-02T22:30:00.000+01:00

We're home

2005-06-01T14:10:00.000+01:00

We're home safe and sound and I must admit it seems a little surreal at the moment. Maybe cause of a little jet lag or just plain tiredness but it seems a little weird being back in Elgin and walking around the town centre. It has been a real mixed experience but the main thing to come out of this is the profoundly humbling feeling of the Lord putting my life into perspective as far as material and spiritual assets are concerned.

It has been wonderful how God has provided for our every need during the trip even when things went wrong or plans went awry. I can quite honestly say that I have not laughed so much and felt the presence of the Lord in such a close way as we did during the past week. The fellowship at Jelgava were so loving and friendly and we now have an even bigger family than ever before. Sarah remarked that there is no other worldwide organisation in existence that displays such love and consideration for its members.

Praise God for his loving kindness and grace to us as a team and also to the family at home during our time away.

I honestly do not know how to begin to relate our story at this moment so maybe in a couple of days, when my brain catches up with my body, I can begin to tell the story. You may be a little fed up with hearing about Latvia soon but I will never tire of telling folks of God's awesome power and love to His children.

More blog soon. XXX

They are all back home

2005-06-01T06:55:00.000+01:00

safe and well.

Vic greeted me in Latvian so I guess we will be hearing a lot of Latvian in the days ahead!!!

Good to have you all back home.

The Latvian Four

2005-05-31T21:10:00.000+01:00

have arrived back in Scotland and are now on their way back to Elgin from Aberdeen. Praise God!

Contrasts and Confluences! Part II

2005-05-30T21:21:00.000+01:00

So! - Last night we left you very late, but happy. We seemed to have shifted our daily cycle ever later as we have progressed through our visit.

After visiting the village church of Zentene, we drove to Riga for the last of a series of three evangelistic services held in Rick Renna's church [ which is shared with the church of Modris, the bishop Janis' son] at which Janis was preaching. So we heard this lovely man speak to a wee village church with all it's simple depth and grace, then address a large, sophisticated city gathering. We had gone from a few old, battered wooden chairs laid out in a faded and tattered country mansion, to the ritzy splendour of a hi-tech tele-charismatic church with plush seats, electropraise and security ushers with wireless earpeices.
You know what?
He was there both times, both places!

He is the Lord of the quiet, green country and simple people.
He is the Lord of the noisy, rapid city and the spiritual aspiranti.
He is Lord!
His name is Jesus.

Today we just spent our time with the Latvian church folk, shopping, celebrating the birthday of two of Agris' children, walking in Jelgeva, talking with each other and especially Ausma - Janis' wife.

Finally, our week finished in the tiny home of Armands and Gita.
We had earlier in the week visited the Summer Palace of Duke Somebodyorother - sumptuously beautiful, but greatly outshined by the treasure house where our brother and sister live.
That home is grand with grace, lavish in love and powerful in potential - none of these will fail because they have been built with the silver and gold that is eternal. We prayed tonight and it was rich stuff. Not noisy, not showy, just six people who love Jesus, two of whom are pouring themselves out as a drink offering, four of whom hope to do likewise, one of whom hopes to convey to a small local church just how much can be achieved with the resources of heaven rather than the offerings of man.

He was there tonight in that little home where we all came together and it all begins to make sense.

From Latvia - with love.

Contrasts and Confluences!

2005-05-29T21:11:00.000+01:00

The Lord's Day!

At last we were able to to see the church in Zentene. We had been here only 24 hours previously, felt a little saddened at the size of the task that confronted our dear brother and sister, and now we were to take part in fellowship with the ten or so members of the Zentene church.Wisely, Gita had remained home to rest.

We were a little late leaving, which resulted in a mad-cap dash over corrugated roads, past crane/stork nests on poles, through flat but lush green countryside. Armands may have to change his surname from Linde to Banzai - blatant clue to driving style! The weather at 10am was absolutely glorious and hot from the outset. We had been told that the room in which the service was to be held would be cool. Thank goodness it was indeed cool.

We arrived five minutes before the start of the service, to find about 15 people, all ladies bar one man. The three boys to whom we had spoken the previous day had turned up and were very attentive and well turned out too.

We were followed in by a trio of singers [ husband and wife plus lady friend ] from Jelgeva who promptly set up their keyboard. With a brief introduction, Armands opened the service. A song followed - which we knew - then I had the opportunity to bring our greetings, followed by Vic's testimony. More songs then Sarah shared. Another couple of songs then Bishop Janis spoke. Thankfully Armands translated but the words were hitting my spirit anyway. Janis invited any who wanted prayer to come forward, enlisting Vic and I to share. Three ladies received prayer whilst Janis spoke with the three young lads. Then suddenly, the service was over. The toilet bags were recieved with great excitement by the ladies, football shirts for the boys and beany Thrushes for the girls.

Needless to say a fellowship meal followed in keeping with Latvian hospitality! Huge, tasty and hearty. My favourite!

Our vehicle had sustained a puncture on the journey which had been repaired whilst we ate, then we were off!

It's now too late to be coherent.....except to say that Vic and Sarah have almost gone native and are buying, speaking, eating, admiring and joking in Latvian pretty much all the time. Not too sure how its all going to go down at Kishmul!? Rababas!?

Tomorrow :- the contrast!!!

2005-05-28T18:37:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks,

Hope you are all well back home.

Today we really saw the contrast between urban and rural Latvia. We went about 100km to Zentene, where Armands leads a Pentecostal church in the village. It is only 10 members strong, short on resource, short on personnel, short on input due to distance from Jelgava. Village is very sleepy and very deprived. There is virtually no employment and no facilities to speak of. The last 15km to the village was on a road not unlike the previous track into Roseisle forest. Armand, and Dave, handed out some flyers to locals that we met although there were not many about. We were befriended however by two young lads, named Daves and Kristov, who followed us where ever we went. They even led us into the woods to see an escape hole which came from their school.

The church meets in the village school, we saw the house in the country where they met previously. Pictures to follow!

It felt very isolated, a really strange place. There was a heaviness there, no life at all. It made you just want to sit. It was sad to see young men just sitting at the side of the road drinking. There was a distinct lack of hope in the people. They were polite when Armands spoke to them but had no real desire to come to the service tomorrow. We can hope and pray however.

We met a teacher who is also a church member. She let us have a look round the school (former country palace!), again tragic to see how these people have to work with such meagre facilities.

We are all very quiet at the moment and feel quite low, for the first time since we got here. Trying to work out the spiritual significance of it all, for both us and the people here.

The heat and the travelling is starting to take it's toll. Prayer for our upholding would be most appreciated. I long for the cool of Scotland!

On a happier note, Pastor Dave fed 6 people for 17 Lats. Looking forward to Wednesday when we will be back into the swing of things back home. Hope you are up for sitting through a 3 hour slide show of the photos myself and Dave are taking!

Luv to you all.....The Latvian Four xxxx

No more beetroot soup for The Old Vic!!

2005-05-27T22:15:00.000+01:00

From Sarah:

Hello again,

What an eventful day! It is now 12.19am on Saturday, we have not long returned from Riga.

The beetroot soup was delicious as expected...but see later for repercussions!! We went to Riga with Armand and Gita - very warm day, apparently 26C. The Old Town was lovely with some beautiful buildings, which we got a great view of from the 26th floor of a random hotel with an extra special elevator! There is a tower we could have paid to take a trip up but Armand had been advised that the hotel lift was free so off we went! Once we got our feet on the ground again we went to the street market - according to Pastor Dave this sold "the same tat as every other market in the World" but I personally quite enjoyed my afternoon as did Chris - it's a girl thing.

To maintain our current record of food every 2 hours (nearly), we topped the day off with a quick meal in the city centre and then went to a service in a church in the city - the church pastor is the brother of the pastor of the church we are staying in (still with me?).
It was an interesting experience - songpro in Latvian but fortunately we knew several songs so could hum along quite happily in English. The worship band was lively.

Gita is getting increasingly tired and we had a detour to Jelgava hospital on the way home to check progress as contractions had begun! Vic and Pastor Dave paced around the car park as if they were the expectant Dads but we soon realised that Vic in particular was slinking away for another reason! I will say "beetroot'' and no more!

We had a good time of prayer for them and they were sent home shortly after but it looks as if baby may not wait too much longer. Please pray for them - in particular that they will receive good medical care and that they will remain calm and be able to trust in the Lord.

Our plans for tomorrow slightly hinge on "baby's" plans...watch this space!

We will be in touch soon,

Lots of love,

The Latvian Four xxxx

Thought it was time you heard from Chris and Sarah!!!

2005-05-27T09:46:00.000+01:00

Its been an interesting learning experience these past 24 hours. We set off for the national park only to break down on the way!!!! Lets say God is Good cause we stopped right next to a garage with lots of water available to top up the coolant system. Hence the rest of the day was amazing as God provided for everything, even a glorious meal at a huge restaurant, excess baggage for Chris on the way back!!!!
It is warm and humid today and the mossies are very friendly, ouch. Lots to share, it has been a humbling and challenging time so far but not in the way we expected. Love and hugs to all of you and yes we enjoyed the football too. XXXXX

Hi Guys, Sarah here. We have had an amazing few days, Latvia is quite different to what I, and I think the others, expected. There is quite a mixture of up-and-coming -ness mixed in with the legacy of the Soviet Union, quite intriguing. The Church building is large and still in the process of being renovated but great strides have been made in developing the facilities. We have been made so welcome here, both in the Church and in peoples homes. It has been a real eye-opener for me ...humbling to see what has been done so far and exciting to see the potential within people.

This afternoon we are going to the capital, Riga, with Armand and Gita, and then to a church service there tonight. The plan is to head out to a more rural area tomorrow where they have established another church and where we hope to have the opportunity to help and be involved.
Right now we are about to go for lunch - cold beetroot soup which, if what we have had so far is anything to go by, will be delicious. We are getting used to different food combinations - egg mayonaise at breakfast, or in my case this morning, muesli and yoghurt followed by cucumber and yellow peppers! Healthy!

A big hug and lots of love to you all,

Sarah x

Had a text

2005-05-26T22:05:00.000+01:00

from Kriss about an hour ago. Everything ok but no internet access tonight, so unable to blog.

Pastor Dave Preached in Latvian....

2005-05-25T19:33:00.000+01:00

Had a great day today, which started with a huge breakfast. Suitably refreshed we visited the summer palace of a Swedish Duke - bit like a mini Versailles. Only difference was Versailles didn't have a huge stork nesting on one of the chimneys.

The house (big house!) and gardens (big gardens!) were lovely, even the hordes of school kids couldn't spoil the day. Just wait until you see the photos! I have one entitled "Pastor looks into big hole".

Lunch was great - listen to this Mister Treasurer. 6 meals (big meals, including 3 big steaks!) and drinks for 15 Lats, that equates to less than 15 pounds. What a bargain, diets at the ready for us when we return.

Had a great night, although strange. We attended the mid week service (very few else did as folk from Toronto Vineyard were in Riga) where Dave preached disjointedly, under the annointing of an interpreter. The interpreter was the pastor of the church here, the coolest pastor I have ever seen. Talk about being relaxed, he was almost horizontal, so at ease in front of his people.

We were also very relaxed until he suggested we all give a word of testimony, and when I say he suggested there was no option to say no. Not so relaxed, Sarah is still traumatised! Oh no, I've just started off her funny laugh again. And again! (From Sarah - Some people just can't appreciate good style!)

The luggage has arrived! Great apart from the fact that I then had to explain how to cook a haggis. I don't think the local pastor will eat any as I explained how it is made. Good to have our belongings back though!

We are now away to have a drink and some bread and jam...

Luv from The Latvian Four....xxxx

Kristus ir muzigi dzvis!

2005-05-25T08:28:00.000+01:00

What a beautiful morning....the sun is shining and the skies are blue. We have just been given a guided tour of the church building, what they are doing here is great. If you think PTH has been restored you should see this place!

Boy did we have a good sleep last night. We had planned to get up early and go for a walk, the girls eventually went without us. Dave put off the alarm and went back to sleep, he said I didn't even move.

Did you know Sarah has a loud,loud,loud laugh by the way? Air France gave us some free overnight bags when we lost our luggage. Myself and Dave were disturbed by Sarahš laugh when she opened one and discovered that the French obviously prepare for every eventuality...........let's just say "no babies!".

We have a full and busy week ahead of us. Dave is preaching tonight at the mid-week meeting and there is a weekend of evangelistic events planned, we just happen to be here during them. So on Friday we will be on the streets of Riga trying to communicate to the locals, pray for us as our Latvian is not great! Almost as good as my English!!

There will be a prize when I get back if anyone can translate the heading above, this is the banner above the pulpit in the church.

Luv to you all from the Latvian Four.

Praise God - We have finally arrived!!

2005-05-24T20:00:00.000+01:00

We arrived happy, whole and still hearty - despite the best efforts of the transport systems of Europe. Arrival time - 7.30pm'īsh after setting off from Aberdeen at 7.15 am. That was our first delay of the day due to air traffic control problems at Amsterdam. The 40 minute delay meant that we missed the onward KLM connection to Riga..... but all was not lost.

KLM kindly re-routed us to Riga, via Paris, using Scandinavian Airlines ticket services for a flight with Baltic Air. That was just a little confusing since it all unfolded very slowly, one piece of information at a time. But God is Good - All the time ! So we made all our connections, starting with the 500m dash in Schiphol, making the flight by only 10 minutes. Followed in Paris by a game of "Hunt the Case" and "Let's Talk Lost Luggage - French Edition" followed by a bus trip between terminals and a one hour sit down - very welcome.

So we flew off into the wide blue yonder for Riga at around 16.20 [Local Time], arrival as above!

Gita and Aramands were there [ for the second time today ] and able help play "Lets Talk Lost Luggage - Latvian Edition". Our bags are expected here some time Wednesday.

Ask Kriss about the delights of Charles De Gaulle Airport Restroom facilities sometime!

Gita and Aramands drove us from Riga to Jegelva via the supermarket to buy socks and undies and suchlike.

Back to base for a welcome cuppa and supper.

Looks like a full week ahead. PTL

The Old Vic will report in tomorrow.

Text from

2005-05-24T18:50:00.000+01:00

Pastor Dave:

"Arrived in Riga an hour ago. With Gita and Armand at Jegelva. Now...bags to follow...aok. Love from us. "

Praise God!!!

Pastor Dave, Vic, Kriss and Sarah

2005-05-24T13:12:00.000+01:00

are currently at Charles de Gaulle airport awaiting a 1500 flight to Riga. It would appear that the flight this morning was late into Schipol and they have been re-routed via Paris. Three suitcases also missing! Please pray!

Just had

2005-05-24T11:55:00.000+01:00

a text message from Pastor Dave - I quote:

"Guess where I am? PARIS! Long tale - watch blog!! xx

What!!!

Received a call

2005-05-24T07:05:00.000+01:00

from Kriss at 5.45 this morning just as the Latvian Four were boarding the flight to Amsterdam. They are all in good spirits and looking forward to the trip.

Bon voyage and God Bless.

The Latvian Four

2005-05-23T18:00:00.000+01:00

are in the process of meeting up right now and about to leave Elgin for an overnight stay in Aberdeen. Then an early morning flight to Amsterdam and on to Riga.

They are going to have such a blessed wonderful time!

Big Day Looms!

2005-05-22T23:06:00.000+01:00

Well the big day is approaching....I've started to pack, will finish tomorrow...

Don't believe that last entry from Pasta Dave....I don't need to pretend to be cool!

Cannot wait to meet our brothers and sisters in Latvia, I hope and pray that we are all blessed by the visit. It 's nice to know that we have people at home in prayer while we are away.

Keep watching for updates as "The Latvian Four on Tour" runs on and on.....

Tension Mounts - Excitement Rises!

2005-05-22T20:54:00.000+01:00

Tension is increasing on the straps and clasps of the luggage as we seek to fit in ALL the gifts and the equipment into standard suitcases. We are drawing lots for who will have the privilege of opening the cases and releasing the enormous pressure - dangerous stuff!

Having spent Saturday morning praying and discussing as a team our hopes and desires for the trip, we are getting more and more excited as the time gets nearer. Except for Vic who's attempting to kid us about how cool he is!

Well - that's me...off to assemble my own case for the week.

On Tuesday morning

2005-05-21T11:40:00.000+01:00

Pastor Dave and three members of Elgin Community Church (ECC) will be flying out to Latvia to visit with our link church. It's an early morning flight from Aberdeen to Amsterdam and then on to Riga.

Hopefully they will be able to post to let us know how the visit is going.

We linked with this church last year and hopefully at some time in the future they will be able to visit with us.

God's family has no limits or boundaries and we pray that we will be an encouragement to our Latvian brothers and sisters.

Just to let

2005-05-18T20:15:00.000+01:00

you all know that we are in the process of inviting the blog team to join us.

Pastor Dave will hopefully be posting soon as a way of introduction.

Greetings!

2005-05-06T20:45:00.000+01:00

God willing this will be the first of many posts about the life and journey of Elgin Community Church as seen through the eyes and thoughts of some of it's people.