My Friend God

Made Me Glad

I will bless the Lord forever

And I will trust Him at all times

He has delivered me from all fear

And he has set my feet upon a rock

And I will not be moved

And I'll say of the Lord....

You are my shield

My strength

My portion

Deliverer

My shelter

Strong tower

My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in Heaven but you?

There's none I desire beside you

You have made me glad

And I'll say of the Lord....

You are my shield

My strength

My portion

Deliverer

My shelter

Strong tower

My very present help in time of need

You have me glad

And I'll say of the Lord....

You are my shield

My strength

My portion

Deliverer

My shelter

Strong tower

My very present help in time of need

In times of strggle and difficulty, who do you turn to? Your husband/wife, partner, parent, friend? What about if the person you usually turn to for support is not there, if your struggle is about situation that person finds themself in?


To me God is...
What more could I ask of a friend?

God is the best friend you can ever have. He's helped me through some difficult times, and continues to help me through some difficult times. He can do that for you too...all you need to do is trust God.

My shield
My strength
My portion
Deliverer
My shelter
Strong tower
My very present help in time of need

How Can I?

It's difficult not to be happy when God is part of everything you do. I know life isn't always easy as we all go through difficult situations at time, however if we keep God at the center of all we do, there is no reason you can't continue to be happy in God's presence.

With God by our side it's difficult not to sing about it and tell others, and that's reflected by Sydney Staff Songsters as they sing How Can I Keep From Singing:

Full Joy

Hardly a day goes by without us hearing of someone saying, "Why me, why now, why this?".

In Peter, he told the believers not to be surprised but the troubles and trials they experienced because they believed and followed Christ:
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
(1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV)

While we may not face persecution because we believe in Christ, as those Peter was writing to did, we do all face pain and suffering at some time in our lives. So these words of Peter can be used for ourselves.

Are you finding it difficult to be full of joy because your life is full of pain and hurt? Do you feel God is far away from you? Well Peter also reminds us to trust God even though we can't see Him or even see Him working.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
(1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV)

Even when we are facing troubles, we too can express joy because we believe and trust in God. After all Christ wants us to enjoy our reward for following Him, He says so in 1 Peter 1:9 (see above).

The song Great, Great Joy sung here by the International Staff Songsters fits in excellently with my message:

Peterborough Weekend

I'm in His hands, I'm in His hands,
Whatever the future holds
I'm in His hands.
The days I cannot see
Have all been planned for me;
His way is best you see;
I'm in His hands.

I shared those words with you last week, when I told you of some difficult days ahead for me. Well I've survived those days! It's certainly not been plain sailing but God has certainly held me in His hand during the last few day. I certainly wouldn't have got through them as well as I have without Him!

Our weekend visit to Peterborough Salvation Army was absolutely fantastic, and I'm delighted to say a number of people even knelt at the Mercy Seat during the Sunday morning service which was led by David Kendall. There was great atmosphere in the meeting - God was most certainly there, and working!

Well it was such an emotional meeting for me with Olwyn Mathie singing "Written In Red" which as always she sang so beautifully and with so much feeling, and the congregational song "The Power of Your Love" that both always really touched me, that I fell apart during the meeting and found myself kneeling at the Mercy Seat! I'm still not quite sure how I got myself there!

It was an emotional day for me not just because of the morning service, but during the afternoon service I didn't feel too well again so had to stop playing with band. I really had hoped I'd have managed to get through the weekend pain free, but at least it was the last meeting of the weekend before it happened I suppose.

Thank you God for holding me close these last few days, they've been tough but through your strength I've made it through.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for me particularly over these last few days - I really do appreciate your prayers and your support.

I'd also like to thank those in Bellshill Band and Peterborough corps who offered their support during the weekend, I was much appreciated.

Thank you all.

God Knows You

Have you found yourself doubting God recently?
Have you found yourself in difficult situations and found that the last person you turn to is God?

You're not alone in these feelings. I think we all have those thoughts and feelings at times. We often find that when we struggle we completely forget about God because we wonder why he can let these things happen to us. But he hasn't forgot you, he knows everything about you because he made you in his own image.

One song in our Salvation Army songbook which I've always turned to when I feel I'm not giving everything to God, or not turning to Him in times of need:

Knowing my failings, knowing my fears,
Seeing my sorrow, drying my tears,
Jesus recall me, me re-ordain;
You know I love you, use me again.

I have no secrets unknown to you,
No special graces, talents are few;
Yet your intention I would fulfil;
You know I love you, ask what you will.

For the far future I cannot see,
Promise your presence, travel with me;
Sunshine or shadows? I cannot tell;
You know I love you, all will be well.

Love God and put your trust in Him, he will be with you every step of the way.

Difficult Days

I have debated for a few days whether to share a little of what's ahead for me - but having thought and prayed about it, I feel it's appropriate as I feel I really need your prayers for the coming days.

I hope that through all my previous blog posts you realise that although I'm asking you for your prayers, I have placed my life in God's hands - it doesn't make life any easier to face at times, but it does help to know God is by my side, through it all.

As the title of this post suggests, I find myself facing some difficult days. Each of the next few days find me facing different situations each of which I'm struggling a bit to find the strength to get through them.

My Dad hasn't been too well recently and tomorrow he's at the hospital for tests etc. So as you can imagine we're all a bit concerned about the outcome of all that.

On Friday evening I leave with rest of Bellshill Salvation Army Band to visit Peterborough Salvation Army for the weekend. That in itself is great, so I'm sure you're wondering why I'm worried about that! While the band has had a few weekends away in the last few years, this weekend will be the the first time for a while that I've been well enough to go away with them. Although I'm much better than I was a few years ago, I still have some days when I am not too good,so I'm worried that I might struggle physically (and therefore emotionally too) while we're away.
Despite my reservations and worries about the coming weekend, I really am looking forward to being able to go away with the band again, as they are a good bunch of Christian folk.

You can visit the band's website at: http://www.bsab.co.uk/

Finally to round of the next few days, I've got a hospital appointment on Monday for more tests - so that really has just finished off, what for me, will be a difficult few days physically and emotionally.

So there you go, that's what lies ahead for me in the next few days. Unfortunately I know I'm already starting to get stressed about these things even though it's probably not obvious to those who see me, so I could really use your prayers for the next few days please.

Thank you all for your support, I really do appreciate it.

I'm in His hands, I'm in His hands,
Whatever the future holds
I'm in His hands.
The days I cannot see
Have all been planned for me;
His way is best you see;
I'm in His hands.
by Stanley E Ditmer

Never Let Go

We have times in our life when we face difficult situations or have to make difficult choices. It's at times like these we find out who our real friends are. You may have many people in your life that you consider to be good friends, however when you're struggling with what life has thrown your way, you may find some of these "friends" are no where to be found!

So when you are struggling who do you turn to?

I hope it is Jesus you turn to, after all he is the only one you can always rely on. Jesus has promised never to leave us, but always stay by our side to help and support us through thick and thin.

Trust Jesus no matter what you face, He will never let you down.

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me



Visit Matt Redman's website: http://www.mattredman.com/

Count Your Blessings

Are you a positive or a negative person? Do you always look on the bright side of every situation or do you tend to see or focus on the things that could go wrong in every situation?

It's often said that if you look positively on every circumstance it will lift your mood. As we all live such busy lives these days, it can often be difficult to cope with what life throws our way. God can help us to be more positive in our lives. After all He's there and willing to share all our problems and help us through.

When your having a difficult time, do you stop to think about the good things that are happening or do you find yourself concentrating on your difficulties? No matter how bad you think your circumstances are, remember there's always someone worse off than you! Here's just a few example of a few things that may be positives in your life that you can be grateful for, even in your darkest times:

• enough food to eat
• a roof over your head
• family
• friends
• a job
• God's love

Remember that God is the one who provides for you, so thank Him for all that's good in your life. I'm sure that even during your lowest times you will still be able to find one blessing, one thing to thank God for.

The well known hymn Count Your Blessings" is one that expresses the sentiments I've stated. I hope you enjoy this version of this song...

When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged,
Thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the Lord has done.

Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

Are you ever burdened
With a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy
You are called to bear?
Count your many blessings,
Ev'ry doubt will fly
And you will be singing
As the days go by.

Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

When you look at others
With their lands and gold
Think that Christ has promised
You His wealth untold
Count your many blessings,
Money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven,
Nor your home on high.

Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

So, amid the conflict,
Whether great or small
Do not be discouraged,
God is over all
Count your many blessings,
Angels will attend
Help and comfort give you
To your journey's end.

Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

Don't Give Up On Prayer

Following on from my previous post "Praying When It's Difficult", I want to share some of my own experience of how difficult it can be to pray at times.

It's funny how for some people, the only time they turn to prayer is when things aren't going well for them. Then there's those of us who pray regularly and when we find ourselves facing difficult times, we find it hard to pray. I find quite ironic!

Over the last few years when I've faced some difficult times, I have at many times found it impossible to pray - not because I no longer believed God would help me, but simply because I couldn't find the words I wanted to say.

The one thing that kept me going through all this was the knowledge that God was still with me, and knew what was in my heart, He knew my thoughts and my feelings. How amazing is that!

Although I would have preferred not to have faced those times, I truly believe that without them, I would not be the person I am today. God has reinforced to me, just how much he can do for you and for me, if only we trust Him.

So no matter how difficult a time you're having, trust God, and try to pray - he'll hear the prayer in your heart even if you can't find the words.

Checkout the Casting Crowns website: http://www.castingcrowns.com/

Praying When It's Difficult

How many times a day should we pray?

Some say it doesn't matter, others say three times a day - this may be based on Daniel who "prayed three times a days, just as he had always done" (Daniel 6:10). But ultimately it really is up to us each as individuals how often we pray each day. The important thing is that we pray regularly, no matter what.

Daniel when threatened with death must have been tempted to not to pray at all, but because his habit was to pray three times every day, that we exactly what he continued to do. If praying was made a criminal offence, how many times a day would you pray?

How important to you is your prayer life? It should be very important. We live in a world that is predominantly hostile to God, so it goes without saying that we are likely to face difficult times in our faith. But prayer is what allows us to spend time with God, and helps us to grow in our trust of God, as well as helping others as well.

Can we be like Daniel and pray three times a day no matter what we face? Do we with as much diligence and determination as Daniel did?

Why not start today - pray three times every day from now on. Who knows who will be touched by your prayer life!

No Matter What...

God is There For You!

No matter what difficulties you face in live, no matter how serious, God will be with you through them all.

I can testify to God's unfailling love. You may sometimes question why He lets some things happen, but don't ever stop trusting Him.

He will be with you...always!

Through It All - Hillsong

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness
And I look to You
And I wait on You

I will sing to You, Lord
A hymn of love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Checkout the Hillsong website: http://hillsong.com/
or the Hillsong London website: http://www.hillsongmychurch.co.uk/

My Cornerstone

Trust in God, as with Him by your side, He will keep you strong and protect you from harm. Though you may face difficult times in your life, stay faithful to God, is will give you the strength to see you through each day.

Pray daily and read your bible. Learn more about God each day.

In Christ Alone by the Newsboys

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt of life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

Romans 8:35-38 (New International Version)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God Will Carry You

This is a beautiful song by Michael W Smith, another one of the songs which I've turned to many times.

Don't know if you've picked up on the last few days that I'm feeling a bit low at present - I've a difficult few days ahead, so just been struggling to see past them.

The one of the lines of the above song says, "We were never meant to walk this road alone". There is only one person who can walk through every step of our life with us, pick us up when we fall and show us the right path to talk, and that is God.

So no matter what lies ahead for each of us, we can all be assured of God's presence with us, because He has promised that He "will carry you".

Please listen to/watch the video again or read the words of the song below, and just think about yourself, and your relationship with God and think about this question...

Have you placed your life fully in God's hands?

I Will Carry You
(Eric N Kisner, Michael W Smith)

Sometimes I wonder if my beating heart has a reason
The thought of breathing only takes my breath away
I've spent so many nights wrestling with this feeling
Do I have the strength to make it through the day
But I was never meant
To walk this road alone
I can always trust you
When you say

I will carry you
Be your strength
And pull you through
Reach for me
And take my hand
We will pray
And we will stand
In a world
Crying out for peace
Let your heart be strong
For when I am weak
You will carry me

Sometimes you wonder if the road you're on has a reason
It's hard to go on when you just don't know
We can shoulder all the weight of life between us
Until the fear of what we cannot see is
Cause we were never meant
To walk this road alone
We are bound together
When we say...

I will carry you
Be your strength
And pull you through
Reach for me
And take my hand
We will pray
And we will stand
In a world
Crying out for peace
Let your heart be strong
For when I am weak
You will carry me