BH Bulletin - Friday 3 July 2020

​Thought for the Day by Simon James-Morse (Minister Goldstone Church)

​“With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.”
(Ephesians 6:18 AMP)

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In the Old Testament, as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah’s job was to taste the king’s food before he ate it. But because of his proximity, over time, the cupbearer would also become the king’s confidant, adviser, and friend. As a result, Nehemiah, a Jew, was in a position of great influence in the Babylonian court.
But one day, Nehemiah was feeling down. He had heard of the difficulties of his fellow-Jews in Jerusalem and how the walls of the city lay in ruins. Nehemiah must have always been upbeat, because the king noticed that he was unhappy and asked, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.”” (Nehemiah 2:2 NLT)
So, Nehemiah told the king about the plight of his people – and the king asked how he could help!
What Nehemiah did next is significant. “With a prayer to the God of heaven, [Nehemiah] replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” (Nehemiah 2:4-5 NLT)
Sometimes we have the luxury of an extended time of prayer. At other times, we can only send up quick, ‘arrow prayers’ to God. Happily, God hears all prayers – and He responds in His time, and for His purpose. Our challenge is to pray all the time – everywhere.
 
Dear Lord, teach me to pray, with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my strength, at all times, in all situations, and for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen​

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Update on the Hardship Fund

​I am constantly being encouraged by the generosity of God’s people at BH. So I thought I’d share some of that with you! 
Our hardship fund has received gifts of over £8000, with more still coming in, and we’ve been able use about half of it now to support people financially and practically with food parcels, supermarket gift vouchers, flowers, and a significant donation to the Hangleton and West Blatchington food bank. 
That’s good news that we’ve been able to help isn’t it? It’s what the Apostle calls “This grace of giving “ in 2 Corinthians 8:7