BH Bulletin - Wednesday 27 January 2021

Thought for the Day by Phil Washington (BH Member)

A Call to Courage
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‘Be strong and courageous’ Joshua 1:9
 
Courage is the sword that vanquishes fear, and we need to wield it more often as Christians. I know that some are ‘timid’ by nature and that their knees buckle at the first whiff of danger. Yet, all believers are called to live courageously for the Lord.
 
What a task was given to Joshua to lead the people of God into the Promised Land. It was already occupied, and the towns were well defended. The people within them were strong, ready to fight and numerous. No walkover victory, you’d think. But to this task Joshua was called by God. ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged’ the Lord said to him here in verse 9 – ‘For I am with you’.
 
We as Christians are called – even commanded – to be courageous. Our real enemies, are, by and large, unseen and fearful. They are the ‘principalities and powers’ in Ephesians 6:12. Normal life has it’s battles too. There are heartaches, disappointments, losses, defeats, griefs, illnesses and even death. But courage looks at these in the eye and faces up to all that comes along. It TRUSTS and RESTS in the Almighty power of God, who promises help, strength, deliverance and His presence. With faith it defeats the fear that lurks, goads, or even jumps out at us. ‘Fear not’ commands the Lord. Faith responds ‘Alright Lord, I’ll be strong, faithful and courageous, trusting in You’.
 
Brothers and sisters in Christ. We are going to need great courage in the days ahead. So, sharpen up your sword ready for battle.
Phil

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Praying for Our Country

​A message from Phil:
Thank you so much to all of you who prayed last week for the NHS, whether that was on your own or with others on Friday evening.
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We want to carry on praying, not just for the NHS, but for our country and beyond during this pandemic.

It's hard to find a good time that everyone can make, but we've chosen every Wednesday at 7.00pm for 30 minutes. For some this will be just before Small Group, so I really encourage you to come to this first, then go to Small Group (even if it's a little shorter to compensate). For others it's children's bed-time. So why not pray for our country with your children every Wednesday? I know many will be doing that already.

I've set aside each Wednesday at 7.00pm until the end of February. We may continue after that - who knows what the situation will be then? But for the moment why not join me in making that commitment to pray for our Country, each Wednesday evening, 7.00pm on Zoom? Join via ChurchSuite, see you on Wednesday.
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Phil

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