This week why not spend some time thinking about something that encourages you in the present and something that gives you hope for the future. Then thank the Lord for His amazing grace.

Amongst other things, this weekend’s news sheet gives details of our “Love Aldwick – Family Harvest Special weekend” which will be taking place on Saturday 2nd October and Sunday 3rd of October. As usual we are inviting you to make food donations for our local Food bank. Please look at the list of items they really need. They definitely don’t want anymore baked beans!!!

Once again, I am going to leave you with a quote from D L Moody to think about over the next week.

“The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.”

This week make sure you are open to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life through God’s word.

Have you ever been so busy that you don’t know what to do next? Well that sums up my week. Which is probably why I was particularly drawn to this quote from D L Moody, “Before we pray that God would fill us, I believe we ought to pray Him to empty us.” That is exactly what I need to do! Perhaps you feel the same? Derek.

This week, please think about this quote from Smith Wigglesworth. “There are four principles we need to maintain : First, read the Word of God. Second, consume the Word of God until it consumes you. Third believe the Word of God. Fourth, act on the Word of God.” Now that sounds like the recipe for a life that pleases and glorifies God. So what are you waiting for?

Do you sometimes struggle in prayer? If you do, then this week, why not start to read your Bible a little more and watch TV a little less. Why? Because as L Moody once said, “When I pray, I talk to God, but when I read the Bible, God is talking to me … I believe we should know better how to pray if we knew our Bibles better.”

Brian and Jackie Chilvers, out link missionaries, have now been in Chard for two months. You can catch up with their exploits by downloading their August Newsletter.

D L Moody once said, “You’ve got to get people lost before you can get them saved.” Now this could almost be our motto as we launch a series of new initiatives under our “Love Aldwick” banner. Please pray that these initiatives do bring us into contact with more non-Christians and give us the opportunity to befriend them and share the Gospel.

When we watch the news on TV, almost every day, we see situations of injustice and violence. This week please choose one item that brings tears to your eyes and pray about it every day. Pray that, despite the dismal news we continually see and hear, God’s kingdom will continue to advance, bringing truth and hope.

This week, try to relax. Breathe in deeply. It’s time for a fresh start. A chance to move forward as God directs you. Listen out for God’s word to you.

Jesus says, “You (my followers) are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). This week, pray that the Lord will show you how you can ‘light up’ your community with Jesus.