No.39 - It is well with my soul

Ministry planning, the Christian's hope, and a picture of eternity.

Verse of the Week

'But you, Lord, are a shield around me,

my glory, the One who lifts my head high.'

Psalm 3:3

I have found this psalm such an encouragement. The first two verses speak of how David has many enemies rising up against him, and they are saying God won't save you. It is such a joy, then in v3, to see David's response. He doesn't complain to God; his words show no doubt that God will save him. Instead, he fights against the lies his enemies are saying. David reminds himself that God is his shield, the one who brings him glory, the lifter of his head.

I pray that, like David, the trials we face may cause us to remember God's great promises, rather than draw us away from Him.

Encouragements

I had a really wonderful day meeting with the ministry Team of the Church we will be attending in London from August. It was such a joy to give thanks to God for all the ways he has blessed the church over the last year. I also found it extremely helpful to get an idea of what ministry will be like over the coming year. I am very excited to be serving with this new team soon.

This week I had my last Bible training session in Cambridge. It has been such a privilege to get to spend a day each week hearing from different lecturers, learning about God's word and how to share it. I am very excited to apply all I have learned to help share God's word with God's people.

Praise the Lord, we had more people than expected come to the Songs of Praise evangelistic event I was running. By God's grace, I was able to speak clearly on the hope Christians have in Christ, which means Christians can have peace no matter what is happening.

Finally, Saturday was a very joyful, Christ-filled day! My wife and I got to attend a friend's wedding at St Helens, London. What a joy to see so many people passionate about Christ and helping the bride and groom make him the centre of their marriage. Also, isn't it amazing that the love of a husband and wife is meant to help us understand the relationship we will have with God for all eternity!

A Little Update

Here are a few of the things we've been up to and some of what we've got coming up. Praise the Lord for his kindness!

The Last Week

Prepped for - Life group, Evangelistic talk, leading church, TEAM

• Monday - Music rehearsal

• Tuesday - Ministry planning day in London

• Wednesday - Last Cambridge bible training session (TEAM)

• Wednesday - Holiday club planning meeting

• Thursday - Church planning meeting

• Thursday - Life group meeting

• Friday - Ran and spoke at an evangelistic event

• Saturday - Attended a friend's wedding at St Helens

• Sunday - Played guitar in church

  
  

The Next Few Weeks

• 10th July- Attending a Christian book study group - the Westminster Confession

• 13th July - Giving a children's talk on Psalm 23

• 13th July - Leading our Church meeting for the first time

• 14th July - Children's ministry training evening

• 16th July - GCU Members' meal - Leading the music

• 19th-25th July - Attending Keswick Bible Conference

• 4th-8th August - Leading on Church holiday club

• 7th August - Giving a children's talk on Daniel

• 10th August - Leading a Church prayer meeting

• 22-25th August - Helping with our Church weekend at home

• 25th August - Moving to London

Prayer Requests

I would love prayers that I could keep my eyes fixed on God's grace as I prepare to lead Church, speak on Psalm 23 and get ready to move to London.

Love and prayers to you all

God bless,

Joshua & Luci.

P.S. - I've recorded another Episode of Delighted By Christ. If you are feeling a bit too tired to listen to a Sermon or read a Christian book, but still want to be encouraged, my hope is that this could be a great way to help you keep delighting in Christ. So if you want to hear more about how I've been delighted by Christ over the last week, feel free to listen to the video below. I hope you may find it encouraging :)