"Whoever
wants to be
my disciple
must
deny themselves and
take up
their cross
and
follow me..."
 

Mark 8:34 [NIV]
 
Don't just believe it,
LIVE LIKE IT!
 
 
 
 
I love hearing and singing the Welsh national anthem!  It resonates something of the heart of being welsh. But I say this not to raise a shout for nationalism, but to raise the love of God in us, for the nation we live in & the people we live among.
The land of my fathers... ...Our Father who art in Heaven hallowed be your name, Thy Kingdom come thy will be done on earth (in Wales)
as it is in heaven.
But I also want to highlight the last verse of the anthem, which says
" Though the enemy have trampled my country underfoot,
The old language of the Welsh knows no retreat,
The spirit is not hindered by the treacherous hand
Nor silenced the sweet harp of my land."
Let's put a spiritual slant on this  that while the enemy might have trampled our country underfoot... The Spirit of God is not hindered.
God's Spirit is unhindered and can touch our land our people and our lives as much as he always has...
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jesus warns the religious leaders - part 3 - Matthew 23:1-36
 
Everything they do is for show...
they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the most prominent seats in the synagogue! The greatest among you must be a servant. *But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 23:5-6.  [NIV]
 
Do you ever ask yourself the question... "Why do I do what I do?"
Is it because its fun? is it because it's expected? is it because you've always done it? or because no-one is watching? Is it because its right? or because it pleases people? or because it pleases God?
Everything that we do probably has one of the above behind it and some may have more than one... But the main thing is that we seek to live out everything that we do for God.
It would seem that the people Jesus was talking to, were doing everything just for show, in front of others so that they could make a name for themselves. They wore large boxes on their foreheads, which was something encouraged in the old testament to be ever mindful of God's commands.  This is similar to the reason some people wear crosses or WWJD bands today. But they were wearing them to look important and holy.  Their reason for wearing them was to have praise from men rather than to live out a life of praise to God.
The truth is reputation is important to all of us.
We all probably behave different in public to at home, sometimes wearing a mask trying to portray that things are better than they are, because we don't want people thinking less of us.  We probably all have struggles that we do not voice in fear of what others might think.  We all enjoy people speaking well of us even if it does cause us a little embarrasement.  But Jesus says the greatest among you must be a servant.  Its not about reputation ... It's about integrity of heart! Its not about important positions, It's about service! and it's about living to please God!  How much of what we do can we honestly say has the motivation of pleasing God behind it???




 
In July 1955, a young Dutch Christian arrived in
Communist Poland. In his suitcase was a change of clothes, and hundreds of booklets entitled “The Way of Salvation”..That trip changed his life. Behind the Iron Curtain, he met Christians who were persecuted for their faith. During the trip he found himself reading the book of Revelation. “Awake and strengthen what remains and is at the point of death...” (Rev. 3:2). It was the beginning of a lifelong journey with the persecuted church. He became known as ‘Brother Andrew’, God’s Smuggler, and the founder of Open Doors.
Today, 60 years on, Open Doors serves millions of persecuted Christians in over 50 countries, including some of the most dangerous places in the world. Their work has expanded from the Communist countries of Eastern Europe, to China, North Korea, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, India, etc to wherever Christians suffer for their faith.
Open Doors works with churches and local
partners to “strengthen what remains”.
 
 
 
PLEASE PRAY FOR  :-
1. For comfort and strength for the thousands of Christians imprisoned in North Korean labour camps.
2. For an end to the violence in Syria and wisdom for world leaders to know how to help.
3. For safety, courage and strength for the church in Kenya, particularly in Muslim-majority areas.
4. For an end to violence by Boko Haram and Hausa-Fulani herdsmen, and wisdom for the government to deal with these groups effectively.
5. For wisdom and protection for Open Doors workers.
 
 
 
 
If you would like to give to Missions just place your Missions gift in an envelope marked Missions and drop it in collection any time along with your Tithes and Offerings. Each month, you can read a little more about Christian Mission organisations and what they do!
 
 
 
 
MARCH SPECIAL EVENTS
COMIC RELIEF FUNDRAISER
5PM - 6:30PM Friday 13th March, at Lifewell Church
 
MOTHERS DAY SERVICE & BUFFET
3:30PM Sun 15th March, at Lifewell Church
 
SWANSEA GOSPEL MALE VOICE CHOIR
Brangwyn hall, Saturday, 7th March @ 6.30pm
No admission charged but an offering will be taken.
 
PRESENCE- Led by Andy Hunter
Exploring the ‘Presence of God’ through a unique creative experience.
Saturday, 14 March @ Nicholaston House  10am-4pm
Cost £5 which includes drinks & cake but please bring a packed lunch.
To book tel: 01792 371317 or email: managers@nicholastonhouse.org
 
 
 
 
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
1st Mary Ellens
5th Rubina Benjamin
7th Catherine Litchfield
8th Peter McVea
12th Stephenie Lewis
13th Mark Scott
30th Destiny Milner Cohen
 
 
 
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
14th Mar - Sandra & Ron
21st Mar - Linda & Keith
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sunday
10:30am - Morning Service
3:30pm - The O-Zone Family Service
 
Monday
7pm - 16/03/15 - Life Lounge
 
Wednesday
7:00pm - Prayer Meeting
(11/03/15 - Mission Focus)
(18/03/15 - Kids/Youth Focus)
 
Thursday
9:15am-11:15am - Coffee Morning/Parent & Toddler
 
Friday
7pm-8pm Youth Club & Service

8pm-9pm Afterhours Biblestudy.
No R-Gen on Fri 13th Mar 2015