February 2012
“Come lets, go – Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether many or few” – 1 Samuel 14:1-23
I love the account of Jonathan and his armour bearer. In a time where the leader was losing confidence, the people were discouraged and the troops were not being led, Jonathan steps forward. “Let’s have a go and let’s step out and attack the enemy and see what might happen if we do the unexpected!” Some would say a reckless step that could have cost his life, but I am inspired that his one step of faith led to an amazing breakthrough.
So what happened when he took a step of faith? – The enemies were defeated, the undecided were brought in and the prodigals came home. Jonathan took a step of faith and a victory was won.
For us at TLC, we are in a somewhat different position. There is strong leadership, there is encouragement and faith around and we start the year in a healthy position. And yet as I see the plight of the United Kingdom and the need in our own city, there is still a voice in me, like Jonathan, that says, let’s step out and believe to another level – “perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf”. Could this be the year when God sweeps through Leicester with his holiness and glory? Could this be the year when thousands are saved, many are healed and set free and the name of Jesus is honoured and lifted up. – I pray so and I pray that in TLC we will have such a pioneer spirit and take big faith steps this year.
There is one more character in the story I must mention – the armour bearer, who when faced with possible death and danger said “Go ahead I am with you heart and soul”. Susan and I will lead with integrity and walk forward in faith to be all we are called to be as a church and may the cry of your heart be: “Go ahead -we are with you heart and soul”
BIG PICTURE SUNDAY – 22nd January – 9.30am and 11.15am at Moat
Once a year we pause and celebrate Big Picture Sunday. We say thank you for the last 12 months, express our gratitude for where we are and look forward with faith to be everything He wants us to be. Please do all you can to be with us and why not bring a friend to celebrate with us?
Job Opportunity
We are recruiting for a new post with Open Hands providing maternity cover for the Operations manager. – For salary information and an application form please contact katie.bruce@trinitylifechurch.org.uk
Small groups
Alongside all our fantastic life groups there are a number of courses about to start – could one of them be right for you?
- Journeys – a look at the Christian faith – starts 20th Jan
- Bible life – This time we will be studying the Jewish background to the New Testament including some contrasts of Greek and Hebrew thinking and how this has affected our approach to the Bible – begins 23rd Jan for 3 weeks
- Freedom in Christ – learn to live the life that God intends for you – begins 13th February
- Our marriage matters – helping every married couple strengthen their relationship – begins 22nd Feb
- CAP money course – a three session course to help you manage your money – begins 3rd Feb
To register – email judith.kemp@trinitylifechurch.org.uk or visit the information Point on Sundays.
The Queen – I was blessed by the Queen’s speech on Christmas day – here are a few of her words:-
Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: ‘Fear not’, they urged, ‘we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
‘For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.’
Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed.
God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.
Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.
In the last verse of this beautiful carol, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, there’s a prayer:
O Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us we pray.
Cast out our sin
And enter in.
Be born in us today.
It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.
Amen – God bless the Queen – The best is ahead
David Hind