The gate of heaven.

/0 Comments/in /by

I’m currently reading through the Bible Chronologically and am in the book of Genesis at the moment. It’s been really interesting and faith building reading about Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. How they were far from perfect, but trusted in God and had a relationship with God despite their flaws.

That’s really encouraging to me. God wants relationship with us despite our many flaws and failing and imperfections.

I’ve just read Genesis 28 where Jacob is on the run from his brother Esau after cheating him out of his birthright and receiving the blessing from his father.

Jacob goes to sleep and has a dream of a ladder resting on the earth and reaching up into heaven with angels of God ascending and descending upon it. He even sees the Lord, who says to him “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your grandfather, and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are now sleeping. Your descendants will be as many as the dust of the earth. They will spread west and east, north and south, and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. I am with you and will protect you everywhere you go and will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

From being in a place of loneliness and being far from home, Jacob is encouraged by God and also put in awe of God. This becomes a marker point in his life. In fact Jacob sets up the stone that he used as a pillow as a memorial stone to God.

What hard places in your life has God transformed into gateways to heaven and places where He has revealed Himself to you? Where your place of hardness was changed into an avenue for God’s blessing in your life?

As you think about that, please also be thinking about the young people that attend the events we hold at Llandudno Youth for Christ. Please be praying for them, that like Jacob they would have a revelation of God that becomes a memorial stone in their life.

Have a great week and be blessed!

Our Father who is in heaven…

/0 Comments/in , /by

For the next couple of weeks at Redefine, we are going to be looking at prayer by studying the  ‘Lord’s Prayer’. The prayer can be found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11. In the passage from Luke Jesus tells them the prayer in response to His disciples asking Him to teach them how to pray.

It is a great part of scripture and really informs us well on how to pray.

I love the start especially as it focusses us first and foremost on the one we are praying to: God.

Our Father.

But not God as an impersonal omni-being that has created the universe and now stands apart from His creation, but ‘our Father’. Intimate and in relationship with His creatures. And it is not my Father, your Father, or their father, but our Father. There is personal and corporate ownership and belonging to the name Father. God is ours just as we are His. We are all His children, loved and treasured. We are all also brothers and sisters, equally loved.

Who is in heaven.

The Father we are praying to is above all. He reigns in the heavens where everything is under His feet. There is no situation or circumstance that we can bring to Him that is too big or too difficult for Him to deal with.

Hallowed be your name.

There is reverence in the prayer. Worship of God is the starting place of prayer. We lift our eyes up to our Father in heaven and ask that His name be kept holy in our lives and the lives of those around us.

And all of that is just in the start of the prayer. It is so rich and full and life changing.

Sometimes we say it too often by rote and miss all the beauty in it. Try reading it prayerfully this week, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you more of God’s heart.

Also, please be praying for us and the young people as we look through the Lord’s prayer in the next couple of weeks. Pray that their relationship with God would grow and deepen as we look at the model prayer that Jesus gave us.

Be blessed!

From the heavens to the nations

/0 Comments/in , /by

Last Sunday night we concluded our series on worship at Redefine. We looked at the topic ‘Worship Out‘. This was speaking about how during worship we are to encourage each other in our worship of God. Our worship, as well as being directed towards God, is also focussed outwards to encourage those around us to worship God.

The title of this blog post is a line from the Hillsong worship song ‘Hear our Praises‘. In the chorus, the song lyrics go like this ‘from the mountains to the valleys, hear our praises rise to You. From the heavens to the nations, hear the singing fill the air‘. The worship is not only aimed at God, but is focussed outwards calling all of creation to join in worshipping God.

This is like the Psalmist in Psalm 148, who calls different parts of creation to worship God. From angels, to the sun, moon & stars, all are called upon to worship God. Interestingly enough another Hillsong worship song is based upon this psalm: ‘Great in Power‘. The psalm goes on to call upon all creatures, kings and nations, young and old to worship God. There is no-one and nothing that is not called upon to worship God.

So when we get together to worship God, our focus is inward to encourage ourselves to worship God, upwards to put all our focus on worshipping God for who He is and outwards as we encourage others and indeed the whole of creation to worship the Creator and Saviour of us all.

We have loved leading the young people through this series, giving them a greater understanding of what worship is and how worship touches upon all aspects of life. Please be praying for the young people, that having been encouraged by this teaching series, they will grow in a develop their own worship of God that is inward, upward and outward.

Be blessed!

The light shines in the darkness

/0 Comments/in , /by

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:1-5

At this time of year when the clocks have gone back an hour and the nights are drawing in, it’s encouraging to know that Jesus is the light of the world and that He is the light that the darkness cannot overcome. The darkness can do its worst to Him, but it can never defeat or overcome Him.

Indeed, when we look at the cross, where the darkness and sin of the Universe was placed upon the Son of God, we see Jesus victorious; defeating sin and darkness. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”– 1 Peter 2:22-24

That is why we celebrate Christmas when we do. It’s because the shortest day is on December 21st and any day after that is getting lighter and the days are getting longer. So Jesus, the light of the world has come into our darkness with His light, to bring us freedom and victory. Freedom from sin and victory over the darkness. That is why we celebrate on December 25th His coming into the world. It is also why Halloween or All Hallows Eve is followed by All Saints Day.

In Christianity, wherever you see darkness, you see God’s light overcoming it. Jesus is the light of the world and He has overcome the darkness.

At Llandudno Youth for Christ, we want all the young people to know that Jesus is the light of the world and that He can bring light to dark parts of their lives. To bring freedom, healing and life. To know that He is the only one who will bring freedom, victory and life to their lives.

At this time of the year, when the nights are dark and we are preparing to celebrate Christmas; the light of the world taking on flesh and entering into our world. Please be praying for the young people that attend the different events we hold at Llandudno Youth for Christ. Pray that they would encounter the light of the world. That Jesus would become more than a historical figure to them. That he would be the light of their world, for that is what He truly is.

Be blessed!

 

Baby You’re a Firework

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Well on the 30th of November there was a magnificent Fireworks display in Llandudno that certainly wowed everyone. We too, here at Llandudno Youth for Christ are going to be having our very own mini fireworks display on the 3rd of November.

It’s great at this time of year when the nights are lengthening and the temperatures are dropping to fill the dark sky with light, colour and noise. Also, what fireworks display would be complete without Toffee Apples and Sausage butties? We’re going to be having both at our Fireworks night. Sunday 3rd November 6-8pm at the Lighthouse Church in the West Shore of Llandudno.

Please do be praying for us as we hold this event for the young people who attend Redefine (our Sunday evening Bible Study). Pray that everyone stays safe and has an enjoyable time.

In writing this article, the title is taken from a song by pop singer Katy Perry called ‘Firework‘. In the lyrics she encourages the listeners that feel lost and alienated, to let their light shine, like a firework shooting across the sky. For the listeners to the song to know that they have worth and are valued.

Just like in the lyrics of the song, at Llandudno Youth for Christ, we want the young people that attend our events to know how much worth they have in God’s eyes and for them to let their light shine. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

Please pray they will be blessed and encouraged.

Be blessed!

We’re in this together.

/0 Comments/in , /by

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrew 10:24-25

Last Sunday night we held the last of our ‘We Believe‘ teaching series. This week we were looking at “You can’t do life alone“. It was a great evening that was really well attended.

We had lots of fun playing games and worshipping together. We were doing lots of activities together, which was great considering we were looking at how God puts us together as believers, to support and encourage each other. To care for and love each other. “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35.

We looked at how we were never intended to do life alone. In fact we are created in the image of a God that is not alone, but is a trinity. We were created out of love and for love. We were made for community, with each other and with God.

It was really great seeing how the young people really got into the Bible study time and how they are growing together as a community of young believers, demonstrating the love that Jesus commanded us to live in and show.

With the end of our ‘We believe‘ series, we are going to be moving on to looking at worship, before preparing for Christmas.

I am so excited by what I am seeing God doing at ‘Redefine’ our Sunday evening discipleship Bible Study group. It is great seeing young people growing in and discovering a relationship with God.

Please do continue to support us in prayer, with finances and by volunteering at our various events. We cannot do this ministry without your much needed support. Thank you for being such amazing supporters.

Be blessed!

Every Season

/0 Comments/in , , /by

It is finally here – autumn. We say goodbye to Summer and all the fun events that we have held and look forward to the recommencement of our regular programmes. ‘Reverb‘, ‘Recess‘, ‘Redefine‘ and ‘Shuffle & Shake‘ will all be starting back up in the next two weeks.

We are so excited about this, looking forward to seeing all that God is going to do in and through the work of Llandudno Youth for Christ.

We have had lots of fun during the summer, with ‘God, Games & Goats‘ and ‘Refresh‘, but it’ll be nice to get back into the rhythm of our regular events.

Please do be praying for us as we plan and prepare for the next few months. Pray that we would be clearly led by God as we get ready for the next 4 months.

It’s great knowing that in every season we are in at Llandudno Youth for Christ, there are people faithfully supporting us in prayer, with finances and by giving their time to volunteer at the different events/projects we hold.

It’s even greater knowing that the God who made the seasons is with us whatever the season of life we are going through. As it says in Ecclesiastes chapter 3: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” God is with every step of the way and it is He who makes all things beautiful in their time.

Whatever season you are going through it is comforting that the God who said that He will never leave or forsake us, is with us. Holding us as we walk through this life.

Have a great autumn, and I pray that you are surprised by God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Be blessed!

I’ve started so I’ll finish…

/0 Comments/in , /by

The infamous words from Magnus Magnusson and nowadays John Humphrys can be regularly heard during the running of the television programme ‘Mastermind’, which has been airing since 1972. The quiz master says this when he’s started to ask a question and been interrupted by the buzzer signalling the end of the round. Despite the buzzer’s protestations, the quiz master is in charge and he has the final say on when the round is over.

This is brilliant and makes for good television, but it popped into my head today and reminded me of 2 of my favourite pieces of Scripture: “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:4-6 and “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11.

When God sets about creating something, the work He does is good and He always finishes what He starts, just look at the Creation story to see that. He is a trustworthy and faithful Creator.

You can take that to the bank as they say.

Also circumstances and situations that happen to us do not have the final word in our lives. God does.

God doesn’t leave project unfinished or half-done. He completes what He starts. One day He will complete everything and bring everything to its completion in Christ.

Llandudno Youth for Christ is 10 years old this year. God began a good work in the lives of young people in Llandudno and beyond when Llandudno Youth for Christ was first set up. We are so grateful to God for all the many ways that we have seen Him start works of new life in many young people’s lives and we are looking forward to more than another 10 years still to come, to serve God in this area, being ambassadors for Christ and imploring people to be reconciled to God, as the apostle Paul puts it.

God is faithful and we trust and rely on Him to continue the good work He began in this ministry.

Part of the way He encourages us, is by stirring people’s hearts to support the work of Llandudno Youth for Christ, either by volunteering at one of our many projects, praying faithfully for the work of Llandudno Youth for Christ at our Monthly Prayer Gatherings, or giving financially to ensure that the work keeps on going. Keeps on impacting young lives for Jesus.

We pray that as you read this Blog Post that you will be encouraged that the work that God began in your life, He will faithfully complete and also that you’ll consider supporting the work of Llandudno Youth for Christ.

Be Blessed!

Worth more than many sparrows

/0 Comments/in , /by

Last Sunday night at Redefine, we had a brilliant night of Bible Study. The young people really engaged with the text that we were looking at and the questions that it posed.

The passage we looked at was from the gospel of Matthew. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Matt 10:29-31. Here Jesus is encouraging His disciples and instructing them before sending them out to minister and share the good news in the towns in Israel. He warns them of the persecution they will face because they are followers of Jesus. They will even face death, but they are not to fear those who can deliver them over to death, but rather they are to revere God. It is within this context of persecution and of sharing the message of the kingdom that He tells them they are of more worth than sparrows.

Looking at this short passage we discussed at length the issue of identity. Who do we think we are, what is our identity, and where does it come from? There were lots of good questions asked and discussion points made.

‘Do we have a different identity depending upon our surroundings and circumstances?’ ‘Do we change our identity to conform with those around us?’ ‘Is our identity what we think about ourselves or is it what God thinks about us?’ These were the types of questions that were being posed.

This was an absolutely fantastic session and the young people really owned the discussion. When returning to what the Bible says, we closed the session with the point that God knows who we truly are and His opinion of us doesn’t change. He loves us and values us more than sparrows. Because of this our identity needs to be in what God thinks about us.

We closed out the evening with an excellent prayer led by one of the young people and a time of worshipping the God who thinks so highly about us and loves us so much.

It is such a privilege to see God at work in the hearts and minds of the young people that come to the different events that Llandudno Youth for Christ runs. It is brilliant to see them growing in their understanding of and relationship with God.

Please do continue to pray for the young people and the work of Llandudno Youth for Christ. Pray that the young people would truly find their identity and worth in Christ.

Be blessed!

I wonder do you know Him?…

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Just this last Sunday night we started a new series at our Redefine Bible Study group for young people. We are looking at the person of Jesus as revealed in the Bible and as the spring board for the talks we give, we have been playing the famous ‘My King’ monologue by Dr S.M. Lockridge.

It really is an amazing and inspiring talk about just how amazing Jesus is. Throughout Dr S.M. Lockridge’s monologue he intersperses the descriptions of Jesus with the question ‘I wonder do you know Him?’

It’s a good and valid question that should inspire us not to berate ourselves for not knowing Jesus well enough, but instead to get to know Him better, after all as Jesus tells us in the gospel of John, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

It’s all about relationship. It’s about knowing God.

Everything we do at Llandudno Youth for Christ is to declare the truth about Jesus, demonstrate His love for the young people in the way we act towards them, encourage them to make a decision to enter into a relationship with Jesus for themselves and help disciple them in their Christian walk with God.

That’s why I am so excited about this new teaching series that we have just started: Jesus is the central focus of it all and helping the young people develop and discover a relationship with Him is key to all of it.

Now we wouldn’t be able to run great Bible study nights if it weren’t for the faithfulness of our amazing supporters. We really appreciate all the time people give to volunteering at LLYFC. If you want to volunteer in any capacity, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 07517 429 763 (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 9am to 12pm) or via email at llandudnyfc@gmail.com.

We are grateful for every financial gift donated to the work that we are doing, especially for those that give regularly on a monthly basis. Thank you.

And finally we are grateful for those who uphold us in prayer.

Speaking of prayer, this coming Sunday 19th May we will be holding the first of a series of special Prayer Gatherings to celebrate out 10th anniversary as a charity in Llandudno. It will be a great night of spending time with other supporters and young people at LLYFC. There will be prayer, worship, testimonies and real coffee. It runs from 6-8pm.

Please do come along and support us.

Be blessed!