A DIFFERENT LOOK AT PSALM 23

This is an eye opener, probably we never thought nor looked at this Psalm in this way even though we say it over and over again.

The Lord is my Shepherd..........................................................................That's relationship!
I shall not want............................................................................................That's supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures..........................................That's rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters......................................................That's refreshment!
He restoreth my soul..................................................................................That's healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness..........................................That's guidance!
For His name sake....................................................................................That's purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of death.........................................That's testing!
I will fear no evil...........................................................................................That's protection!
For Thou art with me..................................................................................That's faithfulness!
Thy rod and staff they comfort me.............................................................That's discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies......That's hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil..............................................................That's consecration!
My cup runneth over....................................................................................That's abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life........That's blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord....................................................That's security!
Forever.........................................................................................................That's eternity!

What is most valuable is not what we have in our lives, but who we have in our lives.

Contributed by John E. Perry


EUROPEAN CHRISTIAN MISSION BOX OPENING 2004

Adult boxes and donations                                         £318.00
Sun Seekers for the work of Honor Perfect               £54.73
Church Offering for October 10th                               £300.00

Total                                                                                £672.73


UEC RALLY

On October 2nd the Union of Evangelical Churches held their annual service of thanksgiving and praise at Rayleigh Evangelical Church.

This was very well attended with representatives from nearly all of our UEC churches present, extra chairs having to be brought in to accommodate everyone. We were given great encouragement and guidance by both speakers, these being Christopher Bomford of Little Totham and Brian Wood of Great Wakering.

Members of the Praise and Worship Group from Stanway sung two songs; He is exalted, and Jesus, What a Beautiful Name.

After the service we all enjoyed a time of fellowship with refreshments kindly provided by our hosts.


HOUSE CLEANING

I have just been cleaning cupboards
And with neat housewifely art
I have set things all in order
In the storehouse of my heart.

There were things I always meant to save
And look at every day
And then again, a lot of things
I should have thrown away.

There are things in wild disorder
And mixed among the lot
Were bitter things and ugly ones
That should have been forgot.

There were scraps of tender dreams
A child's remembered kiss
And a poem that my mother wrote -
Oh, how I treasured this!

I discovered, though, that ugly things
Were taking too much space
Sometimes for new and lovely ones
I couldn't find a place.

And so I've tossed the bad things out
The sullen scraps and tatters
Of old-time hurts and fancy wrongs
And here¹s what really matters.

Now that I've tossed the dark things out
Each cringing one I found
The others shine the brighter
Shed a radiance all around.

My cleaning work is nearly done
And I suggest that you start
For you¹ll find it's mighty nice to have
Clean cupboards in your heart.

                   Author Unknown

BROAD OR NARROW

Some 50 years ago, when traffic on our roads was light and there was an extensive rail system, our roads were narrow and few were dual carriageway. Journeys were much longer (although more picturesque), even though there was less traffic.

Since then a road building programme has provided us with new motorways and improvements to existing roads, many now wider, straight and dual. It is now possible to join the A12 at Stanway and to travel to most parts of the country by dual carriageway.

Sadly this period of road improvement has seen not only broader roads but a broadening of the way of life. Jesus said "Broad is the way that leads to destruction" and "Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life" (Matthew 7: 13 & 14).

The broad way of life is now so wide that many are unaware of those who travel with them. The upright (without Christ) are unaware of the hardened criminals on the further side of the road, but travelling together in the wrong way - as Jesus said to destruction.

By contrast, if by God's Grace we are on the narrow road, we will be rubbing shoulders with all who have accepted God's free gift of salvation. We will be (or should be) in close fellowship with rich and poor, famous and humble.

Check God's road map (the Bible). Which way are you going?

John Kerry
"Was it you?"

A decade ago this month I received this poem in an unsigned sympathy card.
I would like to say a personal thank you to the sender.
                       Ivy Smith

SHOULD YOU GO FIRST

       Should you go first and I remain
       To walk the road alone
       I'll live in memory's garden, dear
       with happy days we've known.
       In Spring I'll wait for roses red
       In Summer - lilacs blue
       In Autumn when the brown leaves call
       I¹ll catch a breath of you.

       Should you go first and I remain
       For battles to be fought
       Each thing you've touched along the way
       Will be a hallowed spot
       I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile
       Though blindly I may grope
       The memory of your helping hand
       Will buoy me on with hope.
       
       Should you go first and I remain
       To finish with the scroll
       No lengthening shadows shall creep in
       To make this life seem droll
       We've known so much of happiness
       We've had our cup of joy
       Ah, memory is one gift of God
       That death cannot destroy.

       Should you go first and I remain
       One thing I'd have you do
       Walk slowly down the path of death
       For soon I'll follow you
       I'll want to know each step you take
       That I may walk the same
       For some day down that lonely road
       You¹ll hear me call your name.