No.14: The Brothers Return
Website Admin
Feb 23
|00:42 AM
Name & Bio
My name is Tory Stirling. I’m married to Mark and have a daughter Autumn who is 2 years old. We are expecting another wee baby in April! We have been coming to Carnmoney for nearly three years and thoroughly enjoy it. We both help to run i56 our House of Prayer and I have also recently joined the pastoral care team. Mark’s a fireman and I’m a full time mum but during time off we like to see mates and family, watch good movies, get Indian take away and go to nice coffee shops with a book. We also have a free pass to the Zoo which is pretty cool.
Bible Passage
Genesis 43:1- 44:34
What did you learn about God today?
When reading this passage I was struck by how these well known biblical characters were so human in their thinking and reactions to situations. We see Israel so concerned and troubled over the safety of his youngest son Benjamin. Judah, as the older brother, is courageous and often takes the situation into his own hands. He offers his father deep assurance and pleads with Joseph to take him as a slave rather of Benjamin. We read of Joseph’s emotional reaction to seeing his little brother and going away to weep in private. God has created each one of us so differently and so complex. Our character, our strengths and weaknesses and our hearts are so individual and need filled by God. I am struck by Joseph’s deep love for his brothers and his father. Despite the horrific treatment he received from them he still longs for the family to be restored. I think this is a reflection of God’s grace and awesome mercy that is shown to us. We deserve something so very different and yet He pours out his love and reaches out to us.
How is this relevant to your life?
This passage reminded me again of how God’s love and power can overcome any situation – no matter how unfair or unkind. Often, by my own efforts, forgiveness and reconciliation seem too difficult. But God’s grace and love can inspire and encourage me to move towards others. Nothing about the cross was fair or just! I draw strength from this and take steps towards forgiveness that at first seemed so impossible. Joseph was not interested in the gifts his brothers brought to Him or being impressed by their efforts - He longed to hear of their happiness and to have relationship with them once again. In the same way, I am reminded there is nothing I can do to earn God’s favour or win His approval. God longs for my heart and waits for me to draw near to Him.
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No.13: Ten Brothers go to Egypt
Website Admin
Feb 22
|00:00 AM
Name & Bio
Hi, my name is Robert Bell. I have three grown up children and have been a Christian for 49 years. I have been a member of Carnmoney Presbyterian Church for four and half years and have been active as a helper on Alpha, Pastoral Care Team, CAP, and a weekly prayer fellowship in i56, our house of prayer.
Bible Passage
I have been reading Genesis Chapter 42 about Joseph’s ten brothers travelling to Egypt to buy grain.
What did you learn about God today?
God favoured Joseph, not only by revealing the future through his dreams, but by taking him on a journey, from a slave to the second most powerful man in Egypt. When his brothers came before Joseph, they did not know him. Joseph spoke harshly to them, not only because the Egyptians hated the Canaanites, but out of love. He was generous to his brothers in taking no payment for the grain, and supplying them food for the journey home. Joseph was a man who feared God and was able to handle his position of power and use it in a way which honoured God and blessed his family. Joseph treated his brothers mercifully and forgave them. Joseph could have said or done much to his brothers in an act of vengeance, but didn’t. Joseph knew that being vengeful towards his brothers was dishonouring God. “Vengeance is mine says the Lord...”
Joseph has made me consider my own walk with God. Do I really know Him? In everything I do, is it to honour Him? I have known God’s love and grace on many occasions. A member of the family caused much hurt and put distance between himself and the rest of the family. I was very bitter and vengeful towards him and as the years passed it got worse. I was not honouring God in the way I dealt with him and a number of years ago I forgiven him unconditionally. By God’s grace I am now at peace. On another occasions recently I have hurt people by being irrational, getting angry, and saying things which I later regretted . Like Joseph I should have kept my feelings to myself and said nothing. I know I grieved the Spirit. I serve a loving and merciful God, who calms the seas. He is not only present with me, but is within me.
Name & BioHi, my name is Robert Bell. I have three grown up children and have been a Christian for 49 years. I have been a member of Carnmoney Presbyterian Church for four and half years and have been active as a helper on Alpha, Pastoral Care Team, CAP, and a weekly prayer fellowship in i56, our house of prayer.
Bible Passage
I have been reading Genesis Chapter 42 about Joseph’s ten brothers travelling to Egypt to buy grain.
What did you learn about God today?
God favoured Joseph, not only by revealing the future through his dreams, but by taking him on a journey, from a slave to the second most powerful man in Egypt. When his brothers came before Joseph, they did not know him. Joseph spoke harshly to them, not only because the Egyptians hated the Canaanites, but out of love. He was generous to his brothers in taking no payment for the grain, and supplying them food for the journey home. Joseph was a man who feared God and was able to handle his position of power and use it in a way which honoured God and blessed his family. Joseph treated his brothers mercifully and forgave them. Joseph could have said or done much to his brothers in an act of vengeance, but didn’t. Joseph knew that being vengeful towards his brothers was dishonouring God. “Vengeance is mine says the Lord...”
How is this relevant to you today?
Joseph has made me consider my own walk with God. Do I really know Him? In everything I do, is it to honour Him? I have known God’s love and grace on many occasions. A member of the family caused much hurt and put distance between himself and the rest of the family. I was very bitter and vengeful towards him and as the years passed it got worse. I was not honouring God in the way I dealt with him and a number of years ago I forgiven him unconditionally. By God’s grace I am now at peace. On another occasions recently I have hurt people by being irrational, getting angry, and saying things which I later regretted . Like Joseph I should have kept my feelings to myself and said nothing. I know I grieved the Spirit. I serve a loving and merciful God, who calms the seas. He is not only present with me, but is within me.
No.12: Prison and Promotion
Website Admin
Feb 21
|12:46 PM
Name & Bio
My name is Stephanie Hardie. I have always been involved in different church organisations and always felt God’s presence and it was 6 years ago that I decided to have a proper relationship with him. I am a leader in Fusion and GB. I am also studying midwifery at Queen’s University.
Bible Passage
Genesis 39:1–41:57
What did you learn about God today?
Today I noticed a number of things about God and who he really is. God never makes temptation more than you can handle. When Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph into bed, God gave him the ability to say no and made him realise what the consequences would be if he gave in. God is a fair judge and even though Potiphar’s wife made up lies about Joseph, God knew that this wasn’t true and let everyone else see this in prison. God also chooses to work through us so that the people we help can see Him through us. God gave Joseph the gift of interpreting dreams and through this Pharaoh could tell that the spirit of God lived in Joseph. God also uses times of suffering to make us stronger and to produce fruit from us that will please Him.
How is this relevant to you today?
Being a uni student, I am tempted to fall into the ways of typical student life, but God has gave me the courage to say no and explain why I don’t want to.The past year, I have really felt God’s presence during the bad times. When my parents split up and I was in the middle of my A Levels, it was a really difficult time and I felt like I had no one to talk to but I felt God right beside me. It was during this time that my faith and trust in God deepened as I was clinging to Him and no one else, and in me, this produced a real sense that God brings us closer to Him in our times of suffering. Even though we may struggle to find a light at the end of the tunnel, God will NEVER leave us.
No.11: Sold Into Slavery
Website Admin
Feb 20
|00:00 AM
Name & Bio
I’m Rory McClure. I have been a Christian for over 12 years, and come from a very secular background. I’m the Assistant Minister at Carnmoney. I love reading and films, and look forward to getting back on my bike again!
Bible Passage
Genesis 37:1–37:36
What did you learn about God today?
Like everyone in this Jacob’s family, I can make a mess of just about every good gift God gives me. Jacob longed for a son from his true love; Rachel, and got 10 sons from three other women instead. Finally, he got his longed for son in Joseph and alienated his other sons by showing him favouritism. Joseph abused his gift of understanding the future through dreams to get back at his brothers. They abused the gift of family and allowed their jealousy to try to destroy Joseph’s life. The amazing thing about God is that he went on to turn all this mess into an even greater blessing for Jacob’s family. Only God can transform shame and regret into hope. Only God could have turned the stupid things I’ve done and transform them into a blessing.
How is this relevant to you today?
What’s Genesis 37 doing in the Bible? It reads more like a plot from EastEnders. A dysfunctional family at war with itself. A father with four wives. Brothers and half-brothers ganging up on the misfit brother. Reuben wants to throw him in a pit and rescue him later, Judah wants to make some easy money by selling Joseph into slavery, and the rest just want to kill him. They all lie to their dad, and while grief cripples him, unspoken guilt and shame hangs over the family for years to come. Some people seem to think the Bible is a book that just condemns bad people for being bad and makes good people hypocrites. Thankfully, it is not. This chapter reminds us that the Bible is about a God who is powerful and loving enough to get stuck into the very worst mess of our lives and bring deliverance and hope.
Name & BioI’m Rory McClure. I have been a Christian for over 12 years, and come from a very secular background. I’m the Assistant Minister at Carnmoney. I love reading and films, and look forward to getting back on my bike again!
Bible Passage
Genesis 37:1–37:36
What did you learn about God today?
Like everyone in this Jacob’s family, I can make a mess of just about every good gift God gives me. Jacob longed for a son from his true love; Rachel, and got 10 sons from three other women instead. Finally, he got his longed for son in Joseph and alienated his other sons by showing him favouritism. Joseph abused his gift of understanding the future through dreams to get back at his brothers. They abused the gift of family and allowed their jealousy to try to destroy Joseph’s life. The amazing thing about God is that he went on to turn all this mess into an even greater blessing for Jacob’s family. Only God can transform shame and regret into hope. Only God could have turned the stupid things I’ve done and transform them into a blessing.
How is this relevant to you today?
What’s Genesis 37 doing in the Bible? It reads more like a plot from EastEnders. A dysfunctional family at war with itself. A father with four wives. Brothers and half-brothers ganging up on the misfit brother. Reuben wants to throw him in a pit and rescue him later, Judah wants to make some easy money by selling Joseph into slavery, and the rest just want to kill him. They all lie to their dad, and while grief cripples him, unspoken guilt and shame hangs over the family for years to come. Some people seem to think the Bible is a book that just condemns bad people for being bad and makes good people hypocrites. Thankfully, it is not. This chapter reminds us that the Bible is about a God who is powerful and loving enough to get stuck into the very worst mess of our lives and bring deliverance and hope.
No.10: Jacob and Esau Reconcile
Website Admin
Feb 17
|00:00 AM
Name & Bio
My name is Claire Child. I am wife to David and mum to Kirsten (9) and Jessica (6). I have been involved in Youth Work in Carnmoney for over twenty years and have been the GB Captain for the past 6 years. I have been working in the Youth and Children’s Department of Church House for nearly 14 years. I enjoy jogging or heading to the local gym. However David and I usually head out for a walk as long as there is a nice cup of coffee at the end—Whitehead is a favourite.
Bible Passage
Genesis 32:1–33:20
Jacob faced a difficult situation. He had been estranged from his brother and last time they were together Jacob had stole Esau’s birthright.
What did you learn about God today?
What do you do in difficult situations, we all face them, particularly when it comes to our families. The natural instinct is to worry and try and sort the matter out ourselves but in v9 we read how Jacob decided to pray about it. When the two men finally meet up, Esau embraced Jacob with a hug. When we bring God into a situation something amazing happens. He can turn a situation completely on its head and bring out amazing consequences. It doesn’t happen overnight and sometimes in the process God teaches us to be patient and to leave situations in his hands.
How is this relevant to you today?
In my experience when I have tried to do things on my own they haven’t worked out but when I pray about things and leave them in God’s hands He has brought about an outcome that I could not have imagined. Let’s leave our worries at God’s feet today but be consistent in our prayer life rather than our worry life.
No.9: Jacob and Esau Compete
Website Admin
Feb 16
|00:00 AM
Name & Bio
I’m Paul Elliott, a forty-six year old father of two (David and Samantha) and husband of Rosy. I have been a Christian since I was a teenager and have been involved in work in Carnmoney for many years. I am an elder and am currently in charge of coordinating our Church strategy under 2020 Vision. I also work in our AV team, host the Marriage Course (with Rosy, of course!) and help out in CE.
Bible Passage
Genesis 27:1–28:19
What did you learn about God today?
Today I have been reading about Jacob and Esau and how Jacob deceived his elderly father by pretending to be his older brother in order to get the birthright. As he flees from his angry brother Jacob meets God as he sleeps one night at Bethel. Even though Jacob had deceived his brother it strikes me that God was still prepared to meet with Jacob and promise to do great things through him. It occurred to me in this passage that God is prepared to work through sinners such as Jacob to do good things. And throughout all of history (with one exception - Jesus) He has acted through sinners to achieve hIs aims.
How is this relevant to you today?
As I think about my own life I know am a sinner saved through the grace of Jesus. I have done just as many bad things (probably more) than Jacob did. But I find comfort (and amazement) that in spite of all the wrong things that I have done in my life, that God still cares for me and love me. And even better, He has chosen me to do things for Him! Wow! I realise that I have a job to do for Him and, just as He promised to bless Jacob in this passage, I know that He has promised to be with me too. It’s hard to take in. But I do! And I am thankful to Him for that.
Name & BioI’m Paul Elliott, a forty-six year old father of two (David and Samantha) and husband of Rosy. I have been a Christian since I was a teenager and have been involved in work in Carnmoney for many years. I am an elder and am currently in charge of coordinating our Church strategy under 2020 Vision. I also work in our AV team, host the Marriage Course (with Rosy, of course!) and help out in CE.
Bible Passage
Genesis 27:1–28:19
What did you learn about God today?
Today I have been reading about Jacob and Esau and how Jacob deceived his elderly father by pretending to be his older brother in order to get the birthright. As he flees from his angry brother Jacob meets God as he sleeps one night at Bethel. Even though Jacob had deceived his brother it strikes me that God was still prepared to meet with Jacob and promise to do great things through him. It occurred to me in this passage that God is prepared to work through sinners such as Jacob to do good things. And throughout all of history (with one exception - Jesus) He has acted through sinners to achieve his aims.
How is this relevant to you today?
As I think about my own life I know am a sinner saved through the grace of Jesus. I have done just as many bad things (probably more) than Jacob did. But I find comfort (and amazement) that in spite of all the wrong things that I have done in my life, that God still cares for me and love me. And even better, He has chosen me to do things for Him! Wow! I realise that I have a job to do for Him and, just as He promised to bless Jacob in this passage, I know that He has promised to be with me too. It’s hard to take in. But I do! And I am thankful to Him for that.
No.8: Issac's Birth and "Sacrifice"
Website Admin
Feb 15
|00:00 AM
Name & Bio
I’ve been a Christian since I was 16, married to Brian for almost 35 years and a member of the church for 34 years. Our two grown up daughters live in London. I teach full time in a secondary school.My main church involvements are: Mission Core team—Evangelism strand, church house visitor and co-leader of a pastorate. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, outings to the cinema or theatre, reading and puzzles, a decent cup of coffee and HOLIDAYS (typical teacher!).
Bible Passage
Genesis 21:1 – 22:19
What did you learn about God today?
What an awesome God! What a packed treasure trove of spiritual riches to explore.God keeps His promises, whether we believe He will or not! He thinks outside the box. He chose a 90 year old woman and a 100 year old man to have a baby! He also chose a teenager to be the mother of His Son.God uses flawed people. Sarah and Abraham had made mistakes in the past but they still heard God speak into their lives.He’s a God of justice, He’s impartial. God knows our short term and long term needs. He took care of Ishmael and Hagar. God asks us to obey Him and to be willing to make sacrifices for Him, just as He did for us when He let His only Son die for us. It’s a case of being willing to take up the cross daily.
How is this relevant to you today?
I am challenged and encouraged by reading this passage. It made me reflect on God’s promises and ask some questions. Abraham threw a big party when Isaac was weaned. Do I celebrate and share God’s blessings with others? Am I walking closely enough with God so that, like Sarah and Abraham, I can discern between God speaking to me and my own wishful thinking?Will I still hear from God when I’m 90? Do I try to fulfil God’s promises for Him and as a result create problems? Or do I trust God to keep His promises His way? Am I acting justly and fairly in all my relationships, not just to those that I like or favour? Do I write off people who’ve made mistakes in the past when God doesn’t do that with me? The Biggest question though is: What sacrifice is my “Isaac”? Am I willing to offer it? What if I don’t, What if I do?
No.7: God's Covenant with Abram
Website Admin
Feb 14
|00:00 AM
Name & Bio
Hi there, I'm David Elliott, I am 16 and I attend Cambridge House Grammar School in Ballymena. I have been a Christian from my childhood not long after my adoption in 2002 and have belonged to Carnmoney Church since then and I love it. I am a member of the AV Team and a helper in many organisations. I am a Lance Corporal in the Boys’ Brigade and 2nd Squad commander. I have learned many things from attending the BB, one being "true Christian manliness"
Bible Passage
Today I have been reading in Genesis chapter 15:1-21 about God's covenant with Abram.
What did you learn about God today?
It starts with God speaking to Abram, to not be afraid, but Abram then is quick to complain to God, "Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" Abram adds, that because God has not supplied him with a child, that he will have to give everything to his servants... But God has a plan for Abram. God promised that Abram will have a son of his own flesh and blood, he will have many descendants, as many as the stars.
How is this relevant to you today?
Abram had faith, but still queried God. God asked for an offering so that Abram would be reassured, Abram obliged, so he went and got what God had asked for. God spoke to Abram while he was in a deep sleep. He told him that he will not know his descendants, and they will be put into slavery but that God would punish the nation that enslaved them.Abram had faith, and God rewarded him. Abram had patience and God rewarded him. God’s promises are reliable and we can trust Him all the time.
No.6: The Call of Abram
Website Admin
Feb 13
|12:10 PM
Name & Bio
My name is Karen Bousfield and I’m the Worship Associate at Carnmoney Church. To be honest I’m not sure of the exact day when I came to faith, but I don’t ever remember not knowing Jesus, even as a child. I guess I really started to try and live as a disciple when I was around 19 - and I’m still learning what that means! Music is my main passion, closely followed by teaching kids.
Bible Passage
Genesis 12 v 1 – 20
What did you learn about God today?
The main thing that was highlighted to me through this passage was God’s faithfulness. He made a promise to Abram- and He followed through. God appeared to Abram while he was still on the journey, providing hope and encouragement. He protected him and his wife, even when things got difficult in Egypt. As well as this though, I felt that this particular story of Abram showed that God can ask a lot of someone- there can be a great cost to the calling on your life. Abram was asked to leave his home, his family, all that he knew. But he did it, and it was worth it! It was also something that Abram couldn’t do or fulfil without God’s help. It’s usually a sure sign of a ‘calling’ on your life if God is asking you to do something that you can’t do on your own without Him!
How is this relevant to you today?
I’ve been challenged by Abram’s trust in his Lord. He left everything because God told him to. He was given a promise that was actually for his children and the generations that followed- and yet he obeyed! How much faith do I have in my God? How much am I willing to walk away from or give up for His greater glory and plan that may not just be for my benefit? I remember one particular situation in my own life in which I felt the call of God nudging me in a new direction- one that I didn’t necessarily ‘want’ to move in! It involved change and lots of challenges and yet brought so much joy and a fullness of life that I would otherwise not have known. I was right to jump.
God is faithful.
No.5: Tower of Babel
Website Admin
Feb 10
|00:00 AM
Name & Bio
Hi, my name is Michael Fryer, I am 27 years old and currently a ministry student in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. I became a Christian in December 2005 while a university student and have been a member of Carnmoney Church since 2007. I am currently involved in serving God on the Worship Core Team, the Prayer Ministry Team, as a Fusion leader and as a CAP Support Worker.
Bible Passage:
Genesis 11:1–11:9
What did you learn about God today?
The thing I discovered about God today from reading Genesis 11 and the story of the Tower of Babel is that He understands our human sinfulness so well; He knows how easily we seek to trust in our own abilities and do things from self-seeking and selfish motives. So often we can fool ourselves into thinking that we can do things ourselves without needing God, just as the builders of the tower did. They wanted to make a name for themselves and create a monument to human pride and arrogance. And God saw what they were trying to do and put an end to their plans.
How is the relevant to you today?
As I reflect on this passage, I am reminded of how easily I can fall into the trap of trying to do things in my own strength and not acknowledging how much I actually need to depend on God. The sinful human desire to do things “our own way” is as alive today as it was all those thousands of years ago in Babel. I know that in so many ways I need to remind myself daily that Jesus, and not I, is the Lord of my life. As I seek then to serve Him and live for Him, my prayer is that He would show me those areas in my life where I need to repent of my own desire to be in control, that He would help me give those over to Him and rely completely on Him.
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