The 10k race is happening today in Caerphilly so there is no official church gathering this morning but there will be some members of Love Caerphilly running the race. I am sure lots of us be out cheering them on.

Sarah shared in lifegroup on Wednesday how she remembers as a little girl running in schools sports day and someone on the sidelines shouting at the top of their lungs "Go Sarah Go" it gave her such confidence and she remembers it to this day.

So this week I encourage you to encourage those around you. Cheer and spur one another on. You never know what truly is happening in someone's mind and heart. An encouragement at the right time could change their day, week, year or life.

Hebrews 12:1

So, we have learned about many people who trusted God long ago. They are like a very big crowd all round us and we should copy their example. We must be like people who run in a race. We must throw away everything that stops us from running well. The sins that we do make us fall down very easily. We must not let those sins rule us. God has prepared the way that is in front of us. We must continue to be strong while we run along that way. We must choose to run that race well.

Philippians 3:14

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Recently, I have been pondering and God has been speaking to me about worship. What is worship at its core and how do we worship in a way that is pleasing to God?

While I have pondered this, several thoughts came to mind:

1. Worship can never be confined to 20 minutes of singing on a Sunday morning but should be an integral part of our daily lives.

2. One word; priorities.

When you look at how the bible describes worship, it regularly includes singing and music in its description but is by no means limited to this. Romans 12:1 says that proper worship is offering our bodies as living sacrifices!

For me, this speaks of living on an alter (not the most comfortable of dwellings!). Living on an alter speaks of living in a place of submission to God and dependence on him.

So how do we actually apply this and live this? It comes down to our priorities; what is our highest priority each day and in each and every situation? Is it to do Gods will and honour him or is it to do our own will and save face or please other people?

Whatever the situation, as worshippers, our number one priority should always be to honour God and seek first his kingdom and when we come to sing songs of worship together, yes, we should come joyfully and freely but also with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28).

However our week looks, whatever victories or trials we face, let us be those that live on the alter and prioritise honouring Him and seeking first His kingdom above all else.

With the imminent arrival of our baby boy, I’ve been reflecting on our journey and the difference in our season now vs the season we were in 12, 18, 24 months ago. What I keep coming back to is God’s faithfulness and how, by His grace, the ferociousness of the storm has passed. I didn’t know how long I would be in the midst of the storm (being honest, it felt too long) and even with a healthy baby on the way now, the last 3 years still feel quite raw but I just want to encourage you that the tough situation (or maybe it feels more of a season) that you are facing is not the end for you. It is not the final chapter. It does not define you. God will not leave you in the dust. There is hope for a better and good future for you!

Some life lessons God taught me in the midst of the storm I faced (or pit as I often called it):

- The Holy Spirit is my [biggest] advocate (John 14:26).

- He is patient and kind! He is faithful to walk with me through life’s challenges (Psalm 86:15).

- God understands my circumstances not *just* because He is God and all knowing but because He came as a man (Hebrews 2:18).

- God is ALWAYS active & working. When I couldn’t yet see, He encouraged me to ‘wait & see’ what He was doing and how He will turn my situation into gold (John 5:17, Philippians 1:6)!

- He will not let our pain/ suffering/ difficult circumstances be in vain or go to waste (Romans 8:28)!

The beauty and treasure I have found in Jesus despite my affliction is beyond anything I could ever have hoped for! I pray that He blows your expectations of who He is and what He will do through you and your circumstances!

I’ve also attached a link here to a song that I’m finding particularly powerful at the moment. Enjoy ☺️

Following on from Lester's amazing testimony, I was encouraged to remain in a state of thankfulness no matter the circumstances.

Now pondering on my own challenges, I thought wow, that is easier said than done and began to ask the question how do I remain thankful when everything around me is contrary? Going further I asked how can I remain with an attitude of possessing faith when my circumstances say different?

The short answer is in the song attached here.

When I begin to remember what he has done, what he has brought me through, and like our good brother Lester, how he has saved my life 😊 selah; suddenly the circumstances begin to fall away from my mind and God's promise becomes the reality.

I hope the song encourages you to ponder on his wonderful works in your life as it has done in mine