Stirring One Another Toward Love - Stuart Sneddon

Hebrews 10:24 urges us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” It’s a beautiful invitation, but also a challenging one. Because if we’re honest, encouragement doesn’t always flow naturally.

Contrary to popular belief, I am not always in the “right” mood, sometimes something has happened in my day, sometimes I'm not feeling 100% and sometimes I just have woken up on the wrong side of the bed! And I know I’m not alone. We all have those days when our patience is thin, our energy is low, or our hearts feel a little bruised.

Yet this is exactly where Hebrews 10:24 speaks with such gentle wisdom. The verse doesn’t assume we will always feel ready to encourage others. Instead, it calls us to consider, to pause, reflect, and choose love with intention. Encouragement, it seems, is less about mood and more about mission.

Encouragement as a Shared Calling: The early church understood something we often forget, faith is not a solo journey. We are shaped, strengthened, and sustained in community. When one of us is weary, another can lift us. When one of us is celebrating, others can join in. When one of us is struggling to see God’s goodness, someone else can remind us of it.

Encouragement is not a grand gesture; it’s a daily rhythm. A text message. A prayer whispered for someone. A smile offered even when we’re tired. A willingness to show up, imperfectly, honestly, faithfully.

Choosing Love on the Hard Days: On the days when we feel low, God doesn’t ask us to pretend. He simply invites us to lean on His strength instead of our own. Sometimes the most powerful encouragement we give comes from a place of vulnerability: “I’m not at my best today, but I’m still choosing love.”

And when we do that, something beautiful happens. Our small acts of kindness become seeds of hope in someone else’s life. Our willingness to show up becomes a testimony of God’s grace at work in us.

Church in Caerphilly

Love Caerphilly
Leaning into God’s Presence - Stephen Allen

When we are in a season of prosperity, happiness, and wellbeing, it can be easy to feel invincible, like nothing can touch us. But what happens when that season suddenly comes to a halt and we find ourselves blindsided by life?

Recently, I experienced this through an unexpected health diagnosis. It came out of the blue and sent me spiralling, searching for answers and reassurance in all the wrong places. Instead of resting, I found myself turning to Google rather than leaning into God’s presence.

How often do we do this? We believe we can figure things out on our own instead of turning first to the One who holds all wisdom. Scripture reminds us: “Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him.”

My prayer for us as a church community is that when life shifts us out of the season we’re in—when uncertainty, fear, or hardship appears—we would run to Jesus first. Before leaning on man, before trusting our limited understanding, may we rest in God, who already knows the way forward.

Church in Caerphilly

Love Caerphilly
Stand Still - Gabs McGregor

The first Sunday of the year Jez spoke to us about what God had placed on our hearts for this year. I felt hopeful and positive. Within three days I'd received news of an issue against me and the rug was pulled from under my feet. I was thoroughly shaken up. It took me a day or so to process. I had to make a choice. I chose to stand still and trust God.

There is nothing I can do in this particular situation. God's word says "The Lord gives strength to His people and the Lord blesses His people with peace". Psalm 29 v 11. I chose to believe that I can stand in God's strength and receive peace. It also says in Exodus 14 v 14 "The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still". I chose to believe that God will fight this situation and bring about the best outcome and I do not need to fight myself.

The situation still hasn't changed. But neither has God. His promises are true for me and for you. We can hand over our battles to Him.

Love Caerphilly
In Jesus name - Ann Sneddon

Matthew 12:21 NIV

In his name the nations will put their hope.

His name ...

I love to worship and when I think of this verse I think of the song 'Build My Life' by Patt Barrett.

Jesus the name above every other name. Jesus the only one who can ever save ...

Jesus is the name above all names. His name carries authority. When we speak the name of Jesus the enemy has to flee. Miracles happen when we speak his name.

Hope ...

Sharing stories of God's goodness brings hope. Sharing about how he has changed a life around brings hope. Sharing of a miracle brings hope.

Let us be active in sharing testimonies this year in church and to those around us.

His fame must spread. We mustn't hide it.

Jesus is truly amazing and has been there for me time and time again. When I’m in despair or unsure of what to pray, I find deep comfort in simply speaking to Him.

He has turned my life around—restored my marriage, surrounded me with meaningful friendships, and blessed me in countless other ways.

My life is a living testimony that the name of Jesus stands above every name.

Love Caerphilly