Haddington Elim Church

We all have times of discouragement. Sometimes they are the result of unmet expectations. We can be let down by people we love, We can be tired, frustrated, afraid or from failures that have happened. There are many causes to discouragement but we can’t let it develop into depression. By definition: Discouragement refers to the feeling of losing confidence and enthusiasm. It often arises from disappointment or setbacks, leading to a state where motivation is diminished. The condition of being discouraged; Something that discourages; a deterrent. The act of discouraging, or the state of being discouraged; depression or weakening of confidence; dejection.Discouragement is one of the most disabling emotions in our lives. It is not an intense state of mind, but a subtle one, which affects your actions, thoughts, and routines of day to day life. Discouragement makes you cancel plans, cease to want to start projects, pull the blanket over your head, and it can isolate you. We are looking at Nehemiah’s experience with discouragement..

There are times in life, when things don’t go the way we hoped. Maybe as a youngster you had it all figured out. You knew what you wanted to do with your life or what you wanted to be. I remember as a boy wanting to be a race car driver. I’m rather glad that didn’t happen! Somewhere along the way, things happened that derailed your plans. Sometimes before we come to faith in Christ, we are going down certain paths. Once we put our faith in Jesus, we may change our plans and desires to align with His. We begin to realise that He truly has a plan for our life. The Bible says that He has had plans for us since before the foundation of the world. Good works for us to walk in. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.We are His masterpiece! It is disheartening when things don’t go as planned. We can become discouraged or worse, disillusioned. The enemy can begin to come against us with despair and hopelessness. He desires to amplify our problems and wants us to ignore God’s power and plans. We can become tunnel-visioned and see things in a skewed fashion. We are encouraged to renew our minds. We need to see things from God’s perspective. This requires faith. We need to trust that He is at work, even in the difficult times. We have to trust that He is looking out for us and has our best at heart. We have seasons in life. I have mentioned this the last few weeks. Some seasons are fertile and abounding, while others are desert-like and tough. God is ever faithful through them all.

As we are well underway into this year, let us not forget that we have been talking about being overcomers. To truly overcome, you have to undergo. This is one of the least favourite parts of our Christian walk. Jesus assured us that in the world (as long as we have breath in our lungs and are alive) we will have trials, trouble and persecution. This is a given for a Christian. We are warned many times that there will be times of trial and testing.He endured all these same things. Many times in life we are in a battle. We want to have God fight for us, and He does, but other times we have to strap on our armour, take our shield, sword and other gear and march out to fight the enemy. There were times in Israel’s history, as they marched out to fight, God destroyed the entire army of the enemy and they just mopped up. Other times they had to physically fight. Other times they were told to stand still and watch as God delivered them. We need to always be obedient to whatever plan or strategy God gives.

For each of us, we have different seasons in life. Sometimes everything appears to be blooming and fertile, other times we are in a dry place. God gives showers of blessing on our dry and weary souls. Listen today and be encouraged by this week's message.

Pastor Sandra Schafferius brings a powerful message this week. Be encouraged as you listen. Stand upon the promises that God has given you!

As we celebrated Mother's Day, we look at two women in the Book of Judges that God used in unexpected ways. Be encouraged at we look at their stories.

As we just had Purim, we recount the amazing story of Queen Esther and her taking a huge risk of faith to save her God's people.

This message is by Ikhide Ehimiyein and speaks about overcoming the world. Listen today to be encouraged by this week's message.

Jesus spoke to farmers about sowing, reaping, seedtime, harvest, planting, wheat, tares, fields etc. We call starting a new church, ‘planting a church.’ No one would expect immediate harvest from a newly planted shoot or seeds. Any farmer knows that farming is really hard work and it takes time. They are up before the sun and usually still out long after the sun has set. Whatever they’ve planted will take time to grow, mature, ripen and produce fruit.

This year I feel that our theme and word for the church is overcome. It is a great relief to finally overcome an obstacle, especially one that has held you back or prevented your victory. Currently the Olympics are happening. They often tell heartwarming stories of people who have overcome great difficulties to be able to compete. Often we celebrate with them on achieving victory, or we share their heartbreak as they fall short. Everyone loves an underdog story where the deck is stacked against them but they fight through it all and win. We have God for us so who can be against us?In life, there are many obstacles and hindrances. We can come up against a thing again and again. We can believe that we can never defeat it. The truth is, with God’s help, nothing is impossible! Jeremiah 32:27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?We explored Freedom in Christ and with God’s help, we can finally be set free. We no longer have to carry those things year after year. We heard testimonies during the course from people who did experience Freedom in Christ. Today I want to look at how Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

This week we are looking at the Vision for the church for this year.

Today I want us to look at a man from the Bible who overcame tremendous adversity. He was despised and rejected by his own family. He was sold into slavery and put into prison. He overcame some of the most terrible setbacks we can imagine and flourished. What can we learn from his life? Can we see anything that can help us overcome our current struggles and difficulties? Joseph was only a teenager when the adversity came. Maybe you were young when God’s plan for your life started. Maybe the enemy has been trying to snuff God’s plan out. You have taken bumps, bruises and have the scars to prove it. We have to trust, like Joseph did, in God’s plan. Nothing the enemy does can stop God’s plan.

When we are first saved, we are fearless. We tell everyone and anyone that will listen to the amazing transformation that God did in us. We are running to win, but then over time the fire fades, the zeal dies down, we are challenged and beaten back in our excitement. We begin to play not to lose. We are very leary to share our faith, after all, what will they think of me? We get very conservative in our approach and never once again want to try. This is so sad for many Christians today. To not lose means to play it safe. Stay comfortable and not rock the boat.  How we approach life makes a huge difference!Many Christians run the race to not lose, but Paul instructs us to run the race to win. What does the Bible say? 

David Walkingshaw brings this message encouraging us to bear witness for Christ. Each of us are Ambassadors for Christ.

Has anyone had a car that is out of alignment? It pulls hard to one side or the other. If so, it needs an alignment to straighten everything out. If your car pulls hard one way or the other, you need to get it fixed! You may not have known what the issue was. I had a car one time that was so out of alignment that if I went faster than 55 it shook like crazy. Chiropractors may give you an adjustment if your spine or posture is out of alignment. They feel like they’re beating you up as they give you the adjustment, but it helps to realign your bones and muscles.  Many times in life, we find ourselves out of the proper alignment spiritually as well as physically. We have to give attention to this because just like a car that is not corrected, it will become quite dangerous to drive. Life can pull us in various directions but if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we will have our correct direction. He is the Good Shepherd and He leads us (if we let Him). To define alignment: The process of adjusting parts so that they are in proper relative position; a position of agreement or alliance; Common synonyms for alignment include arrangement, adjustment, calibration, positioning, orientation, order, and lining up,

This week Pastor Sandra Schafferius brings this message from 2 Samuel 9. David showed kindness to the grandson of King Saul. This was not the usual actions of a new king ascending the throne. Be encouraged today as you listen to this timely message.

I have been reading and re-reading the Prophet Habakkuk. Some brief background. Israel had fallen once again into idolatry. In God’s great mercy, He would send Prophets to warn the people to stop the pagan worship and to return to God. We know that at Jonah’s preaching in Nineveh, the entire place repented. They fasted and prayed that God would relent from His judgment and anger. God did relent and the people were spared. Israel and Judah continually repeated this pattern of disobeying God, finding themselves in trouble, calling out to God for help, God helping them and then rinse and repeat. There were times where the people refused to listen to God or His Holy Prophets. In this case, God has let Habakkuk know that the Chaldeans will be coming and will destroy Israel. It is like watching something in slow motion for Habakkuk. He knows God’s judgment is right. God has given them warnings, red flags and tried to get their attention. The people are not responding to the prophet’s rebukes. Babylon was going to decimate Judah. They are a merciless and exceptionally cruel nation. They were coming to bring God’s judgment against His people.

As I mentioned last week we all have times that make no sense. Real head-scratchers where we don’t understand what is happening. We are tempted to walk away. The thought or idea of carrying on seems almost impossible. Left to ourselves, we couldn’t. But He carries us. He will be faithful even if we are faithless. Our God will see us through to the end. Jesus warned us that in this world, as long as we breathe, as long as we take each day, we will have trouble, tribulation and difficulties. We are never promised immunity to the ills of life. Instead, He says, I will be WITH YOU! When you go through the flood and the fire, there I will accompany you. I will stand by your side and see you through. I AM an ever present help in time of need. Our God is able!Many find Christ in their worst moments. He is a friend and a loving Saviour, but then the crisis ends and they go on as before. They find in Him the peace they so desperately need, but then they decide that the former was better and go back that way. We come to the end of ourselves and find our souls saved and the joy that comes with that. But then we leave as something else comes along or something brighter and shiny. We can be like children always wanting something new. He is the fairest of all, no better Lord and Captain to serve under than Jesus. Would another have our affections? We pledge allegiance to Him but may go on to serve other Masters. He alone is worthy of our full hearts. He gave His all for us. He withheld nothing. How can we withhold our affections, trust and worship? There is no other Name given by which man can be saved. There is no other way to have peace with God. There is no other way to be reconciled to our Heavenly Father, than by Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the Life. Our very breath and heartbeat are gifts from Him. He is Life itself. He holds the universe together and spoke everything into existence.

There are many times in life where things happen and they don’t make any sense. We have had experiences where something has happened that we weren’t expecting or planning for, and we can ask God “Why?” We can get stuck in the why. It can keep us from trusting God, it can keep us from moving forward, and even make us angry at God, our precious loving Father. Many people that once walked with God have fallen away because of the why. It seems like an innocent little word but has big ramifications. Have you ever had a conversation with a child and their question to everything that you say is ‘why?’ It can become challenging. “You need to clean your room and do your homework.” “Why?” “I need you to come downstairs and set the table.” “Why?”“You can’t put paint on the carpet.” “Why?”As children, we have to trust our parents are doing the best for us. It is the same with our Heavenly Father.

A few months ago, we had been contacted by some friends from the States that were going to be visiting Edinburgh for a day. They asked if we could grab lunch and a catch up. The man, called Jack, is retired from the US military. He served in the Army. He used a term that I had never heard, called a Sapper. Have any of you heard of this job in the army? A sapper, (It comes from the French word sapeur, the verb saper (to undermine, to dig under a wall or building to cause its collapse). It is from the French word for spade. They are also called a combat engineer, a combatant or soldier who performs a variety of military engineering duties, such as breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, preparing field defenses, and road and airfield construction and repair. Sappers are also trained and equipped to serve secondarily as provisional infantry. Sappers facilitate and support the movement, defence, and survival of superordinate and allied forces, and impede those of enemies.

The only weapon listed in the full armour of God is the Sword of the Spirit. Jesus teaches us how to use it in Mathew chapter 4. It is written...Listen today and be encouraged!

This message asks the question we must all answer. In Daniel chapter 6, we read about the cost Daniel was willing to pay to continue his daily prayer. Alex Hart shares this timely message.

The armour of God is vitally important in the life of the believer. This piece helps us against the attacks of the devil. Listen to this message to be encouraged in your faith!

Today we are looking at the shoes of the Gospel of Peace that is part of the Amour of God. In modern sport, there are specific shoes for each sport. Shoes on a tennis court are different from shoes on a football pitch. Different surfaces require different shoes. When we go hillwalking, we wear proper shoes. The last thing you would want is improper shoes that may cause you to slip or fall. Flip-flops might not be the best choice for climbing Ben Nevis. I have an uncle who took me and my brothers to Sea World. It was an aquarium and amusement park combined. For whatever his reasons were that day, he wore cowboy boots. His feet were so sore that we had to leave early. Those weren't the best choice for walking miles and miles. Have you ever worn the wrong shoes or broken in a new pair and got the blisters that go with it? Soldiers know the importance of their feet and take precautions to keep them dry and safe. If an army can’t move. They can be easily defeated. Pun intended!Preparation is a word meaning “a prepared foundation.” The gospel provides the footing for everything we do.

Today's focus is the Breastplate of Righteousness. This is another very important piece. All the vital organs are contained here. This was historically made of metal or chains covering the neck to the waist. It was worn over the torso to protect it from injury. Bullet-proof vests are the modern descendant of the breastplate. In a spiritual sense, the breastplate would guard our heart. Proverbs 4: 23 Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.The Bible says that above all guard your heart. Our physical heart is central to life. A heartbeat means that you are alive. When the Bible speaks about the heart it is really referring to the mind, will, and emotions.

This week we look at this important piece listed in the armour of God. We are surrounded by a world filled with lies and need to know the TRUTH! Listen now about this important topic.

I mentioned a few weeks back about the battleground of the mind. It is on the front lines of where the war is waged. I mentioned last week that satan goes about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Don’t be that someone! Don’t be an easy target or isolate yourself to where he can prey upon you. Predators look for the isolated one, the one distracted or away from the safety of the group. Don’t fall victim to him!As I was praying about what to share this week, I came back to the specific item God provides to us to combat the enemy. It is the Helmet of Salvation. This is vitally important to protect our minds. One of Satan’s most effective weapons against us is discouragement. When we are properly equipped with the helmet of salvation, it’s hard to stay discouraged. 

One of the main issues facing the Church today is their thinking. God wants to transform our minds by the power of the Holy Spirit! When we accept Christ, we are given the mind of Christ. Our thinking should change. We should see ourselves differently. One of the greatest battlegrounds we face is our minds. We are transformed at conversion but our old nature lingers. It fights against the things of the Spirit. The enemy of our souls wants us to believe that we are still the same. God transforms us from the inside. The word is the Greek word metamorphoo – describing a metamorphosis. The same word is used to describe Jesus in His transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3) where those with Him saw Him as He really was, dazzling white clothes and in His glory. This is life-changing transformation!

With God, nothing is wasted. Every bump, scrape, bruise, blunder or mistake, God will use for His glory. For us, we often don't understand, but God is working all things out behind the scenes. Be encouraged as you listen to this today.

This is very foundational to our moving forward. If we are heavy laden, bogged down with the weight and cares of the world, we can’t run the race that He has for us. I preached a message called ‘Beauty for Ashes’. This is such a beautiful picture for us to trade our ashes of sorrow and mourning and instead receive beauty from the Lord. Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”The invitation is given. We are invited to come. To come to Him means to trust Him.

We hear three stories of normal, everyday people impacted forever at the transforming power of Jesus. We hope you are encouraged by these testimonies.

This week, Alex looks at the story of the Prodigal Son from Luke's Gospel. Listen now to be challenged and encouraged as he brings out some wonderful truths.

We had the pleasure of having Sheryl M. with us this week giving an update of her mission in Indonesia. Listen and be encouraged as she shares about her call to missions from Scotland. If you would like to know more or sponsor a child, you can contact her at: https://ywam.org/location/king-s-kids-children-s-home-pandaan/b-1069

Society has told us that we need to look like this, dress like that, and that we need to fit in. As a culture, we are obsessed with youth and beauty. Don’t believe me? In 2022, 8.5 billion dollars was spent on plastic surgery procedures in the US alone! Many people don’t like their features and choose to change them.  For many of us, we may not have come to faith until much later in life. We have lived outside of God’s beautiful plan for our lives. We may be living with deep scars and hurts. We may feel like we can be buried beneath shame and many of us have the bumps and bruises to show it.Isaiah 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favour] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,3 To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.What beautiful words and a picture of God replacing the brokenness with His healing oil, taking the soot and ashes from our heads (and more than likely sackcloth) of mourning and sadness and giving us a garment of praise and He places a crown on our heads. 

Sheri brings an encouraging message this week about how our God is El Roi, the God Who Sees. If you have ever felt overlooked or not seen, this message will speak to you. Listen now about our God Who sees!

Jesus takes a route usually avoided by many Jews because it led through Samaria. He stops by a well and has an encounter with a woman. What happens next will shock you! Listen now to hear this timely message.

Many Christians live as spectators when Christ has called each of us to active participants. We all are called to share the Gospel. Listen today to be encouraged to 'Get in the Game!'

I think big prayers honour God and God honours big prayers! Often our prayers are too small. We have an unlimited God Who can do the impossible. Be encouraged today!

There is coming a Day like no other day in the history of the world. There is coming a Day of the Lord where the wrath of God will be poured out. Listen to today's message to see what the Bible has to say about this coming event. Are you prepared?

Today I want to talk about trusting God. There is a difference between faith and trust. God wants us to trust Him. Proverbs 3:5-6Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.These are some of my favourite verses in scripture. Solomon was given wisdom beyond all men from God. He had a deep understanding and was incredibly wise. Here he writes that we are not to rely, to look upon or to lean on our own understanding. Our understanding is limited. We can study and learn and even become an expert on a matter, but compared to the infinite wisdom of God, what is that? We can be guilty of only trusting our own understanding. We want to be comfortable and to not step out to the unknown. 

A tree planted by streams of water is not easily moved. It has health and can flourish and thrive. God wants us to be a blessing to others. Just like a tree planted by streams, it can draw water, nourishment and it is the same for us. If we are abiding, drawing upon His resources, we can be alive, beautiful, fruitful, useful and able to endure. He causes our way to prosper. He helps us to bear fruit. He spells out the difference for the wicked; they are like chaff, worthless and without value, they are excluded from the assembly of the righteous and will perish. The one who abides in God, by obeying and meditating on His Word will be blessed.Ephesians 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

I heard this question from the coach of my American football team: Are you surviving or thriving?My question to us today is: Are you surviving or thriving?Surviving: adjectiveRemaining alive; yet living or existing.Still in existence.Surviving implies a struggle—you’re white-knuckling your way through life, just barely getting by. Thriving is living and thinking abundantly.Surviving is a drag, a daily slog to stay alive. Thriving is joyful and contagious.

What is God saying to us as a church? Are we on the right track? It is important to ask these questions. It does us good to periodically check our ‘maps’ and listen to the Holy Spirit to ensure we are keeping close to Jesus. Today I want to put forth our vision for the church for this year. It is from John 15. Jesus is telling His disciples that He is the vine. For us as a church in 2025, we must be and stay connected to the Vine. Our theme for the year is Abiding in Him. Jesus gives us a lot of information here in these passages. He gives encouragement along with some warnings. If we do this, here will be the results. If we fail to do this, we are at risk of catastrophe. John 15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. We must be rooted in Him if we will bear fruit for God. Be encouraged today!

We looked at the confrontation between Elijah and the false prophets of baal. Ahab was the king in Israel and God had warned Israel many times about worshipping the pagan gods of the nations around them; he married a woman who killed many of the true prophets of God. There are many things we can learn from this terrible mistake. This woman was not a follower of God. She was bent on destroying the nation’s devotion to Him. The king went right along with it all. We need discernment!! We need those who are willing to warn us. We need those who are willing to take a stand for God even though the majority are going in a different direction. We need those willing to speak the truth in a world filled with lies. 

A few weeks ago we came upon someone's bonfire burning in their back garden. A fire is hard to conceal. Taking this as a spiritual lesson, if we have the fire of God burning within us, it should not be able to be hidden. Listen to this message and be encouraged today!

This week Alex Hart shares on the age old question, 'Why Jesus?' This is a foundational question that has been asked by multitudes over many centuries. Why Jesus? Listen today to be encouraged by this message.

In this week's message, Sheri beautifully explains what Christ has done as our redeemer. Listen now to be encouraged as she explains how redemption works in the lives of believers. Our prayer is that you are strengthened and blessed by this timely message.

Our walk should change upon coming to faith in Christ. Our goals and desires should change. Who we’re living for should change. We are no longer the lord of our lives but God is. Many of us used to walk like the world walks but once we’ve come to Christ, there should be a difference. The sinful man is deceived and their understanding darkened in their hearts.  Even after we come to faith, if we’re not careful, our hearts can become hardened. A contrite heart fixes this. When you do an activity repeatedly, you get blisters at first and then callouses. Our heart after repeated sin and chasing after the world can get calloused in like manner. Our hearts may feel the effects at first, like the blisters but then becomes hardened to it. We are told to lay aside the old self,  because it is easily corrupted. We can be deceived and the enemy is a trickster. He’s slick and can fool us all. Listen today to hear how we can prevent these things!

Luke 2:8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  Suddenly, something extraordinary appears. There are many ‘suddenlies’ in the Bible. You rub your eyes a few times because you’re not quite sure if you are awake or have fallen asleep. You have to wake up your co-workers because nothing like this has ever happened before. You turn to them only to find them already awake and with a puzzled look on their face. You realise that you, too, have a puzzled look on your own face. Knowing that you are awake now gives rise to deep fear. What exactly are you seeing? What is happening? Is this real? You think it’s someone else screaming but realise it’s you. A dignified shepherd of Israel screaming like a little girl. Be honest, we all would! Some of us would probably faint.  10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Here it is in the Amplified: Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

We are getting close to the shortest day of the year where there will be about 6 hours of sunlight. Many people experience seasonal affective disorder because there isn’t enough light. They even refer to it as ‘winter depression’. We can feel the darkness creep up and seemingly overtake us by minutes each day. But as soon as it comes, the shortest day gives way to the mornings and evenings becoming longer. The dark gives way to dawn. Today we are looking at the Light has come. When Jesus shines brightly in our lives, it  removes the darkness and illuminates our lives.  One of the first things we hear spoken by God is “Let there be light.” There was darkness over the face of the deep and God called forth light. Light has come.  Isaiah 9:2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Be encouraged by this message today!