2026 will again be through the Bible chronologically selecting verses which attract my attention or questions or encourage me on the day. I pray it blesses whoever reads . . . My theological background is Salvation Army College and now Church of England. I love all Christian denominations.
Lord Jesus, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Forgive me and help me turn from everything I know is wrong. Thank you for dying on the cross to pay the price and set me free from my sin. Please come into my life, fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me forever. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.”
“Then came the word of the Lord to Jeremiah, saying, 13 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, “Will you not receive instruction to obey My words?” says the Lord. 14 “The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; for to this day they drink none, and obey their father’s commandment. But although I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, you did not obey Me. 15 I have also sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, ‘Turn now everyone from his evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them; then you will dwell in the land which I have given you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear, nor obeyed Me. 16 Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them, but this people has not obeyed Me.” ’” Jeremiah 35:12-16 NKJV
Lord God Almighty,
Jeremiah pronounces some terrible judgements – but always tries to find a way to reach Your rebellious people and explain why, You God, are angry. For good reason. Jeremiah finds and honours the Rechabites who have come to Jerusalem looking for safety from the surrounding enemy. They are still living as commanded by their fathers who honoured You Lord (Jeremiah 36:6-11). Jeremiah holds them up as good living examples. They have not turned away from God or had their head turned by false idols. They do not fall in the face of temptation. Or be swayed by the popular opinion in the city.
I agree with learning. And changing my ways when science, good sense or a knowledgeable person teaches me. I can accept change. Mostly and given time if it does not offend. I can accept the documentaries on the stars and the universe and the beauty of nature. But I still believe You God created it all and it was part of Your plan (Genesis 1:1). I can accept medical life saving discoveries but it does not hinder my believing that You are the healer and the author of life (Acts 3:15 NIV).
You God held up Your Son as a living example. Sad that Judah did not listen to Jeremiah. But we are encouraged. Because daily there are people listening to the story of Jesus being drawn to Him and finding a friend, a Saviour and a new way of life. Keep us faithful amidst the subtle temptations that surround us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 16th July 2026 An old hymn. I love this new tune by the Salvation Army! And as the words imply temptation never goes away but adapts to each generation . . . but God is greater . . .
When you feel weakest, dangers surround; Subtle temptations, troubles abound; Nothing seems hopeful, nothing seems glad, All is despairing, often-time sad.
Keep on believing, Jesus is near, Keep on believing, there’s nothing to fear; Keep on believing, this is the way, Faith in the night as well as the day.
If all were easy, if all were bright, Where would the cross be? Where would the fight? But in the testings God gives to you, Chances for proving what He can do.
Chorus
God is your wisdom, God is your might, God’s ever near you, guiding you right; He understands you, knows all you need, Trusting in Him you’ll surely succeed.
Chorus
Let us press on then; never despair; Live above feeling, victory’s there; Jesus can keep us so near to Him, That nevermore our faith shall grow dim.
“Then the Lord said to me, “Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Me, Mymind would not be favourable toward this people.” Jeremiah 15:1 NKJV
The word of the Lord also came to me, saying, 2 “You shall not take a wife, nor shall you have sons or daughters in this place.” 3 For thus says the Lord concerning the sons and daughters who are born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bore them and their fathers who begot them in this land: 4 “They shall die gruesome deaths; they shall not be lamented nor shall they be buried, but they shall be like refuse on the face of the earth. They shall be consumed by the sword and by famine, and their corpses shall be meat for the birds of heaven and for the beasts of the earth.” Jeremiah 16:1-4 NKJV
“‘Why has the Lord pronounced all this great disaster against us? Or what is our iniquity? Or what is our sin that we have committed against the Lord our God?’ 11 then you shall say to them, ‘Because your fathers have forsaken Me,’ says the Lord; ‘they have walked after other gods and have served them and worshiped them, and have forsaken Me and not kept My law. 12 And you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, each one follows the dictates of his own evil heart, so that no one listens to Me. ” Jeremiah 16:10-12 NKJV
Father God,
What a hard commandment, when a sign of God’s blessing was children. And what a gruesome message. But then Jeremiah has been saying the same impending judgement all his ministry. Return to You, God, keep Your law and live in the promised land with blessings. You God have always made it quite clear. But Judah says, there are so many distractions. Is that a valid excuse? No. But we can’t see God, so maybe other Gods we can see idols of, may be just as good? No. We can look after ourselves. We don’t need a God who demands obedience. No.
Sounds very familiar to today. Bu we believe You walked this earth, born one of us, dying for us and sending Your Spirit to give us Your life. We saw You in Jesus the perfect representation of Your being (Hebrews 1:3). Learning from Your Spirit to do what is right and good is not too difficult with You. And You, Father God are slow to anger and always ready to forgive (Nehemiah 9:17). You even forgave Your enemies in Nineveh!
Today we do not like to dwell on the opposite of life in Christ. Death and destruction. We tend to speak more about the positive. Choosing faith in You and all it brings. But it is still there. So help us, Your church and all Your people around the world speaking of the choice. To choose Christ and choose life above death and destruction..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 15th July 2026 I love this hymn, tough I have not heard it ssung for a few years. It challenges my thoughts. Did I choose God in Christ or did he choose me? Or both? I just experience the results.
O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget; After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend, He met the need of my heart; Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart.
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Saviour made me whole; My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day, Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine, Justified fully thru Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came, Took of the offer, of grace He did proffer, He saved me, O praise His dear name!
Chorus
Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time; I have a future in heaven for sure there in those mansions sublime. And it’s because of that wonderful day, when at the cross I believed; Riches eternal and blessings supernal, from His precious hand I received.
“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: 3 ‘You said, “Woe is me now! For the Lord has added grief to my sorrow. I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.” ’ 4 “Thus you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Behold, what I have built I will break down, and what I have planted I will pluck up, that is, this whole land. 5 And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the Lord. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.” ’ ” Jeremiah 14:1-5NKJV
“Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent for interest, nor have men lent to me for interest. Every one of them curses me. 11 The Lord said: “Surely it will be well with your remnant; Surely I will cause the enemy to intercede with you in the time of adversity and in the time of affliction.” Jeremiah 15:10-11 NKJV
God who fulfills what he promises,
There is no relenting with Jeremiah. Trouble, strife, deportation from the promised land, death, servitude is constantly promised. Now, the generous opportunity to repent and change the future is rejected one time too many.
But here, for Baruch and Jeremiah, is an assurance that they will both live and see these events happen. Proving their words. Fear of death from those who wish to silence them. Fear from death at the hands of the Babylonians. Fear of death from staying in Jerusalem or being transported to Babylon. All is removed by God’s promises to them. And Jeremiah is given the glimpse of not just assurance for himself but for a remnant who like him are for You God.
Assurance. You still are in the business of giving assurance to Your people. That assurance which comes when we need to know You are with us (Matthew 28:20). Assured of Your love whatever comes (Romans 38:9) Assured that we will receive life even if we die (John 11:25-26). Blessed assurance.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Tuesday 14th July 2026 Just need the original version today much as I love the updated ones.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Chorus
Perfect communion, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight. Angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Chorus
Perfect submission, all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and bless’d, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
