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.”
“Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. 24 “O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with luxury; Who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. 25 “How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan was slain in your high places. 26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me; Your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women. 27 “How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!”” 2 Samuel 1:23-27 NKJV
Lord God, Our Father,
Here we see David really does have a heart after Your own ((1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). The person who has caused untold, trouble, stress, physical danger and a threat to life itself is not degraded in death but spoken of as beloved and pleasant. Daid does not gloat over the death of Saul he is respectful.
Today we remember the death of another King of the Jews. Jesus Christ. We do not gloat over his death and He died battling for us. We are humbled that he had to die, not just for the Jews but for us. For me. Perhaps for a good man someone would dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:7,8). There are lots of emotions today, sadness, regret He had to suffer such pain. Gratitude that we don’t had to go through the same. Amazement that He should love us so much. Realisation that like Peter we would have kept back out of the way of arrest. And today I quietly give thanks.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 3rd April 2026
Oh, to see the dawn Of the darkest day: Christ on the road to Calvary. Tried by sinful men, Torn and beaten, then Nailed to a cross of wood.
Oh, to see the pain Written on Your face Bearing the awesome weight of sin; Every bitter thought, Every evil deed Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
This, the power of the cross: Christ became sin for us, Took the blame, bore the wrath: We stand forgiven at the cross.
Now the daylight flees, Now the ground beneath Quakes as its Maker bows His head. Curtain torn in two, Dead are raised to life; ‘Finished!’ the victory cry.
This, the power of the cross: Son of God, slain for us. Took the blame, bore the wrath, We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see my name Written in the wounds, For through Your suffering I am free. Death is crushed to death, Life is mine to live, Won through Your selfless love.
This, the power of the cross: Son of God, slain for us. What a love! What a cost! We stand forgiven at the cross.
“Then they told David, saying, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are robbing the threshing floors.” 2 Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.” 3 But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” 4 Then David inquired of the Lord once again. And the Lord answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 5 And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.” 1 Samuel 23:1-5 NKJV
Then David said, “O Lord God of Israel, Your servant has certainly heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah to destroy the city for my sake. 11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O Lord God of Israel, I pray, tell Your servant.” And the Lord said, “He will come down.” 12 Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will deliver you.” 13 So David and his men, about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah and went wherever they could go.” 1 Samuel 23:10-13 NKJV
Our King eternal, immortal, all knowing,
Why do we so often neglect to ask You first for wisdom and neglect to wait as if You should answer us right now! David sought the priests and asked you about a situation that had arisen. He was in danger and needed to know about the people of Keilah that he had rescued. I wonder if he had a feeling they would not reciprocate and help him? He really did have a terrible time for many years hiding and running from Saul.
This week we are also reading and remembering what a terrible time Jesus had. One minute amongst palm waving crowds the next being rejected and betrayed by one of his own for cash. He followed Your will trough it all, just for us.
We do not always see danger or who may not be what we think. But You know, and so we need to follow YOur lead after asking Your. David avoided trouble and possible defeat. We pray we will not be double minded like the people of Keilah and with Your help avoid those who are. And help us not to prejudge but ask also be like the good Samaritan and help (Luke 10:25-37).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Thursday 2nd April 2026 Time for a hymn that has stood the test of time . . . just right for preparation for Easter.
I can hear my Saviour calling, I can hear my Saviour calling, I can hear my Saviour calling, “Take thy cross and follow, follow Me.”
I’ll go with Him through the garden, I’ll go with Him through the garden, I’ll go with Him through the garden, I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way.
I’ll go with Him through the judgment, I’ll go with Him through the judgment, I’ll go with Him through the judgment, I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way.
He will give me grace and glory, He will give me grace and glory, He will give me grace and glory, and go with me, with me all the way.
Where He leads me I will follow, where He leads me I will follow, where He leads me I will follow, I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way.
“Then David arose and fled that day from before Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11 And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of him to one another in dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” 12 Now David took these words to heart, and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 13 So he changed his behavior before them, pretended madness in their hands,scratched on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva fall down on his beard. 14 Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you see the man is insane. Why have you brought him to me? 15 Have I need of madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?”” 1 Samuel 21:10-15 NKJV
God of wisdom,
We have a saying about person , he or she is nobody’s fool. Meaning a clever, perceptive person who cannot be easily tricked, manipulated, or taken advantage of by anyone. It indicates someone is street-smart, discerning, and not naive.
David is learning to be wise, when to run and hide and when to confront,as he does with Saul in the cave (1 Samuel 24:8-15). But here he actually pretends to be a fool, a mad man. And so well that they believe him and he was able to bo on to the caves of Adullam.
He kept himself and his men safe for another day. He was not afraid to look foolish or be called names. He did not worry abut his reputation. That would be restored if Your will Lord. And You knew he was of good heart. It is hard not to be upset when people misrepresent us or we hear have said unkind things or do not thank us. It may hurt our pride but You fill our heart and see and know all. Help us rise above pettiness and self sympathy! And help us just look forward to what is next. David did and he was still in troubled times.
n Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 1st April 2026 Based on Psalm 37 a Psalm of David. The Temple had not been built in David’s day, he was talking about Your presence. Another new song (2022?).
I fix my eyes on You The author of my faith Casting aside Every sin and every weight I fix my eyes on You I lay my burdens down Letting the cares Of this world now fade away
One thing I ask This one thing I seek That I may dwell in Your house O Lord my King All the days of my life I want to gaze upon Your beauty And seek You in this holy place
