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.”
Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. 2 Many are they who say of me, there is no help for him in God.” Selah 3 But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. 4 I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah 5 I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 7 Arise, O Lord; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8 Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah Psalm 3
Lord of heaven and earth,
David possibly wrote this when he had to run from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:14) to save bloodshed across Jerusalem. He did not want to see mass slaughter of innocent people. And he starts like I sometimes do by simply blurting out his troubles to You. And then the word selah. Which though they do not know exactly the meaning of, I choose to think, means pause and think about that!
The pause turns his thoughts to You and perspective. He has put the safety of the people of Jerusalem and his army before his own rights and needs. Things look bad but You remind him that You have never let him down. He is able to remember that doing the right thing enables him to sleep. You surround him first, before his enemies. You heard, You sustained, You beat his enemies back in the past. And then David pauses again to consider his situation, safe and blessed even in trouble . . .
Help me to not just concentrate on the list of things to do, be mended, be sorted, be started. The problems that always need sorting. The problems that arise.Thank You that I can blurt them out even when You know then already and then get perspective. Somehow speaking them out takes away their power. I do not need to lose sleep , though it is hard sometimes, I can rely, trust and put my faith in You. I can turn away from being a miserable grump Selah!
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 13th April 2026 This is described as soulful, soothing worship inspired by Psalm 3:3–4, Psalm 28:7, and Psalm 91:15—Scriptures that declare You as our protector, strength, and refuge.
“And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king’s face. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but he would not come to him. And when he sent again the second time, he would not come. 30 So he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose and came to Absalom’s house, and said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?” 32 And Absalom answered Joab, “Look, I sent to you, saying, ‘Come here, so that I may send you to the king, to say, “Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still.” ’ Now therefore, let me see the king’s face; but if there is iniquity in me, let him execute me.” 33 So Joab went to the king and told him. And when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom.” 2 Samuel 14:28-33
Father God and Lord Almighty,
It is almost unbelievable that man thinks he can manipulate You and history, but many try with disastrous and deadly consequences. Both big and small.
Absolom manipulated Joab into helping him ( Joab was family, King David’s nephew, son of his sister, Zeruiah) (1 Chronicles 2:13–17). But perhaps he did not see what was in Absalom’s heart or plans for the future to undermine his father and take over.
Two sons, one seeking to take over, one seeking to serve and be at one with. David and Absalom, You Father God and Jesus. You show us how to be in relationship, intimate and in complete accord, peace and oneness. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And yet You allow us to be a part of Your family with all our resentments, weakness and sin. Joab eventually killed Absalom in battle (2 Samuel 18:14) even though David had said not to.
The death of Your Son was not because of His behaviour it was because of ours. He was not caught by his hair in a tree he was nailed to one. But it was not the end. Thank You God that our future is a choice, not to die, but find our family and our future in You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 12th April 2026
It’s so good I almost can’t believe it Far beyond what hearts could ever dream The God who set the galaxies in motion Would descend to give His life for me
For what could make perfection bleed for sinners What leads a King to pay so great a cost All my life, my heart will sing the answer Only the love of God
Singing oh, how great is the love of God He paid our debt on that rugged cross For all our days, we will sing our Savior’s praise How great is the love of God
It’s so kind, it leads us to repentance And it’s so bright, the darkness has to flee Hallelujah, it cleared my guilty sentence For I was bound but now I stand redeemed
For what could break the chains of any prison? What force could rob the power from the grave? What would trade my rags for heaven’s riches? Only the love of God
Singing oh, how great is the love of God He paid our debt on that rugged cross For all our days, we will sing our Savior’s praise How great is the love of God
Though I try, my mind can’t comprehend it It’s so high, too marvelous for words I could sing a million songs about it And barely scratch the surface of Your worth
This all my life, the banner I’ll be waving My anthem cry no matter what may come And when I rise to walk the streets of heaven I’ll still be singing this song For everything that You’ve done How great the love of God (hey)
Singing Oh, how great is the love of God He paid our debt on that rugged cross For all our days, we will sing our Savior’s praise How great is the love of God
Singing Oh, how great is the love of God He paid our debt on that rugged cross For all our days, we will sing our Savior’s praise How great is the love of God How great is the love of God Thank you Jesus
Songwriters: Phil Wickham, Cody Carnes, Benjamin William Hastings, Michael Brandon Lake
“After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. 2 Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her. 3 But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Now Jonadab was a very crafty man. 4 And he said to him, “Why are you, the king’s son, becoming thinner day after day? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” 5 So Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill.” 2 Samuel 13:1-5 NKJV
“And it came to pass, after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is near Ephraim; so Absalom invited all the king’s sons. 24 Then Absalom came to the king and said, “Kindly note, your servant has sheepshearers; please, let the king and his servants go with your servant.” 25 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go now, lest we be a burden to you.” Then he urged him, but he would not go; and he blessed him. 26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom urged him; so he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him. 28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, “Watch now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon!’ then kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant.” 2 Samuel 13:23-29 NKJV
Father,
Families precious and poisonous? David is remembered for being a great King after Your own heart and reuniting the Israelites with You as their God. But even he had not just naughty sons but wicked ones. The Bible does not cover up the shameful. Amnon (eldest son: mother Ahinoam, father David) was half brother to Absalom and Tamar (mother Maacah, father David). He listened to his friend (and cousin) Jonadab who showed him a way to take advantage, to abuse Tamar. He heard encouragement from Jonadab, it swelled his pride in himself and justified his desire.
Two years later, Absalom found a way to get revenge and ordered the murder of his half brother. Did he think he would get away with it? Because he knew about Davids past? What trauma David had to deal with in his close family. Not long after Absalom shows disrespect for David and seeks to undermine his governance. (2 Samuel 15).
When we find ourselves resentful, or carrying unforgiveness it always pops up when we pray. Help us to come and lay it all before You, honestly. So there is nothing that can fester for years, months or weeks. I know I have had to keep returning to forgiving someone in my heart because all situations are not resolvable. We live will them. It is an ongoing letting go till I can remove vengeance and harm from my heart. It does not take away judgement – it lets You, God take over. Not carrying it does not keep it alive. Dead to sin but alive in Christ (Romans 11:6). And it is so tiring carrying unforgiveness. Keep me from it.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 11th April 2026 Beautiful lyrics
Lord, forgive us for our pride When our faith becomes a show Dressed in righteous deeds To hide all the stains below We have judged Your sons and daughters For the sin that is our own May we now forgive each other And lay down our stones
Forgiven, forgiven Through the blood of Christ We are forgiven
Lord, forgive us for our love Of the things we wish to own We forsake the feast above For all the crumbs below Though You’ve made us sons and daughters We do not the world disown May we find our greatest treasure Is in You alone
Forgiven, forgiven Through the blood of Christ We are forgiven
Lord, forgive us for our shame When we can’t release the past When we’re quick to take the blame But forget we’re free at last We avoid Your sons and daughters For the fear we don’t belong Give us eyes to see each other Through Your only Son
Forgiven, forgiven Through the blood of Christ We are forgiven Repeat
Lyrics: Kate Degraide, Rebecca Elliott, Brittany Kauflin
