“Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.” Ephesians 6:23-24 NIV
Lord of the Sabbath,
Today is Sunday and it is the first day of the Christian week. Sabbath was originally the day to celebrate when You completed creation and took the seventh day as a day of rest (Genesis 2:2-3). That would make it Saturday. The Israelites started Shabbat and their worship and day of rest Friday evening and ended Saturday evening. From sunset to sunrise. It is a day to worship You.
Yesterday’s hymn reminded me of when I followed some children to Sunday school and my parent thought I had gone missing. I was given an attendance card and once a year was given an attendance prize and was disappointed when I got a book that was not about animals or horses!
Thank You that church worship is not about obedient attending but about wanting to be in Your presence with people who become like brothers and sisters. When I met Christ, later in life, I still remember the feeling of belonging deep within me. Belonging to You and belonging to a huge Christian family.
Even when we cannot make it to church we know we belong and we do not get marked as missing. Church is a place we can put down roots, know we have family in Christ, hear the Word of God, and belong to a bigger family. Thank You that You do not mark my card, You are with me wherever I am. What a wonderful God You are.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord of the Sabbath,
We pray for those we love and those who are related to us, our friends and those who are our Christian family (to numerous to name!) You know their needs and their wants and we ask that You give them blessings and provide all that is good at this time. Help us to have what we need to grow in You, find joy and be a blessing to others.
We pray for churches who have no minister or Pastor at the moment. Help them to help each other till one is available and we pray that those You are calling to church leadership would hear and respond. Provide for them to train. Match the churches up with leaders.
Change the Russian plans to peace not war and give Ukraine opportunity to grieve, rest and recover. For those touched by disaster and loss in Libya and Morocco we pray everything they may need. God of provision and comfort, enable and smooth the way of aid agencies, human comfort and Your love.
Thank You that You are with Your church worldwide and that it is growing.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 24th September 2023.
Originally I had this scheduled for yesterday but somehow it seemed to fit here today for worship – and yes we had it in August but some hymns are favourites!
Wonderful grace that gives what I don’t deserve,
pays me what Christ has earned then lets me go free.
Wonderful grace that gives me the time to change,
washes away the stains that once covered me.
And all that I have I lay at the feet
of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.
Wonderful love that held in the face of death,
breathed in its final breath forgiveness for me.
Wonderful love whose power can break every chain
giving us life again setting us free.
And all that I have I lay at the feet
of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.
Repeat Chorus
Lyrics: John Pantry