“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13 NIV
Almighty Everlasting God,
Salt has never lost its value. It is amazing stuff Lord and has been used for preserving, bringing out flavour and even removing stains for as long as we know. From the Egyptians in 6050 BC. Today we have all different kinds of salt, even designer ones, but they all perform exactly the same service. And You used something unchangeable to highlight Your point in Matthews Gospel.
Salt of the earth – we say it about people who we know are honest of great worth and reliable. Like salt. Do not pretend to be something they are not. Jesus is giving them a great compliment and showing them He values them. Thank You that You do encourage us first before warning us.
Just keep the main thing the main thing a tutor once told me. How wise. You tell us to keep our saltiness the main thing. You are the source of our flavour. We can taste and see that You, our Lord are good (Psalm 34:8). You keep us (preserve us) in Your love and nothing can separate us (Romans 8:38) and You keep us cleansed from all impurities (Ezekiel 36:25).
Help us keep salty for You, through You and with You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Almighty everlasting God,
We know that this world will never be at peace till You come again. But that does not stop us asking Your help to live safe and blessed in these days. To request help for our friends and family and the grown of the churches we belong to. God of peace and mercy help us and ours live quiet, peaceful and blessed lives today.
Speak peace into world leaders and help them direct Russia to a way out of war. Change His hard heart and the hearts of those who say what he wants to hear. Or take his attention away and distract his ability to continue.
We pray the words of Your prayer Lord, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Help us hold fast to being good and kind and help those who are in a battle and have given themselves to the evil of drugs, crime and violence. Father deliver them to a place they can find freedom and peace in You. And surround them with support or put them where they cannot hurt and do damage.
Thank You for the blessing of a new day full of Your good company and promises.
In Jesus name we pry, Amen.
Worship Thursday 5th October 2023
Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.
Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life;
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven.
Sweetly echo the gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,
Sanctify forever.
Lyrics: P. P. Bliss.