“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27 NLT
“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15
Life giving God,
God created us to be like You – plural. Like You as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. To be in perfect harmony and at one with each other at peace. Serving together, giving together with no desire to be Lord over each other. Needing and valuing each others different characters and abilities.
Wow what a world that would be and how different! No jealousy, no coveting, no stealing? But we have free will and that makes life so complicated. There are those who have and those who have not. And those that want more. But does that justify stealing? I remember as a new Christian thinking Oh I’m OK, I don’t steal. Then being challenged by a memory of borrowing something of little value from work and not returning it! It was still stealing.
There are those who choose to steal rather than work and those who choose to embezzle to get rich quick. And those who just want more than they can afford. Those who steal others opportunities or ideas or reputation. Those who just ‘borrow’ and not return . . . Or steal our peace and wellbeing? Oh to be like You Father. The One who gave and gives and gives and gives again.
Help our police and judicial system to cope and send Your Holy Spirit to convict of sin and change lives. Help us, not only not to steal, but to go the extra mile and to be generous in thought, word and deed.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Life giving God,
We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, our church family. For our neighbours old and new.
For our town, honesty within our local council and Government. Keep them free from using their positions for personal benefit.
For security against money scams online and by phone. Show up the lies of confidence tricksters.
For Gaza and the Middle East, not just containment but an end to the terrorism without bloodshed. A miracle Lord.
For Putin, the Russian people and end to war in Ukraine. Let it not go on endlessly Lord.
For help, relief and comfort for those in need in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco. For ongoing aid and medical agencies.
Lead schools to see the value of teaching the ten commandments and the value of keeping them.
For ourselves, that we would be give and not take, when and where we can. A good word, a kind deed.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 24th October 2023
Good to have a hymn we are not too familiar with to get our attention. I love this.
My worth is not in what I own
Not in the strength of flesh and bone
But in the costly wounds of love
At the cross
My worth is not in skill or name
In win or lose, in pride or shame
But in the blood of Christ that flowed
At the cross
I rejoice in my redeemer
Greatest treasure
Wellspring of my soul
And I will trust in him, no other
My soul is satisfied in him alone
As summer flowers we fade and die
Fame, youth and beauty hurry by
But life eternal calls to us
At the cross
I will not boast in wealth or might
Or human wisdom’s fleeting light
But I will boast in knowing Christ
At the cross
I rejoice in my redeemer
Greatest treasure
Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in him, no other
My soul is satisfied in him alone
Two wonders here that I confess
My worth and my unworthiness
My value fixed, my ransom paid
At the cross
And I rejoice in my redeemer
Greatest treasure
Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in him, no other
My soul is satisfied in him alone
Lyrics: Keith Getty / Kristyn Getty / Graham A. Kendrick