“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.” Luke 9:28-32 NKJV
Yahweh M’Kaddesh, Lord who sanctifies (Ezekiel 34:28),
You set us apart to be holy and make and keep us washed us sinless and pure. Think of that! We thank You that You make us holy from the top of our head to the tips of our toes because we could never make ourselves practically, spiritually or mentally holy, sinless or pure! We could never be that good that long!
This miraculous event in Jesus life from Luke 9 tells us so much about Your relationship with us. Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him, three of His followers from the New Testament with him. Hot headed fishermen (Mark 3:17), wanting to be the greatest in Your Kingdom (Luke 22:24). You send Jesus two might men of the old Testament, Moses and Elijah to also encourage Him. Mighty men? A murderer who didn’t want to do the speaking to Pharaoh (Exodus 4:10) . . . and a Prophet who ran away when things were scary and felt very sorry for himself (1 Kings 19:14).
Being mighty men and women of God is not about being hero’s or superwomen. You choose the foolish and weak to show Your divine power at work in us (2 Corinthians 4:7). We are new creations, the old has passed away the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have our failings just like the disciples and the men of old . . . we just need to do our best one day at a time and pick ourselves up when we fall. And You renew, refresh and restore us minute by minute. That’s a miracle. Thank You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Yahweh M’Kaddesh, Lord who sanctifies,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For those facing difficult decisions, in poor health, needing healing and comfort. For those who need to step away from harmful situations.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities.
For our Government, that You would reveal sin, oust it and guide it, for the good of the nation.
For our King and Queen and their family and the work they do for the nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An full stop an end to war and conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, that they would hear of Your love.
For those facing things that they would rather go round. Surgery, family difficulties, relationship breakdown, difficult truth. Making hard decisions for the best. Overcoming hurt and forgiving even where trust has to be rebuilt.
For ourselves, that we would know that there is nothing we have done that You have not forgiven.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 16th November 2023
A long introductions, but hold on they are beautiful words
I fear not, for the Lord is with me
He upholds His righteous hand
From His Word springs life, its drawing home the broken
He redeems the fallen man
Your grace is all I need
You are strong when I am weak
I will boast in the power of Christ in me
You are strong when I am weak
God, our love, transforms the low to mighty
He gives power when we are faint
Though we become dismayed in trials and persecution
Only One renews our strength
Your grace is all I need
You are strong when I am weak
I will boast in the power of Christ in me
You are strong when I am weak
We’ll soar on wings like eagles, we’ll walk and not be faint
We’ll run and not grow weary, our Father is our strength
We’ll soar on wings like eagles, we’ll walk and not be faint
We’ll run and not grow weary, our Father is our Strength
(Repeat 5 times)
Your grace is all I need
You are strong when I am weak
I will boast in the power of Christ in me
You are strong when I am weak
I will boast in the power of Christ in me
You are strong when I am weak
Lyrics: Response Band