“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJ
Lord God,
You, God, think about me! Selah, I pause and think about that! That is more that amazing. I am one of billions and not worthy of note. But then I realize that I am not the only one you think about. You are able to think upon of all Your children, each one with love, all of the time. You are God, not a man, not a super hero, beyond human understanding. And You think of me just as lovingly as every one else You have no favourites (Ephesians 6:9). We can trust You. Because of Jesus, I know that You think about us for our good to plan for us, give us purpose and a certain hope of coming home one day.
What a life changing verse this is. God has forgiven my past, is with me in the present and will be with me not until the end . . . but forever. There is no end. Just change for here to there. None of us like change but this will be the last and the best.
But meanwhile . . . in the middle is a “then”. If we know You are giving us peace, a future and hope THEN we know for sure we can come to You with everything. Our joys, our worries, our hopes our disappointments and needs. You will listen hear and answer. Sometimes You do not take us out of the situation but You give us a way through or enable us to bear it. You are a wonderful God, an amazing Saviour and present help, Holy Spirit..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord God,
For family, friends, neighbours, to find You and lean on You whenever they need help.
For our church families to welcome everyone and together find faith in You.
For the Royal family to know You and trust You. For Charles and Kate’s restoration to full health.
For Michelle O’Neill, N. Irelands first minister and members as they rebuild an active Parliament.
For Your wisdom and purpose in decisions made by world Governments. To make situations better not seek their own agenda.
For Ukraine and Gaza steps to peace. Along with Yemen, Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria and other countries where there is war, aggression, oppression, dictatorship, slavery.
For abusers, bullies, manipulators and scammers. Uncover them, protect the vulnerable from them. Help the police and crime preventers find, catch and charge them.
For young people to find Your God given purpose for their lives.
For the many churches and charities which help people find a purpose for their life and help prevent them taking their own.
For us, regardless of the weather, to shine with the love of Jesus from within.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 9th January 2024
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
a great High Priest, whose name is Love,
who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
my name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
no tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
and tells me of the guilt within,
upward I look, and see Him there
who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
my sinful soul is counted free;
for God, the just, is satisfied
to look on him and pardon me.
Behold him there! the risen Lamb!
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM,
the King of glory and of grace!
One with himself, I cannot die;
my soul is purchased by his blood;
my life is hid with Christ on high,
with Christ, my Savior and my God.
Lyrics: Charitie Lees Bancroft