Tuesday 27th February 2024

“And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion you sent something for my need. ¹⁷ I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account. ¹⁸ For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:15-20 NET

God our Father,

I have had verse 19 quoted at me at various times in my life. Some people believe in in literally that if they have enough faith You, God will give them exactly what they want. I have learned that if my life You sometimes spell ‘want’ as N-E-E-D! And I thank You for not making me like a spoiled child.

I also have learned the danger of reading Your Bible verses out of context – the one about supplying all our needs is part of text about giving. This was written to the Philippians, who were the one, not well off themselves, who were generous in giving to Paul. Jesus said, Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.” (Luke 6:38 NET). Perhaps we need to learn to give first, not because we have to, but because it is a joy to give to others. And You give us so much.

Things have happened in my life, miraculously, when I have had a need. A person has turned up, money has come, help at the right time. Not because I have deserved it, not because I have given and am getting back . . . but because You have seen my need or answered prayer. We learn to give and receiving without counting the cost or remembering. It is not about what anyone else is doing.

Paul received and did not feel in their debt. It was God given. Help us to learn to give and, receive with grace, at Your Holy Spirits prompting.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God our Father,

For family, friends, neighbours, we pray answers for their prayers and for their peace of mind.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve, that they will not have worries and stress.
For all the Royal family. Charles ongoing treatment and good health. Kates full recovery.
For our local council and those who work for the council in our community.
For our government to see the way ahead through Your eyes and help speak peace for the world.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Give Ukraine a living hope of peace. Change Russia to end war.
For the church in Ukraine, Myanmar. The underground church in many countries.
For Gaza an end to all the killing, hostage taking and hate.. Give a yearning for peace. Send hope into the situation.
For those who make life easier, shopping delivery, home helps, district nurses and carers . . .
For us and for our minds to see the good, hope for the best and laugh if little things go wrong!.

In Jesus name we pray.

Worship Tuesday 27th February 2024

Take my life and let it be consecrated to Thee
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise

Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee

Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee

Take my silver and my gold, not a might would I withhold
Take my intellect and use every power as You choose

Here am I,
All of me
Take my life
Its all for Thee

Take my will, and make it Thine; It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne

Take my love, my Lord I pour at Your feet, it’s treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee

Lyrics by Francis Ridley Havergal