“I thank my God every time I remember you.4 I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you 5 because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6
Father God,
It makes me sad when someone says they are not speaking to someone because they have been offended, hurt or they have had a disagreement. How can they be reconciled if they are not speaking? Or they come to church and yet do not speak with You, God, through the week.
This verse is for those of us who love Jesus and the gospel! Those who, as the hymn writers say walk daily by the Saviours side, and choose to trust and obey. One thing we can be certain of, and sure of, is that You began a good work in us when we accepted Christ and You will complete it. We are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and You are at work in us! We do not have to pass perfection exams, we are not measured for pass or fail each day. You who began a good work in us, started with our permission, You did not force Your way in and yet You are God Almighty. And You will keep working in us and with us till we meet You face to face.
And the wonder of it all, is that as You work in us we can see the beauty and goodness of Christ in ourselves. Not a saccharine kind of cheesy surface beauty but an inner work. I dread to think what I would be like, and where I would be, without You, God in my life.
We can be encouraged at where we have come from. We are set free by Your forgiveness and grateful for Your endless grace. And we know You hold the future.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of grace,
For our family and friends. To know healing, support and encouragement and joy today.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. To know You are at work in them for good.
For the church worldwide that You continue to work in and through.
For new church plants to be encouraged and see Your hand at work among them.
For those newly elected locally to be encouraged to do good regardless of political parties.
For the royal family. Encourage King Charles and Princess Kate as they continue treatment.
For Ukraine, we plead for peace. An end to war. May it be Your will.
For Gaza, a good future and talks towards a peaceful way forward. Encourage peace.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict and Military oppression. Encourage mercy.
For those captive to addiction to drugs, gambling, pornography violence a way of escape in You.
For us to be encouraged to let You keep working in us and through us. For a “by still waters” day.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 8th May 2024
Philippians 1:6 Easiest way to learn scripture for me – is to sing it
He who began a good work in you
He who began a good work in you
Will be faithful to complete it
He’ll be faithful to complete it
He who started the work
Will be faithful to complete it in you
Lyrics: John Mohr,
Album: Gutierrez Brothers, He Who Began a Good Work in You, Bolero Soul Music