“On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Don’t be afraid, Zion! Your hands must not be paralysed from panic! 17 The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver.
He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.”
Zephaniah 3:16-17 NET
Lord our God,
Looking up this verse in another translation has given me fresh inspiration Lord God. And at a time when there are still hands turning to war in the Middle East rather than warriors fighting with the love of God to make peace. You are not just God in our midst but because of Jesus, and the pouring out of Your Spirit at Pentecost, You live in us. You speak intimately to us when we need to hear truth. You battled sin to deliver reconciliation and repentance. You will come one day upon a white horse, the rider called Faithful and True. With justice You will judge and wage the final war. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. ( Revelation 19:11-16).
But for now, You battle unseen to help us live free from hate and sin. You can, will and do deliver us. When the enemy sneaks up and lies in our ear. You speak the truth. Reminding us we are forgiven. When he tries to make us feel useless, not good enough. Not trying hard enough, not worrying enough or its hopeless . . . Or he keeps getting us to imagine the worst taking away hope.
Keep reminding us. Keep whispering to our heart and mind, help us to recognise Your still small voice (1 Kings 19:12). That You are a mighty God, You are with us and for us. You can deliver us and there is none greater than You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord our God,
For our family and friends and neighbours. Deliver them from evil into Your glorious light.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Raise up worship leaders, bless them.
For the royal family. Deliver them to full health and strength.
For our Government. Be in the midst of them, help them hear You and lead them.
For Ukraine, to stay free and lead Russia to desire peace and withdraw from war.
For Gaza, empower talks towards next step and give unity to all those in talks for peace.
For those who are facing bereavement and difficulties at home.
For those with murderous intentions, change their hearts.
For to remember You know everything . We can let go to You all that bothers us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 19th May 2024
Remember this?
There is power in the Name of Jesus
We believe in His name.
We have called on the name of Jesus;
We are saved! We are saved!
At His name the demons flee.
At His name captives are freed.
For there is no other name that is higher
Than Jesus!
There is power in the name of Jesus,
Like a sword in our hands.
We declare in the name of Jesus,
We shall stand! We shall stand!
At His name God’s enemies
Shall be crushed beneath our feet.
For there is no other name that is higher
Than Jesus!
Lyrics: Noel Richards
“As I began to write the song I became more aware of how powerful the name of Jesus really is. My aim has been to reflect this in the lyrics. In Jesus’ name we find salvation. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2 v 21. Rom 10 v 13).
Jesus brought freedom to people bound in every form of captivity and we can see the same thing happen today. Jesus’ name is above every other name (Philippians 2 v 9, 10) and I wanted that fact to be the last line for each verse. The melody needed to reinforce this and that is why it reaches top E at the end of the word “higher”.”
Except from interview with Noel from CrossRhythms. https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Noel_Richards_Talking_through_his_song_There_Is_Power_In_The_Name_Of_Jesus/36501/p1/