“The people of Israel mingle with godless foreigners, making themselves as worthless as a half-baked cake! 9 Worshiping foreign gods has sapped their strength, but they don’t even know it.” Hosea 7:8,9 New Living Translation.
God of mountains and valleys,
What an image – a half baked cake. No use for anything. Some of these writings of Your Old Testament prophets do not mince their words Lord. They are words of judgement on a rebellious nation. We cannot change history or that each generation needs to find You afresh for themselves. Then I wonder at the miracle of how after Jesus came, how one generation has led the next to Christ. Each has made its impact on what church looks like, sounds like and behaves like. All because Your Spirit came and personally ensured each generation could meet You. The church has survived economic depression, world wars, cold wars, pandemics and changing politics around the world. Its a miracle, the Good News is still changing lives.
We too minge with godless people not necessarily foreigners, many had Christian parents but are evolutionists or putting their faith in food fads or health fads or science. That’s why Hosea’s words of warning are still relevant. We live in this world, friends and neighbours do not believe but we keep our faith. We do not take on their godlessness lest we become “as worthless as a half baked cake”!
As for me I will serve You, Lord. Keep us risen in You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of mountains and valleys,
For our family and friends and neighbours. Bless them and open their ears to hear Your Spirit..
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Fill them with Your Spirit.
For the royal family. What they need at this time and long term reconciliation.
For our Government. For our county councils and local councils. Godly decisions and vision.
For Ukraine, show Your power for peace and end war.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Pause a time to talk, a time to not throw stones, talk peace.
For those who are thinking about who Jesus is – a revelation of Your love for them.
For all those who bake for charity and church.
Those who give food to food banks and those who manage them.
Those who give to the charities who feed in disaster areas and in famine and war.
For all those who will choose to do good this week, to help and serve.
For those still suffering from drinking the affected water. Speedy recovery.
For our water sources and those responsible for keeping our water safe.
For those who take purification systems and dig wells overseas where there is no clean water.
For us to have a good Tuesday and rest of the week with You whatever comes. Busy or quiet. Challenging or peaceful.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 21st May 2024
A beautiful Salvation Army song – details of the writer are below the lyrics.
As the varied way of life we journey,
Come the plains and then the mountainside,
Come the days of joy when birds are singing,
And the world is fair and sweet and wide;
Then a deeper joy comes, overfilling,
From the everlasting throne of love,
And all other joy is but an echo
From the ever-blessed heights above.
There are shadows on the earthly pathway
Where, at times uncertainly, we tread;
In perplexity we halt and linger
Till our faith again is upward led.
For the heights of truth are ever calling,
And celestial radiance from afar
On our pilgrim way is gently falling
For our comfort where the shadows are.
In the days of peace and golden sunshine,
In the days of joy. or days of woe,
There is confidence in him who holds us;
There is light to guide us here below.
And beyond await the heights of rapture
Where all earthly joys, transcended, fade
In the glory of the Saviour’s presence,
In the home eternal he has made.
Lyrics by: Lily Sampson,
Born in Perth Australia in 1906, Lily became a Salvation Army officer, served in varying appointments: as a minister, in a children’s home, at territorial headquarters and on the staff of the training college. Lily served in India, where she was Territorial Young People’s Secretary, in Madras, Telegu. In 1956 she returned to Australia to serve in court and prison work. Finally as a State Social Secretary in Queensland.
Retired she still contributed as a pianist at Burwood Salvation Army, New South Wales. In all that journeying and those varied circumstances, she knew life’s mountains and valleys, sunshine and shadows. Her strong faith in God enabled her to carry on until she was Promoted to Glory in 2000.