“If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your father’s household perish. It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!” Esther 4:14 NET
God of the Jews and the Gentiles,
The donkey from yesterday reminded me of the worship song below which I have not listened to for a couple of years! The donkey was born for exactly such a time as that to carry the King of Kings! Just as Esther was born at the perfect time to have opportunity to save her people. Mordecai (her uncle) challenged Esther to consider not just if she had been born for such a time but also put in exactly the right place.
Each one of us becomes the child of the King, adopted into Your family God, in Jesus. No longer fighting our way out of trouble as Esther did, but seeking peace and justice. We also have a position in a family, in a church, in a circle of friends. Psalm 139, verse 13 reminds us that You, God new exactly whose womb we were created in and what particular history we would live through.
The older we are the more changes we have seen. We notice the things that are no more. Camera shops, high street window shopping, spangles. People chatted face to face, not looking at phone screens. We were born at the right time for us and we too have influence over those around us for good. We have opportunity to show and tell others what knowing You and being loved by You means. Help us affect someone’s destiny! Help us keep praying, loving, encouraging at such a time as this. Even when our prayers seem repetitive.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of the Jews and the gentiles,
For peacemakers in Gaza, Middle East. Change hard hearts, melt vengeance, make a new peace.
For our family, extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church Ministers, lay leaders, Sunday school teachers, fellow worshippers.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Royal family.
For decision makers and influencers for peace in Nations and in their military.
For Ukraine. Bereaved families. Families still in other countries. Change Putin’s heart to end war.
For Myanmar freedom from cruel military control. Protect Your church people.
All those affected by violent outburst. Speak into those who would be violent before they break out.
For the ongoing Olympic games. The pleasure and the pain and the peaceful competition.
For those sensitive to noise, movement. Those hypersensitive to touch, sound and smell (ADHD).
For the youth of today bombarded with social media to hear Your voice.
For us to be of service to You where we are, in any way we can, whoever we are with pleasure.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 3rd August 2024
Just take a few minutes to listen to this. It always encourages me personally. At such a time as this. It also encourages me to pray on for peace influencers and for the leadership in the Middle East.
Now, all I have is now, to be faithful
To be holy and to shine
Lighting up the darkness
Right now, I really have no choice
But to voice the truth to the nations
A generation looking for God
For such a time as this
I was placed upon the earth
To hear the voice of God
And do His will
Whatever it is
For such a time as this
For now and all the days He gives
I am here, I am here
And I am His
For such a time as this
You, Do you ever wonder why
Seems like the grass is always greener
Under everybody else’s sky
But right here, right here for this time and place
You can live a mirror of His mercy
A forgiven image of grace
Chorus
Can’t change what’s happened till now
But we can change what will be
By living in holiness
That the world will see Jesus
Chorus
Lyrics: Wayne Watson