“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 NIV
“Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath, and he said, “When God comes to help you and lead you back, you must take my bones with you.” 26 So Joseph died at the age of 110. The Egyptians embalmed him, and his body was placed in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:25,26 NLT
God of eternity,
You go on forever, but we seem to have lots of beginnings and endings and seasons in our lives. The beginning and the ending of the book of Genesis are opposites. Its opens with life and ends with the death of Joseph and the end of an era. And so much happened in between!
Joseph, Father God, was very particular in his last words and the generations coming after him had to remember and pass on his instructions. Joseph discovered You were faithful even when his brothers wanted to murder and get rid of him. You were faithful when he was sold as a slave in a foreign land. You were faithful when the baker forgot him in prison for years. He believed, without doubt, that one day You, God would rescue and deliver him. It gave Him faith to say that one day You would lead his people out of Egypt and back to their own land. The land sworn to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. So he made them promise to takes his bones when they did!
This promise made sure they all kept it in mind. They could not forget. You created us in our time. You gave us the promise that one day we would go to the home in heaven you promised us (John 14:1) You sent us our deliverer who will carry us there so we would never forget. Hallelujah.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of here and now,
For our close family, all their particular needs.
For our 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).
For bankers, politicians, managing directors, inventors, researchers, self employed.
For Ukraine. An to end war. Medical aid and protection.
For peacemakers in Gaza, Middle East. Change hard hearts, melt vengeance, make steps to peace.
For Myanmar Your church people. Other areas where church is persecuted.
For the ongoing Olympic games. All those taking part, organising and attending.
For those trapped in modern day slavery, deliverance and a future.
For those trapped in poverty, by drugs or mental disability.
For those bereaved, affected by violence going through trauma. In fear from violence.
For those who stir up trouble to be brought to nought.
For us today, thanksgiving for all good that has been said and done and all the prayers around the world. Bless us today in all we do and say.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 7th August 2024
There’s a place where the streets shine
With the glory of the Lamb.
There’s a way, we can go there,
We can live there beyond time.
Because of You, because of You,
Because of Your love,
Because of Your blood.
No more pain, no more sadness,
No more suffering, no more tears.
No more sin, no more sickness,
No injustice, no more death.
Because of You, because of You,
Because of Your love,
Because of Your blood.
All our sins are washed away,
And we can live forever,
Now we have this hope,
Because of You.
Oh, we’ll see You face to face,
And we will dance together
In the city of our God,
Because of You.
There is joy everlasting,
There is gladness, there is peace.
There is wine ever flowing,
There’s a wedding, there’s a feast.
Because of You, because of You,
Because of Your love,
Because of Your blood.
Lyrics: Paul Oakley