“Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 2:8-9 NIV
“And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Genesis 2:15-17 NIV
Lord God, Creator of all,
Forbidden fruit. I need to dwell on this another day Lord, because it is so simple and yet so profound. No complicated rules, just a no. You created all vegetation, seed-bearing plants and trees that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds on the third day. Everything could be eaten. But You put two special particular trees right in the middle of the garden. The tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Not the tree of life and the tree of death. The tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. With You it is always about our choice. Choose life and a choose no to being your own god. But with You there is always a way out! We all of us suffer even today from the consequences of that first wrong choice. And our own wrong decisions. But You still give us choice and the opportunity to change, to return and be redeemed in Jesus.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing is an old saying. How true – how we need Your Holy Spirit to help us knock down the strongholds of our human reasoning and destroy false arguments. To capture any rebellious thoughts and obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4,5). Come Holy Spirit, we give You permission to teach us what is good knowledge and what is good for us. Show us what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). And help us to be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God, Creator,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For Paralympians, family and coaches and those supporting.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). The Royal family’s continuing health.
For Ukraine. May Your will be to end war, soon. Protect and bless Your church.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Peace, peace talks, an end to retaliation and hostage release.
For the autumn term at our local schools starting and staff and pupils.
For the House of Commons resitting.
For those who make decisions that affect our nation in Parliament, finances and business.
For those who make decisions in local councils for our neighbourhood and locality.
For those who face temptation every day and choose freedom, strength and support.
For those whose suffer from mental health issues and find it hard to make good decisions.
For us to know delight in Jesus, the forgiveness and life he brings whatever our situation
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 7th September 2024
Worthy of a repeat appearance from 25th August. Another gentle traditional rendition . . .
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed His beams around me.
Refrain
Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
Refrain
Near the cross! O lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o’er me. [Refrain
Lyrics: Fanny Crosby