“Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. 2 So Joab sent someone to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought from there. He said to her, “Pretend you are in mourning. Dress in mourning clothes, and don’t use any cosmetic lotions. Act like a woman who has spent many days grieving for the dead. 3 Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth.” 2 Samuel 14:1-3 NIV
God of truth,
Openness and transparency. Words we hear today but do not always see practiced! Or am I becoming cynical Lord? There are many good people but we often hear of the others in the news. Here in the Bible Joab gets a woman to spin a yarn to King David and then ask for what he, Joab really wanted. She looked open and transparent but she was not. Joab planned the outcome to be to his own benefit.
Putting words in someone else’s mouth is often for personal benefit. And how often it rebounds on the person relaying the message! David lived to regret the turmoil caused by this seemingly innocent ladies mouth. What is it the writer of proverbs says? Even a fool is considered wise if he stays silent (Proverbs 17:28). Plans fail but with many advisors comes deliverance (Proverbs 11:14). Even Jesus does not put words in our mouth. His Holy Spirit guides and helps us it is our choice what we actually say. Help our lives to be open and transparent and for good not to manipulate others or the future.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of truth,
For our close family. Their individual needs and hopes.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations. Joyful worship.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For Parliament, house of commons and Lords. Openness and transparency.
For Ukraine. Lord God, bring an end to war and an end to violence.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Step into their midst with Your peace.
For world leaders to be open to Your leading and to peace not power.
For respite from bullies at work and an uncovering of them by others.
For courts to see through witnesses who do not speak the truth.
For us a day of openness to You, to hear Your encouragement and be open to Your words
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 15th September 2024
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
High King of heaven, my victory won
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
Amen . . .