“But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. 13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.” 2 Corinthians 11:12-14 NKJV
Father of light,
I will continue doing what I have done. Throughout history people have continued to hear, be found by You and continued to share Your gospel. Sometimes like Paul ay the cost of their life. Things may have changed. how and where some do church but not why -the gospel of Jesus Christ is changeless. There has been civil wars, plagues (pandemics), world wars, cold wars, worst winters, hottest summers, financial depressions . . . And during all the ups and downs always the ongoing very real war against sin, morality and selfishness. These days pornography, gambling, lust for things, scamming and bullying has been enhanced by the use of technology. And some is even portrayed as fun and not harmful.
Satan still wants to separate us from our Saviour and even disguises himself as an angel of light. We need to remember appearances are often deceptive. But he is not God and if something is too good to be true it is often not true! We can walk away and leave it.
Every time someone does something kind and it restores my faith in human nature. I believe, our Father Of Light that there are more good deeds done today than bad. Help those of us who know You to keep on doing what Christians do: share the gospel and love our neighbours as ourself.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father of Light,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our fellowship, ministers and our and neighbouring congregations.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government. Lords and commons. Civil Servants. Local councillors.
For Ukraine and Russia. For Israel, Lebanon, the Middle East. A time to end war.
For those who plan to deceive and scam to be uncovered recognised and caught.
For those who are addicted to gambling, alcohol or drugs opportunity to be free.
For organisations and faith groups who work with addiction, Your power to save.
For those who run choirs and walking groups and social events that bring joy and friendship.
For us to share Your lovelook up and give those we meet a word of encouragement today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 1st November 2024
Getty and Townend wrote “Speak, O Lord” to open, precede or follow the sermon. Getty said that he envisioned the hymn as a “prayer of illumination,” similar to what was spoken in numerous liturgies of old. Townend wanted the song to stir believers to heed the word just spoken and when departing from worship. Aspects of the text make it very suitable to sing both in preparation or as a response after the sermon.
Does me for now.
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of Your Holy Word
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All Your purposes for Your glory
Teach us Lord, full obedience
Holy reverence, true humility
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
In the radiance of Your purity
Cause our faith to rise, cause our eyes to see
Your majestic love and authority
Words of pow’r that can never fail
Let their truth prevail over unbelief
Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds
Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time
That will echo down through eternity
And by grace we’ll stand on Your promises
And by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us
Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built
And the earth is filled with Your glory
Lyrics: Keith Getty / Stuart Townend