“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:11-12 NKJV
Father God,
Paul in writing to Timothy reminds us that we do not float through life all happy but that we have to look both ways! Forwards towards pursuing and fighting for godliness and upwards for faith and love. And anyone with family or friends knows that love has to be worked at.
But when I reread these verses I see that they first point back to the previous verses. Before pursuing the good we must first what? Flee. Flee what things?
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 2 Timothy 6:6-10
Flee being discontent, jealous of what we think others have more of. Flee from the desire to be rich. Money is needed to live and is not evil unless it is loved before all else. It is all about perspective. Is having enough being rich? Do we love You first above everything else. Love the people You place in our lives because they are a gift from You and are thankful for what we have, like our daily bread. Sometimes we have to fight to focused on You and all the blessings You give rather than focussing on what we do not have or what others have more of! Help us to flee making money for the sake of having more and be content to pursue faith and love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our fellowship members, our ministers and those who serve. New comers.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government and the laws they make. Civil Servants. Local councillors.
For Ukraine and Russia. An end to Putin’s plans.
For Israel, Lebanon, the Middle East. Countries in conflict. For miracles of Peace.
For our world and world leaders to seek peace and the good of our planet.
For those who You have called to use their wealth for the good of others.
For those who raise money to use for those in need to stay alive and have good health.
For those who are fighting for sobriety and to stay clean of drugs.
For the fragrance of Jesus to fill the homes in our community as they start to plan for Christmas.
For us to be aware of the riches we have. Warm homes, running water, comfortable beds . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 13th November 2024
Couldn’t be any other hymn really . . .
Fight the good fight with all your might,
Christ is your strength and Christ your right.
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
Thy joy and crown eternally.
Run the straight race through God’s good grace;
lift up thine eyes, and seek his face.
Life with its path before us lies;
Christ is the way and Christ the prize.
Cast care aside, lean on your guide;
his boundless mercy will provide.
Lean, and the trusting soul shall prove
Christ is its life and Christ its love.
Faint not, nor fear, his arms is near;
he changes not, and thou art dear.
Only believe, and thou shalt see
that Christ is all in all to Thee.
Lyrics: John B Monsell