“As they (the wise men) came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back by another route to their own country. 13 After they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to look for the child to kill him.” 14 Then he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and went to Egypt. 15 He stayed there until Herod died. In this way what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet was fulfilled: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” Matthew 2:11-15 NET
Jehovah Jireh, God who provides, (Genesis 22:14)
Yesterday was a stark reminder of how sinful men and women can be. But today the same passage highlights our sin and how good and generous You are God. Generous to provision a place to live, earth and the universe. Generous sending the Sun and then Your Son. Generous in placing the birth of Your church into the hands of everyday men and women. Generous in blessing those who follow You.
You provided a dream for the wise men to avoid Herod. You have provided dreams, angels and spoken at so many crucial times. Joseph the Old Testament dreamer, Joseph in the New Testament reluctant husband to be of Mary . . . To flee to Egypt. And You provided direction and for their physical needs.
How many times You have provided just before or just when we needed. How often we have found You, Lord have provided inspiration, words, strength, direction, things, people, money when we needed. God incidents! Help us to trust You to provide what we need when we need. (Not always what we want!) And to wait, wait patiently to hear. Thank You for Your greatest provision – Your Son Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Jehovah Jireh, God who provides, (Genesis 22:14)
For our family, friends, neighbours, and those we promised to pray for.
For our Christian family. Christmas services and meals planned.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government to make wise decisions for good not just profit.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For Sudan freedom from dictatorship of any kind. Middle East peace.
For the earth to get the rest it needs this winter season to recover.
For those who may be travelling home or taking holiday safe journeys.
For us to take a breather before next year. Wrap us in Your love and provision and assurance.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 29th December 2024
We have had this before some time ago I think. It may be new to you as it is a Salvation Army song. I just love its quiet honesty and prayerfulness. It ends so positively.
At the moment of my weakness,
When my need for power is plain,
And my own strength is exhausted once again,
Then my Lord has made provision
For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit
Hears my prayer, my prayer;
Then my Lord has made provision
For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Holy Spirit! Promised presence fall on me.
Holy Spirit! Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit!
Give Your power to me, O Holy Spirit.
When the darkness falls around me,
When bewildered and afraid,
When I feel the most deserted and betrayed,
Then my every need is answered
By God’s providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit
Hears my prayer, my prayer;
Then my every need is answered
By God’s providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Nothing now can rob God’s servant
Of the peace that He bequeaths,
Nothing take away the strength
His presence breathes.
Of the everlasting arms of love
I’m daily made aware,
And His precious Holy Spirit
Hears my prayer, my prayer;
Of the everlasting arms of love
I’m daily made aware,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
John Gowans