Friday 8th May 2026

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred.” Proverbs 15:16-17 NKJV

“Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice. A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:8-9 NKJV

Father God,

Here are words spoken again from experience. Or are they? I am not sure Solomon ever had a house with very little. He was the son of a king and then very, very wealthy when he became king. But great wealth and treasure did not protect him from trouble. He places value on: fear of the Lord, living where love is, righteousness and justice. Could that suggest looking for contentment?

Paul speaks highly of the value of finding contentment. He learned to be content whatever the circumstances whether in need or having plenty. He learned the secret of being content in all situations (Philippians 4:11). Was this what Solomon valued more than riches and power.

I have had employment that was necessary rather than chosen and found I could be content, while looking elsewhere. It is not always easy in all situations. Help us to see You in all we go through and have to do and not to chafe at the Yoke You sometimes call us to. You are with us through it (Matthew 11:29). And not to become habitual complainers (I hear You Lord). To look for the good and the love and rejoice in Your forgiveness.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 8th May 2026

When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul!

It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

Songwriters: Horatio G. Spafford,
Keith Getty, Philip Paul Bliss

Thursday 7th May 2026

“Even in laughter the heart may sorrow,
And the end of mirth may be grief.
14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied from above.
15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.” Proverbs 14:13-15 NKJV

Father God,

If Solomon did truly write Proverbs Father, I can understand his wisdom about anxiety and sorrow. He had much in his lifetime to concern him deeply. Even though he was wise, His family caused him much heartache. Perhaps he realised that that sense of well being, being content in life, knowing peace only comes from above, from You. Did he realised that wisdom and knowledge cannot always help but turning to You always does. Sometimes it is family which causes the most worry because we care so much. Then we can remember that You care more than us and can trust You (1 Peter 5:7).

And for the times when all is going well, we choose what we hear and retain. We do not believe every word, even weighing sermons against Your Word. And Solomon again speaks about prudence. (Proverbs 8:12) Prudence dwells with wisdom, it is not quite the same thing! The dictionary says prudence is: the ability to govern oneself through reason, acting with wisdom, caution, and good judgment to avoid risks and manage affairs wisely. Wow. A practical outworking of wisdom? That makes so much sense Lord.

So help us consider our steps and be prudent when all is going well and not forget because all is going well.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 7th May 2026
A traditional hymn to lift my heart to heaven and find wisdom and prudence.

 O for a heart to praise my God,
a heart from sin set free,
a heart that always feels Thy blood
so freely shed for me.

A heart resigned, submissive, meek,
my great Redeemer’s throne,
where only Christ is heard to speak,
where Jesus reigns alone.

A humble, lowly, contrite heart,
believing, true, and clean,
which neither life nor death can part
from Christ who dwells within.

A heart in ev’ry thought renewed
and full of love divine,
perfect and right and pure and good,
a copy, Lord, of Thine.

Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart;
come quickly from above;
write Thy new name upon my heart,
Thy new best name of Love.

Lyrics: Charles Wesley

Wednesday 6th May 2026

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 NKJV

Our Father,

How interconnected the heart and mind are. What we think affects what we feel and what we feel affects what we think? Anxiety can cause depression. That we also know. Paul tells us to have no anxiety in Philippians 4:6 by making our requests known to You in prayer.

We have experienced that but on some occasions we do not seem to be able to shake the anxiety because we are awaiting an outcome or what might happen. And it is not always applicable to try to cheer someone up when they have genuine concerns. A good word does not mean making someone laugh does it Lord? Your Son was good at saying the right thing at the right time and He was the Good Word sent from Your good self.

Help us to know when to pray Your Son into a situation. To be sympathetic and acknowledge how all encompassing anxiety and depression can be. To know when to pray either out loud or silently. Help us to know what to say – to be a good, positive support. And to be open to Your word amidst our anxiety when it comes. And to give thanks when it goes.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Worship Wednesday 6th May 2026

You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?
Who can fathom the depth of Your love?
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty, enthroned above

And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God, to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You

Lyrics: Mark Altrogge