Sunday 19th January 2025

 “When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” 16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, 17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:15-20 NKJV

Father,

Even though Joseph had told his brothers they were forgiven and had brought them to Egypt providing them with a place to live and work, they doubted. Thy were still carrying the guilt and fear or his non existing retribution. They thought he had died in the wilderness where they left him all those years ago and now he was an important powerful leader with there future in his hands. He gave them assurance again.

Thankyou. That we have Jesus, closer than a brother and who is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. You provide for us now and we have the promise of a future with You in eternity. Your Holy Spirit brings us that assurance that Jesus paid the price so we could be forgiven.

Blessed assurance. Keep on reminding us on the days we need encouragement. For those of us who need it, like Josephs brothers, forgive our niggling doubts and insecurity and grant us faith.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 19th January 2025

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long

Perfect submission, perfect delight
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Lyrics: Fanny Crosby



Saturday 18th January 2025

“So Joseph sent his brothers off, and as they left, he called after them, “Don’t quarrel about all this along the way!” 25 And they left Egypt and returned to their father, Jacob, in the land of Canaan. 26 “Joseph is still alive!” they told him. “And he is governor of all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned at the news—he couldn’t believe it. 27 But when they repeated to Jacob everything Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons Joseph had sent to carry him, their father’s spirits revived. 28 Then Jacob exclaimed, “It must be true! My son Joseph is alive! I must go and see him before I die.”” Genesis 45:24-28NLT

Our heavenly Father,

Bad news travels fast they say and it spreads quick! But good news reaches the places deep within us, and it changes us and it inspires us. It inspired the brothers to go home and tell their father Joseph was still alive. What news that was! I wonder if they left the details of how he ended up in Egypt unknown of if they confessed? Joseph told then to tell their father everything they had seen in Egypt not what they had done. (Genesis 45:13).

Sometimes we do not need to be beaten up about our mistakes, we know them very well and are sorry. But sometimes we do need to be reminded not to quarrel along the way! Your Son Jesus who walked among us knew all our weaknesses and failures. He was always reminding us to make peace with our brother or sister before worship (Matthew 5:23-24). To forgive others sin as we have been forgiven (Luke 11:4). A quarrel can be major of minor. The brothers could have argued about who was most guilty of getting rid of Joseph. But they all took part in the wrong. Even those who did nothing to save him.

No argument here Father, we need Your daily help. We are all guilty of sin. Holy Spirit guide us through the intricacies of today whether we are busy, resting or coping keep us in Your peace and not quarreling along the way.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 18th January 2025

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

2 Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

3 Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away
In Jesus keeping we are safe, and they.

4 Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.

5 It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
and Jesus call to heaven’s perfect peace.

Lyrics: Edward Henry Bickersteth

Friday 17th January 2025

“Joseph could stand it no longer. There were many people in the room, and he said to his attendants, “Out, all of you!” So he was alone with his brothers when he told them who he was. 2 Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to Pharaoh’s palace. 3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. 4 “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. 5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” Genesis 45:1-5 NLT 

Father God,

After reading all the comings and goings, till Joseph got all the brothers to come to Egypt, I still shed a tear of joy at the reunion. And that Joseph is so overwhelmed with love and affection after all he has been through. To be able to now serve them and see His Father again. No malice at all.

I know sometimes I allow my earthly feelings to dampen my love for others. We are made weak and helpless sometimes by our emotions. And it is no use denying them! Father we are easily distracted and offended. Help us to put our feelings aside, like Joseph put the unnecessary people out of the room. The just confused and interfered with the reunion.

Help us come to You today and on Sunday’s to communion and worship with a heart to love and forgive as we remember Your shed blood and broken body. You know the things we need to forgive. It is not as easy to remove the memories. Help us to gently search and then allow You to cleanse our hearts (Psalm 51:10) and renew our minds (Romans 12:2). And praise You, God, from whom all blessings flow. Unforgiveness just eats away and harms us. You will be their judge and ours.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 17th January 2024
There is a musical introduction – just let it settle you to pray this worship . . .


Holy Spirit, living breath of God
Breathe new life into my willing soul
Bring the presence of the risen Lord
To renew my heart and make me whole
Cause Your Word to come alive in me
Give me faith for what I cannot see
Give me passion for Your purity
Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me

Holy Spirit, come abide within
May Your joy be seen in all I do
Love enough to cover every sin
In each thought and deed and attitude
Kindness to the greatest and the least
Gentleness that sows the path of peace
Turn my strivings into works of grace
Breath of God, show Christ in all I do

Holy Spirit, from creation’s birth
Giving life to all that God has made
Show Your power once again on earth
Cause Your church to hunger for your ways
Let the fragrance of our prayers arise
Lead us on the road of sacrifice
That in unity the face of Christ
Will be clear for all the world to see

Lyrics: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend