Wednesday 22nd November 2023

 “. . .  48and (Jesus) said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.” John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he is not a disciple along with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.””
Luke 9:48-50 NET

El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty)

I am so glad that John asked this question. Because it sets us free to ask You questions when we don’t understand or because society has changed since Biblical times. Sometimes we think how lovely it would be if You could just write the answer on the wall . . . But You did that once, write on the wall, at Belshazzar’s feast. And it was not good (Daniel 5:5,6). So perhaps not! Give us patience to wait till Your Word or Your Holy Spirit give us revelation and wisdom and Your thoughts! Or perhaps patience to wait to ask You face to face in heaven. At which point it may seem immaterial.

John asks and Jesus doesn’t avoid it, He answers. Leave him alone, he is not against you. Some wars are not for us to fight and we are not to judge. God knows all. We are not called to be the police of the religious!
It seems that You, God, are the only one who can see hearts and the see the whole big picture. We see only the surface. And we cannot always understand. Help us to know when and where to speak out and when to consider and leave or wait. And to keep Your love at the centre of everything.

In Jesus name we pray, amen.

El Shaddai, Lord God Almighty,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For the many needs they have and the many blessings we would desire for them
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. For the big questions that have to be grappled with and do not have easy answers or clear answers that we can all agree with.
For our Government, that You would be in the midst of it leading it into stability and truth.
For our King and Queen and their family and their work here and overseas.
For those in Iceland where there is threat of volcanic eruption. For those who have had to leave their homes.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle, a pause leading to a new peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. A full stop, an end to war, conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, to have hope and a future and hear of Your love.
For all those who seek the good of those around them. Who find encouraging things to say, share smiles and offer a silent prayer for those they meet and pass by.
For ourselves, thank You for a new day. Help us to remember there will be millions of good things done today by people just like ourselves today. Thank You for them. Help us be patient, good and kind today.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Chris Tomlin has said that the inspiration behind the song came from his desire to write a simple love song to Jesus. He wanted to express his gratitude for God’s love and to remind others that they are never alone. The song acknowledges that we may face challenges and troubles in life, but God’s love is unfailing, and He is always there to comfort us.

Morning, I see You in the sunrise every morning
It’s like a picture that You’ve painted for me
A love letter in the sky

Story, I could’ve had a really different story
But You came down from heaven to restore me
Forever saved my life

Nobody loves me like You love me, Jesus
I stand in awe of Your amazing ways
I worship You as long as I am breathing
God, You are faithful and true
Nobody loves me like You

Mountains, You’re breaking down the weight of all my mountains
Even when it feels like I’m surrounded
You never leave my side, oh oh oh

Chorus

Oh, what a song to sing . . . . .
Jesus, You love me
And I love You, God

Nobody loves me like You love me, Jesus
I stand in awe of Your amazing ways
I worship You as long as I am breathing
God, I will worship You, forever worship You

Lyrics: Chris Tomlin



Tuesday 21st November 2023

“While everyone was marvelling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44 “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this statement; its meaning had been concealed from them, so that they could not grasp it. Yet they were afraid to ask him about this statement. 46Now an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest. 47 But when Jesus discerned their innermost thoughts, he took a child, had him stand by his side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.”” Luke 9:43-48 NET

God, Lord of all,

An argument or reasoning, dispute, questioning? Anyway it was among the disciples. Well they were 12 men living in close proximity . . . and three sometimes went off with Jesus without the rest of them . . . Were they thought to be more special? Jesus may not have heard it all but knew their inmost thoughts and the reasoning behind them! You, God, know us so well. We. like the disciples, do not always understand and it does sometimes lead to disagreements. But Jesus says that is no excuse . . . we are not to become childish, jealous and petty . . . but be respectful, encouraging and humble.

There are times when a small group is better than a large one! Is that why Jesus chose Peter, James and John on occasions? Or was it was about preparing them for the future. Jesus turned greatness on its head and mixed with lepers and beggars and tax collectors. He lived what he preached and loved His neighbour as Himself.. He did not need accolade, self importance or fame. He taught by example. He wanted them to see people with their hearts as people, not as social position and standing. To serve all.

We are all different, unique and You love and value each one of us. You do not see people as more important than one another. Keep us from petty jealousy and needing to measure ourselves against others. Help us to appreciate each other, not think too much of ourselves, and build each other up.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Lord of all,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For those who have health needs, employment needs or need to know You.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. For all those who work to support our local community.
For our Government, that we would see it become the best it can be.
For our King and Queen and their family and the stability of our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle, a pause leading to a new peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. A full stop, an end to war, conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, to have hope and a future and hear of Your love.
For all those who serve family, community, nation. Carers, armed forces, emergency services.
For food banks, warm spaces, lunch clubs. Charities who help and support those in need both financially and emotionally. All those who willingly volunteer to serve.
For ourselves, for Your blessing today and to be at peace with ourselves and those around us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 21st November 2023

Oh kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much You love humility
Oh Spirit be the star that leads me to
The humble heart of love I see in You

[Chorus]
You are the God of the broken
The friend of the weak
You wash the feet of the weary
Embrace the ones in need
I want to be like You, Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King

Lyrics: Brenton Brown







Monday 20th November 2023

 “And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marvelled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 44 “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.” Luke 9:43-45

God, Your Majesty,

We watch the news and we are bombarded by everything mankind is doing (mostly not good). We loose sight and forget to marvel at what You have done for us, what You are doing for us and what You will do for us when time is no more. Amidst the terrible state of the world, You are still on the throne. Even if mankind, or some of it, thinks they are – and is power hungry!

I love these little verses in the New King James version in Luke’s gospel and amid the very serious his worlds make me laugh! You are God, all powerful, all knowing, all seeing. We know that we can only approach You because of Jesus sacrifice on our behalf. But here Luke paints a picture of Jesus preparing the disciples ahead of the time of his sacrifice. He is reprimanding His 12 disciples. Nine had just messed up trying to heal a boy, three had seen Jesus glorified and not understood anything, 1 would betray Him. And Luke paints a picture of Jesus with a verbal syringe saying, “Let these words sink down into Your ears!”

But they did not understand and did not ask. Sometimes You must feel like saying the same to us when we don’t listen. Please help us, to get Your words so deep down in our ears they reach our brain, our thoughts and our understanding. So Your truth can lead us, feed us and set us free (John 8:32).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of majesty,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For You to meet their needs for good and lead them beside quiet waters and restore them.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities. Help them to make Jesus known by love.
For our Government, that You would be God of our democracy and enable truth and care.
For our King and Queen and their family and all those who work in positions where they can be a force for good..
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of Your peace and reconciliation is needed.
For Putin and Ukraine. A full stop, an end to war, conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, to have hope and a future and hear of Your love.
For those with actual hearing difficulties and those who cannot hear at all. For medical break throughs in treatment. For those who cannot hear You, that You would open their spiritual ears.
For ourselves that we would know Your love, see You at work in our families and trust in Your guidance.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 20th November 2023

Thank you for saving me, what can I say?
You are my everything, I will sing your praise.
You shed your blood for me, what can I say?
You took my sin and shame,
A sinner called by name.

Great is the Lord,
Great is the Lord,
For we know your truth has set us free,
You’ve set your hope in me.

Mercy and grace are mine, forgiven is my sin,
Jesus my only hope, the Saviour of the world.
“Great is the Lord” we cry,
God let your kingdom come,
Your word has let me see,
Thank you for saving me!

Lyrics: Martin Smith