Tuesday 12th December 2023

“Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.” Matthew 1:17

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Saviour. Jeremiah 23:5,6

Lord God,
You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah. There is none like You. We cannot think or imagine big enough, to be able to see You as You really are! Sometimes we forget how righteous, powerful and unapproachable in holiness You are. Christmas shows us how far You went to reach us in person. You drew near to us to deal with our sin. Amazing grace.

Down the generations You prepared for your Son’s birthday. No rush, gently leading Your stubborn people, revealing more of Yourself, promising and preparing. Thank You for all those wonderful glimpses of Your glory and Jesus in the Old Testament.

David was not just a harp playing, superhero, sling shot giant killer. He was an adulterer and organised her husbands death! Nathan, at Your command, faced him with his sin (2 Samuel 12:1-13). David immediately repented but had to live with the consequences. Yet You still used Him. You choose to use us, cracked pots, imperfect jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from You and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7). 

We look forward to celebrating Your coming birthday and Your next coming, not as a baby, but as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Revelation 19:11-16). Then there will be no doubting who You are! Help us worship You as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the forgiver of our sin. Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the Glory for ever and ever.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. That they would know Your help in their lives just where they need it..
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Pray seeds of faith will be sown and take root. There would be joyful services.
For our Government, stir up hearts to serve You so the good of the country comes first. Send some Nathans to speak out against wrong.
That the truth about what happened during Covid might be learned from not just talk.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families and steps towards reconciliation with Harry even though it looks impossible..
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace. So destruction can stop.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war, and soon. Change Russia’s outlook and situation.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who deliver help and aid in difficult times, war zones and places where there is famine, flood or poverty.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling. Christmas presents where they may not be any.
For those who misuse their power over family or victims or over nations as dictators. Bend them to Your will.
For those who are planning to do good, help others and be charitable.
For ourselves, that we may enjoy today, be content and know Your love and friendship.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 12th December 2023

All my days I will sing this song of gladness
Give my praise to the fountain of delights
For in my helplessness, you heard my cry
And waves of mercy poured down on my life

I will trust in the cross of my Redeemer
I will sing of the lamb that never fails
Of sins forgiven, of conscience cleared
Of death defeated and life without end

Beautiful Savior, wonderful counsellor
Clothed in majesty, Lord of history
You’re the way, the truth and the life
Star of the morning, glorious in holiness
You’re the risen one, heaven’s champion
And you reign, you reign over all

I long to be where the praise is never ending
Yearn to Dwell where the glory never fades
Where countless worshippers will share one song
And cries of ‘worthy’ will honour the Lamb!

Stuart Townend
CD: Beautiful Saviour, Live Worship from Stoneleigh International Bible Week 1998, Kingsway Music.

Monday 11th December 2023

“10 Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have acquired as my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brethren and from his position at the gate. You are witnesses this day.” 11 And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel; and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring which the Lord will give you from this young woman.”

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. 17 Also the neighbour women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” Ruth 4:10-17 NKJV

Father God,

Another wonderful part of the family tree of Joseph that Jesus was born into. Although Joseph was not Jesus actual father, the family he came to was not random. Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Placed where You foresaw.

In the book of Ruth and read how Jesus lineage passed from Perez down to Boaz. (Perez the elder twin of Judah by his daughter in law, Tamar (Genesis 38:6-30). Boaz chose Ruth, a foreigner, a widow. nott the first choice for a wealthy landowner? But Ruth had chosen to stick with Naomi and Naomi’s God, You, over her Moabite Gods. You saw her heart! (1 Samuel 16:7) Help us not to judge the people we meet.

Father sometimes we find ourselves in situations we would not want to be in. Like Ruth and Naomi, widowed. Or having to move. Having to rely on others for help or having to economise. Naomi trusted You. Ruth learned, through her, You could be trusted and they became part of Your divine plan.

You blessed Ruth and Boaz with a son. You blessed Mary with a Son and we were all blessed. Your plans and purposes cannot be thwarted. So in Jesus we can trust You too.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father God,

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. There daily needs and those needs particular to them.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Pray seeds of faith will be sown and take root.
For our Government, for the country to come first in all the think, say and do.
That the truth about what happened during Covid might be learned from.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families and a coming together in joy and harmony.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace. So destruction can stop.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war, and soon. Change the whole situation.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who delivering help and aid in difficult times, war zones and places where there is famine, flood or poverty.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling. Christmas presents where they may not be any.
For the NHS and in particular the maternity units, the midwives, new mothers and babies.
For the courts: High Court, the Crown Court, Magistrates Courts, Family Courts, Juvenile Courts, Bankruptcy Courts, Tribunal Courts. For all those affected by crime, fraud and violence.
For ourselves, that we may see the wonder of Your purposes. And Your blessings in our day.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship 11th December 2023

Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun’s shining down on me
When the world’s ‘all as it should be’
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there’s pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

I will find a way to the place of praise
Oh I’ll find a way . .

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Lyrics: Matt and Beth Redman







Sunday 10th December 2023

“Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come. 2“Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel. ” Genesis 49:1,2.

“Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. 9You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? 10The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. 11He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.” Genesis 49:8-11

God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and Jesus,

The second Sunday in Advent. Coming! We see the Old Testament as a history of Your coming as Jesus, we see You at work before history, through history and making history! Giving us a sure and certain hope for the present and the future. Even when we cannot see clearly. You are never under the circumstances! You are God – working out Your purposes despite and because of mankind’s and our sin.

In the midst of Jesus family tree it sometimes looks like man has messed up Your plan. But no! Suddenly we find a second wife and a forth son chosen. Leah and Judah! The wife with weak eyes Jacob had not wanted to marry! Who would have thought.

Judah agreed to putting brother in pit. But he did return to lift Joseph, his brother, out, even if too late. When they took Benjamin to Egypt (Genesis 43:8,9) to get food, Judah put himself up as pledge. But he was not a superhero and Leah was not wonder woman. But You chose them regardless.

As we approach Christmas, help us to come back to basics. You chose us. Forgive us our sin, help us persevere with You even when life is tough and take responsibility for our choices. Help us live in today, in Your fulness, Your blessings and Your forgiveness. Not under the circumstances.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of the generations

For all our family, friends and neighbours. Love those we love and care for with blessings and all they need today.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Pray seeds of faith will be sown and take root.
For our Government, for the country to come first in all the think, say and do.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families and a coming together in joy and harmony.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a sudden miraculous way forward to peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war, and soon.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who delivering help and aid in difficult times, war zones and places where there is famine, flood or poverty.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling. Christmas presents where they may not be any.
For the NHS and in particular the maternity units, the midwives, new mothers and babies.
For the courts: High Court, the Crown Court, Magistrates Courts, Family Courts, Juvenile Courts, Bankruptcy Courts, Tribunal Courts. For all those affected by crime, fraud and violence.
For ourselves, in all circumstances, that we know You will come to our aid and Shepherd us through the day.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 10th December 2021
A day to simply worship

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart

I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart

I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much you deserve
Though I’m weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath!

Lyrics: Matt Redman