Friday 13th October 2023

“This oppressed man cried out and the Lord heard; he saved him from all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord camps around the Lord’s loyal followers and delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. How blessed is the one who takes shelter in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you chosen people of his, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 Even young lions sometimes lack food and are hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:6-10 NET

Father God,

The Psalms are the outpouring of faith and personal need and all the emotions known to us. David here is writing from his experiences. He had killed a lion or two in his time (1 Samuel 17:34-35). As you do?! If You were a shepherd. David knew that even strong, young lions would sometimes have to go hungry. In contrast to those strong animals, he was confident that those who seek You, God lack no good thing.

But I know You are not Santa Claus Father! And You do not give us what would harm us. David learned that Your faithful genericity does not mean that he will always get what he ‘wants’ from You, God. Or, even that what he thinks are ‘needs’ will be met. What we need, You understood as You know Your good will for us and our lives. We all have tough times and sometimes even adversity, but then You can even use that for our good! Even when we don’t like it . . .

We just do not always see the whole picture. If we did we would not necessary understand it. It seems to me that what You promised is that we will never lack what is in our best interest? You do not promised to meet our wants, or to satisfy our expectations, but to meet all our needs. Thank You for all we have and for all Your promises. And unlike young lions reliant on themselves when they grow up. . . we are not reliant on our self and our own strength but trust in You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father God,

We pray:

For family, friends, neighbours, our church family. Those living in our neighbourhood.
For our town, our local council and the prosperity of the surrounding area.
For Putin and the end of war in Ukraine.
For Gaza and an end to the latest conflict. Not to escalate, for those caught in the middle of the bombardment.
For help, relief and comfort for those hit by the earthquake in Afghanistan, and for the devastated areas in Libya and Morocco. For all the aid and medical agencies.
For our Government and our King. Sincerity, honesty and openness. Uncover all that is not right.
For all those who work in Christian media, printing, radio and Bible translations.
For our own needs for today and this week. Be our Good Shepherd.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 13th October 2023
Yes I do return to this hymn regularly because it helps me worship and have faith. You will have those that help you . . .

I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me (oh-oh)

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
(I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing)

Lyrics: Jason Ingram / Brian Johnson / Ed Cash / Ben Fielding / Jenn Johnson


Wednesday 11th October 2023

“The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.“
“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”” Daniel 6:7, 10-12 NIV

God of help,

Amazing. These leaders and managers and important people were all afraid of Daniel, an enemy taken carried to their land and forced into service. Because to quote from the book of Daniel, “They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” So they appealed to the vanity of their King knowing the commitment of Daniel to His God.

Amazing that prayer became their weapon of choice. I am sure they did not think that what Daniel was doing in his window was powerful and personal and his provision. He made sure they saw Him. He made sure he was committed to regular prayer and he made sure they did not change his prayer practice. He still gave thanks. My I am not sure I would do the same. Given trouble I usually become a frantic, please help me , sort of prayer!. But You know that God!

Prayer is our secret weapon. Many think it is a nice thing to do and comforting. We know it cuts through lies, strengthens the soul and allows us to ask You for divine help. They should have been afraid when they saw Daniel on His knees. A million things hinder us from prayer. None of them is becoming a lions dinner . . . Help us to just pray as we go.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of help,

For family, friends, neighbours, our church family. Those living in our neighbourhood.
For our town, our local council and the prosperity of the surrounding area.
For Putin and the end of war in Ukraine.
For Gaza and an end to the latest conflict. Not to escalate, for those caught in the middle of the bombardment.
For help, relief and comfort for those hit by the earthquake in Afghanistan, and for the devastated areas in Libya and Morocco. For all the aid and medical agencies.
For our Government and our King. Sincerity, honesty and openness. Uncover all that is not right.
For those who are picked on at work or treated unfairly for justice. For those who are corrupt wherever they may be, show them up for what they are and grant justice.
For our own needs for today and this week. Be our Good Shepherd.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Worship Wednesday 11th October 2023
Had to be this

Standing by a purpose true,
Heeding God’s command,
Honour them, the faithful few!
All hail to Daniel’s band!

Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.

Many mighty men are lost,
Daring not to stand,
Who for God had been a host
By joining Daniel’s band.

Many giants, great and tall,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Daniel’s band.

Hold the Gospel banner high!
On to vict’ry grand!
Satan and his hosts defy,
And shout for Daniel’s band.

Lyrics: Philip P Bliss

In 1876, a Chicago Sunday School teacher named Philip Paul Bliss wrote a song to help teach his students about Daniel and his friends. 

Tuesday 10th October 2023

“Samson said to them, “I will give you a riddle. If you really can solve it during the seven days the party lasts, I will give you thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes. 13 But if you cannot solve it, you will give me thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes.” They said to him, “Let us hear your riddle.” 14 He said to them, “Out of the one who eats came something to eat; out of the strong one came something sweet.” They could not solve the riddle for three days.” Judges 14:12-14 NET

Our Father,

The honey mentioned yesterday reminded me of Samson’s riddle. Some cameo’s in the Old Testament really do come to mind vividly! He really got himself into a mess by marrying a woman he just wanted, one of the daughters of his families enemies. There is no real love story attached. And everyone but his own desire opposed it. Sometimes we need to listen if everyone is giving us the same advice rather than trying to find someone who agrees with us! But then God did sort of use it in the end.

He took the honey earlier and had given some of it to his parents. He must of known that was wrong. To touch the dead carcass made him unclean. He did not tell his parents where it came from and he made them unclean too. If it was a test he failed. Something else he wanted regardless. Nothing wrong with honey where it came from? Help us not to want to get our own way when it is not helpful.

They could not solve the riddle for three days so then they went off and used lies and trickery. Why mention the three days? For three days Jesus was in the grave and the disciples were devastated. But Your Son really did rise from the dead. It was no trick! He was seen and ate with the disciples and they touched the wounds in his hands. He was not an illusion, a vision he was alive. Honey is sweet to taste but better still the taste of Your Lord’s goodness (Psalm 34:8).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

An outline to prompt Your own prayers . . . .

Lord God,

For family, friends, neighbours, our church family. Those living in our neighbourhood.
For Putin and the end of war in Ukraine.
For Gaza and an end to the latest conflict. Not to escalate, for those caught in the middle of the bombardment.
For help, relief and comfort for those hit by the earthquake in Afghanistan, and for the devastated areas in Libya and Morocco. For all the aid and medical agencies.
For our Government and our King. Sincerity, honesty and openness. Uncover all that is not right.
For our fellowships and church projects here and overseas.
For those on missions overseas to see miracles and be blessed and kept safe.
For our own needs for today and this week. Be our Good Shepherd.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Worship Tuesday 10th October 2023
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103

Jesus, Jesus,
Holy and anointed one, Jesus.
(repeat)

Your name is like honey on my lips,
Your spirit like water to my soul
Your word is a lamp unto my feet,
Jesus I love You, I love You.

Jesus, Jesus,
Risen and exalted one, Jesus.

Your name is like honey on my lips,
Your spirit like water to my soul
Your word is a lamp unto my feet,
Jesus I love You, I love You. (repeat)
Jesus, Jesus.

Lyrics: John Barnett