Monday 25th September 2023

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17 NIV

God of Truth,

In these days , I find myself becoming sceptical of what I hear and read. Can I believe even the news, I used to think certain channels broadcast without prejudice. It seems there is a slant, a bias an unseen leading behind most news stories.

Here Paul tells us. this You can believe, fully and completely. Christ came into the world to save sinners. Now that line is the best, simplest and most wonderful news anyone could ever tell or remind me of.

Of whom I am the worst? Paul knows what he has done, his testimony and actions led many to be put to death in the early church. He persecuted innocent people guilty only of belief in Jesus. But I wonder if he thought of the moment when on the road to Damascus Jesus reminded him of his sin. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Acts 9:4. Saul was the unbeliever who denied Jesus. Surely persecuting you though people like Stephen whose was stoned to death was worse.

I may not have caused anyone to be put to death but there was a time when I denied You, did not believe and used Your name as a swear word. We who have stepped from unbelief to faith are no better than Paul. The is no best and worst sinners. Just those who realise how offensive it was to not believe in the King of Kings who died for us. Now to You, our King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of Truth,

Help all those we love and care for and know to step from unbelief into Your love and grace. We pray You will meet their physical needs too and touch those who need healing in body or mind. We bring those we are at odds with or have been hurt by and ask that You would work out a road to reconciliation or protection from further harm.

We pray for those who are persecuted by people who go out of there way to make trouble. The school bully, the annoying colleague, those who stalk or try to control others. We pray You will break these strongholds and bring them to repentance. Protect those who are vulnerable and place people around them who are good and strong and kind.

Bless Ukraine with hope for the future and freedom from oppression and war. Hold the people of Morocco and Libya in Your almighty hand while they receive comfort, aid and hope for the future.

Thank You for the smile of a friend, the light of daybreak and the comfort of a cuppa.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 25th September 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 blood that never fails;
Of sins forgiven, of conscience cleansed,
Of death defeated and life without end.

Beautiful Saviour, Wonderful Counsellor,
Clothed in majesty, Lord of history,
You’re the Way, the Truth, 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!

Lyrics: Stuart Townend





Sunday 24th Sept 2023

“Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.” Ephesians 6:23-24 NIV

Lord of the Sabbath,

Today is Sunday and it is the first day of the Christian week. Sabbath was originally the day to celebrate when You completed creation and took the seventh day as a day of rest (Genesis 2:2-3). That would make it Saturday. The Israelites started Shabbat and their worship and day of rest Friday evening and ended Saturday evening. From sunset to sunrise. It is a day to worship You.

Yesterday’s hymn reminded me of when I followed some children to Sunday school and my parent thought I had gone missing. I was given an attendance card and once a year was given an attendance prize and was disappointed when I got a book that was not about animals or horses!

Thank You that church worship is not about obedient attending but about wanting to be in Your presence with people who become like brothers and sisters. When I met Christ, later in life, I still remember the feeling of belonging deep within me. Belonging to You and belonging to a huge Christian family.

Even when we cannot make it to church we know we belong and we do not get marked as missing. Church is a place we can put down roots, know we have family in Christ, hear the Word of God, and belong to a bigger family. Thank You that You do not mark my card, You are with me wherever I am. What a wonderful God You are.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Lord of the Sabbath,

We pray for those we love and those who are related to us, our friends and those who are our Christian family (to numerous to name!) You know their needs and their wants and we ask that You give them blessings and provide all that is good at this time. Help us to have what we need to grow in You, find joy and be a blessing to others.

We pray for churches who have no minister or Pastor at the moment. Help them to help each other till one is available and we pray that those You are calling to church leadership would hear and respond. Provide for them to train. Match the churches up with leaders.

Change the Russian plans to peace not war and give Ukraine opportunity to grieve, rest and recover. For those touched by disaster and loss in Libya and Morocco we pray everything they may need. God of provision and comfort, enable and smooth the way of aid agencies, human comfort and Your love.

Thank You that You are with Your church worldwide and that it is growing.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 24th September 2023.
Originally I had this scheduled for yesterday but somehow it seemed to fit here today for worship – and yes we had it in August but some hymns are favourites!

Wonderful grace that gives what I don’t deserve,
pays me what Christ has earned then lets me go free.
Wonderful grace that gives me the time to change,
washes away the stains that once covered me.

And all that I have I lay at the feet
of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.

Wonderful love that held in the face of death,
breathed in its final breath forgiveness for me.
Wonderful love whose power can break every chain
giving us life again setting us free.

And all that I have I lay at the feet
of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.
Repeat Chorus

Lyrics: John Pantry




Saturday 23rd Sept 2023

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Ephesians 4:1-7 NIV

God our Keeper,

Or was Paul suggesting here that You are his jailor? No!!! A prisoner for You not of You. Sometimes thou we do feel we are unable to change things and feel trapped. By a job that is work and not a career. One that brings no satisfaction. By young children at the age they are very demanding and continues longer because they live at home longer. Because we lack the funds to do what we really want to. Because life is not always what we hoped it would be. Because we are passed the age we can do anything about it?

Paul refused to be anything but like Jesus even when the imprisoned him for preaching about You, God. He lived and he still preached that Your way is best. That You do not just help those who seem to have it all. Or those who seem to be having prayers answered. He gives grace to those of us pootling along in life as generously as to all.

Our calling is to be humble, gentle, patient, loving each other even in annoyance. Help us. And to receive Your grace through Jesus in abundance. Christ was never stingy, the 5000 were fed till they were full. We receive eternal life and forgiveness without measure not a ticket to attend the feast in heaven and then leave! And through it all, in it all and with us all, You are our God and Father and love us. Praise You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God our Keeper,

Keep our family, friends, church fellowship and neighbours safe in the knowledge of Your love and provision. Help those who do not yet fully know You be moved to pray and find You a good God and worthy of praise. Remind us to pray first, think second. Grant us grace as we struggle with some aspects of our lives.

Ukraine, Morocco and Libya. All have limitless needs and a need of Your divine help and comfort. Help change their situations with peace, comfort, and human aid and compassion.

We pray for our King and Government and are not even sure what to pray so we commit them to You for You to work in their lives and to point them to their calling to serve the nation.

We pray for those actually in prison, and the chaplains and Christians who work there. May there be seeds of Your love and lifestyle sown that take root. We pray for those who are released and that You will provide a way forward that gives them the choice of a good life.

Thank You for autumn a buffer before the winter and a rest for the land.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 23rd September 2023
I remember this from school assemblies.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy:
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe:
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace:
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm:
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

Lyrics: Jan Struthers (1901-1953)

Jan Struther is the pen name of Joyce Torrens-Graham. Used because she was a popular novelist. Mrs. Miniver was a popular, among many other books, poetry, hymns, novels and satires. She wrote Lord of all hopefulness when she and Percy Deamer were editing Songs of Praise 1931 version. During World War II she left London for New York where she continued writing and raising her children. She died there from cancer.