“But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 NET
God only wise,
Thank you for those days when all is going well and we feel good and, may even have achieved something to make us feel good. Other days we drop a cup or forget something and we give ourselves a telling off or are disappointed in ourselves. We are all different! Some of us beat ourselves up more than we should. Some can still hear our parents criticism!. Some can feel good about themselves. Others can be full of positivity and forgive themselves easily!
You bring us all down to earth together, not to remind us of our abilities and disabilities. Not to say who is right and who is wrong. But to remind us we are all chosen. Chosen because we are wanted and loved just as we are and not for what we can do. And our wisdom is foolishness when measured next to Yours. But You, God choose us to put Your love within us so we can love ourselves and have abundant love others. And its a life times journey to understand the depth of Your love for us (Ephesians 3:18).
You choose the low the despised? Well, the arrogant do not need You God, the self satisfied do not need You either! Paul lived under Romans occupation. He knew what it was to be of no value in his own land. Slaves, women had no rights. Some would say for some not much has change. We are all under some authority. But regardless of who You are and what you think of yourself this Scripture says You God choose us to confound the mighty with our faith. You give us Your wisdom to shame the wise.
Thank You for choosing us, loving us, sending Christ. Keep our hearts open to do Your will.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God only wise,
For our family and friends. Light their way ahead whatever they are going through.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. Thank You for each other.
For the royal family. Continuing help and healing.
For our Parliament. For local elections.
For Ukraine, peace. A supernatural end to war. We look to You.
For Gaza, a way to live with neighbours, together in peace.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all other places of conflict and Military oppression.
For our local: police, hospitals, doctors, justice system, fire service . . .
For the Christians in countries where there is persecution, famine and poverty.
For the agencies providing medical treatment and aid in war zones.
We thank You for all the colours of the season. Cherry blossom, tulips, lighter skies and evenings.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 29th April 2024
If you are not familiar with the music or it is not your taste, I hope you find the words reassuring.
The idea for “Who Am I” came to Mark while he was driving home with his wife and children one night. He was having a personal worship time during the drive and recounts that he wondered “Who am I to think I can just call up to God whenever I want, from the middle of nowhere, and expect Him to hear me?” Immediately he started thinking, “I’m a new creation, I’m more than a conqueror… I’m [also] grass, that is rises up and is gone in a day”.
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the bright and morning star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?
Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours
Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me?
Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours
Lyrics: Mark Hall of Casting Crowns.