“We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.” 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 NLT
“We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians 4:5-10 NLT
God of our present circumstances,
Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians is much more encouraging and less severe. And is worthy, as all his letters are, of reading at leisure in full. But to get through the whole Bible in a year in chronical order (as it happened) means it must be devoured and a morsel picked out . . .
It is good to look back as Paul did and be reassured that God answered prayer. So we can look forward and trust him for what is to come. And Paul reminds them of the presence of God with them now. Not as a mighty power which He is. Not as a merciful Saviour which he is. But as the light of our life to show to the world. Now is a moment to see His light in us.
I have a lamp which has a battery operated candle inside. It is a warm glow and bright enough to stop me banging myself on the corner of the coffee table. I also have a camping lamp for if the electricity fails. It is a dazzling white light. I am not sure if I am a very consistent light Lord? Help me.
We are just fragile clay jars Father. You made us that way. We do not know what life may hold, hopefully not as troubled as Paul. But some of us may. Help us to turn to You for help first as he did. So those watching can see we rely on You and not ourselves. Thank You for being our help and provider. And for the times when life is good we rejoice. Help us give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 4th December 2025
All these pieces, broken and scattered
In mercy gathered, mended and whole
Empty-handed but not forsaken
I’ve been set free, I’ve been set free
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me, ooh-oh
I once was lost but now I am found
Was blind but now I see, Oh, I can see You now
Oh, I can see the love in Your eyes
Laying Yourself down, raising up the broken to life
You take our failure, You take our weakness
You set Your treasure in jars of clay
So take this heart, Lord, I’ll be Your vessel
The world to see, Your life in me
Chorus
Oh-oh, oh-oh, Oh-oh, oh-oh
Chorus
Lyrics: Jonas Myrin and Joel Timothy Houston.