“We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. 21 We are careful to be honourable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honourable. 22 We are also sending with them another of our brothers who has proven himself many times and has shown on many occasions how eager he is.”
2 Corinthians 8:20-22 NLT
Lord God,
Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. Letters. I used to love getting letters. I find emails a chore and sometimes I just don’t want the phone to ring! I miss settling down with a cup of tea and writing a reply and posting a letter to a friend. And I love Paul’s letters in the Bible because they could be written to us today. Thank You that Your word is full of people just like us.
How wise it was of Paul to not just do things properly but to ensure others saw that they did. To do things openly and above reproach and use people of integrity. Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Not someone who just lectures on principles or judges others but quietly lives them out. It is so easy Lord to point at others weaknesses rather than getting on with being a good example!
Help us live open lives, nothing hidden. To be the same when we are behind closed doors as we are in public. As the old saying, not just ‘go to meeting Christians’ but living Your life – with Your help.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God,
For our family, friends, neighbours. Answer prayer and help us build good relationships (where possible).
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Unity and encouragement.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). For Charles, Kate and Anne, full healing.
For every new or returning Parliamentarian. To find their feet, Your wisdom, personal integrity.
For Paris and athletes preparing for the 2024 Olympics, starting July 26th 2024.
For Gaza, Middle East, Ukraine, Myanmar – an end to hostilities. Peaceful futures.
For our NHS, police force, justice system. Best way forward with integrity. Visionary leadership.
For our farmers, rain and sun but in the order and on the days they need them.
For us gratitude for the things we take for granted and the people who bless our lives.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 8th July 2024
Just enjoy this and let it wash over You. Best beauty treatment ever.
We are called to seek the lost
To show the way to Him.
Put aside your doubts
your inmost fears
and just let His work begin.
So let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All his wonderful passion and purity,
O thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
Go with Jesus as you are.
Go with your joy and pain.
When we offer in sincerity
It brings glory to His name.
So let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All his wonderful passion and purity,
O thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
I am called in Your name.
So I lift my hands and sing!
Repeat . . .
Chorus . . . Let the beauty of Jesus
Lyrics: Nat and John Hanchett