“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