Ancient Words – Start The Day

“Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. ²¹God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh. ²²What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. ²³When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.” Luke 6:20-23

“One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, ²and he began to teach them.” Matthew 5:1-2

Lord God,

Jesus spent much time teaching his disciples and anyone who would want to listen to His teaching. As disciples we too need to spend much time learning. It seems that following You is not about strict rules or common sense or even knowing what someone else has done in the situation before. It is about what we need to do. There is nothing better than watching small children learning to do something and the great pleasure they get out of doing it themselves.. Even with a little help from a hovering teacher. Who also gets pleasure from them learning something new.

I pray I will never get bored or complacent at learning from You Lord. Wen I do learn something even if it is from making a mistake it shows me how much You are involved and have invested in my life. It reminds me what You paid so that I may know You as my Father and my Teacher. It reminds me that You know every person intimately. No problem as you say You know every sparrow! (Matthew 10:29-31). And that is overwhelming. You have no favourites (Romans 12:2).

Your Word is as relevant today. As Timothy writes in 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Help us to remain teachable and open to You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 27th October 2025
The Bible is not old fashioned, outdated or passé.

Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, wherever we roam
Ancient words will guide us home

Ancient words, ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh, heed the faithful words of Christ

Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart
Repeat . . .

Ancient words, ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart
Repeat . . .

We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Songwriters: Lynn Deshazo

” So Joab told the king what Absalom had said. Then at last David summoned Absalom, who came and bowed low before the king, and the king kissed him.” 2 Samuel 14:33 NLT

“After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him. ²He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where in Israel they were from, and they would tell him their tribe. ³Then Absalom would say, “You’ve really got a strong case here! It’s too bad the king doesn’t have anyone to hear it. ⁴I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!” ⁵When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn’t let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. ⁶Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.” 2 Samuel 15:1-8 NLT

Lord God and Judge,

Absalom contrite before his father is welcomed back into the fold. Taking an interest in his people. Really? We would use the term two faced about Absalom I think. Still only looking out for himself even in the face of his family. He is still hungry for vengeance and angry with His family over the past? The rape of his sister Tamar by her half brother (2 Samuel 13:1-22) Some passages are hard to read father. Hurts in families run deep.

The people are fickle and do not see what Absalom is doing. Bragging about how good he would be to make David look a failure.

How we need Your Holy Spirit in these days. Gently opening our eyes to see what is real, what is true and what is genuine. Where people are working to their own selfish agenda. In all walks of life there is deception, whether just a twinge or a dangerous overload. Help us to see and avoid them, not be taken in by a false face. So we can see and think about and only be a part of what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. (Philippians 4:8-9) – And kind (Ephesians 4:32).

Keep us from any deception in our own lives, even a twinge.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 5th May 2025

Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, wherever we roam
Ancient words will guide us home

Ancient words, ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh, heed the faithful words of Christ

Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Chorus . . . repeated

We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Lyrics: Lynn DeShazo