Tag: And can it be

Thursday 17th July 2025

“The word of the Lord that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel.” “When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.” 3 So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5 In that day I will break Israel’s bow in the Valley of Jezreel.” 6 Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”), for I will no longer show love to Israel, that I should at all forgive them. 7 Yet I will show love to Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but I, the Lord their God, will save them.” 8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the Lord said, “Call him Lo-Ammi (which means “not my people”), for you are not my people, and I am not your God.” Hosea 1:1-9 NIV

Almighty God,

What a calling and what a message! Very specific and very final. Your people had been rebellious and would suffer the consequences. Hosea’s children, born over the years following his marriage, named as a permanent reminder of Israel’s spiritual state. The people of Israel would be punished, no longer loved and no longer Your people. While Judah would be saved.

This clearly shows that you are not like a Father who can be won round by a rebellious daughter or son with empty words.. You have drawn a line in the sand and they have gone over it. I wonder what effect it had on Hosea’s children by naming them thus? Israel’s words needed to be accompanied by action, behaving like children of God. Turning around 180 degrees in their faith and practice (repenting) of idolatry. But they did neither.

Unlike the prodigal son they did not return to You, their Father (Luke 15:18-20), at this message so clearly given. And we wonder at those we witness to who will not listen and those of our own family who do not believe. We will keep our hope and prayer alive and yet it is their free will and choice. Sad, but we are eternally grateful that we heard, and believed, and felt the touch of our Saviour. To know we are forgiven, loved and numbered among Your people.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 17th July 2025
According to the editor of The Oxford Edition of the Works of John Wesley, “And Can It Be” was written immediately following Charles Wesley’s conversion to Christianity on May 21, 1738. Wesley had known his Bible well before this time but had not yet experienced affirmation of new birth or the wholeness of grace in his life.
Good to worship with a sound familiar hymn sometimes!

And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Lyrics: Charles Wesley



Friday 7th June 2024

“Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”” Luke 17:1-4 NKJV

God of the impossible,

We can say You didn’t tell it like it is. Its easier to start the day with promises rather than reality – but you prepare us for all eventualities. Because for some of us life is unexpected, confusing, and confusing. It is s not always easy especially if we are not even aware we have caused a problem. Families and friends are just people. Prone to sin like us. Misunderstandings can arise without any evil intentions. But here you are talking about the nitty gritty of being a Christian, to those who follow You.

Jesus knew what he was talking about- he experienced every sort of possible stumbling offence. He was disliked, hated for being good, disbelieved, misunderstood Later he was alone in temptation to give up, and finally betrayed by everyone. But it did not affect His behaviour. He even forgave those who put Him to death on the cross. What an example.

Not humanly possible? Help me to remember that I have been forgiven a lifetime of sin so I can forgive what others do to me. They still have to answer to You for judgement. And then rebuild trust and friendship.

Help us keep our hearts and minds uncluttered by unforgiveness and heal the memories that would seek to replay it in our minds. And help us be quick to apologise and make amends if we cause offence even unintentionally.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of the impossible,

For our family and friends and neighbours. Good relationships, good health, a good day.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Build the family of God.
For the royal family. Opportunities to supernaturally rebuild family and heal relationships.
For our nation and the Government we need for the future. Shake up and settle as best.
For Ukraine, a powerful move of Your Spirit to change circumstances and end war.
For families still resident here from Ukraine and still separated from their family.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. A move forward past all history and vengeance to make peace.
For schools, universities and colleges. Students, teachers, staff. Sports days and school trips.
For those living with pain and ongoing treatment, in mind or body. Our NHS, Doctors.
For those who seek vengeance to have a change of heart, seek reconciliation and let You judge.
For us to let go of hurts, unforgiveness with Your help. Unclutter minds, hearts and make room for goodness, kindness and joy.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 7th June 2024
According to the editor of The Oxford Edition of the Works of John Wesley, “And Can It Be” was written immediately following Charles Wesley’s conversion to Christianity on May 21, 1738. Wesley had known his Bible well before this time but had not yet experienced affirmation of new birth or the wholeness of grace in his life.
Being a Christian begins with a decision. Come into my heart Lord Jesus. Best decision ever.

  1. And can it be that I should gain
    An int’rest in the Saviour’s blood?
    Died He for me, who caused His pain
    For me, who Him to death pursued?
    Amazing love! How can it be,
    That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

    He left His Father’s throne above
    So free, so infinite His grace
    Emptied Himself of all but love,
    And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
    ’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
    For, O my God, it found out me!

    Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
    Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
    Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray
    I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
    My chains fell off, my heart was free,
    I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

    No condemnation now I dread;
    Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
    Alive in Him, my living Head,
    And clothed in righteousness divine,
    Bold I approach the eternal throne,
    And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

    Lyrics: Charles Wesley

Sunday 3rd March 2024

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Roman 5:1 KJV

God our Creator, our Lord and our Father,

I wonder how many Christians are fasting today or abstain from alcohol or cakes or chocolate or TV as part of lent? It can be interesting to discover how addicted we are to these things when we try to do without them! This year with our lent study, lent for me Father, has been more about Jesus. A deeper understanding of Jesus and me. Our relationship..

We cannot repair the broken relationship with You or bridge the chasm of offensive sin between us. You did it all. You came to us. Not remembering our past enmity, not bringing up our past failures. Giving Your whole self to making friendship possible with us. A sacrificial relationship.

Many of us have or have had family squabbles, times of not speaking, being annoyed. Broken friendships and people at church we don’t really get on with. Some relationships are painfully broken and need a miracle. Trust has been betrayed.

Help us remove hate and unforgiveness from our hearts. Not easy Lord! Help us forgive even where it would be foolish to trust again. Help us to build good, healthy relationships wherever we can. And through doing so learn about how You went to extreme’s to have a relationship with us. And love us and keep on loving us even when we offend, neglect you, or make mistakes..

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer:
God our creator, Lord and Father,

For family, friends, neighbours, we pray for all of them, grant them your friendship and help us give ours.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve, build their relationship with You, strong..
For all the Royal family. King Charles to Know Your holding Him through all His treatments.
For our government. Build relationships between individuals and parties so the best way forward can be found.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle and soon. Have mercy.
For the church in Ukraine, Myanmar and the underground churches. Keep them safe and strong.
For Gaza an end to the killing, hostage taking and hate. Enable talk, ceasefire and a path to peace.
Bless our local communities, food banks, church toddler groups, social and lunch provision.
Encourage and strengthen those who work in hospitals, dentist and doctors surgeries. Those who work in hospices and those who are close to the bereaved. Comfort the comforters.
For us today a good relationship with You. Encourage us and let us know anything we should put right. Anyone we should get in touch with to let them know they are loved.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 3rd March 2024

And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race;
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Lyrics: Charles Wesley

“And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” was written by Charles Wesley in 1738 to celebrate his conversion to Christ, which he regarded as having taken place on 21 May that year. The hymn celebrates his and our personal salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus and is sung in worship around the world today.