“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.
- 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