Then Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lords! 19 Indeed now, your servant has found favour in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die. 20 See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.” 21 And he said to him, “See, I have favoured you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken. 22 Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. 23 The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. 24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:18-26 NKJV
Lord God,
Salt, while we are on the subject. Lot’s wife, known for becoming a pillar of the white stuff. Even Jesus used her as a warning in Luke 17:32 not to look back! Her history in Genesis reads like a horror movie. Just when we think , happy ending . . .
So what are You saying to me? Did Lot and his two daughters run looking forward together encouraging each other? Did she lag behind and temptation whisper in her ear? Do we need to keep in the company of those who encourage us to look to You?
Was it punishment for her looking back or was it that she lagged behind while looking and was caught up in the destruction? Perhaps we do not have the threat of being turned into salt today but we do not always listen when Your still small voice Holy Spirit corrects or directs us . . . . Help us to trust and obey.
She became salt! I think that is much more of a statement than the newer versions which say she changed into a pillar of salt. They scattered salt to ruin the land. She became part of the dead land of Sodom and Gomorrah. A stark warning to keep our eyes on Jesus. To grow and have Your life in all its fulness, forever more (Hebrews 12:2).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
An outline of prayer to get you started on those things you need to pray for today:-
Lord God,
Today we pray for family, friends, neighbours, neighbourhood, city and our church family.
For Putin and the end of war in Ukraine. For countries where there is no justice and equality.
For help, relief and comfort for those affected by natural disasters such as Libya and Morocco.
For the many murders in the news. For Your justice and comfort for those who have lost a loved one through violence and murder.
For our Government and the King for all they need to lead this country and set and example of commitment, honesty and dedicated service. To reveal those who have their own agenda.
For those projects our church prays for and supports, that much good would result.
For those on missions overseas that they would see miracles and be blessed themselves.
For the things we are involved in and long to see flourish. For strength for today.
Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 7th October 2023
Two hymns! These words are just as relevant today.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey
Chorus
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies
But His smile quickly drives it away
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey
And ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more
Lord oh, for grace to trust You more
Lyrics: John H Sammis Tune: Daniel B Towner
Lyrics: Louisa M R Stead
Trust and obey was inspired in 1886 when Daniel B. Towner, was the music leader during one of Dwight L. Moody’s famous revivals. Daniel says, “Mr. Moody was conducting a series of meetings in Brockton, Massachusetts, and I had the pleasure of singing for him there. One night a young man rose in a testimony meeting and said, ‘I am not quite sure—but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey.’ I just jotted that sentence down, and sent it with a little story to the Rev. J. H. Sammis, a Presbyterian minister. He wrote the hymn, and the tune was born.” Sammis is said to have composed the lines of the refrain upon receiving the letter:
“Trust and obey—for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
The song ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus was inspired by Louisa M.R. Stead’s personal tragedy of losing her husband in a drowning accident. She found solace in trusting Jesus and wrote the hymn’s lyrics, which were later set to music by William J. Kirkpatrick. The song was published in 1882 and remains popular for its message of hope and comfort during life’s challenges.