“For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 NET
God of grace,
We could spend all day just talking about grace . . . but today I was challenged by verse 10. We are Your creative work – the Authorised version says we are Your workmanship! Like a sculpture or a work of art created not just by a brilliant artist but the Giver of life. And You breathed it into us!
For a purpose. You give our lives meaning and purpose. We were created and are given opportunity to have faith, to do good works, prepared beforehand not at the last minute! The opportunities You give us to respond in Your love. Whether that means in a family setting, in a mission setting, in an everyday setting. You put something before us that we can do for good in Your name. A good word, a good deed, a good action in response to Jesus, words, deeds and action.
Sometimes our lives may look random, challenging and not as good as someone else who is doing great things. Help us just to see You do not measure by those means. We are all individual with individual lives and opportunities and gifts. You placed us just where You wanted us – even from our mothers wombs. (Psalm 139). Help us to respond when we can and where we can as You would.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of grace,
For family, friends, neighbours, be with them in their ups and downs and meet their needs.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve, give them Your inner strength and faith..
For all the Royal family. Charles ongoing treatment. Kates full recovery. Healing of rifts.
For our local councillors and those who will be up for election.
For our government and MPs and their families. Raise up and bring down the right people.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Change Russia to end their attack.
For Gaza an end to killing. Bombard them with Your peace and a way to negotiation..
For changes in Yemen, Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria and other countries where there is war, aggression, oppression, dictatorship, slavery.
For those who run food banks and those who need them..
For overseas relief agencies and medical support.
For those who need to know their God given purpose in this life and have all they need to fulfil it.
For us to have a day full of opportunities to be kind and good and helpful.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 22rd February 2024
I Want To Serve The Purpose Of God
In My Generation
I Want To Serve The Purpose Of God
While I Am Alive
I Want To Give My Life
For Something That Will Last Forever
Oh, I Delight, I Delight To Do Your Will
What Is On Your Heart? Show Me What To Do
Let Me Know Your Will, and I Will Follow You
What Is On Your Heart? Show Me What To Do
Let Me Know Your Will, and I Will Follow You
I Want To Build With Silver And Gold
In My Generation
I Want To Build With Silver And Gold
While I Am Alive
I Want To Give My Life
For Something That Will Last Forever
Oh, I Delight, I Delight To Do Your Will
I Want To See The Kingdom Of God
In My Generation
I Want To See The Kingdom Of God
While I Am Alive
I Want To Live My Life
For Something That Will Last Forever
Oh, I Delight, I Delight To Do Your Will
I Want To See The Lord Come Again
In My Generation
I Want To See The Lord Come Again
While I Am Alive
I Want To Give My Life
For Something That Will Last Forever
Oh I Delight, I Delight To Do Your Will
Lyrics by Mark Altrogge a singer, songwriter and senior pastor at the Sovereign Grace Church of Indiana.