Genesis 1:1 – Start The Day

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 NIV

“Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath, and he said, “When God comes to help you and lead you back, you must take my bones with you.” ²⁶So Joseph died at the age of 110. The Egyptians embalmed him, and his body was placed in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:25,26 NLT

God of eternity,

You go on forever, but we seem to have lots of beginnings and endings and seasons in our lives. The beginning and the ending of the book of Genesis are opposites. Its opens with life and ends with the death of Joseph and the end of an era. And so much happened in between!

Joseph, Father God, was very particular in his last words and the generations coming after him had to remember and pass on his instructions. Joseph discovered You were faithful even when his brothers wanted to murder and get rid of him. You were faithful when he was sold as a slave in a foreign land. You were faithful when the baker forgot him in prison for years. He believed, without doubt, that one day You, God would rescue and deliver him. It gave Him faith to say that one day You would lead his people out of Egypt and back to their own land. The land sworn to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. So he made them promise to takes his bones when they did!

This promise made sure they all kept it in mind. They could not forget. You created us in our time. You gave us the promise that one day we would go to the home in heaven you promised us (John 14:1) You sent us our deliverer who will carry us there so we would never forget. Hallelujah.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of here and now,

For our close family, all their particular needs.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church Ministers, lay leaders, Sunday school teachers, fellow worshippers.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For bankers, politicians, managing directors, inventors, researchers, self employed.
For Ukraine. An to end war. Medical aid and protection.
For peacemakers in Gaza, Middle East. Change hard hearts, melt vengeance, make steps to peace.
For Myanmar Your church people. Other areas where church is persecuted.
For the ongoing Olympic games. All those taking part, organising and attending.
For those trapped in modern day slavery, deliverance and a future.
For those trapped in poverty, by drugs or mental disability.
For those bereaved, affected by violence going through trauma. In fear from violence.
For those who stir up trouble to be brought to nought.
For us today, thanksgiving for all good that has been said and done and all the prayers around the world. Bless us today in all we do and say.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 7th August 2024

There’s a place where the streets shine
With the glory of the Lamb.
There’s a way, we can go there,
We can live there beyond time.

Because of You, because of You,
Because of Your love,
Because of Your blood.

No more pain, no more sadness,
No more suffering, no more tears.
No more sin, no more sickness,
No injustice, no more death.

Because of You, because of You,
Because of Your love,
Because of Your blood.

All our sins are washed away,
And we can live forever,
Now we have this hope,
Because of You.
Oh, we’ll see You face to face,
And we will dance together
In the city of our God,
Because of You.

There is joy everlasting,
There is gladness, there is peace.
There is wine ever flowing,
There’s a wedding, there’s a feast.

Because of You, because of You,
Because of Your love,
Because of Your blood.

Lyrics: Paul Oakley

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water.” Genesis 1:1 NET

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. ²The Word was with God in the beginning. ³All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. ⁴In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. ⁵And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it^.”
John 1:1-5 NET

God who is,

People seem to have taken their decorations down early this year and the streets look all dark again. And the rainy skies have been dark and oppressive. I wonder Lord, when the rain clouds first appeared? Was it in the garden of Eden or after Adam and Eve were sent out from there?

Thank You for the times the clouds clear and we glimpse blue. And for the rainbows I have seen brightening up the sky. You are still here reminding us that the light of Your love never stops shining. In the beginning there was You, the Word, and Your Spirit was moving . . . You were complete in harmony, character and purpose.

In a changing world we are grateful for the truth that does not change. Giving us solid ground to stand on. Your Truth to believe in and You, a God on the throne who is working Your purposes out for our good.

Now, is always a good time to praise You. You who was , and is, and is to come. Who will ever be our light, who lights up our faith on dark days. And when we see something creative or look at the cross we can hear You say, I did that for You. For me. (Just think of that!) And I worship You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In Jesus name we give thanks, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who always will be,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their hopes and prayers. For the many different blessings they need today.
For our church fellowships and all those who are touched by its worship, midweek meetings and clubs.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families.
For our government and the hearts of those who serve there to be selfless and dedicated.
For Ukraine and a withdrawal of Russian troops. The miracle of peace. An end to war.
For all areas where there is war and oppression. For peace and a new way forward. For Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For our NHS and all who work in medicine, research or treatment.
For those in prison. Bless the work of the Chaplains.
With thanks for all the good that people do every day, above and beyond, for neighbours and charities.
For ourselves and our needs and to give You our thanks for Jesus.

Thank You for all the good and beauty we see and have in our lives.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 4th January 2024

Who paints the skies into glorious day?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who breathes His life into fists of clay?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who shapes the valleys and brings the rain?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who makes the desert to live again?
Only the splendour of Jesus.

Teach every nation His marvellous ways;
Each generation shall sing His praise.
He is wonderful, He is glorious,
Clothed in righteousness,
Full of tenderness.
Come and worship Him,
He’s the Prince of life,
He will cleanse our hearts
In His river of fire.

Who hears the cry of the barren one?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Who breaks the curse of the heart of stone?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Who storms the prison and sets men free?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Purchasing souls for eternity?
Only the mercy of Jesus.