“Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. 30 And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened.” Genesis 1:29-30 NLT
“You must not covet your neighbour’s house. You must not covet your neighbour’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbour.” Exodus 20:17 NLT
God of freedom, not license,
The last and tenth time that You, God spoke into creation is like a word of release. Now get on with it and see all that I have provided. Plenty for the two of them and a growing society to come. Shame that with all You provided for them, they just could not leave the one lone tree that was forbidden. All that abundance and variety and they coveted that one fruit. And it only took two seconds temptation by the snake to persuade them they should be able to have it.
When You needed to give Your people the last of 10 all encompassing rules and laws, did You remember how prone we are to wanting what we cannot have! Looks like it as You needed to cover envy, jealousy and greed! Do not covet! Oh, there is nothing new under the sun, as Your Word says (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
We too, when we have plenty still sometimes have eyes for what someone else has or what we have not. Sadly we see the breakdown of marriage due to those wanting someone else’s wife, husband or partner. Jealous and envy can be subtle, flitting through our minds at the speed of thought. Jealousy always leads to discontent not contentment. Lord, help us to learn to give thanks for all the blessings others have and then be able to count our own blessings.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of all creation,
We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, our church family. For their best for today.
Those living in our street or road or cul-de-sac or area. For a day of blessings.
For our town, local council and MP’s. For our King and His family.
For Gaza and the Middle East, to an end to the terrorism there without more bloodshed.
For Putin, the Russian people and for a change in policy. An end of war in Ukraine.
For help, relief and ongoing comfort for those in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco who last homes and family.
For our world, for greed to make way for generosity and contentment. For leaders to be more concerned with blessing their nation than growing their own wealth.
For ourselves, to be able to recognise, count and give thanks for our own blessings.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 27th October 2023
Timeless classic beautifully and simply sung.
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Lyrics: Johnson Oatman