“Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom. For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said.” Ecclesiastes 10:20 NLT
God and King,
I wonder how many times King Solomon was told things and when he asked who told them they said, “A little bird told me!” A little bird told me it was your birthday. A little bird told me . . . and good news is relayed. What lovely little birds they are sometimes. I have read somewhere that if someone has a good experience they will tell on average 6 others. Good news spreads. But not as quickly as bad alas.
Here the little bird spoken about is one who shares the negative, the gossip. The things said in frustration or an off moment. It is said that if someone has a bad experience they share it with 9 to 15 other people. Negativity and gossip spreads further, faster! And there are those little birds that love to stir and cause trouble ultimately for their own benefit. Often out of context or a half truth.
We are so grateful that You clean our slate (wipe our hard drive)of all we have negatively said, thought or repeated. You will not bring it up against us any more. There will be no little birds whispering condemnation. They are gone. (Hebrews 8:12). So help us not to listen to the negatives, not to repeat unkind gossip and help us to deliver good messages and continually give thanks.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God and King,
For our close family. Their individual needs and hopes.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations. Joyful worship.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For Parliament, house of commons and Lords. No hidden gossip.
For our NHS to be repaired not patched up. For all who are employed.
For Ukraine. Lord God, bring an end to war and an end to violence.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Step into their midst with Your peace.
For You to silence gossips and those who would steal another’s good reputation.
For courts to see through witnesses who do not speak the truth.
For actual birds and their habitats and gratitude for the joy they bring.
For us a day of good news, kind thoughts and contentment even if busy with many things.
Worship Monday 16th September 2024
Story of the song below the lyrics.
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
Lyrics: Bill and Gloria Gaither
In the late 1960s, expecting their third child, the Gaithers were going through a traumatic time. Bill was recovering from a bout with mononucleosis. It was a period of anxiety and mental anguish for Gloria. The thought of bringing another child into this crazy world was taking its toll on her.
On New Year’s Eve, she was sitting in their living room, in agony and fear. The educational system was being infiltrated with the God is dead idea, drug abuse and racial tensions were increasing. Suddenly, and unexpectedly, she was filled with a gentle, calming peace. As if her heavenly Father, like an attentive mother bending over her baby, saw his child and came to her rescue. The panic gave way to calmness and assurance only the Lord can impart. She was assured that the future would be fine, left in God’s hands.
Shortly after the baby was born, both Bill and Gloria remembered that the power of the Holy Spirit seemed to come to their aid. Christ’s resurrection, in all of its power and affirmation in their lives, revitalized their thinking. To Gloria, it was life conquering death in their daily activities. Joy once again dominated the fearful circumstances of the day, giving rise to, “Because He Lives.”