“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV
God who reigns,
There is so much to think about in these verses. And at their heart, the reminder that Jesus lives and still loves this fallen world. Thank God You do. Jesus. Made a refugee as a small child, the family fleeing to save hiss life. Returning to his own people ruled by Romans and under their military law. He healed the sick, raised the dead and told the truth but was hated by the religious leaders. Persecuted, condemned unjustly, tried unfairly, beaten to within an inch of his life and put to death cruelly, slowly. He knew times of testing, disappointment, frustration and temptation. Yet he displayed only faith, hope, joy, purpose and love.
Now You call us to live the life You, God have set before us. Well run it actually! Suggesting no hesitating or going backwards? Some challenge! Then we see Jesus, who has finished the race and has come back by His Spirit to run it with us. At our speed, to ensure we make it to the finishing line. Thank You that You, God, cheer us on, give us the nourishment we need and keep us going whether a sprint or a pootle.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God who reigns,
For family, friends, neighbours, hear and answer their needs and prayer. Keep them safe.
For our church family and keep them faithful. Bless the lent groups as they study.
For the Royal family. Ongoing healing, medical privacy and for healing for family rifts.
For our government. Raise up good men and women to serve and keep them focused on good.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle of peace. So families can be reunited.
For Gaza. A peaceful way forward. Help those delivering aid to where it is needed.
For a harvest of new people and believers to the churches this Easter.
For Haiti, not in the news but still in the control of drug and criminal gangs, widespread poverty.
For families to thrive and children enjoy childhood. For single parents to find support and thrive.
For adopted and fostered children’s safety and nurture and best.
For us a day to relax in Your faithfulness and appreciate nature as it begins to awake with spring.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 12th March 2024
No apologies for having this familiar hymn again. Settle back and be assured, we have His faithful presence to cheer and to guide . . . always.
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father.
Thomas O. Chisholm was born in 1866 in a Kentucky log cabin. He did not have an academic education but at 16 became a schoolteacher in the same schoolhouse where he was educated. Later he became associate editor of the local newspaper and later an editor of the Pentecostal Herald in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1893 aged 26, Thomas made the most important decisions of his life and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. In 1903, he was ordained a minister, but was forced to limit his years of service due to poor health. Throughout his life, Thomas wrote hundreds of poems. Great is Thy faithfulness was put to music by his friend William Runyan.