“May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.” Galatians 1:3-4 NLT
God who planned,
Random or planned? The question many scientists grapple with looking at the infinite cosmos. Yet the more they do documentaries on the vastness of galaxies, suns and stars – the more I see Your hand designing, developing and continually creating. Keeping our little solar system stable, safe and ongoing. Your big picture.
And You, God also meticulously planned to stick with Your rebellious people Continually calling them back to You. You stuck with them as You promised and sent Your Son as one of them knowing they would bruise Him and kill Him. And when they did You took their punishment and then gave them Your Spirit to be in relationship with them, with us, with me.
What love. A Creator, a Saviour, a life giving Spirit. Today we celebrate You. One God and yet we know as Father Son and Holy Spirit. An awesome holy God we are not worthy to approach. Yet our Saviour, a Redeemer who died in our place. And the Spirit who comes to teach and lead and provide all we need to have faith and live in peace with You.
You planned the answer to our sinful choices. At great cost to Yourself. And You gave us the choice Even though we live amidst mans best and worst their is a plan. Your plan. Even if I cannot see or understand all the big picture. One day we will, safe in the arms of Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who planned,
For our family whether near or distant, each generation.
For friends and neighbours.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Church family.
For the royal family.
For our nation, government, civil servants. Your plans overriding theirs.
For Ukraine, show Your power for peace and disassemble this war.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Pause, a time to talk, a time to not throw stones, peace.
For a revival in seeking You. Sunday to be a witness of those who go to Your house.
For our minds and thoughts to come to rest with no anxiety. Hear Your plan one step at a time.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 26th May 2024
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty
God in three persons blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim, falling down before Thee,
which wert and art and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see
Only Thou art holy there is none beside Thee
Perfect in power, in love and purity
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty
All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty
God in three persons blessed Trinity.
Lyrics: Reginald Heber