“As they (the wise men) came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back by another route to their own country. 13 After they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to look for the child to kill him.” 14 Then he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and went to Egypt. 15 He stayed there until Herod died. In this way what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet was fulfilled: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” Matthew 2:11-15 NET
Jehovah Jireh, God who provides, (Genesis 22:14)
We worship You, remembering how You placed Your son as a helpless baby into the hands of an inexperienced young couple. We remember how You placed the birth of Your church into the hands of a dozen inexperienced men and a handful of women. We are in awe that You choose to use us. Thank you that You call those needed to reach each every generation. So we can never boast – only boast in You (1 Corinthians 1:31).
The wise men, after they left Bethlehem, were warned in a dream to avoid Herod. Knowing Herod’s heart – You also warned Joseph through a dream. Flee to Egypt now, not a short journey. No baby carriers and car seat, no fast food outlets, no camper van. No road side recovery. No social security payments.
But You provided. Had the wise men not found Jesus . . . Had they not given priceless gifts to a baby in a manger . . . Had they specified what to use the gold for . . . But they did as You asked, and just gave.
How many times has God provided just before or just when we needed. How often have we found He has provided inspiration, words, strength, direction, things, money at the right moment. And You have used us to be someone else’s provision at their time of need. You, God provided and led Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus forward safely. Thank You for providing for us. Help us trust You and lead us onward.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Jehovah Jireh, God who provides, (Genesis 22:14)
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For good men and women to speak out for, and bring, peace in troubled areas.
For all areas of war and oppression. For Gaza and the Middle East, Ukraine, Afghanistan, North Korea.
For refugees everywhere. Those who have been in camps for years. Those becoming refugees from danger, war and oppression. Those who are refugees from abusive relationships and slavery.
For those who have been victims of crime and murder and their families.
For Your church that spreads the Good News and its hand of help to those who need it all around the world.
For ourselves, that we would appreciate the simple joys of today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 29th December 2023
This may be new to You but just let the words and the Holy Spirit wash over and through you.
At the moment of my weakness,
When my need for power is plain,
And my own strength is exhausted once again,
Then my Lord has made provision
For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit
Hears my prayer, my prayer;
Then my Lord has made provision
For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Holy Spirit! Promised presence fall on me.
Holy Spirit! Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit!
Give Your power to me, O Holy Spirit.
When the darkness falls around me,
When bewildered and afraid,
When I feel the most deserted and betrayed,
Then my every need is answered
By God’s providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit
Hears my prayer, my prayer;
Then my every need is answered
By God’s providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Nothing now can rob God’s servant
Of the peace that He bequeaths,
Nothing take away the strength
His presence breathes.
Of the everlasting arms of love
I’m daily made aware,
And His precious Holy Spirit
Hears my prayer, my prayer;
Of the everlasting arms of love
I’m daily made aware,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Give Your power to me O Holy Spirit . . .
Lyrics: John Gowans
Available on CD: The King’s Singers, Salvation Army Favourites, Vocal Reflections, SPS2015.