“The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever. 5 I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. 6 Its branches will spread out like beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedars of Lebanon. 7 My people will again live under my shade. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon. 8 “O Israel, stay away from idols!
I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.”9 Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall.” Hosea 14:4-9 NLT
Lord of the wise,
Everything is verdant at the moment. Verdant – green with vegetation. Bursting with life. And You gave Your people a choice and clearly set out the benefits! Your way – verdant and full of life or the other. Then You sent Jesus. Not just Israel had the choice of knowing You. Today we rejoice that we too, who were not of Your people, can now be Your people and rejoice in these promises because of Jesus (1 Peter 2:10).
What a sensory picture Hosea paints with words. On rereading, I can see in my minds eye, dew on grass, lilies, shady trees, fields of corn, laden grape vines in the sun. And You our Father, speaking of how we can grow and have the best of Your love, light and nurturing.
Help us flourish. As the parable of the sower reminds us, to be good soil so our seed of faith can grow good (Matthew 13:8). Rooted and built up in Jesus, strengthened in the faith as we were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:7). And today, we can be assured of Your love and Your care.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord of the wise,
For our family and friends and neighbours. For each one an answer to their hearts prayer.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Verdant growth and Your tangible care.
For the royal family. What they need at this time and long term reconciliation.
For our nation, good growth, good government, good management, good living.
Ukraine, show Your power for peace and end war.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Pause a time to talk, a time to not throw stones, talk peace.
For those who are thinking about who Jesus is – a revelation of Your love for them.
Those who give food to food banks and those who manage them.
For farmers and those who take care of the countryside and our protected nature areas.
Those who promote hedges, green stretches for wild life and choose not to use poisons.
For us to know Your help, strength and care in our day today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Wednesday 22nd May 2024
The words of good hymns stand the test of time.
This poem, penned in 1922 by Rhea F Miller, was left on a piano by Bev Shea who wanted her son George to find it. He did and it changed his life. The words of, I’d rather have Jesus, inspired George to change his own goals and ambitions in life. He sat at the piano and began singing the poem to a tune that just seemed to fit. Shea’s mother heard him singing and requested him to sing it at church. George had a popular music career with NBC, but years later chose to work with evangelist Billy Graham. George sang this hymn around the world and with Billy challenged many to trust in Jesus.
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I’d rather be His than have riches untold
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or land
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame.
I’d rather be true to His holy name
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs.
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead
Lyrics: Rhea F Miller