“Let our lord instruct his servants who are here before you to look for a man who knows how to play the lyre. Then whenever the evil spirit from God comes upon you, he can play the lyre and you will feel better.” 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Find me a man who plays well and bring him to me.” 18 One of his attendants replied, “I have seen a son of Jesse in Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave warrior and is articulate and handsome, for the Lord is with him.” 19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is out with the sheep.” 20 So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a container of wine, and a young goat and sent them to Saul with his son David. 21 David came to Saul and stood before him. Saul liked him a great deal, and he became his armour-bearer. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse saying, “Let David be my servant, for I am very pleased with him.”” 1 Samuel 16:16-22 NET
Father God,
Jesse let his youngest son go and work for a king who was troubled by evil spirits and not someone of good disposition. But then he didn’t seem to value the young son and forgot about him when showing off his sons to Samuel! Samuel had anointed David for Your service but here his earthly father hired him out as a musician, a harp player who also had to carry the Kings belongings about for him. A dogsbody, a servant.
We cannot always see what You are doing in our lives or whether what we are doing now is it! David just did what his father sent him to do and did it to the best of his ability. A harp playing servant for a grumpy bad tempered King. These days we would say Saul had mental health issues!!!
Father God, You placed us in our families, among those we work with and in the neighbourhood we live in. Help us to see what it is You want us to do our best where You have placed us. Whether it be great or small, cost us a little or a lot. Help us to be faithful in prayer, constant in worship and ready to do Your will.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our fellowship and congregation members, our ministers, servers, wardens.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Local Council.
For our Government, advisors, diplomats and ambassadors.
For Ukraine and Russia. Miracles to lead to the end of war and oppression.
For Israel, Lebanon, the Middle East. Countries in conflict. Your purposes override those of man.
For those who are persecuted and the families of those put to death because of their faith.
For those in the news and our community who have been bereaved by war, murder or accident.
For farmers caring for livestock and the political challenges.
For the endless good that is done daily by Your people, the church, both locally and nationally.
For us to see opportunities to serve You. To lean on You for help and provision.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 26th November 2024
We had this worship hymn a couple of years ago and I am reminded that Christians are still put to death for their faith today. The chorus always stirs my heart . . . even makes me cry . . .
I have heard how Christians long ago
Were brought before a tyrants throne
And they were told that he would spare their lives
If they would renounce the name of Christ
But one by one they chose to die
The Son of God they would not deny
Like a great angelic choir sings
I can almost hear their voices ring
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
With all my strength
With all I am
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
Now the years have come and the years have gone
But the cause of Jesus still goes on
And now our time has come to count the cost
To reject this world, to embrace the cross
And one by one let us live our lives
For the One who died to give us life
Till the trumpet sounds on the final day
Let us proudly stand and boldly say
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
With all my strength
With all I am
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
To the Lamb of God who bore my pain
Who took my place, Who wore my shame
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
Lyrics: Ray Boltz.