“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Philippians 1:21-24 NIV
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8 NIV
Lord of heaven and earth,
These two verses could be read as if someone is fed up with living! But Your writer Father, of Philippians and Romans, probably Paul, was not depressed or melancholy even though in prison! Rather he was rejoicing in his options. Life, abundant life encouraging those building Christian fellowships he supported. Or leaving this earth for heaven and meeting You, Jesus face to face.
Father, when we see a beautiful view, a glorious sunset or have a meal with people we love – we get a tiny glimpse of what heaven may be like. The experience of taking communion in Korea with 7000 believers from all around the world moved me to tears. (People spent all night just cutting up bread!). All one heart and mind and related by the death and life in Your Son.
We praise you for all the blessings we have in life. It is good to be alive. The enjoyment of simple things, the moments when we are so aware You are with us. When we look back and see how you have shaped our lives. Father, keep our eyes on you but in two places at one time! Here in the everyday and also looking to heaven where we will see you face to face and not through a mirror darkly. ( 1 Corinthians 13:12).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord of heaven and earth,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). World kings, dictators, leaders and rulers.
For Ukraine. Please end war, soon. Reconcile Putin by Your Spirit with thoughts of peace.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions for a reconciliation and lasting peace.
For the ongoing success of Malaria vaccines for children and extending to all African countries.
For all those in hospices and their families and friends.
For those grieving. Planning funerals. Your light and comfort.
For nursing homes and those who take services and pray with the residents.
For weary Christians to be revived, prayer groups to see answers and blind eyes open to see Jesus.
For us a glimpse of heaven and reassurance and lots of glimpses of You throughout our day.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 24th August 2024
Every time I walk on cobblestone
I imagine streets of gold
And beyond this house I’m living in
There are mansions I am told.
I know there’s so much more to life
Than meets these human eyes
Seems I’m always in two places at one time.
Every time the wind blows through the pines
I hear the angels sing
And beyond the smokey mountain tops
There are surely grander things.
I know there’s so much more to life
Than what’s beneath these skies
Seems I’m always in two places at one time.
Now I’ve been called a dreamer
A poor soul out of place
But my heart is firmly planted
In a field of endless faith.
Every time this world has ever
tried to offer me it’s best
I think about the place I’ll see
When I am laid to rest.
I know there’s so much more to life
Than what we realise
Seems I’m always in two places at one time.
Now I’ve been called a dreamer
A poor soul out of place
But my heart is firmly planted
In a field of endless faith.
I know there’s so much more to life
Than meets these human eyes
Seems I’m always in two places at one time
Lowell Alexander, Chuck Leonard
CD: Brush Arbor, The Way the River Runs, Benson Music Group.