Thursday 21st Sept 2023

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:12-16 NKJV

Awesome God,

The “therefore” comes after You reminded us that we should have the mind of Christ, (Philippians 2:5). The Christ who though equal to You, God, humbled Himself and died for us. But who is now highly exalted and one day every knee will bow before Him. We should have His way of thinking and therefore . . .

Do all things without complaining and disputing. It seems to me You keep reminding me recently of this and so I must need it! Why? Because You say here it is an attitude that can change me and stop me being blameless and harmless. We do still live in a crooked and perverse generation and that is what makes it hard sometimes. But that is no excuse with You.

Last night I noticed a really bright star near the moon and it did not twinkle, and I looked it up. It is not a star it is the planet Venus! It would be good lord to shine as a light in the world for You and not twinkle but consistently shine. Help us to hold fast to Your Wonderful Word and do that.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Awesome God,

It is not always possible to be at peace with everyone. Some people we know complain and are negative or just at odds. Help us to know what to say and when to keep silent. We pray for our family and friends some of whom are in pain or are going through trouble and need to share their challenges. Help us to know that sharing a complaint for prayer, explaining a situation, is not the same as moaning.

We pray for the many different circumstances those we know and care about are going through, and pray, You will be their light and guide and comfort.

We pray for Russia and a miraculous change in their attitude to Ukraine and for an end to war. Continue to provide Libya and Morocco with help and Your presence, even amidst those who would not know You ordinarily.

Grant us strength for today, the ability to smile at simple joys and a good nights sleep to come.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 21st Sept 2023

Jesus is Lord! Creation’s voice proclaims it,
for by his power each tree and flower was planned and made.
Jesus is Lord! The universe declares it –
sun, moon and stars in heaven cry: `Jesus is Lord!’

Jesus is Lord, Jesus is Lord!
Praise him with alleluias, for Jesus is Lord.

Jesus is Lord! Yet from his throne eternal
in flesh he came to die in pain on Calvary’s tree.
Jesus is Lord! From him all life proceeding –
yet gave his life a ransom thus setting us free.

Jesus is Lord! O’er sin the mighty conqueror;
from death he rose and all his foes shall own his name.
Jesus is Lord! God sends his Holy Spirit
to show by works of power that Jesus is Lord.

Lyrics: David John Mansell


Monday 28th August 2023

“When he (Jesus) came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.”20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”
Luke 4:16-20 NLT

God of the Good News,

Luke tells us Jesus came out of the wilderness, after being tested by the devil, full of the Holy Spirits power (Luke 4:14). He taught in synagogues around Galilee and then came to the one in Nazareth, his boyhood home. He chose his home place of worship and prayer to make the very first announcement of who He was! Then He sat down. Many historians say there was a chair left empty in the synagogue showing hope for the return of the Messiah! Well if He sat down there it would have got their attention, and to see what he would do or say next!

And He said clearly I am He, the Anointed One. Many were impressed, many were confused as they knew his earthly parents! For us Lord there was a time when we decided to follow You. Was Jesus just a good man. Was this Your Son?

For me as the writer to Hebrews says, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus is sat in the seat of authority. He will not, cannot be usurped. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Thank You for our security in Jesus.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of the Good News,

Plant goodness in our family and friends and mercy and love in the homes of our neighbours and along where we live. We pray they will give You house and heart room. Bless us through this week and all that is planned or will unfold.

Bless Ukraine with peace.

Thank You for the way that Your creation can recover from fires and floods. Things grow again miraculously sometimes. But human hearts need help to recover and come to terms with loss. Bless nature and enfold people.

As You sit in the seat of authority in glory at the right hand of God we pray that You will bless Your church worldwide and each and every child of God with faith, hope and love. Protect those who are persecuted.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 28th August 2023
Lovely new hymn

‘Jesus is Lord’ – the cry that echoes through creation:
Resplendent power, eternal Word, our Rock,
The Son of God, the King whose glory fills the heavens,
Yet bids us come to taste this living Bread.

Jesus is Lord – whose voice sustains the stars and planets,
Yet in His wisdom laid aside His crown,
Jesus the Man, who washed our feet, who bore our suffering,
Became a curse to bring salvation’s plan.

Jesus is Lord – the tomb is gloriously empty,
Not even death could crush this King of love.
The price is paid, the chains are loosed, and we’re forgiven,
And we can run into the arms of God.

‘Jesus is Lord’ – a shout of joy, a cry of anguish,
As He returns, and every knee bows low.
Then every eye and every heart will see His glory,
The Judge of all will take His children home.

Lyrics: Stuart Townend & Keith Getty

One of the earlier collaborations between Keith Getty & Stuart Townend, written in 2003 in a traditional hymn-like four verse format, tracing the God of creation, the giving Jesus as a humble sacrifice, His glorious resurrection, and His ultimate return.