11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NET
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14,15 NET
“13 No one has greater love than this—that one lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:13,14 NET
Lord God,
Last Monday, I have been informed was blue Monday? Designated the day most people feel bad on! I hope and pray they feel better. Thank You that we are not controlled by the calendar and that You, God colour even our hard or difficult days with Your grace and glory.
What stops me going into the blue zone?! Remembering to come to my Shepherd. Recalling Bible verses, hearing You speak through them. Being reassured of Your care, Your rod and staff they comfort me (Psalm 23).
These verses are deliver assurance and faith. The Shepherd that laid down His life for the sheep. Jesus came from You, lived and died for His sheep, more personally, me. Who rose again and is once more seated with You at Your right hand (Hebrews 12:2). He is our Saviour (John 3:16) and shows us the height, depth and width of Your love. More personally me. Words to recall and remind us of the cost, the suffering, the commitment to die alone on the cross, conquer death and rise again for us, me.
They also remind us that we do not hope to be or would like to be . . . Your sheep but in Jesus we are Your sheep. You know what is best for each one of us. Some You are calling to prayer, to a vocation, to be content where we are, to enjoy still waters in retirement. To just what is right for us. Help us to feed, drink and behave as Your sheep should and know we have the Shepherd with us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Saviour God,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Lead them to green pastures.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. May they all really know You.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family.
For our government and their families. Lead and speak clearly to them, that Your will be done in these days. Raise up the right people to stand in the elections, grant us a good Government.
For Ukraine and Russian. A miracle, miracles . . . Peace an end to war.
For wherever there is unrest, war, military oppression: Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria, China . . . change people, situations, hearts, politics.
For the Red Sea and growing International disruption. Overcome and deliver the world from evil.
For all those who restore. People, nature, broken things. In small ways or large.
For those who reconcile and help people to find peace and forgiveness.
For actual shepherds still out in the fields caring for the sheep whatever the weather.
For all leaders, managers, movers and shakers to put others first and encourage good.
For the gift of friendship. Protection from scammers, liars and those who would take advantage or the vulnerable.
For ourselves, to hear Your gentle voice and be reassured of Your love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 22nd January 2024
See inspiration for the hymn below the lyrics.
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
I’m so glad I learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend
And I know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end.
Chorus x 2
Lyrics: Louisa M. R. Stead.
The lyrics to “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” were written by Louisa M. R. Stead. She was born in Dover in 1850 and converted to Christianity at the age of nine. At the age of 21, she immigrated to the Cincinnati USA. That year, she attended a camp meeting in where she felt the call of God to be a missionary to China but due to her health, was unable to go. In 1875, four years later, she married and moved to New York where she had her daughter, Lily.
When Lily was four years old, the family were visiting Long Island when they heard the frantic sounds of a drowning boy. Stead’s husband jumped in to try to save the child but, tragically, both died in the incident before Stead and her daughter’s very eyes. It is believed that this disaster provided the inspiration for the lyrics of the song