Tag: John 3:16

Sunday 24th March 2024

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Amplified Bible

God who loves,

In days like these when we so vividly see and can know what is going on around the world on TV we need some positive certainties. The surety of Sunday, for many of us a worship day, a gathering together for communion day. To study and listen to teachings of truth from Your word day. To ensure we have built on the rock, like the wise man, day (Matthew 7:25). To know You are still on the throne and have the final say.

Perish not a word used much today. Not an entertaining word! All the translations use the word perish. Perish: to die in a sudden way or to rot or decay more slowly. Not nice to think about. But we will not perish. Hallelujah for that one absolute certainly. We will be raised to life just as Jesus was. So we worship You as countless generations have done. We trust You as countless generations have done. We do not always understand all that is happening around us as countless generations before have not either. But we know that You God, You finally will put an end to evil and man’s rebellion. And we will dwell with You forever in a new heaven and a new earth. Help us know that truth.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who loves,

For our family, friends and neighbours. For their needs and hopes and to catch a glimpse of heaven this Easter.
For those we have not seen for a while or are worried about we ask Your healing and loving care.
For our church family, Ministers and church leadership. Life and health. Draw back the lost and inspire the weary and draw in those who need to find You.
For our young people to make good decisions for their future, open possibilities for them.
For the Royal family and the Government and all in responsibility for our nation.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Deal with Putin as with Pharaoh so he will let the people go.
For a solution for Gaza and peace and healing and a way to rebuild relationships and homes.
For countries where there is conflict, oppression or famine – provision, safety and support.
For those who have been bereaved, comfort and Your presence to cheer and to guide.
For Your help to look for the good, chase away the negative and appreciate the ordinary.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 24th March 2024

Benton Brown woke up feeling strange one morning. Came home from a worship event and rested. The week turned into 6 months. Doctor’s diagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome. Girlfriend Jude (now wife) also suffered from the same even though it is not contagious. They returned to S Africa to Brenton’s parents. Their Lives came to a stop. In their 20’s but not able to pursue their dreams. They sought the Lord and came across the verse in Isaiah 40, “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary . . . but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” A promise to them. It has still been a struggle, still hard but they are back serving God. Brenton wrote this song with Ken as a result as a life prayer for a faithful God.

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our strong deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won’t grow weary

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our strong deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won’t grow weary

You’re the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our strong deliverer
‘Cause You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won’t grow weary

You’re the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

From everlasting
To everlasting
God, you are everlasting

Lyrics: Brenton Brown and Ken Riley

Tuesday 23rd January 2024

“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

“ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

God of love,

No-one has greater love than this. What a headline! Many of us have known love, and know it cannot be perfect. It is about compromise and compassion and sometimes time deepens it. No-one has greater love than this – an outrageous statement? But God so loved . . . We find only perfect love in Your Son, Your visible representation (Colossians 1:15-17). Love sent Jesus, even before we loved You (Romans 5:8). We saw and experienced Your complete all encompassing love through Jesus. When we did not deserve anything but judgement ourselves, You loved..

We have a longing to be loved, Father. And we are. Adopted, chosen, wanted children of God because Jesus sealed the deal, paid the price. Your love, Lord God, is unconditional. You created us and know what is best for us. Even when we make mistakes, let You down or get in a mess – if we humble ourselves and seek Your face (2Chronicles 7:14), You love us, forgive us, and wipe the slate clean.

As we curl up with You and know the security of being loved, teach us not to be self sufficient, We thank You that we are loved with an everlasting love ( Jeremiah 31:3). It is not dependant on how we feel and it is not measured out, allotted, and we do not have to earn it. God so loved you, me . . .

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of love,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. To have family love, the love of friends, and God’s love.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. Love and fellowship.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family.
For our government and their families. Lead and speak clearly to them. Raise up the right people to stand in the elections, grant us a good Government.
For Ukraine and Russian. A miracle, many 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 those who foster and adopt and give love and care when it is needed.
For those who reconcile and help people to find peace and forgiveness.
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 be reminded how much You love us just as we are.

In Jesus name we ask, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 23rd January 2024
A gentle song – words of intimate worship.

I sing this praise for you alone
And once again I worship
At your throne

I lift you up you cover me
Safe and strong
Sheltered by your wings

I gaze upon Your glory now
Redeeming love satisfies my soul
You summon angels all around
This joy of salvation I have found

I adore you I will come
With shouts of joy into your presence
Faithful God my heart is overwhelmed by you

In Spirit and in truth I stand
To worship You with all I am

I’m yours, Lord
I am yours, my Lord
Jesus, my heart is overwhelmed


Monday 30th October 2023

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NLT

God who loves the world,
e of course of the most well known 3:16 in the bible. John 3:16. How reassuring this verse is for down days or any days! For doubtful days, and for days we wonder about the things we cannot see yet. At a good Christian memorial or funeral services we get reminded of Your provision and the certainty we will meet in heaven. But they only can do that because of Your Bible promises.

You loved us more than Yourself, Jesus was with You in the beginning in a way which is a mystery in its fulness to us. The Trinity. We use the understanding of Your only Son. You loved us more than Him. You literally love Your neighbours (those you created), as Yourself. You practice what You preach! That takes some thinking about.

Whoever believes, everyone who believes in Him, it says. That too takes some considering. You leave it up to us to decide whether to believe and take the gift. It is not about who passes the test, does best, earns it . . . it is about faith.

Not perish? Meaning more than die but rot away, what a horrible expression. But yes, we all die. However Your promised us we could pass through the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4) and not perish We can rise with Jesus in His resurrection. (Romans 6:6).Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven (John14:1).

We need to engrave these truths on our hearts and in our minds. And we give You eternal thanks for being utterly faithful..

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God who loves this world,

We pray:

For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. To know Your love for them.
For our town to know Your love and grow our fellowships.
For our town, local council and MP’s to make wise choices. For our King and His family to follow You.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for the miracle of resting from war and finding peace.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, an end and soon, to war.
For ongoing comfort, help and relief for those in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco and where there has been flooding in the UK.
For our world, for Governments to see the benefit of loving the world and their people and doing the best for them.
For ourselves, to know Your love in us and it colour our day beautiful and encourage all we meet.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Worship Monday 29th October 2023

What kind of love is this
that gave itself for me?
I am the guilty one,
yet I go free.
What kind of love is this,
a love I’ve never known;
I didn’t even know his name –
what kind of love is this?

What kind of man is this,
that died in agony?
He who had done no wrong
was crucified for me.
What kind of man is this,
who laid aside his throne
that I may know the love of God –
what kind of man is this?

By grace I have been saved;
it is the gift of God.
He destined me to be his own
such is his love.
No eye has ever seen,
no ear has ever heard,
nor has the human heart conceived
what kind of love is this?

Lyrics: Bryn and Sally Haworth