Keep on believing Jesus is near

Thursday 16th July 2026

“Then came the word of the Lord to Jeremiah, saying, ¹³“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, “Will you not receive instruction to obey My words?” says the Lord. ¹⁴“The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; for to this day they drink none, and obey their father’s commandment. But although I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, you did not obey Me. ¹⁵I have also sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, ‘Turn now everyone from his evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them; then you will dwell in the land which I have given you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear, nor obeyed Me. ¹⁶Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them, but this people has not obeyed Me.” ’” Jeremiah 35:12-16 NKJV

Lord God Almighty,

Jeremiah pronounces some terrible judgements – but always tries to find a way to reach Your rebellious people and explain why, You God, are angry. For good reason. Jeremiah finds and honours the Rechabites who have come to Jerusalem looking for safety from the surrounding enemy. They are still living as commanded by their fathers who honoured You Lord (Jeremiah 36:6-11). Jeremiah holds them up as good living examples. They have not turned away from God or had their head turned by false idols. They do not fall in the face of temptation. Or be swayed by the popular opinion in the city.

I agree with learning. And changing my ways when science, good sense or a knowledgeable person teaches me. I can accept change. Mostly and given time if it does not offend. I can accept the documentaries on the stars and the universe and the beauty of nature. But I still believe You God created it all and it was part of Your plan (Genesis 1:1). I can accept medical life saving discoveries but it does not hinder my believing that You are the healer and the author of life (Acts 3:15 NIV).

You God held up Your Son as a living example. Sad that Judah did not listen to Jeremiah. But we are encouraged. Because daily there are people listening to the story of Jesus being drawn to Him and finding a friend, a Saviour and a new way of life. Keep us faithful amidst the subtle temptations that surround us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 16th July 2026
An old hymn. I love this new tune by the Salvation Army! And as the words imply temptation never goes away but adapts to each generation . . . but God is greater . . .

When you feel weakest, dangers surround;
Subtle temptations, troubles abound;
Nothing seems hopeful, nothing seems glad,
All is despairing, often-time sad.

Keep on believing, Jesus is near,
Keep on believing, there’s nothing to fear;
Keep on believing, this is the way,
Faith in the night as well as the day.

If all were easy, if all were bright,
Where would the cross be? Where would the fight?
But in the testings God gives to you,
Chances for proving what He can do.

Chorus

God is your wisdom, God is your might,
God’s ever near you, guiding you right;
He understands you, knows all you need,
Trusting in Him you’ll surely succeed.

Chorus

Let us press on then; never despair;
Live above feeling, victory’s there;
Jesus can keep us so near to Him,
That nevermore our faith shall grow dim.

Chorus twice

Lyrics: Mildred Duff

Sunday 22nd June 2025

“In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years. ³⁰Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. ³¹He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. ³²He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. ³³Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to arouse the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than did all the kings of Israel before him.” 1 Kings 16:29-33 NLT

“Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” ²Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: ³“Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. ⁴You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” ⁵So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. ⁶The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” 1 Kings 17:1-7 NLT

Lord God of Israel and Judah,

Nearing the end of 1 Kings You Lord, introduced us to Your servant Elijah and the King of Israel Ahab and his wife Jezebel. No sign of tolerance from the King for You he prefers licence to sin. And further more persecution and suffering and a determination to wipe out those who worship You, God. We meet those who are vehemently anti You God. And they hate Your followers as much as You. Its the same today sometimes.

But there is Elijah. Sent to confront Ahab with a very harsh message, years of drought. He survives that and You tell him to hide. You protect him and miraculously feed him. He must have been afraid for his safety and wondering how he would manage in a drought as he fled. He could not have dreamed the solution! You do call us to difficult situations and You do give us time out to recover. You sometimes surprise us with how You answer our prayers! And sometimes we need to learn which battles our ours and which to leave alone. When to press on and when to leave alond.

One thing this passage reaffirms is that it is not always easy to follow You. There are those who oppose us. But You do teach and prepare us. Elijah learned when to be led away to refresh and rest and when to confront. Help me to know when to speak, when to rest and always to let You direct.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 22nd June 2025