Matthew 1:1 and 1:9-11 – Start The Day

“This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.”
. . . “Uzziah was the father of Jotham. Jotham was the father of Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah. ¹⁰Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh. Manasseh was the father of Amon. Amon was the father of Josiah. ¹¹Josiah was the father of Jehoiachin and his brothers (born at the time of the exile to Babylon).” Matthew 1:1 and 1:9-11

God of grace,

The family tree of Jesus shows the passage of great warriors and kings (good and bad alas). Their history tells of their ups and downs of faith. But through it all You are faithful to Your promise and give opportunity for repentance and restoration.

Ahaz, king at 20 years old reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did not do what was right in the eyes of the You, the Lord his God. Even sacrificed his son in the fire, a detestable practices of other nations (2 Kings 16:2,3). Hezekiah, was better but the people of Judah did not give up their idolatry. When he was dying, Isaiah visited and You, God granted him 15 years more and the miracle of the suns shadow moving backwards (2 Kings 20:1-11). Manasseh, 12 when he became king did evil in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 21:2). Amon did evil in the eyes of the Lord (2 Kings 21:20). Then came Josiah. After many black sheep in the family, he did right but not perfectly (2 Kings 22:2)..

You continually sent prophets and priests to challenge kings and your people to live according to your law. They forgot their history of your salvation from drought, slavery, their enemies and homelessness . They forgot the many times they turned to You and were saved. But You remained faithful and still placed Your only Son into their descendants care.

We see Your faithfulness, and Jesus personified it. Giving the gift of new life through Him.. Keep us humble, by Your Holy Spirit, living in Your mercy and faithfulness, doing right in Your eyes.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of grace,

For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
Thank You for the precious people who enrich our lives.
For our Christian family. Christmas events planned for worship an to welcome new people to.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government, the Commons, the house of Lords, the civil servants.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For Sudan and their future hopes.
For all the conflict in the Middle East for the ongoing complications to end.
For the health of our nation at a time when flu, covid, RSV virus and tummy bugs abound.
For our NHS at this bust time of year and the staff to be immune to all the seasonal germs.
For those in Iceland who have only 4-5 daylight hours (and cold) in December.
For us to appreciate the light we have, the blessings we have and that You never leave us regardless of our emotions and feelings.

In Jesus name we pray.

Worship Tuesday 10th December 2024
Lamentations 3:22-23 put to music beautifully for worship. Simple truth? Profound truth.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
Your mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning,
new every morning:
great is your faithfulness, O Lord,
great is your faithfulness!

Lyrics: Edith McNeill

“This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and Abraham…”
“Uzziah was the father of Jotham. Jotham was the father of Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah. ¹⁰Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh. Manasseh was the father of Amon. Amon was the father of Josiah. ¹¹Josiah was the father of Jehoiachin and his brothers (born at the time of the exile to Babylon).” Matthew 1:1 and 1:9-11 NLT

Our Father,

We often call to You as our Father. But need to remember that You are not man sized but the Father Creator and upholder of the universe. Sometimes I need to remember that You are all powerful but also a merciful gentle Saviour. As a good Father You would do leave your children undisciplined! Not because You are stern but out of love for our own good! (Hebrews 12:10).

Uzziah became king at 16 years old. He sought You and You helped him in battles and building his Kingdom. Even though he had not much life experience at 16. He loved the soil and farmed the valleys and the hillsides (2 Chronicles 26:1-14). It is sad to read that power changed his view. He stopped respecting You, flouted Your commands taking incense into the Temple – doing what You called the priests to do. The high priest and 80 priests rushed him out! He was a recluse with leprosy from that day and his son Jotham ruled.

Sometimes when we have done well or achieved something we look at it and are pleased. Nothing wrong with that. But sometimes the enemy whispers, ‘haven’t you done well’, and we bask in our own glory. We burn incense to ourselves. Help us remember who helped us do well and thank You, God, for all we have, the opportunities, the successes and the blessings.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father God,

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,

For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
Thank You for the precious people who enrich our lives.
For our Christian family. Christmas events planned for worship an to welcome new people to.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government, the Commons, the house of Lords, the civil servants.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For all the conflict in the Middle East for the ongoing complications and vengeance. to end.
For those who need practical help and support to know that God does care for them.
For food banks, emergency housing, charities providing furniture, bedding, meals.
For us to be confident because You know us and only ask us to do what You know we are able.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 9th December 2024
It does!

My faithful father
Enduring friend
Your tender mercy is like a river with no end
It overwhelms me
Covers my sin
Each time I come into your presence
I stand in wonder once again

Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
‘Cause your grace still amazes me
Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient savior
You make me whole
You are the author and the healer of my soul
What can I give you?
Lord, what can I say?
I know there’s no way to repay you
Only to offer you my praise

Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
‘Cause your grace still amazes me
Your grace still amazes me

It’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper, it’s wider (it’s deeper, it’s wider)
It’s stronger, it’s higher (it’s stronger, it’s higher)
Than anything my eyes can see

Chorus

Lyrics: Connie Harrington / Shawn Craig