“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.”
Matthew 23:1-3 NLT
Father God,
I can remember the saying but am not too sure where it came from, ” Do what I say and not what I do!” Jesus is telling his listeners to do as the teachers of God’s law say but do not use them as an example to follow!
I started to think of the Christians I have knows who have been an encouragement to me by their words and their lives. And yet none of them have been perfect! And I too if i look at my life would have to say it is not the epitome of godliness all the time.
But these teachers Jesus was talking about were teachers of the Your Law but made no attempt to live it. And they did not see it as being a relationship with the one who wrote the Law, You! They must have had no fear or realisation that they were ignoring You. But Jesus did not teach us to obey because You were watching us, to mark us down or catch us out for for judgement. He called us to know Him, know His ways, know His forgiveness and follow HIs lead for our blessing and benefit. Jesus did practice what He preached and at great cost.
Help us to hear what You say, and learn to do it. And know Your blessing, our Father.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
You told us not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough worry of its own (Matthew 6:34). So we bring You all that is on our mind today, our family, friends, work colleagues, those who help us get through the day and those who we know through church, clubs and social groups. You know their needs and we bring those who are not well or in pain for Your touch of healing.
Bless Ukraine and Russia with the end of conflict and war. Protect those places in Africa where leadership is oppressive and unkind we pray resent help and a future when You will bring them out without bloodshed.
Bless our Parliament and we pray it will be a place of truth and compassion. Uncover wrong and bless and help those who work away tirelessly for their constituents.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Thursday 7th Sept 2023
O to be like Thee! blessed Redeemer;
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee!
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
O to be like Thee! full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wandering sinners to find.
Chorus . . .
O to be like Thee! lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.
Chorus . . .
Lyrics: Thomas Obediah Chisholm
2 verses not used in video
O to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming,
Now to receive the anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing;
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
O to be like Thee! While I am pleading
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love.
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit for a life which Thou wouldst approve.