“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” Matthew 7:6 NKJV
God only wise,
Don’t cast your pearls before swine. I heard that as a child and thought it funny as I didn’t have any pearls and couldn’t believe anyone would throw them to swine. But I soon found that I cannot argue anyone into the gospel.
This verse comes straight after the warning to take the plank out of our own eye before trying to help someone with a splinter in theirs! (Matthew 7:3-5). I love the amusing pictures Matthew conjures up in my mind! So before we start trying to speak to sinners about holiness we need to remember we are only sinners saved by grace. Its all about Jesus. We still have faults and weaknesses.
Sometimes the most antagonistic to the gospel are the ones who are the most changed when they experience the love of God.. The church is fiercely persecuted in places and yet grows there! We need Your Holy Spirit’s guidance to direct us to sow seeds where You are gardening even if it seems negative.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God only wise,
For our close family. Your love showing the way to You.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations. Touch hearts in the breaking of bread.
For those not able to attend church today to know they are family.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For Parliament and the upholding of all that is good and right.
For Ukraine and Russia.
For Gaza, all around the Middle East.
We plead for peace for both areas. Holy Spirit work miracles.
For the churches in North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, and India . . . where there is persecution and Christians are still martyred for their faith.
For churches across the world where Your Spirit is moving and there is growth and new believers.
For us to accept Your grace as we accept the air we breathe. Not to judge others. To pray for those we long to see open to the gospel.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Sunday 29th September 2024
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible, hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might,
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life thou givest, to both great and small.
Creator sustainer, the true life of all.
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
and wither and perish, but naught changeth thee.
Great God of all glory, pure God of all light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight.
And so in thy mercy, Almighty, impart
Through Christ our redeemer thy grace to our hearts.
Lyrics: Walter C Smith 1867