Onward Christian Soldiers

“In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The Lord said, “Go up.” David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the Lord answered. ²So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. ³David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. ⁴Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah.” 2 Samuel 2:1-4 NKJV

“Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. ⁹He made him king over Gilead, Ashuri and Jezreel, and also over Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel.” 2 Samuel 2:8-9 NKJV

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Our God,

First of all your people wanted a king rather than being led by You and now they are divided by having 2 Kings. One anointed by Samuel to be king and one descended from the first king, also anointed, Saul. North and South. Israel and Judah. And we can just sense the trouble that is to come when they not only have enemies without but animosity within. And we know, that the promised king who would not only reunite their kingdoms but the world’s tribes, would not be born for 2000 years. He would not be recognised by many as Your Son and the King of Kings. The thief on the cross next to Jesus was one of the first (Luke 23\;42) and the Roman centurion on guard duty at the cross a close second saying “Surely this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).

Help us find the things that unite us believers and not be tripped up by the trivia we may disagree on. Help us to be able to disagree, share our views and agree to differ than split. Help us to appreciate where other people are coming from and keep the main thing the main thing. We all belong to Jesus. The King of Kings. We have our feet on the same rock and do not need to be aggressively defensive. There will come a time when You will sort the sheep from the goats and it is not our job. Ours is to build the Kingdom Your Kingdom, share Your love and fight sin and evil. One King! Lead us forward in unity in Jesus. One in Christ.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Friday 2nd May 2025|
Pray for churches around the world, church leaders, the next generation of believers and those not yet born . . .

Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!

At the sign of triumph
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise!

Chorus

Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity.

Chorus

Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages
men and angels sing.

Lyrics: S Baring-Gould

“The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. ⁹Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”¹⁰So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. ¹¹As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. ¹²When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. ¹³So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” Exodus 17:8-13
“Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.” Exodus 17:15

Jehova Nissi, The Lord my Banner,

This is the first mention of Joshua and he proves himself faithful and capable. The banner told the enemy who they were and Moses wanted to give all the glory to God. He did not want to be a superstar or take any attention. He knew that all they achieved was because of You. Help us stay humble and Have You as our banner for victory over sin.

I love the picture of Moses standing before You on their behalf and needing others to help him. Thank you for those who intercede, pray together for us and the church. And a threesome reminding us of Jesus being encouraged by Moses and Elijah on the Mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:3). And of course that a three cord strand is not easily broken ( Ecclesiastes 4:12). Finally it reminds me that You are one, but also trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You are our banner and we are stronger when we stand together, hold each other up and seek Your face.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 13th February 2025
Had to be a battle song . . .

Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!

Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!

Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity.

Chorus

Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages
men and angels sing. [Refrain]

Lyrics: S Baring Gould