“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
Philippians 3:7-9 NIV
Lord,
There are those who can memorise scripture, those who can study passages in Greek and Hebrew, those who can talk theology and those who families are interested in religion. Paul was born into a well to do family, highly educated in Old Testament Scripture and theology and could discuss on an equal footing with Pharisees all matters of God’s law.
But all that knowledge and intelligence, so important before he met Christ, he realised was worthless, garbage he said. He knew about You, Lord, theoretically. Then came the surpassing worth of knowing You. What a world in a little sentence. I can read scripture, go to church, talk spirituality but that is just knowledge. To know You who formed me in my mothers womb personally is to know life. (Psalm 139).
It all begins with knowing You, through Your Son. Jesus showed us You in the flesh. Help us to know You better every day. Listening for the still small voice of Your Spirit. Seeing you at work in our lives. No matter who we are, where we are, whatever state we are in. So we can have all You have to give.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our fellowship and congregation members, our ministers, servers, wardens.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government, advisors, diplomats and ambassadors.
For Ukraine and Russia.
For Israel, Lebanon, the Middle East. Countries in conflict.
For Your church world wide to speak out for Jesus for faith, hope and with love.
For all the prayer groups and intercessors who faithfully pray, often unseen and for no reward.
For those who use Your name in jest or as a swear word, may they be convicted by Your presence and know You are good.
For farmers amid the snow tending livestock and political challenges.
For warm beds, clean water, daily bread. And the knowledge of the riches of Your grace in Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 19th November 2024
All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres and wants to own
All I once thought gain, I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You
There is no greater thing
You’re my all, You’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
And I love You, Lord
Now my heart’s desire is to know You more
To be found in You and known as Yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All-surpassing gift of righteousness
Chorus
Oh to know the power of Your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like You in Your death, my Lord
So with You to live and never die
Chorus x 2
Lyrics: Graham Kendrick