“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 NKJV
God of love,
Early on a Sunday morning, like today, when I am trying to force myself out of bed for church I do not feel like a conqueror. I feel more like a weary warrior? Yet here is an awesome promise that we are conquerors. But this verse starts with a YET. In some versions it uses NO in place of yet.
Because Paul has spoken just before about the negatives we live with. ” . . . trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword” (Romans 8:35). You did not promise we would be wrapped in cotton wool, so to speak. But we will come through conquerors with faith and hope and love intact.
Conquerors over condemnation. The enemy may sneaks up and reminds us of our failures and weakness and mistakes. But he is a liar. You, God have forgiven all of them, completely in Christ (Romans 8:2).
Living today, as in Pauls day, life can be unpredictable, worrying, shocking, depressing. But Your presence enables us. We have Christ and can be more than conquerors because of Your lavish love (1 John 3a).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of love,
For family, friends, neighbours, answers to their prayers, hopes and desires they have.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve and need Your encouragement.
For all the Royal family. For Charles treatment to be successful and gentle. Kate a full recovery.
For our government and MPs and their families. To hear Your voice above party politics.
For an end to the war in Ukraine.
For Gaza an end to killing and hostage taking. That other countries would back off ansd speak peace.
For Yemen, Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria and other countries where there is war, aggression, oppression, dictatorship, slavery.
For all those who listen and help good decisions being made. Ministers, teachers, parents, counsellors, best friends, grandparents.
For teachers to feel refreshed as they prepare to return to school after half term.
For those struggling with doubt, despair, mental health and life’s troubles Your Holy Spirit.
Help us to trust You today and even if we cant be bright first thing in the morning help us to look up to You and rejoice in a new day.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 18th February 2024
Fight the good fight with all thy might,
Christ is thy strength and Christ thy right.
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
Thy joy and crown eternally.
Run the straight race through God’s good grace;
lift up your eyes, and seek his face.
Life with its way before us lies;
Christ is the path and Christ the prize.
Cast care aside, lean on thy guide;
His boundless mercy will provide.
Trust, and thy trusting soul shall prove
Christ is its life and Christ its love.
Faint not, nor fear, his arms are near;
he changes not, and thou art dear.
Only believe, and thou shalt see
that Christ is all in all to thee.
Lyrics: John S B Monsell