Tag: Start the Day

Saturday 15th February 2025

“Then God gave the people all these instructions:
2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.3“You must not have any other god but me.
4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
7 “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
13 “You must not murder.
14 “You must not commit adultery.
15 “You must not steal.
16 “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
17 “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:1-17 NLT

Lord God,

A society which keeps to these commandments. Would it be healthy, prosper and be wise? And reading the first commandment and knowing Your deliverance God, Your provision and guidance I do find myself beginning to judge the children of Israel . . . we know they turned from You just 12 chapters on. Then I remember I once did not believe the first commandment was true and when I did . . . I found I have broken many others too. I will never be perfect no matter how harder I try! But I know Your law in person and Jesus love because of the cross. Love and boundaries.

Thank you for giving us boundaries, we need them. They keep us safe first and then keep us from wandering and then help us grow good. You still went before your people as a pillar of light or fire. Thank You that You go with us today by Your Holy Spirit. Not before or behind but within. What a miracle. As Jesus promised, The Spirit guides us in Your truth. He speaks only what he hears from You, and tells us. (John 16:13). The commandments still stand.

Help us keep it simple, do what is right and ask Your Spirit to help us. Deliver us from temptation and evil. And when we slip, trip or flounder we thank You for Your indescribable gift of forgiveness – in Jesus.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 15th February 2025

Holy Spirit, guide my vision
Help me see the way You see
Always Jesus, ever Jesus
Christ in all is Christ in me

Holy Spirit, guide my speaking
Words of grace in truth abound
Let my lips be filled with stories
Of the mercy that I’ve found

You’re the light, You’re my path
You’re the shepherd of my soul
All I am, All I have, Holy Spirit, lead me on

Holy Spirit, guide my hearing
Wake my ears to words You speak
In the thunder and the stillness
Let Your voice be clear in me
Let Your voice be clear in me

You’re the light, You’re my path
You’re the shepherd of my soul
All I am, All I have, Holy Spirit, lead me on Repeat

Holy Spirit, lead me onward
Walking through the great unknown
Trusting, leaning, holding, clinging
Till the day You lead me home

Oh, guide my feet, Oh, guide my feet
Lead me on, Lead me on, Lord
Holy Spirit, open up my eyes
Holy Spirit, open up my heart
Open up my ears
Onwards You show me where You lead me
I will follow

You’re the light, You’re my path
You’re the shepherd of my soul
All I am, All I have, Holy Spirit, lead me on

Holy Spirit, lead me on

Lyrics: Brenton Brown / Chris Tomlin / Jason Ingram / Pat Barrett

Friday 14th February 2025

“Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.”  Exodus 18:17-24 NIV

Lord of delegation,

Moses learned from his father in law. Not necessarily a believer but then like Moses perhaps it is dangerous when we think we know it all! Jethro was an answer to burnout prayer and came – was God sent at just the right time. Moses was not too proud to listen. I hear that! And all those good honest men found their calling to serve. Shame they did not set good examples and grumbled along with every one else in the near future. Surely a warning for me too! Negativity can be catching.

Paul talks about all Believers having gifts to serve. One person wisdom through the Spirit, another knowledge. Another faith another gifts of healing . To another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But the same Spirit produces and distributes them individually to each person. So we cannot boast! (1 Corinthians 12:8-11) And Paul says whatever you do do it with all Your heart as if for the Lord. (Colossians 3:23). May we be a good example and not grumble as we humbly serve. As we are all part of the same body in Christ.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 14th February 2025
Yesterdays worship reflected this in onward Christian soldiers . . . we are not divided all one body we . . .
But I found this beautiful little song.

In these hard times we need each other
To comfort, support, equip and minister.
For God delights to see Hs children in unity
Sharing the gospel faithfully and working for His glory

We are better together my sisters my brothers
We can do more for the Lord if we have each other
We are a family as part of Christ’s body
We are better together, better together for God

We must show them the Spirit of God in us
The church redeemed by the blood of Jesus
Through our unity the whole world will see
And believe the gospel we preach for His glory

We are better together my sisters my brothers
We can do more for the Lord if we have each other
We are a family as part of Christ’s body
We are better together, better together for God

Lyrics: Jeuel Rychel Senina

Keep praying for Ukraine and the church there.

Thursday 13th February 2025

 “The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses 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.”10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When 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. 13 So 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