Tag: Start the Day

Thursday 10th August 2023

“As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, seemingly insignificant among the clans of Judah—from you a king will emerge who will rule over Israel on my behalf, one whose origins are in the distant past. 3 So the Lord will hand the people of Israel over to their enemies until the time when the woman in labour gives birth. Then the rest of the king’s countrymen will return to be reunited with the people of Israel. 4 He will assume his post and shepherd the people by the Lord’s strength, by the sovereign authority of the Lord his God. They will live securely, for at that time he will be honoured even in the distant regions of the earth. 5 He will give us peace.” Micah 5:2-5 NET

Sovereign Lord God,

Yes, the shopping channels (I merely scrolled past them on the TV guide!) have been doing Christmas in July and are having Christmas again in August. The world needs reminding we have to spend to make it more wonderful than last year and to be happier???? For those of us who know Christ we never cease to wonder that You came has a defenceless helpless baby to become the Saviour of the world.

Scholars think Micah was written 600 to 700 years before Christ and yet here is a promise of his coming. Bethlehem. Ephrathah is a biblically referenced former name of Bethlehem, meaning “fruitful”. It is also a personal name. The special place of no significance to man where You planned Your Son would be born. As Micah foretold, He certainly assumed His post even if His own disciples could not always understand or see it.

He was a good Shepherd to those who would follow and still is (v4) . By Your strength (v4) as He only did what He saw You doing (John 5:19). He is honoured even in the distant regions of the world, because 12 men and some women spread the gospel by the power of Your Holy Spirit. You give us peace. One day, and You knows when, You will give us a beautiful, joyful, life filled peace in heaven. Thank You for the promises that have been fulfilled and those we are looking forward to in our future.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Sovereign Lord God,

Bless, keep and shepherd our friends and family into good places and good health and into Your safe keeping. Open the eyes of those who cannot yet see who You truly are. We pray for our ministers and those who keep our churches open and based on Your Word. We pray for Bishops, Superintendents, Senior Pastors and the heads of the Pentecostal denominations. We pray they will lead the church forward and even where there is disagreement find a way forward in peace keeping the gospel central.

We pray for those who buy lights and try to buy happiness at Christmas. Break into their lives now so they can know the wonder, the life changing difference Your Son made when He came to Bethlehem, Ephrathah that little insignificant yet fruitful personal birth place.

We pray that there will be a change for Ukraine before Christmas. Send the message of peace and goodwill to all men and women involved in decisions in these days. So another way forward can be found.

We do not want to get caught up in all the endless political discussions but we do want to pray for our Parliament. That You would bless it, root out lies and sham for what they are and enhance the truth and good when it is spoken.

Bless our homes and thank you for all who visit this week. Bless each house on our street. Some have many needs and some are dark. Visit them with Your light and hope and health.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 10th August 2023
No apologies – I just wanted this today, because we too can sing for and to Him.

It was on a starry night
When the hills were bright,
Earth lay sleeping, sleeping calm and still.
Then in a cattle shed, in a manger bed
A Boy was born, King of all the world.

And all the angels sang for Him,
The bells of Heaven rang for Him,
For a Boy was born, King of all the world.

Soon the shepherds came that way
Where the Baby lay,
And were kneeling, kneeling by His side;
And their hearts believed again
For the peace of men,
For a Boy was born, King of all the world.

Lyrics: Joy Webb



Wednesday 9th August 2023

“Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice, 2 you who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; 3 who eat my people’s flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?” Micah 3:1-3 NIV

God of Truth,

I avoid horror films and and novels. I sometimes think my imagination can conjure up worse than a film director is allowed to show! And the images stay even when I don’t want to remember them. Yet I can’t remember peoples names! Well, these verses paint a picture I am not sure I want to see in my imagination. But You knew they had stopped listening to gentle correction or even strict warnings. So Micah does not mince Your words, through him, against those responsible for worship and who should be leading the people in holy living.

Your people could not say You, God did warn them of the consequences if they continued behaving as if You were not there. Disrespecting You in worship and behaving like You don’t really exist. Sometimes we need shaking up, to keep us from being complacent.

You, God never left your people without showing them the error of their ways, giving them a way to return to You. You always offer hope and restoration. But You could not and cannot overlook sin.

The wonderful thing about the prophet Micah’s hard hitting brutally honest words was that he heard. Hosea was ignored, and so was Amos. Jeremiah was thrown in jail for his prophecy. King Hezekiah and the leadership of Judah listened to Micah. And turned to You. Help us hear Your voice so we are not prone to wander.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

God and Saviour,

We ask for our family, mercy and goodness. Grant them health and joy. For our friends we give thanks and ask for provision today. For our church and fellowships we pray that they will be strong in faith and grow in stature and numbers. May Your love be their, and our, driving force.

We pray for the church world wide to be a witness to the love and power of God. In word and in action and deeds. That we, Your church, Your people will give light and life and the love of God to those around us.

We pray for all leaders and rulers. Let them know one day they will have to face You and know that You are God. We pray that those who kill and torture, and oppress to keep power, will have their hearts changed in these days. Where they are hard and unbending You would bring about their downfall. And prepare good hearted men and women of peace to take their place.

We pray for Putin and a change of desire, from war to an end of conflict. We do not know how but You know what is needed and how to bring it about. Please do not stay Your hand of mercy from Ukraine.

For our Parliament we pray You would encourage and bless the good and uncover those with selfish and harmful agendas. There are no simple answers and we need You to be the one who guides us into justice with mercy.

Thank You for today and all You have poured into it for us already.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 9th August 2023
A beautiful new take on the hymn I need You.
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3

Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the One that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
Where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
When I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus, You’re my hope and stay

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

You’re my one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You




Tuesday 8th August 2023

“I will surely gather all of you, Jacob;
I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel.
I will bring them together like sheep in a pen,
like a flock in its pasture;
the place will throng with people.
13 The One who breaks open the way will go up before them;
they will break through the gate and go out.
Their King will pass through before them,
the Lord at their head.” Micah 2:12,13 NIV

Lord, Shepherd and King,

Micah is a prophet of bad news for the rebellious people of God. Bit like the behaviour we hear of in the news today. Most of the 10 commandments trodden over Trouble, threat of spreading trouble and risk of it being unsurmountable. Imagine being forced to leave your home, your own country, and made to live in a different land. Imagine that you are held captive in a foreign city – a prisoner in a foreign land. You cannot go back home. This was the reality of what Micah prophesied concerning the Israelites. Many people know this today!

But, but there in the middle of his doom and gloom, trouble and judgment, there was hope. This same God who holds them accountable and brings judgment to the oppressors, will surely save His people in the end. God will do it. They cannot. And You did do it. You gave and sent Jesus, who broke open the way. You kept Your promise but there is more to come.

Peter calls us believers, a people who are like aliens and strangers in a foreign land (1 Peter 2:11). Jesus called us into the Kingdom of God (Luke 17:20-21). Micah’s prophesy reminds us that You came but will come again and You will lead Your people and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Amidst our present history we have hope for today, hope for tomorrow and hope for the future.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God and Coming King,

We pray for those we love and care about for their here and now. Help them in their present needs and give them a glimpse of the glory to come and heaven. For now, we ask You to help and strengthen and heal.

We pray for Ukraine fighting for freedom for their realm. We pray You will not bring peace just for them but as a witness to the world that war is not the solution. And we long to see an end to the death and trauma and suffering of all those involved in war.

We pray for our King and his family, that he might know the qualities a king needs and the willingness to practice them. For our Parliament that they might be honest and seek the best for the nation. Uncover anything not worthy or unholy. Bless those who are working hard for their constituencies.

We continue to pray for the farmers who need sun and warm and dry conditions for harvesting. Help them.

In Jesus name we pray,

Worship Tuesday 8th August 2023

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.

And I will trust in You alone.
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.

He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.

Chorus with descant

And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.

Chorus with descant

Lyrics: Stuart Townend