Tag: Start the Day

Monday 14th August 2023

“You give him blessings forever; you cheer him with joy in your presence. For the king relies on the Lord; through the faithful love of the Most High he is not shaken.” Psalm 21:6,7 Christian Standard Bible

“For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.” Psalm 21:6,7 NKJV

God of cheer,

The worship chorus from Sunday (yesterday) really made me smile Lord. Challenging us to cheer up!

Cheer up, ye saints of God.
There’s nothing to worry about.
Nothing to make you feel afraid,
Nothing to make you doubt.
Remember, Jesus never fails,
So why not trust Him and shout,
You’ll be sorry you worried at all tomorrow morning!

Who loves a miserable Christian? Psalm 21 was written by King David a man who shouldered much responsibility for religious life, civil life, foreign relations and sometimes war! He also had many wives and, I will say no more in case it is politically incorrect. The Psalm tells us he was cheered by joy in your presence. Some versions use exceedingly glad in place of cheer. Cheer can be a shout of joy, praise or encouragement or to give comfort, optimism or support to.

Because we can know Your presence with us we can receive Your cheer. I like to think of you cheering me on in the dark times and shouting encouragement when I get something right. Thank You that none of us is overlooked or less in Your eyes. You do not show favouritism (Romans 2:11).. We rely on You just as much as David did. We cannot always be cheerful and on top of the world. Life has its disappointments and challenges. Help us not be shaken by them and be able to receive and hear Your cheer.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of cheer,

We pray that those we love and know will know You as the God who gives good cheer this week. That they will find much to smile about and be encouraged by. Lift them to see Your presence even in the tough times. Carry those who are sick and touch them with Your healing. Draw those we are worried about into Your care. Bless our churches, inisters and all those who love ansd serve the Lord, where ever they are.

We pray for all those who have mental health problems and cannot hear Your cheer or feel cheerful. We pray You will be the lifter of their heads so they can find rest and light and hope in You and at some time soon Your cheer too. We pray for those who live along side them. Grant them patience and to know what to say and when to listen.

We pray for the NHS which deals with mental health and pray the right people will be called to work and serve there. We pray You will grant then insight in how to best help and discernment to know how to go about it. For those going through a challenging period in their life we pray You will be there strength and stay and gently cheer them through it.

We pray for peace in Ukraine and help for the people affected by the fires in Hawaii.

Thank You for the times You have cheered us and made us smile again.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 15th August 2023

Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee!

Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are thine,
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love joins man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

Lyric: Henry Van Dyke



Sunday 13th August 2023

“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. 20 You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago.” Micah 7:18-20 NIV

God of mercy, faithfulness and love,

Micah has not minced his words he, has spoken it like it was hit hard uncovering their sin. He must have known it would loose him friends, lose his standing in the community and any goodwill he may have had! But it needed to be said. He did not run away or make it nice and King Hezekiah and the leaders heard, returned to You and were blessed (Jeremiah 26:18,19).

Thank You that You are the God who tells it like it is so that we can come and receive pardon and forgiveness. There is no longer just a remnant but You came because You so loved the whole world (John 3:16). You promised Abraham that through him all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3) and that has come true! You keep your promises.

You cannot ignore sin but do not stay angry or retain memory of our guilt when we come to You as our God and Saviour. Mercy takes it the place of anger. Today we can worship You and be free to live in Christ as a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17). All our sins are gone. Praise God,

In Jesus name we pray.

Faithful God,

We bring to You all our family, friends and neighbours, fellow worshippers and believers and those we know through work, hobbies and contacts. So many different circumstances, needs and faith. We ask that You would meet their needs spiritually and meet their earthly needs for their best and bless them with Your light and love.

We continue to plead for the people of Ukraine and for an end to war and a new beginning to peace. We pray for the Russian Army and those who do not wish to fight and kill but have no choice. Oh Lord bring oit to an end with justice and a right way forward.

We bring the people of Hawaii to you. Please help them and uphold and comfort those who were bereaved of family and the fire. . Provide them with all they need in practical and emotional and spiritual needs.

Speak to Your church today through Your Word. Help them by Your Spirit to worship and praise You for who You are and what YOu have done and given us in Jesus.

Thank You for today.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 13th August 2023
These two short chorus’s really made me smile. To the point and very true! The words are underneath.


Cheer up, ye saints of God.
There’s nothing to worry about.
Nothing to make you feel afraid,
Nothing to make you doubt.
Remember, Jesus never fails,
So why not trust Him and shout,
You’ll be sorry you worried at all tomorrow morning!

Lyrics: Alex Burns

Gone, Gone, Gone, Gone!
Yes, My Sins Are Gone.
Now My Soul Is Free
And In My Hearts A Song;
Buried In The Deepest Sea.
Yes, That’s Good Enough For Me;
I Shall Live Eternally,
Praise God! My Sins Are Gone!

Lyrics: Helen Griggs

Saturday 12th August 2023

“What misery is mine! I am like one who gathers summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster of grapes to eat, none of the early figs that I crave. 2 The faithful have been swept from the land; not one upright person remains. Everyone lies in wait to shed blood; they hunt each other with nets. 3 Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire – they all conspire together. 4 The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. The day God visits you has come, the day your watchmen sound the alarm. Now is the time of your confusion.” Micah 7:1-4 NIV

Heavenly Father,

Today I read this and I just could not believe how like today it sounds! And how easy it is to moan and complain. Then I realise I have not rose coloured glasses on or even ordinary ones but 3D pessimistic specs on! They shade out any good or hope and just leave the depressing and the bad. If I am not careful I can start to think this is all there is! The enemy is a liar and he exaggerates.

Micah speaks about what is making Him miserable and then in verse 7 he says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Today You tell us to “Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:2). We do not want to loose heart believing lies and yet we cannot over look evil.

We do not want to put on rose coloured glasses and pretend all is well either. Help us look through Your eyes, heavenly Father, and see all the good that is being done not just round the world but here around us. And we can see the tiny bit of good we can do that adds to the whole and we will not loose heart. Keep our hope alive and well and doing good where we can.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Heavenly Father,

We pray You will keep our loved ones seeing the good and being encouraged. Fill their lives with blessings and grant them a smooth path when life gets rocky.Grow our church and give our ministers godly inspiration and leadership.

We pray for those who do not have enough to buy food and thank You for all the food banks and places that provide meals.

For those who wait to shed blood or hunt for ways to get revenge. For those whose hands are skilled in doing evil, for people in places of responsibility who are not honest and powerful people who do what is best for themselves or conspire with others, We pray You will sound the alarm in their lives so they have chance to stop, change and send confusion amidst their plans. And bring justice before them so they can make restitution and change their ways.

Thank You for every person and organisation and charity that helps, does good and is supportive. Whether it is in a small way or a life changing way. Even if it is just a cup of tea. Prosper all they do and reward them with Your well done.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 12th August 2023
This is quite a long one but I love it because reminds me of darkness can never put out the Light of God. His grace is outrageous in every best sense of the word.

There’s a lot of pain but a lot more healing
There’s a lot of trouble but a lot more peace
There’s a lot of hate but a lot more loving
There’s a lot of sin but a lot more grace

Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Love unfurled by heaven’s hand
Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Through my Jesus I can stand

There’s a lot of fear but a lot more freedom
There’s a lot of darkness but a lot more light
There’s a lot of cloud but a lot more vision
There’s a lot of perishing but a lot more life

Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Love unfurled by heaven’s hand
Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Through my Jesus I can stand

There’s an enemy
That seeks to kill what it can’t control
It twists and turns
Making mountains out of molehills
But I will call on my Lord
Who is worthy of praise
I run to Him and I am saved

Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Love unfurled by heaven’s hand
Oh outrageous grace oh outrageous grace
Through my Jesus I can stand

Lyrics: Godfrey Birtill