“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
“I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.” Joshua 1:9 NET
Lord our God,
This promise was written out and given to me on a slip of paper by an elderly lady when I was a new Christian. I have treasured it ever since. Not more than any other promise but because she passed it on from her experience and life of faith. I do not take You for granted and never fail to hear it speak in a new way on a new day in a new situation. You, God do not always work in the same way!
Joshua took over from Moses. A man who new You well God and yet still fell short and made a mistake. Joshua, had to find a way forward at a very difficult time, on his own and did not know what the future held. We follow in their and the footsteps of some amazing Christians who have led the church forward. Those known to the nation and those only known to You and our own church – but just as loved by You, God.
Help us know the truth of this promise in these confusing, unsettling days. We have come through plague and now we hear so many rumours of wars. The promise is as reassuring today as it was then. You kept Your promises. You were with Joshua every step of the way. Even if some days were tough. We read and hear You Lord. today. Take the truth from head to heart and help us know Your Spirit with us always.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord our God,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. May they be well and safe and know Your peace.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations to grow and serve the community.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family. Speak into their lives to guide them.
For our government and their families. Lead and speak clearly to them, that Your will be done in these confusing times.
For Ukraine a withdrawal of Russian troops. Peace an end to war.
For all areas where there is war, military oppression and civil war. Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For the Red Sea and growing International disruption we pray You will overcome and deliver us from evil.
For young families growing up in todays society. Show them the value of faith, hope and love.
For our local community, our near neighbours, local doctors, dentists, community police and schools.
For all those who provide essential help, food banks, district nurses, home helps, friends, neighbours, family. Lifeboats, mountain rescue, emergency relief charities.
For ourselves, You know what we need today – encouragement, a visitor, a phone call, an easy day at work, rest, a laugh . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 18th January 2024
This was a ‘modern’ chorus in the 1980’s!
Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you.
Be bold, be strong,
For the Lord your God is with you.
I am not afraid,
I am not dismayed,
Because I’m walking in faith and victory,
Come on and walk in faith and victory,
For the Lord your God is with you.
Lyrics: Morris Chapman
Worship from 2017. I you have a few minutes more to chill out with God.
Slow down, take time
Breath in He said
He’d reveal what’s to come
The thoughts in His mind
Always higher than mine
He’ll reveal all to come
Take courage my heart
Stay steadfast my soul
He’s in the waiting, He’s in the waiting
Hold onto your hope
As your triumph unfolds
He’s never failing, He’s never failing
Sing praise my soul
Find strength in joy
Let His Words lead you on
Do not forget
His great faithfulness
He’ll finish all He’s begun
Chorus: Take courage my heart . . .
And You who hold the stars
Who call them each by name
Will surely keep Your promise to me
That I will rise in Your victory
Chorus: Take courage my heart . . .
Lyrics: Kristene DiMarco