“He fashioned two bronze pillars; each pillar was 27 feet high and 18 feet in circumference. 16 He made two bronze tops for the pillars; each was 7½ feet high.17 The latticework on the tops of the pillars was adorned with ornamental wreaths and chains; the top of each pillar had seven groupings of ornaments.”
20 On the top of each pillar, right above the bulge beside the latticework, there were 200 pomegranate-shaped ornaments arranged in rows all the way around. 21 He set up the pillars on the porch in front of the main hall. He erected one pillar on the right side and called it Yakin; he erected the other pillar on the left side and called it Boaz.” 1 Kings 7:15-17, 20-21 NET
God who establishes,
Yesterdays reading about You establishing us, brought to my mind the pillars in the Temple (1 Kings) called Yakin and Boaz. No idea why they popped into my thoughts but You know Lord. People often look up the meaning of names when they choose one for their baby. Hiram who oversaw the making or these ginormous pillars gave them names to reflected Your character and what they stood for. Huge, solid and immovable.
Enormous, intricate carved at the top, and certainly unmissable. Seen every time someone entered the Your house. On the right, Yakin or Jakin – He builds. On the left Boaz, He establishes. Jesus said on his triumphal entry (Palm Sunday, Luke 19:40) that if they silenced the people even the stones would cry out!
These solid pillars witnessed and foretold of Your faithfulness in both establishing and building Your Temple and then Your “church”. First in stone and then in people. Today we are Your living temple and You help us be established and stand firm in faith. Jesus promised, “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more.” (Revelation 3:12). Thank You for Your faithfulness in the big things and the little things. For establishing us in You and Your truth.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who establishes,
For our family and friends. For all that is going on in their lives, be a present help.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. Thanksgiving for our and all Your churches.
For the royal family. Continuing help and healing.
For our Parliament. For local elections.
For Ukraine, peace. A supernatural end to war. We look to You.
For Gaza, a way to live with neighbours, together in peace.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all other places of conflict and Military oppression.
For our local: police, hospitals, doctors, justice system, fire service . . .
For the Christians in countries where there is persecution, famine and poverty.
For the agencies providing medical treatment and aid in war zones.
For ourselves thank You for the blessing of reading both Your word and books and magazines.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship 8unday 28th April 2024
The story of this worship song is below the lyrics.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
When I feel afraid,
And think I’ve lost my way.
Still, you’re there right beside me.
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide
And hold me to your side
I will love you to the end
Nothing will I fear as long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
And a light unto my path
You’re the light unto my path
Lyrics: Amy Lee Grant / Michael Whitaker Smith
Michael Smith originally came up with the song’s melody and some words for the chorus from David’s Psalm about being “a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). He gave Amy the demo and she loved it. Michael had no idea what the verses were supposed to say so he asked her if she would finish it.
Later that night as she walked back to her cabin on the 8,000 acre Caribou ranch she got lost. Alone in bear country, she finally saw a lamp and started walking towards the light, but didn’t realize that it was her cabin. She walked into that little cabin and sat down with a notebook and pen and wrote the verses.