2026 will again be through the Bible chronologically selecting verses which attract my attention or questions or encourage me on the day. I pray it blesses whoever reads . . . My theological background is Salvation Army College and now Church of England. I love all Christian denominations.
Lord Jesus, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Forgive me and help me turn from everything I know is wrong. Thank you for dying on the cross to pay the price and set me free from my sin. Please come into my life, fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me forever. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.”
“And Laban answered and said to Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and this flock is my flock; all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day to these my daughters or to their children whom they have borne? 44 Now therefore, come, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it be a witness between you and me.”45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 46 Then Jacob said to his brethren, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there on the heap. 47 Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed.” Genesis 31:44-47 NKJV
“This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not pass beyond this heap to you, and you will not pass beyond this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. 53 The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their father judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. 54 Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain, and called his brethren to eat bread. And they ate bread and stayed all night on the mountain. 55 And early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place.” Genesis 31:52-55 NKJV
Father God,
Jacob was running again, but this time from Laban who he has outmanoeuvred over the breeding of sheep! But You do not allow him to get away and it is good to see him making peace this time before he left. We see that change is coming into his life because of You Lord. There can be good news shared with family a reminder in the witness heap and no fear of retribution.
People noticed the change in me when I first became a Christian. For the better. Because my whole reason for living and outlook was changed by God’s love. I wonder if I am still growing? I cannot earn my holiness, You see me in Jesus as pure and good. But meanwhile can people see more of You in me? Help your people not become complacent in growing the fruits of the spirit and willing to learn more about You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 19th January 2026
Beautiful Lord, wonderful saviour I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands Crafted into Your perfect plan You gently call me, into Your presence Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit Teach me dear Lord To live all of my life through Your eyes
I’m captured by, Your Holy calling Set me apart I know You’re drawing me to Yourself Lead me Lord I pray Take me, Mold me Use me, Fill me I give my life to the Potter’s hands Hold me, Guide me Lead me, Walk beside me I give my life to the Potter’s hand
You gently call me into Your presence Guiding me by Your holy spirit Teach me, dear Lord, to live all of my life Through Your eyes And I’m captured by Your holy calling Set me apart I know You’re drawing me to Yourself Lead me Lord, I pray
“Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. 19 And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, 21 so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. 22 And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.”” Genesis 28:18-22 NKJV
God of generosity,
Jacob was changed. He acknowledged that You, God, are real and he had to respond to You when he awoke. He made a request and an agreement with You, the God of his life. And now he was not running away but on a journey that would at some time enable him to go back and make peace. And he promises to tithe. To give from that which God would provide. Most likely a sacrifice of livestock, the most valuable commodity he had.
So Jacob begins to change. Not overnight. He is still able to scheme and cheat as we read about the sheep breeding schemes later . . . (Genesis 30:37-43). But he keeps the promises to You God. When he returns, he makes peace with Esau and You continue to be his Lord and God.
Help us recognise it is a journey to holiness. To be patient with ourselves and others, but to make progress. And to remember if we have made promises to You, God, to write them down or keep them to mind so we honour them just as You, God are faithful. Help us not to make rash promises or just admit when we cannot keep them. And to give whatever You, God give us and lay on our hearts to give.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 118th January 2026
Father of kindness You have poured out of grace You brought me out of darkness You have filled me with peace Giver of mercy You’re my help in time of need Lord I can’t help but sing
Faithful You are Faithful forever You will be Faithful You are All Your promises are yes and Amen All Your promises are yes and Amen
Beautiful Savior You have brought me near You pulled me from the ashes You have broken every curse Blessed redeemer You have set this captive free Lord I can’t help but sing
Chorus Twice
I will rest in Your promises My confidence is Your faithfulness I will rest in Your promises My confidence is Your faithfulness I will rest in Your promises My confidence is Your faithfulness I will rest in Your promises My confidence is Your faithfulness
Chorustwice All Your promises are yes and Amen All Your promises are yes and Amen
Lyrics: Christopher Andrew Mcclarney, Nate Moore, Tony Brown
Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. 12 Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. 14 Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!” Genesis 28:10-17 New King James Version
Lord God,
Long day travelling to place he has never been. Family he has never met. Carrying the weight of regrets for the past and concern about the future. Tired in mind, body and soul. At his moment of weakness – an encounter with You. The real answer to His problems.
Many of us can relate that. At a moment of weakness, You gave us an encounter or experience that led us to know You. There are as many occasions as there are Christians. Each experience is individual, personal and precious. Jacob, needed to see that You, the God of his Father was not imagined and not a tame God, but the mighty God of creation and of his future. And he was afraid.
Not a bad place to start – in awesome fear. Fear is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One, understanding.(Proverbs 9:10). Jacob discovered he was not the centre of the universe, was not the one carrying everything, he had You, God. A God to worship, rely on give him a purpose and a future.
Thank God we do not have to rely on ourselves. We have a purpose and a future in You through Your Son. Give us encounters with You. Moments when we are reading Your Word, praying, in dreams or in our day. And remind us that even a schemer, is loved by You, and needs to hear the gospel.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 17th January 2026 I found this hymn which for me just rounded up my thoughts and prayers.
As Jacob with travel was weary one day, At night on a stone for a pillow he lay; He saw in a vision a ladder so high That its foot was on earth and its top in the sky:
Alleluia to Jesus, who died on the tree, And has raised up a ladder of mercy for me, And has raised up a ladder of mercy for me.
This ladder is long, it is strong and well made, Has stood hundreds of years and is not yet decayed; Many millions have climbed it and reached Sion’s hill, And thousands by faith are climbing it still:
Come, let us ascend! All may climb it who will; For the angels of Jacob are guarding it still: And remember, each step that by faith we pass o’er, Some prophet or martyr hath trod it before:
And when we arrive at the haven of rest, We shall hear the glad words, “Come up hither, ye blest, Here are regions of light, here are mansions of bliss.” Oh, who would not climb such a ladder as this?
