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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

Friday 11th August 2023

Listen to what the Lord is saying:
“Stand up and state your case against me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints. 2 And now, O mountains, listen to the Lord’s complaint! He has a case against his people. He will bring charges against Israel. 3 “O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me! 4 For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you. 5 Don’t you remember, my people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the Lord, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness.” Micah 6:1-5 NLT

Our Father,

Micah returns to His message of judgement, against the society he lived amongst, and sets the scene of a court and trial. Trials are still much the same today. Reading the charges asking for a response of guilty or innocent and calling witnesses.

I have never noticed before, but You, God puts yourself in the dock and asks what You have done wrong. What are the charges against You? You calls on the mountains to be Your witnesses as they literally have seen it all! Then You cite all the occasions when You did provide and was faithful.

So many people today blame You. God for all sorts of things. Put You on trial and have already decided You are guilty. It reminds me of a hill that witnessed Your faithfulness, and men’s sin. Where Jesus took our punishment.

Today we thank You for your faithfulness to us today. I give thanks that King Hezekiah and the people heard and responded to Micah and Your Word and changed their behaviour (Jeremiah 26:18-19). They returned to Your blessing for a while anyway! Help us to respond to Your faithfulness and not be prone to wander or sin.

Our Father,

Who art in heaven and yet in the hearts of men by Your Spirit, bless those we know and love. Guide and direct their paths and touch them where they hurt and need healing, where they need light and hope and purpose. Thank You for our church fellowship and those who faithfully pray for us each day or week.

We pray for our justice system which gained such a backlog in Covid and which was already overburdened with cases. Many are long and complicated. We ask that You would call those with wisdom to become judges and magistrates. Grant them divine discernment. Help the system cope and catch up. Though we pray by Your hand criminals would find You, repent and not add to the case load.

We pray for families of those in prison who need help and we pray for the victims of crime whose lives have been changed forever. Be their provider.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 11th August 2023

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e’er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home

Chorus:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart

Chorus
Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Lyrics: Michael W Smith