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Friday 14th February 2025

“Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.”  Exodus 18:17-24 NIV

Lord of delegation,

Moses learned from his father in law. Not necessarily a believer but then like Moses perhaps it is dangerous when we think we know it all! Jethro was an answer to burnout prayer and came – was God sent at just the right time. Moses was not too proud to listen. I hear that! And all those good honest men found their calling to serve. Shame they did not set good examples and grumbled along with every one else in the near future. Surely a warning for me too! Negativity can be catching.

Paul talks about all Believers having gifts to serve. One person wisdom through the Spirit, another knowledge. Another faith another gifts of healing . To another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But the same Spirit produces and distributes them individually to each person. So we cannot boast! (1 Corinthians 12:8-11) And Paul says whatever you do do it with all Your heart as if for the Lord. (Colossians 3:23). May we be a good example and not grumble as we humbly serve. As we are all part of the same body in Christ.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 14th February 2025
Yesterdays worship reflected this in onward Christian soldiers . . . we are not divided all one body we . . .
But I found this beautiful little song.

In these hard times we need each other
To comfort, support, equip and minister.
For God delights to see Hs children in unity
Sharing the gospel faithfully and working for His glory

We are better together my sisters my brothers
We can do more for the Lord if we have each other
We are a family as part of Christ’s body
We are better together, better together for God

We must show them the Spirit of God in us
The church redeemed by the blood of Jesus
Through our unity the whole world will see
And believe the gospel we preach for His glory

We are better together my sisters my brothers
We can do more for the Lord if we have each other
We are a family as part of Christ’s body
We are better together, better together for God

Lyrics: Jeuel Rychel Senina

Keep praying for Ukraine and the church there.

Thursday 13th February 2025

 “The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” Exodus 17:8-13
“Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.” Exodus 17:15

Jehova Nissi, The Lord my Banner,

This is the first mention of Joshua and he proves himself faithful and capable. The banner told the enemy who they were and Moses wanted to give all the glory to God. He did not want to be a superstar or take any attention. He knew that all they achieved was because of You. Help us stay humble and Have You as our banner for victory over sin.

I love the picture of Moses standing before You on their behalf and needing others to help him. Thank you for those who intercede, pray together for us and the church. And a threesome reminding us of Jesus being encouraged by Moses and Elijah on the Mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:3). And of course that a three cord strand is not easily broken ( Ecclesiastes 4:12). Finally it reminds me that You are one, but also trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You are our banner and we are stronger when we stand together, hold each other up and seek Your face.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 13th February 2025
Had to be a battle song . . .

Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!

Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!

Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity.

Chorus

Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages
men and angels sing. [Refrain]

Lyrics: S Baring Gould

Wednesday 12th February 2025

“Then the whole community of Israel set out from Elim and journeyed into the wilderness of Sin, between Elim and Mount Sinai. They arrived there on the fifteenth day of the second month, one month after leaving the land of Egypt. 2 There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron. 3 “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.”” Exodus 16:1-3 NLT

““Give us water to drink!” they demanded. “Quiet!” Moses replied. “Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the Lord?” 3 But tormented by thirst, they continued to argue with Moses. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Are you trying to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?”” Exodus 17:2-3 NLT

Father God,

They had forgotten how tough it was as slaves in Egypt. They had forgotten all the miracles You performed and that You kept them from suffering the plagues and none of their first born died . . . they had forgotten that You had promised to lead them to the promised land alive!

How true the scripture which says, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. And whether they gathered a little manna or a lot each had exactly what they needed (Exodus16:17). You know what we need.

When our lives feel dry and we find ourselves hungry for direction or what to feed on – help us turn to You first to be fed on the truth and refreshed by Your Spirit. It is easier to grumble sometimes, rather than acknowledge where we are and look for what we need to You. Give us grace to persevere.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 12th February 2025
Time to relax in a traditional hymn which often comes to my mind . . .

Famous Welsh hymn writer William Williams wrote the Welsh hymn ‘Arglwydd, arwain trwy’r anialwch’ (Lord, lead me through the wilderness), in around 1762. Less than 10 years later it was translated into English by Peter Williams and became known as ‘Guide me, o thou great redeemer’. The tune Cwm Rhondda was written by John Hughes in 1905.

Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more,
feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
be Thou still my strength and shield,
be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell’s Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to Thee,
I will ever give to Thee.

Lyrics: William Williams translated by Peter Williams