Week beginning 28th August

 

Song: Jesus will take the highest honour

Jesus Shall Take The Highest Honour - YouTube

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being such a loving God. We thank You, Lord Jesus, for sacrificing Your life for us. Thank You for being mindful of us and becoming our Saviour, Deliverer and Liberator. Lord, we will praise You at all times, we will constantly speak Your praises. We will boast only in You. We give thanks to You with our whole hearts; we will sing Your praises before the gods. We bow before Your holy temple and praise You for Your unfailing love and faithfulness; for Your promises are backed by all the honour of Your Name. 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for making us right in God’s sight through Your crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. Because of You, we have peace with God. Through our faith in You we have been brought into a plan of undeserved privilege and we can confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Hallel YAH! Lord, when we were utterly helpless, You came to earth at just the right time and died for us sinners. We realize that most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But, God showed His great love for us by sending You to die for us while we were still sinners. We declare that since we have been made right in God’s sight by Your blood, we are saved from God’s condemnation. It is because of Your death, our friendship with God has been restored. Today, we rejoice in our wonderful relationship with God, Abba Father, because You have made us heirs. Thank You for becoming our sacrifice. Thank You for enduring pain, shame, and humiliation for our righteousness. Because of You, we are God’s righteousness. Thank You! Amen.

From www.prayerinstitute.com

Song: Jesus is King, and I will extol him

Jesus is King and I Will Extol Him (Singing the Faith 327 / StF 327) - YouTube

Reading: Matthew’s gospel, chapter 20, verses 17 to 19

Song: Jesus is Lord, Creation’s voice proclaims it

Jesus is Lord! Creation's voice proclaims it - YouTube

Who delivered Jesus to die? It was not Judas. Nor was it the priests. It was God. God delivered Jesus to die because he loves us. God loves us so deeply, so enormously deeply, with such passion, that he sent Jesus. His only begotten son, to provide us with the way back to him.

All of us are sinners, we all do things which come between us and God, which spoil our relationship with him. Everyone has fallen short of God’s will for us, every human ever born, except Jesus. We are all fallen.

It is only through faith, that is coming to Jesus, that our problems are dealt with; that there is a way back; that we are forgiven for our sins.

This way back, this solution to our problems, this forgiveness is our salvation. This results in death not being the end. We spend eternity with God. Those who do not demonstrate faith, who do not accept the forgiveness of their sins, who do not take the way back, are condemned to an eternity of separation from God.

At the end of all things, those of us who have accepted god’s salvation in Jesus will receive our resurrection bodies, we will be reunited with those others who have similarly accepted salvation. What a reunion that will be. But for us believers it should be tinged with sadness for those who will not be there!

We need to speak to non-believers to tell them that there is a way back to God. That they too can share in this eternal kingdom. On this journey, people will learn about God, and his purpose and methods.

God knew what would happen as a part of his plan to bring humanity back to him. He knew that Jesus would die. Jesus knew that he would die, but he was so consumed with love for humanity that he went along this path. In spite of the suffering, he wanted to demonstrate love for all mankind.

Luke’s gospel, chapter 12, “But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!”

Jesus went to Jerusalem, suffered betrayal and suffering in order to fulfil God’s plan for the salvation of humanity.

God’s plan was not an afterthought. It predated creation. God knew what would happen when people were created with free will. He knew that a plan would be needed when it went wrong. He knew what would happen. He knew what would be needed.

The plan was needed for everyone, but not all respond.

We need to worry about friends and family who have not responded, who face a lost eternity. Who continue in their sin, without the forgiveness of salvation because they have not chosen to accept it.

They have chosen to live independent of God. Even to try to create false gods. Who have not accepted that the sinless Jesus took their sins upon himself. In spite of Jesus’ prayer in John’s gospel, chapter 17, verse 24; “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”

Do we want to behold the glory of the Lord? If we have faith, then one day we will!

Song: Jesus, the name high over all

Jesus! the Name High Over All (Tune: Lydia - 6vv) [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube

Week beginning 21st August

 Song: Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace With Lyrics Hymn - YouTube

Prayer:

Lord, we give you thanks for the victories of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We thank you that these were real victories, won in the dust and heat of our human struggle.

We thank you that they were victories of love, won not by the sword, but by patience in well-doing and by endurance of evil.

We thank you that they were victories not for himself, but for the benefit of the whole human race.

We thank you for his victory over suffering and pain, his power to release people from the bondage of crippling disease, and to make them more than conquerors over hardships.

We thank you for his victory over sin, disarming it and setting the sinner on a new course.

We thank you for his victory over death, enabling people to fall asleep in the sure knowledge of the resurrection to eternal life.

Because he is still the world’s great champion and conqueror, we gladly own our debt to him and our allegiance to him.

Amen

Song: Blessed Assurance

Blessed Assurance - YouTube

Reading: Matthew’s gospel, chapter 13, verses 24 to 30 and 36 to 43

Song: Come let us sing of a wonderful love

Come let us sing of a wonderful love - YouTube

This parable of the wheat and tares is a very hard-hitting story. We need to consider the truths contained within it.

In the days of the wild west, there were many gold rushes. On one such, a man spent his whole life looking for gold. He always thought that he would find that large nugget which would make his fortune. Eventually he found such a nugget, and was overjoyed. But when he got his large nugget to the assayer to determine its value, he was devastated to discover that it was only fool’s gold (iron pyrites), virtually worthless.

The message of the parable is that people can have the “Real thing” but that some are satisfied with a mere sham. They may believe that they have a real saving faith, and may convince others of this, but the reality is that they only have a sham, worthless.

Paul frequently tells us to examine ourselves, to test our faith. Jesus counsels us “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

The background to the story is that Jesus was seated by the sea and teaching people in parables. The first, the parable of the sower is well known, and often preached on, but this second one is less frequently studied. What is is about?

We are told of a man who sows good seed, but an enemy sows weeds (tares) in amongst it. His servants offer to remove the weeds, but he says no. Leave them until harvest-time and we will sort them out then. At this point, the tares will be removed for disposal, and the good grain will be kept in the garner.

It is believed that the good seed represents the knowledge sown by the son of man (Jesus), and represents the children of God. The weeds represent the darkness brought about about by the evil one, variously referred to as; Devil, serpent, Lucifer or Satan.

The good seed, the children of the kingdom, are those who have a saving knowledge of Jesus. Those who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and been saved. Those who have experienced new birth.

The enemy in the one who would try to hinder God’s rule in the world. This is done by tempting to disobey. The enemy is the liar, the deceiver, the Father of lies.

The Tares are weeds that resemble wheat. There are those counterfeit Christians who look and sound like Christians, but have never experienced saving grace.

How are the two groups to be identified if they look and sound alike? Those who are “wheat” seek to serve God. They acknowledge that they are sinners, saved by grace. They manifest the grace of God in their lives.

Those who are “Tares” can be more difficult, but they can be known by their fruits. Jesus says “how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” The wolf in sheep’s clothing will eventually give himself away for the masquerade that they are. The objective of the “Tares” is to hinder the kingdom, to sow disharmony and rebellion. They want pre-eminence, and to keep people away from sound teaching.

This then leads to wonder how the church should react to the “tares”. Well, don’t “gather” them. Harm may be done, the roots of the wheat and the tares may be intertwined, to remove one, will damage the other. The “tares” may hear God’s word and be led to repentance. When the Lord Jesus Christ comes, at the end of the world, he will harvest. There will be the great separation.

The “wheat” will be taken to the great barn. The righteous will shine like the sun in heaven. They will, be “safely gathered in”.

Song: When I survey the wondrous cross

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Tune: Rockingham - 4vv) [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube

Week beginning 14th August

 Song: Morning has broken like the first morning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5D3LEjGF8A

An elderly preacher lived on street with blocks of flats, hers being a ground floor dwelling, her view was of the dustbin sheds, rubbish covered the small area of grass. The flat was small and her son was going to move in to help to look after her but it only had one bedroom. So she was offered a two bed bungalow nearer to the country side, she now has trees, fields, and cows, a blackbird comes and sings on her fence. Yes, God is good she thought. And turned to Psalm 148. A hymn came to mind.

Song: Jesus is Lord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HHYt40whHQ

After visiting a flower festival held in her friend’s Church, she was greatly moved by a window display of blackness with a mist of grey draped over the black image with the words

“ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

At the front of the church were two images; the first a pure white large sheet covered with lots of different flowers, leaves, so very beautiful; the other a dead tree branch

covered in used carrier bags and plastic wrappers at its base empty cans & bottles fast food wrappers and other household rubbish. It made her think of the book of Genesis Chapter 1: 1 – 25. The next hymn talks about the beauty of God’s earth

Song: For the beauty of the earth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVyN7Qi7NHs

Prayer

God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty. Praise be to you. Amen

In the bible reading, at the end of each day God saw that his work was good. Now read to the end of the chapter, Genesis Chapter 1: 26 – 31. In the N.I.V. v31 it says God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. We read that we were made very good and God put us in charge of all the planet this comes with a big responsibility. There is an advert that says we are the first generation to see what we are doing to the planet and the first generation to do something about it.

Song: O Lord my God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdE_NKyY_o0

What do a telescope, children, and zoo have in common ?

A telescope can see the creation in all its glory.

A zoo can show all the creatures around the world that we would not other wise see, that are all part of the creation and children look in wonder at the world with open eyes. and praise God the creator.

An atheist writer wrote of the beauty of creation but never gave a thought how it was made.

He missed the point, The Glory, the praise the magnificence that God made this for him and you and me and for those to come. So it is right to give God the praise and to sing how great thou art .

There are still people who have not enough food to eat no fresh water to drink no home due to war, failed harvests. Contaminated water by pollution

So we ask what can we do. We can pray

Prayer: Father, Creation sings of Your majesty. Created in Your image, we are a direct reflection of You. Every good thing comes from You. Every note of love and goodness we feel and extend is rooted in Your great love for us.

Whether we know Jesus yet or not, we know love. We all know what it feels like to love and be loved. It is this commonality that supplies the empathy we need to see each other for the people You created us to be. Help us to find the good in every person You place in our lives and on our paths,

prayer

Father. You are not a God of coincidence. You watch over us, encourage us, and love us perfectly. You are faithful to hear us and answer our prayers. You are close to the broken hearted.

Father, we are in awe of how you orchestrate the days of our lives and the individual love You have for each of us and our purposes. We are all unique, every person, and it brings You joy when we recognize each other for the people we are in You. Lord teach us to love. Amen

So what can we do to help the world? The answer is not easy but we can all do are little bit show compassion, share what we have. Use items that are more recyclable. And remember God has lent us this planet to care for. For he is love there fore show love with love comes hope eternal.

Song: God in His love for us lent us this planet 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwBLsS6M4jQ

Poem

Beauty for brokenness Hope for despair

Lord, in your suffering This is our prayer
Bread for the children Justice, joy, peace

Sunrise to sunset Your kingdom increase!

Shelter for fragile lives Cures for their ills

Work for the craftsman Trade for their skills

Land for the dispossessed Rights for the weak
Voices to plead the cause Of those who can't speak

God of the poor ,Friend of the weak
Give us compassion we pray

Melt our cold hearts Let tears fall like rain
Come, change our love From a spark to a flame.

Refuge from cruel wars Havens from fear

Cities for sanctuary Freedoms to share

Peace to the killing-fields Scorched earth to green

Christ for the bitterness His cross for the pain

God of the poor, Friend of the weak

Give us compassion we pray

Melt our cold hearts Let tears fall like rain

Come, change our love From a spark to a flame

Rest for the ravaged earth Oceans and streams

Plundered and poisoned Our future, our dreams

Lord, end our madness Carelessness, greed

Make us content with The things that we need

God of the poor, Friend of the weak

Give us compassion we pray

Melt our cold hearts Let tears fall like rain
Come, change our love From a spark to a flame

Lighten our darkness Breathe on this flame
Until your justice Burns brightly again

Until the nations Learn of your ways

Seek your salvation And bring you their praise

God of the poor, Friend of the weak

Give us compassion we pray

Melt our cold hearts
Let tears fall like rain

Come, change our love From a spark to a flame

Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Graham Kendrick God of the Poor lyrics © Make Way Music

Song: Yes God is Good

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VthiQXgNXAM

Week beginning August 7th

 

Song: All creatures of our God and king

All Creatures of Our God and King (Tune: Lasst uns Erfreuen - 4vv) [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, send your holy spirit on this gathering, that we may worship in spirit and truth. Amen

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

Reading: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 10.

Song: All people that on earth do dwell

All people that on earth do dwell - YouTube

Reading: 1^st book of Kings, chapter 8. verses 35 to 53

Prayer:

Lord God, our heavenly Father,

Help us to remember that you are not an exclusive God, that you desire that none should perish.

You have loved all, and want all to know you and serve you.

Thanks you for the opportunities to know, love and serve you. May we take advantage of all the opportunities you present us with.

We pray for the persecuted, may they show your love, joy and peace in their lands. May they be invisible to their enemies, and yet be salt and light in their communities.

We pray for Ukraine, and for all affected by warfare and terror.

We pray for the people of Taiwan, under threat of military action at the moment.

We pray for all affected by cruel and incompetent governments.

We pray for all who are hungry, fearful of suffering in body, mind or spirit; those who are worried about the future; those who are worried about paying rent, energy bills or food; the homeless, and all the agencies which try to help those affected by these worries.

May we recognise the rewards which we can have when led by you. May we take the opportunities to share your love with others.

In Jesu’s name. Amen

Reading: Luke’s gospel, chapter 7

Song: All my hope on God is founded

All My Hope On God Is Founded - YouTube

Since each song has started with the word “All”, you might have come to the conclusion that the theme is one of inclusivity, and you would be right!

Solomon was building the first temple. He recognised that God does not need a house, but the people need a place to meet. We read of something of a shift of emphasis from “the chosen” to foreigners. Written many years B.C., the people are urged to do whatever the foreigner says. A cynic might be tempted to think that Solomon’s words were not entirely altruistic. Perhaps he was thinking that it was acceptable to trade with foreigners if the price was right! He certainly recognised the power of religion to bind people together. This temple was the only place to offer sacrifice, and foreigners were expected to come. They would spend, and this would be good for the economy. He prophesied that this kingdom would last for ever, but it was not to be. It only lasted one generation, being ruined by his son.

Subsequently, Jesus was tempted by the Devil, “All the nations…….” The Devil succeeded with Solomon, but not with Jesus.

Lip service was no good, what was needed was heart service.

The centurion was newly posted to Judea. He would have hated it. The Romans never understood the Jews. Caesar dismissed the province on the film Ben Hur with the words Goats and Jehovah” It was a hotbed of hostility.

But this centurion had taken the time to meet with, and learn from his servants. He had come to the conclusion that the people, and their God, were worthy of respect. He had paid for the synagogue to be rebuilt after a fire. The locals considered him to be a righteous man, who loved them, who was in his turn, worthy of respect.

When his servant was ill, he thought of Jesus, but how to contact him? He asked some Jewish elders to contact him, And ask for help.

There is a problem, Jesus as a Jew could not enter the house of the Roman, but the centurion had an answer, Jesus only had to say the word, and the servant would be healed.

“I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” says Jesus. From a foreigner! And the servant was well.

God doesn’t force himself on people.

God wants all to know him.

God draws all to him.

God has no barriers.

Song: All over the world

All over the World the Spirit is moving - Roy Turner - YouTube