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.”
“The king’s servants who were within the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king’s command?” 4 Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew. 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. 6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.” Esther 3:3-6 NKJV
“Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.” Esther 9:1 NKJV
Father God,
The book of Esther does not mention You by name and yet it is clear that it is You who is guiding and protecting Your people in a distant land. That Mordecai hears of the plot and Esther is allowed to approach the King and ask for anything she requires. That the king is prepared to give her permission to protect her people, Your people. That they had success over their enemies. We see Your openings, Your courage given, Your protection all through it – for Your people. They are spread out but not spread away from YOu. They are far from the promised land but You keep Your promises. They are not living perfect covenant lives but You still actively love them.
None of us are ever beyond Your love (Romans 8:38-39), Your forgiveness (1 John 1:9)and Your ongoing care (Psalm 23:1-3). No matter where we are, who we are or what we have done we too know that You Lord are God, You made us, and we are Yours, we are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture (Psalm 100:3). It is reassuring in these days of Rulers and Kings having no respect or even acknowledging You, that You still reign and are working Your purposes out. Even when I cannot see it. Hw we need YOu to protect Your children today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Tuesday 15th September 2026 “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” NKJV Habakkuk 2:14 and Isaiah 11:9
God is working this purpose out, as year succeeds to year; God is working this purpose out, and the time is drawing near; nearer and nearer draws the time, the time that shall surely be: when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.
From utmost east to utmost west, where human feet have trod, by the mouth of many messengers goes forth the voice of God: “Give ear to me, ye continents, ye isles, give ear to me, that the earth may be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.”
Let us go forth in the strength of God, with the banner of Christ unfurled, that the light of the glorious gospel of truth may shine throughout the world. Let us all fight with sorrow and sin to set the captives free, that the earth may be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.
All we can do is nothing worth unless God blesses the deed. Vainly we hope for the harvest-tide till God gives life to the seed. Yet nearer and nearer draws the time, the time that shall surely be, when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.
“Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it. 11 And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women’s quarters, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her.” Esther 2:10-11 NKJV
Father God,
This book entitled Esther and the narrative in it are not about the King or even the place. Yes Ester is in it, but it is mostly about You, God. Encouraging Jews living in a foreign land, that You would still save them, still provide for them. Some people had returned to Jerusalem but there was still a great many spread out in many other nations. The diaspora. And they had intermarried whereas those who returned to Jerusalem were reminded You God had forbade this.
Esther kept her Jewish roots secret, but she’s far from foolish and she trusts Mordecai and those she knows can help her. She is teachable. Her behaviour and willingness to accept advice from Hegai, the custodian of the women, gained her the favour of all. One woman among many beautiful women. We would say today Lord that she was also beautiful on the inside. You opened the door and placed her in the right place at the right time and with the right attitude. And perhaps they glimpsed something different about her. Because she knew You, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Many of us cannot profess to be one of the beautifully people. But how lovely it would be to be known as a beautiful person by our lives. Not because of how good we have been, or what we have done or achieved but because Jesus, You God could be seen in us, our behaviour and attitudes.
Worship Monday 14th September 2026 Two simple prayer choruses that I first heard at the Salvation Army.
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me, All his wonderful passion and purity, O thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine, Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
Lyrics: Albert W T Osborn
To be like Jesus! This hope possesses me; In every thought and deed, This is my aim, my creed; To be like Jesus! This hope possesses me; His Spirit helping me, Like Him I’ll be.
“All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. They were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. 2 Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants.” 1 Chronicles 9:1-2 NKJV
“But the four principal gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God. 27 They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning. 28 Some of them were in charge of the articles used in the temple service; they counted them when they were brought in and when they were taken out. 29 Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the special flour and wine, and the olive oil, incense and spices.” 1 Chronicles 9:26-29 NKJV
Lord God,
You are the God of nations, families and individuals. When we get to passages of the Bible, as now, we are faced with 9 chapters of genealogies, we struggle. Yes it is easy to scan read the many names and move on to get through to more interesting bits. Well I do sometimes Lord. To get through the Bible in a Year we cannot linger here. But – I want o pause here Lord with the gatekeepers. Named, known and remembered.
It began in the wilderness camping by the tent openings of the moveable Tabernacle. And the responsibility of ensuring all was done properly.Then moved on to the Temple when it was originally built and duties extended to ensuring their we the necessary ingredients for worship. So when they came back to Jerusalem in Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah’s time they were again needed. The took up their duties. We do not read anywhere, as for as I know, that they left their post or did not fulfill their obligations. hey are worthy of being remembered.
And what about all those faithful servants who open up our churches, see to the heating, buy the milk and coffee. Prepare and check communion is prepared for. Father, named and known by You for eternity. We give thanks for all those down the years who have served thus. All those who do so now, some in difficult situations or amidst persecution. And we also turn a thought to those who will take over and ensure all still goes well in the future . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 13th September 2026 “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10b NKJV Doorkeepers first in . . .
How lovely is Your dwelling place Oh Lord Almighty My soul longs and even faints for You For here my heart is satisfied Within’ Your presence I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings
Better is one day in Your courts, Better is one day in Your house Better is one day in Your courts, Than thousands elsewhere Better is one day in Your courts, Better is one day in Your house Better is one day in Your courts, Than thousands elsewhere
One thing I ask, and I would seek To see Your beauty To find You in the place Your glory dwells Your glory dwells
Chorus
My heart and flesh cry out For You, the Living God Your Spirit’s water for my soul (My soul) I’ve tasted and I’ve seen Come once again to me I will draw near to You I will draw near to You
