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.”
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan (the Adversary) also came among them. 7 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” 8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” 9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.”Job 1:6-12 NKJV
Lord God,
I do not know whether this book is a philosophical discussion on suffering, a parable or a true biography of Job. Greater minds than mine have given eloquent and persuasive arguments. Ezekiel (14;14, 14:20) makes mention of him alongside Noah and Daniel and James (5:11) makes mention of him as an example of steadfast patience in suffering. I agree with that.
I see in the New King James version that there is a footnote that satan could also be translated as adversary. There is an argument to say this was not satan the fallen angel but an adversarial angel questioning the need for trust where there was no need of it. Wanting to know if trust would be broken.
I think Lord that I just read Job as an example of not blaming You for everything in life. Refusing to move from his trust in You inspires me. The fact he is so tolerant of his rude friends is amazing. That he forgives them shows his understanding of You even though he does not have the benefit of knowing Your Son. I see the pain in people who blame You God. Help me let go of blame and allow You t be judge. Help me trust and see the things You want me to see and understand this side of heaven.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 31st August 2026 Love this, even though it is relatively old now written in 1983 John Watson wrote the song during a personal period of struggle while picking up a piano accordion, later noting it as the defining song that marked the birth and inspiration behind the Vinesong worship team.
Let Your living water flow over my soul, Let your Holy Spirit come and take control, Of every situation that has troubled my mind, All my cares and burdens on to you I roll.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Father, Father, Father Spirit, Spirit, Spirit
Come now Holy Spirit and take control, Hold me in your loving arms and make me whole, Wipe away all doubt and fear and take my pride, Draw me to your love and keep me by your side.
Chorus
Give your life to Jesus, let Him fill your soul, Let Him take you in His arms and make you whole, As you give your life to Him, He’ll set you free, You will live and reign with Him eternally.
“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. 2 And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East. 4 And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly.” Job 1:1-5 NKJV
Father God,
An aside from the history of Israel to be introduced to Job and his family. Job lived an upright and blameless life. He feared You (in the best sense of the word), he tried to please You, Lord and stayed away from evil. He is wealthy and counts his family as his greatest treasure before his many possessions and livestock. He cared deeply for his children and their spiritual well-being. So much so he rose early and made his first duty to make sacrifice for them in case they had sinned. He valued his relationship with You above all.
So the scene is set. I do not want to go further with Job as this is a day we too rise early to gather together as church, to give a sacrifice of praise, take communion and remember all You have done for us. None of us knows what is coming tomorrow. One thing is certain, Lord God, You did not send the trouble that came to Job. Suffering is not always punishment. We, like Job, need You for whatever unfolds. So today we will trust, worship, praise, give thanks and intercede.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Sunday 30th August 2026
Ev’rything that, everything that, everything that has breath praise the Lord Ev’rything that, everything that, everything that has breath praise the Lord
Praise You in the morning, praise You in the evening Praise You when I’m young and when I’m old Praise You when I’m laughing, praise You with I’m grieving Praise You every season of the soul If we could see how much You’re worth Your power, Your might, Your endless love Then surely we would never cease to praise
Chorus
Praise You in the heavens, joining with the angels Praising You forever and a day Praise You on the earth now, joining with creation Calling all the nations to Your praise If we could see how much You’re worth Your power, Your might, Your endless love Then surely we would never cease to praise
“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal: 2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One. 4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, If you know?5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. 6 Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. 7 Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): 8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches—feed me with the food allotted to me; 9 lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:1-9 NKJV
Lord God,
The NKJV chronological study Bible places the last few chapters of Proverbs here next to Job. I have sort of skirted over them previously. Agur the son of Jakeh, Ithiel and Ucal are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible and indeed the scholars say their names are not typically seen in any of the tribes of Israel. But they are included as part of Your Word. He begins with questions many ask. Can man get into heaven? Who can hold the wind or wrap up the sea or establish the world? Only God. Then he considers what to ask this pure God.
Two Things. To not be able to lie or misrepresent the truth and to have enough to live, no more no less. Why? So he will not profane (disrespect?) Your name O God. Would that be my requests? What two things would I ask for to not disrespect You Lord? That are not selfish, benefit just me or stop me trusting You?
Agur the wise. And then Jesus comes and confirms how to live godly wise lives: “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.“ Matthew 5:37 “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:13 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much,” Luke 16:10-11 “You cannot serve God and mammon” (riches). Matthew 6:24 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 I think I will ask of You the same as Agur today.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 29th August 2026 Being better will not make God love me more -he already loves me absolutely. Enough to give Jesus for me. But looking at all he has given me I just want to please Him.
This is my Father’s world, And to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world: The birds their carols raise, The morning light, the lily white, Declare their Maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.
Musical Interlude . . .
This is my Father’s world: O let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father’s world: The battle is not done Jesus who died will be satisfied And earth and heaven be one.
This is my Father world, Why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King: let the heavens ring! God reigns; let earth be glad!
