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.”
“Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, 5 and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 7 In the days of Artaxerxes also, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the letter was written in Aramaic script, and translated into the Aramaic language. ” Ezra 4:4-7 NKJV
“And you will find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, and that they have incited sedition within the city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed. 16 We inform the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, the result will be that you will have no dominion beyond the River.” Ezra 4:15-16 NKJV
Father God,
Opposition again to the rebuilding. It had been stopped in the days of King Darius and then restarted after a letter was found in the Babylonian archives giving permission. Here though, we go back to chapter 4 of Ezra we are told we are in the reign of Ahasuerus, the son of Darius and then his predecessor Artaxerxes Ezra 4:1). So it seems the chapters are a little out of historical order. But no matter. This time the opposers aim their argument where they know it will stick. Where the money is. Rebuilding may make the Nation of Israel rebel against paying taxes to Babylon. So they suggest a search against trouble and rebellion from Jerusalem. Israel’s enemies suggest Babylon prevent further trouble.
And the work may have faltered and halted for a little while – except for the arrival of another group of exiles from Babylon and this time with a man called Ezra a skillful scribe in the Law of Moses. It sometimes, well quite often only takes one person to change circumstances. He doesn’t do all the work but he knows how to stand up to KIngs and ask for his rights. And Nehemiah comes along too. He knows how not to be intimidated by his enemies and how to look and see what needs to be done and encourage it.
Thats not me, we say. Not sure I want to stick my head above the parapet. But sometimes You just want us to do our part and nothing is too small a task. And others will join us when we have explained what and why if it is Your leading. Encouraging others is sometimes all it takes. I remember being told that no-one remembers who led Billy Graham to the Lord. But look what that achieved. Help us not to try to work things out in our own strength, or be afraid but just do what You put before us willingly, joyfully, hopefully.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 16th September 2026 I love the encouraging words of this worship.
I know someone who knows what I’m up against I know someone who’s here in the midst of it Fightin’ for me in a battle I could never win All on my own
I might not be able to part the waters Might not be able to calm the storms Might not be able to make my giants fall But good thing I’m not alone ‘Cause there is a power that is greater So I’m not afraid of what’s ahead I’m standing in the confidence that even though I can’t My God can
He’ll heal those who hurt and comfort every broken heart Restore the homes of families who’ve been torn apart Tell chains to break and do what seems impossible Like only He can
I might not be able to part the waters Might not be able to calm the storms Might not be able to make my giants fall But good thing I’m not alone ‘Cause there is a power that is greater So I’m not afraid of what’s ahead I’m standing in the confidence that even though I can’t My God can Oh-oh, oh (oh, yes, He can)
I can do all things, all things Through Christ who gives me strength I can do all things, all things ‘Cause His spirit lives in me I can do all things, all things Through Christ who gives me strength I can do all things (all things), all things (all things) ‘Cause His spirit lives in me
I might not be able to part the waters Might not be able to calm the storms Might not be able to make my giants fall But good thing I’m not alone ‘Cause there is a power that is greater (that is greater) So I’m not afraid of what’s ahead (I’m not afraid) I’m standing in the confidence that even though I can’t My God can, oh-ooh My God can I know He can
Lyrics: Joshua Havens, Jordan Mohilowski, Ethan Hulse, Katy Nichole.
“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.
