“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NKJV
Lord of all, God of everything,
I could not leave Ecclesiastes without visiting these verses. The overall theme of Your book of Ecclesiastes, explained by a scholar (Christopher Gilbert) is: “the pain and frustration engendered by observing and meditating on the distortions and inequities pervading the world, the uselessness of human ambition, and the limitations of worldly wisdom and righteousness.” Why use one word when you can use 30! The world is sick and its depressing? But here in the middle is an oasis. The writer says and knows life is not all random and without purpose.
We all have different seasons, ages, phases in our lives (not all easy) and yet we can see You, God in them all. Though sometimes only with hindsight. Seasons when You, God are stretching us, holding us, growing our faith. When we are full of joy and see You working. Seasons when we are challenged to accept hard choices. Seasons when we need to consider others before ourselves. Seasons when we need to ask for help and be gracious.
Thank You that You are always the God we need, in every season. Our God of comfort and the God who fights for us and the God who provides and guides. Our God of today, of this season, now. You were faithful, You are faithful, You will be faithful. We cannot always pray life away, but You will see us through.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord of all,
For our family, friends, neighbours. To know and see You at work for good in their lives.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Plan their days and bless their steps.
For our nation and future Government. For those who will make good plans when elected.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to create a way to peace.
For Ukraine, a powerful move of Your Spirit to change circumstances and end this war.
For the Christians in Ukraine, Myanmar and war zones. Help them stand and serve.
For those who make plans for aid agencies and make it happen. The organisers.
For the new born and midwives. For those of many years and those recently bereaved.
For us, a time to consider what to stop doing and what to do. Time to consider any changes we should make.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 13th June 2024
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
Perfect submission, perfect delight
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love
Chorus
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Chorus
Lyrics: David Thomas Clydesdale