“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Philippians 1:12-14
Lord of all,
Paul is writing to people he knew and who he had helped form into a fellowship of believers. He prays that their love would abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so they can discern what is best and will be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ (1:9-11). What a prayer for then and now!
But then Paul dives into the nitty gritty. Now I want you to know. Now, one of those words we say when we want attention and are getting serious. Paul speaks of his hardships but that they have actually given him opportunity. God did not get him out of chains but used him while in them. Not easy!
What, why God? Questions in difficult times. Foggy till I have calmed and quietened my soul (Psalm 131:2). And I have heard so many testimonies of those who have turned to You and found You in tough times, sickness and trouble. Pauls chains did not tie his faith up. He trusted. When things are not perfect, not all going well, help us to see them as opportunities to prove You are trustworthy and our God.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Lord of all,
For our close family. Health and hearts..
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church fellowship, ministers and our denomination churches.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). World kings, dictators, leaders and rulers.
For Ukraine. We persist in seeking You for an end to war.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions and long term peace.
For our emergency services, those who faithfully work their shifts.
For life guards, coastguards, the the lifeboat volunteers.
For market gardeners and the harvest of local beautiful summer provision in this nation.
For a quiet week of bad news and a week of good.
For those working to help rehabilitate the homeless, addicts and those released from prison.
For us a day to acknowledge our challenges and look for You and Your way in them and with us. To remember what You have already brought us through to today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 19th August 2024
You may not know this hymn, I love it. It says so many of the things I want to and so beautifully.
When from sin’s dark hold Thy love had won me,
And its wounds Thy tender hands had healed,
As Thy blest commands were laid upon me,
Growing light my growing need revealed.
Thus I sought the path of consecration
When to Thee, dear Lord, my vows were given,
And the joy which came with full salvation
Winged my feet and filled my heart with Heaven.
By the love that never ceased to hold me,
By the blood which Thou didst shed for me,
While Thy presence and Thy power enfold me,
I renew my covenant with Thee.
But my heart at times with care is crowded;
Oft I serve with weak, overladen hands,
And that early joy grows dim and clouded
As each day its heavy toll demands.
Have I ceased from walking close beside Thee?
Have I grieved Thee with an ill-kept vow?
In my heart of hearts have I denied Thee?
Speak, dear Lord, oh speak and tell me now.
By the love that never ceased to hold me,
In a bond nor life nor death shall break,
As Thy presence and Thy power enfold me,
I would plead fresh covenant to make.
From before Thy face, each vow renewing,
Strong in heart, with purpose pure and deep,
I will go henceforth Thy will pursuing,
With my Lord unbroken faith to keep.
Lyrics: William J Brand