“When David was close to death, he told Solomon his son: “I am about to die. Be strong and become a man! Do the job the Lord your God has assigned you by following his instructions and obeying his rules, commandments, regulations, and laws as written in the law of Moses.” 1 Kings 2:1-3 NET
Father of all,
I wonder what advice Queen Elizabeth gave Charles as she knew she was getting older? Or was the witness of her life of service enough? Here David is here talking to his son Solomon, as David knows he is near to dying, and his advice is – to become a man! Be a man! I have heard that quoted as a sort of mantra to pull yourself together and be strong and show no weakness!
But David was not speaking in a worldly context. He was talking about choosing to stand up and be a man of God, Your man. So Solomon would do the assignments You gave, follow Your instructions and obey Your Law. Not bow to pressure or the loudest advisor. David had learned how to be a King from You. You kept him safe when Saul was trying to kill Him. He let You deal with Saul in Your time. He learned to humble himself, repent and deal with the consequences when He sinned and committed adultery and then murder. He learned of Your great mercy (Psalm 51). He learned even family can turn against You, when Absalom one of his many sons betrayed him. But he trusted You. He did not rejoice over the death of his son who became His enemy but prayed with remorse (2 Samuel 18:33).
We, in Jesus, are now Your children and Heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Help us to be the sort of men and women David was talking about. Lovers of Your Word and truth. Desiring to trust and follow Your instructions. Living and learning from You. Thank You for Your presence with us to guide and to cheer.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father of all,
For our close family. Todays needs and blessings.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations. Clear preaching and teaching..
For our king and all those in authority and Parliament (1 Timothy 2:2).
For Ukraine. For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions leading to peace an end of war.
For those who live in Afghanistan and countries where the law is cruel and without mercy..
For teachers, mentors, trainers and parents to have patience and display good lives.
For those who prey on young people to be outed, uncovered and removed from contact.
For those families affected by violence and murder we have read and heard about in the news.
For us to live according to Your leading and be able to hear and follow paths of peace and reconciliation..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 21st September 2024
After learning that his young nephew was killed in a car accident, Don Moen searched for some way to help bring comfort to his grieving family even as he struggled with his own sorrow. While reading Isaiah 43, he asked God to give him something that would bring hope to the family in the middle of a hopeless situation. As he prayed, the words for “God Will Make A Way,” came to mind and the following song was born.
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
Oh, God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness, He’ll lead me
Rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade but His Word will still remain
And He will do something new today
Oh, God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
Lyrics: Don Moen