“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:23-26 NIV
Father of Glory,
I wonder! Nobody today likes to talk about denying themselves anything. New years resolutions are quickly forgotten and lent is not really a time of denial anymore. Or am I being too cynical Lord? You gave up Your only Son to Your cruel creation. Jesus called His disciples to do likewise, deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow Him. I wonder if they wondered why he was talking about crucifixion, the horrendous death for criminals! It must have hit home after Jesus was crucified, dead and buried.
He called them to take up their cross after he told them He must be rejected by the religious leaders and be put to death (Luke 9:22). Perhaps they did not dare ask to many questions.
I thank You that I do not have to literal take up my cross and become a martyr. Many are put to death for their faith in parts of the world today. And we wonder why Your people, who are called to love, are hated so, but then You were too (John 15:18). Following You does mean dying to self. Not ourselves, but the selfish self. All the things that would harm us. Worshipping anything else but You. Over indulging. Immorality. Lying. Jealousy. Malice. Pride. Thinking too much of ourself or not loving ourself.
It is a challenge sometimes, but it is the safest, best, right and most joyful way. Help us one day at a time, one step at a time, to die to self direction and follow You, in Your strength.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father of Glory,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For each ones need, dreams, hopes and strength for today. We give thanks for answered prayers.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities.
For our Government, that You would guide and reform it, for the good of the nation.
For our King and Queen and those who work for the best future for our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to this conflict.
For those in the midst of conflict, whose share their faith, to see people choose Christ Jesus.
For those who suffer for their faith, risk loosing their lives and for the families of those who are left behind. For those in the worst places for persecution: North Korea , Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, India.
For countries where Your people face the most violence. Pakistan, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Cameroon, Central African Republic, India, Mali, South Sudan, Ethiopia.
For ourselves, that we would appreciate the freedom we have to follow You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 14th November 2023
Yes, a hymn I choose again because it says just what I want to say in worship.
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It keeps running after me
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Lyrics: Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson and Jenn Johnson.