“As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, seemingly insignificant among the clans of Judah—from you a king will emerge who will rule over Israel on my behalf, one whose origins are in the distant past. 3 So the Lord will hand the people of Israel over to their enemies until the time when the woman in labour gives birth. Then the rest of the king’s countrymen will return to be reunited with the people of Israel. 4 He will assume his post and shepherd the people by the Lord’s strength, by the sovereign authority of the Lord his God. They will live securely, for at that time he will be honoured even in the distant regions of the earth. 5 He will give us peace.” Micah 5:2-5 NET
Sovereign Lord God,
Yes, the shopping channels (I merely scrolled past them on the TV guide!) have been doing Christmas in July and are having Christmas again in August. The world needs reminding we have to spend to make it more wonderful than last year and to be happier???? For those of us who know Christ we never cease to wonder that You came has a defenceless helpless baby to become the Saviour of the world.
Scholars think Micah was written 600 to 700 years before Christ and yet here is a promise of his coming. Bethlehem. Ephrathah is a biblically referenced former name of Bethlehem, meaning “fruitful”. It is also a personal name. The special place of no significance to man where You planned Your Son would be born. As Micah foretold, He certainly assumed His post even if His own disciples could not always understand or see it.
He was a good Shepherd to those who would follow and still is (v4) . By Your strength (v4) as He only did what He saw You doing (John 5:19). He is honoured even in the distant regions of the world, because 12 men and some women spread the gospel by the power of Your Holy Spirit. You give us peace. One day, and You knows when, You will give us a beautiful, joyful, life filled peace in heaven. Thank You for the promises that have been fulfilled and those we are looking forward to in our future.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Sovereign Lord God,
Bless, keep and shepherd our friends and family into good places and good health and into Your safe keeping. Open the eyes of those who cannot yet see who You truly are. We pray for our ministers and those who keep our churches open and based on Your Word. We pray for Bishops, Superintendents, Senior Pastors and the heads of the Pentecostal denominations. We pray they will lead the church forward and even where there is disagreement find a way forward in peace keeping the gospel central.
We pray for those who buy lights and try to buy happiness at Christmas. Break into their lives now so they can know the wonder, the life changing difference Your Son made when He came to Bethlehem, Ephrathah that little insignificant yet fruitful personal birth place.
We pray that there will be a change for Ukraine before Christmas. Send the message of peace and goodwill to all men and women involved in decisions in these days. So another way forward can be found.
We do not want to get caught up in all the endless political discussions but we do want to pray for our Parliament. That You would bless it, root out lies and sham for what they are and enhance the truth and good when it is spoken.
Bless our homes and thank you for all who visit this week. Bless each house on our street. Some have many needs and some are dark. Visit them with Your light and hope and health.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 10th August 2023
No apologies – I just wanted this today, because we too can sing for and to Him.
It was on a starry night
When the hills were bright,
Earth lay sleeping, sleeping calm and still.
Then in a cattle shed, in a manger bed
A Boy was born, King of all the world.
And all the angels sang for Him,
The bells of Heaven rang for Him,
For a Boy was born, King of all the world.
Soon the shepherds came that way
Where the Baby lay,
And were kneeling, kneeling by His side;
And their hearts believed again
For the peace of men,
For a Boy was born, King of all the world.
Lyrics: Joy Webb