“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Matthew 5:13 NKJV
Our Father,
Jesus said they (his followers) were the salt of the earth. Chaucer borrowed the phrase from the Latin version of the Bible in 1386 and used it in one of his tales. It is used today but I wonder how many know it came from the Bible – words said by Jesus? Most know its meaning – a person highly regarded for their kindness, honesty or reliability.
But there are many good people on the earth, nice people. But Jesus was not just saying they should be good nice people. The most important aspect of salt is the flavour it adds and preservative properties it has. And that flavour Jesus is talking about can only come from You, Lord. Being good does not win up brownie points with You, God. We are called to share the flavour of the gospel, the taste of Your goodness God and not grow stale.
There are many good causes to support and many good things to be involved in. Things considered as worthy, kind and good. But Jesus is talking about being His salt. To have all our flavour and drive and motivation from You Lord. So what is seen on the outside runs all the way through our thinking, doing and believing.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Our Father,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For any relationships we need to ask You to help us with.
For our church fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Parliament resitting in September.
For Ukraine. An end to end war, soon.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions for a reconciliation and lasting peace. Keep them talking.
For the Christian voice to be heard and relevant.
For those who need Your forgiveness to be able to forgive themselves.
For those dependent on drugs to find freedom in You, those with anxiety and fear, peace.
For the internet. That the tasteless side would be cleaned up, censored and made accountable.
For us to taste the flavour of having You in our life. So we can witness in whatever we do.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 29th August 2024
They’ll Know We Are Christians by our love” is a Christian hymn written in the 1960s by the late Fr. Peter Scholtes. Inspired by John 13:35. The title of the hymn originates from the phrase that non believers used to describe Christians believers of the early church: “Behold, how they love one another.” In both Protestant and Catholic hymnals today it has become an important hymn in the church’s efforts to sing a theology of active participation and discipleship in and for the world.
We are one in the Spirit,
We are one in the Lord,
We are one in the Spirit,
We are one in the Lord,
And we pray that all unity
may one day be restored:
And they’ll know we are Christians
by our love, by our love.
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians
by our love.
We will walk with each other,
We will walk hand in hand,
We will walk with each other,
We will walk hand in hand,
And together we’ll spread the news
That God is in our land.
And they’ll know we are Christians
by our love, by our love.
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians
by our love.
We will work with each other,
We will work side by side,
We will work with each other,
We will work side by side,
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity
And save each one’s pride:
And they’ll know we are Christians
by our love, by our love.
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians
by our love.
All praise to the Father,
from who all things come,
And all praise to Christ Jesus,
His one and only Son,
And all praise to the Spirit
Who makes us all as one:
And they’ll know we are Christians
by our love, by our love.
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians
by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love.
Lyrics: Fr. Peter Scholtes