This little light of mine

Sunday 14th July 2024

“Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:5-6 NET

“Then Pilate said,“So you are a king!” Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world—to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” ³⁸Pilate asked, “What is truth?” John 18:37-38 NET

God of truth,

Sometimes Father, I like to read Your word by the story and sometimes I just like to concentrate on a couple of verses. Today I just want to read the verses from yesterday again and concentrate on Jesus the Word made flesh (John 1:14). I have a Bible where the words Jesus spoke are in red print. I can read them and then the surrounding verses to put them into context. Truth. It does not change for any generation. But the enemy sometimes tries to disguise its meaning!

The enemy used the truth, but twisted it, in the garden to tempt Adam and Eve to eat the apple. He uses the same tactics today twisting the truth and half lies. Telling us other people are doing it and society has changed, moved forward so it must be ok!

Help us see truth. That sin is still sin. Some sin has become more acceptable to society, overlooked and the line has been moved. But not with You. We as Christians will always be looked upon as old fashioned, because we choose Your way. Not murdering, not getting drunk, only sleeping with our marriage partner, not telling fibs, not stealing even a safety clip! The list is endless. Will we regret living this way?

I do not think I will and it is for others to make their choices. And You forgive me when I slip and remind me if I begin to judge others. We are Your light of truth shining for all to see. We will show our joy and happiness are not dependant on sex, money or power. And we will not judge others, it is there choice, but where possible direct them to You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of truth,

For our family, friends, neighbours.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For all those preparing for the Paris Olympics. Behand the scenes and those who will take part.
For Gaza, Middle East, continuing peace talks.
Ukraine. Send a miracle, an end to war.
For the justice system seeking the truth and giving justice.
For our Young offenders courts and rehabilitation ministries.
For honesty and integrity among public figures and leaders.
For marriages, families and society.
For us thank You for electric lights and Your light in our hearts showing us right from wrong.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 14th June 2024

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
(Repeat)

Light that shines is the light of love,
Hides the darkness from above,
Shines on me and it shines on you,
Shows you what the power of love can do.
Shine my light both bright and clear,
Shine my light both far and near,
In every dark corner that I find,
Gonna let my little light shine.

Monday gave me the gift of love,
Tuesday peace came from above,
Wednesday told me to have more faith,
Thursday gave me a little more grace,
Friday told me to watch and pray,
Saturday told me just what to say,
Sunday gave me the power divine
To let my little light shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Lyrics: Believed to be originally from an African American Spiritual.

Tuesday 31st October 2023

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light.¹⁷For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light. ¹⁸So listen carefully, for whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” Luke 8:16-18 NET

God of light,

The clocks have gone back an hour last weekend, and the days are getting shorter and the nights longer. Lights and lamps that we have fastidiously turned off to save energy we now need on. And those room lamps make us feel better cheering up the room with soft light. Is it a dilemma – to leave a lamp on to make the house welcoming on return – or save electricity and maybe leave pets in the dark? These verses in Luke, familiar remind us that lamps were their light. The oil had to be bought, the wicks trimmed and attended to. No one lit them for effect, they were essential.

Who would hide the house light? Jesus shows the ridiculousness to put a spotlight on us. We cannot hide anything from You. to You darkness is light and nothing is hidden (Psalm 139:12).

But You, God are not watching our every move to score us and use it against us later. You light our way to keep us from darkness, to guide our way, to show up danger and reveal where we need You to help us clean up our act!

God, light our living space so we can live in Your Kingdom and know where sin lurks. And avoid it. Keep us in the light of repentance and forgiveness. Help us to keep Your light burning in us always, to draw and welcome others into Your comfort and saving power.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of light,

We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Meet the needs they have today.
For our town to provide employment and housing and all society needs to be healthy.
For our local council and MP’s to be encouraged to do their best.
For our King and His family to be blessed and follow You and serve this nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miracle ceasefire and an end to war.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For ongoing comfort, help and relief for those in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco and where there has been flooding in the UK.
For all those terrible acts of violence and the victims that we hear of in the news. Heal and comfort.
For ourselves, to know Your light in our hearts

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 31st October 2023
A choice. One to praise and one to sing our commitment. Or maybe both . . .

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth You created
All for love’s sake became poor

Chorus

I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross (Repeat)

Lyrics: Tim Hughes

Chorus