Daily Share-a-Prayer w/e 08/12/2024
Derek Mill
Worship Leader, All Saints Church, Belton
Wednesday 4th December
Heavenly Father, help me to keep my focus on Jesus throughout this Christmas season. The way we pronounce Christmas does not lead us immediately to think of Christ. The adverts on TV don't immediately lead us to think of Christ
Often the adverts paint a picture which is far removed from the reality of day to day life for most of us. When we do try to match up we find we are left with a mountain of debt and a mountain of food we can't possibly eat
My devotional today reminded me of Jesus' words: "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty". Physically we will get hungry, and we do need food and water to live, but spiritually we will die without Jesus. This is why I need to keep Jesus as my main focus at this time of year
It is easy to be distracted and weighed down by the pressure to match up to the expectations of the world, when Your expectations are so light; give thanks for the birth of the Saviour of the world. Sing His praises. Worship Him. Bring the only gift He wants. "What can I give Him, poor as I am. If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet what I can, I give Him, give my heart"
Gifts are a big part of Christmas, but the greatest gift is what You have given us, Jesus "For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". Jesus, be the centre of my Christmas
Amen
Poem and songs for today:
1 Corinthians 13: a Christmas version by Sharon Jaynes
In the bleak midwinter
For unto us a child is born
Jesus be the centre
Tuesday 3rd December
Heavenly Father, I again came across the poem called 'One Solitary Life' this morning as I prayed and thought about Jesus. It is attributed to James Allan Francis. It includes a phrase, near the end that has stuck in my mind ever since the first time I heard it, "I am well within the mark..." The complete sentence is: "I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned - put together - have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one, solitary life"
Thank You for this reminder that Jesus is the greatest man who ever lived. There was a boxer who considered himself 'the greatest' but he wasn't and isn't. There is a man who called himself 'the special one' but he wasn't and isn't
There are many discussions about GOATs, (the greatest of all time) usually in the world of sports or entertainment where people speak from their POV (point of view); but no-one has affected the world as much as Jesus, because He is the only One who actually matters. "No-one but You Lord, can satisfy the longing in my heart..." "There is none like You..."
Lord Jesus, You make all the difference! Yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever, You make all the difference. You are the only One who opens the Gates of Heaven and invites us in. Only Your words matter when it comes to Salvation
Thank You that Your One Solitary Life has changed my life. Jesus, the Lamb, You really are the Greatest of All Time
Amen
Poem and Songs:
One Solitary Life - poem
From the squalor of a borrowed stable
No-one but You Lord (Only You)
There is none like You
Monday 2nd December
Heavenly Father, I don't often think about things unless they affect me. That is horrible I know. I never really thought about pavements being lowered at corners until I had to push my mother-in-law, then my wife, and more recently my daughter, in a wheelchair. Even a small kerb makes it difficult to manoeuvre a wheelchair. Paths that slope from side to side also make it difficult, as do hedges overgrowing way beyond a boundary making the path very narrow, or cars parked blocking the way
These are just a few examples of things I don't usually think about; I'm sure there are many others but I'm not thinking about them at the moment. A mum looked at her son recently and asked herself, "I wonder what kind of weird person you are going to be?" An interesting thought
I know we all have needs, but some have more needs than others. Some needs come and go, like a wheelchair for some, but for others they last for their whole life, and always have to be considered. Thank You that our awareness of special educational needs and disabilities has been raised in more recent years; that these needs are more closely monitored, diagnosed, and catered for
Lord Jesus, You met everyone with the same love, care, and compassion. Forgive me for not always thinking of the needs of others, whether they are basic or special. Help me to see everyone as special, whether they are in need or not. Help me to be more aware and considerate of those around me. Help me to keep this in mind even when I am not affected. Thank You
Amen
Songs for today:
When my heart runs dry
I know a place
The Jesus Way
all songs (usually with lyrics) and talks courtesy of YouTube
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