1 He touched the ones that others would despise, he lifted up the poor to help them rise, he stemmed the hypocrites within their pride and drew the little children to his side.
2 He stopped the ones who'd stone a woman dead, then offered care, forgiving her instead. He called his friend once buried in a cave, he promised love would live beyond the grave.
3 He poured himself in love to all the earth, a sacrifice of grace affirmed our worth, and now this simple sacrifice is all we need to make to follow at God's call.
Matthew 14: 22-33 - the faith to walk on water – 12 Aug
1 Churning waves unsettled Peter, startled, he was sinking fast, he'd been walking on the water, seemed this moment could not last. Jesus reached a hand to save him, lifted him above the swell. Fainting faith seemed to have left him, Jesus knew this all too well.
2 In the boat things seemed much safer but his friends, now overawed, knew again, the truth was dawning, this man Jesus was their Lord. Even wind and waves obeyed him, here God's nature was betrayed; when we're sinking God still lifts us, love and grace are still displayed.
The shells which cup such precious pearls – The Pearl of Great Price
The shells which cup such precious pearls are like our hands that cradle hope, which reach to others out of love; we seek assurance, strength to cope.
The pearls that hold a core of grit are like the grace that we have found, though life is troubled, sharp and sour, God folds in love, that’s sure and sound.
And so with hands like open shells we offer pearls of greatest price, the spirit's power, the grace of God and Jesus' loving sacrifice.
God is your source of strength and help – based on Psalm 121
God is your source of strength and help, ground of this changing, cosmic scheme; you need not look beyond the hills, God folds you close in love unseen.
God never sleeps by day or night, God's love will never lose its grip; your God will never let you down, your foot will never slide or slip.
The hottest sun will bring no harm, nor will the moon bring hurt or fear for God has guarded you with care, and love will always hold you near.
Each journey that you make in life, your coming in, your going out, will show how much God loves you still, through every danger, fear or doubt.
On life’s bewildering pathway we need you as our guide, when anxious moments tease us we need some place to hide. Come, God console your people, give strength to face this day, give grace to see more clearly, to follow in Christ’s way.
May steadfast loving kindness, infuse the lives we live, so sacrificial caring inspires us all to give beyond what we might measure, the greatest gift of all, to give our lives completely in answer to your call.
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