In the book of Daniel, the first half has the accounts of the Fiery Furnace and the Lion’s Den. The latter part of the book focuses on prophecies. In chapter 10 verse 19, Daniel is confronted by a messenger from God causing him to feel afraid, weak and inadequate. In the New Living Bible it reads “Don’t be afraid for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”

 

It strikes me that this concept could also apply to South Lochaber Church as we seek to go forward to serve God.


Prayer Diary Notes for Week commencing 13 November 2024.

 

The topic this week is based on words “Courage”, “Discourage” & “Encourage”. Daniel 10:19 “Don’t be afraid for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”

Psalm 27:14 “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 Moses commissions Joshua as his successor.Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I  swore to their ancestors I would give them.”

Joshua 10:25 “Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged, Joshua told his men. Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is going to do this to all of your enemies.”

1 Chronicles 22:13 David’s message to his men. “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!”

1 Chronicles 28:20 “David continued, be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.”

Acts 28:15 Paul on his journey to Rome. “The brothers and sisters in Rome had heard that we were coming, and they came to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.”

 

Hymns based on the words “Courage”, “Discourage” and “Encourage”.

MP 746 “Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.”

Old hymn “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking, all is lost, count your many blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”

CH3 484 “Courage, brother, do not stumble, though your path be dark as night; there’s a star to guide the humble; trust in God, and do the right.”

MP 193 “Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread, are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.”

MP 224 “He who would valiant be ‘gainst all disaster, let him in constancy follow the Master. Ther’s no discouragement shall make him once relent; his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim.”

CH3 473 “Grant us vision, Lord, and courage to fulfil Thy work begun in the church and in the nation, King of kings, Thy will be done.”

MP 192 Lo! The hosts of evil round us scorn Thy Christ, assail His ways! Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise. Grant us wisdom, grants us courage, for the living of these days.”


Prayer Diary

South Lochaber Church

 

Wednesday 13 November

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the encouragement which we can find in Your Word, the Bible. Thank You that we are precious in Your sight. “Don’t be afraid for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” Yes, Father, grant us Your peace and encouragement.

 

Thursday 14 November : Lunch in Kentallen & Duror Village Hall at 12.30 pm.

Loving God, could it be that yesterday’s verse also applies to our church which is precious in Your sight. May this result in us being encouraged and becoming strong to serve You.

 

Friday 15 November : “Warm Space” in Kinlochleven at 11.00 am.

Forgive us Lord when we become discouraged and bogged down with events in life. May we see our blessings and count them! “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking, all is lost, count your many blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”

 

Saturday 16 November

Having just paused to remember those who fell in past wars, we look with concern at all the present conflicts and the alarming loss of life. We pray for families who have lost a loved one and we continue to pray for those who are making strenuous efforts to find peaceful solutions.

 

Sunday 17 November Kinlochleven at 10.00 am & Nether Lochaber at 11.30 am.

Sovereign God, as we come together to meet in Your House grant us a vision for the future of our church. “Grant us vision, Lord, and courage to fulfil Thy work begun in the church and in the nation, King of kings, Thy will be done.”

 

Monday 18 November  Lunch in Nether Lochaber Church Hall at 12.30 pm.

Loving God, today we uphold the members of the Royal Family as they work to serve our country and Commonwealth. Grant them health, strength and wisdom as they attend events and ceremonies. We pray for the children in the families that they it may be possible for them to have a normal upbringing, despite the absence of their parents from time to time.

 

Tuesday 19 November : Duror Guild meeting at 2.30 pm.

We thank You, Lord for church meetings and lunches where we can enjoy

fellowship and share with folk in our communities. We thank You for office bearers and those who volunteer to help run the church events and activities.