Sunday Worship Guide
Sunday 14 November 2021 Kinlochleven and Nether Lochaber Parish Churches
Bible Thought (Ps 90:1) Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Hymn Will
your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
We have an
anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll; fastened to the Rock which cannot
move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
2 Will your
anchor hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rage, and the wild winds blow,
shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow? [Refrain]
3 Will your
anchor hold in the floods of death,
when the waters cold chill your latest breath?
On the rising tide you can never fail,
while your anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]
4 Will your
eyes behold through the morning light
the city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
when life's storms are past for evermore? [Refrain]
Prayer Almighty God in days past you were the strength of your people. Merciful God you uphold and sustain us by your word of power. As we seek to remember and honour those who suffered the great costliness of war, we give thanks for the freedom obtained for us today. We pray that you would bring relief to troubled places in the world and overcome the ravages of war, fighting and conflict. Help us to be followers of Jesus. For his dear sake we pray. Amen.
Scripture Deuteronomy 24:18-22 18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this: 19 When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 20 When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 21 When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 22 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.
Message This is a weekend of national remembrance. We use it to reflect upon the experiences of war. Although the focus tends to be on two world wars it will not escape our notice that wars have not ceased since. The Middle East continues to be an arena of conflict. America and Britain have pulled out of Afghanistan, leaving a humanitarian crisis that is just now coming to light.
As we recall the ravage of conflict, we may bear in mind that for many the memories are personal and still very real. May we know that God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in time of need. He is on the throne of the universe and though we may not see it, in control of the destiny of the nations.
Many over the next days will attend a local commemoration of the fallen of two world wars, at the various war memorials. One of those mentioned in Ballachulish is Pipe Major William Lawrie (1881-1916). At the Strathspey and Reel Society we play some of his compositions, including one written to commemorate the Battle of the Somme. After serving in France, William Lawrie died in an Oxfordshire hospital from the dire effects of the trench conditions.
The scriptures encourage us to remember our past. There is a verse in Isaiah that tells us to look to Abraham, the rock from which we were hewn, and the quarry from which we were dug. The Israelites were never to forget that once they were slaves in Egypt, bondmen, and then were freed by God’s mighty hand. They had been led out of captivity and sustained from hunger in the wilderness. That memory was intended to influence how they treated others, those who were still bondmen, and those who were hungry. As we apply this teaching now, it suggests mercy and liberality towards the poor and hungry.
May we remember what the Lord has done for us. I look back to my teenage and early adult life, how the Lord laid his hand upon me, and I met with him. He redeemed me. He transformed my life. I am who I am today because of the grace of God. He has provided an anchorage for the soul. I belong to Jesus who is at the right hand of God (Hebrews 6:19). When we know this, we also know that we are given the strength to keep going through hard times. The grace of continuance means we do not need to worry about the future.
Perhaps you can recall your past in this way. It is good to recapture some of the sheer wonder of having been saved. It can help you persevere. ‘Remember therefore what you have received and heard: hold it fast’ (Revelation 3:3).
Prayer Our gracious God, help us to be good and apt pupils in the school of Christ. Open our eyes to see how you have been controlling our destiny and the destinies of nations. Give us grace to remain faithful. We continue in the words you have taught us, saying Our Father…. Closing Words May God’s blessing be upon us, the blessing of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.