A Word of Encouragement – Worship

Today’s Word of Encouragement comes from Psalms Down-Under written by Joy Cowley, and is entitled Worship.

We step out of our every day selves and into this cathedral of sky and earth and sea where all the parables of life are played out in their seasons and all the seasons held as one in the love of God.

Everything here is holy in its being. Every fern, tree, rock, drop of sea, exists as a prayer of thanksgiving, and together they speak a chapter in the gospel of wonder which is laid upon our lives.

Eagerly our hearts lean forward, to listen to the praise of tree ferns echoing in the still water, and to see the shimmering of the divine behind the surface of each leaf.

Look! It is everywhere! The love of the creator glowing in mountains and in ocean, in pebble and stem, fish and bird, and us! Yes, yes! The light of God in us!

For we too, are sacred. We too, are named holy. And the meaning of our lives is thanksgiving.

So this morning let’s lift our voices in praise and worship to the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Creator of all things. For the glory is His, and He is willing to show it to us afresh each day – if only we would draw closer to Him.

Indescribable – Wellington Citadel Band Arr. Roger Trigg (Auckland 2014)

Agnus Dei – Michael W. Smith ft. Skye Reedy (Awaken: The Surrounded Experience)

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty – The Hymns Project: All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name

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A Word of Encouragement – Praise

Today’s word of encouragement comes from Aotearoa Psalms: Prayers of a New People written by Joy Cowley.

“I’ve been looking for a suitable word to praise you, Lord. Something enthusiastic but not too formal, the sort of happy shout a child give to its mother.

I’ve tried Hallelujahs, Glorias and Hosannas, but really, what I’d like is a word from my own language, a word that is me.

If I were a bellbird, I’d fill my throat with ecstatic song. Or, as a lamb, I could fling myself into spring dance. As a mountain stream I would spill out inarticulate babblings of joy. And if I were the sea, my waves would explode in a thunder of love for you.

Lord, you overwhelm me with your great goodness. Praise should not be difficult and yet I can’t find the exact word. Perhaps it doesn’t exist, though if it does, I’m sure that it sounds like ‘Yippee!’”

Today you may find the following songs uplifting:

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation – Salvation Army Song Book #56

Anthem of Praise – Hillsong Kids: Jesus is my Superhero (2005)

Praise You in the Storm – Casting Crowns: Lifesong

Raise a Hallelujah – (Radio Version) Bethel Music: Victory

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Introducing a New Page – Children’s Ministry

Today I have included a couple of new pages on this blog for Children’s Ministry predominately so that the Junior Soldiers can continue to do their passports during this time of lockdown.

You’ll also find additional links to the International Day of Prayer for Children & Youth, and the Central Division facebook page Whanua Time, which has been set up to encourage daily Whanau (family) time whilst in lockdown.

It is envisaged that over time I’ll also include other links to activities and games etc. that I hope our children will enjoy.

 

 

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Journey to the Cross

Obviously this year things look very different to what we are used to, as we should be isolating ourselves in our homes due to the covid-19 pandemic that is sweeping our world.

This has meant that New Zealand is in a period of lock-down for 4 weeks, so that we can ‘flatten the curve” or at least stem the tide of the pandemics infection rates within God’s Zone.

So, this morning we start a new sermon series online as part of our build-up to Easter. In which, Annette will be exploring the journey that Jesus took to the Cross, starting with “The Plot to Kill the ‘King of the kings’.

The following links have been created to the songs and music that we would have used if we were to have met together in person at the Corps, and the message that Annette has prepared. Links to the sermon transcript and the sermon notes via YouVersion Events are also available, along with International Day of Prayer for Children and Youth which we would have featured during the meeting.

• As the Territorial Youth Band would have been with us, we have included a piece that they would have played as part of their repertoire; Lion and the Lamb
• King of Kings – A reasonably new song that the music team have recently included as part of their repertoire. 
• In Christ Alone
• The Passion 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Songs that we would have featured after the message include:

• O Praise the name of the Lord our God (Anastasis)
• Solid Rock – Performed by the New York Staff Band

Annette & I, along with Tania and Jim hope and pray that these links will uplift you in these days, and that you’ll find comfort in the fact that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Light and that through Him we can all experience Life, Life to the full!

A reminder that you can also view Salvation Online @ 10:00am, which is The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territories online Worship Expression by clicking on the image below.

 

 

 

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International Day of Prayer for Children and Youth

This Sunday 29 March we were scheduled to observe the International Day of Prayer for Children and Youth during our morning service.

However, with the advent of the covid-19 pandemic that is sweeping the world. We will endeavour to observe it by encouraging you to look through the resources, pray and discuss them with those within your ‘bubble’ or family group.

The following message was posted on The Salvation Army International website:

DESPITE the social distancing and isolation brought about because of the worldwide spread of COVID-19, The Salvation Army’s International Day of Prayer for Children and Youth will still be observed as planned on Sunday 29 March.

Majors Keith and Shona Pike (International Youth and Children’s Officers) write: ‘We know the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is causing tremendous fear and uncertainty for many in our world. As we come to grips with family and friends social distancing and self-isolating, this anxiety is being especially felt by those most vulnerable in our world – our children.’

It is their sincere prayer ‘that this intentional focus will help children, youth and families come to understand that God has created them to help make a difference in the world in which they live.’

The theme for this year’s day of prayer is The Power of One, based on Isaiah 6:8: ‘Then I heard the Lord saying, “Whom should I send to my people? Who will go to represent us?” I spoke up and said, “I will be the ONE. Send me”’ (The Passion Translation, emphasis added).

Resources are available to download from the International Headquarters website and can be used by anyone who cares for children, whether through online meetings or in the family home. Content includes stories, activities, this year’s artwork and a devotional thought.

‘As Christians,’ say the Pikes, ‘we trust that God is in control and he is as close to us as the air we breathe. When we pray, God hears, and his word reminds us that we are his children. The power of prayer cannot be underestimated and, in this time of uncertainty, we want our children and youth to know they are not alone. They are not isolated from their God!’

They have a clear message to all who will uphold in prayer the children and young people of the world, most of whom will be understandably worried about what the future holds: ‘Thank you for your commitment to pray for our children and young people! Your prayers make a difference as we continue to wait on God to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.’

For a variety of resources, including shareable content, go to: www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/idpcy2020

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A Prayer for God to be Glorified

In these days of isolation I am drawn to the story of Jonah who spent three days inside a whale. Contemplating what he had done wrong to deserve such a fate.

During this time he drew closer to God who he had been running away from, and he offered up a prayer.

In that prayer he concludes that “salvation comes from the Lord alone.” Jonah 2:9b (New Living Translation).

The Voice puts it this way, that “deliverance comes from the Eternal one.”

And the New International Reader’s Version says; “Lord, you are the one who saves.”

In all of this you get a sense that not only is God to be glorified in times of trouble, anxiety, fear and uncertainty. But that we should also look to the Lord – for that is where we will find Hope, Life and Love. – You can read about Jonah’s story here.

Today’s word of Encouragement therefore  is a prayer that I read this morning via YouVersion entitled ‘A Prayer for God to be Glorified‘.

Dear God, 

It’s Your name that is honored from generation to generation. You alone are worthy of all glory and praise. And You are not shocked by the state of the world right now. 

Your ways are not our ways, and You are not at a loss about what to do. Nothing is impossible for You.

So today, we are proclaiming that You will be glorified through this pandemic. That Your name will be known and praised throughout the earth.

Pierce the darkness with Your light. Shine brighter than the fear of death, economic ruin, or a long quarantine.

When we look back on this moment in history, would we be filled with joy as we remember the revival, hope, and peace that came out of this season.

Continue to draw this hurting world back to You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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