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Submitted by Paula before her Furlough
Christ the Lord is risen today. He is risen indeed HAPPY EASTER to you all and may God richly bless you as we celebrate this most special and exciting day. Yes, we may not be `in’ a church building, we might not be able to join with family and friends in the usual activities that an Easter Weekend may afford, however, we are still celebrating God, reaching down into the depths of earth, conquering death and taking the victory that leads to eternal life. That is something to celebrate! |
Click to view The Prayer Diary for Week 4 as a PDF |
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Are you finding it hard to keep things straight in your head because of the change or lack of routine? Days, dates and even the time of day are all a little out of sorts without the `normal’ that would be happening.
I find my memory a challenge at the best of times however, most of the time I can still remember hymns/songs/choruses that I sang in church 30 -40 years ago. These songs ALL had a message to tell, a truth to learn and/or a promise to hold onto. Now more than ever, singing and praising God, and remembering his promises and goodness to us, is even more important. Our hymn books and memories for those favourite songs, remind us of all that God has done in the past, they assure us of his presence with us now and give us confidence that God is in control and has the future planned. Hopefully through our songs and thoughts this morning, you will remember and share with others, all that God has done and is continuing to do in our lives and in our world. Dear Father God,
Thank you that you make all things new. We see it in the shoots and buds that are flourishing in our gardens and surrounding areas. We see new, in the ways that you have enabled us to reach out and to share with each other in love, support and service. New is also the way we are finding our relationship with you, as we spend quality time talking with you and listening to you. Thank you for the victory and power that is held in whispering your name. When things are tough, your name is a solid foundation for our thoughts. Speaking the name of your Son, Jesus, brings peace to the mind calm to our hearts and this enables us to listen, to be in tune with your will and purpose. Thank you that you hold the keys over death. Thank you that by your might, Jesus was raised from the tomb, conquering death, paving the way for us to have a new life in you, and eternal life with you. Thank you that in amongst the turmoil of history, you had plan, you willingly made a way for us to come back to you, thank you, loving and compassionate God. We praise you for your great strength which is ours as soon as we reach out to you. We praise you for your lavish love Which is showered upon us without reserve. We praise you that you are Conqueror, Victor, Redeemer, and Friend. We praise you that you are our Deliverer, Everlasting Father, our Great and Awesome God. We confess to you today that often, we are not the Easter People that we should be, living in the certain knowledge of your great mercy and love. We get easily distracted by the world around us. Caught up in the drama and through it all we fail to hear your voice, or we hide when our faith is challenged. Forgive us, we pray; restore the love and trust in you, that we first had, give to us a faith that can endure, as troubles surround us. We will keep our eyes fixed on you, Lord, and with you by our side we shall not be shaken or deterred. We confess right now, our need for you…fresh…new…again, and ask that you renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, and give us the power to be obedient to your word. When the enemy reminds us of where we have been, we will trust that your voice will speak louder and stronger, reminding us that we are safe with you and that your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defence and rear guard, keeping our way ahead clear, assisting us over the obstacles and covering the pitfalls. Light of our path, lead the way. In these coming days, shine your light in us, through us and over us. As your disciples, may we make a difference for your glory and purpose. May we reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing, especially through these extraordinary times. To you be glory and honour, on this Easter Sunday, and forever. Amen. Let us turn our thoughts back to Friday and remind ourselves as to how we get to this point of being able to rejoice in Easter Day. |
Come on and celebrate
His gift of love, we will celebrate The Son of God who loved us And gave us life. We'll shout Your praise, O King, You give us joy nothing else can bring, We'll give to You our offering In celebration praise. Come on and celebrate, Celebrate, Celebrate and sing, Celebrate and sing to the King. Come on and celebrate, Celebrate, Celebrate and sing, Celebrate and sing to the King. CMP 99 Jesus is Lord! Creation’s voice proclaims it, For by His power each tree and flower was planned and made. Jesus is Lord! The universe declares it; sun, moon and stars in heaven cry: Jesus is Lord Jesus is Lord! Jesus is Lord! Praise Him with ‘Hallelujahs’, for Jesus is Lord! Jesus is Lord! Yet from His throne eternal in flesh He came to die in pain on Calvary ’s tree. Jesus is Lord! From Him all life proceeding, yet gave His life a ransom thus setting us free. Jesus is Lord! O’er sin the mighty conqueror, from death He rose and all His foes shall own His name. Jesus is Lord! God sends His Holy Spirit to show by works of power that Jesus is Lord. You laid aside Your majesty, gave up everything for me. Suffered at the hands of those You had created. You took away my guilt and shame, When You died and rose again.Now today You reign, And heaven and earth exalt You. I really want to worship You my Lord, You have won my heart and I am Yours. Forever and ever, I will love You. You are the only one who died for me, Gave Your life to set me free. So I lift my voice to You in adoration. CMP 795 Don’t be afraid Be bold, be strong For the Lord your God is with you Be bold, be strong For the Lord your God is with you I am not afraid (No! No! No!) I am not dismayed (Not me!) Because I'm walking in faith and victory Come on and walk in faith and victory For the Lord your God is with you Don’t be afraid of me, a messenger from God of what you have witnessed over the past days for your future because the Lord your God is with you. There is a lot happening at this moment in time and it can cause fear. We listen to the news reports and we are afraid. However, we need to be bold and strong because the Lord our God is with us, at all times, and in all situations. Do you believe that? We are Easter people, people of post Resurrection. The reality of the resurrection bring joy, not fear. When you are afraid, remember the empty tomb. |
Matthew 28:1-7 (NLT)
Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” Remember what I have told you. That’s what struck me. It says the same in the Good News Bible, `Remember what I have told you’. I had never noticed this before.
You’d have thought that having just been given the news that Jesus was alive and meeting you in Galilee, would be easy to remember. But the angel thought it necessary to emphasis – `I’ve told you all this, now remember what I’ve said’.
I suppose it’s fair enough. If you take into consideration that Jesus had been telling the disciples what was going to happened for quite some time, and yet still they didn’t react as if they new the plot line. They did not respond as Easter people should have done – with eagerness of what was going to happen next. Instead they were despondent, scared and fearful about what was going to happen next. I then went back over what the angel had told the woman – just in case I missed something else – and noticed that the angel in effect told them 4 things.
How are we going to remember those 4 things, that the angel thought were very important? Well, through songs and choruses. When things get difficult and when the way ahead is cloudy, many of us resort to the hymns and songs that we know so well. They are the writings that hold the truth of scripture and promises from God.
Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” Remember what I have told you. That’s what struck me. It says the same in the Good News Bible, `Remember what I have told you’. I had never noticed this before.
You’d have thought that having just been given the news that Jesus was alive and meeting you in Galilee, would be easy to remember. But the angel thought it necessary to emphasis – `I’ve told you all this, now remember what I’ve said’.
I suppose it’s fair enough. If you take into consideration that Jesus had been telling the disciples what was going to happened for quite some time, and yet still they didn’t react as if they new the plot line. They did not respond as Easter people should have done – with eagerness of what was going to happen next. Instead they were despondent, scared and fearful about what was going to happen next. I then went back over what the angel had told the woman – just in case I missed something else – and noticed that the angel in effect told them 4 things.
How are we going to remember those 4 things, that the angel thought were very important? Well, through songs and choruses. When things get difficult and when the way ahead is cloudy, many of us resort to the hymns and songs that we know so well. They are the writings that hold the truth of scripture and promises from God.
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He isn’t there . The Empty Tomb Says It All Kingdom Heirs
A stone can be found at a place in the Ground where the body of Jesus was laid; It was never inscribed with the words to Describe the power that grace still displays; For this monument where Jesus was sent Wasn't carved with the story of death; It simply reveals a grave no longer Sealed, and the empty tomb says the rest. Chorus No clever inscription can never Explain what happened that wonderful day; And no epitaph could ever contain the words such a message should say; No man-made description could ever Describe what's spoken by empty walls; The stone rolled aside with nothing Inscribed, but the empty tomb says it all. No black granite wall could hold Nearly all the names of our Savior and Lord; And no mountain face would have enough Space for one line of his love to record; No one could relate to the numberless Days, for it has no beginning or end; The story goes on his body is gone, and the tomb is empty again. |
Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of my sickness into Thy health, Out of my want and into Thy wealth, Out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of my shameful failure and loss, Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of earth's sorrows into Thy balm, Out of life's storm and into Thy calm, Out of distress to jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into the joy and light of Thy home, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of the depths of ruin untold, Into the peace of thy sheltering fold, Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee! CMP 551 |
No man-made description could ever Describe what's spoken by empty walls; The stone rolled aside with nothing Inscribed, but the empty tomb says it all.
Why would Jesus be in a tomb, amongst the people who were dead. It’s like looking for ice cream in an oven, or fish in a tree. When you stop to think about the teaching that Jesus gave, he was never going to be in a tomb because he had risen just as he had told them he would.
I serve a risen Saviour. He’s in the world today
Come and See. The angel gave the women an invitation to come closer and see for themselves. “Don’t just take my word for it, come and see the empty tomb”. Come and see the folded grave clothes. Come and see that Jesus’ body is not here. As a result of that first Easter, we too are being given and invitation, not just to come and see, but to come to Jesus.
The final part of the message from the angel was Go quickly and Tell The woman were to go and spread the news that Jesus is alive, and quickly. Everyone has to know that the resurrection has happened, that it is real and then people get the choice to respond to the message.
Why would Jesus be in a tomb, amongst the people who were dead. It’s like looking for ice cream in an oven, or fish in a tree. When you stop to think about the teaching that Jesus gave, he was never going to be in a tomb because he had risen just as he had told them he would.
I serve a risen Saviour. He’s in the world today
Come and See. The angel gave the women an invitation to come closer and see for themselves. “Don’t just take my word for it, come and see the empty tomb”. Come and see the folded grave clothes. Come and see that Jesus’ body is not here. As a result of that first Easter, we too are being given and invitation, not just to come and see, but to come to Jesus.
The final part of the message from the angel was Go quickly and Tell The woman were to go and spread the news that Jesus is alive, and quickly. Everyone has to know that the resurrection has happened, that it is real and then people get the choice to respond to the message.
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Just because we accept the historical account of the resurrection. Just because we know that Jesus is alive and reigns for evermore. Just because we have a personal relationship with Jesus the Son of God, it doesn’t change the fact that things get tough and challenge our trust in God. As we are learning to live through this virus, it is scary and unsettling but as that last hymn said His presence still is with me by his guiding hand I’m led.
Because of the resurrection, Jesus is our constant companion. Through the good times and challenging times, Christ is with us every step of the way. We just need to Remember what we have been told! I will not be afraid of what I see I will not be afraid of what I hear I will not be afraid of anything Cause I know God’s with me. Let us pray ... Please pray for our front line services:- Key public services: Postal workers, those who deliver letters and parcels, those who deliver pharmaceuticals to people who need it, also those who deliver food and provision to the shops, care homes and prisons. Utility workers Staff needed to keep oil, gas, electricity, water and sewerage operations running. Staff in the civil nuclear, chemical and telecommunications sectors. Those in postal services and those working to provide essential financial services. Public safety and national security: Police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilian staff and armed forces personnel, fire and rescue staff, and workers responsible for border security, prisons and probation. Of course, I can’t finish our Easter Edition of the Weekly Prayer Diary without this hymn – sing it loud and praise God in all your homes just now. Love, Prayers and Virtual Hugs Paula x Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son;
Endless is the victory, thou o'er death hast won; Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, Kept the folded grave clothes where thy body lay. Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son, Endless is the vict'ry, thou o'er death hast won. Lo! Jesus meets thee, risen from the tomb; Lovingly he greets thee, scatters fear and gloom; Let His Church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing; For her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting. No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life; Life is naught without thee; aid us in thy strife; Make us more than conquerors, through thy deathless love: Bring us safe through Jordan, to thy home above. CMP 689 |
Luke 23:44-49 (New Living Translation)
By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching. I will sing the wondrous story Of the Christ Who died for me; How He left his home in glory For the cross of Calvary. Chorus Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story Of the Christ Who died for me, sing it with the saints in glory, Gathered by the crystal sea. I was lost, but Jesus found me, Found the sheep that went astray, Threw His loving arms around me, Drew me back into His way. I was bruised, but Jesus healed me, Faint was I from many a fall, Sight was gone, and fears possessed me, But He freed me from them all. Days of darkness still come o'er me, Sorrow's path I often tread, But His presence still is with me; By His guiding hand I'm led. (CMP 315) Closing Prayer Lord Jesus, risen from the dead and alive for evermore Stand in our midst today as in the upper room; speak your peace to our hearts and minds; and send us out into the world as your witnesses, to the glory of your name. Amen. John Stott 
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