From the heavens to the nations

/0 Comments/in , /by

Last Sunday night we concluded our series on worship at Redefine. We looked at the topic ‘Worship Out‘. This was speaking about how during worship we are to encourage each other in our worship of God. Our worship, as well as being directed towards God, is also focussed outwards to encourage those around us to worship God.

The title of this blog post is a line from the Hillsong worship song ‘Hear our Praises‘. In the chorus, the song lyrics go like this ‘from the mountains to the valleys, hear our praises rise to You. From the heavens to the nations, hear the singing fill the air‘. The worship is not only aimed at God, but is focussed outwards calling all of creation to join in worshipping God.

This is like the Psalmist in Psalm 148, who calls different parts of creation to worship God. From angels, to the sun, moon & stars, all are called upon to worship God. Interestingly enough another Hillsong worship song is based upon this psalm: ‘Great in Power‘. The psalm goes on to call upon all creatures, kings and nations, young and old to worship God. There is no-one and nothing that is not called upon to worship God.

So when we get together to worship God, our focus is inward to encourage ourselves to worship God, upwards to put all our focus on worshipping God for who He is and outwards as we encourage others and indeed the whole of creation to worship the Creator and Saviour of us all.

We have loved leading the young people through this series, giving them a greater understanding of what worship is and how worship touches upon all aspects of life. Please be praying for the young people, that having been encouraged by this teaching series, they will grow in a develop their own worship of God that is inward, upward and outward.

Be blessed!

Worship Up!

/0 Comments/in /by

At ‘Redefine’ we are currently doing a series looking at worship.

Before the half-term we looked at ‘Worship In‘: how we encourage ourselves to worship God. We focus inwards to encourage ourselves to worship God, despite how we are feeling. As King David says in Psalm 103 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:..” Just like David we remember in worship the goodness of God and all the blessings He showers upon us and this helps us refocus on God as both the source and goal of our worship.

This Sunday evening just gone we looked at ‘Worship Up‘. This is where all of our attention and focus is upon God in worship. In Psalm 121, the Psalmist encourages us to lift up our heads, to look up, above our circumstances and situations to the God who is stronger and mightier than mountains.

After the teaching on worship, which was taken from Psalm 63, where we looked at how King David, despite being in a desert, had a longing for God that was greater than his need for water; we finished our time of teaching by responding in worship ourselves and singing together the song ‘Waymaker’.

Next week we will be looking at ‘Worship Out’. This is where we look outwards in our worship to encourage those around us to worship God. As seen ins Psalm 117, everyone is encouraged to praise God.

It’s really great giving the young people that come to Redefine a good foundation in worship. Please do be praying for us as we finish this series on worship and then start preparing for celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Thank you and be blessed!

The light shines in the darkness

/0 Comments/in , /by

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:1-5

At this time of year when the clocks have gone back an hour and the nights are drawing in, it’s encouraging to know that Jesus is the light of the world and that He is the light that the darkness cannot overcome. The darkness can do its worst to Him, but it can never defeat or overcome Him.

Indeed, when we look at the cross, where the darkness and sin of the Universe was placed upon the Son of God, we see Jesus victorious; defeating sin and darkness. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”– 1 Peter 2:22-24

That is why we celebrate Christmas when we do. It’s because the shortest day is on December 21st and any day after that is getting lighter and the days are getting longer. So Jesus, the light of the world has come into our darkness with His light, to bring us freedom and victory. Freedom from sin and victory over the darkness. That is why we celebrate on December 25th His coming into the world. It is also why Halloween or All Hallows Eve is followed by All Saints Day.

In Christianity, wherever you see darkness, you see God’s light overcoming it. Jesus is the light of the world and He has overcome the darkness.

At Llandudno Youth for Christ, we want all the young people to know that Jesus is the light of the world and that He can bring light to dark parts of their lives. To bring freedom, healing and life. To know that He is the only one who will bring freedom, victory and life to their lives.

At this time of the year, when the nights are dark and we are preparing to celebrate Christmas; the light of the world taking on flesh and entering into our world. Please be praying for the young people that attend the different events we hold at Llandudno Youth for Christ. Pray that they would encounter the light of the world. That Jesus would become more than a historical figure to them. That he would be the light of their world, for that is what He truly is.

Be blessed!

 

Baby You’re a Firework

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Well on the 30th of November there was a magnificent Fireworks display in Llandudno that certainly wowed everyone. We too, here at Llandudno Youth for Christ are going to be having our very own mini fireworks display on the 3rd of November.

It’s great at this time of year when the nights are lengthening and the temperatures are dropping to fill the dark sky with light, colour and noise. Also, what fireworks display would be complete without Toffee Apples and Sausage butties? We’re going to be having both at our Fireworks night. Sunday 3rd November 6-8pm at the Lighthouse Church in the West Shore of Llandudno.

Please do be praying for us as we hold this event for the young people who attend Redefine (our Sunday evening Bible Study). Pray that everyone stays safe and has an enjoyable time.

In writing this article, the title is taken from a song by pop singer Katy Perry called ‘Firework‘. In the lyrics she encourages the listeners that feel lost and alienated, to let their light shine, like a firework shooting across the sky. For the listeners to the song to know that they have worth and are valued.

Just like in the lyrics of the song, at Llandudno Youth for Christ, we want the young people that attend our events to know how much worth they have in God’s eyes and for them to let their light shine. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

Please pray they will be blessed and encouraged.

Be blessed!