You will have realised by this stage that Psalm 40 and also the idea of 40 days have been in my thoughts a lot, before and during Lockdown. We have just come to the end of Lent and our 40 days with Trypraying - CatchingThe Wave, and now we enter another 40 days of Resurrection. Jesus appeared to his disciples for 40 days before ascending into heaven, and then 10 days later we have Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. - Acts 1:3
So let us not give up praying for Revival, but let us commit to the next 40+10 days and pray that God’s Holy Spirit will come upon our lives in Revival power. Tides will help us focus on the resurrection today.
Tides
In Tides today John Dickinson is writing about the encounter between Jesus and Mary at the empty tomb. Mary sees two angels but such is her grief that she barely registers who they are. But one thing thing changes everything, as John writes -
“One word, spoken in a voice and cadence that she knew so well changed everything – her name on Jesus’ lips. “
Imagine the difference it makes today, to know that our name is on the lips of our Saviour. He knows us by name and he will not leave us.
Sign up to Tides here.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Resources/Prayer/TIDES.aspx
CityAlight - Christ Is Mine Forevermore
This song is by City Alight - The same folk who brought us, “Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me” It is a great reminder in these days of Resurrection that Jesus is with us and will not forsake us, even though we may look elsewhere.
Mine are days that God has numbered
I was made to walk with Him
Yet I look for worldly treasure
And forsake the King of kings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roQovDZeAWE
Remember Let’s pray each day, an email guiding you in your prayers each day. You can sign up for Let’s Pray at the link below
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Prayer/Prayer-for-Today.aspx
PCI Easter Service
Once again this week there is a service recorded by the Moderator Rt. Rev. Dr. William Henry
https://youtu.be/ENWbcZhtscU
It has been difficult to keep up with everything that has been produced over the Easter period, so this is a little late. The link below will take you to the Moderator’s written Easter message.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/April-2020/Moderator-s-2020-Easter-Message-When-s-the-peak.aspx
Biblical Puzzle
Something to get you thinking this morning, the names of 16 books of the English Bible are hidden in the text of the following paragraph. Can you find all sixteen of them?
I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a fluke. Kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized. But the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others, it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. One little lady says she brews a cup of tea, so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now for there are really sixteen names of books.
Beauty And Ugliness
A Meditation on Easter in poetic form contrasting the beauty and the ugliness of Easter, from Keswick Convention by James Robson, Ministry Director
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXaizVxGMqs&feature=youtu.be
Another spoken word piece about Easter - The Comeback
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qShsio3O6MY&feature=emb_logo
Keith & Kristyn Getty singing live on Good Friday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xw2vSZb6dE&feature=emb_rel_end
Local Food Delivery
Adding to our list of Local Food Deliveries
Broughgammon Farm, 50 Straid Road, Ballycastle, BT546NP TEL: 00447976270465 https://www.broughgammon.com
Granny Shaw’s Fudge, 49 Millfields, Kells, Co. Antrim, BT42 3HF, Tel. 028 2884 1007 will deliver fudge if you are looking for a treat.
Linda’s Originals - Sweet Treats, will deliver Tel. 07876 823391
https://www.facebook.com/Lindasoriginalstickytoffeepudding/
Thought you might like to see a few of photos that I took just before And after lockdown and see the difference that everyone is making and why there was such a large police presence on the North Coast over the Easter Weekend. On Easter Monday on our walk we were passed by 4 different police cars and two police motorbikes.
Lockdown was announced on Monday evening 23rd March by the Prime Minister.
We had closed the church building on Sunday 22nd March.
Three Photographs below.
1) This was the beach on Saturday 21st March 2020.
2) Sunday 22nd March 2020 Before Lockdown but Church buildings were closed, and cars are restricted on the beach.
3) Tuesday 24th March 2020 After Lockdown
Stay Home & Stay Safe!