Worship

“Shift Happens!” It most certainly does!

1 Chronicles 25:1-31 The singers and musicians. - David put those in order who were appointed to be singers and musicians in the temple. To prophesy, in this place, means praising God with great earnestness and devout affections, under the influences of the Holy Spirit. In raising these affections, poetry and music were employed. If the Spirit of God does not put life and fervour into our devotions, they will, however ordered, be a lifeless, worthless form. (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary)

What a year it’s been! I guess I should have known that things would be different this year, with God each day is different, His mercies are new every morning, but I wasn’t quite prepared for what would unfold. In January 2009 the National Board hosted the Area Leaders Summit in Lancaster and I was invited along to lead the worship. There was a strong feeling that we needed to get away from the set songs in our worship and we moved swiftly into His presence from the outset. This was true freedom! We began by just singing our praises to the Lord, some in tongues, some in words. What happened was such a deep intimacy in our worship, and moving into our ministry times, I knew then that this was truly “the start of something new”. Julie Meyer’s song “Let Your oil flow” became the theme of the weekend and the sense of His refining presence was tangible in every aspect of our gathering together.

From this momentous meeting together we have had 7 Area Days across Britain entitled “Hosting His Presence”. Unlike any other day conference before, these have been times where we have taken our hands off and allowed the Lord to move freely amongst us. Each day was distinct in its own way and yet marked by a deep move of the Holy Spirit, lives changed, people healed, and expectancy rising around the nation. Aglow has shifted!

It’s hard to put into words what has happened to me personally so please bear with me! During the summer holiday I was away on a camp with some Christian friends from various churches. I felt God really challenge me about the whole area of song writing. Having been a worship leader for over 25 years you may be surprised to learn that I have never developed song writing. I have always been afraid to expose my ideas for fear of them not being good enough, I suppose. When we really lay ourselves open to Him though, He comes in with no fear, no hang-ups, no intimidation – this is my story! The very morning I heard God speak to me about writing songs I received a text message from Nonnie McVeigh, our national president,  about writing for the theme of our next conference “Destined to Reign”. I was astonished! The timing was unbelievable. I guess at these times you know it really is God! I rang Nonnie immediately and we agreed to act on His word to us.

Nonnie, Sarah White and myself were able to meet in September and spent an amazing day writing songs together. The results of that day you will find on our links page. You are free to download and print these songs as they are ours! Sarah’s “Destined to Reign” and my song “My Destiny” are born! We look forward with great anticipation to the next season of our growth together.

“Shift happens!” It has...

Sarah Whittaker, November 2009 

Click here to read the article by Evelyn Lodge, "What is Worship". 

“We can't stay the same..."

Meeting with God; beholding His glory; being so in tune with Him... there is nothing better in life than this!!  I am so excited, so privileged and so humbled to be part of an ever learning, ever developing, and never "arrived" team of worshipers within Aglow International Britain... and our one and only desire as a team is to meet with God, facilitate other people to meet with Him, and through that meeting affect change in our world.

There is so much that can be said about true worship... so many levels and facets... but at the end of the day when we humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God, and give true worship from our hearts to His, we simply cannot remain the same.  We are all, by the grace of God, changing from one degree of glory to another!  I pray with all my heart that you will join with us in this journey of knowing Him more and more.

Amy Coulbeck, November 2009