BH Bulletin - Monday 4 May 2020

Thought for the Day by Simon James-Morse (Minister of Goldstone Church)

Psalm 117
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations;
    extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us,
    and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord.

​Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible. In Hebrew, it is only 16 words: in English, 29 words (NIV). Yet it is an essential part of “Great Hallel” (Psalms 113-118); psalms that are a significant part of the Jewish Passover celebration. These six psalms are sung as part of the Passover liturgy, when families ate the Passover meal and remembered their heritage; they were saved from slavery and bondage. One of these psalms would have been the ‘hymn’ that Jesus and His disciples sang at the end of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30).
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Psalm 117 starts and ends with the phrase, “Praise the Lord”. This is our English translation of a single Hebrew word, “Hallelu-Yah”. ‘Yah’ is a short version of the name of God.
‘Hallelu’ is an imperative instruction – it is a verb meaning “to praise”. It is not a statement or an exclamation, but an insisting command for all of God’s people. “Hallelujah” (Praise the Lord) appears 28 times in the book of psalms, and is usually followed by the reason why we should praise.
At the moment, circumstances seem to make it difficult to find a reason to Praise the Lord. However, in these times, it is even more important for us to join with King David and declare, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)
 
Dear Lord, help me to understand afresh just how much You are worthy of our praise. Irrespective of the circumstances I face today, I choose to praise You because all that You have done for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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Lockdown praise up

Lockdown, praise up! are short videos aimed at young people but suitable for everyone to get our hearts and minds looking up higher.

Everyday there will be a brand new video up on our YouTube Channel.
Lockdown Praise Up! 10 minutes a day from the book of Isaiah.
Please click on the link below.
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCLfW_6eqLlfr82_QD0JVsGw

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Care for the Family: The Marriage Sessions

​Dear Friend
We know there’s not much to be said about what we’re living through, that hasn’t already been said. We know times are uncertain, we know we value key workers more than ever, and we know that extended time with our loved ones may have its challenges. Many relationships will be feeling the strain, but we want to give couples the opportunity to not only endure this season together, but to enjoy it.   
At Care for the Family, we’re passionate about supporting couples in their relationships and that’s why we’re streaming our resource, The Marriage Sessions, direct to your home – free of charge!
The Marriage Sessions explores how couples can build a fantastic relationship. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been married for years, these sessions will help your marriage blossom during these uncertain times – and all you need is an hour a week.
Simply sign up on the website https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/courses/marriage-courses-the-marriage-sessions and you’ll receive a link each week to watch one of the sessions (at a time that suits you). Each of the four episodes includes a mix of real life stories, insight from leading relationship specialists and trusted wisdom from Rob Parsons. You’ll also receive bonus midweek content to help you unpack the session even further.
So, go on and join us – you've got nothing to lose! 
The Care for the Family Team

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