A number of us gathered together on a crisp New Year’s Day morning last week, to pray, read Scripture and worship God. The main chapter we read was Isaiah 40 which has been an inspiration to get us up on the mountain every year. Here is a key verse of that chapter…
“GET YOURSELF UP ON A HIGH MOUNTAIN, O Zion, bearer of good news,
Lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, you who bring good news,
Lift it up and do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Here is your God.”’
Isaiah 40:9
So in the way of application and making the verse relevant, I like to write it like this:
“GET UP ON THE HIGH MOUNTAIN, O Little Church by the Sea, bearer of good news,
Lift up your voice mightily, O Laguna Beach, you who bring good news,
Lift it up and do not fear; say to the cities of Orange County, ‘Here is your God.’”
Isaiah 40:9
We introduced ourselves, read Scripture, gave God praise, and prayed together on the fire road knoll.
Here is one of the spectacular views we see, looking down on Laguna Beach and it’s beautiful coasts.
Each one also found a quiet spot where for about 15 minutes had an alone time with God. Notice the different view of Laguna Beach, with Catalina Island clearly visible as it was such a beautiful morning.
Here is the view from the other side of the knoll, showing Saddleback Valley and adjoining mountains.
Our time with God finished with a couple of songs, and feeling happy and contented, we all headed home. It was a sweet way to start the New Year, up on the mountain.
Photos by Mary Hurlbut –thank you Mary for always being there
New Year’s Day Evening: In one of the most beautiful of all worship times at Little Church, Chris and the team drew us near to God in a flow of worship I have rarely experienced. Prayer, Scripture reading and encouragement took place between songs. It was a memorable time.
The link below is the song Chris sang to end the recent advent service highlighting “peace.”
Looking forward to walking with God together, all of us drawing our hearts to God afresh in 2019. May it be just a fabulous year for each one of you.
Jay