ABOVE ALL

Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche wrote the contemporary hymn “Above all” in 1995. When asked by CCM Magazine presents 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music why he thinks this song has connected with so many churchgoers; LeBlanc explains: “I think because it’s such a beautiful picture of how a God that is above everything would become like a rose trampled on the ground, take the fall and think of us...above all.” http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=15211
At the USP Graduation Ceremony last Friday, I sat absorbed by the speeches, fanfare, choir music, the applause and later at the reception –by the hugs, kisses and tears. Proud parents, guardians, spouses, and sponsors looked regal in their best - beaming smiles of pride into camera lenses. The graduates wore smiles of relief; their tapa brown graduation regalia however locked the ‘spotlight’ on them. They did it. A wonderful achievement igniting well earned celebrations.
Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, tells us that wisdom is not merely intellectual or academic; it is primarily moral. Solomon demonstrated wisdom and skill as a naturalist, an administrator, and a judge (1 Kings 4:21–34; 3:6–28). The book of Proverbs teaches you how to live skillfully in every area of your life including family, finances, friendships, speech, and work. The fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge (Proverbs 1:7) and it is through Christ that we are made wise and gain the ability to live wisely.
In the song ‘Above all’ – the writers remind us that JESUS is among other things;
“Above all wisdom and the ways of men...” that’s why He alone is worthy of our worship and praise. Worship is our daily response of Christ’s supremacy.

Worship is listed by the South Pacific Division as one of the six strategic areas it wishes to resource throughout its territory this quinquennium (2006-2010). It recognises the enormous power of Christian worship. With the process of rapid culture change sweeping across our islands, how do we ensure that our worship keeps the Mission of Christ in our churches focussed while engaging the wide diversity of people and cultures? How does one distinguish between substance which is enduring, and mere forms of worship? You are invited to the worship conference at our Suva Central church (Thursday 15/04 to Sabbath 17/04). Lets pray for young and old, church leaders, worship teams and your local church to be blessed, fortified with power and access into God’s presence.

Joe Talemaitoga