OzThoughts. Tuesday 4th November 2008

OzThoughts. Tuesday 4th November 2008

Today, one nation will stop for a horse race. Another nation will elect the leader of their nation and some say ‘the leader of the free world’.

Today, the first Tuesday in November Oz stops for a horse race. The Melbourne Cup is said to be the premier horse race in Oz and the State of Victoria gets a Public Holiday for the event. Even those who are not interested in horse racing and abhor the gambling side of it can somehow get caught up in it. It is tragic the amount of dollars that are invested and mostly lost in gambling on the day, by a nation of 20 million people. One report estimated that punters are expected to bet more than $140 million at the nation's TABs (‘Government’ Betting Shops) and tens of millions of dollars more will be wagered with bookmakers and online betting agencies.

Today, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in the USA is Election Day. At least it is the schedule that each 4 years registered voters will elect a President. Some say it is the most important election in the world because of the powerful position of the United States President in the politics of the world. Some where in excess of 100 million registered voters will vote. In the 2000 election, 111 million people voted out of an over 18 resident population of 186 million people, of whom only 130 million were registered to vote.

Today, we need to stop and pray. We need to pray for a nation in the grip of gambling. We need to pray for this world. We need to pray for peace. Most of all we need to pray for the United States of America that through the hands of the people that God’s Will will be done.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I pray for the people s of this world. I pray that each will look to you for the things of life. I pray for those who bet money they cannot afford believing they will win and solve life’s problems. I pray that they might look to you for guidance in the things of life. Father, I pray too for those who have the responsibility of casting a vote. May you guide their heart and mind to direct their and to do your will. I pray that your man, your people for this hour will be victorious. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Psalm 118 (The Message®)

1Thank GOD because he's good, because his love never quits.
2Tell the world, Israel,
"His love never quits."
3And you, clan of Aaron, tell the world,
"His love never quits."
4And you who fear GOD, join in,
"His love never quits."

5Pushed to the wall, I called to GOD;
from the wide open spaces, he answered.
6GOD's now at my side and I'm not afraid;
who would dare lay a hand on me?
7GOD's my strong champion;
I flick off my enemies like flies.
8Far better to take refuge in GOD
than trust in people;
9Far better to take refuge in GOD
than trust in celebrities.
10Hemmed in by barbarians,
in GOD's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
11Hemmed in and with no way out,
in GOD's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
12Like swarming bees, like wild prairie fire, they hemmed me in;
in GOD's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt.
13I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall,
when GOD grabbed and held me.
14GOD's my strength, he's also my song,
and now he's my salvation.
15Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs
in the camp of the saved?
"The hand of GOD has turned the tide!
16The hand of GOD is raised in victory!
The hand of GOD has turned the tide!"

17I didn't die. I lived!
And now I'm telling the world what GOD did.
18GOD tested me, he pushed me hard,
but he didn't hand me over to Death.
19Swing wide the city gates--the righteous gates!
I'll walk right through and thank GOD!
20This Temple Gate belongs to GOD,
so the victors can enter and praise.

21Thank you for responding to me;
you've truly become my salvation!
22The stone the masons discarded as flawed
is now the capstone!
23This is GOD's work.
We rub our eyes--we can hardly believe it!
24This is the very day GOD acted--
let's celebrate and be festive!
25Salvation now, GOD. Salvation now!
Oh yes, GOD-a free and full life!

26Blessed are you who enter in GOD's name--
from GOD's house we bless you!
27GOD is God,
he has bathed us in light.
Festoon the shrine with garlands,
hang coloured banners above the altar!
28You're my God, and I thank you.
O my God, I lift high your praise.
29Thank GOD-he's so good.

His love never quits!

[Listen: Tune ‘How great Thou Art’ to which this song is sung:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_703.mp3 ]

Though thunders roll and darkened be the sky,
I'll trust in thee!
Though joys may fade and prospects droop and die,
I'll trust in thee!
No light may shine upon life's rugged way,
Sufficient is thy grace from day to day.

I'm not outside thy providential care,
I'll trust in thee!
I'll walk by faith thy chosen cross to bear,
I'll trust in thee!
Thy will and wish I know are for the best,
This gives to me abundant peace and rest.

Thy word is sure, thy promise never fails,
I'll trust in thee!
A hiding place thou art when Hell assails,
I'll trust in thee!
I conquer all while hiding 'neath thy wing,
And in the storm sweet songs of triumph sing.

I'm pressing on towards my home in Heaven,
I'll trust in thee!
Where crowns of life to faithful ones are given,
I'll trust in thee!
This hope is mine, through Jesus crucified,
And all through grace I shall be glorified.
Author: John Lawley (1859-1922)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 761

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