Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 31st January and 1st February, 2009
Messing Around in Boats
"There is nothing--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing around in boats," says the obviously wise Water Rat in Kenneth Grahame's book ‘Wind in the Willows’.
For me a great part of the messing around in boats is fishing. I love to have a baited line or two over the side of the boat. Better still is to have a lively fish fighting to stop me dragging him to my dinner plate via the boat.
Another great part of messing around in my boat is to be anchored just by the main channel as we fish and watch the various boats go past. There is a huge variety.
My boat is best described as a small aluminium dinghy (it is 3.4 metres or 11 feet with an 18 hp outboard motor) so most boats that go past are bigger. So I dream of being in one of the big ones (10 mtrs/30ft to 20mtrs/60ft is normal.) with a boat about the size of mine hanging off the back as the tender. Bigger boats are real heaven on water stuff. These dream boats are wider than mine is long. As these bigger ones power past I am often waken from my daydreams by the waves from their wake that make my ‘tinnie’ bob up and down. These luxurious boats probably cost as much as some of the basic churches where we gather for worship. I was a private luxury boat in July but more of that later.
Other boats that pass are carrying tourists. Some are going out to the ocean reefs for a day’s fishing. Others will fish around the smooth water. A variety of other boats give tours and day trips around the waterways with commentary as they go. I have heard us being mentioned on the public address system as the amphibious ‘ducks” which carry sightseers have passed. Sometimes we have been fortunate enough to catch a fish as they pass just a few meters away. It is nice to be a tourist attraction. I smile as I am captured on a dozen Japanese video cameras and countless still cameras.
Some boats take divers out for a diving lesson or adventure. Some have tourists strapped in tightly and they get their thrills by speed as the driver spins the boat and jumps the ocean waves. Other thrill seekers will try the parasails. That is being lifted high on a parachute being towed behind a powerful speed boat.
There are of course stately sail boats, tall ships and luxury yachts that could sail any ocean. Of course, there are also the smaller ones made for the family and even the kids alone to mess around in. Others will paddle canoes or kayaks and sometimes a team of paddlers will pass in their dragon boat which looks like it has come all the way from some South Seas tropical island.
There is every variety of boat. I haven’t mentioned houseboats, jet skis, barbecue or party pontoons, water taxis, water police and rescue boats. There are fishing trawlers, and various work barges, some transporting cars and trucks to the islands. Small planes equipped to land and take off from the water are noisy and scary as they come right towards you before taking off and going above our heads. It is as the tourist advertisements say “Beautiful one day, perfect the next”.
If Queensland is beautiful one day and perfect the next, it seemed more than perfect when my wife and I stepped onto a 100 feet long private cruiser in Rome, Italy as the guests of the owner. My brother-in-law who helped us organise our itinerary for our shared time in England and Europe met the owner to discuss business while we were in London.
After discussing business they got to talking about our itinerary and that we were going to Rome and then to Naples to visit Pompeii. The business man asked about the dates and then said “I will be there then. How would you like to go from Rome to Naples on my boat”. So as we stepped onto the boat we stepped into a world of luxury that can only be imagined. Five of us joined the owner, his wife and two other guest for the trip of a life-time.
The boat had a permanent crew of 4 comprising a Captain, a chef (Hell’s Kitchen winner Terry Miller) and two helpers. As we left Rome we faced wind blown sea waves. The boat powered through them but the up and down movement made some sick. The owner said to us that if it got worse, we would have to turn back but he would confer with the skipper to see what eh recommended.
He came back with the news that at the skipper’s suggestion we would increase speed and that should solve the problem. The sick ones would soon feel better but the downside for him was that the big twin diesel engines would consume 1800 litres of fuel each hour.
It worked. The trip was now much smoother and the wake was spectacular. However, it did attract the attention of the Italian Coast Patrol who stopped us and wanted to know why we were travelling so quickly.
After an overnight stop alongside a jetty on the island of Ponza (Isola Di Ponza – have a look at Google results for Ponza), we soon made it to Naples where we lined up in the Marina with other not insignificant vessels.
I thought of the rough seas off Italy when I read today’s reading from Mark’s Gospel. The Disciples and Jesus were on a smaller boat and did not have the power of big diesel engines. However, they had the amazing power of Jesus.
Mark 4:35-41 (The Message)
35-38 Late that day he said to them, "Let's go across to the other side." They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, "Teacher, is it nothing to you that we're going down?"
39-40 Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, "Quiet! Settle down!" The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: "Why are you such cowards? Don't you have any faith at all?"
41 They were in absolute awe, staggered. "Who is this, anyway?" they asked. "Wind and sea at his beck and call!"
Beautiful one day, perfect the next? With Jesus, it was life threatening one moment an perfect peace the next.
[Listen: New York Staff Band Male Voice: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4131.mp3
OR
Chelmsford Songsters:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2420.mp3
Once I was lost, on the breakers tossed,
And far away from shore;
My drifting bark all in the dark,
No beacon light before.
I was sinking fast when the lifeboat passed
And the Captain took me in;
Now the storm is o'er and I fear no more,
I have perfect peace within.
Chorus
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm off for a trip in the gospel ship,
To Canaan's happy shore.
Thank God! 'tis true, my heart's quite new,
Old things have passed away;
And now I know the cleansing flow
Rolls o'er my soul each day.
'Tis a glorious thing to know the sting
Of death has been destroyed,
And that Jesus lives in my heart, and gives
What can sweetly be enjoyed!
And when at last, all dangers past,
I join the blood-washed throng,
Though with the least at the heavenly feast,
I'll sing the glad new song.
O what bliss complete when my Lord I meet
In the banquet hall on high,
And with comrades there in love I share
The joys that never die!
William Giles Collins (1854-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 375
……………………………………………….
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 31st January and 1st February, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 31st January and 1st February, 2009
Messing Around in Boats
"There is nothing--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing around in boats," says the obviously wise Water Rat in Kenneth Grahame's book ‘Wind in the Willows’.
For me a great part of the messing around in boats is fishing. I love to have a baited line or two over the side of the boat. Better still is to have a lively fish fighting to stop me dragging him to my dinner plate via the boat.
Another great part of messing around in my boat is to be anchored just by the main channel as we fish and watch the various boats go past. There is a huge variety.
My boat is best described as a small aluminium dinghy (it is 3.4 metres or 11 feet with an 18 hp outboard motor) so most boats that go past are bigger. So I dream of being in one of the big ones (10 mtrs/30ft to 20mtrs/60ft is normal.) with a boat about the size of mine hanging off the back as the tender. Bigger boats are real heaven on water stuff. These dream boats are wider than mine is long. As these bigger ones power past I am often waken from my daydreams by the waves from their wake that make my ‘tinnie’ bob up and down. These luxurious boats probably cost as much as some of the basic churches where we gather for worship. I was a private luxury boat in July but more of that later.
Other boats that pass are carrying tourists. Some are going out to the ocean reefs for a day’s fishing. Others will fish around the smooth water. A variety of other boats give tours and day trips around the waterways with commentary as they go. I have heard us being mentioned on the public address system as the amphibious ‘ducks” which carry sightseers have passed. Sometimes we have been fortunate enough to catch a fish as they pass just a few meters away. It is nice to be a tourist attraction. I smile as I am captured on a dozen Japanese video cameras and countless still cameras.
Some boats take divers out for a diving lesson or adventure. Some have tourists strapped in tightly and they get their thrills by speed as the driver spins the boat and jumps the ocean waves. Other thrill seekers will try the parasails. That is being lifted high on a parachute being towed behind a powerful speed boat.
There are of course stately sail boats, tall ships and luxury yachts that could sail any ocean. Of course, there are also the smaller ones made for the family and even the kids alone to mess around in. Others will paddle canoes or kayaks and sometimes a team of paddlers will pass in their dragon boat which looks like it has come all the way from some South Seas tropical island.
There is every variety of boat. I haven’t mentioned houseboats, jet skis, barbecue or party pontoons, water taxis, water police and rescue boats. There are fishing trawlers, and various work barges, some transporting cars and trucks to the islands. Small planes equipped to land and take off from the water are noisy and scary as they come right towards you before taking off and going above our heads. It is as the tourist advertisements say “Beautiful one day, perfect the next”.
If Queensland is beautiful one day and perfect the next, it seemed more than perfect when my wife and I stepped onto a 100 feet long private cruiser in Rome, Italy as the guests of the owner. My brother-in-law who helped us organise our itinerary for our shared time in England and Europe met the owner to discuss business while we were in London.
After discussing business they got to talking about our itinerary and that we were going to Rome and then to Naples to visit Pompeii. The business man asked about the dates and then said “I will be there then. How would you like to go from Rome to Naples on my boat”. So as we stepped onto the boat we stepped into a world of luxury that can only be imagined. Five of us joined the owner, his wife and two other guest for the trip of a life-time.
The boat had a permanent crew of 4 comprising a Captain, a chef (Hell’s Kitchen winner Terry Miller) and two helpers. As we left Rome we faced wind blown sea waves. The boat powered through them but the up and down movement made some sick. The owner said to us that if it got worse, we would have to turn back but he would confer with the skipper to see what eh recommended.
He came back with the news that at the skipper’s suggestion we would increase speed and that should solve the problem. The sick ones would soon feel better but the downside for him was that the big twin diesel engines would consume 1800 litres of fuel each hour.
It worked. The trip was now much smoother and the wake was spectacular. However, it did attract the attention of the Italian Coast Patrol who stopped us and wanted to know why we were travelling so quickly.
After an overnight stop alongside a jetty on the island of Ponza (Isola Di Ponza – have a look at Google results for Ponza), we soon made it to Naples where we lined up in the Marina with other not insignificant vessels.
I thought of the rough seas off Italy when I read today’s reading from Mark’s Gospel. The Disciples and Jesus were on a smaller boat and did not have the power of big diesel engines. However, they had the amazing power of Jesus.
Mark 4:35-41 (The Message)
35-38 Late that day he said to them, "Let's go across to the other side." They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, "Teacher, is it nothing to you that we're going down?"
39-40 Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, "Quiet! Settle down!" The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: "Why are you such cowards? Don't you have any faith at all?"
41 They were in absolute awe, staggered. "Who is this, anyway?" they asked. "Wind and sea at his beck and call!"
Beautiful one day, perfect the next? With Jesus, it was life threatening one moment an perfect peace the next.
[Listen: New York Staff Band Male Voice: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4131.mp3
OR
Chelmsford Songsters:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2420.mp3
Once I was lost, on the breakers tossed,
And far away from shore;
My drifting bark all in the dark,
No beacon light before.
I was sinking fast when the lifeboat passed
And the Captain took me in;
Now the storm is o'er and I fear no more,
I have perfect peace within.
Chorus
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm off for a trip in the gospel ship,
To Canaan's happy shore.
Thank God! 'tis true, my heart's quite new,
Old things have passed away;
And now I know the cleansing flow
Rolls o'er my soul each day.
'Tis a glorious thing to know the sting
Of death has been destroyed,
And that Jesus lives in my heart, and gives
What can sweetly be enjoyed!
And when at last, all dangers past,
I join the blood-washed throng,
Though with the least at the heavenly feast,
I'll sing the glad new song.
O what bliss complete when my Lord I meet
In the banquet hall on high,
And with comrades there in love I share
The joys that never die!
William Giles Collins (1854-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 375
……………………………………………….
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Messing Around in Boats
"There is nothing--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing around in boats," says the obviously wise Water Rat in Kenneth Grahame's book ‘Wind in the Willows’.
For me a great part of the messing around in boats is fishing. I love to have a baited line or two over the side of the boat. Better still is to have a lively fish fighting to stop me dragging him to my dinner plate via the boat.
Another great part of messing around in my boat is to be anchored just by the main channel as we fish and watch the various boats go past. There is a huge variety.
My boat is best described as a small aluminium dinghy (it is 3.4 metres or 11 feet with an 18 hp outboard motor) so most boats that go past are bigger. So I dream of being in one of the big ones (10 mtrs/30ft to 20mtrs/60ft is normal.) with a boat about the size of mine hanging off the back as the tender. Bigger boats are real heaven on water stuff. These dream boats are wider than mine is long. As these bigger ones power past I am often waken from my daydreams by the waves from their wake that make my ‘tinnie’ bob up and down. These luxurious boats probably cost as much as some of the basic churches where we gather for worship. I was a private luxury boat in July but more of that later.
Other boats that pass are carrying tourists. Some are going out to the ocean reefs for a day’s fishing. Others will fish around the smooth water. A variety of other boats give tours and day trips around the waterways with commentary as they go. I have heard us being mentioned on the public address system as the amphibious ‘ducks” which carry sightseers have passed. Sometimes we have been fortunate enough to catch a fish as they pass just a few meters away. It is nice to be a tourist attraction. I smile as I am captured on a dozen Japanese video cameras and countless still cameras.
Some boats take divers out for a diving lesson or adventure. Some have tourists strapped in tightly and they get their thrills by speed as the driver spins the boat and jumps the ocean waves. Other thrill seekers will try the parasails. That is being lifted high on a parachute being towed behind a powerful speed boat.
There are of course stately sail boats, tall ships and luxury yachts that could sail any ocean. Of course, there are also the smaller ones made for the family and even the kids alone to mess around in. Others will paddle canoes or kayaks and sometimes a team of paddlers will pass in their dragon boat which looks like it has come all the way from some South Seas tropical island.
There is every variety of boat. I haven’t mentioned houseboats, jet skis, barbecue or party pontoons, water taxis, water police and rescue boats. There are fishing trawlers, and various work barges, some transporting cars and trucks to the islands. Small planes equipped to land and take off from the water are noisy and scary as they come right towards you before taking off and going above our heads. It is as the tourist advertisements say “Beautiful one day, perfect the next”.
If Queensland is beautiful one day and perfect the next, it seemed more than perfect when my wife and I stepped onto a 100 feet long private cruiser in Rome, Italy as the guests of the owner. My brother-in-law who helped us organise our itinerary for our shared time in England and Europe met the owner to discuss business while we were in London.
After discussing business they got to talking about our itinerary and that we were going to Rome and then to Naples to visit Pompeii. The business man asked about the dates and then said “I will be there then. How would you like to go from Rome to Naples on my boat”. So as we stepped onto the boat we stepped into a world of luxury that can only be imagined. Five of us joined the owner, his wife and two other guest for the trip of a life-time.
The boat had a permanent crew of 4 comprising a Captain, a chef (Hell’s Kitchen winner Terry Miller) and two helpers. As we left Rome we faced wind blown sea waves. The boat powered through them but the up and down movement made some sick. The owner said to us that if it got worse, we would have to turn back but he would confer with the skipper to see what eh recommended.
He came back with the news that at the skipper’s suggestion we would increase speed and that should solve the problem. The sick ones would soon feel better but the downside for him was that the big twin diesel engines would consume 1800 litres of fuel each hour.
It worked. The trip was now much smoother and the wake was spectacular. However, it did attract the attention of the Italian Coast Patrol who stopped us and wanted to know why we were travelling so quickly.
After an overnight stop alongside a jetty on the island of Ponza (Isola Di Ponza – have a look at Google results for Ponza), we soon made it to Naples where we lined up in the Marina with other not insignificant vessels.
I thought of the rough seas off Italy when I read today’s reading from Mark’s Gospel. The Disciples and Jesus were on a smaller boat and did not have the power of big diesel engines. However, they had the amazing power of Jesus.
Mark 4:35-41 (The Message)
35-38 Late that day he said to them, "Let's go across to the other side." They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, "Teacher, is it nothing to you that we're going down?"
39-40 Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, "Quiet! Settle down!" The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: "Why are you such cowards? Don't you have any faith at all?"
41 They were in absolute awe, staggered. "Who is this, anyway?" they asked. "Wind and sea at his beck and call!"
Beautiful one day, perfect the next? With Jesus, it was life threatening one moment an perfect peace the next.
[Listen: New York Staff Band Male Voice: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4131.mp3
OR
Chelmsford Songsters:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2420.mp3
Once I was lost, on the breakers tossed,
And far away from shore;
My drifting bark all in the dark,
No beacon light before.
I was sinking fast when the lifeboat passed
And the Captain took me in;
Now the storm is o'er and I fear no more,
I have perfect peace within.
Chorus
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm off for a trip in the gospel ship,
To Canaan's happy shore.
Thank God! 'tis true, my heart's quite new,
Old things have passed away;
And now I know the cleansing flow
Rolls o'er my soul each day.
'Tis a glorious thing to know the sting
Of death has been destroyed,
And that Jesus lives in my heart, and gives
What can sweetly be enjoyed!
And when at last, all dangers past,
I join the blood-washed throng,
Though with the least at the heavenly feast,
I'll sing the glad new song.
O what bliss complete when my Lord I meet
In the banquet hall on high,
And with comrades there in love I share
The joys that never die!
William Giles Collins (1854-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 375
……………………………………………….
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Thursday, January 29, 2009
OzThoughts Friday 30th January 2009
OzThoughts Friday 30th January 2009
We are not even at the end of the fourth Chapter of Mark’s Gospel and one thing is very apparent. Jesus was a great teacher and the crowds gathered to hear him. Today’s reading tells us a little of the reason why he was so successful.
Mark 4:26-34 (The Message)
26-29 Then Jesus said, "God's kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time!
30-32 "How can we picture God's kingdom? What kind of story can we use? It's like a pine nut. When it lands on the ground it is quite small as seeds go, yet once it is planted it grows into a huge pine tree with thick branches. Eagles nest in it."
33-34 With many stories like these, he presented his message to them, fitting the stories to their experience and maturity. He was never without a story when he spoke. When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots.
What does this say to us and how we should share Jesus with the people we meet? Can I suggest that Jesus was very aware of what was happening right where he was. He described what he and everyone else could see or easily picture because it was their experience. He did not rely on second hand stories or stories used by others with effect. His stories were not to entertain or fill the time.
Notice, too, Jesus made himself available to those whom he most wanted to influence. “When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots.” Jesus was not only a teacher but he was a personal tutor and a masterful mentor.
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book).
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1248.mp3 ]
I'm a soldier bound for Glory,
I'm a soldier going home;
Come and hear me tell my story,
All who love the Saviour, come.
Chorus
I love Jesus, hallelujah!
I love Jesus, yes, I do;
I love Jesus, he's my Saviour,
Jesus smiles and loves me too.
I will tell you what induced me
In the glorious fight to start;
'Twas the Saviour's loving kindness
Overcame and won my heart.
When I first commenced my warfare
Many said I'd run away;
But they all have been deceived,
In the fight I am today.
I'm a wonder unto many,
God alone the change has wrought;
Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by his help I'm brought.
When to death's dark, swelling river,
Like a warrior I shall come,
Then I mean to shout salvation!
And go singing glory! home.
Author: Richard Jukes (1804-67),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 338
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
We are not even at the end of the fourth Chapter of Mark’s Gospel and one thing is very apparent. Jesus was a great teacher and the crowds gathered to hear him. Today’s reading tells us a little of the reason why he was so successful.
Mark 4:26-34 (The Message)
26-29 Then Jesus said, "God's kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time!
30-32 "How can we picture God's kingdom? What kind of story can we use? It's like a pine nut. When it lands on the ground it is quite small as seeds go, yet once it is planted it grows into a huge pine tree with thick branches. Eagles nest in it."
33-34 With many stories like these, he presented his message to them, fitting the stories to their experience and maturity. He was never without a story when he spoke. When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots.
What does this say to us and how we should share Jesus with the people we meet? Can I suggest that Jesus was very aware of what was happening right where he was. He described what he and everyone else could see or easily picture because it was their experience. He did not rely on second hand stories or stories used by others with effect. His stories were not to entertain or fill the time.
Notice, too, Jesus made himself available to those whom he most wanted to influence. “When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots.” Jesus was not only a teacher but he was a personal tutor and a masterful mentor.
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book).
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1248.mp3 ]
I'm a soldier bound for Glory,
I'm a soldier going home;
Come and hear me tell my story,
All who love the Saviour, come.
Chorus
I love Jesus, hallelujah!
I love Jesus, yes, I do;
I love Jesus, he's my Saviour,
Jesus smiles and loves me too.
I will tell you what induced me
In the glorious fight to start;
'Twas the Saviour's loving kindness
Overcame and won my heart.
When I first commenced my warfare
Many said I'd run away;
But they all have been deceived,
In the fight I am today.
I'm a wonder unto many,
God alone the change has wrought;
Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by his help I'm brought.
When to death's dark, swelling river,
Like a warrior I shall come,
Then I mean to shout salvation!
And go singing glory! home.
Author: Richard Jukes (1804-67),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 338
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
OzThoughts Thursday 29th January 2009
OzThoughts Thursday 29th January 2009
Today’s short passage from Mark’s Gospel has the basis for two sermons. In fact, there are at least three good sermons. No, this is not the place for a sermon, so you won’t even get one. I will just say don’t miss the points that Mark has written here for us.
Mark 4:21-25 (The Message)
21-22 Jesus went on: "Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don't you put it up on a table or on the mantel? We're not keeping secrets, we're telling them; we're not hiding things, we're bringing them out into the open.
23 "Are you listening to this? Really listening?
24-25 "Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes."
Is there a link that can be made of the three points? Can we link not keeping secrets, really listening and being generous?
Many years ago someone handed me an old copy of a Salvation Army youth magazine. In it I read something like “We are not cisterns to store God’s blessings, but conductors to pass them on.” That spoke to me. While it was true to sing “It was for me that Jesus died”, I had the responsibility to pass on the good news that “God so loved the world he gave his only son that anyone who believes in him might have eternal life’ (John 3:16).
I can say that that realization has led me on a life long journey. I am still listening and sharing what I learn.
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book).
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1764.mp3 ]
Lord, I pray that I may know thee,
Risen One, enthroned on high;
Empty hands I'm stretching to thee,
Show thyself to me, I cry.
Chorus
Show thyself to me, show thyself to me,
That I may reveal thy beauty;
Show thyself to me.
All that once I thought most worthy,
All of which I once did boast,
In thy light seems poor and passing,
'Tis thyself I covet most.
Give thyself to me, give thyself to me,
That I may show forth thy power;
Give thyself to me.
Only as I truly know thee
Can I make thee truly known;
Only bring the power to others
Which in my own life is shown.
Show thy power in me, show thy power in me,
That I may be used for others;
Show thy power in me.
Author: Ruth Tracy (1870-1960)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 435
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Today’s short passage from Mark’s Gospel has the basis for two sermons. In fact, there are at least three good sermons. No, this is not the place for a sermon, so you won’t even get one. I will just say don’t miss the points that Mark has written here for us.
Mark 4:21-25 (The Message)
21-22 Jesus went on: "Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don't you put it up on a table or on the mantel? We're not keeping secrets, we're telling them; we're not hiding things, we're bringing them out into the open.
23 "Are you listening to this? Really listening?
24-25 "Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes."
Is there a link that can be made of the three points? Can we link not keeping secrets, really listening and being generous?
Many years ago someone handed me an old copy of a Salvation Army youth magazine. In it I read something like “We are not cisterns to store God’s blessings, but conductors to pass them on.” That spoke to me. While it was true to sing “It was for me that Jesus died”, I had the responsibility to pass on the good news that “God so loved the world he gave his only son that anyone who believes in him might have eternal life’ (John 3:16).
I can say that that realization has led me on a life long journey. I am still listening and sharing what I learn.
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book).
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1764.mp3 ]
Lord, I pray that I may know thee,
Risen One, enthroned on high;
Empty hands I'm stretching to thee,
Show thyself to me, I cry.
Chorus
Show thyself to me, show thyself to me,
That I may reveal thy beauty;
Show thyself to me.
All that once I thought most worthy,
All of which I once did boast,
In thy light seems poor and passing,
'Tis thyself I covet most.
Give thyself to me, give thyself to me,
That I may show forth thy power;
Give thyself to me.
Only as I truly know thee
Can I make thee truly known;
Only bring the power to others
Which in my own life is shown.
Show thy power in me, show thy power in me,
That I may be used for others;
Show thy power in me.
Author: Ruth Tracy (1870-1960)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 435
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
OzThoughts Wednesday 28th January 2009
OzThoughts Wednesday 28th January 2009
People love stories. They love to tell them. Probably several times a week, I will simply say to people “Tell me your story”. Then I try to be a good listener. Strangely, if I demonstrate good listening I also demonstrate I care.
I have a Canadian friend whom I met on the internet and she has been reading OzThoughts since the beginning. She has said to me over the years “I love reading the stories in OzThoughts about what you have done or are doing the best.” (I won’t tell you her name but because it is her birthday today I will say “Happy birthday, Janis”.)
The Christian Mission/ Salvation Army from its earliest days feature people to tell the story of their “getting saved”. They told how difficult and wretched their life was before The Army brought Jesus to them. How they surrendered their life to Jesus and what it has been like since. People gathered to listened to these stories and saw people they knew whose lives had been transformed. They heard the story and they saw the transformation that had taken place. Many said “I need some of that”.
See what Jesus tells about reaching and teaching people by stories:
Mark 4:1-20 (The Message)
1-2 He went back to teaching by the sea. A crowd built up to such a great size that he had to get into an offshore boat, using the boat as a pulpit as the people pushed to the water's edge. He taught by using stories, many stories.
3-8"Listen. What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled among the weeds and nothing came of it. Some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams.
9"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"
10-12When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along with the Twelve, asked about the stories. He told them, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can't see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight. These are people—
Whose eyes are open but don't see a thing,
Whose ears are open but don't understand a word,
Who avoid making an about-face and getting forgiven."
13He continued, "Do you see how this story works? All my stories work this way.
14-15"The farmer plants the Word. Some people are like the seed that falls on the hardened soil of the road. No sooner do they hear the Word than Satan snatches away what has been planted in them.
16-17"And some are like the seed that lands in the gravel. When they first hear the Word, they respond with great enthusiasm. But there is such shallow soil of character that when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.
18-19"The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.
20"But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams."
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/miscellaneous_music/ballarat2.htm ]
Pleasures sought, dearly bought,
Leading only further from the light;
Blinded eyes, weary sighs,
Thus grief-laden did I wander in sin's night.
Chorus
Jesus came with peace to me,
His strong arm was stretched to me,
Then my burden took from me--
My Saviour.
Wasted years, doubts and fears,
I no treasure had in Heaven above;
Idle hours, misspent powers
Stained my heart, unmoved by Jesus' wondrous love.
Hollow joys, worldly toys,
Could not meet my spirit's deep desire;
Without rest, in my breast
Rose the yearning for the Spirit's hallowed fire.
Heaven's ray falls today
On my soul, and makes my pathway bright;
Struggles cease, I have peace,
Walking with my Saviour, trusting in his might.
Author: Agnes Parker Heathcote (b 1862)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 379
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
People love stories. They love to tell them. Probably several times a week, I will simply say to people “Tell me your story”. Then I try to be a good listener. Strangely, if I demonstrate good listening I also demonstrate I care.
I have a Canadian friend whom I met on the internet and she has been reading OzThoughts since the beginning. She has said to me over the years “I love reading the stories in OzThoughts about what you have done or are doing the best.” (I won’t tell you her name but because it is her birthday today I will say “Happy birthday, Janis”.)
The Christian Mission/ Salvation Army from its earliest days feature people to tell the story of their “getting saved”. They told how difficult and wretched their life was before The Army brought Jesus to them. How they surrendered their life to Jesus and what it has been like since. People gathered to listened to these stories and saw people they knew whose lives had been transformed. They heard the story and they saw the transformation that had taken place. Many said “I need some of that”.
See what Jesus tells about reaching and teaching people by stories:
Mark 4:1-20 (The Message)
1-2 He went back to teaching by the sea. A crowd built up to such a great size that he had to get into an offshore boat, using the boat as a pulpit as the people pushed to the water's edge. He taught by using stories, many stories.
3-8"Listen. What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled among the weeds and nothing came of it. Some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams.
9"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"
10-12When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along with the Twelve, asked about the stories. He told them, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can't see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight. These are people—
Whose eyes are open but don't see a thing,
Whose ears are open but don't understand a word,
Who avoid making an about-face and getting forgiven."
13He continued, "Do you see how this story works? All my stories work this way.
14-15"The farmer plants the Word. Some people are like the seed that falls on the hardened soil of the road. No sooner do they hear the Word than Satan snatches away what has been planted in them.
16-17"And some are like the seed that lands in the gravel. When they first hear the Word, they respond with great enthusiasm. But there is such shallow soil of character that when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.
18-19"The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.
20"But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams."
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/miscellaneous_music/ballarat2.htm ]
Pleasures sought, dearly bought,
Leading only further from the light;
Blinded eyes, weary sighs,
Thus grief-laden did I wander in sin's night.
Chorus
Jesus came with peace to me,
His strong arm was stretched to me,
Then my burden took from me--
My Saviour.
Wasted years, doubts and fears,
I no treasure had in Heaven above;
Idle hours, misspent powers
Stained my heart, unmoved by Jesus' wondrous love.
Hollow joys, worldly toys,
Could not meet my spirit's deep desire;
Without rest, in my breast
Rose the yearning for the Spirit's hallowed fire.
Heaven's ray falls today
On my soul, and makes my pathway bright;
Struggles cease, I have peace,
Walking with my Saviour, trusting in his might.
Author: Agnes Parker Heathcote (b 1862)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 379
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, January 26, 2009
OzThoughts Tuesday 27th January 2009
OzThoughts Tuesday 27th January 2009
There’s a chorus we used to sing. I was reminded of it as I read Psalm 40. It went something like this:
Tell out the story,
Let all the people shout and sing
Glory to Jesus my Saviour Lord and King
For I’m the one to testify
He saves, he keeps, he satisfies.
Tell out the story,
Let all the people shout and sing
Glory to Jesus my Saviour Lord and King
I can’t remember when I learnt that chorus. My research assistant Mr Google cannot locate it. However, I know that that is what God called me to do. For me, to do God’s will is to tell about Jesus and the salvation that comes through him and God keeps me and satisfies me daily.
While the Psalm was written many years before Jesus birth, death and resurrection, he acknowledges the power of God in his life and how he is compelled to tell about it.
Psalm 40 (The Message)
1-3 I waited and waited and waited for God.
At last he looked; finally he listened.
He lifted me out of the ditch,
pulled me from deep mud.
He stood me up on a solid rock
to make sure I wouldn't slip.
He taught me how to sing the latest God-song,
a praise-song to our God.
More and more people are seeing this:
they enter the mystery,
abandoning themselves to God.
4-5 Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God,
turn your backs on the world's "sure thing,"
ignore what the world worships;
The world's a huge stockpile
of God-wonders and God-thoughts.
Nothing and no one
comes close to you!
I start talking about you, telling what I know,
and quickly run out of words.
Neither numbers nor words
account for you.
6 Doing something for you, bringing something to you—
that's not what you're after.
Being religious, acting pious—
that's not what you're asking for.
You've opened my ears
so I can listen.
7-8 So I answered, "I'm coming.
I read in your letter what you wrote about me,
And I'm coming to the party
you're throwing for me."
That's when God's Word entered my life,
became part of my very being.
9-10 I've preached you to the whole congregation,
I've kept back nothing, God—you know that.
I didn't keep the news of your ways
a secret, didn't keep it to myself.
I told it all, how dependable you are, how thorough.
I didn't hold back pieces of love and truth
For myself alone. I told it all,
let the congregation know the whole story.
11-12 Now GOD, don't hold out on me,
don't hold back your passion.
Your love and truth
are all that keeps me together.
When troubles ganged up on me,
a mob of sins past counting,
I was so swamped by guilt
I couldn't see my way clear.
More guilt in my heart than hair on my head,
so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out.
13-15 Soften up, GOD, and intervene;
hurry and get me some help,
So those who are trying to kidnap my soul
will be embarrassed and lose face,
So anyone who gets a kick out of making me miserable
will be heckled and disgraced,
So those who pray for my ruin
will be booed and jeered without mercy.
16-17 But all who are hunting for you—
oh, let them sing and be happy.
Let those who know what you're all about
tell the world you're great and not quitting.
And me? I'm a mess. I'm nothing and have nothing:
make something of me.
You can do it; you've got what it takes—
but God, don't put it off.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
There’s a chorus we used to sing. I was reminded of it as I read Psalm 40. It went something like this:
Tell out the story,
Let all the people shout and sing
Glory to Jesus my Saviour Lord and King
For I’m the one to testify
He saves, he keeps, he satisfies.
Tell out the story,
Let all the people shout and sing
Glory to Jesus my Saviour Lord and King
I can’t remember when I learnt that chorus. My research assistant Mr Google cannot locate it. However, I know that that is what God called me to do. For me, to do God’s will is to tell about Jesus and the salvation that comes through him and God keeps me and satisfies me daily.
While the Psalm was written many years before Jesus birth, death and resurrection, he acknowledges the power of God in his life and how he is compelled to tell about it.
Psalm 40 (The Message)
1-3 I waited and waited and waited for God.
At last he looked; finally he listened.
He lifted me out of the ditch,
pulled me from deep mud.
He stood me up on a solid rock
to make sure I wouldn't slip.
He taught me how to sing the latest God-song,
a praise-song to our God.
More and more people are seeing this:
they enter the mystery,
abandoning themselves to God.
4-5 Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God,
turn your backs on the world's "sure thing,"
ignore what the world worships;
The world's a huge stockpile
of God-wonders and God-thoughts.
Nothing and no one
comes close to you!
I start talking about you, telling what I know,
and quickly run out of words.
Neither numbers nor words
account for you.
6 Doing something for you, bringing something to you—
that's not what you're after.
Being religious, acting pious—
that's not what you're asking for.
You've opened my ears
so I can listen.
7-8 So I answered, "I'm coming.
I read in your letter what you wrote about me,
And I'm coming to the party
you're throwing for me."
That's when God's Word entered my life,
became part of my very being.
9-10 I've preached you to the whole congregation,
I've kept back nothing, God—you know that.
I didn't keep the news of your ways
a secret, didn't keep it to myself.
I told it all, how dependable you are, how thorough.
I didn't hold back pieces of love and truth
For myself alone. I told it all,
let the congregation know the whole story.
11-12 Now GOD, don't hold out on me,
don't hold back your passion.
Your love and truth
are all that keeps me together.
When troubles ganged up on me,
a mob of sins past counting,
I was so swamped by guilt
I couldn't see my way clear.
More guilt in my heart than hair on my head,
so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out.
13-15 Soften up, GOD, and intervene;
hurry and get me some help,
So those who are trying to kidnap my soul
will be embarrassed and lose face,
So anyone who gets a kick out of making me miserable
will be heckled and disgraced,
So those who pray for my ruin
will be booed and jeered without mercy.
16-17 But all who are hunting for you—
oh, let them sing and be happy.
Let those who know what you're all about
tell the world you're great and not quitting.
And me? I'm a mess. I'm nothing and have nothing:
make something of me.
You can do it; you've got what it takes—
but God, don't put it off.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Sunday, January 25, 2009
OzThoughts Monday 26th January 2009 – AUSTRALIA DAY
OzThoughts Monday 26th January 2009 – AUSTRALIA DAY
Australia Day – Australia’s national day of celebration and reflection.
As I read today’s Psalm I notice the Psalmist says “God has made a world of wonders!” Yet, he goes on to say “ The whole earth comes to attention. Look—God's work of salvation!” Then he calls everybody to sing their praises to God! Its is all wonderful. It is absolutely marvelous what God has done. However, he is not finished yet!
Psalm 98 (The Message)
1 Sing to GOD a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders!
He rolled up his sleeves,
He set things right.
2 God made history with salvation,
He showed the world what he could do.
3 He remembered to love us, a bonus
To his dear family, Israel—indefatigable love.
The whole earth comes to attention.
Look—God's work of salvation!
4 Shout your praises to God, everybody!
Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!
5 Round up an orchestra to play for God,
Add on a hundred-voice choir.
6 Feature trumpets and big trombones,
Fill the air with praises to King God.
7 Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause,
With everything living on earth joining in.
8 Let ocean breakers call out, "Encore!"
And mountains harmonize the finale—
9 A tribute to God when he comes,
When he comes to set the earth right.
He'll straighten out the whole world,
He'll put the world right, and everyone in it.
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book).
Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom his wold rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Hath blessed on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever-joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us,
And keep us in his grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
In this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son and him who reigns
With them in highest Heaven.
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.
Authors: Martin Rinkart (1588-1649)
Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1827-78)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 12
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Australia Day – Australia’s national day of celebration and reflection.
As I read today’s Psalm I notice the Psalmist says “God has made a world of wonders!” Yet, he goes on to say “ The whole earth comes to attention. Look—God's work of salvation!” Then he calls everybody to sing their praises to God! Its is all wonderful. It is absolutely marvelous what God has done. However, he is not finished yet!
Psalm 98 (The Message)
1 Sing to GOD a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders!
He rolled up his sleeves,
He set things right.
2 God made history with salvation,
He showed the world what he could do.
3 He remembered to love us, a bonus
To his dear family, Israel—indefatigable love.
The whole earth comes to attention.
Look—God's work of salvation!
4 Shout your praises to God, everybody!
Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!
5 Round up an orchestra to play for God,
Add on a hundred-voice choir.
6 Feature trumpets and big trombones,
Fill the air with praises to King God.
7 Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause,
With everything living on earth joining in.
8 Let ocean breakers call out, "Encore!"
And mountains harmonize the finale—
9 A tribute to God when he comes,
When he comes to set the earth right.
He'll straighten out the whole world,
He'll put the world right, and everyone in it.
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book).
Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom his wold rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Hath blessed on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever-joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us,
And keep us in his grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
In this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son and him who reigns
With them in highest Heaven.
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.
Authors: Martin Rinkart (1588-1649)
Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1827-78)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 12
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 24th and 25th January 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 24th and 25th January 2009
Australia Day.
This weekend is a holiday weekend in Australia with a public holiday on Monday celebrating the first European settlement of Australia on 26th January,1788. Australia has a long history of settlement. It seems that the indigenous race which occupied the land at the coming of the British settlers had themselves come to this land over 40, 000 years previously.
Obviously the country changed dramatically under the new settlers. The new people had a very different agenda to those who already lived here. The agenda of the British was to establish permanent dwelling places. Their agenda saw the original settlement village grow to a town and then to a city with surrounding farms established with the seeds and animals they had brought with them. They would grow vegetables and wheat and meat would be supplied by breeding sheep and cattle.
The original people were nomadic. They ate what was readily available. This included animals, birds and seafood, they were able to capture. Kangaroos, goanna, crocodile, crabs, fish, dugong, and shellfish appeared on their varied menu. It included fruit and berries and roots of some plants. They moved to where the food was available in season. Oh, and it included some creepy and crawly things including fat witchetty grubs and bogong moths.
Eventually, in various ways, a few ships of convicts from England and their guards became the 20 million people who today are proud to call themselves Australians. The story of that growth tells of conflict with the original people. It also tells of many people who came from many lands each with their own ideas and agendas. Some of my forebears came from Germany to settle in this, to them, new land to escape the religious persecutions in their former home. Others of my forebears came from Ireland, England and Scotland. Since World War 2, thousands of people coming from probably every nation on earth have made their home here.
On this Australia Day, we might ask what is our agenda for this nation? Each of us, no matter our nationality and no matter where we live can ask the same question: “What is my agenda for our nation?” Sometime later this year we will vote in State elections. This year is also the 150th year since the formation of our State as a separate entity. As we vote will we confirm our personal agenda and wishes for this land?
There are many individuals and groups that work not only at election time but day by day that their agenda may be done in this land. Are we working in our small corner that God’s will might be done?
To do this we need to consider our personal agendas. How do we want to live? Do we want to live our Christian lives in a way that conforms with God’s agenda for us. Are we seeking in prayer not only God’s agenda for us as individuals but are we seeking that truly that His will may “be done on earth as it is in heaven”?
O that in me the mind of Christ
A fixed abiding-place may find,
That I may know the will of God,
And live in him for lost mankind.
Chorus
Doing the will of God,
Doing the will of God,
The best thing I know in this world below
Is doing the will of God.
The suffering servant he became,
Yea more; in loneliness and loss
He bore for me in grief and shame,
A crown of thorns. a heavy cross.
O that in me this mind might be,
The will of God be all my joy,
Prepared with him to go or stay,
My chief delight his sweet employ.
More than all else I would become
The servant of my servant-Lord;
My highest glory his reproach,
To do his will my best reward.
Edward Henry Joy (1871-1949)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 451
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Australia Day.
This weekend is a holiday weekend in Australia with a public holiday on Monday celebrating the first European settlement of Australia on 26th January,1788. Australia has a long history of settlement. It seems that the indigenous race which occupied the land at the coming of the British settlers had themselves come to this land over 40, 000 years previously.
Obviously the country changed dramatically under the new settlers. The new people had a very different agenda to those who already lived here. The agenda of the British was to establish permanent dwelling places. Their agenda saw the original settlement village grow to a town and then to a city with surrounding farms established with the seeds and animals they had brought with them. They would grow vegetables and wheat and meat would be supplied by breeding sheep and cattle.
The original people were nomadic. They ate what was readily available. This included animals, birds and seafood, they were able to capture. Kangaroos, goanna, crocodile, crabs, fish, dugong, and shellfish appeared on their varied menu. It included fruit and berries and roots of some plants. They moved to where the food was available in season. Oh, and it included some creepy and crawly things including fat witchetty grubs and bogong moths.
Eventually, in various ways, a few ships of convicts from England and their guards became the 20 million people who today are proud to call themselves Australians. The story of that growth tells of conflict with the original people. It also tells of many people who came from many lands each with their own ideas and agendas. Some of my forebears came from Germany to settle in this, to them, new land to escape the religious persecutions in their former home. Others of my forebears came from Ireland, England and Scotland. Since World War 2, thousands of people coming from probably every nation on earth have made their home here.
On this Australia Day, we might ask what is our agenda for this nation? Each of us, no matter our nationality and no matter where we live can ask the same question: “What is my agenda for our nation?” Sometime later this year we will vote in State elections. This year is also the 150th year since the formation of our State as a separate entity. As we vote will we confirm our personal agenda and wishes for this land?
There are many individuals and groups that work not only at election time but day by day that their agenda may be done in this land. Are we working in our small corner that God’s will might be done?
To do this we need to consider our personal agendas. How do we want to live? Do we want to live our Christian lives in a way that conforms with God’s agenda for us. Are we seeking in prayer not only God’s agenda for us as individuals but are we seeking that truly that His will may “be done on earth as it is in heaven”?
O that in me the mind of Christ
A fixed abiding-place may find,
That I may know the will of God,
And live in him for lost mankind.
Chorus
Doing the will of God,
Doing the will of God,
The best thing I know in this world below
Is doing the will of God.
The suffering servant he became,
Yea more; in loneliness and loss
He bore for me in grief and shame,
A crown of thorns. a heavy cross.
O that in me this mind might be,
The will of God be all my joy,
Prepared with him to go or stay,
My chief delight his sweet employ.
More than all else I would become
The servant of my servant-Lord;
My highest glory his reproach,
To do his will my best reward.
Edward Henry Joy (1871-1949)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 451
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Thursday, January 22, 2009
OzThoughts Friday 23rd January 2009
OzThoughts Friday 23rd January 2009
“Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.” (From President Barak Obama’s Inaugural speech)
I heard the above quote from the President’s speech on television and I thought “that’s worth remembering”.
Now as I usually do when I came to type it into my computer, I set my research assistant, Mr Google to work. He quickly came up with the fact that this is a quote from a 1936 movie “Swing Time” with the lyrics by Dorothy Fields and the music by Jerome Kern. The stars were Ginger Rogers and Fed Astaire. The lyrics are below. (You can see the scene from the movie here: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=AGUsRGuZb6k .
I marveled at the great crowd of, it is said two million who stood in freezing weather to be a part of this great event. They will have many memories. What an occasion! What a historic event! They looked, listened and cheered. I wonder how many will “pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”.
My mind goes to another crowd many, many years ago. It was the hour of prayer in Jerusalem and Peter and John had just healed a crippled man. He would not stop shouting, dancing, and praising God. We know the story well.
The crowd gathered and began praising Peter and John because of what happened. We read that Peter address the crowd “"Oh, Israelites, why does this take you by such complete surprise, and why stare at us as if our power or piety made him walk? The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his Son Jesus.” (Acts 3: 12…).
Peter set the events of the past days concerning Jesus and although he was crucified, God raised him up and it was through his power this man was healed. He told that all this was according to the prophets.
Then Peter called them to repent and be converted : “Now it's time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus.” (Acts3: 19. The Message).
Did they repent, change their ways and face God? Yes! For we read : “But many of those who listened had already believed the Message—in round numbers about five thousand!” (Acts 4: 4 The Message).
Prayer:
(Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book):
Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way;
Thou art the potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me after thy will,
While I am waiting yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way;
Search me and try me, Master, today;
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in thy presence humbly I bow.
Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way;
Wounded and weary, help me I pray;
Power, all power, surely is thine,
Touch me and heal me, Saviour divine.
Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way;
Hold o'er my being absolute sway;
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.
Author: Adelaide Addison Pollard (1862-1934)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 487
http://lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/p/pickyourselfup.shtml)
PICK YOURSELF UP
From the Film: Swing Time 1936
(Lyrics by: Dorothy Fields / Music by: Jerome Kern)
Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers
(He)
Please teacher, teach me something,
Nice teacher, teach me something.
I'm as awkward as a camel, that's not the worst,
My two feet haven't met yet,
But I'll be teacher's pet yet,
'Cause I'm gonna learn to dance or burst.
(She)
Nothing's impossible I have found,
For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up,
Dust myself off,
Start All over again.
“So help me God!” This phrase seemed to ring out on our television news from the Inauguration of US President Barack Obama. Maybe I was waiting for it. I had heard that to use the words were a deliberate choice of the new President and some had failed in their attempt to stop him using any reference to God.
I was reminded of the words of God recorded in the Old Testament book of Joshua:
I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. (Joshua 1: 9 The Message).
Moses the old leader at 120 had died. Joshua was now the leader of the people and god reminded him that he would be with him. However, it wasn’t an open cheque just being handed to Joshua. It is worth considering the verses which come before this 9th verse. (Actually in The Message version which puts together verses 1 to 9 they come after the above words):
“Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you?”
Therefore: “Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take”
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_064.mp3 ]
God is with us, God is with us,
So our brave forefathers sang,
Far across the field of battle
Loud their holy war cry rang;
Though at times they feared and faltered,
Never once they ceased to sing:
Chorus
God is with us, God is with us,
Christ our Lord shall reign as King!
Great the heritage they left us,
Great the conquests to be won,
Armed hosts to meet and scatter,
Larger duties to be done.
Raise the song they nobly taught us,
Round the wide world let it ring:
Speed the cross through all the nations,
Speed the victories of love,
Preach the gospel of redemption
Wheresoever men may move;
Make the future in the present,
Strong of heart, toil on and sing:
Author: Walter John Mathams (1853-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 158
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
“Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.” (From President Barak Obama’s Inaugural speech)
I heard the above quote from the President’s speech on television and I thought “that’s worth remembering”.
Now as I usually do when I came to type it into my computer, I set my research assistant, Mr Google to work. He quickly came up with the fact that this is a quote from a 1936 movie “Swing Time” with the lyrics by Dorothy Fields and the music by Jerome Kern. The stars were Ginger Rogers and Fed Astaire. The lyrics are below. (You can see the scene from the movie here: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=AGUsRGuZb6k .
I marveled at the great crowd of, it is said two million who stood in freezing weather to be a part of this great event. They will have many memories. What an occasion! What a historic event! They looked, listened and cheered. I wonder how many will “pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”.
My mind goes to another crowd many, many years ago. It was the hour of prayer in Jerusalem and Peter and John had just healed a crippled man. He would not stop shouting, dancing, and praising God. We know the story well.
The crowd gathered and began praising Peter and John because of what happened. We read that Peter address the crowd “"Oh, Israelites, why does this take you by such complete surprise, and why stare at us as if our power or piety made him walk? The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his Son Jesus.” (Acts 3: 12…).
Peter set the events of the past days concerning Jesus and although he was crucified, God raised him up and it was through his power this man was healed. He told that all this was according to the prophets.
Then Peter called them to repent and be converted : “Now it's time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus.” (Acts3: 19. The Message).
Did they repent, change their ways and face God? Yes! For we read : “But many of those who listened had already believed the Message—in round numbers about five thousand!” (Acts 4: 4 The Message).
Prayer:
(Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book):
Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way;
Thou art the potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me after thy will,
While I am waiting yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way;
Search me and try me, Master, today;
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in thy presence humbly I bow.
Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way;
Wounded and weary, help me I pray;
Power, all power, surely is thine,
Touch me and heal me, Saviour divine.
Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way;
Hold o'er my being absolute sway;
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.
Author: Adelaide Addison Pollard (1862-1934)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 487
http://lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/p/pickyourselfup.shtml)
PICK YOURSELF UP
From the Film: Swing Time 1936
(Lyrics by: Dorothy Fields / Music by: Jerome Kern)
Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers
(He)
Please teacher, teach me something,
Nice teacher, teach me something.
I'm as awkward as a camel, that's not the worst,
My two feet haven't met yet,
But I'll be teacher's pet yet,
'Cause I'm gonna learn to dance or burst.
(She)
Nothing's impossible I have found,
For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up,
Dust myself off,
Start All over again.
“So help me God!” This phrase seemed to ring out on our television news from the Inauguration of US President Barack Obama. Maybe I was waiting for it. I had heard that to use the words were a deliberate choice of the new President and some had failed in their attempt to stop him using any reference to God.
I was reminded of the words of God recorded in the Old Testament book of Joshua:
I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. (Joshua 1: 9 The Message).
Moses the old leader at 120 had died. Joshua was now the leader of the people and god reminded him that he would be with him. However, it wasn’t an open cheque just being handed to Joshua. It is worth considering the verses which come before this 9th verse. (Actually in The Message version which puts together verses 1 to 9 they come after the above words):
“Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you?”
Therefore: “Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take”
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_064.mp3 ]
God is with us, God is with us,
So our brave forefathers sang,
Far across the field of battle
Loud their holy war cry rang;
Though at times they feared and faltered,
Never once they ceased to sing:
Chorus
God is with us, God is with us,
Christ our Lord shall reign as King!
Great the heritage they left us,
Great the conquests to be won,
Armed hosts to meet and scatter,
Larger duties to be done.
Raise the song they nobly taught us,
Round the wide world let it ring:
Speed the cross through all the nations,
Speed the victories of love,
Preach the gospel of redemption
Wheresoever men may move;
Make the future in the present,
Strong of heart, toil on and sing:
Author: Walter John Mathams (1853-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 158
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
OzThoughts Thursday 22nd January 2009
OzThoughts Thursday 22nd January 2009
“So help me God!” This phrase seemed to ring out on our television news from the Inauguration of US President Barack Obama. Maybe I was waiting for it. I had heard that to use the words were a deliberate choice of the new President and some had failed in their attempt to stop him using any reference to God.
I was reminded of the words of God recorded in the Old Testament book of Joshua:
I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. (Joshua 1: 9 The Message).
Moses the old leader at 120 had died. Joshua was now the leader of the people and god reminded him that he would be with him. However, it wasn’t an open cheque just being handed to Joshua. It is worth considering the verses which come before this 9th verse. (Actually in The Message version which puts together verses 1 to 9 they come after the above words):
“Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you?”
Therefore: “Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take”
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_064.mp3 ]
God is with us, God is with us,
So our brave forefathers sang,
Far across the field of battle
Loud their holy war cry rang;
Though at times they feared and faltered,
Never once they ceased to sing:
Chorus
God is with us, God is with us,
Christ our Lord shall reign as King!
Great the heritage they left us,
Great the conquests to be won,
Armed hosts to meet and scatter,
Larger duties to be done.
Raise the song they nobly taught us,
Round the wide world let it ring:
Speed the cross through all the nations,
Speed the victories of love,
Preach the gospel of redemption
Wheresoever men may move;
Make the future in the present,
Strong of heart, toil on and sing:
Author: Walter John Mathams (1853-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 158
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
“So help me God!” This phrase seemed to ring out on our television news from the Inauguration of US President Barack Obama. Maybe I was waiting for it. I had heard that to use the words were a deliberate choice of the new President and some had failed in their attempt to stop him using any reference to God.
I was reminded of the words of God recorded in the Old Testament book of Joshua:
I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. (Joshua 1: 9 The Message).
Moses the old leader at 120 had died. Joshua was now the leader of the people and god reminded him that he would be with him. However, it wasn’t an open cheque just being handed to Joshua. It is worth considering the verses which come before this 9th verse. (Actually in The Message version which puts together verses 1 to 9 they come after the above words):
“Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you?”
Therefore: “Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take”
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_064.mp3 ]
God is with us, God is with us,
So our brave forefathers sang,
Far across the field of battle
Loud their holy war cry rang;
Though at times they feared and faltered,
Never once they ceased to sing:
Chorus
God is with us, God is with us,
Christ our Lord shall reign as King!
Great the heritage they left us,
Great the conquests to be won,
Armed hosts to meet and scatter,
Larger duties to be done.
Raise the song they nobly taught us,
Round the wide world let it ring:
Speed the cross through all the nations,
Speed the victories of love,
Preach the gospel of redemption
Wheresoever men may move;
Make the future in the present,
Strong of heart, toil on and sing:
Author: Walter John Mathams (1853-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 158
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
OzThoughts Thursday 22nd January 2009
OzThoughts Thursday 22nd January 2009
“So help me God!” This phrase seemed to ring out on our television news from the Inauguration of US President Barack Obama. Maybe I was waiting for it. I had heard that to use the words were a deliberate choice of the new President and some had failed in their attempt to stop him using any reference to God.
I was reminded of the words of God recorded in the Old Testament book of Joshua:
I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. (Joshua 1: 9 The Message).
Moses the old leader at 120 had died. Joshua was now the leader of the people and god reminded him that he would be with him. However, it wasn’t an open cheque just being handed to Joshua. It is worth considering the verses which come before this 9th verse. (Actually in The Message version which puts together verses 1 to 9 they come after the above words):
“Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you?”
Therefore: “Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take”
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_064.mp3 ]
God is with us, God is with us,
So our brave forefathers sang,
Far across the field of battle
Loud their holy war cry rang;
Though at times they feared and faltered,
Never once they ceased to sing:
Chorus
God is with us, God is with us,
Christ our Lord shall reign as King!
Great the heritage they left us,
Great the conquests to be won,
Armed hosts to meet and scatter,
Larger duties to be done.
Raise the song they nobly taught us,
Round the wide world let it ring:
Speed the cross through all the nations,
Speed the victories of love,
Preach the gospel of redemption
Wheresoever men may move;
Make the future in the present,
Strong of heart, toil on and sing:
Author: Walter John Mathams (1853-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 158
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
“So help me God!” This phrase seemed to ring out on our television news from the Inauguration of US President Barack Obama. Maybe I was waiting for it. I had heard that to use the words were a deliberate choice of the new President and some had failed in their attempt to stop him using any reference to God.
I was reminded of the words of God recorded in the Old Testament book of Joshua:
I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. (Joshua 1: 9 The Message).
Moses the old leader at 120 had died. Joshua was now the leader of the people and god reminded him that he would be with him. However, it wasn’t an open cheque just being handed to Joshua. It is worth considering the verses which come before this 9th verse. (Actually in The Message version which puts together verses 1 to 9 they come after the above words):
“Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you?”
Therefore: “Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take”
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_064.mp3 ]
God is with us, God is with us,
So our brave forefathers sang,
Far across the field of battle
Loud their holy war cry rang;
Though at times they feared and faltered,
Never once they ceased to sing:
Chorus
God is with us, God is with us,
Christ our Lord shall reign as King!
Great the heritage they left us,
Great the conquests to be won,
Armed hosts to meet and scatter,
Larger duties to be done.
Raise the song they nobly taught us,
Round the wide world let it ring:
Speed the cross through all the nations,
Speed the victories of love,
Preach the gospel of redemption
Wheresoever men may move;
Make the future in the present,
Strong of heart, toil on and sing:
Author: Walter John Mathams (1853-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 158
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
OzThoughts Wednesday 21st January 2009
OzThoughts Wednesday 21st January 2009
I am quite sure that everyone has noticed there is a new President in the United States Of America. It happened about 3am, while we slept here in Australia. I remembered St Paul wrote something about being good citizens and I soon found it in Romans Chapter 13.
Now, I assume Paul knew something about being a citizen. He was a Hebrew by birth but also a Roman citizen. He knew the intrigues of Jerusalem and the authority and power of Rome. So as we thinking about supreme power in one country and undeniable influence in many others, what does Paul say about being a good citizen and relating well to government? Don’t miss what Paul says about your personal finances and then, in the final verses of the chapter, how we should live.
Romans 13 (The Message)
1-3 Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you're irresponsible to the state, then you're irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.
3-5 Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you're breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren't there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That's why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it's the right way to live.
6-7 That's also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.
8-10 Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along. The law code—don't sleep with another person's spouse, don't take someone's life, don't take what isn't yours, don't always be wanting what you don't have, and any other "don't" you can think of—finally adds up to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love.
11-14 But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book).
[Listen : (Tune “Duke Street”: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_977.mp3 ]
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Doth his successive journeys run;
His Kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till suns shall rise and set no more.
People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on his love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their young hosannas to his name.
Blessings abound where'er he reigns,
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains,
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blest.
Where he displays his healing power,
Death and the curse are known no more;
In him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.
Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again
And earth prolong the joyful strain.
Author: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 160
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
I am quite sure that everyone has noticed there is a new President in the United States Of America. It happened about 3am, while we slept here in Australia. I remembered St Paul wrote something about being good citizens and I soon found it in Romans Chapter 13.
Now, I assume Paul knew something about being a citizen. He was a Hebrew by birth but also a Roman citizen. He knew the intrigues of Jerusalem and the authority and power of Rome. So as we thinking about supreme power in one country and undeniable influence in many others, what does Paul say about being a good citizen and relating well to government? Don’t miss what Paul says about your personal finances and then, in the final verses of the chapter, how we should live.
Romans 13 (The Message)
1-3 Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you're irresponsible to the state, then you're irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.
3-5 Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you're breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren't there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That's why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it's the right way to live.
6-7 That's also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.
8-10 Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along. The law code—don't sleep with another person's spouse, don't take someone's life, don't take what isn't yours, don't always be wanting what you don't have, and any other "don't" you can think of—finally adds up to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love.
11-14 But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book).
[Listen : (Tune “Duke Street”: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_977.mp3 ]
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Doth his successive journeys run;
His Kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till suns shall rise and set no more.
People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on his love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their young hosannas to his name.
Blessings abound where'er he reigns,
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains,
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blest.
Where he displays his healing power,
Death and the curse are known no more;
In him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.
Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again
And earth prolong the joyful strain.
Author: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 160
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, January 19, 2009
OzThoughts Tuesday 20th January 2009
OzThoughts Tuesday 20th January 2009
These are troubled days. Many people are suffering financial reverses. Someone said to me, “the trouble is that loss of work and financial problems usually happen to some but right now it is happening to many”. For Christians it may help us to focus again on our reliance on God. For others, maybe, it is a time for reassessing life’s priorities and looking at the purpose of it all.
Psalm 111 helps us to focus not on powerful worldly leaders, or our own power, position or native ability but to focus on God and realize his benefits to us.
Psalm 111 (The Message)
1-10 Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got—
Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.
God's works are so great, worth
A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment!
Splendor and beauty mark his craft;
His generosity never gives out.
His miracles are his memorial—
This God of Grace, this God of Love.
He gave food to those who fear him,
He remembered to keep his ancient promise.
He proved to his people that he could do what he said:
Hand them the nations on a platter—a gift!
He manufactures truth and justice;
All his products are guaranteed to last—
Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
All that he makes and does is honest and true:
He paid the ransom for his people,
He ordered his Covenant kept forever.
He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect.
The good life begins in the fear of God—
Do that and you'll know the blessing of God.
His Hallelujah lasts forever!
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as our Prayer Book):
I do not ask thee, Lord,
That all my life may be
An easy, smooth and pleasant path;
'Twould not be good for me.
But O I ask today
That grace and strength be given
To keep me fighting all the way
That leads to God and Heaven!
I do not ask thee, Lord,
That tears may never flow,
Or that the world may always smile
Upon me as I go.
From thee fell drops of blood;
A thorn-crown pressed thy brow;
Thy suffering brought thee victory then,
And thou canst help me now.
And what if strength should fail,
And heart more deeply bleed?
Or what if dark and lonely days
Draw forth the cry of need?
That cry will bring thee down
My needy soul to fill,
And thou wilt teach my yearning heart
To know and do thy will.
Author: Fannie Jolliffe (1862-1943)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 586
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
These are troubled days. Many people are suffering financial reverses. Someone said to me, “the trouble is that loss of work and financial problems usually happen to some but right now it is happening to many”. For Christians it may help us to focus again on our reliance on God. For others, maybe, it is a time for reassessing life’s priorities and looking at the purpose of it all.
Psalm 111 helps us to focus not on powerful worldly leaders, or our own power, position or native ability but to focus on God and realize his benefits to us.
Psalm 111 (The Message)
1-10 Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got—
Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.
God's works are so great, worth
A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment!
Splendor and beauty mark his craft;
His generosity never gives out.
His miracles are his memorial—
This God of Grace, this God of Love.
He gave food to those who fear him,
He remembered to keep his ancient promise.
He proved to his people that he could do what he said:
Hand them the nations on a platter—a gift!
He manufactures truth and justice;
All his products are guaranteed to last—
Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
All that he makes and does is honest and true:
He paid the ransom for his people,
He ordered his Covenant kept forever.
He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect.
The good life begins in the fear of God—
Do that and you'll know the blessing of God.
His Hallelujah lasts forever!
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as our Prayer Book):
I do not ask thee, Lord,
That all my life may be
An easy, smooth and pleasant path;
'Twould not be good for me.
But O I ask today
That grace and strength be given
To keep me fighting all the way
That leads to God and Heaven!
I do not ask thee, Lord,
That tears may never flow,
Or that the world may always smile
Upon me as I go.
From thee fell drops of blood;
A thorn-crown pressed thy brow;
Thy suffering brought thee victory then,
And thou canst help me now.
And what if strength should fail,
And heart more deeply bleed?
Or what if dark and lonely days
Draw forth the cry of need?
That cry will bring thee down
My needy soul to fill,
And thou wilt teach my yearning heart
To know and do thy will.
Author: Fannie Jolliffe (1862-1943)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 586
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Sunday, January 18, 2009
OzThoughts Monday 19th January 2009
OzThoughts Monday 19th January 2009
For a lot of people, the focus this week will be on Washington, for the inauguration of the new President of the United States of America. I thought about this as I read Psalm 46, one of the selected readings for today. Many would see the new President as the most powerful leader in the world. He needs our prayers but we need to remember “God is still on his throne”.
As I read, I remembered the familiar version says “God is my refuge and strength” and calls us to “Be still and know that I am God” before the final reminders that He will be “exalted in all the earth” and that He is with us and is our refuge.
I like the last part of verse 8 in The Message version. It says a lot about the God we worship and serve: “above politics, above everything”.
Psalm 46
1-3 God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
the tremors that shift mountains.
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
4-6 River fountains splash joy, cooling God's city,
this sacred haunt of the Most High.
God lives here, the streets are safe,
God at your service from crack of dawn.
Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,
but Earth does anything he says.
7 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
8-10 Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
breaks all the weapons across his knee.
"Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything."
11 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
Prayer: (Using our Song Book as our Book of Prayer).
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_688.mp3 OR
Eric Ball’s “Fantasia on Lobe den Herren”: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2924.mp3 ]
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;
O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation;
All ye who hear,
Brothers and sisters draw near,
Praise him in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend thee;
Ponder anew
What the Almighty can do,
He who with love doth befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord, who, when tempests their warfare are waging,
Who, when the elements madly around thee are raging,
Biddeth them cease,
Turneth their fury to peace,
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging.
Praise to the Lord, who, when darkness of sin is abounding,
Who, when the godless do triumph, all virtue confounding,
Sheddeth his light,
Chaseth the horrors of night,
Saints with his mercy surrounding.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the amen
Sound from his people again;
Gladly for aye we adore him.
Authors: Joachim Neander (1650-80),
Translators: Catherine Winkworth (1827-78) and others
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 19
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
For a lot of people, the focus this week will be on Washington, for the inauguration of the new President of the United States of America. I thought about this as I read Psalm 46, one of the selected readings for today. Many would see the new President as the most powerful leader in the world. He needs our prayers but we need to remember “God is still on his throne”.
As I read, I remembered the familiar version says “God is my refuge and strength” and calls us to “Be still and know that I am God” before the final reminders that He will be “exalted in all the earth” and that He is with us and is our refuge.
I like the last part of verse 8 in The Message version. It says a lot about the God we worship and serve: “above politics, above everything”.
Psalm 46
1-3 God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
the tremors that shift mountains.
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
4-6 River fountains splash joy, cooling God's city,
this sacred haunt of the Most High.
God lives here, the streets are safe,
God at your service from crack of dawn.
Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,
but Earth does anything he says.
7 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
8-10 Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
breaks all the weapons across his knee.
"Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything."
11 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
Prayer: (Using our Song Book as our Book of Prayer).
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_688.mp3 OR
Eric Ball’s “Fantasia on Lobe den Herren”: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2924.mp3 ]
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;
O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation;
All ye who hear,
Brothers and sisters draw near,
Praise him in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend thee;
Ponder anew
What the Almighty can do,
He who with love doth befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord, who, when tempests their warfare are waging,
Who, when the elements madly around thee are raging,
Biddeth them cease,
Turneth their fury to peace,
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging.
Praise to the Lord, who, when darkness of sin is abounding,
Who, when the godless do triumph, all virtue confounding,
Sheddeth his light,
Chaseth the horrors of night,
Saints with his mercy surrounding.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the amen
Sound from his people again;
Gladly for aye we adore him.
Authors: Joachim Neander (1650-80),
Translators: Catherine Winkworth (1827-78) and others
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 19
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 17th and 18th January, 2009.
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 17th and 18th January, 2009.
ANOTHER CHANCE
It was on the 18th January way back in 1788 that the first landing of “The First Fleet” was made at Botany Bay. The First Fleet under the command of Captain (Governor) Arthur Phillip brought convicts and their guards from England. Botany Bay proved unsuitable for a settlement. Exploration to the north and entry of Port Jackson, discovered but not entered by Captain James Cook in 1788, found an excellent deep harbour and la fresh water supply suitable for a settlement.
On 26th January, 1788, Governor Phillip and the First fleet arrived in Port Jackson, landed and began the first settlement at Sydney Cove. The landing place was between where the two well known landmarks, The Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Sydney Opera House stand today.
Australia has been described as the “Land of the Second Chance”. From the time of its first white settlement in 1788, this land has provided a second chance to many. Those early residents, many of them Irish prisoners of England and sundry other residents of the British Isles who had broken the law, found a land that was very different to their homeland. They found that their knowledge and skills had to be adapted to fit with different seasons and climate in this new land. They found that they had little to learn from the Aboriginal residents who knew nothing of agriculture and living in solid structures arranged along streets. In spite of very difficult beginnings, many of the convicts saw opportunities and on concluding their sentences remained here to make most of a second chance.
Since then many have taken hold of opportunities. Less than one hundred years after the beginnings at Sydney Cove, gold was discovered in various locations around the land, and many were attracted to opportunity to strike it rich and find a new beginning. It was a tough life and many perished. Some found the wealth to make a new beginning. It is said some of the Chinese miners who arrived on the fields found it so tough to find payable gold they found it paid better to grow vegetables and sell them to other miners.
Other earlier settlers were Germans seeking refuge from religious persecution and who came seeking freedom to live without their previous concerns. Following the Second World War, Australia encouraged people from the United Kingdom and continental Europe to seek new opportunities in this land. Many took the opportunity to leave that which was familiar to seek a new life for themselves and their children. The numbers of new settlers were boosted soon by refugees seeking escape from Communism which had taken over their cental and eastern European homelands.
In more recent times Australia has been seen as a land of opportunity by refugees from Asia. In the late 1970s people began arriving on our shores from Vietnam. These refugees came crowded in fishing boats and other boats more at home in the coastal waters and rivers of Vietnam. I had a personal encounter with many of these people when I was in charge of The Salvation Army used furniture warehouse which provided the families with basic furniture and other essential household items. I found the Vietnamese people were courteous, appreciative and friendly. We did discuss whether student’s desks were basic and essential items. My manager said they were not. The Vietnamese said they would leave the other items, if they could have the desks. The parents said their children must study. It was the way to take hold of the second chance at life they had been offered. I was not surprised when in 2 or 3 years these refugee children were topping the state in examinations. (I also understood the joke that said “How do you know a Vietnamese broke into your house? Answer: your homework is done!”).
I previously have told the stories of two women who gained a second chance through the forgiveness of their sins.
Firstly there is the story of a young woman who sought God’s pardon.
It was a story told many years ago at a seminar by the (now late) Rev Roger Bush, a Methodist Minister and Sydney radio personality. Roger told us many stories of life as a radio chaplain and broadcaster. I remember one story well.
He told us how late one Sunday night almost at the end of his broadcast a young woman phoned him and spoke to him on air. He said as soon as she began to speak he felt that this would be special, in a spiritual kind of way. The woman told him she was a raised as a Christian and that meant very much to her. However, as the result of action which she regretted she had become pregnant. She decided to have an abortion. She had sought God’s forgiveness many times but did not feel forgiven. Roger told us as the conversation went on, he did not feel comfortable discussing it further on the air. He told her to call back at 3 minutes past midnight when he was finished and he would talk to her off air.
She phoned him as arranged and he made an appointment to see her the next day at his office. After that call the phone rang again, and then again and then again. He spent another hour talking to more than a dozen women, in similar circumstances and making appointments to see them.
When she came to his office, he met a young well dressed and well educated woman. He found, too, that she had a great understanding of the faith of her youth. Roger said to put it our terms she loved the Lord and His church. She had a huge load of guilt and although she prayed and sought pardon, she had no sense of forgiveness. Her sin was overwhelming her. Roger said he scratched his head and prayed for inspiration.
Roger asked her to go into the church next to his office, and wait for him. He put on his robes and prepared some wine and bread. He walked into the church and called her to the Altar. There in a very sacred moment they shared the bread and wine, symbols of the body and blood of Christ. Then the priest of God and the young woman knelt together and thanked God for his forgiveness. They stood and embraced and Roger said he knew by her smile that the burden had lifted.
The second story is related to the first, in that God used it to give me guidance in a situation I faced. I found when I went to one Corps, a lovely old Salvationist lady who lived with her invalid sister. When I visited I found the Salvationist lady a real gem in her Christian faith. She had never married but told wonderful stories of her various involvements in various Corps.
Her sister had married but that had ended in separation but not divorce as she could not afford the cost. She struggled to raise her two boys alone taking in ironing to provide her only income. There was no pension for ‘single parents’ in those days.
She told me she entered into a ‘de facto’ relationship with a man and he provided for her and her boys. By the time I met her, she had buried her friend many years before and the boys were grown men with their own families. However, she was loaded with guilt.
She read the Bible alone and with her sister. They also prayed together and separately. She told me she had asked other Officers and Christian friends about whether God could forgive her but in spite of their Scriptural and experience based answers she felt her deliberate sin had stained her.
I wonder whether her sister’s good life also gave her a reminder of her own and like Isaiah standing before Holy God could only see her sinfulness. As I thought and prayed about her situation I remembered the story Roger Bush had told us.
Now Salvationists, unlike Roger and the young woman don’t participate in communion, so that was not a solution. However, eventually God gave me an answer.
On the Thursday morning, when I next visited them. I told my friend in the presence of her sister, that I had prayed and spoken to the Corps Census Board (church elders) about her situation, and that we all believed God could and had forgiven her. I handed her a copy of The Articles of War and said if she would sign it, we would be happy to accept her as a Soldier of The Salvation Army.
Now, she knew exactly that the Articles of War was the covenant between a would-be Soldier and God and contained a statement of the belief s and commitment to appropriate conduct and involvement in The Salvation Army. Both sisters had tears as I prayed about the forgiveness and commitment that was involved in this step.
I assumed that I would enrol her in her home but she said she would make the effort to come to the Sunday Morning Meeting but did not know if she could stand during the ceremony. We arranged for her to remain seated as the SA Flag was brought by the Corps Sergeant Major and the sacred ceremony proceeded.
She asked me if it would be okay if she said a few words and she stood and gave a wonderful testimony which told that she now believed God had forgiven her and she felt at peace with God, herself and the world.
I thought of the words which we considered in OzThoughts on Friday morning:
8-12 Jesus knew right away what they were thinking, and said, "Why are you so skeptical? Which is simpler: to say to the paraplegic, 'I forgive your sins,' or say, 'Get up, take your stretcher, and start walking'? Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both . . ." (he looked now at the paraplegic), "Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home." And the man did it—got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. They rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then praised God, saying, "We've never seen anything like this!"
Praise God indeed!
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise;
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honours of thy name.
Jesus! The name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears;
'Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avails for me.
Author: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 64
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
ANOTHER CHANCE
It was on the 18th January way back in 1788 that the first landing of “The First Fleet” was made at Botany Bay. The First Fleet under the command of Captain (Governor) Arthur Phillip brought convicts and their guards from England. Botany Bay proved unsuitable for a settlement. Exploration to the north and entry of Port Jackson, discovered but not entered by Captain James Cook in 1788, found an excellent deep harbour and la fresh water supply suitable for a settlement.
On 26th January, 1788, Governor Phillip and the First fleet arrived in Port Jackson, landed and began the first settlement at Sydney Cove. The landing place was between where the two well known landmarks, The Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Sydney Opera House stand today.
Australia has been described as the “Land of the Second Chance”. From the time of its first white settlement in 1788, this land has provided a second chance to many. Those early residents, many of them Irish prisoners of England and sundry other residents of the British Isles who had broken the law, found a land that was very different to their homeland. They found that their knowledge and skills had to be adapted to fit with different seasons and climate in this new land. They found that they had little to learn from the Aboriginal residents who knew nothing of agriculture and living in solid structures arranged along streets. In spite of very difficult beginnings, many of the convicts saw opportunities and on concluding their sentences remained here to make most of a second chance.
Since then many have taken hold of opportunities. Less than one hundred years after the beginnings at Sydney Cove, gold was discovered in various locations around the land, and many were attracted to opportunity to strike it rich and find a new beginning. It was a tough life and many perished. Some found the wealth to make a new beginning. It is said some of the Chinese miners who arrived on the fields found it so tough to find payable gold they found it paid better to grow vegetables and sell them to other miners.
Other earlier settlers were Germans seeking refuge from religious persecution and who came seeking freedom to live without their previous concerns. Following the Second World War, Australia encouraged people from the United Kingdom and continental Europe to seek new opportunities in this land. Many took the opportunity to leave that which was familiar to seek a new life for themselves and their children. The numbers of new settlers were boosted soon by refugees seeking escape from Communism which had taken over their cental and eastern European homelands.
In more recent times Australia has been seen as a land of opportunity by refugees from Asia. In the late 1970s people began arriving on our shores from Vietnam. These refugees came crowded in fishing boats and other boats more at home in the coastal waters and rivers of Vietnam. I had a personal encounter with many of these people when I was in charge of The Salvation Army used furniture warehouse which provided the families with basic furniture and other essential household items. I found the Vietnamese people were courteous, appreciative and friendly. We did discuss whether student’s desks were basic and essential items. My manager said they were not. The Vietnamese said they would leave the other items, if they could have the desks. The parents said their children must study. It was the way to take hold of the second chance at life they had been offered. I was not surprised when in 2 or 3 years these refugee children were topping the state in examinations. (I also understood the joke that said “How do you know a Vietnamese broke into your house? Answer: your homework is done!”).
I previously have told the stories of two women who gained a second chance through the forgiveness of their sins.
Firstly there is the story of a young woman who sought God’s pardon.
It was a story told many years ago at a seminar by the (now late) Rev Roger Bush, a Methodist Minister and Sydney radio personality. Roger told us many stories of life as a radio chaplain and broadcaster. I remember one story well.
He told us how late one Sunday night almost at the end of his broadcast a young woman phoned him and spoke to him on air. He said as soon as she began to speak he felt that this would be special, in a spiritual kind of way. The woman told him she was a raised as a Christian and that meant very much to her. However, as the result of action which she regretted she had become pregnant. She decided to have an abortion. She had sought God’s forgiveness many times but did not feel forgiven. Roger told us as the conversation went on, he did not feel comfortable discussing it further on the air. He told her to call back at 3 minutes past midnight when he was finished and he would talk to her off air.
She phoned him as arranged and he made an appointment to see her the next day at his office. After that call the phone rang again, and then again and then again. He spent another hour talking to more than a dozen women, in similar circumstances and making appointments to see them.
When she came to his office, he met a young well dressed and well educated woman. He found, too, that she had a great understanding of the faith of her youth. Roger said to put it our terms she loved the Lord and His church. She had a huge load of guilt and although she prayed and sought pardon, she had no sense of forgiveness. Her sin was overwhelming her. Roger said he scratched his head and prayed for inspiration.
Roger asked her to go into the church next to his office, and wait for him. He put on his robes and prepared some wine and bread. He walked into the church and called her to the Altar. There in a very sacred moment they shared the bread and wine, symbols of the body and blood of Christ. Then the priest of God and the young woman knelt together and thanked God for his forgiveness. They stood and embraced and Roger said he knew by her smile that the burden had lifted.
The second story is related to the first, in that God used it to give me guidance in a situation I faced. I found when I went to one Corps, a lovely old Salvationist lady who lived with her invalid sister. When I visited I found the Salvationist lady a real gem in her Christian faith. She had never married but told wonderful stories of her various involvements in various Corps.
Her sister had married but that had ended in separation but not divorce as she could not afford the cost. She struggled to raise her two boys alone taking in ironing to provide her only income. There was no pension for ‘single parents’ in those days.
She told me she entered into a ‘de facto’ relationship with a man and he provided for her and her boys. By the time I met her, she had buried her friend many years before and the boys were grown men with their own families. However, she was loaded with guilt.
She read the Bible alone and with her sister. They also prayed together and separately. She told me she had asked other Officers and Christian friends about whether God could forgive her but in spite of their Scriptural and experience based answers she felt her deliberate sin had stained her.
I wonder whether her sister’s good life also gave her a reminder of her own and like Isaiah standing before Holy God could only see her sinfulness. As I thought and prayed about her situation I remembered the story Roger Bush had told us.
Now Salvationists, unlike Roger and the young woman don’t participate in communion, so that was not a solution. However, eventually God gave me an answer.
On the Thursday morning, when I next visited them. I told my friend in the presence of her sister, that I had prayed and spoken to the Corps Census Board (church elders) about her situation, and that we all believed God could and had forgiven her. I handed her a copy of The Articles of War and said if she would sign it, we would be happy to accept her as a Soldier of The Salvation Army.
Now, she knew exactly that the Articles of War was the covenant between a would-be Soldier and God and contained a statement of the belief s and commitment to appropriate conduct and involvement in The Salvation Army. Both sisters had tears as I prayed about the forgiveness and commitment that was involved in this step.
I assumed that I would enrol her in her home but she said she would make the effort to come to the Sunday Morning Meeting but did not know if she could stand during the ceremony. We arranged for her to remain seated as the SA Flag was brought by the Corps Sergeant Major and the sacred ceremony proceeded.
She asked me if it would be okay if she said a few words and she stood and gave a wonderful testimony which told that she now believed God had forgiven her and she felt at peace with God, herself and the world.
I thought of the words which we considered in OzThoughts on Friday morning:
8-12 Jesus knew right away what they were thinking, and said, "Why are you so skeptical? Which is simpler: to say to the paraplegic, 'I forgive your sins,' or say, 'Get up, take your stretcher, and start walking'? Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both . . ." (he looked now at the paraplegic), "Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home." And the man did it—got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. They rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then praised God, saying, "We've never seen anything like this!"
Praise God indeed!
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise;
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honours of thy name.
Jesus! The name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears;
'Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avails for me.
Author: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 64
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Thursday, January 15, 2009
OzThoughts Friday 16th January 2009
OzThoughts Friday 16th January 2009
Mark 2: 1-12 (The Message)
1-5 After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men. When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins."
6-7 Some religion scholars sitting there started whispering among themselves, "He can't talk that way! That's blasphemy! God and only God can forgive sins."
8-12 Jesus knew right away what they were thinking, and said, "Why are you so skeptical? Which is simpler: to say to the paraplegic, 'I forgive your sins,' or say, 'Get up, take your stretcher, and start walking'? Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both . . ." (he looked now at the paraplegic), "Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home." And the man did it—got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. They rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then praised God, saying, "We've never seen anything like this!"
Today’s reading has two interruptions to Jesus ministry. The first is when he is teaching a large crowd that had gathered at the home to hear him. We know the story of this first interruption well. Four friends are so keen to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus, they remove part of the roof and lower him to Jesus feet.
The second interruption comes as Jesus begins to heal the man. We read: “Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins." ” He is interrupted by the whispering of religious scholars who discuss among themselves a challenge to Jesus’s right to forgive sins. That is the exclusive right of God. It is his work they claim.
Jesus accepts the challenge and tells them he is authorized to forgive sins and heal, and says watch this. He then tells the man to pick up the bed and go home. Then man does it right away.
They can’t believe what they have just seen but praise God for the healing.
Prayer: (Using the Song Book as our Prayer Book).
Lord, here today my great need I am feeling;
Wilt thou not visit my soul once again?
I long to feel thy sweet touch and its healing;
Wonderful Healer, touch me again.
Chorus
Touch me again, touch me again,
Wonderful Healer, touch me again.
Often I've pressed through the throng for the blessing
Which, through my doubting, I've failed to obtain;
Here once again to thy feet I am pressing;
Wonderful Healer, touch me again.
Only in thee can I find liberation,
Cleansing and freedom from sin's hidden stain;
Only in thee can I find full salvation,
Wonderful Healer, touch me again.
Author: William Henry Woulds (1874-1940)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 610
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Mark 2: 1-12 (The Message)
1-5 After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men. When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins."
6-7 Some religion scholars sitting there started whispering among themselves, "He can't talk that way! That's blasphemy! God and only God can forgive sins."
8-12 Jesus knew right away what they were thinking, and said, "Why are you so skeptical? Which is simpler: to say to the paraplegic, 'I forgive your sins,' or say, 'Get up, take your stretcher, and start walking'? Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both . . ." (he looked now at the paraplegic), "Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home." And the man did it—got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. They rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then praised God, saying, "We've never seen anything like this!"
Today’s reading has two interruptions to Jesus ministry. The first is when he is teaching a large crowd that had gathered at the home to hear him. We know the story of this first interruption well. Four friends are so keen to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus, they remove part of the roof and lower him to Jesus feet.
The second interruption comes as Jesus begins to heal the man. We read: “Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins." ” He is interrupted by the whispering of religious scholars who discuss among themselves a challenge to Jesus’s right to forgive sins. That is the exclusive right of God. It is his work they claim.
Jesus accepts the challenge and tells them he is authorized to forgive sins and heal, and says watch this. He then tells the man to pick up the bed and go home. Then man does it right away.
They can’t believe what they have just seen but praise God for the healing.
Prayer: (Using the Song Book as our Prayer Book).
Lord, here today my great need I am feeling;
Wilt thou not visit my soul once again?
I long to feel thy sweet touch and its healing;
Wonderful Healer, touch me again.
Chorus
Touch me again, touch me again,
Wonderful Healer, touch me again.
Often I've pressed through the throng for the blessing
Which, through my doubting, I've failed to obtain;
Here once again to thy feet I am pressing;
Wonderful Healer, touch me again.
Only in thee can I find liberation,
Cleansing and freedom from sin's hidden stain;
Only in thee can I find full salvation,
Wonderful Healer, touch me again.
Author: William Henry Woulds (1874-1940)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 610
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
OzThoughts Thursday 15th January 2009
OzThoughts Thursday 15th January 2009
Psalm 95:6-11 (The Message)
6-7 So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!
Oh yes, he's our God,
and we're the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.
7-11 Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks:
"Don't turn a deaf ear as in the Bitter Uprising,
As on the day of the Wilderness Test,
when your ancestors turned and put me to the test.
For forty years they watched me at work among them,
as over and over they tried my patience.
And I was provoked—oh, was I provoked!
'Can't they keep their minds on God for five minutes?
Do they simply refuse to walk down my road?'
Exasperated, I exploded,
'They'll never get where they're headed,
never be able to sit down and rest.'"
We have considered in these last few days that Jesus welcomed interruptions and turned them into an opportunity to minister as he met people’s requests and needs for healing.
As I read the part of Psalm 95 above, I noticed a warning for us to concentrate on worshiping and acknowledging God. We are to drop everything and listen to him and not to let our mind wander with the distractions of this life. In other words don’t interrupt God speaking to us.
Prayer: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book)
Master, speak: thy servant heareth,
Waiting for thy gracious word,
Longing for thy voice that cheereth;
Master, let it now be heard.
I am listening, Lord, for thee;
What hast thou to say to me?
Speak to me by name, O Master,
Let me know it is to me.
Speak, that I may follow faster,
With a step more firm and free,
Where the shepherd leads the flock
In the shadow of the rock.
Master, speak: though least and lowest,
Let me not unheard depart.
Master, speak! for O thou knowest
All the yearning of my heart,
Knowest all its truest need;
Speak! and make me blest indeed.
Master, speak: and make me ready,
When thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady
Still to follow every word.
I am listening, Lord, for thee;
Master, speak: O speak to me!
Author: Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 614
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Psalm 95:6-11 (The Message)
6-7 So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!
Oh yes, he's our God,
and we're the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.
7-11 Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks:
"Don't turn a deaf ear as in the Bitter Uprising,
As on the day of the Wilderness Test,
when your ancestors turned and put me to the test.
For forty years they watched me at work among them,
as over and over they tried my patience.
And I was provoked—oh, was I provoked!
'Can't they keep their minds on God for five minutes?
Do they simply refuse to walk down my road?'
Exasperated, I exploded,
'They'll never get where they're headed,
never be able to sit down and rest.'"
We have considered in these last few days that Jesus welcomed interruptions and turned them into an opportunity to minister as he met people’s requests and needs for healing.
As I read the part of Psalm 95 above, I noticed a warning for us to concentrate on worshiping and acknowledging God. We are to drop everything and listen to him and not to let our mind wander with the distractions of this life. In other words don’t interrupt God speaking to us.
Prayer: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book)
Master, speak: thy servant heareth,
Waiting for thy gracious word,
Longing for thy voice that cheereth;
Master, let it now be heard.
I am listening, Lord, for thee;
What hast thou to say to me?
Speak to me by name, O Master,
Let me know it is to me.
Speak, that I may follow faster,
With a step more firm and free,
Where the shepherd leads the flock
In the shadow of the rock.
Master, speak: though least and lowest,
Let me not unheard depart.
Master, speak! for O thou knowest
All the yearning of my heart,
Knowest all its truest need;
Speak! and make me blest indeed.
Master, speak: and make me ready,
When thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady
Still to follow every word.
I am listening, Lord, for thee;
Master, speak: O speak to me!
Author: Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 614
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
OzThoughts Wednesday 14th January 2009
OzThoughts Wednesday 14th January 2009
Sometimes people will ask where is the humor in the Bible? Maybe, there is some in the first incident in today’s reading. Simon and Andrew bring home Jesus and James and John. However, Simon’s mother-in-law is sick in bed. So Jesus heals her and she is able to go to the kitchen and prepare a meal for them. Well, it seems Jesus saved the guys from having to cook.
Had Jesus planned a night of relaxation with his friends? If he had, it was to be interrupted as we read: “they brought sick and evil-afflicted people to him, the whole city lined up at his door!” So much for a quiet evening with friends!
I wonder if Jesus thought “How can I dodge these interruptions?” We read that he got up well before dawn and found a quiet and private place to pray. Even then was that his quiet time is interrupted by his new friends including Simon. He reveals to them they all must get on with their work by going to the other villages to preach. In those village meeting places, he not only preached but threw out demons.
In these few verses we see that Jesus remains focused on his preaching and teaching and continues to heal those who are brought to him. However, the new thing we see is that Jesus seizes the opportunity for prayer. He gives it priority over sleep. The day will be filled with the busy-ness of preaching and calls for healing, so he makes time when he can find a quiet place to talk to his Heavenly Father.
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book)
`Mid all the traffic of the ways,
Turmoils without, within,
Make in my heart a quiet place,
And come and dwell therein:
A little shrine of quietness,
All sacred to thyself,
Where thou shalt all my soul possess,
And I may find myself:
A little place of mystic grace,
Of self and sin swept bare,
Where I may look into thy face,
And talk with thee in prayer.
Come, occupy my silent place,
And make thy dwelling there!
More grace is wrought in quietness
Than any is aware.
Author: John Oxenham (1852-1941)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 615
Mark 1:29-39 (The Message)
29-31 Directly on leaving the meeting place, they came to Simon and Andrew's house, accompanied by James and John. Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed, burning up with fever. They told Jesus. He went to her, took her hand, and raised her up. No sooner had the fever left than she was up fixing dinner for them.
32-34 That evening, after the sun was down, they brought sick and evil-afflicted people to him, the whole city lined up at his door! He cured their sick bodies and tormented spirits. Because the demons knew his true identity, he didn't let them say a word.
35-37 While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed. Simon and those with him went looking for him. They found him and said, "Everybody's looking for you."
38-39Jesus said, "Let's go to the rest of the villages so I can preach there also. This is why I've come." He went to their meeting places all through Galilee, preaching and throwing out the demons.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Sometimes people will ask where is the humor in the Bible? Maybe, there is some in the first incident in today’s reading. Simon and Andrew bring home Jesus and James and John. However, Simon’s mother-in-law is sick in bed. So Jesus heals her and she is able to go to the kitchen and prepare a meal for them. Well, it seems Jesus saved the guys from having to cook.
Had Jesus planned a night of relaxation with his friends? If he had, it was to be interrupted as we read: “they brought sick and evil-afflicted people to him, the whole city lined up at his door!” So much for a quiet evening with friends!
I wonder if Jesus thought “How can I dodge these interruptions?” We read that he got up well before dawn and found a quiet and private place to pray. Even then was that his quiet time is interrupted by his new friends including Simon. He reveals to them they all must get on with their work by going to the other villages to preach. In those village meeting places, he not only preached but threw out demons.
In these few verses we see that Jesus remains focused on his preaching and teaching and continues to heal those who are brought to him. However, the new thing we see is that Jesus seizes the opportunity for prayer. He gives it priority over sleep. The day will be filled with the busy-ness of preaching and calls for healing, so he makes time when he can find a quiet place to talk to his Heavenly Father.
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book)
`Mid all the traffic of the ways,
Turmoils without, within,
Make in my heart a quiet place,
And come and dwell therein:
A little shrine of quietness,
All sacred to thyself,
Where thou shalt all my soul possess,
And I may find myself:
A little place of mystic grace,
Of self and sin swept bare,
Where I may look into thy face,
And talk with thee in prayer.
Come, occupy my silent place,
And make thy dwelling there!
More grace is wrought in quietness
Than any is aware.
Author: John Oxenham (1852-1941)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 615
Mark 1:29-39 (The Message)
29-31 Directly on leaving the meeting place, they came to Simon and Andrew's house, accompanied by James and John. Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed, burning up with fever. They told Jesus. He went to her, took her hand, and raised her up. No sooner had the fever left than she was up fixing dinner for them.
32-34 That evening, after the sun was down, they brought sick and evil-afflicted people to him, the whole city lined up at his door! He cured their sick bodies and tormented spirits. Because the demons knew his true identity, he didn't let them say a word.
35-37 While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed. Simon and those with him went looking for him. They found him and said, "Everybody's looking for you."
38-39Jesus said, "Let's go to the rest of the villages so I can preach there also. This is why I've come." He went to their meeting places all through Galilee, preaching and throwing out the demons.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, January 12, 2009
OzThoughts Tuesday 13th January 2009
OzThoughts Tuesday 13th January 2009
I love Mark’s Gospel because he tells the stories so simply. May I suggest you read this incident and then think about it with me.
Mark 1:21-28 (The Message)
21-22 Then they entered Capernaum. When the Sabbath arrived, Jesus lost no time in getting to the meeting place. He spent the day there teaching. They were surprised at his teaching—so forthright, so confident—not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars.
23-24 Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, "What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you're up to! You're the Holy One of God, and you've come to destroy us!"
25-26 Jesus shut him up: "Quiet! Get out of him!" The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.
27-28 Everyone there was incredulous, buzzing with curiosity. "What's going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and sends them packing!" News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee.
How do you cope with interruptions? I once worked with a Fundraising Manager of a very large charity with many, many volunteers. One day, he said to me “I can’t stand these interruptions. I am sitting here working on my project and the phone rings and it is some volunteer wanting to talk about fundraising. Then I get back to my work and then a volunteer walks into my office as if she owns it and just wants to say hello or discuss some idea she has for fundraising. Can’t they see I have my work to do?”
I suggested to him that the volunteers saw him as the manager of fundraising for the whole organization and as a mentor or expert in their local fundraising efforts. I tried to suggest that he would have to take hold of these interruptions and maybe suggest a better time to call or to make an appointment rather than just walk in.
As we read through Mark’s Gospel we see that Jesus makes a ministry of interruptions. Today, we have read of Jesus spending the day teaching, and he is interrupted by someone who needs healing. This will happen time and time again. Mark’s Gospel I have heard referred to as the “Action Gospel”.
This is not wrong but those of us who are inclined to want action and not listen to preaching and teaching (or have to preach and teach) should note that so often the action comes as an interruption to Jesus teaching ministry.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, so often I have a plan that I am working on or have set some goals and something happens to disturb those plans. I ask you to show me if those interruptions are a part of your plan for me. Help me not to show anger and frustration at the intrusion but to welcome it as an opportunity to minister for you as Jesus did. Amen.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_953.mp3
“Meditation on a Theme by Spohr” Eric Ball. This hymn can be sung to the hymn tune “Spohr”.]
Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me;
The changes that will surely come,
I do not fear to see;
I ask thee for a patient mind,
Intent on pleasing thee.
I ask thee for a thoughtful love,
Through constant watching, wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
And wipe the weeping eyes;
A heart at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathize.
I ask thee for the daily strength
To none that ask denied,
A mind to blend with outward life
While keeping at thy side;
Content to fill a little space
If thou be glorified.
In service which thy love appoints
There are no bonds for me;
My secret heart is taught the truth
That makes thy children free:
A life of self-renouncing love
Is one of liberty.
Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoe'er estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate,
A work of lowly love to do
For him on whom I wait.
Author: Anna Laetitia Waring (1823-1910)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 485
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
I love Mark’s Gospel because he tells the stories so simply. May I suggest you read this incident and then think about it with me.
Mark 1:21-28 (The Message)
21-22 Then they entered Capernaum. When the Sabbath arrived, Jesus lost no time in getting to the meeting place. He spent the day there teaching. They were surprised at his teaching—so forthright, so confident—not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars.
23-24 Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, "What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you're up to! You're the Holy One of God, and you've come to destroy us!"
25-26 Jesus shut him up: "Quiet! Get out of him!" The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.
27-28 Everyone there was incredulous, buzzing with curiosity. "What's going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and sends them packing!" News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee.
How do you cope with interruptions? I once worked with a Fundraising Manager of a very large charity with many, many volunteers. One day, he said to me “I can’t stand these interruptions. I am sitting here working on my project and the phone rings and it is some volunteer wanting to talk about fundraising. Then I get back to my work and then a volunteer walks into my office as if she owns it and just wants to say hello or discuss some idea she has for fundraising. Can’t they see I have my work to do?”
I suggested to him that the volunteers saw him as the manager of fundraising for the whole organization and as a mentor or expert in their local fundraising efforts. I tried to suggest that he would have to take hold of these interruptions and maybe suggest a better time to call or to make an appointment rather than just walk in.
As we read through Mark’s Gospel we see that Jesus makes a ministry of interruptions. Today, we have read of Jesus spending the day teaching, and he is interrupted by someone who needs healing. This will happen time and time again. Mark’s Gospel I have heard referred to as the “Action Gospel”.
This is not wrong but those of us who are inclined to want action and not listen to preaching and teaching (or have to preach and teach) should note that so often the action comes as an interruption to Jesus teaching ministry.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, so often I have a plan that I am working on or have set some goals and something happens to disturb those plans. I ask you to show me if those interruptions are a part of your plan for me. Help me not to show anger and frustration at the intrusion but to welcome it as an opportunity to minister for you as Jesus did. Amen.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_953.mp3
“Meditation on a Theme by Spohr” Eric Ball. This hymn can be sung to the hymn tune “Spohr”.]
Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me;
The changes that will surely come,
I do not fear to see;
I ask thee for a patient mind,
Intent on pleasing thee.
I ask thee for a thoughtful love,
Through constant watching, wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
And wipe the weeping eyes;
A heart at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathize.
I ask thee for the daily strength
To none that ask denied,
A mind to blend with outward life
While keeping at thy side;
Content to fill a little space
If thou be glorified.
In service which thy love appoints
There are no bonds for me;
My secret heart is taught the truth
That makes thy children free:
A life of self-renouncing love
Is one of liberty.
Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoe'er estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate,
A work of lowly love to do
For him on whom I wait.
Author: Anna Laetitia Waring (1823-1910)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 485
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
To unsubscribe send an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Poems from the Lord by Ailsa Yates: http://groups.msn.com/PoemsfromtheLordbyAilsaYates
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)