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

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