OzThoughts Friday 27th February 2009

OzThoughts Friday 27th February 2009

[ In preparation for Easter read a Christian book during Lent which is now. ]

Anyone who announces they are a Christian will soon be asked what Church they belong to. No doubt the answer will press a button in the questioner’s mind and a tape will run will some details of the church or of previous encounters with it. I wonder how many times, when I tell people I am a Salvo, they have responded with “They do a great job” or “They were good in the war”?

Others, of course, will have a personal view of what “right religion” is and will question more deeply about Salvation Army beliefs and practices or even lack of certain practices. I do not find that a problem as I love to discuss my faith. I can not say that without saying I also like to listen to the reasoning of others.

Matthew records the followers of John the Baptist coming and questioning Jesus about how Jesus Disciples did not fast as they and the Pharisees did. Jesus tells them it is because they are celebrating, just like a wedding feast while the bridegroom is present.

Jesus
Matthew 9:14-15 (The Message)
14 A little later John's followers approached, asking, "Why is it that we and the Pharisees rigorously discipline body and spirit by fasting, but your followers don't?"
15 Jesus told them, "When you're celebrating a wedding, you don't skimp on the cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but not now. No one throws cold water on a friendly bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!"

PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book):

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_054.mp3 ]

Jesus comes! Let all adore him!
Lord of mercy, love and truth.
Now prepare the way before him,
Make the rugged places smooth;
Through the desert mark his road,
Make a highway for our God.

Jesus comes! Reward is with him,
Let the valleys all be raised,
God's great glory now revealing
As the mountains are abased.
Lift thy voice and greet the Lord,
Cry to Zion: See thy God!

Jesus comes! The Christ is marching
Through the places waste and wild;
He his Kingdom is enlarging
Where no verdure ever smiled.
Soon the desert will be glad
And with beauty shall be clad.

Jesus comes! Where thorns have flourished
Trees shall now be seen to grow,
Stablished by the Lord and nourished,
Strong and fair and fruitful too.
They shall rise on every side,
Spread their branches far and wide.

Jesus comes! From barren mountains
Rivers shall begin to flow,
There the Lord will open fountains
And supply the plains below;
As he passes, every land
Shall acclaim his powerful hand.
Author: Thomas Kelly (1769-1855),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 159

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