OzThoughts Monday 9th February 2009

OzThoughts Monday 9th February 2009

I am sure today that the focus of thoughts and conversations of Australians today will be on the tragedy of the bushfires in the State of Victoria. I am sure caring people across the world will also include this tragedy in their prayers. The numbers of houses destroyed and people killed are still being counted. As I write I have also heard of two people who lost their lives in floods in North Queensland as well as a young boy who followed his pet dog into the Daintree River also in North Queensland. It is feared he was taken by a crocodile.

Its impossible to make sense of these tragedies. I am mindful of a Bishop who was asked where is God in the Tsunami that claimed so many lives? His answer was “That’s a hard question but I will say this: I saw God in the caring and love of the people who were giving assistance to those who had lost so much.. I praise God for them.” I noticed his questioner did not pursue that line of questioning.

I don’t have the answers but I saw the peace God gives to those who love him in a woman I have ministered to in hospital in these past weeks. Cancer had taken possession of vital organs but she knew God had taken possession of her. Her two daughters also said “Mum is ready to go”. You don’t ask more questions in face of that assurance.

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

For thy sweet comfort in distress,
For aid when heavy burdens press,
My love for thee I will confess,
And thank thee, Lord.

For strength to tread a lonely way,
For darkness changed to shining day,
For burdens lifted when I pray,
I thank thee, Lord.

For ease which comes swift after pain,
For peace which follows after strain,
For seeming loss now turned to gain,
I thank thee, Lord.

When shadows fall and dark the night,
When clouds hang low, no ray of light,
Thy loveliness breaks on my sight,
I thank thee, Lord.

Lord, grant me courage, make me strong,
However steep the way, and long,
That I may sing the conqueror's song,
And thank thee, Lord.
Author: Doris N. Rendell
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 719

Psalm 91 (The Message) – Selected Verses

1-13 You who sit down in the High God's presence,
spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: "GOD, you're my refuge.
I trust in you and I'm safe!"
That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you're perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
…
Yes, because GOD's your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can't get close to you,
harm can't get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they'll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!"

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