OzThoughts Monday 9th March 2009.

OzThoughts Monday 9th March 2009.

(Please forward this OzThoughts to your friends).

One of the things we cannot escape this week is other people. They will be passengers of the same bus or train. They will be making their way along the same road or pathway. They will be in the same shop or workplace. They will be in the school, college or hospital. They will be on the sporting field or in the entertainment centre. Some we will meet at our home or church.

Luke records Jesus commenting that each of these people could be an enemy. If they are Jesus says love them. If they are not an enemy do not treat them in a way that will make them one.

Jesus says Gods love to us must be our example. God’s love to is marked by generosity, graciousness and kindness. As we meet people Jesus says we must give of ourselves generously.

Luke 6:36-38 (The Message)

35-36 "I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
37-38 "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."

PRAYER:

[Listen: Brass Band musical meditation on the hymn tune “Hyfrydol” to which these words can be sung : http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF322%20-%20Meditation%20-%20Hyfrydol.mp3 ]

Wanted, hearts baptized with fire,
Hearts completely cleansed from sin,
Hearts that will go to the mire,
Hearts that dare do aught for him;
Hearts that will be firmer, braver,
Hearts like heroes gone before,
Hearts enjoying God's full favor,
Hearts to love him more and more.

Chorus
Hearts to hoist the colors bravely,
Hearts to share the hardest fight,
Hearts that know their duty clearly,
Hearts to dare and do the right.

Wanted, hearts that beat true ever,
Hearts that can for others feel,
Hearts that prove the traitor never,
Hearts that will the wounded heal;
Hearts o'erflowing with compassion,
Hearts renewed by grace divine,
Hearts aglow with full salvation,
Hearts to say: Thy will, not mine!

Wanted, hearts to love the masses,
Hearts to help him seek the lost,
Hearts to help him save all classes,
Hearts to help him save the worst;
Hearts to share with him the weeping,
Hearts to bear with him the cross,
Hearts to help him with the reaping,
Hearts to trust through gain or loss.

Wanted, hearts like thine, Lord, holy,
Hearts that in thine image shine,
Hearts that turn from sin and folly,
Hearts to know no way but thine;
Hearts that unto thee are given,
Hearts possessed with dying love,
Hearts on earth but filled with Heaven,
Hearts inspired from above.
Author: John Lawley (1859-1922)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 704

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


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