OzThoughts – Thursday, 30th April, 2009.
People love to tell their stories. I often sit with someone I have never met before and I just say to them “Tell me your story”. Sometimes, I find they need another question like “have you always lived here” to get them started. As long as I am prepared to listen and show my interest by little comments or further questions, they will continue to tell their story.
David, the Psalmist, must have enjoyed telling not only his story but the story of his people. He was very aware of the significant times in his people’s past. Theer was not only the good times but also the bad times. In so many Psalms we see that Davis is aware the bad times have been made good because God was watching over the people or God intervened on their behalf.
Today’s Psalm is just like that. David praises God and encourages others to praise God not only for who he is but because of what he has done in the past. He gives them confidence that God will still act on their behalf.
Psalm 66
1-4 All together now—applause for God! Sing songs to the tune of his glory,
set glory to the rhythms of his praise.
Say of God, "We've never seen anything like him!"
When your enemies see you in action,
they slink off like scolded dogs.
The whole earth falls to its knees—
it worships you, sings to you,
can't stop enjoying your name and fame.
5-6 Take a good look at God's wonders—
they'll take your breath away.
He converted sea to dry land;
travelers crossed the river on foot.
Now isn't that cause for a song?
7 Ever sovereign in his high tower, he keeps
his eye on the godless nations.
Rebels don't dare
raise a finger against him.
8-12 Bless our God, O peoples!
Give him a thunderous welcome!
Didn't he set us on the road to life?
Didn't he keep us out of the ditch?
He trained us first,
passed us like silver through refining fires,
Brought us into hardscrabble country,
pushed us to our very limit,
Road-tested us inside and out,
took us to hell and back;
Finally he brought us
to this well-watered place.
13-15 I'm bringing my prizes and presents to your house.
I'm doing what I said I'd do,
What I solemnly swore I'd do
that day when I was in so much trouble:
The choicest cuts of meat
for the sacrificial meal;
Even the fragrance
of roasted lamb is like a meal!
Or make it an ox
garnished with goat meat!
16-20 All believers, come here and listen,
let me tell you what God did for me.
I called out to him with my mouth,
my tongue shaped the sounds of music.
If I had been cozy with evil,
the Lord would never have listened.
But he most surely did listen,
he came on the double when he heard my prayer.
Blessed be God: he didn't turn a deaf ear,
he stayed with me, loyal in his love.
Prayer: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book) :
[Listen: (Bnad and songsters ): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4435.mp3 ]
or
Look and Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtfkyyPQLAE (The Old Hundredth arr by R.V.Williams sung by the choir of Westminster Abbey. The music is put to pictures of various cathederals around the UK enjoy). ]
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
Him serve with fear, his praise forth tell,
Come ye before him and rejoice.
The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid he did us make;
We are his flock, he doth us feed,
And for his sheep he doth us take.
O enter then his gates with praise,
Approach with joy his courts unto;
Praise, laud and bless his name always,
For it is seemly so to do.
For why? The Lord our God is good,
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.
Author: William Kethe (d 1594)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 3
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Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday, 29th April, 2009.
OzThoughts – Wednesday, 29th April, 2009.
Years ago, I had the opportunity of counselling a young man who had come forward to seek Christ as his Saviour in a large youth gathering . I forgot his name a long time ago. What I remember is the lesson I learnt.
I had in my hand my latest Bible. It was a beautiful Bible Society Chain Reference Bible with a blue soft leather cover. It was the Good News Bible edition with wide margins. It felt good and I believed it looked good as I stood on the platform with it in my hand as I preached. The soft cover allowed it to look relaxed in my hand, as if it belonged there. I might say it was an expensive purchase, costing about 7 times the price of a standard Good News Bible.
I opened my new Bible at the appropriate place and asked the young man to read the first verse which I had memorised as a plan to show man’s need and God’s salvation through his son Jesus. The young man looked at my beautiful Bible and then looked at me and said “I can’t read”.
My expensive Bible was worthless. The young man could not read it. I had to just tell him Jesus loved him, had died for him, would forgive him, and stay with him as long as he trusted him. I prayed with him and he said he believed Jesus was his Saviour.
I learnt that while the Bible is a useful tool, what people need is to know that Jesus loves them enough to died for them, would forgive them and help them along life’s journey as long as they continued to obediently trust him.
John 6:35-40 (The Message)
35-38 Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don't really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don't let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.
39-40 "This, in a nutshell, is that will: that everything handed over to me by the Father be completed—not a single detail missed—and at the wrap-up of time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole. This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time."
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2958.mp3 ]
Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
There's mercy with the Lord,
And he will surely give you rest
By trusting in his word.
Chorus
Only trust him, only trust him,
Only trust him now!
He will save you, he will save you,
He will save you now!
For Jesus shed his precious blood
Rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
That washes white as snow.
Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way,
That leads you into rest;
Believe on him without delay
And you are fully blest.
Author: John Hart Stockton (1813-77)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 231
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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):
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Years ago, I had the opportunity of counselling a young man who had come forward to seek Christ as his Saviour in a large youth gathering . I forgot his name a long time ago. What I remember is the lesson I learnt.
I had in my hand my latest Bible. It was a beautiful Bible Society Chain Reference Bible with a blue soft leather cover. It was the Good News Bible edition with wide margins. It felt good and I believed it looked good as I stood on the platform with it in my hand as I preached. The soft cover allowed it to look relaxed in my hand, as if it belonged there. I might say it was an expensive purchase, costing about 7 times the price of a standard Good News Bible.
I opened my new Bible at the appropriate place and asked the young man to read the first verse which I had memorised as a plan to show man’s need and God’s salvation through his son Jesus. The young man looked at my beautiful Bible and then looked at me and said “I can’t read”.
My expensive Bible was worthless. The young man could not read it. I had to just tell him Jesus loved him, had died for him, would forgive him, and stay with him as long as he trusted him. I prayed with him and he said he believed Jesus was his Saviour.
I learnt that while the Bible is a useful tool, what people need is to know that Jesus loves them enough to died for them, would forgive them and help them along life’s journey as long as they continued to obediently trust him.
John 6:35-40 (The Message)
35-38 Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don't really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don't let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.
39-40 "This, in a nutshell, is that will: that everything handed over to me by the Father be completed—not a single detail missed—and at the wrap-up of time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole. This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time."
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2958.mp3 ]
Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
There's mercy with the Lord,
And he will surely give you rest
By trusting in his word.
Chorus
Only trust him, only trust him,
Only trust him now!
He will save you, he will save you,
He will save you now!
For Jesus shed his precious blood
Rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
That washes white as snow.
Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way,
That leads you into rest;
Believe on him without delay
And you are fully blest.
Author: John Hart Stockton (1813-77)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 231
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, April 27, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday, 28th April, 2009.
OzThoughts – Tuesday, 28th April, 2009.
What is your favourite type of bread? I could not even guess. If I started listing al the types of bread available today in most bread shops or even the supermarket, I would probably not guess your favourite.
There would even be different reasons by you chose your favourite type. Some maybe would choose the old basic white loaf with that special crusty crust that comes from being baked in a wood fired oven. Others might choose a rye or whole meal or grain bread or a linseed and soy as those types are good for you. Others might choose the type of bread to suit the things they will put on it.
John records that the people challenged Jesus to show them what he could do and reminded him that “Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
You can r4ead what jesyus said in reply here:
30-31 They waffled: "Why don't you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what's going on? When we see what's up, we'll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
32-33 Jesus responded, "The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world."
34 They jumped at that: "Master, give us this bread, now and forever!"
35-38 Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don't really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don't let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me. (John 6:30-35 The Message).
What a wonderful statement and promise Jesus gives them: “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever.”
Spirit of God, thou art the bread of Heaven
Come for my need in Jesus Christ the Lord;
Broken in him whose life was freely given
In deathless love he only could afford.
Thou art the bread that satisfies forever,
The inward health that overcomes disease,
The love that lives through death. subsiding never,
My secret fortress and my soul's release.
O Bread from God, I choose thee now with gladness,
Though sweet the taste of earthly gain may be;
My spirit pines in poverty and sadness
Unless my sustenance be found in thee.
Lord God, I come, thy life in mine is waking;
Whate'er I am I bring into thy care.
Thy loving hands will bless me in the breaking
Of bread thou gavest and I long to share.
Author: Catherine Baird (1895-1984)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 631
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_156.mp3
or Look and listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_FIuAJlZUo ]
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
Hold me with thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven,
Feed me now and evermore.
Open thou the crystal fountain
Whence the healing stream shall flow;
Let the fiery. cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer,
Be thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death and Hell's destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises
I will ever give to thee.
Author: William Williams (1717-91)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 578
[Listen:
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
What is your favourite type of bread? I could not even guess. If I started listing al the types of bread available today in most bread shops or even the supermarket, I would probably not guess your favourite.
There would even be different reasons by you chose your favourite type. Some maybe would choose the old basic white loaf with that special crusty crust that comes from being baked in a wood fired oven. Others might choose a rye or whole meal or grain bread or a linseed and soy as those types are good for you. Others might choose the type of bread to suit the things they will put on it.
John records that the people challenged Jesus to show them what he could do and reminded him that “Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
You can r4ead what jesyus said in reply here:
30-31 They waffled: "Why don't you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what's going on? When we see what's up, we'll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
32-33 Jesus responded, "The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world."
34 They jumped at that: "Master, give us this bread, now and forever!"
35-38 Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don't really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don't let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me. (John 6:30-35 The Message).
What a wonderful statement and promise Jesus gives them: “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever.”
Spirit of God, thou art the bread of Heaven
Come for my need in Jesus Christ the Lord;
Broken in him whose life was freely given
In deathless love he only could afford.
Thou art the bread that satisfies forever,
The inward health that overcomes disease,
The love that lives through death. subsiding never,
My secret fortress and my soul's release.
O Bread from God, I choose thee now with gladness,
Though sweet the taste of earthly gain may be;
My spirit pines in poverty and sadness
Unless my sustenance be found in thee.
Lord God, I come, thy life in mine is waking;
Whate'er I am I bring into thy care.
Thy loving hands will bless me in the breaking
Of bread thou gavest and I long to share.
Author: Catherine Baird (1895-1984)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 631
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_156.mp3
or Look and listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_FIuAJlZUo ]
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
Hold me with thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven,
Feed me now and evermore.
Open thou the crystal fountain
Whence the healing stream shall flow;
Let the fiery. cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer,
Be thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death and Hell's destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises
I will ever give to thee.
Author: William Williams (1717-91)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 578
[Listen:
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Sunday, April 26, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday, 27th April, 2009.
OzThoughts – Monday, 27th April, 2009.
The Psalmist David looked around him and he saw people who were vicious and evil and he sought God’s protection from them.
This week, we will move amongst people. Some of will have contact and conversations with many people. Others of us will have contact with very few people and maybe meaningful conversations with even less.
Now, I don’t know if you will describe the people you are in contact with like David describes the people around him but I am reminded of the words of Jesus:
Jesus went on to make these comments:
If you're honest in small things,
you'll be honest in big things;
If you're a crook in small things,
you'll be a crook in big things.
If you're not honest in small jobs,
who will put you in charge of the store?
No worker can serve two bosses:
He'll either hate the first and love the second
Or adore the first and despise the second.
You can't serve both God and the Bank.
When the Pharisees, a money-obsessed bunch, heard him say these things, they rolled their eyes, dismissing him as hopelessly out of touch. So Jesus spoke to them: "You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what's behind the appearance. (Luke 16:12-14 The Message)
So Jesus has no doubt about people around him. He is probably describing people around you. I notice that David is describing these people as he has a conversation with God. I love the assurance in the four l;ast lines of the Psalm. It is an assurance I can carry with me this week.
Psalm 140 (The Message)
1-5 God, get me out of here, away from this evil; protect me from these vicious people.
All they do is think up new ways to be bad;
they spend their days plotting war games.
They practice the sharp rhetoric of hate and hurt,
speak venomous words that maim and kill.
God, keep me out of the clutch of these wicked ones,
protect me from these vicious people;
Stuffed with self-importance, they plot ways to trip me up,
determined to bring me down.
These crooks invent traps to catch me
and do their best to incriminate me.
6-8 I prayed, "God, you're my God!
Listen, God! Mercy!
God, my Lord, Strong Savior,
protect me when the fighting breaks out!
Don't let the wicked have their way, God,
don't give them an inch!"
9-11 These troublemakers all around me—
let them drown in their own verbal poison.
Let God pile hellfire on them,
let him bury them alive in crevasses!
These loudmouths—
don't let them be taken seriously;
These savages—
let the Devil hunt them down!
12-13 I know that you, God, are on the side of victims,
that you care for the rights of the poor.
And I know that the righteous personally thank you,
that good people are secure in your presence.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Chorus
This is my story, this is my song.
Praising my Saviour all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I, in my Saviour, am happy and blest.
Watching
and waiting, looking above,
Filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
Author: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 310
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
The Psalmist David looked around him and he saw people who were vicious and evil and he sought God’s protection from them.
This week, we will move amongst people. Some of will have contact and conversations with many people. Others of us will have contact with very few people and maybe meaningful conversations with even less.
Now, I don’t know if you will describe the people you are in contact with like David describes the people around him but I am reminded of the words of Jesus:
Jesus went on to make these comments:
If you're honest in small things,
you'll be honest in big things;
If you're a crook in small things,
you'll be a crook in big things.
If you're not honest in small jobs,
who will put you in charge of the store?
No worker can serve two bosses:
He'll either hate the first and love the second
Or adore the first and despise the second.
You can't serve both God and the Bank.
When the Pharisees, a money-obsessed bunch, heard him say these things, they rolled their eyes, dismissing him as hopelessly out of touch. So Jesus spoke to them: "You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what's behind the appearance. (Luke 16:12-14 The Message)
So Jesus has no doubt about people around him. He is probably describing people around you. I notice that David is describing these people as he has a conversation with God. I love the assurance in the four l;ast lines of the Psalm. It is an assurance I can carry with me this week.
Psalm 140 (The Message)
1-5 God, get me out of here, away from this evil; protect me from these vicious people.
All they do is think up new ways to be bad;
they spend their days plotting war games.
They practice the sharp rhetoric of hate and hurt,
speak venomous words that maim and kill.
God, keep me out of the clutch of these wicked ones,
protect me from these vicious people;
Stuffed with self-importance, they plot ways to trip me up,
determined to bring me down.
These crooks invent traps to catch me
and do their best to incriminate me.
6-8 I prayed, "God, you're my God!
Listen, God! Mercy!
God, my Lord, Strong Savior,
protect me when the fighting breaks out!
Don't let the wicked have their way, God,
don't give them an inch!"
9-11 These troublemakers all around me—
let them drown in their own verbal poison.
Let God pile hellfire on them,
let him bury them alive in crevasses!
These loudmouths—
don't let them be taken seriously;
These savages—
let the Devil hunt them down!
12-13 I know that you, God, are on the side of victims,
that you care for the rights of the poor.
And I know that the righteous personally thank you,
that good people are secure in your presence.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Chorus
This is my story, this is my song.
Praising my Saviour all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I, in my Saviour, am happy and blest.
Watching
and waiting, looking above,
Filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
Author: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 310
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Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
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OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 26th April, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 26th April, 2009
[Please forward this OzThoughts to your friends – they can subscribe for themselves (free) details are below].
Blessed are you who enter in GOD's name—
from GOD's house we bless you!
GOD is God,
he has bathed us in light.
Festoon the shrine with garlands,
hang colored banners above the altar!
You're my God, and I thank you.
O my God, I lift high your praise.
Thank GOD—he's so good.
His love never quits! (Psalm 118: 26-29 The Message)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 17
{Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_151.mp3 ]
Praise, my soul, the King the Heaven,
To his feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like thee his praise should sing?
Praise Him!
Praise the everlasting King.
Praise him for this grace and favor
To our fathers in distress;
Praise him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide and swift to bless;
Praise him!
Glorious in his faithfulness.
Father-like he tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame he knows,
In his hands he gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him!
Widely as his mercy flows.
Angels in the heights adore him,
Ye behold him face to face;
Sun and moon bow down before him:
Dwellers all in time and space,
Praise him!
Praise with us the God of grace.
Author: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)
Psalm 124 (The Message)
1-5 If GOD hadn't been for us —all together now, Israel, sing out!—
If GOD hadn't been for us
when everyone went against us,
We would have been swallowed alive
by their violent anger,
Swept away by the flood of rage,
drowned in the torrent;
We would have lost our lives
in the wild, raging water.
6 Oh, blessed be GOD!
He didn't go off and leave us.
He didn't abandon us defenseless,
helpless as a rabbit in a pack of snarling dogs.
7 We've flown free from their fangs,
free of their traps, free as a bird.
Their grip is broken;
we're free as a bird in flight.
8 GOD's strong name is our help,
the same GOD who made heaven and earth.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 33
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3953.mp3
or
Look and Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_048.WMV
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with thee;
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Chorus
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed thy hand hath provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1866-1960)
PRAYER:
This, this is the God we adore
Our faithful, unchangeable friend,
Whose love is as great as his power,
And knows neither measure nor end.
'Tis Jesus, the first and the last,
Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home;
We'll praise him for all that is past,
And trust him for all that's to come.
Author: Joseph Hart (1712-68)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 962
Listen for enjoyment and prayer: Songsters: Revive us again
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2758.mp3
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
[Please forward this OzThoughts to your friends – they can subscribe for themselves (free) details are below].
Blessed are you who enter in GOD's name—
from GOD's house we bless you!
GOD is God,
he has bathed us in light.
Festoon the shrine with garlands,
hang colored banners above the altar!
You're my God, and I thank you.
O my God, I lift high your praise.
Thank GOD—he's so good.
His love never quits! (Psalm 118: 26-29 The Message)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 17
{Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_151.mp3 ]
Praise, my soul, the King the Heaven,
To his feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like thee his praise should sing?
Praise Him!
Praise the everlasting King.
Praise him for this grace and favor
To our fathers in distress;
Praise him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide and swift to bless;
Praise him!
Glorious in his faithfulness.
Father-like he tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame he knows,
In his hands he gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him!
Widely as his mercy flows.
Angels in the heights adore him,
Ye behold him face to face;
Sun and moon bow down before him:
Dwellers all in time and space,
Praise him!
Praise with us the God of grace.
Author: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)
Psalm 124 (The Message)
1-5 If GOD hadn't been for us —all together now, Israel, sing out!—
If GOD hadn't been for us
when everyone went against us,
We would have been swallowed alive
by their violent anger,
Swept away by the flood of rage,
drowned in the torrent;
We would have lost our lives
in the wild, raging water.
6 Oh, blessed be GOD!
He didn't go off and leave us.
He didn't abandon us defenseless,
helpless as a rabbit in a pack of snarling dogs.
7 We've flown free from their fangs,
free of their traps, free as a bird.
Their grip is broken;
we're free as a bird in flight.
8 GOD's strong name is our help,
the same GOD who made heaven and earth.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 33
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3953.mp3
or
Look and Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_048.WMV
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with thee;
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Chorus
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed thy hand hath provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1866-1960)
PRAYER:
This, this is the God we adore
Our faithful, unchangeable friend,
Whose love is as great as his power,
And knows neither measure nor end.
'Tis Jesus, the first and the last,
Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home;
We'll praise him for all that is past,
And trust him for all that's to come.
Author: Joseph Hart (1712-68)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 962
Listen for enjoyment and prayer: Songsters: Revive us again
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2758.mp3
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend - 25th April, 2009.
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend - 25th April, 2009.
ANZAC DAY
This morning my alarm sounded at 3.45am. I quickly showered and dressed , and drank a cup of coffee. At 4.15am I drove to my workplace, Greenslopes Private Hospital, where I would read the prayers in an ANZAC Dawn Service. Greenslopes Hospital was built by the Australian Army in the early years of World War 2. For many years it served servicemen and ex-servicemen as a government owned and operated hospital. It is now Australia’s largest private hospital owned by Ramsay Health Care and it is a major provider to the veteran community. (http://www.greenslopesprivate.com.au)
I arrived a little after 5am and I headed to Anzac Memorial where already many people were standing, as all the seats were taken, as they waited for the 5.30am commencement. About 1200 people will attend the service and after the service many will move to the adjacent open air car park where probably 900 will sit down for a hot breakfast, prepared by the hospital chefs.
As I drove I thought about the many ANZAC Services I had attended. I tried to count the number but the best I could do was calculate it by my age. Many years I have attended three or four. As a school boy, there was always the school ANZAC Service, and added to that once I joined the Corps Band when I was about 10, there was three parades and services on Anzac Day. I reckoned I had attended close to 200 Anzac Services. Today, it will be only two. After the Anzac Day Service and breakfast, I drove back home and then to join our Corps Band and Timbrellists in an Anzac March and then to accompanied the hymns and play the National Anthems of New Zealand and Australia at the community commemoration service.
The Services are formal and traditional. An official website gives guidance as to what can or should happen: http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac_tradition.htm or http://www.anzacday.org.au/ .
The Dawn Service is timed in many places to commence at 4.28am. It was at that pre-dawn hour that the ANZACS landed at Gallipoli on the 25th April, 1915. At the Hospital where I am the Chaplain Coordinator, the service commenced at 5.30am which was still about 35 minutes before the sun rose. If you would like an emailed copy of the order of service, please email your request to OzThoughts at Ozthoughts@yahoo.com.au .
This year Australia’s national broadcaster (The Australian Broadcasting Commission – ABC ) has provided an interactive experience about the WW1 ANZAC
landing at Gallipoli, on 25 April 1915. It is called “Gallipoli – The First Day. You can access it here : http://www.abc.net.au/innovation/gallipoli .
Some years ago I had to speak at a 4.28am Dawn Anzac Service in our community, here at Southport on the Gold Coast. It is estimated that well over 1,000 people gathered in the darkness to remember before the sun rose. The following is the address I gave on that occasion.
Anzac Day Dawn Service
We stand here this morning in the pre-dawn darkness on this ANZAC Day. We look towards another day as it dawns. A day loaded with possibilities faces because of the freedoms we enjoy. We face the future of this great Country. Today, these precious moments are the beginning of the future.
Today is a different day. Here in the morning we look eagerly ahead. However, as we face this day., it is good to stop a while.
We often half turn and look back over our shoulder but today is a day to turn fully around and face the past.
We face the past which has shaped today and shapes our future. We face the past and remember. We face the past and are humbled by those who have gone before. We face the past and say thanks.
Today we stop especially to remember.
We remember those young ANZACS of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who in those pre dawn hours stepped onto a foreign shore. They fought bravely and many fell there not to get up. In our minds they still stand tall for what they believed.
We remember those who went before the Anzacs. We remember those who proudly wore the name “Australia” as they went to fight in the Boer War.
We remember others from the Great War of 1914-1918, those who faced various foes in the War of 1939 – 1945. We remember to Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, East Timor and those who have served and still serve in the Iraq and Afghanistan, and in many other places.
As we remember we don’t ask why....
We remember the Spirit of the Anzacs. “The Spirit of ANZAC is an intangible thing. It is unseen, unpredictable, and an unquenchable thirst for justice, freedom and peace…
The Spirit of ANZAC is a cornerstone which underpins our Australian image, way of life and indeed is an integral part of our heritage”.
The Spirit of ANZAC was suggested by official war historian C.E.W. Bean to have 'stood, and still stands, for reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship and endurance that will never own defeat.'
The Spirit of ANZAC was epitomised in the deeds of Simpson with his donkey at Gallipoli - comradeship, courage and sacrifice: others before self.
It also encompasses the laughter, the pride and the love of life that is in every Australian. To really understand this Spirit one must delve back into our country's past.
This is not the place for a detailed History lesson ...it is a day of looking back at the key indicators in the History of our nation. History not written in books but history written in the lives of men and women as they fought and died and some returned from the battle fields so far away.
It is a day of capturing in History values and traditions to which we hold.
In another context in another place words which will help us today as we think of the Spirit of ANZAC
That I can tell you in one word--tradition! (Tevye - Anatevka)
"Because of our tradition we have kept our balance for many, many years.
"Because of our tradition everyone knows who he is and what God expects him to do.
"For without tradition our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof!"
"A fiddler on the roof, sounds crazy, heh?
Sounds crazy? ...
Someone speaking of the Anzac Spirit said it is madness
The sun invades our bodies and makes us 'mad'; mad for freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom to live and think as you will
But the Spirit of ANZAC is not confined to the battlefield. It lives in the schools, on the sports fields, in fact all over these great countries of Australia and New Zealand.
Yes! The sun invades our bodies and makes us 'mad'; mad for freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom to live and think as you will.
This day as we look back we turn to look ahead…
We may be touched with sadness and tinged with madness but we love those freedoms.... freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom to live and think as you will.
As we think of freedom I think there is another word that comes to mind. ..Well two words that have become linked as one…the words “fair dinkum”
Those that went to war and those who stayed at home supporting them loved the freedom to be fair dinkum…
The stories I hear of Aussie soldiers particularly they put the “fair dinkum” test to those they met.
We all have our stories. The stories we have been told the stories we love to tell.
When the Diggers came back here, they put the same test to those who came to live along side them. To the English who came and worked in the factories and mines, to the Italians who bent their backs in the cane fields of the north, to the many, many nationalities who could proudly say they worked in the Snowy Mountain Scheme and in so many other places. We wondered and we tested them but they have proved “fair dinkum.”
I laughed when I was teaching a high school class in Liverpool, Sydney. The son of an Italian migrant from Calabria said I don’t think these Vietnamese should be coming they are taking our jobs. We laughed together as I reminded him the same was said about the Italians.
Some years ago, I had in my circle of Salvation Army friends a Vietnam War veteran who came home hating the Vietnamese. He kept it pretty quiet but it bubbled away within him. He built a new house and moved in. One day, a very wet day, he was picking up his children from school and his daughter asked him if they could give her friend a ride home, as she lived in the same street. A little Vietnamese kid got in the car. For his own kid’s sake he did not say anything. Later that evening, there came the knock on the door, the Vietnamese kid’s father had come to say thanks. Hate bubbled quickly but the bubble burst in a warm handshake. My friend said in telling the story “He seems to be “fair dinkum” and then went on to tell of the success this new citizen, his new friend was making in this new country.
What is the test of being “fair dinkum”? We can look back and learn lessons from the past. Being fair dinkum is the putting of that we believe to be right and good for others and the general good before ourselves.
Recently we have celebrated Easter. One of the little incidents but big in meaning was the Roman soldier who stood by the cross where Jesus hung dead and said “surely this was the Son of God!” He was saying this Jesus is fair dinkum. Jesus is what he claimed to be.
On Anzac Day every Australian and New Zealand citizen and those who are guests in our lands can enjoy the fair dinkum Spirit of ANZAC. “A warm, tender, fiery, even melancholy ideal that nurtures intense patriotism in the innermost soul of every body. Many foundation ANZACs died, but their glorious challenge to catch the thrown torch shouts loud and strong to all. Their goal was freedom for the land they loved”.
“The Spirit of ANZAC is invincible. It is the flame that burns forevermore in the heart of every true Australian and New Zealander. Today we stand safe and free, clothed with all the privileges and rights of citizens in these great free countries. And all these things - liberty, security, opportunity, and the privileges of citizenship - we owe to those men and women who fought, endured, suffered, and died for us and for their country. Their deeds and their sacrifices gave us the invincible, the intangible, the Spirit of ANZAC”.
PRAYER:
God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in time of war. We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth.
We pray too for those who have suffered because of war and those who continue to suffer. I pray your comforting hand be upon them today. We pray for those who live inland s which are still experiencing the terrors of war, that they may know peace in their hearts, homes and lands. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace,
That where there is hatred, I may bring love;
That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
That where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
That where there is error, I may bring truth;
That where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
That where there is despair, I may bring hope;
That where there is darkness, I may bring light;
That where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Divine Master,
Grant that i may not so much seek
To be comforted . . .as to give comfort
To be understood . . .as to understand,
To be loved . . . as to love
For it is in giving . . .that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying . . .that we are born to eternal life
The Salvation Army of Australia in War see:
Soldiers of the Cross: http://www.anzacday.org.au/spirit/cross/index.html
For general information about ANZAC Day see the same site:
www.anzacday.org.au
Australian War Memorial: One of the world's great museums :
www.awm.gov.au
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
ANZAC DAY
This morning my alarm sounded at 3.45am. I quickly showered and dressed , and drank a cup of coffee. At 4.15am I drove to my workplace, Greenslopes Private Hospital, where I would read the prayers in an ANZAC Dawn Service. Greenslopes Hospital was built by the Australian Army in the early years of World War 2. For many years it served servicemen and ex-servicemen as a government owned and operated hospital. It is now Australia’s largest private hospital owned by Ramsay Health Care and it is a major provider to the veteran community. (http://www.greenslopesprivate.com.au)
I arrived a little after 5am and I headed to Anzac Memorial where already many people were standing, as all the seats were taken, as they waited for the 5.30am commencement. About 1200 people will attend the service and after the service many will move to the adjacent open air car park where probably 900 will sit down for a hot breakfast, prepared by the hospital chefs.
As I drove I thought about the many ANZAC Services I had attended. I tried to count the number but the best I could do was calculate it by my age. Many years I have attended three or four. As a school boy, there was always the school ANZAC Service, and added to that once I joined the Corps Band when I was about 10, there was three parades and services on Anzac Day. I reckoned I had attended close to 200 Anzac Services. Today, it will be only two. After the Anzac Day Service and breakfast, I drove back home and then to join our Corps Band and Timbrellists in an Anzac March and then to accompanied the hymns and play the National Anthems of New Zealand and Australia at the community commemoration service.
The Services are formal and traditional. An official website gives guidance as to what can or should happen: http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac_tradition.htm or http://www.anzacday.org.au/ .
The Dawn Service is timed in many places to commence at 4.28am. It was at that pre-dawn hour that the ANZACS landed at Gallipoli on the 25th April, 1915. At the Hospital where I am the Chaplain Coordinator, the service commenced at 5.30am which was still about 35 minutes before the sun rose. If you would like an emailed copy of the order of service, please email your request to OzThoughts at Ozthoughts@yahoo.com.au .
This year Australia’s national broadcaster (The Australian Broadcasting Commission – ABC ) has provided an interactive experience about the WW1 ANZAC
landing at Gallipoli, on 25 April 1915. It is called “Gallipoli – The First Day. You can access it here : http://www.abc.net.au/innovation/gallipoli .
Some years ago I had to speak at a 4.28am Dawn Anzac Service in our community, here at Southport on the Gold Coast. It is estimated that well over 1,000 people gathered in the darkness to remember before the sun rose. The following is the address I gave on that occasion.
Anzac Day Dawn Service
We stand here this morning in the pre-dawn darkness on this ANZAC Day. We look towards another day as it dawns. A day loaded with possibilities faces because of the freedoms we enjoy. We face the future of this great Country. Today, these precious moments are the beginning of the future.
Today is a different day. Here in the morning we look eagerly ahead. However, as we face this day., it is good to stop a while.
We often half turn and look back over our shoulder but today is a day to turn fully around and face the past.
We face the past which has shaped today and shapes our future. We face the past and remember. We face the past and are humbled by those who have gone before. We face the past and say thanks.
Today we stop especially to remember.
We remember those young ANZACS of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who in those pre dawn hours stepped onto a foreign shore. They fought bravely and many fell there not to get up. In our minds they still stand tall for what they believed.
We remember those who went before the Anzacs. We remember those who proudly wore the name “Australia” as they went to fight in the Boer War.
We remember others from the Great War of 1914-1918, those who faced various foes in the War of 1939 – 1945. We remember to Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, East Timor and those who have served and still serve in the Iraq and Afghanistan, and in many other places.
As we remember we don’t ask why....
We remember the Spirit of the Anzacs. “The Spirit of ANZAC is an intangible thing. It is unseen, unpredictable, and an unquenchable thirst for justice, freedom and peace…
The Spirit of ANZAC is a cornerstone which underpins our Australian image, way of life and indeed is an integral part of our heritage”.
The Spirit of ANZAC was suggested by official war historian C.E.W. Bean to have 'stood, and still stands, for reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship and endurance that will never own defeat.'
The Spirit of ANZAC was epitomised in the deeds of Simpson with his donkey at Gallipoli - comradeship, courage and sacrifice: others before self.
It also encompasses the laughter, the pride and the love of life that is in every Australian. To really understand this Spirit one must delve back into our country's past.
This is not the place for a detailed History lesson ...it is a day of looking back at the key indicators in the History of our nation. History not written in books but history written in the lives of men and women as they fought and died and some returned from the battle fields so far away.
It is a day of capturing in History values and traditions to which we hold.
In another context in another place words which will help us today as we think of the Spirit of ANZAC
That I can tell you in one word--tradition! (Tevye - Anatevka)
"Because of our tradition we have kept our balance for many, many years.
"Because of our tradition everyone knows who he is and what God expects him to do.
"For without tradition our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof!"
"A fiddler on the roof, sounds crazy, heh?
Sounds crazy? ...
Someone speaking of the Anzac Spirit said it is madness
The sun invades our bodies and makes us 'mad'; mad for freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom to live and think as you will
But the Spirit of ANZAC is not confined to the battlefield. It lives in the schools, on the sports fields, in fact all over these great countries of Australia and New Zealand.
Yes! The sun invades our bodies and makes us 'mad'; mad for freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom to live and think as you will.
This day as we look back we turn to look ahead…
We may be touched with sadness and tinged with madness but we love those freedoms.... freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom to live and think as you will.
As we think of freedom I think there is another word that comes to mind. ..Well two words that have become linked as one…the words “fair dinkum”
Those that went to war and those who stayed at home supporting them loved the freedom to be fair dinkum…
The stories I hear of Aussie soldiers particularly they put the “fair dinkum” test to those they met.
We all have our stories. The stories we have been told the stories we love to tell.
When the Diggers came back here, they put the same test to those who came to live along side them. To the English who came and worked in the factories and mines, to the Italians who bent their backs in the cane fields of the north, to the many, many nationalities who could proudly say they worked in the Snowy Mountain Scheme and in so many other places. We wondered and we tested them but they have proved “fair dinkum.”
I laughed when I was teaching a high school class in Liverpool, Sydney. The son of an Italian migrant from Calabria said I don’t think these Vietnamese should be coming they are taking our jobs. We laughed together as I reminded him the same was said about the Italians.
Some years ago, I had in my circle of Salvation Army friends a Vietnam War veteran who came home hating the Vietnamese. He kept it pretty quiet but it bubbled away within him. He built a new house and moved in. One day, a very wet day, he was picking up his children from school and his daughter asked him if they could give her friend a ride home, as she lived in the same street. A little Vietnamese kid got in the car. For his own kid’s sake he did not say anything. Later that evening, there came the knock on the door, the Vietnamese kid’s father had come to say thanks. Hate bubbled quickly but the bubble burst in a warm handshake. My friend said in telling the story “He seems to be “fair dinkum” and then went on to tell of the success this new citizen, his new friend was making in this new country.
What is the test of being “fair dinkum”? We can look back and learn lessons from the past. Being fair dinkum is the putting of that we believe to be right and good for others and the general good before ourselves.
Recently we have celebrated Easter. One of the little incidents but big in meaning was the Roman soldier who stood by the cross where Jesus hung dead and said “surely this was the Son of God!” He was saying this Jesus is fair dinkum. Jesus is what he claimed to be.
On Anzac Day every Australian and New Zealand citizen and those who are guests in our lands can enjoy the fair dinkum Spirit of ANZAC. “A warm, tender, fiery, even melancholy ideal that nurtures intense patriotism in the innermost soul of every body. Many foundation ANZACs died, but their glorious challenge to catch the thrown torch shouts loud and strong to all. Their goal was freedom for the land they loved”.
“The Spirit of ANZAC is invincible. It is the flame that burns forevermore in the heart of every true Australian and New Zealander. Today we stand safe and free, clothed with all the privileges and rights of citizens in these great free countries. And all these things - liberty, security, opportunity, and the privileges of citizenship - we owe to those men and women who fought, endured, suffered, and died for us and for their country. Their deeds and their sacrifices gave us the invincible, the intangible, the Spirit of ANZAC”.
PRAYER:
God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in time of war. We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth.
We pray too for those who have suffered because of war and those who continue to suffer. I pray your comforting hand be upon them today. We pray for those who live inland s which are still experiencing the terrors of war, that they may know peace in their hearts, homes and lands. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace,
That where there is hatred, I may bring love;
That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
That where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
That where there is error, I may bring truth;
That where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
That where there is despair, I may bring hope;
That where there is darkness, I may bring light;
That where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Divine Master,
Grant that i may not so much seek
To be comforted . . .as to give comfort
To be understood . . .as to understand,
To be loved . . . as to love
For it is in giving . . .that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying . . .that we are born to eternal life
The Salvation Army of Australia in War see:
Soldiers of the Cross: http://www.anzacday.org.au/spirit/cross/index.html
For general information about ANZAC Day see the same site:
www.anzacday.org.au
Australian War Memorial: One of the world's great museums :
www.awm.gov.au
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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).
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You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
OzThoughts – Friday, 24th April, 2009.
OzThoughts – Friday, 24th April, 2009.
I have sat on a rock in a mountain stream surrounded by thick rain forest. The only sound was the occasional call of a bird. I was reminded recently that I once sat beneath coconut palms on a beach and watched the sun rise across the sea. It was beautifully quiet, not even the sea gently lapping at the beach edge made a sound that carried to me.
I remember the stress as I sat in an examination room. The clock ticked on and I wondered if the cramp in my writing hand would allow me to finish writing in time to complete all I knew in answer to the questions. I remember, too, getting my computer to count the words in an assignment in the long dark hours as the morning deadline drew closer and my eyes got heavier.
I remember sitting in a heart surgeon’s office and in answer to “What are you here for?” finding the words to tell of a history of tests and recommendations which concluded with “I am told you are the man to replace my heart valve.”
I have heard to the words “We are undertaking some reorganisation of staff and I am sorry to tell you it will affect you.”
I could go on and tell of many more situations but you have your own to think about. Real situations where in the midst of life, there was God.
It is sometimes easy to recognise God in the quiet place but do we recognise him in every place?
Psalm 27:1-25 (The Message)
1 Light, space, zest— that's God!
So, with him on my side I'm fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.
2 When vandal hordes ride down
ready to eat me alive,
Those bullies and toughs
fall flat on their faces.
3 When besieged,
I'm calm as a baby.
When all hell breaks loose,
I'm collected and cool.
4 I'm asking God for one thing,
only one thing:
To live with him in his house
my whole life long.
I'll contemplate his beauty;
I'll study at his feet.
5 That's the only quiet, secure place
in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
far from the buzz of traffic.
6 God holds me head and shoulders
above all who try to pull me down.
I'm headed for his place to offer anthems
that will raise the roof!
Already I'm singing God-songs;
I'm making music to God.
7-9 Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs:
"Be good to me! Answer me!"
When my heart whispered, "Seek God,"
my whole being replied,
"I'm seeking him!"
Don't hide from me now!
9-10 You've always been right there for me;
don't turn your back on me now.
Don't throw me out, don't abandon me;
you've always kept the door open.
My father and mother walked out and left me,
but God took me in.
11-12 Point me down your highway, God;
direct me along a well-lighted street;
show my enemies whose side you're on.
Don't throw me to the dogs,
those liars who are out to get me,
filling the air with their threats.
13-14 I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness
in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don't quit.
I'll say it again:
Stay with God.
Prayer: (Using our Song Book as a Prayer Book)
[Listen: Tune – Lloyd: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_850.mp3 ]
Dear Lord, I lift my heart to thee,
My helplessness I own;
The way before I cannot see,
I dare not walk alone.
More clearly would I realize
Thy presence and thy power,
Not only under summer skies,
But in the darkest hour.
Not only when I sense thee near
Art thou most surely nigh,
Nor hast thou, Lord, a quicker ear
Because my faith is high.
My changing moods do not control
Thy covenanted aid;
Thou hast the guarding of my soul,
And I am not afraid.
So often in the pleasant place
Our faith depends on sight;
The temper of my trust must face
Its trial in the night.
Then quietness and confidence
And waiting on the Lord
Shall be my strength, my sure defense,
And peace be my reward.
Author: John Izzard (1924 - )
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 717
Tunes: Wiltshire, 143; Ellacombe, 147
Meter: C.M.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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/
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
I have sat on a rock in a mountain stream surrounded by thick rain forest. The only sound was the occasional call of a bird. I was reminded recently that I once sat beneath coconut palms on a beach and watched the sun rise across the sea. It was beautifully quiet, not even the sea gently lapping at the beach edge made a sound that carried to me.
I remember the stress as I sat in an examination room. The clock ticked on and I wondered if the cramp in my writing hand would allow me to finish writing in time to complete all I knew in answer to the questions. I remember, too, getting my computer to count the words in an assignment in the long dark hours as the morning deadline drew closer and my eyes got heavier.
I remember sitting in a heart surgeon’s office and in answer to “What are you here for?” finding the words to tell of a history of tests and recommendations which concluded with “I am told you are the man to replace my heart valve.”
I have heard to the words “We are undertaking some reorganisation of staff and I am sorry to tell you it will affect you.”
I could go on and tell of many more situations but you have your own to think about. Real situations where in the midst of life, there was God.
It is sometimes easy to recognise God in the quiet place but do we recognise him in every place?
Psalm 27:1-25 (The Message)
1 Light, space, zest— that's God!
So, with him on my side I'm fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.
2 When vandal hordes ride down
ready to eat me alive,
Those bullies and toughs
fall flat on their faces.
3 When besieged,
I'm calm as a baby.
When all hell breaks loose,
I'm collected and cool.
4 I'm asking God for one thing,
only one thing:
To live with him in his house
my whole life long.
I'll contemplate his beauty;
I'll study at his feet.
5 That's the only quiet, secure place
in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
far from the buzz of traffic.
6 God holds me head and shoulders
above all who try to pull me down.
I'm headed for his place to offer anthems
that will raise the roof!
Already I'm singing God-songs;
I'm making music to God.
7-9 Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs:
"Be good to me! Answer me!"
When my heart whispered, "Seek God,"
my whole being replied,
"I'm seeking him!"
Don't hide from me now!
9-10 You've always been right there for me;
don't turn your back on me now.
Don't throw me out, don't abandon me;
you've always kept the door open.
My father and mother walked out and left me,
but God took me in.
11-12 Point me down your highway, God;
direct me along a well-lighted street;
show my enemies whose side you're on.
Don't throw me to the dogs,
those liars who are out to get me,
filling the air with their threats.
13-14 I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness
in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don't quit.
I'll say it again:
Stay with God.
Prayer: (Using our Song Book as a Prayer Book)
[Listen: Tune – Lloyd: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_850.mp3 ]
Dear Lord, I lift my heart to thee,
My helplessness I own;
The way before I cannot see,
I dare not walk alone.
More clearly would I realize
Thy presence and thy power,
Not only under summer skies,
But in the darkest hour.
Not only when I sense thee near
Art thou most surely nigh,
Nor hast thou, Lord, a quicker ear
Because my faith is high.
My changing moods do not control
Thy covenanted aid;
Thou hast the guarding of my soul,
And I am not afraid.
So often in the pleasant place
Our faith depends on sight;
The temper of my trust must face
Its trial in the night.
Then quietness and confidence
And waiting on the Lord
Shall be my strength, my sure defense,
And peace be my reward.
Author: John Izzard (1924 - )
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 717
Tunes: Wiltshire, 143; Ellacombe, 147
Meter: C.M.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
OzThoughts - Thursday, 23rd April, 2009.
OzThoughts - Thursday, 23rd April, 2009.
Yesterday, we thought about “the time of worship” and concluded with the prayer in the Song:
Fill thou my life, O Lord my God,
In every part with praise,
That my whole being may proclaim
Thy being and thy ways.
Not for the lip of praise alone,
Nor e'en the praising heart
I ask, but for a life made up
Of praise in every part!
Today, as we continue meditating on the remained of Psalm 34, I am reminded of the 17th century monk , Brother Lawrence, who practised the presence of God in all things, and at all times. He wrote:
"I make it my business to rest in His holy presence," he said, "which I keep myself in by a habitual, silent, and secret conversation with God. This often causes in me joys and raptures inwardly, and sometimes also outwardly, so great that I am forced to use means to moderate them, and prevent their appearance to others."
“The time of business does not differ from the time of prayer; And in the noise and chatter of my kitchen while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great a tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.”
( Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God.
[ You can read selections from Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God here: http://www.spiritsite.com/writing/brolaw/index.shtml ].
So it is through that constant communion with the Holy Spirit that our life comes into line with what God requires of us. Brother Lawrence actually referred to that constant communion as “Practicing the Presence of God.” What a challenge and example Brother Lawrence gives when he says that he stated he felt as close to God doing the chores of the kitchen, and the garden and in the marketplace as he did in the holiest moment of the Lord’s Supper. That’s the type of communion God makes himself available to us for.
Psalm 34:11-22 (The Message)
11 Come, children, listen closely;
I'll give you a lesson in God worship.
12 Who out there has a lust for life?
Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?
13 Guard your tongue from profanity,
and no more lying through your teeth.
14 Turn your back on sin; do something good.
Embrace peace—don't let it get away!
15 God keeps an eye on his friends,
his ears pick up every moan and groan.
16 God won't put up with rebels;
he'll cull them from the pack.
17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
ready to rescue you.
18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
19 Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.
20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone;
not even a finger gets broken.
21 The wicked commit slow suicide;
they waste their lives hating the good.
22 God pays for each slave's freedom;
no one who runs to him loses out.
Listen: Tune: - Melcombe: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_981.mp3 ]
New every morning is the love
Our wakening and uprising prove,
Through sleep and darkness safely brought,
Restored to life and power and thought.
If on our daily course our mind
Be set to hallow all we find,
New treasures still of countless price
God will provide for sacrifice.
Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be
As more of Heaven in each we see;
Some softening gleam of love and prayer
Shall dawn on every cross and care.
The trivial round, the common task,
Will furnish all we ought to ask;
Room to deny ourselves, a road
To bring us daily nearer God.
Only, O Lord, in thy great love,
Fit us for perfect rest above;
And help us, this and every day,
To live more nearly as we pray.
Author: John Keble (1792-1866)
The Salvation Army Song Number: 668
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Yesterday, we thought about “the time of worship” and concluded with the prayer in the Song:
Fill thou my life, O Lord my God,
In every part with praise,
That my whole being may proclaim
Thy being and thy ways.
Not for the lip of praise alone,
Nor e'en the praising heart
I ask, but for a life made up
Of praise in every part!
Today, as we continue meditating on the remained of Psalm 34, I am reminded of the 17th century monk , Brother Lawrence, who practised the presence of God in all things, and at all times. He wrote:
"I make it my business to rest in His holy presence," he said, "which I keep myself in by a habitual, silent, and secret conversation with God. This often causes in me joys and raptures inwardly, and sometimes also outwardly, so great that I am forced to use means to moderate them, and prevent their appearance to others."
“The time of business does not differ from the time of prayer; And in the noise and chatter of my kitchen while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great a tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.”
( Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God.
[ You can read selections from Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God here: http://www.spiritsite.com/writing/brolaw/index.shtml ].
So it is through that constant communion with the Holy Spirit that our life comes into line with what God requires of us. Brother Lawrence actually referred to that constant communion as “Practicing the Presence of God.” What a challenge and example Brother Lawrence gives when he says that he stated he felt as close to God doing the chores of the kitchen, and the garden and in the marketplace as he did in the holiest moment of the Lord’s Supper. That’s the type of communion God makes himself available to us for.
Psalm 34:11-22 (The Message)
11 Come, children, listen closely;
I'll give you a lesson in God worship.
12 Who out there has a lust for life?
Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?
13 Guard your tongue from profanity,
and no more lying through your teeth.
14 Turn your back on sin; do something good.
Embrace peace—don't let it get away!
15 God keeps an eye on his friends,
his ears pick up every moan and groan.
16 God won't put up with rebels;
he'll cull them from the pack.
17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
ready to rescue you.
18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
19 Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.
20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone;
not even a finger gets broken.
21 The wicked commit slow suicide;
they waste their lives hating the good.
22 God pays for each slave's freedom;
no one who runs to him loses out.
Listen: Tune: - Melcombe: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_981.mp3 ]
New every morning is the love
Our wakening and uprising prove,
Through sleep and darkness safely brought,
Restored to life and power and thought.
If on our daily course our mind
Be set to hallow all we find,
New treasures still of countless price
God will provide for sacrifice.
Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be
As more of Heaven in each we see;
Some softening gleam of love and prayer
Shall dawn on every cross and care.
The trivial round, the common task,
Will furnish all we ought to ask;
Room to deny ourselves, a road
To bring us daily nearer God.
Only, O Lord, in thy great love,
Fit us for perfect rest above;
And help us, this and every day,
To live more nearly as we pray.
Author: John Keble (1792-1866)
The Salvation Army Song Number: 668
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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, 23rd April, 2009.
OzThoughts - Thursday, 23rd April, 2009.
Yesterday, we thought about “the time of worship” and concluded with the prayer in the Song:
Fill thou my life, O Lord my God,
In every part with praise,
That my whole being may proclaim
Thy being and thy ways.
Not for the lip of praise alone,
Nor e'en the praising heart
I ask, but for a life made up
Of praise in every part!
Today, as we continue meditating on the remained of Psalm 34, I am reminded of the 17th century monk , Brother Lawrence, who practised the presence of God in all things, and at all times. He wrote:
"I make it my business to rest in His holy presence," he said, "which I keep myself in by a habitual, silent, and secret conversation with God. This often causes in me joys and raptures inwardly, and sometimes also outwardly, so great that I am forced to use means to moderate them, and prevent their appearance to others."
“The time of business does not differ from the time of prayer; And in the noise and chatter of my kitchen while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great a tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.”
( Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God.
[ You can read selections from Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God here: http://www.spiritsite.com/writing/brolaw/index.shtml ].
So it is through that constant communion with the Holy Spirit that our life comes into line with what God requires of us. Brother Lawrence actually referred to that constant communion as “Practicing the Presence of God.” What a challenge and example Brother Lawrence gives when he says that he stated he felt as close to God doing the chores of the kitchen, and the garden and in the marketplace as he did in the holiest moment of the Lord’s Supper. That’s the type of communion God makes himself available to us for.
Psalm 34:11-22 (The Message)
11 Come, children, listen closely;
I'll give you a lesson in God worship.
12 Who out there has a lust for life?
Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?
13 Guard your tongue from profanity,
and no more lying through your teeth.
14 Turn your back on sin; do something good.
Embrace peace—don't let it get away!
15 God keeps an eye on his friends,
his ears pick up every moan and groan.
16 God won't put up with rebels;
he'll cull them from the pack.
17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
ready to rescue you.
18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
19 Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.
20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone;
not even a finger gets broken.
21 The wicked commit slow suicide;
they waste their lives hating the good.
22 God pays for each slave's freedom;
no one who runs to him loses out.
Listen: Tune: - Melcombe: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_981.mp3 ]
New every morning is the love
Our wakening and uprising prove,
Through sleep and darkness safely brought,
Restored to life and power and thought.
If on our daily course our mind
Be set to hallow all we find,
New treasures still of countless price
God will provide for sacrifice.
Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be
As more of Heaven in each we see;
Some softening gleam of love and prayer
Shall dawn on every cross and care.
The trivial round, the common task,
Will furnish all we ought to ask;
Room to deny ourselves, a road
To bring us daily nearer God.
Only, O Lord, in thy great love,
Fit us for perfect rest above;
And help us, this and every day,
To live more nearly as we pray.
Author: John Keble (1792-1866)
The Salvation Army Song Number: 668
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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OzThoughts
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Yesterday, we thought about “the time of worship” and concluded with the prayer in the Song:
Fill thou my life, O Lord my God,
In every part with praise,
That my whole being may proclaim
Thy being and thy ways.
Not for the lip of praise alone,
Nor e'en the praising heart
I ask, but for a life made up
Of praise in every part!
Today, as we continue meditating on the remained of Psalm 34, I am reminded of the 17th century monk , Brother Lawrence, who practised the presence of God in all things, and at all times. He wrote:
"I make it my business to rest in His holy presence," he said, "which I keep myself in by a habitual, silent, and secret conversation with God. This often causes in me joys and raptures inwardly, and sometimes also outwardly, so great that I am forced to use means to moderate them, and prevent their appearance to others."
“The time of business does not differ from the time of prayer; And in the noise and chatter of my kitchen while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great a tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.”
( Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God.
[ You can read selections from Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God here: http://www.spiritsite.com/writing/brolaw/index.shtml ].
So it is through that constant communion with the Holy Spirit that our life comes into line with what God requires of us. Brother Lawrence actually referred to that constant communion as “Practicing the Presence of God.” What a challenge and example Brother Lawrence gives when he says that he stated he felt as close to God doing the chores of the kitchen, and the garden and in the marketplace as he did in the holiest moment of the Lord’s Supper. That’s the type of communion God makes himself available to us for.
Psalm 34:11-22 (The Message)
11 Come, children, listen closely;
I'll give you a lesson in God worship.
12 Who out there has a lust for life?
Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?
13 Guard your tongue from profanity,
and no more lying through your teeth.
14 Turn your back on sin; do something good.
Embrace peace—don't let it get away!
15 God keeps an eye on his friends,
his ears pick up every moan and groan.
16 God won't put up with rebels;
he'll cull them from the pack.
17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
ready to rescue you.
18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
19 Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.
20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone;
not even a finger gets broken.
21 The wicked commit slow suicide;
they waste their lives hating the good.
22 God pays for each slave's freedom;
no one who runs to him loses out.
Listen: Tune: - Melcombe: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_981.mp3 ]
New every morning is the love
Our wakening and uprising prove,
Through sleep and darkness safely brought,
Restored to life and power and thought.
If on our daily course our mind
Be set to hallow all we find,
New treasures still of countless price
God will provide for sacrifice.
Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be
As more of Heaven in each we see;
Some softening gleam of love and prayer
Shall dawn on every cross and care.
The trivial round, the common task,
Will furnish all we ought to ask;
Room to deny ourselves, a road
To bring us daily nearer God.
Only, O Lord, in thy great love,
Fit us for perfect rest above;
And help us, this and every day,
To live more nearly as we pray.
Author: John Keble (1792-1866)
The Salvation Army Song Number: 668
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
OzThoughts - Wednesday 22nd April, 2009.
OzThoughts - Wednesday 22nd April, 2009.
I do not imagine I was the only one who was a bit puzzled when about a half hour into a Sunday Morning Congress Holiness Meeting (the main worship meeting of a large annual gathering of Salvationists), a young Officer who was to lead some contemporary praise and worship songs said “ Now, we come to our time of worship”. My thoughts were “Captain, I don’t know what you have been doing but I have been worshiping God since the beginning of this meeting”. It was with worship of God on my mind that I had entered the city hall auditorium which for the day was a holy place of God.
Again my thoughts were prompted by a selection from today’s Bible readings from the Common Lectionary. I chose to reflect on a part of David’s Psalm:
Psalm 34:1-8 (The Message)
1 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.
2 I live and breathe God;
if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:
3 Join me in spreading the news;
together let's get the word out.
4 God met me more than halfway,
he freed me from my anxious fears.
5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile.
Never hide your feelings from him.
6 When I was desperate, I called out,
and God got me out of a tight spot.
7 God's angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.
8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to him.
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as a Prayer Book):
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3614.mp3 ]
Fill thou my life, O Lord my God,
In every part with praise,
That my whole being may proclaim
Thy being and thy ways.
Not for the lip of praise alone,
Nor e'en the praising heart
I ask, but for a life made up
Of praise in every part!
Praise in the common words I speak,
Life's common looks and tones,
In fellowship at hearth and board
With my beloved ones;
Not in the temple crowd alone
Where holy voices chime,
But in the silent paths of earth,
The quiet rooms of time.
Fill every part of me with praise;
Let all my being speak
Of thee and of thy love, O Lord,
Poor though I be, and weak.
So shalt thou, Lord, from me, e'en me,
Receive the glory due;
And so shall I begin on earth
The song forever new.
So shall each fear, each fret, each care
Be turned into a song,
And every winding of the way
The echo shall prolong;
So shall no part of day or night
From sacredness be free;
But all my life, in every step,
Be fellowship with thee.
Author: Horatius Bonar (1808-89), alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 7
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
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I do not imagine I was the only one who was a bit puzzled when about a half hour into a Sunday Morning Congress Holiness Meeting (the main worship meeting of a large annual gathering of Salvationists), a young Officer who was to lead some contemporary praise and worship songs said “ Now, we come to our time of worship”. My thoughts were “Captain, I don’t know what you have been doing but I have been worshiping God since the beginning of this meeting”. It was with worship of God on my mind that I had entered the city hall auditorium which for the day was a holy place of God.
Again my thoughts were prompted by a selection from today’s Bible readings from the Common Lectionary. I chose to reflect on a part of David’s Psalm:
Psalm 34:1-8 (The Message)
1 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.
2 I live and breathe God;
if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:
3 Join me in spreading the news;
together let's get the word out.
4 God met me more than halfway,
he freed me from my anxious fears.
5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile.
Never hide your feelings from him.
6 When I was desperate, I called out,
and God got me out of a tight spot.
7 God's angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.
8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to him.
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as a Prayer Book):
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3614.mp3 ]
Fill thou my life, O Lord my God,
In every part with praise,
That my whole being may proclaim
Thy being and thy ways.
Not for the lip of praise alone,
Nor e'en the praising heart
I ask, but for a life made up
Of praise in every part!
Praise in the common words I speak,
Life's common looks and tones,
In fellowship at hearth and board
With my beloved ones;
Not in the temple crowd alone
Where holy voices chime,
But in the silent paths of earth,
The quiet rooms of time.
Fill every part of me with praise;
Let all my being speak
Of thee and of thy love, O Lord,
Poor though I be, and weak.
So shalt thou, Lord, from me, e'en me,
Receive the glory due;
And so shall I begin on earth
The song forever new.
So shall each fear, each fret, each care
Be turned into a song,
And every winding of the way
The echo shall prolong;
So shall no part of day or night
From sacredness be free;
But all my life, in every step,
Be fellowship with thee.
Author: Horatius Bonar (1808-89), alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 7
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, April 20, 2009
OzThoughts - Tuesday 21st April, 2009.
OzThoughts - Tuesday 21st April, 2009.
What does it mean to be a Christian? Some will see an “instant” when people turn from the former life and go all out for God in a new way of living. They can describe the moment and the circumstances under which they became a Christian.
Others will see more of a “process”. For them there will be a growing awareness of God and a growing response to that awareness. They cannot describe a moment when they became a Christian but they can tell and show by their lifestyle that they are Christian.
Both have to grow in their response to God. When and how did it start? Some seem to know while others don’t know. Read what John records Jesus as saying to Nicodemus.
John 3:1-15 (The Message)
1-2 There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, "Rabbi, we all know you're a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren't in on it."
3 Jesus said, "You're absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it's not possible to see what I'm pointing to—to God's kingdom."
4 "How can anyone," said Nicodemus, "be born who has already been born and grown up? You can't re-enter your mother's womb and be born again. What are you saying with this 'born-from-above' talk?"
5-6 Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the 'wind-hovering-over-the-water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it's not possible to enter God's kingdom. When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.
7-8 "So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above'—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it's headed next. That's the way it is with everyone 'born from above' by the wind of God, the Spirit of God."
9 Nicodemus asked, "What do you mean by this? How does this happen?"
10-12 Jesus said, "You're a respected teacher of Israel and you don't know these basics? Listen carefully. I'm speaking sober truth to you. I speak only of what I know by experience; I give witness only to what I have seen with my own eyes. There is nothing secondhand here, no hearsay. Yet instead of facing the evidence and accepting it, you procrastinate with questions. If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you don't believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you can't see, the things of God?
13-15 "No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.
Prayer : (Using our Song Book as a Prayer Book)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4387.mp3 ]
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Cleanse me from its guilt and power.
Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfil thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears for ever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to thee for dress,
Helpless, look to thee for grace,
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Saviour, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee.
Author: Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-78)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 302
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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/
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OzThoughts
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What does it mean to be a Christian? Some will see an “instant” when people turn from the former life and go all out for God in a new way of living. They can describe the moment and the circumstances under which they became a Christian.
Others will see more of a “process”. For them there will be a growing awareness of God and a growing response to that awareness. They cannot describe a moment when they became a Christian but they can tell and show by their lifestyle that they are Christian.
Both have to grow in their response to God. When and how did it start? Some seem to know while others don’t know. Read what John records Jesus as saying to Nicodemus.
John 3:1-15 (The Message)
1-2 There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, "Rabbi, we all know you're a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren't in on it."
3 Jesus said, "You're absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it's not possible to see what I'm pointing to—to God's kingdom."
4 "How can anyone," said Nicodemus, "be born who has already been born and grown up? You can't re-enter your mother's womb and be born again. What are you saying with this 'born-from-above' talk?"
5-6 Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the 'wind-hovering-over-the-water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it's not possible to enter God's kingdom. When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.
7-8 "So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above'—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it's headed next. That's the way it is with everyone 'born from above' by the wind of God, the Spirit of God."
9 Nicodemus asked, "What do you mean by this? How does this happen?"
10-12 Jesus said, "You're a respected teacher of Israel and you don't know these basics? Listen carefully. I'm speaking sober truth to you. I speak only of what I know by experience; I give witness only to what I have seen with my own eyes. There is nothing secondhand here, no hearsay. Yet instead of facing the evidence and accepting it, you procrastinate with questions. If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you don't believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you can't see, the things of God?
13-15 "No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.
Prayer : (Using our Song Book as a Prayer Book)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4387.mp3 ]
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Cleanse me from its guilt and power.
Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfil thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears for ever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to thee for dress,
Helpless, look to thee for grace,
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Saviour, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee.
Author: Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-78)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 302
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Sunday, April 19, 2009
OzThoughts Monday 20th April, 2009.
OzThoughts Monday 20th April, 2009.
Many Australians joke about their Prime Minister and his many trips overseas to meet in conferences with other national leaders. Some talk about his rare visits to Australia. When a conference of leaders was recently cancelled because of protestors, he was already on his way there and his plane came back to Australia. Some commentators joked about him being forced back to Australia and others talked about him reluctantly returning. Some more seriously suggest he has aspirations for higher position on the world stage with a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
You will see why I thought about this when you read Psalm 2. Do not miss the main message though. It is a call back to God and to give up our own foolish ways:
Worship God in adoring embrace,
Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah!
Your very lives are in danger, you know;
His anger is about to explode,
But if you make a run for God—you won't regret it!
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as a Prayer Book) :
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_047.mp3 ]
Mine to rise when thou dost call me,
Lifelong though the journey be;
Thine to measure all its windings,
Leading step by step to thee.
Chorus
I am thine, O Lord and Master,
Thine to follow to the end
Thou art mine, O Christ my Saviour.
Guide and helper, lover, friend!
Mine to follow, even blindly,
Thine, O Christ, to go before;
Mine to try and scale the barrier,
Thine to fling an open door.
Mine to smile in face of failure,
Thine to gladden my defeat;
Mine to kneel and drink of Marah,
Thine to make its waters sweet.
Thine the sealing and revealing
All the outcome of my vow,
As I give thee soul and body,
Mine no longer, thine just now.
Author: Susie Forrest Swift (1862-1916)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 510
Psalm 2 (The Message)
1-6 Why the big noise, nations?
Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth-leaders push for position,
Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks,
The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers:
"Let's get free of God!
Cast loose from Messiah!"
Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing.
At first he's amused at their presumption;
Then he gets good and angry.
Furiously, he shuts them up:
"Don't you know there's a King in Zion? A coronation banquet
Is spread for him on the holy summit."
7-9 Let me tell you what God said next.
He said, "You're my son,
And today is your birthday.
What do you want? Name it:
Nations as a present? continents as a prize?
You can command them all to dance for you,
Or throw them out with tomorrow's trash."
10-12 So, rebel-kings, use your heads;
Upstart-judges, learn your lesson:
Worship God in adoring embrace,
Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah!
Your very lives are in danger, you know;
His anger is about to explode,
But if you make a run for God—you won't regret it!
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
Many Australians joke about their Prime Minister and his many trips overseas to meet in conferences with other national leaders. Some talk about his rare visits to Australia. When a conference of leaders was recently cancelled because of protestors, he was already on his way there and his plane came back to Australia. Some commentators joked about him being forced back to Australia and others talked about him reluctantly returning. Some more seriously suggest he has aspirations for higher position on the world stage with a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
You will see why I thought about this when you read Psalm 2. Do not miss the main message though. It is a call back to God and to give up our own foolish ways:
Worship God in adoring embrace,
Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah!
Your very lives are in danger, you know;
His anger is about to explode,
But if you make a run for God—you won't regret it!
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as a Prayer Book) :
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_047.mp3 ]
Mine to rise when thou dost call me,
Lifelong though the journey be;
Thine to measure all its windings,
Leading step by step to thee.
Chorus
I am thine, O Lord and Master,
Thine to follow to the end
Thou art mine, O Christ my Saviour.
Guide and helper, lover, friend!
Mine to follow, even blindly,
Thine, O Christ, to go before;
Mine to try and scale the barrier,
Thine to fling an open door.
Mine to smile in face of failure,
Thine to gladden my defeat;
Mine to kneel and drink of Marah,
Thine to make its waters sweet.
Thine the sealing and revealing
All the outcome of my vow,
As I give thee soul and body,
Mine no longer, thine just now.
Author: Susie Forrest Swift (1862-1916)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 510
Psalm 2 (The Message)
1-6 Why the big noise, nations?
Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth-leaders push for position,
Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks,
The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers:
"Let's get free of God!
Cast loose from Messiah!"
Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing.
At first he's amused at their presumption;
Then he gets good and angry.
Furiously, he shuts them up:
"Don't you know there's a King in Zion? A coronation banquet
Is spread for him on the holy summit."
7-9 Let me tell you what God said next.
He said, "You're my son,
And today is your birthday.
What do you want? Name it:
Nations as a present? continents as a prize?
You can command them all to dance for you,
Or throw them out with tomorrow's trash."
10-12 So, rebel-kings, use your heads;
Upstart-judges, learn your lesson:
Worship God in adoring embrace,
Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah!
Your very lives are in danger, you know;
His anger is about to explode,
But if you make a run for God—you won't regret it!
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
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`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):
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Saturday, April 18, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 19th April, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 19th April, 2009
[Please forward this OzThoughts to your friends – they can subscribe for themselves (free) details are below].
This is the very day God acted—
let's celebrate and be festive!
Salvation now, GOD. Salvation now!
Oh yes, GOD—a free and full life!
(Psalm 118: 24,25 The Message)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 09
Authors: Attributed to: Samuel Barnard (d 1807)
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1598.mp3
or
Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1806.mp3
Jehovah is our strength,
And he shall be our song;
We shall o'ercome at length
Although our foes be strong.
In vain does Satan then oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
2.
The Lord our refuge is
And ever will remain;
Since he has made us his
He will our cause maintain.
In vain our enemies oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
3.
The Lord our shepherd is;
He knows our every need,
And since we now are his,
His care our souls will feed.
In vain do sin and death oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
4.
Our God our Father is;
Our names are on his heart;
We ever will be his,
He ne'er from us will part.
In vain the mightiest powers oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
Psalm 115 (The Message)
1-2 Not for our sake, GOD, no, not for our sake,
but for your name's sake, show your glory.
Do it on account of your merciful love,
do it on account of your faithful ways.
Do it so none of the nations can say,
"Where now, oh where is their God?"
3-8 Our God is in heaven
doing whatever he wants to do.
Their gods are metal and wood,
handmade in a basement shop:
Carved mouths that can't talk,
painted eyes that can't see,
Tin ears that can't hear,
molded noses that can't smell,
Hands that can't grasp, feet that can't walk or run,
throats that never utter a sound.
Those who make them have become just like them,
have become just like the gods they trust.
4-9 GOD is higher than anything and anyone,
outshining everything you can see in the skies.
Who can compare with GOD, our God,
so majestically enthroned,
Surveying his magnificent
heavens and earth?
He picks up the poor from out of the dirt,
rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash,
Seats them among the honored guests,
a place of honor among the brightest and best.
He gives childless couples a family,
gives them joy as the parents of children.
Hallelujah!
9-11 But you, Israel: put your trust in GOD!
—trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!
Clan of Aaron, trust in GOD!
—trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!
You who fear God, trust in GOD!
—trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!
12-16 O GOD, remember us and bless us,
bless the families of Israel and Aaron.
And let GOD bless all who fear GOD—
bless the small, bless the great.
Oh, let GOD enlarge your families—
giving growth to you, growth to your children.
May you be blessed by GOD,
by GOD, who made heaven and earth.
The heaven of heavens is for GOD,
but he put us in charge of the earth.
17-18 Dead people can't praise GOD—
not a word to be heard from those buried in the ground.
But we bless GOD, oh yes—
we bless him now, we bless him always!
Hallelujah!
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 20
Authors: James Montgomery (1771-1854)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2972.mp3 ]
Stand up and bless the Lord,
Ye people of his choice;
Stand up and bless the Lord your God
With heart and soul and voice.
Chorus
Praise ye the Lord, hallelujah!
2.
Though high above all praise,
Above all blessing high,
Who would not fear his holy name,
And laud and magnify?
3.
O for the living flame
From his own altar brought,
To touch our lips, our minds inspire,
And wing to Heaven our thought!
4.
God is our strength and song,
And his salvation ours;
Then be his love in Christ proclaimed
With all our ransomed powers.
5.
Stand up and bless the Lord,
The Lord your God adore;
Stand up and bless his glorious name
Henceforth for evermore.
PRAYER:
O Father, let thy love remain,
O Son, may I thy likeness gain,
O Spirit, stay to comfort me,
O triune God, praise be to thee. Amen.
[SA Song Book: Song Number: 958
Authors: Henrik Ghysen (1660-93),
Translator: William Frederik Palstra (1904-73) ]
Listen for enjoyment: International Staff Songsters: :
“Praise Him ” : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_240.mp3
……………………………………………..
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You might like to listen to “Salvoaudio Songster Selection for Easter”. It is a choice selection of 11 songster pieces by at least 7 Songster Brigades.
Click here:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/songsters/salvoaudio_songsters.htm
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
[Please forward this OzThoughts to your friends – they can subscribe for themselves (free) details are below].
This is the very day God acted—
let's celebrate and be festive!
Salvation now, GOD. Salvation now!
Oh yes, GOD—a free and full life!
(Psalm 118: 24,25 The Message)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 09
Authors: Attributed to: Samuel Barnard (d 1807)
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1598.mp3
or
Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1806.mp3
Jehovah is our strength,
And he shall be our song;
We shall o'ercome at length
Although our foes be strong.
In vain does Satan then oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
2.
The Lord our refuge is
And ever will remain;
Since he has made us his
He will our cause maintain.
In vain our enemies oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
3.
The Lord our shepherd is;
He knows our every need,
And since we now are his,
His care our souls will feed.
In vain do sin and death oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
4.
Our God our Father is;
Our names are on his heart;
We ever will be his,
He ne'er from us will part.
In vain the mightiest powers oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
Psalm 115 (The Message)
1-2 Not for our sake, GOD, no, not for our sake,
but for your name's sake, show your glory.
Do it on account of your merciful love,
do it on account of your faithful ways.
Do it so none of the nations can say,
"Where now, oh where is their God?"
3-8 Our God is in heaven
doing whatever he wants to do.
Their gods are metal and wood,
handmade in a basement shop:
Carved mouths that can't talk,
painted eyes that can't see,
Tin ears that can't hear,
molded noses that can't smell,
Hands that can't grasp, feet that can't walk or run,
throats that never utter a sound.
Those who make them have become just like them,
have become just like the gods they trust.
4-9 GOD is higher than anything and anyone,
outshining everything you can see in the skies.
Who can compare with GOD, our God,
so majestically enthroned,
Surveying his magnificent
heavens and earth?
He picks up the poor from out of the dirt,
rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash,
Seats them among the honored guests,
a place of honor among the brightest and best.
He gives childless couples a family,
gives them joy as the parents of children.
Hallelujah!
9-11 But you, Israel: put your trust in GOD!
—trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!
Clan of Aaron, trust in GOD!
—trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!
You who fear God, trust in GOD!
—trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!
12-16 O GOD, remember us and bless us,
bless the families of Israel and Aaron.
And let GOD bless all who fear GOD—
bless the small, bless the great.
Oh, let GOD enlarge your families—
giving growth to you, growth to your children.
May you be blessed by GOD,
by GOD, who made heaven and earth.
The heaven of heavens is for GOD,
but he put us in charge of the earth.
17-18 Dead people can't praise GOD—
not a word to be heard from those buried in the ground.
But we bless GOD, oh yes—
we bless him now, we bless him always!
Hallelujah!
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 20
Authors: James Montgomery (1771-1854)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2972.mp3 ]
Stand up and bless the Lord,
Ye people of his choice;
Stand up and bless the Lord your God
With heart and soul and voice.
Chorus
Praise ye the Lord, hallelujah!
2.
Though high above all praise,
Above all blessing high,
Who would not fear his holy name,
And laud and magnify?
3.
O for the living flame
From his own altar brought,
To touch our lips, our minds inspire,
And wing to Heaven our thought!
4.
God is our strength and song,
And his salvation ours;
Then be his love in Christ proclaimed
With all our ransomed powers.
5.
Stand up and bless the Lord,
The Lord your God adore;
Stand up and bless his glorious name
Henceforth for evermore.
PRAYER:
O Father, let thy love remain,
O Son, may I thy likeness gain,
O Spirit, stay to comfort me,
O triune God, praise be to thee. Amen.
[SA Song Book: Song Number: 958
Authors: Henrik Ghysen (1660-93),
Translator: William Frederik Palstra (1904-73) ]
Listen for enjoyment: International Staff Songsters: :
“Praise Him ” : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_240.mp3
……………………………………………..
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You might like to listen to “Salvoaudio Songster Selection for Easter”. It is a choice selection of 11 songster pieces by at least 7 Songster Brigades.
Click here:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/songsters/salvoaudio_songsters.htm
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 18th April 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 18th April 2009
Quiet Relaxation
One of my great joys is to spend a day sitting in the sun in my little aluminium boat catching fish. Sometimes, it is very busy on the water with boats of all descriptions moving around the water with many people out to enjoy a beautiful day and the relaxation on the water. At other times I can find a quiet spot where no waves from passing boats disturb my peace.
To me fishing is a time of quietness and relaxation. It is a very special experience to get out beside a river or the sea and cast a baited line into the watery depths. These days my fishing is done mostly from my small aluminium boat in the usually quiet waters of the wide river entrance not far from where I live. I love the quietness. Sometimes not even the fish disturb me. Sometimes the noise of an emergency vehicle, maybe an ambulance or fire engine will float across the water. Sometimes I can hear sounds from the nearby Sea World Tourist Park At other times I hear the cheers of the crowd or the excited amplified voice of the commentator at the dolphin and water ski show. Sometimes in the quiet late afternoon, I can hear the seals barking at the same place where they are an attraction to entertain the daily tourists. Often it is the rattle of the roller coaster and squeals of girls who are riding on it or the noise of the artificial volcano with its burst of flame and belch of black smoke. There might be helicopters and sea planes overhead but generally I enjoy the quietness and time away from the usual daily round, and its demands and involvements.
To me fishing is also a challenge. To be successful a number of things need to be right. The challenge is to get all these right things happening together so that the ice box carries home rewards for the day’s effort. Firstly, there is the challenge of fishing in the right place which depends on the season and the fish likely to be around at that time. There is also the challenge of having the right sinkers (weights) on the line and the right size hook. The selection of the right bait to attract the targeted fish can also be a challenge. The challenge continues at the distinctive bites of the various fish are felt or a bream picks up the bait and moves off with it before attempting to swallow it. The fish pulling at the line as I attempt to reel it into the boat is also another time of challenge. Will the fish shake itself free? Is the line okay or will it break under the strain? Will the knot hold? What type is it? Will it be big enough to legally keep? These are some of the questions as the fish battles with the fisherman.
Interestingly enough, it can also be a time of observing others. People go past on all types of craft from kayaks and surf skis to luxury launches and various tourist boats. Other fishing boats of all sizes from small ones like mine to deep sea game fishing boats go past also. There is a number of commercial fishing boats which travel past on their way to the sea to drag it depths with their nets and return with their coolers full of fish for the local and overseas markets.
Fishing can also be a time of friendship or as expressed in the Australian way “mateship”. Legally, my little boat can hold four people but it is most comfortable with two. So it is an opportunity for two mates to share the experience and the challenges of the day. It can be a time to share some thoughts and comments on life and its circumstances.
The Gospels tell us that some of the closest followers of Jesus were professional fishermen. They left their nets and boats behind to become Disciples of Jesus. John’s Gospel Chapter 21 reminds us of seven of the bewildered disciples after Jesus death and resurrection. Peter says he is going fishing and his six companions decide to go with him. They fished all night and caught nothing. How often I have shared that experience and return empty from a fishing excursion. However in recent weeks I have been a little more successful.
The disciples in their boat called to answer Jesus that they had caught no fish and Jesus told them to cast on the other side and we read they caught a miracle net-full of fish. The story develops to where they enjoy a fish breakfast with Jesus on the beach and then Jesus has a quiet conversation with Peter.
In the quietness of the fishing time, Jesus issues Peter with the biggest challenge yet. Jesus confronts Peter with a simple question: “Peter, do you love me?” We can read the conversation which follows, with Peter declaring His love for Jesus. Jesus then restores him to the leadership of those doing Jesus’ work.
In the quietness, and sometimes in our busy-ness, Jesus often comes to us with similar challenges. How will we answer?
John 21 (The Message)
Fishing
1After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: 2Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed "Twin"), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.
3Simon Peter announced, "I'm going fishing."
The rest of them replied, "We're going with you." They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night.
4When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn't recognize him.
5Jesus spoke to them: "Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?"
They answered, "No."
6He said, "Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens."
They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren't strong enough to pull it in.
7Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Master!"
When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea.
8The other disciples came in by boat for they weren't far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. 9When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it.
10Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you've just caught."
11Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore--153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn't rip.
12Jesus said, "Breakfast is ready." Not one of the disciples dared ask, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Master.
13Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish.
14This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.
Do You Love Me?
15After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Master, you know I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Master, you know I love you."
Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep."
17Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
18I'm telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go."
19He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, "Follow me."
[Listen: Band (Male) Chorus: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1250.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_001.mp3
or
Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1001.mp3
or
Band: : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2110.mp3
My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine,
For thee all the pleasures of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art thou,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
2.
I love thee because thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;
I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
3.
I will love thee in life, I will love thee in death,
And praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath;
And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
4.
In mansions of Glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore thee and dwell in thy sight;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
Author: William Ralph Featherstone (1846-73)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 357
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
Quiet Relaxation
One of my great joys is to spend a day sitting in the sun in my little aluminium boat catching fish. Sometimes, it is very busy on the water with boats of all descriptions moving around the water with many people out to enjoy a beautiful day and the relaxation on the water. At other times I can find a quiet spot where no waves from passing boats disturb my peace.
To me fishing is a time of quietness and relaxation. It is a very special experience to get out beside a river or the sea and cast a baited line into the watery depths. These days my fishing is done mostly from my small aluminium boat in the usually quiet waters of the wide river entrance not far from where I live. I love the quietness. Sometimes not even the fish disturb me. Sometimes the noise of an emergency vehicle, maybe an ambulance or fire engine will float across the water. Sometimes I can hear sounds from the nearby Sea World Tourist Park At other times I hear the cheers of the crowd or the excited amplified voice of the commentator at the dolphin and water ski show. Sometimes in the quiet late afternoon, I can hear the seals barking at the same place where they are an attraction to entertain the daily tourists. Often it is the rattle of the roller coaster and squeals of girls who are riding on it or the noise of the artificial volcano with its burst of flame and belch of black smoke. There might be helicopters and sea planes overhead but generally I enjoy the quietness and time away from the usual daily round, and its demands and involvements.
To me fishing is also a challenge. To be successful a number of things need to be right. The challenge is to get all these right things happening together so that the ice box carries home rewards for the day’s effort. Firstly, there is the challenge of fishing in the right place which depends on the season and the fish likely to be around at that time. There is also the challenge of having the right sinkers (weights) on the line and the right size hook. The selection of the right bait to attract the targeted fish can also be a challenge. The challenge continues at the distinctive bites of the various fish are felt or a bream picks up the bait and moves off with it before attempting to swallow it. The fish pulling at the line as I attempt to reel it into the boat is also another time of challenge. Will the fish shake itself free? Is the line okay or will it break under the strain? Will the knot hold? What type is it? Will it be big enough to legally keep? These are some of the questions as the fish battles with the fisherman.
Interestingly enough, it can also be a time of observing others. People go past on all types of craft from kayaks and surf skis to luxury launches and various tourist boats. Other fishing boats of all sizes from small ones like mine to deep sea game fishing boats go past also. There is a number of commercial fishing boats which travel past on their way to the sea to drag it depths with their nets and return with their coolers full of fish for the local and overseas markets.
Fishing can also be a time of friendship or as expressed in the Australian way “mateship”. Legally, my little boat can hold four people but it is most comfortable with two. So it is an opportunity for two mates to share the experience and the challenges of the day. It can be a time to share some thoughts and comments on life and its circumstances.
The Gospels tell us that some of the closest followers of Jesus were professional fishermen. They left their nets and boats behind to become Disciples of Jesus. John’s Gospel Chapter 21 reminds us of seven of the bewildered disciples after Jesus death and resurrection. Peter says he is going fishing and his six companions decide to go with him. They fished all night and caught nothing. How often I have shared that experience and return empty from a fishing excursion. However in recent weeks I have been a little more successful.
The disciples in their boat called to answer Jesus that they had caught no fish and Jesus told them to cast on the other side and we read they caught a miracle net-full of fish. The story develops to where they enjoy a fish breakfast with Jesus on the beach and then Jesus has a quiet conversation with Peter.
In the quietness of the fishing time, Jesus issues Peter with the biggest challenge yet. Jesus confronts Peter with a simple question: “Peter, do you love me?” We can read the conversation which follows, with Peter declaring His love for Jesus. Jesus then restores him to the leadership of those doing Jesus’ work.
In the quietness, and sometimes in our busy-ness, Jesus often comes to us with similar challenges. How will we answer?
John 21 (The Message)
Fishing
1After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: 2Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed "Twin"), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.
3Simon Peter announced, "I'm going fishing."
The rest of them replied, "We're going with you." They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night.
4When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn't recognize him.
5Jesus spoke to them: "Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?"
They answered, "No."
6He said, "Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens."
They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren't strong enough to pull it in.
7Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Master!"
When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea.
8The other disciples came in by boat for they weren't far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. 9When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it.
10Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you've just caught."
11Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore--153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn't rip.
12Jesus said, "Breakfast is ready." Not one of the disciples dared ask, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Master.
13Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish.
14This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.
Do You Love Me?
15After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Master, you know I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Master, you know I love you."
Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep."
17Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
18I'm telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go."
19He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, "Follow me."
[Listen: Band (Male) Chorus: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1250.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_001.mp3
or
Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1001.mp3
or
Band: : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2110.mp3
My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine,
For thee all the pleasures of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art thou,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
2.
I love thee because thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;
I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
3.
I will love thee in life, I will love thee in death,
And praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath;
And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
4.
In mansions of Glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore thee and dwell in thy sight;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
Author: William Ralph Featherstone (1846-73)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 357
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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Thursday, April 16, 2009
OzThoughts Friday 17th April, 2009.
OzThoughts Friday 17th April, 2009.
If there is one response to the words “I'm going fishing”, it is “We're going with you.”
That is exactly what happened when Peter announced he was going fishing. The rest of the Disciples said ‘we are coming, too’.
Now these guys, or at least some of them were professional fishermen, but they had the same result as many of us. They caught nothing. Now I can identify with that. On my recent holiday I paid good money for my wife and I to go on a fishing charter. I caught nothing she caught one lovely good sized fish.
She won’t let me forget the fish she caught just like John tells us the Disciples caught nothing. But once again there was more. The declaration that they had caught nothing was to none other than Jesus. Now their newly resurrected Friend and Master tells them to cast their nets on the other side. Until now they had not realised it was Jesus but now it was clear. Peter jumps from the boat to greet his Master.
Just like my wife tells me how big her fish was , John tells us at Jesus’ instruction they caught 153 fish. Jesus soon told them breakfast was ready and served them bread and fresh fish. Jesus was really alive. John records this was the third time Jesus appeared to them
Prayer: ( Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book):
[Look and Listen: Organ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeBHzg1GehQ&feature=related
or
Listen: Band (First tune Lathbury is associated with these words): http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF387%20-%20Hymn%20Tunes%20(a)%20Lathbury%20(b)%20St%20Cuthbert.mp3 ]
Break thou the bread of life,
O Lord, to me,
As thou didst break the loaves
Beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page
I seek thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for thee,
O living Word!
Thou art the bread of life,
O Lord, to me,
Thy holy word the truth
That saveth me;
Give me to eat and live
With thee above;
Teach me to love thy truth,
For thou art love.
O send thy Spirit, Lord,
Now unto me,
That he may touch my eyes
And make me see;
Show me the truth concealed
Within thy word,
And in thy book revealed
I see the Lord.
Authors: Mary Artemisia Lathbury (1841-1913), (verse 1 )
Alexander Groves (1843-1909) (verses 2 and 3 )
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 650
John 21:1-14 (The Message)
1-3 After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed "Twin"), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, "I'm going fishing."
3-4 The rest of them replied, "We're going with you." They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn't recognize him.
5 Jesus spoke to them: "Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?"
They answered, "No."
6 He said, "Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens."
They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren't strong enough to pull it in.
7-9 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Master!"
When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren't far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it.
10-11 Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you've just caught." Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn't rip.
12 Jesus said, "Breakfast is ready." Not one of the disciples dared ask, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Master.
13-14 Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
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`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
If there is one response to the words “I'm going fishing”, it is “We're going with you.”
That is exactly what happened when Peter announced he was going fishing. The rest of the Disciples said ‘we are coming, too’.
Now these guys, or at least some of them were professional fishermen, but they had the same result as many of us. They caught nothing. Now I can identify with that. On my recent holiday I paid good money for my wife and I to go on a fishing charter. I caught nothing she caught one lovely good sized fish.
She won’t let me forget the fish she caught just like John tells us the Disciples caught nothing. But once again there was more. The declaration that they had caught nothing was to none other than Jesus. Now their newly resurrected Friend and Master tells them to cast their nets on the other side. Until now they had not realised it was Jesus but now it was clear. Peter jumps from the boat to greet his Master.
Just like my wife tells me how big her fish was , John tells us at Jesus’ instruction they caught 153 fish. Jesus soon told them breakfast was ready and served them bread and fresh fish. Jesus was really alive. John records this was the third time Jesus appeared to them
Prayer: ( Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book):
[Look and Listen: Organ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeBHzg1GehQ&feature=related
or
Listen: Band (First tune Lathbury is associated with these words): http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF387%20-%20Hymn%20Tunes%20(a)%20Lathbury%20(b)%20St%20Cuthbert.mp3 ]
Break thou the bread of life,
O Lord, to me,
As thou didst break the loaves
Beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page
I seek thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for thee,
O living Word!
Thou art the bread of life,
O Lord, to me,
Thy holy word the truth
That saveth me;
Give me to eat and live
With thee above;
Teach me to love thy truth,
For thou art love.
O send thy Spirit, Lord,
Now unto me,
That he may touch my eyes
And make me see;
Show me the truth concealed
Within thy word,
And in thy book revealed
I see the Lord.
Authors: Mary Artemisia Lathbury (1841-1913), (verse 1 )
Alexander Groves (1843-1909) (verses 2 and 3 )
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 650
John 21:1-14 (The Message)
1-3 After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed "Twin"), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, "I'm going fishing."
3-4 The rest of them replied, "We're going with you." They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn't recognize him.
5 Jesus spoke to them: "Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?"
They answered, "No."
6 He said, "Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens."
They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren't strong enough to pull it in.
7-9 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Master!"
When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren't far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it.
10-11 Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you've just caught." Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn't rip.
12 Jesus said, "Breakfast is ready." Not one of the disciples dared ask, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Master.
13-14 Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
OzThoughts Thursday 16th April, 2009.
OzThoughts Thursday 16th April, 2009.
I clearly remember lying on my bed and reading every detail of the first heart transplant. South African Christiaan Barnard performed the world's first human heart transplant on 3 December 1967. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christiaan_Barnard). I remember reading the details in the Brisbane’s “Telegraph” “Courier Mail” and later reading more detail and seeing colour pictures in Time magazine. It was a miracle that my mind had difficulty comprehending.
Some years later, I sat in a large Salvation Army gathering in Sydney and just across from me, siting in a place I could see him quite clearly was Captain Tom Ford who had received a heart transplant. Again, my mind found it difficult to comprehend there was a man who had received another person’s heart. Since then I have met many others who have received transplants, particularly in the days I lined up at the Heart Transplant Clinic to see my Cardiologist. I saw and I believed. These people were living miracles of modern medicine.
Jesus was there for the Disciples and other followers to see. However, we read “They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death.” People don’t die and live. Luke records “They still couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true.”
Jesus went on to demonstrate that not only was he really alive but that it was a fulfilment of what was written in the Scriptures. Jesuse said, "Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled. He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, …!”
Jesus then says you are the first to know. “You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses.” He then says but wait, there is more. “What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high."
[Look and Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFI5l8v_0UY ]
At the name of Jesus
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him
King of Glory now;
'Tis the Father's pleasure
We should call him Lord,
Who from the beginning
Was the mighty Word.
At his voice creation
Sprang at once to sight,
All the angel faces,
All the hosts of light,
Thrones and dominations,
Stars upon their way,
All the heavenly orders
In their great array.
Humbled for a season,
To receive a name
From the lips of sinners
Unto whom he came,
Faithfully he bore it
Spotless to the last,
Brought it back victorious
When from death he passed.
Bore it up triumphant
With its human light,
Through all ranks of creatures
To the central height,
To the throne of Godhead,
To the Father's breast;
Filled it with the glory
Of that perfect rest.
In your hearts enthrone him;
There let him subdue
All that is not holy,
All that is not true;
Crown him as your captain
In temptation's hour;
Let his will enfold you
In its light and power.
Author: Caroline Maria Noel (1817-77)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 141
Luke 24:35-48 (The Message)
35Then the two went over everything that happened on the road and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.
36-41While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, "Peace be with you." They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, "Don't be upset, and don't let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it's really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn't have muscle and bone like this." As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true.
41-43He asked, "Do you have any food here?" They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes.
44Then he said, "Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled."
45-49He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high."
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
I clearly remember lying on my bed and reading every detail of the first heart transplant. South African Christiaan Barnard performed the world's first human heart transplant on 3 December 1967. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christiaan_Barnard). I remember reading the details in the Brisbane’s “Telegraph” “Courier Mail” and later reading more detail and seeing colour pictures in Time magazine. It was a miracle that my mind had difficulty comprehending.
Some years later, I sat in a large Salvation Army gathering in Sydney and just across from me, siting in a place I could see him quite clearly was Captain Tom Ford who had received a heart transplant. Again, my mind found it difficult to comprehend there was a man who had received another person’s heart. Since then I have met many others who have received transplants, particularly in the days I lined up at the Heart Transplant Clinic to see my Cardiologist. I saw and I believed. These people were living miracles of modern medicine.
Jesus was there for the Disciples and other followers to see. However, we read “They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death.” People don’t die and live. Luke records “They still couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true.”
Jesus went on to demonstrate that not only was he really alive but that it was a fulfilment of what was written in the Scriptures. Jesuse said, "Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled. He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, …!”
Jesus then says you are the first to know. “You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses.” He then says but wait, there is more. “What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high."
[Look and Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFI5l8v_0UY ]
At the name of Jesus
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him
King of Glory now;
'Tis the Father's pleasure
We should call him Lord,
Who from the beginning
Was the mighty Word.
At his voice creation
Sprang at once to sight,
All the angel faces,
All the hosts of light,
Thrones and dominations,
Stars upon their way,
All the heavenly orders
In their great array.
Humbled for a season,
To receive a name
From the lips of sinners
Unto whom he came,
Faithfully he bore it
Spotless to the last,
Brought it back victorious
When from death he passed.
Bore it up triumphant
With its human light,
Through all ranks of creatures
To the central height,
To the throne of Godhead,
To the Father's breast;
Filled it with the glory
Of that perfect rest.
In your hearts enthrone him;
There let him subdue
All that is not holy,
All that is not true;
Crown him as your captain
In temptation's hour;
Let his will enfold you
In its light and power.
Author: Caroline Maria Noel (1817-77)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 141
Luke 24:35-48 (The Message)
35Then the two went over everything that happened on the road and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.
36-41While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, "Peace be with you." They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, "Don't be upset, and don't let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it's really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn't have muscle and bone like this." As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true.
41-43He asked, "Do you have any food here?" They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes.
44Then he said, "Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled."
45-49He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high."
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday, 15th April 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday, 15th April 2009
A friend sent me a simple Easter cartoon drawn by Phil Selby a couple of years ago. It shows a man and woman, early Christians, kneeling before a simple table with a cross on it. Jesus, wearing his crown of thorns, puts his head through the doorway and says “ Hey hey! Guess who’s back from the dead!” (To see it click here: http://bigeyedeer.wordpress.com/2007/04/06/happy-easter/
I imagine their surprise was very much like that of all the followers of Jesus, particularly the two who were walking to Emmaus when Jesus came up to them. They were so busy discussing al that had happened they did not recognise Jesus. Read how Luke tells the story:
Luke 24:13-35 (The Message)
13-16 That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.
17-18 He asked, "What's this you're discussing so intently as you walk along?"
They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, "Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn't heard what's happened during the last few days?"
19-24 He said, "What has happened?"
They said, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn't find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn't see Jesus."
25-27 Then he said to them, "So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can't you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don't you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?" Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him.
28-31 They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: "Stay and have supper with us. It's nearly evening; the day is done." So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared.
32 Back and forth they talked. "Didn't we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?"
33-34 They didn't waste a minute. They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away: "It's really happened! The Master has been raised up—Simon saw him!"
35 Then the two went over everything that happened on the road and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father I will have a busy day today, but help me not to miss seeing you in the places I go and in the people I meet. I pray, too, that people might see Jesus in me and in the things I do. Amen.
[Listen: Brass Band : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3939.mp3
or
Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_115.mp3 ]
I set out a pilgrim sad at heart
To walk a lonely road;
Doubt had marr’d my simple trusting,
Doubt a future ill forbode;
And as I pondered o’er my grief,
My shattered hopes and unbelief,
A Stranger to my soul’s relief,
Drew near and walked with me.
Chorus
Jesus himself drew near,
Jesus himself drew near,
When alone on the road,
Oppress’d by my load,
Jesus himself drew near and walked with me.
I deign’d not to raise my drooping eyes,
Nor sought to learn his name,
Tho’ his voice, like heav’nly music,
Set this heart of mine aflame.
He seemed to read my every thought,
To know the pain my fears had wrought.
And with His gentle words He bought
An atmosphere of peace.
The shadows of evening fell apace,
New dangers lay ahead;
But, with my Companion walking,
I no longer felt their dread.
I begged him ne’er to quit my side,
With me to constantly abide;
In gracious tones my Lord replied
‘My peace I leave with thee.’
Author Brigadier A R Wiggins.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
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
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
A friend sent me a simple Easter cartoon drawn by Phil Selby a couple of years ago. It shows a man and woman, early Christians, kneeling before a simple table with a cross on it. Jesus, wearing his crown of thorns, puts his head through the doorway and says “ Hey hey! Guess who’s back from the dead!” (To see it click here: http://bigeyedeer.wordpress.com/2007/04/06/happy-easter/
I imagine their surprise was very much like that of all the followers of Jesus, particularly the two who were walking to Emmaus when Jesus came up to them. They were so busy discussing al that had happened they did not recognise Jesus. Read how Luke tells the story:
Luke 24:13-35 (The Message)
13-16 That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.
17-18 He asked, "What's this you're discussing so intently as you walk along?"
They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, "Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn't heard what's happened during the last few days?"
19-24 He said, "What has happened?"
They said, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn't find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn't see Jesus."
25-27 Then he said to them, "So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can't you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don't you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?" Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him.
28-31 They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: "Stay and have supper with us. It's nearly evening; the day is done." So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared.
32 Back and forth they talked. "Didn't we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?"
33-34 They didn't waste a minute. They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away: "It's really happened! The Master has been raised up—Simon saw him!"
35 Then the two went over everything that happened on the road and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father I will have a busy day today, but help me not to miss seeing you in the places I go and in the people I meet. I pray, too, that people might see Jesus in me and in the things I do. Amen.
[Listen: Brass Band : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3939.mp3
or
Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_115.mp3 ]
I set out a pilgrim sad at heart
To walk a lonely road;
Doubt had marr’d my simple trusting,
Doubt a future ill forbode;
And as I pondered o’er my grief,
My shattered hopes and unbelief,
A Stranger to my soul’s relief,
Drew near and walked with me.
Chorus
Jesus himself drew near,
Jesus himself drew near,
When alone on the road,
Oppress’d by my load,
Jesus himself drew near and walked with me.
I deign’d not to raise my drooping eyes,
Nor sought to learn his name,
Tho’ his voice, like heav’nly music,
Set this heart of mine aflame.
He seemed to read my every thought,
To know the pain my fears had wrought.
And with His gentle words He bought
An atmosphere of peace.
The shadows of evening fell apace,
New dangers lay ahead;
But, with my Companion walking,
I no longer felt their dread.
I begged him ne’er to quit my side,
With me to constantly abide;
In gracious tones my Lord replied
‘My peace I leave with thee.’
Author Brigadier A R Wiggins.
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