OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 31st May, 2009
Pentecost – Whitsunday
This day belongs to the LORD!
Let's celebrate
and be glad today.
(Psalm 118:24 Contemporary English Version)
Heavenly Father,
in you we live and move and have our being.
Guide us by your Holy Spirit,
that in all the cares and occupations of our life
we may not forget you,
but may remember that we always walk in your sight;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 104:24-36 (The Message)
What a wildly wonderful world, GOD!
You made it all, with Wisdom at your side,
made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.
Oh, look—the deep, wide sea,
brimming with fish past counting,
sardines and sharks and salmon.
Ships plow those waters,
and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them.
All the creatures look expectantly to you
to give them their meals on time.
You come, and they gather around;
you open your hand and they eat from it.
If you turned your back,
they'd die in a minute—
Take back your Spirit and they die,
revert to original mud;
Send out your Spirit and they spring to life—
the whole countryside in bloom and blossom.
31-32 The glory of GOD—let it last forever!
Let GOD enjoy his creation!
He takes one look at earth and triggers an earthquake,
points a finger at the mountains, and volcanoes erupt.
33-35 Oh, let me sing to GOD all my life long,
sing hymns to my God as long as I live!
Oh, let my song please him;
I'm so pleased to be singing to GOD.
But clear the ground of sinners—
no more godless men and women!
O my soul, bless GOD!
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 203
Title: The Holy Spirit
[Look and Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/o_god_of_burning_cleansing_flame.wmv
or
Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3706.mp3
or
Look and Listen: (different to “Look and Listen” above but same sound track as “Listen” http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_030.WMV ]
Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire!
Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost,
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire!
2.
God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire!
3.
'Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight.
For power to walk the world in white,
Send the fire!
4.
To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire!
O see us on thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day,
To crown the offering now we pray,
Send the fire!
Acts 2 (The Message)
A Sound Like a Strong Wind
1-4 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.
5-11There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. They couldn't for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, "Aren't these all Galileans? How come we're hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?
Parthians, Medes, and Elamites;
Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene;
Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes;
Even Cretans and Arabs!
"They're speaking our languages, describing God's mighty works!"
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 192
Author: John Gowans
[ Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_200.mp3 ]
For the mighty moving of thy Spirit
In our hearts and minds from day to day,
For the gentle soothing of thy Spirit,
When our fears had filled us with dismay:
Chorus
We adore thee, heavenly Father,
And we thank thee, heavenly Father,
And we praise thee, heavenly Father,
As we pray.
2.
For the kindly chiding of thy Spirit
When we thought to find an easier way,
For the gracious guiding of thy Spirit,
And the strength we needed to obey:
3.
For the tender stirring of thy Spirit
Who recalled us when we went astray,
The persistent spurring of thy Spirit,
When we hesitated on the way:
Prayer:
Eternal God and Father,
by whose power we are created,
and by whose love we are redeemed:
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves in love and service
to one another and to you;
through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.
Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1399.mp3
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me;
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Chorus Number: 53
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Friday, May 29, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 31st May, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 31st May, 2009
Pentecost – Whitsunday
This day belongs to the LORD!
Let's celebrate
and be glad today.
(Psalm 118:24 Contemporary English Version)
Heavenly Father,
in you we live and move and have our being.
Guide us by your Holy Spirit,
that in all the cares and occupations of our life
we may not forget you,
but may remember that we always walk in your sight;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 104:24-36 (The Message)
What a wildly wonderful world, GOD!
You made it all, with Wisdom at your side,
made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.
Oh, look—the deep, wide sea,
brimming with fish past counting,
sardines and sharks and salmon.
Ships plow those waters,
and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them.
All the creatures look expectantly to you
to give them their meals on time.
You come, and they gather around;
you open your hand and they eat from it.
If you turned your back,
they'd die in a minute—
Take back your Spirit and they die,
revert to original mud;
Send out your Spirit and they spring to life—
the whole countryside in bloom and blossom.
31-32 The glory of GOD—let it last forever!
Let GOD enjoy his creation!
He takes one look at earth and triggers an earthquake,
points a finger at the mountains, and volcanoes erupt.
33-35 Oh, let me sing to GOD all my life long,
sing hymns to my God as long as I live!
Oh, let my song please him;
I'm so pleased to be singing to GOD.
But clear the ground of sinners—
no more godless men and women!
O my soul, bless GOD!
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 203
Title: The Holy Spirit
[Look and Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/o_god_of_burning_cleansing_flame.wmv
or
Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3706.mp3
or
Look and Listen: (different to “Look and Listen” above but same sound track as “Listen” http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_030.WMV ]
Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire!
Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost,
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire!
2.
God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire!
3.
'Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight.
For power to walk the world in white,
Send the fire!
4.
To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire!
O see us on thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day,
To crown the offering now we pray,
Send the fire!
Acts 2 (The Message)
A Sound Like a Strong Wind
1-4 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.
5-11There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. They couldn't for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, "Aren't these all Galileans? How come we're hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?
Parthians, Medes, and Elamites;
Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene;
Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes;
Even Cretans and Arabs!
"They're speaking our languages, describing God's mighty works!"
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 192
Author: John Gowans
[ Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_200.mp3 ]
For the mighty moving of thy Spirit
In our hearts and minds from day to day,
For the gentle soothing of thy Spirit,
When our fears had filled us with dismay:
Chorus
We adore thee, heavenly Father,
And we thank thee, heavenly Father,
And we praise thee, heavenly Father,
As we pray.
2.
For the kindly chiding of thy Spirit
When we thought to find an easier way,
For the gracious guiding of thy Spirit,
And the strength we needed to obey:
3.
For the tender stirring of thy Spirit
Who recalled us when we went astray,
The persistent spurring of thy Spirit,
When we hesitated on the way:
Prayer:
Eternal God and Father,
by whose power we are created,
and by whose love we are redeemed:
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves in love and service
to one another and to you;
through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.
Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1399.mp3
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me;
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Chorus Number: 53
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Pentecost – Whitsunday
This day belongs to the LORD!
Let's celebrate
and be glad today.
(Psalm 118:24 Contemporary English Version)
Heavenly Father,
in you we live and move and have our being.
Guide us by your Holy Spirit,
that in all the cares and occupations of our life
we may not forget you,
but may remember that we always walk in your sight;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 104:24-36 (The Message)
What a wildly wonderful world, GOD!
You made it all, with Wisdom at your side,
made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.
Oh, look—the deep, wide sea,
brimming with fish past counting,
sardines and sharks and salmon.
Ships plow those waters,
and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them.
All the creatures look expectantly to you
to give them their meals on time.
You come, and they gather around;
you open your hand and they eat from it.
If you turned your back,
they'd die in a minute—
Take back your Spirit and they die,
revert to original mud;
Send out your Spirit and they spring to life—
the whole countryside in bloom and blossom.
31-32 The glory of GOD—let it last forever!
Let GOD enjoy his creation!
He takes one look at earth and triggers an earthquake,
points a finger at the mountains, and volcanoes erupt.
33-35 Oh, let me sing to GOD all my life long,
sing hymns to my God as long as I live!
Oh, let my song please him;
I'm so pleased to be singing to GOD.
But clear the ground of sinners—
no more godless men and women!
O my soul, bless GOD!
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 203
Title: The Holy Spirit
[Look and Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/o_god_of_burning_cleansing_flame.wmv
or
Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3706.mp3
or
Look and Listen: (different to “Look and Listen” above but same sound track as “Listen” http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_030.WMV ]
Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire!
Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost,
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire!
2.
God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire!
3.
'Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight.
For power to walk the world in white,
Send the fire!
4.
To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire!
O see us on thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day,
To crown the offering now we pray,
Send the fire!
Acts 2 (The Message)
A Sound Like a Strong Wind
1-4 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.
5-11There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. They couldn't for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, "Aren't these all Galileans? How come we're hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?
Parthians, Medes, and Elamites;
Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene;
Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes;
Even Cretans and Arabs!
"They're speaking our languages, describing God's mighty works!"
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 192
Author: John Gowans
[ Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_200.mp3 ]
For the mighty moving of thy Spirit
In our hearts and minds from day to day,
For the gentle soothing of thy Spirit,
When our fears had filled us with dismay:
Chorus
We adore thee, heavenly Father,
And we thank thee, heavenly Father,
And we praise thee, heavenly Father,
As we pray.
2.
For the kindly chiding of thy Spirit
When we thought to find an easier way,
For the gracious guiding of thy Spirit,
And the strength we needed to obey:
3.
For the tender stirring of thy Spirit
Who recalled us when we went astray,
The persistent spurring of thy Spirit,
When we hesitated on the way:
Prayer:
Eternal God and Father,
by whose power we are created,
and by whose love we are redeemed:
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves in love and service
to one another and to you;
through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.
Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1399.mp3
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me;
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Chorus Number: 53
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Thursday, May 28, 2009
OzThoughts – Friday, 29th May, 2009
OzThoughts – Friday, 29th May, 2009
I chatted some time ago with an old farmer. It was at a lunchtime function where I was representing an organisation head office in the city and many of the local people were being thanked for their support. We got to talking about the changes in the weather in both the short term and the long term.
We were at the time in the midst of drought and many people had to hold off from planting new crops and already planted crops were giving every sign of not reaching harvest. My farmer acquaintance was telling me that some of his half grown crops were so lacking in moisture they would not even make good feed for his cattle. He then told me he had already sent many cattle to the saleyards because his money was better in the bank than dying in the slowly in the fields.
He then looked at me and said I laugh at you city folk. I wondered what I had done. He went on to say that you city folk come up here and buy 5 or 10 acres and reckon you can live off it. You tell everyone you are going to be self reliant. He continued that you city folk wander around the yards proving you know nothing about farming while I cant make a living off my land which is hundreds of acres even with my life time of experience.
Then he came back to where we were in our conversation previously and said you know it all depends on the weather. I thought I was in for a lesson on how farmers know about weather but he went on to tell me that the weather can’t be understood by man but is not only understood but controlled by God. You city folk reckon you are self reliant. We are smarter than that. God is in control.
Psalm 103:11-22 (The Message)
As high as heaven is over the earth,
so strong is his love to those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
he has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children,
God feels for those who fear him.
He knows us inside and out,
keeps in mind that we're made of mud.
Men and women don't live very long;
like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
leaving nothing to show they were here.
God's love, though, is ever and always,
eternally present to all who fear him,
Making everything right for them and their children
as they follow his Covenant ways
and remember to do whatever he said.
19-22 God has set his throne in heaven;
he rules over us all. He's the King!
So bless God, you angels,
ready and able to fly at his bidding,
quick to hear and do what he says.
Bless God, all you armies of angels,
alert to respond to whatever he wills.
Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—
everything and everyone made by God.
And you, O my soul, bless God!
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2099.mp3
or
Band (Tune England’s Lane): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2623.mp3
For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind's delight,
For the mystic harmony
Linking sense to sound and sight,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For each perfect gift of thine
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of Heaven,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
Author: Folliott Sandford Pierpoint (1835-1917)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 28
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
I chatted some time ago with an old farmer. It was at a lunchtime function where I was representing an organisation head office in the city and many of the local people were being thanked for their support. We got to talking about the changes in the weather in both the short term and the long term.
We were at the time in the midst of drought and many people had to hold off from planting new crops and already planted crops were giving every sign of not reaching harvest. My farmer acquaintance was telling me that some of his half grown crops were so lacking in moisture they would not even make good feed for his cattle. He then told me he had already sent many cattle to the saleyards because his money was better in the bank than dying in the slowly in the fields.
He then looked at me and said I laugh at you city folk. I wondered what I had done. He went on to say that you city folk come up here and buy 5 or 10 acres and reckon you can live off it. You tell everyone you are going to be self reliant. He continued that you city folk wander around the yards proving you know nothing about farming while I cant make a living off my land which is hundreds of acres even with my life time of experience.
Then he came back to where we were in our conversation previously and said you know it all depends on the weather. I thought I was in for a lesson on how farmers know about weather but he went on to tell me that the weather can’t be understood by man but is not only understood but controlled by God. You city folk reckon you are self reliant. We are smarter than that. God is in control.
Psalm 103:11-22 (The Message)
As high as heaven is over the earth,
so strong is his love to those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
he has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children,
God feels for those who fear him.
He knows us inside and out,
keeps in mind that we're made of mud.
Men and women don't live very long;
like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
leaving nothing to show they were here.
God's love, though, is ever and always,
eternally present to all who fear him,
Making everything right for them and their children
as they follow his Covenant ways
and remember to do whatever he said.
19-22 God has set his throne in heaven;
he rules over us all. He's the King!
So bless God, you angels,
ready and able to fly at his bidding,
quick to hear and do what he says.
Bless God, all you armies of angels,
alert to respond to whatever he wills.
Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—
everything and everyone made by God.
And you, O my soul, bless God!
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2099.mp3
or
Band (Tune England’s Lane): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2623.mp3
For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind's delight,
For the mystic harmony
Linking sense to sound and sight,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For each perfect gift of thine
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of Heaven,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
Author: Folliott Sandford Pierpoint (1835-1917)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 28
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
OzThoughts – Thursday, 28th May, 2009
OzThoughts – Thursday, 28th May, 2009
David’s Psalm which we know as number 16 is a wonderful testimony to his trust in a faithful God. It is another one which comes with a clarity in The Message version and does not need comment from me.
Can I suggest that after you have read it through , you come back and think about each paragraph and see how it reflects your experience?
Psalm 16:1-11 (The Message)
A David Song
1-2 Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you.
I say to GOD, "Be my Lord!"
Without you, nothing makes sense.
3 And these God-chosen lives all around—
what splendid friends they make!
4 Don't just go shopping for a god.
Gods are not for sale.
I swear I'll never treat god-names
like brand-names.
5-6 My choice is you, GOD, first and only.
And now I find I'm your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
And then you made me your heir!
7-8 The wise counsel GOD gives when I'm awake
is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I'll stick with GOD;
I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go.
9-10 I'm happy from the inside out,
and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
that's not my destination!
11 Now you've got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I'm on the right way.
Prayer and Praise: (Using our Song Book as a Prayer book):
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2112.mp3 ]
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)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 33
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
David’s Psalm which we know as number 16 is a wonderful testimony to his trust in a faithful God. It is another one which comes with a clarity in The Message version and does not need comment from me.
Can I suggest that after you have read it through , you come back and think about each paragraph and see how it reflects your experience?
Psalm 16:1-11 (The Message)
A David Song
1-2 Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you.
I say to GOD, "Be my Lord!"
Without you, nothing makes sense.
3 And these God-chosen lives all around—
what splendid friends they make!
4 Don't just go shopping for a god.
Gods are not for sale.
I swear I'll never treat god-names
like brand-names.
5-6 My choice is you, GOD, first and only.
And now I find I'm your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
And then you made me your heir!
7-8 The wise counsel GOD gives when I'm awake
is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I'll stick with GOD;
I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go.
9-10 I'm happy from the inside out,
and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
that's not my destination!
11 Now you've got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I'm on the right way.
Prayer and Praise: (Using our Song Book as a Prayer book):
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2112.mp3 ]
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)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 33
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday, 27th May, 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday, 27th May, 2009
I often hear people quote the line “76 trombones led the big parade”. When I was a young trombone player that sounded like heaven. A whole band of trombones! Fantastic!
(If you love trombones maybe you should plan to be at the Red Bank, NJ concert advertised on Brass Crest: http://www.brasscrest.com/ ).
But wait, do you know the second line? It is “With a hundred and ten cornets close at hand”. But then there is more: “more than a thousand reeds” Well, if that didn’t wreck trombone heaven then what about all the: “ horns of ev'ry shape and kind, copper bottom tympani, double bell euphoniums and big bassoons, fifty mounted cannon, clarinets of ev'ry size and those trumpeters who'd improvise A full octave higher than the score!” They all get a run (well to march) in the great parade. [Look and listen : “Music Man “ finale: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODu888i14-I ]
The Psalmist David describes a parade, too. It is a great parade of honour and glory to God. “Like a fountain of praise Israel blesses God”.
Psalm 68:28-35 (The Message)
24-31 See God on parade
to the sanctuary, my God,
my King on the march!
Singers out front, the band behind,
maidens in the middle with castanets.
The whole choir blesses God.
Like a fountain of praise, Israel blesses God.
Look—little Benjamin's out
front and leading
Princes of Judah in their royal robes,
princes of Zebulon, princes of Naphtali.
Parade your power, O God,
the power, O God, that made us what we are.
Your temple, High God, is Jerusalem;
kings bring gifts to you.
Rebuke that old crocodile, Egypt,
with her herd of wild bulls and calves,
Rapacious in her lust for silver,
crushing peoples, spoiling for a fight.
Let Egyptian traders bring blue cloth
and Cush come running to God, her hands outstretched.
32-34 Sing, O kings of the earth!
Sing praises to the Lord!
There he is: Sky-Rider,
striding the ancient skies.
Listen—he's calling in thunder,
rumbling, rolling thunder.
Call out "Bravo!" to God,
the High God of Israel.
His splendor and strength
rise huge as thunderheads.
35 A terrible beauty, O God,
streams from your sanctuary.
It's Israel's strong God! He gives
power and might to his people!
O you, his people—bless God!
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4402.mp3
or
Look and Listen: (Songs of Praise): http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_035.WMV
or soundtrack only of above S of P video: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3717.mp3 ]
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise;
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of thy name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears;
'Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avails for me.
Author: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 64
Seventy-six trombones led the big parade
With a hundred and ten cornets close at hand.
They were followed by rows and rows of the finest virtuo-
Sos, the cream of ev'ry famous band.
Seventy-six trombones caught the morning sun
With a hundred and ten cornets right behind
There were more than a thousand reeds
Springing up like weeds
There were horns of ev'ry shape and kind.
There were copper bottom tympani in horse platoons
Thundering, thundering all along the way.
Double bell euphoniums and big bassoons,
Each bassoon having it's big, fat say!
There were fifty mounted cannon in the battery
Thundering, thundering louder than before
Clarinets of ev'ry size
And trumpeters who'd improvise
A full octave higher than the score!
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
I often hear people quote the line “76 trombones led the big parade”. When I was a young trombone player that sounded like heaven. A whole band of trombones! Fantastic!
(If you love trombones maybe you should plan to be at the Red Bank, NJ concert advertised on Brass Crest: http://www.brasscrest.com/ ).
But wait, do you know the second line? It is “With a hundred and ten cornets close at hand”. But then there is more: “more than a thousand reeds” Well, if that didn’t wreck trombone heaven then what about all the: “ horns of ev'ry shape and kind, copper bottom tympani, double bell euphoniums and big bassoons, fifty mounted cannon, clarinets of ev'ry size and those trumpeters who'd improvise A full octave higher than the score!” They all get a run (well to march) in the great parade. [Look and listen : “Music Man “ finale: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODu888i14-I ]
The Psalmist David describes a parade, too. It is a great parade of honour and glory to God. “Like a fountain of praise Israel blesses God”.
Psalm 68:28-35 (The Message)
24-31 See God on parade
to the sanctuary, my God,
my King on the march!
Singers out front, the band behind,
maidens in the middle with castanets.
The whole choir blesses God.
Like a fountain of praise, Israel blesses God.
Look—little Benjamin's out
front and leading
Princes of Judah in their royal robes,
princes of Zebulon, princes of Naphtali.
Parade your power, O God,
the power, O God, that made us what we are.
Your temple, High God, is Jerusalem;
kings bring gifts to you.
Rebuke that old crocodile, Egypt,
with her herd of wild bulls and calves,
Rapacious in her lust for silver,
crushing peoples, spoiling for a fight.
Let Egyptian traders bring blue cloth
and Cush come running to God, her hands outstretched.
32-34 Sing, O kings of the earth!
Sing praises to the Lord!
There he is: Sky-Rider,
striding the ancient skies.
Listen—he's calling in thunder,
rumbling, rolling thunder.
Call out "Bravo!" to God,
the High God of Israel.
His splendor and strength
rise huge as thunderheads.
35 A terrible beauty, O God,
streams from your sanctuary.
It's Israel's strong God! He gives
power and might to his people!
O you, his people—bless God!
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4402.mp3
or
Look and Listen: (Songs of Praise): http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_035.WMV
or soundtrack only of above S of P video: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3717.mp3 ]
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise;
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of thy name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears;
'Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avails for me.
Author: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 64
Seventy-six trombones led the big parade
With a hundred and ten cornets close at hand.
They were followed by rows and rows of the finest virtuo-
Sos, the cream of ev'ry famous band.
Seventy-six trombones caught the morning sun
With a hundred and ten cornets right behind
There were more than a thousand reeds
Springing up like weeds
There were horns of ev'ry shape and kind.
There were copper bottom tympani in horse platoons
Thundering, thundering all along the way.
Double bell euphoniums and big bassoons,
Each bassoon having it's big, fat say!
There were fifty mounted cannon in the battery
Thundering, thundering louder than before
Clarinets of ev'ry size
And trumpeters who'd improvise
A full octave higher than the score!
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, May 25, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday, 26th May, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday, 26th May, 2009
Today’s part of Psalm 68, is a rehearsal of the good times gave in the past. It is only a tiny bit of the whole story but it underlines the fact that God was in control.
There is a gentleman who has come into our hospital for what I think is life saving treatment a number of times. The story he tells of his life is one of very hard work from an early age. He tells of a father and brother who drank far too much and left work to him.
His story includes war service and then working very hard driving trucks across our state when many roads and even highways could only be called bush tracks.
Today, as he tells his story of past days, he gives honour to God and says God is in control. His life was rough and tough but his God was and is a sure thing.
Psalm 68:7-14 (The Message)
7-10 God, when you took the lead with your people,
when you marched out into the wild,
Earth shook, sky broke out in a sweat;
God was on the march.
Even Sinai trembled at the sight of God on the move,
at the sight of Israel's God.
You pour out rain in buckets, O God;
thorn and cactus become an oasis
For your people to camp in and enjoy.
You set them up in business;
they went from rags to riches.
11-14 The Lord gave the word;
thousands called out the good news:
"Kings of the armies
are on the run, on the run!"
While housewives, safe and sound back home,
divide up the plunder,
the plunder of Canaanite silver and gold.
On that day that Shaddai scattered the kings,
snow fell on Black Mountain.
[Look and Listen: Band and soloist: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_002.wmv
or
Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4441.mp3
or
Listen: Congregation – Tune : “Faith is the Victory” : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_027.mp3 ]
God's love to me is wonderful,
That he should deign to hear
The faintest whisper of my heart,
Wipe from mine eyes the tear;
And though I cannot comprehend
Such love, so great, so deep,
In his strong hands my soul I trust,
He will not fail to keep.
Chorus
God's love is wonderful,
God's love is wonderful,
Wonderful that he should give his Son to die for me;
God's love is wonderful!
God's love to me is wonderful!
My very steps are planned;
When mists of doubt encompass me,
I hold my Father's hand.
His love has banished every fear,
In freedom I rejoice,
And with my quickened ears I hear
The music of his voice.
God's love to me is wonderful!
He lights the darkest way;
I now enjoy his fellowship,
'Twill last through endless day.
My Father doth not ask that I
Great gifts on him bestow,
But only that I love him too,
And serve him here below.
Authors: Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 48
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Today’s part of Psalm 68, is a rehearsal of the good times gave in the past. It is only a tiny bit of the whole story but it underlines the fact that God was in control.
There is a gentleman who has come into our hospital for what I think is life saving treatment a number of times. The story he tells of his life is one of very hard work from an early age. He tells of a father and brother who drank far too much and left work to him.
His story includes war service and then working very hard driving trucks across our state when many roads and even highways could only be called bush tracks.
Today, as he tells his story of past days, he gives honour to God and says God is in control. His life was rough and tough but his God was and is a sure thing.
Psalm 68:7-14 (The Message)
7-10 God, when you took the lead with your people,
when you marched out into the wild,
Earth shook, sky broke out in a sweat;
God was on the march.
Even Sinai trembled at the sight of God on the move,
at the sight of Israel's God.
You pour out rain in buckets, O God;
thorn and cactus become an oasis
For your people to camp in and enjoy.
You set them up in business;
they went from rags to riches.
11-14 The Lord gave the word;
thousands called out the good news:
"Kings of the armies
are on the run, on the run!"
While housewives, safe and sound back home,
divide up the plunder,
the plunder of Canaanite silver and gold.
On that day that Shaddai scattered the kings,
snow fell on Black Mountain.
[Look and Listen: Band and soloist: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_002.wmv
or
Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4441.mp3
or
Listen: Congregation – Tune : “Faith is the Victory” : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_027.mp3 ]
God's love to me is wonderful,
That he should deign to hear
The faintest whisper of my heart,
Wipe from mine eyes the tear;
And though I cannot comprehend
Such love, so great, so deep,
In his strong hands my soul I trust,
He will not fail to keep.
Chorus
God's love is wonderful,
God's love is wonderful,
Wonderful that he should give his Son to die for me;
God's love is wonderful!
God's love to me is wonderful!
My very steps are planned;
When mists of doubt encompass me,
I hold my Father's hand.
His love has banished every fear,
In freedom I rejoice,
And with my quickened ears I hear
The music of his voice.
God's love to me is wonderful!
He lights the darkest way;
I now enjoy his fellowship,
'Twill last through endless day.
My Father doth not ask that I
Great gifts on him bestow,
But only that I love him too,
And serve him here below.
Authors: Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 48
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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 :
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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Saturday, May 23, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 24th May, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 24th May, 2009
This day belongs to the LORD!
Let's celebrate
and be glad today.
(Psalm 118:24 Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 1 (The Message)
1How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon,
You don't slink along Dead-End Road,
you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
2-3 Instead you thrill to GOD's Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You're a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom.
4-5 You're not at all like the wicked,
who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court,
unfit company for innocent people.
6 GOD charts the road you take.
The road they take is Skid Row.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 656
Authors: Will J. Brand (1889-1977)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1595.mp3
Note: The band music (St Catherine) concludes with the tune of the chorus: “Yes, Jesus loves me: The Bible tells me so”. Does anyone know if this arrangement is published? If so where?]
Set forth within the sacred word
The path of life is plainly shown;
The ways of God its lines record,
For every soul of man made known.
The truth, of all our hopes the ground,
Is here within its pages found.
God's ample grace for fallen man,
His care for our eternal good,
The depth of his salvation plan,
The doctrine of atoning blood,
The Scriptures' living words express
And point the way to holiness.
But how shall we that truth declare,
Thy grace, thy love, thy beauty show?
Only as we thy nature wear
Shall men that nature truly know;
And as we walk with thee abroad
They shall perceive the mind of God.
So teach us, Lord, to use each power
As we the doctrine shall adorn,
That truth and grace shall spring to flower
In lives renewed and souls reborn;
As we to all the world unfold
The glory of the faith we hold.
Psalm 24 (The Message)
A David Psalm
1-2 GOD claims Earth and everything in it,
GOD claims World and all who live on it.
He built it on Ocean foundations,
laid it out on River girders.
3-4 Who can climb Mount GOD?
Who can scale the holy north-face?
Only the clean-handed,
only the pure-hearted;
Men who won't cheat,
women who won't seduce.
5-6 GOD is at their side;
with GOD's help they make it.
This, Jacob, is what happens
to God-seekers, God-questers.
7 Wake up, you sleepyhead city!
Wake up, you sleepyhead people!
King-Glory is ready to enter.
8 Who is this King-Glory?
GOD, armed
and battle-ready.
9 Wake up, you sleepyhead city!
Wake up, you sleepyhead people!
King-Glory is ready to enter.
10 Who is this King-Glory?
GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies:
he is King-Glory.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 529
Authors: Arch R. Wiggins (1893-1976)
[ Listen: Male Voice: (Tune: Finlandia - http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1594.mp3
Band (Tune Finlandia ) : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_592.mp3 ]
Thou art the way, none other dare I follow;
Thou art the truth, and thou hast made me free;
Thou art the life, the hope of my tomorrow;
Thou art the Christ who died for me.
This is my creed, that 'mid earth's sin and sorrow,
My life may guide men unto thee.
2.
Hold thou my feet, let there be no returning
Along the path which thou hast bid me tread;
Train thou my mind, I would be ever learning
The better way thy fame to spread;
Keep thou my heart ablaze with holy burning
That love for souls may ne'er be dead.
3.
I would bring peace to lives now torn asunder,
Ease aching hearts with words that soothe and heal;
I would bring peace when, breaking like the thunder,
Men rise in war, and hatred feel.
Peacemaker, Lord! Now I am stirred to wonder;
O take me, and my calling seal!
Prayer:
May God, who puts all things together,
makes all things whole,
Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,
the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant,
Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd,
up and alive from the dead,
Now put you together, provide you
with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
Oh, yes, yes, yes. (Hebrews 13:20-21 The Message)
Listen for enjoyment and inspiration : Band and Songsters:
“How great Thou art !”
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_321.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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
This day belongs to the LORD!
Let's celebrate
and be glad today.
(Psalm 118:24 Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 1 (The Message)
1How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon,
You don't slink along Dead-End Road,
you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
2-3 Instead you thrill to GOD's Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You're a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom.
4-5 You're not at all like the wicked,
who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court,
unfit company for innocent people.
6 GOD charts the road you take.
The road they take is Skid Row.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 656
Authors: Will J. Brand (1889-1977)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1595.mp3
Note: The band music (St Catherine) concludes with the tune of the chorus: “Yes, Jesus loves me: The Bible tells me so”. Does anyone know if this arrangement is published? If so where?]
Set forth within the sacred word
The path of life is plainly shown;
The ways of God its lines record,
For every soul of man made known.
The truth, of all our hopes the ground,
Is here within its pages found.
God's ample grace for fallen man,
His care for our eternal good,
The depth of his salvation plan,
The doctrine of atoning blood,
The Scriptures' living words express
And point the way to holiness.
But how shall we that truth declare,
Thy grace, thy love, thy beauty show?
Only as we thy nature wear
Shall men that nature truly know;
And as we walk with thee abroad
They shall perceive the mind of God.
So teach us, Lord, to use each power
As we the doctrine shall adorn,
That truth and grace shall spring to flower
In lives renewed and souls reborn;
As we to all the world unfold
The glory of the faith we hold.
Psalm 24 (The Message)
A David Psalm
1-2 GOD claims Earth and everything in it,
GOD claims World and all who live on it.
He built it on Ocean foundations,
laid it out on River girders.
3-4 Who can climb Mount GOD?
Who can scale the holy north-face?
Only the clean-handed,
only the pure-hearted;
Men who won't cheat,
women who won't seduce.
5-6 GOD is at their side;
with GOD's help they make it.
This, Jacob, is what happens
to God-seekers, God-questers.
7 Wake up, you sleepyhead city!
Wake up, you sleepyhead people!
King-Glory is ready to enter.
8 Who is this King-Glory?
GOD, armed
and battle-ready.
9 Wake up, you sleepyhead city!
Wake up, you sleepyhead people!
King-Glory is ready to enter.
10 Who is this King-Glory?
GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies:
he is King-Glory.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 529
Authors: Arch R. Wiggins (1893-1976)
[ Listen: Male Voice: (Tune: Finlandia - http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1594.mp3
Band (Tune Finlandia ) : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_592.mp3 ]
Thou art the way, none other dare I follow;
Thou art the truth, and thou hast made me free;
Thou art the life, the hope of my tomorrow;
Thou art the Christ who died for me.
This is my creed, that 'mid earth's sin and sorrow,
My life may guide men unto thee.
2.
Hold thou my feet, let there be no returning
Along the path which thou hast bid me tread;
Train thou my mind, I would be ever learning
The better way thy fame to spread;
Keep thou my heart ablaze with holy burning
That love for souls may ne'er be dead.
3.
I would bring peace to lives now torn asunder,
Ease aching hearts with words that soothe and heal;
I would bring peace when, breaking like the thunder,
Men rise in war, and hatred feel.
Peacemaker, Lord! Now I am stirred to wonder;
O take me, and my calling seal!
Prayer:
May God, who puts all things together,
makes all things whole,
Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,
the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant,
Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd,
up and alive from the dead,
Now put you together, provide you
with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
Oh, yes, yes, yes. (Hebrews 13:20-21 The Message)
Listen for enjoyment and inspiration : Band and Songsters:
“How great Thou art !”
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_321.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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Friday, May 22, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 23rd May 2009.
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 23rd May 2009.
Winners and Losers
Before this week's drenching rain, I have been amazed at the number of people running and walking each morning. Some may be doing it just for general fitness but some I would thin are training for the various fun runs and the Gold Coast Marathon which happens in about 6 weeks time.
A couple of years ago my daughter ran (and walked) in a 10 kilometre race with 30,000 participants. 29,999 did not win. Kayt did not get her picture in the newspaper or on television but in her mind (and in ours) she was a real winner.
She was a winner because of the effort she made to get to the starting line. It included training and weight loss. It meant overcoming significant health problems. Then on the day she had to have a good plan. She ran and walked as appropriate and no doubt gave encouragement to her running companion as the companion also encouraged her. She finished and therefore it was a winning achievement.
Australia is a land where many have overcome difficulties to eventually succeed. Sometimes it seems difficulty piles on difficulty, yet there are those who win through and are declared winners.
Australia has been described as the “Land of the Second Chance”. From the time of its first white settlement in 1788 when convicts from England and their English guards settled at Sydney Cove, this land has provided a second chance to many. Those early residents, many of them Irish prisoners of England and sundry other residents of the British Isles who had broken the law, found a land that was very different to their homeland.
They found that their knowledge and skills had to be adapted to fit with different seasons and climate in this new land. They mistakenly thought that they had little to learn from the Aboriginal residents who knew nothing of agriculture and living in solid structures arranges along streets. In spite of very difficult beginnings, many of the convicts saw opportunities and on concluding their sentences remained here to make most of a second chance.
Since then many have taken hold of opportunities. Less than one hundred years after the beginnings at Sydney Cove, gold was discovered in various locations around the land, and many were attracted to opportunity to strike it rich and find a new beginning. It was a tough life and many perished. Some found the wealth to make a new beginning. It is said some of the Chinese miners who arrived on the fields found it so tough to find payable gold they found it paid better to grow vegetables and sell them to other miners.
Each June 6th our State, Queensland, celebrates Queensland Day. It was on this day, 150 years ago this year, we became a separate state. It is a fact that at the time we had 7 and one half pence (about 5 cents) in our State Treasury. The discovery of gold gave us a real chance of making it alone. Some times have been rough since then but we have grown and prospered.
Other earlier settlers were Germans seeking refuge from religious persecution and who came seeking freedom to live without their previous concerns. Following the Second World War, Australia encouraged people from the United Kingdom and continental Europe to seek new opportunities in this land. Many took the opportunity to leave that which was familiar to seek a new life for themselves and their children. The numbers of new settlers were boosted soon by refugees seeking escape from Communism which had taken over their cental and eastern European homelands.
In more recent times Australia has been seen as a land of opportunity by refugees from Asia. In the late 1970s people began arriving on our shores from Vietnam. These refugees came crowded in fishing boats and other boats more at home in the coastal waters and rivers of Vietnam. I had a personal encounter with many of these people when I was in charge of The Salvation Army used furniture warehouse which provided the families with basic furniture and other essential household items. I found the Vietnamese people were courteous, appreciative and friendly. We did discuss whether student’s desks were basic and essential items. My manager said they were not. The Vietnamese said they would leave the other items, if they could have the desks. The parents said their children must study. It was the way to take hold of the second chance at life they had been offered. I was not surprised when in 2 or 3 years these refugee children were topping the State in examinations. (I also understood the joke that said “How do you know a Vietnamese broke into your house... answer: your homework is done!”).
It is good to read the events of Pentecost (Acts 2). Here was a coming such as never had occurred before. My favourite part is the events which followed on (Acts 3). We read that Peter and John came to the Temple at the time of prayer. Here was a crippled beggar. The beggar sought a coin or three. Peter and John suggested they had something more to give and that was a second chance at life. “In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, get up and walk” (Acts 3.6). We read he delighted in the chance and danced around praising God.
Such was the commotion that a crowd gathered and turned their praise to Peter and John. Peter stood up and said that it was not them but Jesus who had healed this man. He outlined the events of the crucifixion and how they fulfilled Old Testament prophesies. Peter said they had crucified Jesus, the Son of God in ignorance. However, God had raised Jesus up and they now had a second chance. “Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins. Then wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will send Jesus your Messiah to you again (Acts 3.19, 20). We go on to read that many accepted the opportunity for this second chance to live according to God’s way through Jesus, His Son.
Life offers many second chances. God gives us a second chance at life living His Way. Jesus talked to Nicodemus about being born again (John 3.3). That opportunity is there still for us all. Today is the day to grab that second chance and begin dancing in praising God.
[Look and Listen : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ8uBbAbwao ]
Peter and John went to pray.
They met a lame man on the way.
He asked for alms and held out his palms
And this is what Peter did say:
'Silver and gold have I none;
but such as I have give I you.
In the name of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
He went walking and leaping and praising God
walking and leaping and praising God.
In the name of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
He went walking and leaping and praising God
walking and leaping and praising God.
In the name of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
[I don’t know this next song but found the words when looking for the above well known chorus]:
SILVER & GOLD
Verse Number One:
The day was dark and cloudy ......the lame man begged as usual....
At the gate where he lay for many years.....
Tears welled up within his eyes...as he saw the crowd despise.....
All the things he had to do just to survive.....
Then along his trail of sorrow, came hope for a bright tomorrow.....
Apostle Peter gave a helping hand....
He said, "It's not by faith in gold...but in His Name you're whole.....
You can rise up and be a brand new man.....
The Chorus:
SILVER AND GOLD HAVE I NONE, BUT SUCH AS I HAVE....
GIVE I THEE...I GIVE TO THEE....TO THEE....
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, YOU CAN RISE UP AND WALK.....
YOU CAN RISE UP AND BE A BRAND NEW MAN....
[Musical Channel] Dobro
Verse Number Two:
Little children stared and wondered...at a forsaken old alcoholic....
Who lay sleeping.....with a bottle in his hands....
Music swelled out from the mission...as men told of dire conditions.....
And...what they had to do just to survive....
Now the preacher was old fashioned...his tears showed his compassion....
As he told them of God's great saving plan....
He said, "It's not by faith in gold...but in His Name you're whole...
You can rise up and be a brand new man.....
The Chorus:
SILVER AND GOLD HAVE I NONE, BUT SUCH AS I HAVE....
GIVE I THEE...I GIVE TO THEE....TO THEE....
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, YOU CAN RISE UP AND WALK.....
YOU CAN RISE UP AND BE A BRAND NEW MAN....
[Instrumental] Fiddle
Oh, Glory...Hallelujah...you can rise up and walk....
You can rise up and be a brand new man....
Oh...Glory...Hallelujah you can rise up and walk...
You can rise up and be a brand new man...
Oh, Glory...Hallelujah...you can rise up and walk....
You can rise up and be a brand new man....
Oh....Glory...Hallelujah you can rise up and walk...
You can rise up and be a brand new man...
Tag
You can rise up and be a brand new man....brand new man...
2000/2003 By Smokey River Boys
Words & Music By Robert Metzgar (ASCAP) and Dixie McKeithen (ASCAP)
Published by Walt Disney Music Company (ASCAP) . Hollywood
Published by McKeithen Melodies (ASCAP) . Nashville
® Universal Music Group/All Rights Reserved
©Smokey River Boys O Hollywood Album
ISRC CODE US-PP6-03-95412
Acts 3
1One day at three o'clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting.
2At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple.
3When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout.
4Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, "Look here."
5He looked up, expecting to get something from them.
6Peter said, "I don't have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!"
7He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm.
8He jumped to his feet and walked.
The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God.
9Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God.
10They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple's Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.
11The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon's Porch to see it for themselves.
Turn to Face God
12When Peter saw he had a congregation, he addressed the people:
"Oh, Israelites, why does this take you by such complete surprise, and why stare at us as if our power or piety made him walk?
13The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his Son Jesus. The very One that Pilate called innocent, you repudiated.
14You repudiated the Holy One, the Just One, and asked for a murderer in his place. 15You no sooner killed the Author of Life than God raised him from the dead--and we're the witnesses.
16Faith in Jesus' name put this man, whose condition you know so well, on his feet--yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.
17"And now, friends, I know you had no idea what you were doing when you killed Jesus, and neither did your leaders.
18But God, who through the preaching of all the prophets had said all along that his Messiah would be killed, knew exactly what you were doing and used it to fulfill his plans.
19"Now it's time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you,
20and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus.
21For the time being he must remain out of sight in heaven until everything is restored to order again just the way God, through the preaching of his holy prophets of old, said it would be.
22Moses, for instance, said, "Your God will raise up for you a prophet just like me from your family. Listen to every word he speaks to you.
23Every last living soul who refuses to listen to that prophet will be wiped out from the people.'
24"All the prophets from Samuel on down said the same thing, said most emphatically that these days would come.
25These prophets, along with the covenant God made with your ancestors, are your family tree. God's covenant-word to Abraham provides the text: "By your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.'
26But you are first in line: God, having raised up his Son, sent him to bless you as you turn, one by one, from your evil ways." ( Acts 3 :: The Message)
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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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Winners and Losers
Before this week's drenching rain, I have been amazed at the number of people running and walking each morning. Some may be doing it just for general fitness but some I would thin are training for the various fun runs and the Gold Coast Marathon which happens in about 6 weeks time.
A couple of years ago my daughter ran (and walked) in a 10 kilometre race with 30,000 participants. 29,999 did not win. Kayt did not get her picture in the newspaper or on television but in her mind (and in ours) she was a real winner.
She was a winner because of the effort she made to get to the starting line. It included training and weight loss. It meant overcoming significant health problems. Then on the day she had to have a good plan. She ran and walked as appropriate and no doubt gave encouragement to her running companion as the companion also encouraged her. She finished and therefore it was a winning achievement.
Australia is a land where many have overcome difficulties to eventually succeed. Sometimes it seems difficulty piles on difficulty, yet there are those who win through and are declared winners.
Australia has been described as the “Land of the Second Chance”. From the time of its first white settlement in 1788 when convicts from England and their English guards settled at Sydney Cove, this land has provided a second chance to many. Those early residents, many of them Irish prisoners of England and sundry other residents of the British Isles who had broken the law, found a land that was very different to their homeland.
They found that their knowledge and skills had to be adapted to fit with different seasons and climate in this new land. They mistakenly thought that they had little to learn from the Aboriginal residents who knew nothing of agriculture and living in solid structures arranges along streets. In spite of very difficult beginnings, many of the convicts saw opportunities and on concluding their sentences remained here to make most of a second chance.
Since then many have taken hold of opportunities. Less than one hundred years after the beginnings at Sydney Cove, gold was discovered in various locations around the land, and many were attracted to opportunity to strike it rich and find a new beginning. It was a tough life and many perished. Some found the wealth to make a new beginning. It is said some of the Chinese miners who arrived on the fields found it so tough to find payable gold they found it paid better to grow vegetables and sell them to other miners.
Each June 6th our State, Queensland, celebrates Queensland Day. It was on this day, 150 years ago this year, we became a separate state. It is a fact that at the time we had 7 and one half pence (about 5 cents) in our State Treasury. The discovery of gold gave us a real chance of making it alone. Some times have been rough since then but we have grown and prospered.
Other earlier settlers were Germans seeking refuge from religious persecution and who came seeking freedom to live without their previous concerns. Following the Second World War, Australia encouraged people from the United Kingdom and continental Europe to seek new opportunities in this land. Many took the opportunity to leave that which was familiar to seek a new life for themselves and their children. The numbers of new settlers were boosted soon by refugees seeking escape from Communism which had taken over their cental and eastern European homelands.
In more recent times Australia has been seen as a land of opportunity by refugees from Asia. In the late 1970s people began arriving on our shores from Vietnam. These refugees came crowded in fishing boats and other boats more at home in the coastal waters and rivers of Vietnam. I had a personal encounter with many of these people when I was in charge of The Salvation Army used furniture warehouse which provided the families with basic furniture and other essential household items. I found the Vietnamese people were courteous, appreciative and friendly. We did discuss whether student’s desks were basic and essential items. My manager said they were not. The Vietnamese said they would leave the other items, if they could have the desks. The parents said their children must study. It was the way to take hold of the second chance at life they had been offered. I was not surprised when in 2 or 3 years these refugee children were topping the State in examinations. (I also understood the joke that said “How do you know a Vietnamese broke into your house... answer: your homework is done!”).
It is good to read the events of Pentecost (Acts 2). Here was a coming such as never had occurred before. My favourite part is the events which followed on (Acts 3). We read that Peter and John came to the Temple at the time of prayer. Here was a crippled beggar. The beggar sought a coin or three. Peter and John suggested they had something more to give and that was a second chance at life. “In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, get up and walk” (Acts 3.6). We read he delighted in the chance and danced around praising God.
Such was the commotion that a crowd gathered and turned their praise to Peter and John. Peter stood up and said that it was not them but Jesus who had healed this man. He outlined the events of the crucifixion and how they fulfilled Old Testament prophesies. Peter said they had crucified Jesus, the Son of God in ignorance. However, God had raised Jesus up and they now had a second chance. “Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins. Then wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will send Jesus your Messiah to you again (Acts 3.19, 20). We go on to read that many accepted the opportunity for this second chance to live according to God’s way through Jesus, His Son.
Life offers many second chances. God gives us a second chance at life living His Way. Jesus talked to Nicodemus about being born again (John 3.3). That opportunity is there still for us all. Today is the day to grab that second chance and begin dancing in praising God.
[Look and Listen : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ8uBbAbwao ]
Peter and John went to pray.
They met a lame man on the way.
He asked for alms and held out his palms
And this is what Peter did say:
'Silver and gold have I none;
but such as I have give I you.
In the name of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
He went walking and leaping and praising God
walking and leaping and praising God.
In the name of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
He went walking and leaping and praising God
walking and leaping and praising God.
In the name of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
[I don’t know this next song but found the words when looking for the above well known chorus]:
SILVER & GOLD
Verse Number One:
The day was dark and cloudy ......the lame man begged as usual....
At the gate where he lay for many years.....
Tears welled up within his eyes...as he saw the crowd despise.....
All the things he had to do just to survive.....
Then along his trail of sorrow, came hope for a bright tomorrow.....
Apostle Peter gave a helping hand....
He said, "It's not by faith in gold...but in His Name you're whole.....
You can rise up and be a brand new man.....
The Chorus:
SILVER AND GOLD HAVE I NONE, BUT SUCH AS I HAVE....
GIVE I THEE...I GIVE TO THEE....TO THEE....
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, YOU CAN RISE UP AND WALK.....
YOU CAN RISE UP AND BE A BRAND NEW MAN....
[Musical Channel] Dobro
Verse Number Two:
Little children stared and wondered...at a forsaken old alcoholic....
Who lay sleeping.....with a bottle in his hands....
Music swelled out from the mission...as men told of dire conditions.....
And...what they had to do just to survive....
Now the preacher was old fashioned...his tears showed his compassion....
As he told them of God's great saving plan....
He said, "It's not by faith in gold...but in His Name you're whole...
You can rise up and be a brand new man.....
The Chorus:
SILVER AND GOLD HAVE I NONE, BUT SUCH AS I HAVE....
GIVE I THEE...I GIVE TO THEE....TO THEE....
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, YOU CAN RISE UP AND WALK.....
YOU CAN RISE UP AND BE A BRAND NEW MAN....
[Instrumental] Fiddle
Oh, Glory...Hallelujah...you can rise up and walk....
You can rise up and be a brand new man....
Oh...Glory...Hallelujah you can rise up and walk...
You can rise up and be a brand new man...
Oh, Glory...Hallelujah...you can rise up and walk....
You can rise up and be a brand new man....
Oh....Glory...Hallelujah you can rise up and walk...
You can rise up and be a brand new man...
Tag
You can rise up and be a brand new man....brand new man...
2000/2003 By Smokey River Boys
Words & Music By Robert Metzgar (ASCAP) and Dixie McKeithen (ASCAP)
Published by Walt Disney Music Company (ASCAP) . Hollywood
Published by McKeithen Melodies (ASCAP) . Nashville
® Universal Music Group/All Rights Reserved
©Smokey River Boys O Hollywood Album
ISRC CODE US-PP6-03-95412
Acts 3
1One day at three o'clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting.
2At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple.
3When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout.
4Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, "Look here."
5He looked up, expecting to get something from them.
6Peter said, "I don't have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!"
7He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm.
8He jumped to his feet and walked.
The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God.
9Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God.
10They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple's Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.
11The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon's Porch to see it for themselves.
Turn to Face God
12When Peter saw he had a congregation, he addressed the people:
"Oh, Israelites, why does this take you by such complete surprise, and why stare at us as if our power or piety made him walk?
13The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his Son Jesus. The very One that Pilate called innocent, you repudiated.
14You repudiated the Holy One, the Just One, and asked for a murderer in his place. 15You no sooner killed the Author of Life than God raised him from the dead--and we're the witnesses.
16Faith in Jesus' name put this man, whose condition you know so well, on his feet--yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.
17"And now, friends, I know you had no idea what you were doing when you killed Jesus, and neither did your leaders.
18But God, who through the preaching of all the prophets had said all along that his Messiah would be killed, knew exactly what you were doing and used it to fulfill his plans.
19"Now it's time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you,
20and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus.
21For the time being he must remain out of sight in heaven until everything is restored to order again just the way God, through the preaching of his holy prophets of old, said it would be.
22Moses, for instance, said, "Your God will raise up for you a prophet just like me from your family. Listen to every word he speaks to you.
23Every last living soul who refuses to listen to that prophet will be wiped out from the people.'
24"All the prophets from Samuel on down said the same thing, said most emphatically that these days would come.
25These prophets, along with the covenant God made with your ancestors, are your family tree. God's covenant-word to Abraham provides the text: "By your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.'
26But you are first in line: God, having raised up his Son, sent him to bless you as you turn, one by one, from your evil ways." ( Acts 3 :: The Message)
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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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Thursday, May 21, 2009
OzThoughts – Friday, 22nd May, 2009
OzThoughts – Friday, 22nd May, 2009
It’s the day after Ascension Day for us but we can reflect on what Jesus said to his Disciples:
“In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? Then fix this firmly in your minds: You're going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You'll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness.”
He then goes on to talk about the joy that comes to a woman through the pain of childbirth. He then goes on top give them an assurance:
"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!”
Our song as we sing “All my lasting joys are found in thee” is a response of prayer and praise to the thoughts Jesus shared with his Disciples.
Prayer and Praise: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book):
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_163.mp3
Jesus, tender lover of my soul,
Pardoner of my sins, and friend indeed,
Keeper of the garden of my heart,
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Chorus
Jesus, thou art everything to me,
Jesus, thou art everything to me,
All my lasting joys are found in thee;
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
What to me are all the joys of earth?
What to me is every sight I see,
Save the sight of thee, O Friend of mine?
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Here I lay me at thy bleeding feet,
Deepest homage now I give to thee;
Hear thy whispered love within my soul;
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Authors: Edward Henry Joy (1871-1949) (verses),
Arthur Smith Arnott (1870-1941) (chorus)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 600
John 16:19-24 (The Message)
19-20 Jesus knew they were dying to ask him what he meant, so he said, "Are you trying to figure out among yourselves what I meant when I said, 'In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? Then fix this firmly in your minds: You're going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You'll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness.
21-23 "When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You'll no longer be so full of questions.
23-24 "This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
It’s the day after Ascension Day for us but we can reflect on what Jesus said to his Disciples:
“In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? Then fix this firmly in your minds: You're going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You'll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness.”
He then goes on to talk about the joy that comes to a woman through the pain of childbirth. He then goes on top give them an assurance:
"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!”
Our song as we sing “All my lasting joys are found in thee” is a response of prayer and praise to the thoughts Jesus shared with his Disciples.
Prayer and Praise: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book):
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_163.mp3
Jesus, tender lover of my soul,
Pardoner of my sins, and friend indeed,
Keeper of the garden of my heart,
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Chorus
Jesus, thou art everything to me,
Jesus, thou art everything to me,
All my lasting joys are found in thee;
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
What to me are all the joys of earth?
What to me is every sight I see,
Save the sight of thee, O Friend of mine?
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Here I lay me at thy bleeding feet,
Deepest homage now I give to thee;
Hear thy whispered love within my soul;
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Authors: Edward Henry Joy (1871-1949) (verses),
Arthur Smith Arnott (1870-1941) (chorus)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 600
John 16:19-24 (The Message)
19-20 Jesus knew they were dying to ask him what he meant, so he said, "Are you trying to figure out among yourselves what I meant when I said, 'In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? Then fix this firmly in your minds: You're going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You'll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness.
21-23 "When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You'll no longer be so full of questions.
23-24 "This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
OzThoughts – Thursday 21st May, 2009
OzThoughts – Thursday 21st May, 2009
Today is Ascension Day.
Luke 24:49-53 (The Message)
45-49 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, 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."
50-51He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.
52-53And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes.
The story of the Disciples in the ten days between the Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1 & 2) is very brief in detail. However, we do note there was a regular meeting of all the believers for fellowship, prayer and worship of God.
Two details are recorded. One that there number of believers was about 120. The second is that under Peter’s leadership they decided who would replace Judas in the Twelve. The brief details of the qualification for selection were that the person must have been a witness to the Resurrection and with them the whole time of Jesus’ ministry. There were two candidates and Joseph (Justus) Barsabbas was selected.
The strong point that comes through is the togetherness. They enjoyed the fellowship and the times of worship together. The love of Jesus filled them as they obeyed His command to wait for the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the fellowship I enjoy with other Christians. I thank you for the joy of meeting with other Christians. I pray that I might share the love of Jesus with all I meet in any way and in any place today. Amen.
---
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2369.mp3 ]
In the secret of thy presence,
Where the pure in heart may dwell,
Are the springs of sacred service
And a power that none can tell.
There my love must bring its offering,
There my heart must yield its praise,
And the Lord will come, revealing
All the secrets of his ways.
Chorus
In the secret of thy presence,
In the hiding of thy power,
Let me love thee, let me serve thee,
Every consecrated hour.
More than all my lips may utter,
More than all I do or bring,
Is the depth of my devotion
To my Saviour, Lord and King.
Nothing less will keep me tender;
Nothing less will keep me true;
Nothing less will keep the fragrance
And the bloom on all I do!
Blessed Lord, to see thee truly,
Then to tell as I have seen,
This shall rule my life supremely,
This shall be the sacred gleam.
Sealed again is all the sealing,
Pledged again my willing heart,
First to know thee, then to serve thee,
Then to see thee as thou art.
Author: Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 591
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Today is Ascension Day.
Luke 24:49-53 (The Message)
45-49 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, 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."
50-51He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.
52-53And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes.
The story of the Disciples in the ten days between the Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1 & 2) is very brief in detail. However, we do note there was a regular meeting of all the believers for fellowship, prayer and worship of God.
Two details are recorded. One that there number of believers was about 120. The second is that under Peter’s leadership they decided who would replace Judas in the Twelve. The brief details of the qualification for selection were that the person must have been a witness to the Resurrection and with them the whole time of Jesus’ ministry. There were two candidates and Joseph (Justus) Barsabbas was selected.
The strong point that comes through is the togetherness. They enjoyed the fellowship and the times of worship together. The love of Jesus filled them as they obeyed His command to wait for the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the fellowship I enjoy with other Christians. I thank you for the joy of meeting with other Christians. I pray that I might share the love of Jesus with all I meet in any way and in any place today. Amen.
---
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2369.mp3 ]
In the secret of thy presence,
Where the pure in heart may dwell,
Are the springs of sacred service
And a power that none can tell.
There my love must bring its offering,
There my heart must yield its praise,
And the Lord will come, revealing
All the secrets of his ways.
Chorus
In the secret of thy presence,
In the hiding of thy power,
Let me love thee, let me serve thee,
Every consecrated hour.
More than all my lips may utter,
More than all I do or bring,
Is the depth of my devotion
To my Saviour, Lord and King.
Nothing less will keep me tender;
Nothing less will keep me true;
Nothing less will keep the fragrance
And the bloom on all I do!
Blessed Lord, to see thee truly,
Then to tell as I have seen,
This shall rule my life supremely,
This shall be the sacred gleam.
Sealed again is all the sealing,
Pledged again my willing heart,
First to know thee, then to serve thee,
Then to see thee as thou art.
Author: Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 591
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday 20th May, 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday 20th May, 2009
Just as surely as Jesus tells his Disciples that he will leave them soon, he assures them that he will send ‘the Spirit of Truth’ to come alongside them. If you read from John chapter 14 to John chapter 16 you will see Jesus returns to this promise a number of times.
The Disciples at this stage, don’t seem to grasp the idea. They seem more focused on Jesus and his physical presence with them and their hopes are anchored in this. They seem to find it difficult to move from the physical body to the spirit presence. Jesus further assures them that this ‘Spirit of Truth’ “…won't draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said.”
Of course, Pentecost and the days after this proved the truth of what Jesus was saying. The Holy Spirit came and brought them the truth.
John 16:12-15 (The Message)
12-15"I still have many things to tell you, but you can't handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won't draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I've said, 'He takes from me and delivers to you.'
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4304.mp3 ]
Come, thou all-inspiring Spirit,
Into every longing heart!
Won for us by Jesus' merit,
Now thy blissful self impart;
Sign our uncontested pardon,
Wash us in the atoning blood;
Make our hearts a watered garden,
Fill our spotless souls with God.
If thou gav'st the enlarged desire
Which for thee we ever feel,
Now our panting souls inspire,
Now our canceled sin reveal;
Claim us for thy habitation,
Dwell within our hallowed breast;
Seal us heirs of full salvation,
Fitted for our heavenly rest.
Give us quietly to tarry,
Till for all thy glory meet,
Waiting, like attentive Mary,
Happy at the Saviour's feet.
Keep us from the world unspotted,
From all earthly passions free,
Wholly to thyself devoted,
Fixed to live and die for thee.
Wrestling on in mighty prayer,
Lord, we will not let thee go
Till thou all thy mind declare,
All thy grace on us bestow;
Peace, the seal of sin forgiven,
Joy and perfect love impart;
Present everlasting Heaven,
All thou hast and all thou art.
Author: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 210
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Just as surely as Jesus tells his Disciples that he will leave them soon, he assures them that he will send ‘the Spirit of Truth’ to come alongside them. If you read from John chapter 14 to John chapter 16 you will see Jesus returns to this promise a number of times.
The Disciples at this stage, don’t seem to grasp the idea. They seem more focused on Jesus and his physical presence with them and their hopes are anchored in this. They seem to find it difficult to move from the physical body to the spirit presence. Jesus further assures them that this ‘Spirit of Truth’ “…won't draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said.”
Of course, Pentecost and the days after this proved the truth of what Jesus was saying. The Holy Spirit came and brought them the truth.
John 16:12-15 (The Message)
12-15"I still have many things to tell you, but you can't handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won't draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I've said, 'He takes from me and delivers to you.'
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4304.mp3 ]
Come, thou all-inspiring Spirit,
Into every longing heart!
Won for us by Jesus' merit,
Now thy blissful self impart;
Sign our uncontested pardon,
Wash us in the atoning blood;
Make our hearts a watered garden,
Fill our spotless souls with God.
If thou gav'st the enlarged desire
Which for thee we ever feel,
Now our panting souls inspire,
Now our canceled sin reveal;
Claim us for thy habitation,
Dwell within our hallowed breast;
Seal us heirs of full salvation,
Fitted for our heavenly rest.
Give us quietly to tarry,
Till for all thy glory meet,
Waiting, like attentive Mary,
Happy at the Saviour's feet.
Keep us from the world unspotted,
From all earthly passions free,
Wholly to thyself devoted,
Fixed to live and die for thee.
Wrestling on in mighty prayer,
Lord, we will not let thee go
Till thou all thy mind declare,
All thy grace on us bestow;
Peace, the seal of sin forgiven,
Joy and perfect love impart;
Present everlasting Heaven,
All thou hast and all thou art.
Author: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 210
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, May 18, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday 19th May, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday 19th May, 2009
The Gospels move very quickly from the resurrection of Jesus to his Ascension. Ee celebrate the Ascension on Thursday (21st May), which of course is followed 10 days later by Pentecost or Whitsunday.
In recent days I have read the story of the Resurrection and the few verses to the end of each of the four Gospels a number of times. The story tells clearly of the friends of Jesus being shown the now empty place where Jesus had been placed in death. The instruction on that occasion as they looked was that He is not here and now go and tell the Disciples.
From that first post resurrection instruction, to the Ascension of Jesus we see the disciples sharing the joy of the Resurrection of Jesus and become very clearly aware they are to tell the good news of Jesus to others.
Luke records Jesus reminding the Disciples about the things had taught them before the Crucifixion. He also reminded them of the Scriptures which told of his death and resurrection. He says clearly to them the message of repentance and forgiveness will be preached to the nations beginning in Jerusalem. He reminds them again that they are witnesses of these things. All they have to do is to wait for God’s power to come upon them. (Luke 24 44-49).
As I reflect on these Scriptures, I think of how different communications are in today’s world. We have so many ways of communicating right across the world or even with our neighbour next door. I think, too, of Charles Wesley’s old hymn “O for a thousand tongues to sing” and I think of General Evangeline Booth’s Song “The world for God’ with its personal response in the Chorus “I give my heart! I will do my part!” I found as I looked at the words of the verses I was less than familiar with them. What a great prayer there is in the last verse! (Maybe we need a contemporary tune for this similar to the “Send the Fire” one so we use these words more often).
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank you again for Jesus. I pray that you will help me to do my part to spread the good news throughout the world. Help me to begin right where I am amongst family and nearby friends and then to reach out to others, where ever you will lead me. Holy Spirit, equip me and use me today, I pray.
Thank you for Internet friends, bless them where ever they are. Thank you for those involved in passing this OzThoughts message to others, in response to your Spirit’s leading. Amen.
MEDITATION:
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4402.mp3 ]
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise;
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honours of thy name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears;
'Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avails for me.
Authors: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 64
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
The world for God! The world for God!
There's nothing else will meet the hunger of my soul.
I see forsaken children, I see the tears that fall
From women's eyes, once merry, now never laugh at all;
I see the sins and sorrows of those who sit in darkness;
I see in lands far distant, the hungry and oppressed.
But behold! On a hill, Calvary! Calvary!
Chorus
The world for God! The world for God!
I give my heart! I'll do my part!
The world for God! The world for God!
I give my heart! I will do my part!
The world for God! The world for God!
I call to arms the soldiers of the blood and fire:
Go with the Holy Bible. Its words are peace and life
To multitudes who struggle with crime and want and strife.
Go with your songs of mercy, show Christ in loving kindness,
Make known the sufferings of the cross, the sacrifice of God;
For behold! On a hill, Calvary! Calvary!
The world for God! The world for God!
For this, dear Lord, give to my soul consuming fire.
Give fire that makes men heroes, turns weakness into might,
The fire that gives the courage to suffer for the fight,
The fire that changes fearing to pentecostal daring,
The fire that makes me willing for Christ to live or die;
For behold! On a hill, Calvary! Calvary!
Authors: Evangeline Booth (1865-1950)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 830
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
The Gospels move very quickly from the resurrection of Jesus to his Ascension. Ee celebrate the Ascension on Thursday (21st May), which of course is followed 10 days later by Pentecost or Whitsunday.
In recent days I have read the story of the Resurrection and the few verses to the end of each of the four Gospels a number of times. The story tells clearly of the friends of Jesus being shown the now empty place where Jesus had been placed in death. The instruction on that occasion as they looked was that He is not here and now go and tell the Disciples.
From that first post resurrection instruction, to the Ascension of Jesus we see the disciples sharing the joy of the Resurrection of Jesus and become very clearly aware they are to tell the good news of Jesus to others.
Luke records Jesus reminding the Disciples about the things had taught them before the Crucifixion. He also reminded them of the Scriptures which told of his death and resurrection. He says clearly to them the message of repentance and forgiveness will be preached to the nations beginning in Jerusalem. He reminds them again that they are witnesses of these things. All they have to do is to wait for God’s power to come upon them. (Luke 24 44-49).
As I reflect on these Scriptures, I think of how different communications are in today’s world. We have so many ways of communicating right across the world or even with our neighbour next door. I think, too, of Charles Wesley’s old hymn “O for a thousand tongues to sing” and I think of General Evangeline Booth’s Song “The world for God’ with its personal response in the Chorus “I give my heart! I will do my part!” I found as I looked at the words of the verses I was less than familiar with them. What a great prayer there is in the last verse! (Maybe we need a contemporary tune for this similar to the “Send the Fire” one so we use these words more often).
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank you again for Jesus. I pray that you will help me to do my part to spread the good news throughout the world. Help me to begin right where I am amongst family and nearby friends and then to reach out to others, where ever you will lead me. Holy Spirit, equip me and use me today, I pray.
Thank you for Internet friends, bless them where ever they are. Thank you for those involved in passing this OzThoughts message to others, in response to your Spirit’s leading. Amen.
MEDITATION:
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4402.mp3 ]
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise;
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honours of thy name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears;
'Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avails for me.
Authors: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 64
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
The world for God! The world for God!
There's nothing else will meet the hunger of my soul.
I see forsaken children, I see the tears that fall
From women's eyes, once merry, now never laugh at all;
I see the sins and sorrows of those who sit in darkness;
I see in lands far distant, the hungry and oppressed.
But behold! On a hill, Calvary! Calvary!
Chorus
The world for God! The world for God!
I give my heart! I'll do my part!
The world for God! The world for God!
I give my heart! I will do my part!
The world for God! The world for God!
I call to arms the soldiers of the blood and fire:
Go with the Holy Bible. Its words are peace and life
To multitudes who struggle with crime and want and strife.
Go with your songs of mercy, show Christ in loving kindness,
Make known the sufferings of the cross, the sacrifice of God;
For behold! On a hill, Calvary! Calvary!
The world for God! The world for God!
For this, dear Lord, give to my soul consuming fire.
Give fire that makes men heroes, turns weakness into might,
The fire that gives the courage to suffer for the fight,
The fire that changes fearing to pentecostal daring,
The fire that makes me willing for Christ to live or die;
For behold! On a hill, Calvary! Calvary!
Authors: Evangeline Booth (1865-1950)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 830
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Sunday, May 17, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday 18th May, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday 18th May, 2009
Today’s Psalm is another one that just allows us to think and to respond in praise to God. It does not need comment from me.
Psalm 149 (The Message)
1-4 Hallelujah! Sing to GOD a brand-new song,
praise him in the company of all who love him.
Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator,
Zion's children exult in their King.
Let them praise his name in dance;
strike up the band and make great music!
And why? Because GOD delights in his people,
festoons plain folk with salvation garlands!
5-9 Let true lovers break out in praise,
sing out from wherever they're sitting,
Shout the high praises of God,
brandish their swords in the wild sword-dance—
A portent of vengeance on the God-defying nations,
a signal that punishment's coming,
Their kings chained and hauled off to jail,
their leaders behind bars for good,
The judgment on them carried out to the letter
—and all who love God in the seat of honour!
Hallelujah!
[Listen: Choir: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4784.mp3
or Band and Congregation : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3522.mp3 ]
O worship the King, all glorious above;
O gratefully sing his power and his love;
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
O tell of his might, O sing of his grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
The earth with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, thy power hath founded of old,
Hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree,
And round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.
Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light,
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail,
In thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
O measureless Might! Ineffable Love!
While angels delight to hymn thee above,
The humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall sing to thy praise.
Author: Robert Grant (1779-1838)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 16
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Today’s Psalm is another one that just allows us to think and to respond in praise to God. It does not need comment from me.
Psalm 149 (The Message)
1-4 Hallelujah! Sing to GOD a brand-new song,
praise him in the company of all who love him.
Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator,
Zion's children exult in their King.
Let them praise his name in dance;
strike up the band and make great music!
And why? Because GOD delights in his people,
festoons plain folk with salvation garlands!
5-9 Let true lovers break out in praise,
sing out from wherever they're sitting,
Shout the high praises of God,
brandish their swords in the wild sword-dance—
A portent of vengeance on the God-defying nations,
a signal that punishment's coming,
Their kings chained and hauled off to jail,
their leaders behind bars for good,
The judgment on them carried out to the letter
—and all who love God in the seat of honour!
Hallelujah!
[Listen: Choir: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4784.mp3
or Band and Congregation : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3522.mp3 ]
O worship the King, all glorious above;
O gratefully sing his power and his love;
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
O tell of his might, O sing of his grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
The earth with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, thy power hath founded of old,
Hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree,
And round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.
Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light,
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail,
In thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
O measureless Might! Ineffable Love!
While angels delight to hymn thee above,
The humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall sing to thy praise.
Author: Robert Grant (1779-1838)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 16
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
OzThoughts – Monday 18th May, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday 18th May, 2009
Today’s Psalm is another one that just allows us to think and to respond in praise to God. It does not need comment from me.
Psalm 149 (The Message)
1-4 Hallelujah! Sing to GOD a brand-new song,
praise him in the company of all who love him.
Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator,
Zion's children exult in their King.
Let them praise his name in dance;
strike up the band and make great music!
And why? Because GOD delights in his people,
festoons plain folk with salvation garlands!
5-9 Let true lovers break out in praise,
sing out from wherever they're sitting,
Shout the high praises of God,
brandish their swords in the wild sword-dance—
A portent of vengeance on the God-defying nations,
a signal that punishment's coming,
Their kings chained and hauled off to jail,
their leaders behind bars for good,
The judgment on them carried out to the letter
—and all who love God in the seat of honour!
Hallelujah!
[Listen: Choir: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4784.mp3
or Band and Congregation : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3522.mp3 ]
O worship the King, all glorious above;
O gratefully sing his power and his love;
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
O tell of his might, O sing of his grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
The earth with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, thy power hath founded of old,
Hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree,
And round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.
Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light,
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail,
In thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
O measureless Might! Ineffable Love!
While angels delight to hymn thee above,
The humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall sing to thy praise.
Author: Robert Grant (1779-1838)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 16
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Today’s Psalm is another one that just allows us to think and to respond in praise to God. It does not need comment from me.
Psalm 149 (The Message)
1-4 Hallelujah! Sing to GOD a brand-new song,
praise him in the company of all who love him.
Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator,
Zion's children exult in their King.
Let them praise his name in dance;
strike up the band and make great music!
And why? Because GOD delights in his people,
festoons plain folk with salvation garlands!
5-9 Let true lovers break out in praise,
sing out from wherever they're sitting,
Shout the high praises of God,
brandish their swords in the wild sword-dance—
A portent of vengeance on the God-defying nations,
a signal that punishment's coming,
Their kings chained and hauled off to jail,
their leaders behind bars for good,
The judgment on them carried out to the letter
—and all who love God in the seat of honour!
Hallelujah!
[Listen: Choir: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4784.mp3
or Band and Congregation : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3522.mp3 ]
O worship the King, all glorious above;
O gratefully sing his power and his love;
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
O tell of his might, O sing of his grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
The earth with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, thy power hath founded of old,
Hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree,
And round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.
Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light,
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail,
In thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
O measureless Might! Ineffable Love!
While angels delight to hymn thee above,
The humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall sing to thy praise.
Author: Robert Grant (1779-1838)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 16
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Saturday, May 16, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 17th May, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 17th May, 2009
This day belongs to the LORD!
Let's celebrate
and be glad today.
(Psalm 118:24 Contemporary English Version)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 10
Author: Henry van Dyke (1852-1933)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1497.mp3 ]
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
Hail thee as the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
Drive the clouds of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day.
All thy works with joy surround thee,
Earth and heaven reflect thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around thee,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Bloss'ming meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest.
Thou the Father, Christ our brother--
All who live in love are thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the mighty chorus
Which the morning stars began;
Father-love is reigning o'er us,
Brother-love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music lifts us sunward
In the triumph song of life.
Psalm 112 (The Message)
1-10 Hallelujah!
Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear GOD,
Who cherish and relish his commandments,
Their children robust on the earth,
And the homes of the upright—how blessed!
Their houses brim with wealth
And a generosity that never runs dry.
Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people—
God's grace and mercy and justice!
The good person is generous and lends lavishly;
No shuffling or stumbling around for this one,
But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation.
Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in GOD,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies,
They lavish gifts on the poor—
A generosity that goes on, and on, and on.
An honored life! A beautiful life!
Someone wicked takes one look and rages,
Blusters away but ends up speechless.
There's nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 615
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2513.mp3 ]
'Mid all the traffic of the ways,
Turmoils without, within,
Make in my heart a quiet place,
And come and dwell therein:
A little shrine of quietness,
All sacred to thyself,
Where thou shalt all my soul possess,
And I may find myself:
A little place of mystic grace,
Of self and sin swept bare,
Where I may look into thy face,
And talk with thee in prayer.
Come, occupy my silent place,
And make thy dwelling there!
More grace is wrought in quietness
Than any is aware.
Prayer:
May God, who puts all things together,
makes all things whole,
Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,
the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant,
Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd,
up and alive from the dead,
Now put you together, provide you
with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
Oh, yes, yes, yes. (Hebrews 13:20-21 The Message)
Listen for enjoyment and inspiration : Songsters:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2510.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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
This day belongs to the LORD!
Let's celebrate
and be glad today.
(Psalm 118:24 Contemporary English Version)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 10
Author: Henry van Dyke (1852-1933)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1497.mp3 ]
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
Hail thee as the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
Drive the clouds of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day.
All thy works with joy surround thee,
Earth and heaven reflect thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around thee,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Bloss'ming meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest.
Thou the Father, Christ our brother--
All who live in love are thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the mighty chorus
Which the morning stars began;
Father-love is reigning o'er us,
Brother-love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music lifts us sunward
In the triumph song of life.
Psalm 112 (The Message)
1-10 Hallelujah!
Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear GOD,
Who cherish and relish his commandments,
Their children robust on the earth,
And the homes of the upright—how blessed!
Their houses brim with wealth
And a generosity that never runs dry.
Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people—
God's grace and mercy and justice!
The good person is generous and lends lavishly;
No shuffling or stumbling around for this one,
But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation.
Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in GOD,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies,
They lavish gifts on the poor—
A generosity that goes on, and on, and on.
An honored life! A beautiful life!
Someone wicked takes one look and rages,
Blusters away but ends up speechless.
There's nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 615
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2513.mp3 ]
'Mid all the traffic of the ways,
Turmoils without, within,
Make in my heart a quiet place,
And come and dwell therein:
A little shrine of quietness,
All sacred to thyself,
Where thou shalt all my soul possess,
And I may find myself:
A little place of mystic grace,
Of self and sin swept bare,
Where I may look into thy face,
And talk with thee in prayer.
Come, occupy my silent place,
And make thy dwelling there!
More grace is wrought in quietness
Than any is aware.
Prayer:
May God, who puts all things together,
makes all things whole,
Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,
the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant,
Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd,
up and alive from the dead,
Now put you together, provide you
with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
Oh, yes, yes, yes. (Hebrews 13:20-21 The Message)
Listen for enjoyment and inspiration : Songsters:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2510.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/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because we felt that there was a need for a place on the Internet where Salvationists and Christian Friends could come together and talk about things concerning The Salvation Army, their Faith, and all that is involved within it.
We are now the largest and most active Salvation Army Group on the Internet with over 870 members.
We wanted a place where we could discuss how we can be better people in this world because of …
• Our belief and trust in God the Father.
• Our love for Jesus and all that He means to us day by day.
• Our experience of The Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
As the founder of SALVATIONARMY3 wrote when we first came into being ...“It is my Prayer that this group stays a Holy place, where JESUS is the Focus of every Conversation, and "OTHERS" is the reason we meet.
I Love JESUS and THE SALVATION ARMY and want a great place to meet others who feel the same”...
If you feel you would like to be part of a vibrant and active Salvation Army group, please come in and join us. A Welcome awaits you.
This is an unofficial website and does not necessarily reflect the position of "The Salvation Army"
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Friday, May 15, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 16th May, 2009.
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 16th May, 2009.
IF YOU LOVE ME: SHOW IT !
This week we have thought about the new command of Jesus to “love one another just as he loved us”. I would think that most of us have heard this command many times and some of us have sung it.
A new commandment I give unto you,
That you love one another as I have loved you,
That you love one another as I have loved you.
By this shall all men know that you are My disciples,
if you have love one for another.
By this shall all men know that you are My disciples,
if you have love one for another.
- John 13:34-35
[Listen: http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/3819/a_new_commandment.mid ]
There you are: people will know that we are Jesus Disciples as we show our love. We become Christians through God’s grace given through Jesus. When we determine that we will live for Jesus and become his Disciple then love must be seen.
It reminds me of an incident I wrote about a couple of years ago:
She walked into my marriage counselling office and carefully sat on the chair opposite me. Her baby was about 8 months old and he was asleep in his lightweight pram. She brushed her blonde hair back and gave me a lovely smile and she said “I don’t know if I should be here”. I thought well I am glad you are and you have certainly have improved the décor of this office. I asked her to tell me why she had made an appointment to see a Marriage Counsellor. (As training I worked as a secular marriage counsellor for a non-church organisation).
She told me that things were going great but there was one thing that worried her. She did not know if her husband really loved her. So we began to trace something of the history of their relationship. They had known each other for a couple of years before they married and had been married just on two years also. They enjoyed doing things together, and were enjoying establishing their own home. They both had good jobs until she had left work to have this baby. Her husband worked at the local hotel and since she had left work she would go and have lunch with him several times a week.
I began to wish that all the couples I saw in this office each Friday had a relationship like this.
I therefore said “this all sounds great, why do you think he doesn’t love you?” I jumped right in and said “Is there someone else?”
“Heavens no!” she said as if she was horrified I dared to suggest that. “I am sure there is no one else for him or for me” she said. She then said he says he loves me but he doesn’t act like it. She explained that the sexual part of their marriage was good (except when she was very pregnant and for a few weeks after) but somehow she still was not sure.
So we explored further. I got a picture of him sitting beside her on the lounge as she shelled peas and watched television. He sat with her as she did the gardening she enjoyed. He even helped with some gardening under her instructions. He always was proud to introduce her and now their son to his friends. I was getting the picture of a man who was deeply in love with this pretty woman and I said so. I said that without talking to him, it appeared they had a great marriage.
She said “that’s just it. I feel we do have a great marriage but I am never sure that he loves me”.
I said “that’s very interesting why do you feel that he doesn’t love you? You have painted a picture of a guy who loves you, it seems a near to prefect marriage”.
“What is he not doing?” I asked. She then told me of her European background. How her parents and all her relatives were people who touched to express deep emotions. They were people who touched, held hands, hugged and kissed appropriately to express joy and love. Her man did not do that. Sure they often embraced and kissed passionately as couples do. But at other times he seemed happy to be with her but not touch her. He did not allow his love for her to lift his hands out of his pockets or his arms from his side. He sat beside her on the lounge or in the garden but rarely reached out to touch her.
It was all about body language. Her expectations were grounded in the traditions of her native culture. They were not being met by the Australian who expressed his love in other ways, but certainly not in the familiar and lovely, loving touch she expected. I, an Aussie bloke reassured her by what she had told me about her Aussie bloke that he loved her. I suggested she talk to him about her culture and show him there’s more to loving than what he probably had seen in his family and culture. It was really “If you love me then show me how much in ways I understand”.
After Jesus had been crucified and rose again, He appeared to the Disciples beside the sea, where they had been fishing all night. They ate a fish breakfast on the beach. The story continues from John’s Gospel:
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. (John 21. The Message).
In this beautiful incident, Jesus confronts Peter who had betrayed him and asks about his love. Peter is embarrassed at all the asking but Jesus understands and restores Peter to the leadership of His Disciples.
How would we answer?
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_121.mp3 ]
Lord I come to You, let my heart be changed renewed
Flowing from the grace that I've found in You.
Lord I've come to know the weaknesses I see in me
Will be stripped away by the power of Your love.
Hold me close, let Your love surround me.
Bring me near, draw me to Your side.
And as I wait, I'll rise up like the eagle,
And I will soar with You, Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love.
Lord unveil my eyes let me see You face to face:
The knowledge of Your love as You live in me.
Lord renew my mind as Your will unfolds my life
In living everyday by the power of Your love.
Geoff Bullock
MY JESUS, MY SAVIOUR
[Look and Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftuKUV8R-7Y ]
Lord, there is none like You.
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength,
Let every breath, all that I am,
Never cease to worship You.
Shout to the Lord all the earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King.
Mountains bow down
And the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands.
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand.
Nothing compares to the
Promise I have in You.
Darlene Zschech.
[Listen: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
IF YOU LOVE ME: SHOW IT !
This week we have thought about the new command of Jesus to “love one another just as he loved us”. I would think that most of us have heard this command many times and some of us have sung it.
A new commandment I give unto you,
That you love one another as I have loved you,
That you love one another as I have loved you.
By this shall all men know that you are My disciples,
if you have love one for another.
By this shall all men know that you are My disciples,
if you have love one for another.
- John 13:34-35
[Listen: http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/3819/a_new_commandment.mid ]
There you are: people will know that we are Jesus Disciples as we show our love. We become Christians through God’s grace given through Jesus. When we determine that we will live for Jesus and become his Disciple then love must be seen.
It reminds me of an incident I wrote about a couple of years ago:
She walked into my marriage counselling office and carefully sat on the chair opposite me. Her baby was about 8 months old and he was asleep in his lightweight pram. She brushed her blonde hair back and gave me a lovely smile and she said “I don’t know if I should be here”. I thought well I am glad you are and you have certainly have improved the décor of this office. I asked her to tell me why she had made an appointment to see a Marriage Counsellor. (As training I worked as a secular marriage counsellor for a non-church organisation).
She told me that things were going great but there was one thing that worried her. She did not know if her husband really loved her. So we began to trace something of the history of their relationship. They had known each other for a couple of years before they married and had been married just on two years also. They enjoyed doing things together, and were enjoying establishing their own home. They both had good jobs until she had left work to have this baby. Her husband worked at the local hotel and since she had left work she would go and have lunch with him several times a week.
I began to wish that all the couples I saw in this office each Friday had a relationship like this.
I therefore said “this all sounds great, why do you think he doesn’t love you?” I jumped right in and said “Is there someone else?”
“Heavens no!” she said as if she was horrified I dared to suggest that. “I am sure there is no one else for him or for me” she said. She then said he says he loves me but he doesn’t act like it. She explained that the sexual part of their marriage was good (except when she was very pregnant and for a few weeks after) but somehow she still was not sure.
So we explored further. I got a picture of him sitting beside her on the lounge as she shelled peas and watched television. He sat with her as she did the gardening she enjoyed. He even helped with some gardening under her instructions. He always was proud to introduce her and now their son to his friends. I was getting the picture of a man who was deeply in love with this pretty woman and I said so. I said that without talking to him, it appeared they had a great marriage.
She said “that’s just it. I feel we do have a great marriage but I am never sure that he loves me”.
I said “that’s very interesting why do you feel that he doesn’t love you? You have painted a picture of a guy who loves you, it seems a near to prefect marriage”.
“What is he not doing?” I asked. She then told me of her European background. How her parents and all her relatives were people who touched to express deep emotions. They were people who touched, held hands, hugged and kissed appropriately to express joy and love. Her man did not do that. Sure they often embraced and kissed passionately as couples do. But at other times he seemed happy to be with her but not touch her. He did not allow his love for her to lift his hands out of his pockets or his arms from his side. He sat beside her on the lounge or in the garden but rarely reached out to touch her.
It was all about body language. Her expectations were grounded in the traditions of her native culture. They were not being met by the Australian who expressed his love in other ways, but certainly not in the familiar and lovely, loving touch she expected. I, an Aussie bloke reassured her by what she had told me about her Aussie bloke that he loved her. I suggested she talk to him about her culture and show him there’s more to loving than what he probably had seen in his family and culture. It was really “If you love me then show me how much in ways I understand”.
After Jesus had been crucified and rose again, He appeared to the Disciples beside the sea, where they had been fishing all night. They ate a fish breakfast on the beach. The story continues from John’s Gospel:
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. (John 21. The Message).
In this beautiful incident, Jesus confronts Peter who had betrayed him and asks about his love. Peter is embarrassed at all the asking but Jesus understands and restores Peter to the leadership of His Disciples.
How would we answer?
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_121.mp3 ]
Lord I come to You, let my heart be changed renewed
Flowing from the grace that I've found in You.
Lord I've come to know the weaknesses I see in me
Will be stripped away by the power of Your love.
Hold me close, let Your love surround me.
Bring me near, draw me to Your side.
And as I wait, I'll rise up like the eagle,
And I will soar with You, Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love.
Lord unveil my eyes let me see You face to face:
The knowledge of Your love as You live in me.
Lord renew my mind as Your will unfolds my life
In living everyday by the power of Your love.
Geoff Bullock
MY JESUS, MY SAVIOUR
[Look and Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftuKUV8R-7Y ]
Lord, there is none like You.
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength,
Let every breath, all that I am,
Never cease to worship You.
Shout to the Lord all the earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King.
Mountains bow down
And the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands.
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand.
Nothing compares to the
Promise I have in You.
Darlene Zschech.
[Listen: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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