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.


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[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


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