OzThoughts – Wednesday, 1st July, 2009
Luke as he writes the Acts of the Apostles tells us clearly what was one outcome of Paul’s visit to Lystra, after some opposing Jews arrived:
“They beat Paul unconscious, dragged him outside the town and left him for dead.”
Paul revived and then moved on to Derbe where he was successful in “establishing a strong core of disciples”. Paul and Barnabas then retraced their journey and further nurtured the new believers in the churches they had established. I wonder if Paul had in mind the beating he received when he warned the new believers that "Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times." They also appointed strong leadership in each place.
When they eventually got back to Antioch, they reported to the church which dad sent them out “telling in detail how God had used them to throw the door of faith wide open so people of all nations could come streaming in.”.
[Listen: http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/FGS1180%20-%2006%20-%20To%20God%20be%20the%20Glory.mp3
SalvoAudio – the source of much of the music on OzThoughts is off the internet at the moment ]
To God be the glory, great things he hath done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son;
Who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Chorus
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give him the glory; great things he hath done!
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer and higher and greater will be
Our wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see.
Authors: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 22
Acts 14:19-28 (The Message)
19-20 Then some Jews from Antioch and Iconium caught up with them and turned the fickle crowd against them. They beat Paul unconscious, dragged him outside the town and left him for dead. But as the disciples gathered around him, he came to and got up. He went back into town and the next day left with Barnabas for Derbe.
21-22 After proclaiming the Message in Derbe and establishing a strong core of disciples, they retraced their steps to Lystra, then Iconium, and then Antioch, putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn't be easy: "Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times."
23-26 Paul and Barnabas handpicked leaders in each church. After praying— their prayers intensified by fasting—they presented these new leaders to the Master to whom they had entrusted their lives. Working their way back through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia and preached in Perga. Finally, they made it to Attalia and caught a ship back to Antioch, where it had all started—launched by God's grace and now safely home by God's grace. A good piece of work.
27-28 On arrival, they got the church together and reported on their trip, telling in detail how God had used them to throw the door of faith wide open so people of all nations could come streaming in. Then they settled down for a long, leisurely visit with the disciples.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday, 30th June, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday, 30th June, 2009
I have been doing some research on “religions” in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. One thing that is common in all three countries is that there are many people who are willing to tick the box in their national census as being affiliated to various religions. There are a lot of course who say “no religion” but I have been looking at the big majority of people who tick the box.
There is no doubt that people are ready and willing to identify with believers. I see this was the experience of Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
“There was a man in Lystra who couldn't walk. He sat there, crippled since the day of his birth. He heard Paul talking, and Paul, looking him in the eye, saw that he was ripe for God's work, ready to believe. So he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Up on your feet!" The man was up in a flash—jumped up and walked around as if he'd been walking all his life.” (Acts 14:8-10 The Message).
Now immediately the crowd reacted. They named Paul and Barnabas as two of their gods “Zeus” and “Hermes”. They even organised a parade to welcome and celebrate their visiting gods!
Now, Paul and Barnabas could have enjoyed the people’s acclaim but they put the people right about God, and introduced the people to the God who had made them and sustained them, and whom they served.
When we meet people who identify as spiritual believers , do we make “clear and plain” the God of the Bible whom we serve?
[Listen: http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/WGBMF824%20-%2004%20-%20Hymn%20-%20Maryton.mp3]
O Master, let me walk with thee
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil. the fret of care.
Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.
Teach me thy patience; still with thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong;
In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future's broadening way,
In peace that only thou canst give,
For thee, O Master, let me live.
Author: Washington Gladden (1836-1918)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 519
Acts 14:8-18 (The Message)
8-10 There was a man in Lystra who couldn't walk. He sat there, crippled since the day of his birth. He heard Paul talking, and Paul, looking him in the eye, saw that he was ripe for God's work, ready to believe. So he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Up on your feet!" The man was up in a flash—jumped up and walked around as if he'd been walking all his life.
11-13 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they went wild, calling out in their Lyconian dialect, "The gods have come down! These men are gods!" They called Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes" (since Paul did most of the speaking). The priest of the local Zeus shrine got up a parade—bulls and banners and people lined right up to the gates, ready for the ritual of sacrifice.
14-15 When Barnabas and Paul finally realized what was going on, they stopped them. Waving their arms, they interrupted the parade, calling out, "What do you think you're doing! We're not gods! We are men just like you, and we're here to bring you the Message, to persuade you to abandon these silly god-superstitions and embrace God himself, the living God. We don't make God; he makes us, and all of this—sky, earth, sea, and everything in them.
16-18 "In the generations before us, God let all the different nations go their own way. But even then he didn't leave them without a clue, for he made a good creation, poured down rain and gave bumper crops. When your bellies were full and your hearts happy, there was evidence of good beyond your doing." Talking fast and hard like this, they prevented them from carrying out the sacrifice that would have honored them as gods—but just barely.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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 have been doing some research on “religions” in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. One thing that is common in all three countries is that there are many people who are willing to tick the box in their national census as being affiliated to various religions. There are a lot of course who say “no religion” but I have been looking at the big majority of people who tick the box.
There is no doubt that people are ready and willing to identify with believers. I see this was the experience of Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
“There was a man in Lystra who couldn't walk. He sat there, crippled since the day of his birth. He heard Paul talking, and Paul, looking him in the eye, saw that he was ripe for God's work, ready to believe. So he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Up on your feet!" The man was up in a flash—jumped up and walked around as if he'd been walking all his life.” (Acts 14:8-10 The Message).
Now immediately the crowd reacted. They named Paul and Barnabas as two of their gods “Zeus” and “Hermes”. They even organised a parade to welcome and celebrate their visiting gods!
Now, Paul and Barnabas could have enjoyed the people’s acclaim but they put the people right about God, and introduced the people to the God who had made them and sustained them, and whom they served.
When we meet people who identify as spiritual believers , do we make “clear and plain” the God of the Bible whom we serve?
[Listen: http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/WGBMF824%20-%2004%20-%20Hymn%20-%20Maryton.mp3]
O Master, let me walk with thee
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil. the fret of care.
Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.
Teach me thy patience; still with thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong;
In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future's broadening way,
In peace that only thou canst give,
For thee, O Master, let me live.
Author: Washington Gladden (1836-1918)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 519
Acts 14:8-18 (The Message)
8-10 There was a man in Lystra who couldn't walk. He sat there, crippled since the day of his birth. He heard Paul talking, and Paul, looking him in the eye, saw that he was ripe for God's work, ready to believe. So he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Up on your feet!" The man was up in a flash—jumped up and walked around as if he'd been walking all his life.
11-13 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they went wild, calling out in their Lyconian dialect, "The gods have come down! These men are gods!" They called Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes" (since Paul did most of the speaking). The priest of the local Zeus shrine got up a parade—bulls and banners and people lined right up to the gates, ready for the ritual of sacrifice.
14-15 When Barnabas and Paul finally realized what was going on, they stopped them. Waving their arms, they interrupted the parade, calling out, "What do you think you're doing! We're not gods! We are men just like you, and we're here to bring you the Message, to persuade you to abandon these silly god-superstitions and embrace God himself, the living God. We don't make God; he makes us, and all of this—sky, earth, sea, and everything in them.
16-18 "In the generations before us, God let all the different nations go their own way. But even then he didn't leave them without a clue, for he made a good creation, poured down rain and gave bumper crops. When your bellies were full and your hearts happy, there was evidence of good beyond your doing." Talking fast and hard like this, they prevented them from carrying out the sacrifice that would have honored them as gods—but just barely.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
Sunday, June 28, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday, 29th June, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday, 29th June, 2009
One thing is certain as we face this week that not everyone will like us. With some people it will be just a feeling we get and with others they will tell us exactly how they feel about us. For sure, if we start going on loudly about the football or cricket team we follow there will be those who oppose us because they follow a different team. Others will not like our choices of food or where to go for a time of entertainment or relaxation. Some definitely will not like our choice of music.
When we state we are a Christian and what Jesus means to us there will be those will oppose us.
Jesus told the Disciples when he sent them out
“If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them."(Luke 9:5 New International Version)
or as The Message says:
“If you're not welcomed, leave town. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on."( Luke 9:5 The Message.)
Now that is exactly what Paul and Barnabas did at Pisidian Antioch when opposition arose
Paul and Barnabas shrugged their shoulders and went on to the next town, Iconium, brimming with joy and the Holy Spirit, two happy disciples. (Acts 13:51 The Message)
Then they got to Iconium and were successful in sharing the message of Jesus but after some time opposition arose and then:
“they escaped as best they could to the next towns—Lyconia, Lystra, Derbe, and that neighborhood—but then were right back at it again, getting out the Message. “ (Acts 14: 6-7. The Message).
This week there may be “shake the dust and shrug the shoulders” situations but remember God is with us !
[Listen: http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/BAB3503%20-%2007%20-%20The%20Pathway%20of%20Duty.mp3 ]
There's a path that's sometimes thorny,
There's a narrow way, and straight;
It is called the path of duty,
And it leads to Heaven's gate.
While we tread this path of duty,
We will find our needs supplied
From the river of God's mercy
That is flowing close beside.
Chorus
By the pathway of duty
Flows the river of God's grace.
By the pathway of duty
Flows the river of God's grace.
'Tis a blessed way and holy,
'Tis a path of peace and joy;
Though sometimes the way be stony
And the cares of life annoy.
But this path that we call duty
Is the way the Master trod,
And the smile of love and beauty
Lights the way that leads to God.
Let us walk this path of duty
With our faces to the sun,
Carry all our burdens gladly,
Finish well what we've begun.
From the river of God's mercy
That is flowing by the way,
We may drink and find refreshing
For the burdens of the day.
Author: Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 462
Acts 14:1-7 (The Message)
Acts 14
1-3 When they got to Iconium they went, as they always did, to the meeting place of the Jews and gave their message. The Message convinced both Jews and non-Jews—and not just a few, either. But the unbelieving Jews worked up a whispering campaign against Paul and Barnabas, sowing mistrust and suspicion in the minds of the people in the street. The two apostles were there a long time, speaking freely, openly, and confidently as they presented the clear evidence of God's gifts, God corroborating their work with miracles and wonders.
4-7But then there was a split in public opinion, some siding with the Jews, some with the apostles. One day, learning that both the Jews and non-Jews had been organized by their leaders to beat them up, they escaped as best they could to the next towns—Lyconia, Lystra, Derbe, and that neighborhood—but then were right back at it again, getting out 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 :
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
One thing is certain as we face this week that not everyone will like us. With some people it will be just a feeling we get and with others they will tell us exactly how they feel about us. For sure, if we start going on loudly about the football or cricket team we follow there will be those who oppose us because they follow a different team. Others will not like our choices of food or where to go for a time of entertainment or relaxation. Some definitely will not like our choice of music.
When we state we are a Christian and what Jesus means to us there will be those will oppose us.
Jesus told the Disciples when he sent them out
“If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them."(Luke 9:5 New International Version)
or as The Message says:
“If you're not welcomed, leave town. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on."( Luke 9:5 The Message.)
Now that is exactly what Paul and Barnabas did at Pisidian Antioch when opposition arose
Paul and Barnabas shrugged their shoulders and went on to the next town, Iconium, brimming with joy and the Holy Spirit, two happy disciples. (Acts 13:51 The Message)
Then they got to Iconium and were successful in sharing the message of Jesus but after some time opposition arose and then:
“they escaped as best they could to the next towns—Lyconia, Lystra, Derbe, and that neighborhood—but then were right back at it again, getting out the Message. “ (Acts 14: 6-7. The Message).
This week there may be “shake the dust and shrug the shoulders” situations but remember God is with us !
[Listen: http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/BAB3503%20-%2007%20-%20The%20Pathway%20of%20Duty.mp3 ]
There's a path that's sometimes thorny,
There's a narrow way, and straight;
It is called the path of duty,
And it leads to Heaven's gate.
While we tread this path of duty,
We will find our needs supplied
From the river of God's mercy
That is flowing close beside.
Chorus
By the pathway of duty
Flows the river of God's grace.
By the pathway of duty
Flows the river of God's grace.
'Tis a blessed way and holy,
'Tis a path of peace and joy;
Though sometimes the way be stony
And the cares of life annoy.
But this path that we call duty
Is the way the Master trod,
And the smile of love and beauty
Lights the way that leads to God.
Let us walk this path of duty
With our faces to the sun,
Carry all our burdens gladly,
Finish well what we've begun.
From the river of God's mercy
That is flowing by the way,
We may drink and find refreshing
For the burdens of the day.
Author: Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 462
Acts 14:1-7 (The Message)
Acts 14
1-3 When they got to Iconium they went, as they always did, to the meeting place of the Jews and gave their message. The Message convinced both Jews and non-Jews—and not just a few, either. But the unbelieving Jews worked up a whispering campaign against Paul and Barnabas, sowing mistrust and suspicion in the minds of the people in the street. The two apostles were there a long time, speaking freely, openly, and confidently as they presented the clear evidence of God's gifts, God corroborating their work with miracles and wonders.
4-7But then there was a split in public opinion, some siding with the Jews, some with the apostles. One day, learning that both the Jews and non-Jews had been organized by their leaders to beat them up, they escaped as best they could to the next towns—Lyconia, Lystra, Derbe, and that neighborhood—but then were right back at it again, getting out 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 :
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, June 27, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 27th JUNE, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 27th JUNE, 2009
This day belongs to the LORD!
Let's celebrate
and be glad today.
(Psalm 118:24 Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 130 (The Message)
1-2 Help, GOD—the bottom has fallen out of my life!
Master, hear my cry for help!
Listen hard! Open your ears!
Listen to my cries for mercy.
3-4 If you, GOD, kept records on wrongdoings,
who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
and that's why you're worshiped.
5-6 I pray to GOD—my life a prayer—
and wait for what he'll say and do.
My life's on the line before God, my Lord,
waiting and watching till morning,
waiting and watching till morning.
7-8 O Israel, wait and watch for GOD—
with GOD's arrival comes love,
with GOD's arrival comes generous redemption.
No doubt about it—he'll redeem Israel,
buy back Israel from captivity to sin.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 10
Author: Henry van Dyke (1852-1933)
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2445.mp3
or
Band: 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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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 50:7-15 (The Message)
7-15 "Are you listening, dear people? I'm getting ready to speak;
Israel, I'm about ready to bring you to trial.
This is God, your God,
speaking to you.
I don't find fault with your acts of worship,
the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.
But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull,
or more and more goats from your herds?
Every creature in the forest is mine,
the wild animals on all the mountains.
I know every mountain bird by name;
the scampering field mice are my friends.
If I get hungry, do you think I'd tell you?
All creation and its bounty are mine.
Do you think I feast on venison?
or drink draughts of goats' blood?
Spread for me a banquet of praise,
serve High God a feast of kept promises,
And call for help when you're in trouble—
I'll help you, and you'll honour me."
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 579
Author: Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)
Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_963.mp3
or
Songster: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2452.mp3
or
Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1862.mp3
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase,
To added afflictions he addeth his mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.
2.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
3.
His love has no limits, his grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
Prayer:
Lord, we beseech you to keep your family, the Church, in continual godliness, that through your protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve you in good works, to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation: Trombone Solo:
“Take Up Thy Cross” : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1891.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 group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because it was 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 130 (The Message)
1-2 Help, GOD—the bottom has fallen out of my life!
Master, hear my cry for help!
Listen hard! Open your ears!
Listen to my cries for mercy.
3-4 If you, GOD, kept records on wrongdoings,
who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
and that's why you're worshiped.
5-6 I pray to GOD—my life a prayer—
and wait for what he'll say and do.
My life's on the line before God, my Lord,
waiting and watching till morning,
waiting and watching till morning.
7-8 O Israel, wait and watch for GOD—
with GOD's arrival comes love,
with GOD's arrival comes generous redemption.
No doubt about it—he'll redeem Israel,
buy back Israel from captivity to sin.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 10
Author: Henry van Dyke (1852-1933)
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2445.mp3
or
Band: 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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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 50:7-15 (The Message)
7-15 "Are you listening, dear people? I'm getting ready to speak;
Israel, I'm about ready to bring you to trial.
This is God, your God,
speaking to you.
I don't find fault with your acts of worship,
the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.
But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull,
or more and more goats from your herds?
Every creature in the forest is mine,
the wild animals on all the mountains.
I know every mountain bird by name;
the scampering field mice are my friends.
If I get hungry, do you think I'd tell you?
All creation and its bounty are mine.
Do you think I feast on venison?
or drink draughts of goats' blood?
Spread for me a banquet of praise,
serve High God a feast of kept promises,
And call for help when you're in trouble—
I'll help you, and you'll honour me."
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 579
Author: Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)
Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_963.mp3
or
Songster: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2452.mp3
or
Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1862.mp3
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase,
To added afflictions he addeth his mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.
2.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
3.
His love has no limits, his grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
Prayer:
Lord, we beseech you to keep your family, the Church, in continual godliness, that through your protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve you in good works, to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation: Trombone Solo:
“Take Up Thy Cross” : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1891.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 group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because it was 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
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 27th June 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 27th June 2009
Signs and Wonders
In a workplace washroom, the boss placed a sign directly above the sink with a single word on it - "THINK!"
The next day, he visited the men's room, looked at the sign and saw below it, immediately above the soap dispenser, someone had carefully lettered another sign which read - "THOAP!"
Clever signs have a great appeal to me. I enjoy too the quick wit of those who can come up with a humorous reply. I think I have mentioned before the huge roadside sign in what are determined as “fatigue areas” by our road safety experts. The sign meant to be read by passengers says “Is your driver alert?” I have seen one such sign under which some one has roughly written “The world needs more lerts”.
I remember a signwriter who had at his business amongst many other signs on display one which I wondered about for many years. It must have been in my early days as a reader that I was shown the sign. It was a slogan for a one man business and as a sales message it said simply "I made signs before I could talk". I think my father’s sense of humour encouraged me to see the signs as made with skill with brush and paints. A few simple questions like how did he know how to make the letters and how did he know how to spell kept me wondering. For a long time he encouraged me to wonder about it and I think maybe he encouraged me to see it as a talent the man was born with. I definitely had it in the nature not nurture list of abilities. Let me assure you I understand the sign now. (Do you?)
A survey by a newspaper asked readers to nominate useless signs. I think I have a few that I could add to the list. I have often wondered who was the city official who placed a sign which says slow vehicles must keep left (we drive on the left side of the road) just near the beginning of the Western Freeway out of Brisbane. I imagine myself as a truck driver reading the sign and moving over into the left lane. About the time the truck gets over into the left lane there is a sign which says that the left lane ends soon. Duh!
One of the signs that I have often wondered about ran high in the list of useless signs in the newspaper survey was the yellow diamond shaped sign which says “Baby on Board”. Yeah, well that is great but what do you want me to do? Do you want me to choose somewhere else to have an accident? I have seen the same yellow sign on a t-shirt worn by a young lady who was obviously delighted about her first pregnancy. The pregnancy was obvious too. Maybe if her husband had a figure like mine he could wear a t-shirt that points out that there is no baby on board. It is just the shape he and I are in! Some have described a belly like mine as a Bhudda, beer or even a Santa belly but it does not need a sign. It is a self evident sign I am overweight and not fit.
One correspondent to the Newspaper suggested the sign was by an over protective parent and then gives a reply to the thought so he/she does not leave us wondering. I found what he wrote on the Internet:
• We are so proud of our offspring we expect you to be extra careful with your driving so as there is no risk of damaging our precious snuggley wuggley bumpkin.
o Get real! On a scale of one to ten, this option rates about 10 behind more important things. I have absolutely no intention of hitting your car for several reasons. I do not want to bend my own vehicle. I have places to go, people to see, things to do. I do not want to be held up wasting time swapping insurance details with anyone. I would rather run into the side of the road than hit another car. Do you think a sign will reduce that risk by having me choose another car that has no Baby on Board sign?
Then the writer of the above thoughts has now joined the Baby on Board sign displayers and writes:
Well that has all been in the past. Things have changed somewhat, I am now in the know! You see I too have joined the ranks of those propagating the species. I still walk around gob smacked at what my wife has managed to grow. I now know that the Baby on Board sign is used in much the same way as an old school or club necktie. A Baby on Board sign is there to say: Have sympathy on me for I know not what I do. Beware jelly brain at the wheel; liable to change lanes or stop for no apparent reason, without warning! The thing is that it is a sign directed only at those that really do understand; those that can fully empathize and give you the space that you need. After all it would be true to say that unless you actually have children of your own you can only imagine the half of it!
So maybe the sign has some use after all but I still wonder. I am yet to be convinced it conveys a message the world or anyone needs to know. I found someone this week who obviously agrees with me. He was displaying another version of that yellow diamond shape caution sign. It was more of an invitation than a caution. It said simply “Hit me! I need the money”.
I wonder about the thought that went into a sign that is reportedly on the wall above the tables in a Burger King Restaurant in the United States, printed in Braille:
"Non - Smoking". How would you find the sign in the first place? If a blind person should attempt to light a cigarette will another helpful customer or vigilant staff member will guide them over to the sign so that they can feel its message?
I wonder as a Christian what our signs display? The fish sign on the back of a car or on a sign on a business building or business card conveys a message. It says to those who know it the bearer is a Christian. It is an ancient Christian sign and has its origin back in the early Christian History. The word fish in Greek is spelt I-Ch-Th-U-S that is Ichthus. Each of the 5 letters is the initial of one of five words. I-Iesous; Ch-Christos; Th-Theou, which means God; U-(H)Uios, signifying son and S –Soter, the word for Saviour. So the fish is a statement: Jesus, Christ, Son of God, Saviour.
Initially I understand that it was a sign for those who know. It reminds me that for a message to be received it must be understood. I read of a woman who went into a jewellery shop to buy a cross on a chain necklace for her granddaughter. She was looking at various samples when suddenly the sales girls said to her “We have some crosses with a little man on them, if you would like to see them, too!” The woman was astounded that her Jesus was only known as a “little man” by the salesperson. The customer gladly shared the story of Jesus with her.
I remember the days I sat in Directory Class and in Junior Soldier Meetings and later in Corps Cadets where I learnt the meaning of the colours of our Yellow, Red and Blue Flag and the meaning of the various symbols that make up our beloved Salvation Army Crest. In recent years I wonder what these symbols say to those who have not had the privilege of attending such groups of instruction. The symbolism much loved by Salvationists is just fancy decoration to the untrained eye and mind of the person on the bus.
Our Salvation Army symbols, even some of our language and songs may cause a stranger to ask as the Ethiopian did of Philip "How can I (understand) without some help?" (Acts 8: 31 The Message).
Sometimes, I think we are tempted to abandon that which we Salvationists assume will not be immediately clear to non-Salvationists and young people. However, Philip did not tell the Ethiopian to throw the Old Testament in the desert sands but we read “Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him”. (Acts 8: 35 The Message).
We can teach and explain what we are about to the people but firstly, we must have the knowledge and the willing ness like Philip to be used by God.
[Listen: Regal Zonophone 78rpm: http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF315%20-%20Vocal%20-%20Christ%20for%20the%20Whole%20Wide%20World.mp3 ]
Tell them in the east and in the west,
Tell them of the one you love the best.
Tell them how to find the sweetest rest
Leaning on the loving Saviour's breast.
Tell them all about the dear old book,
Tell them there is life just for a look;
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Chorus
Tell them of the baby in the manger laid,
Sent from Heaven above;
Tell them how for them he was a ransom paid,
Just because of love.
Tell them with your lips and by your actions too,
And with flag unfurled,
Tell it out with a shout, tell it out with a shout:
Christ for the whole wide world.
To the beat of Army drums, make known
That the Saviour-King has sin o'erthrown;
Tell the rich and poor, the sad and lone,
Till his power to everyone is shown.
Tell it to the people you may meet,
Tell it in the hall and in the street;
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Tell it to the young and to the old,
Tell them they may all be warriors bold,
Tell them of the shepherd and the fold,
Tell them of the heavenly harps of gold.
Tell it with a clarion voice so clear,
Let the story ring out far and near,
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Author: Arthur Smith Arnott (1870-1941), alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 829
The Ethiopian Eunuch
26-28Later God's angel spoke to Philip: "At noon today I want you to walk over to that desolate road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza." He got up and went. He met an Ethiopian eunuch coming down the road. The eunuch had been on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and was returning to Ethiopia, where he was minister in charge of all the finances of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was riding in a chariot and reading the prophet Isaiah.
29-30The Spirit told Philip, "Climb into the chariot." Running up alongside, Philip heard the eunuch reading Isaiah and asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?"
31-33He answered, "How can I without some help?" and invited Philip into the chariot with him. The passage he was reading was this:
As a sheep led to slaughter,
and quiet as a lamb being sheared,
He was silent, saying nothing.
He was mocked and put down, never got a fair trial.
But who now can count his kin
since he's been taken from the earth?
34-35The eunuch said, "Tell me, who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?" Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.
36-39As they continued down the road, they came to a stream of water. The eunuch said, "Here's water. Why can't I be baptized?" He ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of God suddenly took Philip off, and that was the last the eunuch saw of him. But he didn't mind. He had what he'd come for and went on down the road as happy as he could be.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
Signs and Wonders
In a workplace washroom, the boss placed a sign directly above the sink with a single word on it - "THINK!"
The next day, he visited the men's room, looked at the sign and saw below it, immediately above the soap dispenser, someone had carefully lettered another sign which read - "THOAP!"
Clever signs have a great appeal to me. I enjoy too the quick wit of those who can come up with a humorous reply. I think I have mentioned before the huge roadside sign in what are determined as “fatigue areas” by our road safety experts. The sign meant to be read by passengers says “Is your driver alert?” I have seen one such sign under which some one has roughly written “The world needs more lerts”.
I remember a signwriter who had at his business amongst many other signs on display one which I wondered about for many years. It must have been in my early days as a reader that I was shown the sign. It was a slogan for a one man business and as a sales message it said simply "I made signs before I could talk". I think my father’s sense of humour encouraged me to see the signs as made with skill with brush and paints. A few simple questions like how did he know how to make the letters and how did he know how to spell kept me wondering. For a long time he encouraged me to wonder about it and I think maybe he encouraged me to see it as a talent the man was born with. I definitely had it in the nature not nurture list of abilities. Let me assure you I understand the sign now. (Do you?)
A survey by a newspaper asked readers to nominate useless signs. I think I have a few that I could add to the list. I have often wondered who was the city official who placed a sign which says slow vehicles must keep left (we drive on the left side of the road) just near the beginning of the Western Freeway out of Brisbane. I imagine myself as a truck driver reading the sign and moving over into the left lane. About the time the truck gets over into the left lane there is a sign which says that the left lane ends soon. Duh!
One of the signs that I have often wondered about ran high in the list of useless signs in the newspaper survey was the yellow diamond shaped sign which says “Baby on Board”. Yeah, well that is great but what do you want me to do? Do you want me to choose somewhere else to have an accident? I have seen the same yellow sign on a t-shirt worn by a young lady who was obviously delighted about her first pregnancy. The pregnancy was obvious too. Maybe if her husband had a figure like mine he could wear a t-shirt that points out that there is no baby on board. It is just the shape he and I are in! Some have described a belly like mine as a Bhudda, beer or even a Santa belly but it does not need a sign. It is a self evident sign I am overweight and not fit.
One correspondent to the Newspaper suggested the sign was by an over protective parent and then gives a reply to the thought so he/she does not leave us wondering. I found what he wrote on the Internet:
• We are so proud of our offspring we expect you to be extra careful with your driving so as there is no risk of damaging our precious snuggley wuggley bumpkin.
o Get real! On a scale of one to ten, this option rates about 10 behind more important things. I have absolutely no intention of hitting your car for several reasons. I do not want to bend my own vehicle. I have places to go, people to see, things to do. I do not want to be held up wasting time swapping insurance details with anyone. I would rather run into the side of the road than hit another car. Do you think a sign will reduce that risk by having me choose another car that has no Baby on Board sign?
Then the writer of the above thoughts has now joined the Baby on Board sign displayers and writes:
Well that has all been in the past. Things have changed somewhat, I am now in the know! You see I too have joined the ranks of those propagating the species. I still walk around gob smacked at what my wife has managed to grow. I now know that the Baby on Board sign is used in much the same way as an old school or club necktie. A Baby on Board sign is there to say: Have sympathy on me for I know not what I do. Beware jelly brain at the wheel; liable to change lanes or stop for no apparent reason, without warning! The thing is that it is a sign directed only at those that really do understand; those that can fully empathize and give you the space that you need. After all it would be true to say that unless you actually have children of your own you can only imagine the half of it!
So maybe the sign has some use after all but I still wonder. I am yet to be convinced it conveys a message the world or anyone needs to know. I found someone this week who obviously agrees with me. He was displaying another version of that yellow diamond shape caution sign. It was more of an invitation than a caution. It said simply “Hit me! I need the money”.
I wonder about the thought that went into a sign that is reportedly on the wall above the tables in a Burger King Restaurant in the United States, printed in Braille:
"Non - Smoking". How would you find the sign in the first place? If a blind person should attempt to light a cigarette will another helpful customer or vigilant staff member will guide them over to the sign so that they can feel its message?
I wonder as a Christian what our signs display? The fish sign on the back of a car or on a sign on a business building or business card conveys a message. It says to those who know it the bearer is a Christian. It is an ancient Christian sign and has its origin back in the early Christian History. The word fish in Greek is spelt I-Ch-Th-U-S that is Ichthus. Each of the 5 letters is the initial of one of five words. I-Iesous; Ch-Christos; Th-Theou, which means God; U-(H)Uios, signifying son and S –Soter, the word for Saviour. So the fish is a statement: Jesus, Christ, Son of God, Saviour.
Initially I understand that it was a sign for those who know. It reminds me that for a message to be received it must be understood. I read of a woman who went into a jewellery shop to buy a cross on a chain necklace for her granddaughter. She was looking at various samples when suddenly the sales girls said to her “We have some crosses with a little man on them, if you would like to see them, too!” The woman was astounded that her Jesus was only known as a “little man” by the salesperson. The customer gladly shared the story of Jesus with her.
I remember the days I sat in Directory Class and in Junior Soldier Meetings and later in Corps Cadets where I learnt the meaning of the colours of our Yellow, Red and Blue Flag and the meaning of the various symbols that make up our beloved Salvation Army Crest. In recent years I wonder what these symbols say to those who have not had the privilege of attending such groups of instruction. The symbolism much loved by Salvationists is just fancy decoration to the untrained eye and mind of the person on the bus.
Our Salvation Army symbols, even some of our language and songs may cause a stranger to ask as the Ethiopian did of Philip "How can I (understand) without some help?" (Acts 8: 31 The Message).
Sometimes, I think we are tempted to abandon that which we Salvationists assume will not be immediately clear to non-Salvationists and young people. However, Philip did not tell the Ethiopian to throw the Old Testament in the desert sands but we read “Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him”. (Acts 8: 35 The Message).
We can teach and explain what we are about to the people but firstly, we must have the knowledge and the willing ness like Philip to be used by God.
[Listen: Regal Zonophone 78rpm: http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF315%20-%20Vocal%20-%20Christ%20for%20the%20Whole%20Wide%20World.mp3 ]
Tell them in the east and in the west,
Tell them of the one you love the best.
Tell them how to find the sweetest rest
Leaning on the loving Saviour's breast.
Tell them all about the dear old book,
Tell them there is life just for a look;
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Chorus
Tell them of the baby in the manger laid,
Sent from Heaven above;
Tell them how for them he was a ransom paid,
Just because of love.
Tell them with your lips and by your actions too,
And with flag unfurled,
Tell it out with a shout, tell it out with a shout:
Christ for the whole wide world.
To the beat of Army drums, make known
That the Saviour-King has sin o'erthrown;
Tell the rich and poor, the sad and lone,
Till his power to everyone is shown.
Tell it to the people you may meet,
Tell it in the hall and in the street;
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Tell it to the young and to the old,
Tell them they may all be warriors bold,
Tell them of the shepherd and the fold,
Tell them of the heavenly harps of gold.
Tell it with a clarion voice so clear,
Let the story ring out far and near,
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Author: Arthur Smith Arnott (1870-1941), alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 829
The Ethiopian Eunuch
26-28Later God's angel spoke to Philip: "At noon today I want you to walk over to that desolate road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza." He got up and went. He met an Ethiopian eunuch coming down the road. The eunuch had been on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and was returning to Ethiopia, where he was minister in charge of all the finances of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was riding in a chariot and reading the prophet Isaiah.
29-30The Spirit told Philip, "Climb into the chariot." Running up alongside, Philip heard the eunuch reading Isaiah and asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?"
31-33He answered, "How can I without some help?" and invited Philip into the chariot with him. The passage he was reading was this:
As a sheep led to slaughter,
and quiet as a lamb being sheared,
He was silent, saying nothing.
He was mocked and put down, never got a fair trial.
But who now can count his kin
since he's been taken from the earth?
34-35The eunuch said, "Tell me, who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?" Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.
36-39As they continued down the road, they came to a stream of water. The eunuch said, "Here's water. Why can't I be baptized?" He ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of God suddenly took Philip off, and that was the last the eunuch saw of him. But he didn't mind. He had what he'd come for and went on down the road as happy as he could be.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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, June 25, 2009
OzThoughts – Friday, 26th June, 2009
OzThoughts – Friday, 26th June, 2009
Yesterday, I suggested a knowledge of history helps us understand today and ourselves. That is exactly the point Saul (Paul) makes in the meeting place in Antioch in Pisidia. He declared that because they did not understand what the prophets said
“They did just what the prophets said they would do, but had no idea they were following to the letter the script of the prophets, even though those same prophets are read every Sabbath in their meeting places.
After they had done everything the prophets said they would do, they took him down from the cross and buried him.”
Then Saul tells of the resurrection :
“ And then God raised him from death. There is no disputing that—he appeared over and over again many times and places to those who had known him well in the Galilean years, and these same people continue to give witness that he is alive.
"And we're here today bringing you good news: the Message that what God promised the fathers has come true for the children—for us! He raised Jesus, exactly as described in the second Psalm:
My Son! My very own Son!
Today I celebrate you!
"When he raised him from the dead, he did it for good—no going back to that rot and decay for him. That's why Isaiah said, 'I'll give to all of you David's guaranteed blessings.' So also the psalmist's prayer: 'You'll never let your Holy One see death's rot and decay.'”
Then Saul build on the facts of recent history of which there were many witnesss and tell his listeners what it means for them:
“ I want you to know, my very dear friends, that it is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of your sins can be promised. He accomplishes, in those who believe, everything that the Law of Moses could never make good on. But everyone who believes in this raised-up Jesus is declared good and right and whole before God.
"Don't take this lightly”
History speaks to us. A raised and living Jesus offers us his salvation.
And Saul gives a warning:
You don't want the prophet's sermon to describe you:
Watch out, cynics;
Look hard—watch your world fall to pieces.
I'm doing something right before your eyes
That you won't believe, though it's staring you in the face."
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4304.mp3 ]
Hail, thou once despised Jesus,
Hail, thou Galilean King!
Thou didst suffer to release us;
Thou didst free salvation bring.
Hail, thou universal Saviour,
Bearer of our sin and shame!
By thy merits we find favor;
Life is given through thy name.
Precious Lamb by God appointed,
All our sins on thee were laid;
By almighty love anointed,
Thou hast full atonement made.
All thy people are forgiven
Through the virtue of thy blood,
Opened is the gate of Heaven,
Peace is made 'twixt man and God.
Worship, honor, power and blessing
Thou art worthy to receive;
Loudest praises without ceasing
Meet it is for us to give.
Help, ye bright angelic spirits,
Bring your sweetest, noblest lays;
Help to sing the Saviour's merits,
Help to chant Immanuel's praise.
Author: John Bakewell (1721-1819) and others
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 109
Acts 13:26-41 (The Message)
26-29"Dear brothers and sisters, children of Abraham, and friends of God, this message of salvation has been precisely targeted to you. The citizens and rulers in Jerusalem didn't recognize who he was and condemned him to death. They couldn't find a good reason, but demanded that Pilate execute him anyway. They did just what the prophets said they would do, but had no idea they were following to the letter the script of the prophets, even though those same prophets are read every Sabbath in their meeting places.
29-31"After they had done everything the prophets said they would do, they took him down from the cross and buried him. And then God raised him from death. There is no disputing that—he appeared over and over again many times and places to those who had known him well in the Galilean years, and these same people continue to give witness that he is alive.
32-35"And we're here today bringing you good news: the Message that what God promised the fathers has come true for the children—for us! He raised Jesus, exactly as described in the second Psalm:
My Son! My very own Son!
Today I celebrate you!
"When he raised him from the dead, he did it for good—no going back to that rot and decay for him. That's why Isaiah said, 'I'll give to all of you David's guaranteed blessings.' So also the psalmist's prayer: 'You'll never let your Holy One see death's rot and decay.'
36-39"David, of course, having completed the work God set out for him, has been in the grave, dust and ashes, a long time now. But the One God raised up—no dust and ashes for him! I want you to know, my very dear friends, that it is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of your sins can be promised. He accomplishes, in those who believe, everything that the Law of Moses could never make good on. But everyone who believes in this raised-up Jesus is declared good and right and whole before God.
40-41"Don't take this lightly. You don't want the prophet's sermon to describe you:
Watch out, cynics;
Look hard—watch your world fall to pieces.
I'm doing something right before your eyes
That you won't believe, though it's staring you in the face."
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
Yesterday, I suggested a knowledge of history helps us understand today and ourselves. That is exactly the point Saul (Paul) makes in the meeting place in Antioch in Pisidia. He declared that because they did not understand what the prophets said
“They did just what the prophets said they would do, but had no idea they were following to the letter the script of the prophets, even though those same prophets are read every Sabbath in their meeting places.
After they had done everything the prophets said they would do, they took him down from the cross and buried him.”
Then Saul tells of the resurrection :
“ And then God raised him from death. There is no disputing that—he appeared over and over again many times and places to those who had known him well in the Galilean years, and these same people continue to give witness that he is alive.
"And we're here today bringing you good news: the Message that what God promised the fathers has come true for the children—for us! He raised Jesus, exactly as described in the second Psalm:
My Son! My very own Son!
Today I celebrate you!
"When he raised him from the dead, he did it for good—no going back to that rot and decay for him. That's why Isaiah said, 'I'll give to all of you David's guaranteed blessings.' So also the psalmist's prayer: 'You'll never let your Holy One see death's rot and decay.'”
Then Saul build on the facts of recent history of which there were many witnesss and tell his listeners what it means for them:
“ I want you to know, my very dear friends, that it is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of your sins can be promised. He accomplishes, in those who believe, everything that the Law of Moses could never make good on. But everyone who believes in this raised-up Jesus is declared good and right and whole before God.
"Don't take this lightly”
History speaks to us. A raised and living Jesus offers us his salvation.
And Saul gives a warning:
You don't want the prophet's sermon to describe you:
Watch out, cynics;
Look hard—watch your world fall to pieces.
I'm doing something right before your eyes
That you won't believe, though it's staring you in the face."
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4304.mp3 ]
Hail, thou once despised Jesus,
Hail, thou Galilean King!
Thou didst suffer to release us;
Thou didst free salvation bring.
Hail, thou universal Saviour,
Bearer of our sin and shame!
By thy merits we find favor;
Life is given through thy name.
Precious Lamb by God appointed,
All our sins on thee were laid;
By almighty love anointed,
Thou hast full atonement made.
All thy people are forgiven
Through the virtue of thy blood,
Opened is the gate of Heaven,
Peace is made 'twixt man and God.
Worship, honor, power and blessing
Thou art worthy to receive;
Loudest praises without ceasing
Meet it is for us to give.
Help, ye bright angelic spirits,
Bring your sweetest, noblest lays;
Help to sing the Saviour's merits,
Help to chant Immanuel's praise.
Author: John Bakewell (1721-1819) and others
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 109
Acts 13:26-41 (The Message)
26-29"Dear brothers and sisters, children of Abraham, and friends of God, this message of salvation has been precisely targeted to you. The citizens and rulers in Jerusalem didn't recognize who he was and condemned him to death. They couldn't find a good reason, but demanded that Pilate execute him anyway. They did just what the prophets said they would do, but had no idea they were following to the letter the script of the prophets, even though those same prophets are read every Sabbath in their meeting places.
29-31"After they had done everything the prophets said they would do, they took him down from the cross and buried him. And then God raised him from death. There is no disputing that—he appeared over and over again many times and places to those who had known him well in the Galilean years, and these same people continue to give witness that he is alive.
32-35"And we're here today bringing you good news: the Message that what God promised the fathers has come true for the children—for us! He raised Jesus, exactly as described in the second Psalm:
My Son! My very own Son!
Today I celebrate you!
"When he raised him from the dead, he did it for good—no going back to that rot and decay for him. That's why Isaiah said, 'I'll give to all of you David's guaranteed blessings.' So also the psalmist's prayer: 'You'll never let your Holy One see death's rot and decay.'
36-39"David, of course, having completed the work God set out for him, has been in the grave, dust and ashes, a long time now. But the One God raised up—no dust and ashes for him! I want you to know, my very dear friends, that it is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of your sins can be promised. He accomplishes, in those who believe, everything that the Law of Moses could never make good on. But everyone who believes in this raised-up Jesus is declared good and right and whole before God.
40-41"Don't take this lightly. You don't want the prophet's sermon to describe you:
Watch out, cynics;
Look hard—watch your world fall to pieces.
I'm doing something right before your eyes
That you won't believe, though it's staring you in the face."
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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, June 24, 2009
OzThoughts – Thursday, 25th June, 2009
OzThoughts – Thursday, 25th June, 2009
There is a sense in which the past shapes today and our past shapes us. We can’t escape history. Yet we don’t have to live history over and over again. History is the foundation on which we build.
Today, Paul and the others have left Paphoios and eventually come to Antioch in Pisidia where they go to the meeting place on the Sabbath. Then after listening to reading of the Law and the Prophets contained in Holy scripture they are asked by the president of the meeting if they wished to say something “, "Friends, do you have anything you want to say? A word of encouragement, perhaps?"
Paul stands up and speaks up. Now it had been suggested Paul give a word of encouragement. He could have chosen to give a fantastic motivational and encouraging talk. He did but it was history. It was a reminder of how God had worked with them and for them in history. He started in Egypt and reminded them of key points in the history right up to King David.
Paul tells them that a descendant of David was the Saviour of Israel f=given by God. Paul tells of how John had alerted the people to the coming one but made sure the people knew that he, John, was not the one.
The story will be continued for us tomorrow, but we can have encouragement from the fact that the God who worked in history is still working for us and with us today.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3522.mp3
or: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_980.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
Acts 13:13-25 (The Message)
13-14 From Paphos, Paul and company put out to sea, sailing on to Perga in Pamphylia. That's where John called it quits and went back to Jerusalem. From Perga the rest of them traveled on to Antioch in Pisidia.
14-15 On the Sabbath they went to the meeting place and took their places. After the reading of the Scriptures—God's Law and the Prophets—the president of the meeting asked them, "Friends, do you have anything you want to say? A word of encouragement, perhaps?"
16-20 Paul stood up, paused and took a deep breath, then said, "Fellow Israelites and friends of God, listen. God took a special interest in our ancestors, pulled our people who were beaten down in Egyptian exile to their feet, and led them out of there in grand style. He took good care of them for nearly forty years in that godforsaken wilderness and then, having wiped out seven enemies who stood in the way, gave them the land of Canaan for their very own—a span in all of about 450 years.
20-22 "Up to the time of Samuel the prophet, God provided judges to lead them. But then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul, son of Kish, out of the tribe of Benjamin. After Saul had ruled forty years, God removed him from office and put King David in his place, with this commendation: 'I've searched the land and found this David, son of Jesse. He's a man whose heart beats to my heart, a man who will do what I tell him.'
23-25 "From out of David's descendants God produced a Savior for Israel, Jesus, exactly as he promised—but only after John had thoroughly alerted the people to his arrival by preparing them for a total life-change. As John was finishing up his work, he said, 'Did you think I was the One? No, I'm not the One. But the One you've been waiting for all these years is just around the corner, about to appear. And I'm about to disappear.'
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
There is a sense in which the past shapes today and our past shapes us. We can’t escape history. Yet we don’t have to live history over and over again. History is the foundation on which we build.
Today, Paul and the others have left Paphoios and eventually come to Antioch in Pisidia where they go to the meeting place on the Sabbath. Then after listening to reading of the Law and the Prophets contained in Holy scripture they are asked by the president of the meeting if they wished to say something “, "Friends, do you have anything you want to say? A word of encouragement, perhaps?"
Paul stands up and speaks up. Now it had been suggested Paul give a word of encouragement. He could have chosen to give a fantastic motivational and encouraging talk. He did but it was history. It was a reminder of how God had worked with them and for them in history. He started in Egypt and reminded them of key points in the history right up to King David.
Paul tells them that a descendant of David was the Saviour of Israel f=given by God. Paul tells of how John had alerted the people to the coming one but made sure the people knew that he, John, was not the one.
The story will be continued for us tomorrow, but we can have encouragement from the fact that the God who worked in history is still working for us and with us today.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3522.mp3
or: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_980.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
Acts 13:13-25 (The Message)
13-14 From Paphos, Paul and company put out to sea, sailing on to Perga in Pamphylia. That's where John called it quits and went back to Jerusalem. From Perga the rest of them traveled on to Antioch in Pisidia.
14-15 On the Sabbath they went to the meeting place and took their places. After the reading of the Scriptures—God's Law and the Prophets—the president of the meeting asked them, "Friends, do you have anything you want to say? A word of encouragement, perhaps?"
16-20 Paul stood up, paused and took a deep breath, then said, "Fellow Israelites and friends of God, listen. God took a special interest in our ancestors, pulled our people who were beaten down in Egyptian exile to their feet, and led them out of there in grand style. He took good care of them for nearly forty years in that godforsaken wilderness and then, having wiped out seven enemies who stood in the way, gave them the land of Canaan for their very own—a span in all of about 450 years.
20-22 "Up to the time of Samuel the prophet, God provided judges to lead them. But then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul, son of Kish, out of the tribe of Benjamin. After Saul had ruled forty years, God removed him from office and put King David in his place, with this commendation: 'I've searched the land and found this David, son of Jesse. He's a man whose heart beats to my heart, a man who will do what I tell him.'
23-25 "From out of David's descendants God produced a Savior for Israel, Jesus, exactly as he promised—but only after John had thoroughly alerted the people to his arrival by preparing them for a total life-change. As John was finishing up his work, he said, 'Did you think I was the One? No, I'm not the One. But the One you've been waiting for all these years is just around the corner, about to appear. And I'm about to disappear.'
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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, June 23, 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday, 24th June, 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday, 24th June, 2009
I have written before that there is a danger when we come before god we will pray “Father, please bless my plans” when we should be praying “Father, please show me your plan as I am willing to be part of it”.
It was no doubt the second prayer that the congregation in Antioch prayed as they worshipped, fasted and waited on God. God showed them his specific plan was for Barnabas and Saul and they were to be commissioned for God’s work.
They all fell into line with God’s plan and eventually Saul and Barnabas ended up in Paphos on the Isle of Cyprus where they had opportunity to witness to no less a person than the governor. God gave them power to overcome deceitful opposition from one man in such a way that the governor immediately became an enthusiastic believer.
Are we willing to let God plan everything for us?
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_069.mp3 ]
How can I better serve thee, Lord,
Thou who hast done so much for me?
Faltering and weak my labor has been;
O that my life may tell for thee!
Chorus
Here at the cross in this sacred hour,
Here at the source of reviving power,
Helpless indeed, I come with my need;
Lord, for thy service, fit me I plead.
Dull are my ears to hear thy voice,
Slow are my hands to work for thee,
Loath are my feet to conquer the steeps
That lead me to my Calvary.
Strength for my weakness, Lord, impart;
Sight for my blindness give to me;
Faith for my doubtings, Lord, I would crave,
That I may serve thee worthily.
Author: Bramwell Coles (1887-1960)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 488
Acts 13:1-12 (The Message)
1-2The congregation in Antioch was blessed with a number of prophet-preachers and teachers:
Barnabas, Simon, nicknamed Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, an advisor to the ruler Herod, Saul.
One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: "Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do."
3So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heads and sent them off.
4-5Sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and caught a ship for Cyprus. The first thing they did when they put in at Salamis was preach God's Word in the Jewish meeting places. They had John along to help out as needed.
6-7They travelled the length of the island, and at Paphos came upon a Jewish wizard who had worked himself into the confidence of the governor, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man not easily taken in by charlatans. The wizard's name was Bar-Jesus. He was as crooked as a corkscrew.
7-11The governor invited Barnabas and Saul in, wanting to hear God's Word firsthand from them. But Dr. Know-It-All (that's the wizard's name in plain English) stirred up a ruckus, trying to divert the governor from becoming a believer. But Saul (or Paul), full of the Holy Spirit and looking him straight in the eye, said, "You bag of wind, you parody of a devil—why, you stay up nights inventing schemes to cheat people out of God. But now you've come up against God himself, and your game is up. You're about to go blind—no sunlight for you for a good long stretch." He was plunged immediately into a shadowy mist and stumbled around, begging people to take his hand and show him the way.
12When the governor saw what happened, he became a believer, full of enthusiasm over what they were saying about the Master.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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 have written before that there is a danger when we come before god we will pray “Father, please bless my plans” when we should be praying “Father, please show me your plan as I am willing to be part of it”.
It was no doubt the second prayer that the congregation in Antioch prayed as they worshipped, fasted and waited on God. God showed them his specific plan was for Barnabas and Saul and they were to be commissioned for God’s work.
They all fell into line with God’s plan and eventually Saul and Barnabas ended up in Paphos on the Isle of Cyprus where they had opportunity to witness to no less a person than the governor. God gave them power to overcome deceitful opposition from one man in such a way that the governor immediately became an enthusiastic believer.
Are we willing to let God plan everything for us?
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_069.mp3 ]
How can I better serve thee, Lord,
Thou who hast done so much for me?
Faltering and weak my labor has been;
O that my life may tell for thee!
Chorus
Here at the cross in this sacred hour,
Here at the source of reviving power,
Helpless indeed, I come with my need;
Lord, for thy service, fit me I plead.
Dull are my ears to hear thy voice,
Slow are my hands to work for thee,
Loath are my feet to conquer the steeps
That lead me to my Calvary.
Strength for my weakness, Lord, impart;
Sight for my blindness give to me;
Faith for my doubtings, Lord, I would crave,
That I may serve thee worthily.
Author: Bramwell Coles (1887-1960)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 488
Acts 13:1-12 (The Message)
1-2The congregation in Antioch was blessed with a number of prophet-preachers and teachers:
Barnabas, Simon, nicknamed Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, an advisor to the ruler Herod, Saul.
One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: "Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do."
3So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heads and sent them off.
4-5Sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and caught a ship for Cyprus. The first thing they did when they put in at Salamis was preach God's Word in the Jewish meeting places. They had John along to help out as needed.
6-7They travelled the length of the island, and at Paphos came upon a Jewish wizard who had worked himself into the confidence of the governor, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man not easily taken in by charlatans. The wizard's name was Bar-Jesus. He was as crooked as a corkscrew.
7-11The governor invited Barnabas and Saul in, wanting to hear God's Word firsthand from them. But Dr. Know-It-All (that's the wizard's name in plain English) stirred up a ruckus, trying to divert the governor from becoming a believer. But Saul (or Paul), full of the Holy Spirit and looking him straight in the eye, said, "You bag of wind, you parody of a devil—why, you stay up nights inventing schemes to cheat people out of God. But now you've come up against God himself, and your game is up. You're about to go blind—no sunlight for you for a good long stretch." He was plunged immediately into a shadowy mist and stumbled around, begging people to take his hand and show him the way.
12When the governor saw what happened, he became a believer, full of enthusiasm over what they were saying about the Master.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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, June 22, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday, 23rd June, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday, 23rd June, 2009
I remember hearing the story in Sunday school of how an angel had let Peter out of Prison, but when I heard a preacher dramatically tell the next bit of the story, I thought he had taken a little bit of imagination and added it to the story. [Mind you
I was a little distracted because a friend who I invited to the meeting was giggling that the preacher, the Divisional Commander, looked like Sergeant Ernie Bilko (Phil Silvers) of the popular television show.]
The bit of the story that I had not heard was that when Peter went to join his friends they were holding a prayer meeting for him. Then when he was released from prison they did not believe it.
Rhoda, a young woman answered the door and got so excited to hear Peter she forgot to open the door and invite him in, and rushed to tell the others. Then as we read, they just did not believe her. Then we read:
All this time poor Peter was standing out in the street, knocking away. Finally they opened up and saw him—and went wild! Peter put his hands up and calmed them down. He described how the Master had gotten him out of jail, then said, "Tell James and the brothers what's happened." He left them and went off to another place. (Acts 12:16-17 The Message).
How often do we pray, only half believing God will answer our prayer?
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2520.mp3
or
Band and Band Chorus (New Tune) : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1599.mp3 ]
Simply trusting every day.
Trusting through a stormy way,
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Chorus
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting him whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth his Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While he leads I need not fall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Singing, if my way be clear,
Praying, if the path be drear,
If in danger, for him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting him while life shall last,
Trusting him till earth be past,
Till within the jasper wall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Author: Edgar Page Stites (1836-1921)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 754
Acts 12:12-19 (The Message)
12-14Still shaking his head, amazed, he went to Mary's house, the Mary who was John Mark's mother. The house was packed with praying friends. When he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young woman named Rhoda came to see who it was. But when she recognized his voice—Peter's voice!—she was so excited and eager to tell everyone Peter was there that she forgot to open the door and left him standing in the street.
15-16But they wouldn't believe her, dismissing her, dismissing her report. "You're crazy," they said. She stuck by her story, insisting. They still wouldn't believe her and said, "It must be his angel." All this time poor Peter was standing out in the street, knocking away.
16-17Finally they opened up and saw him—and went wild! Peter put his hands up and calmed them down. He described how the Master had gotten him out of jail, then said, "Tell James and the brothers what's happened." He left them and went off to another place.
18-19At daybreak the jail was in an uproar. "Where is Peter? What's happened to Peter?" When Herod sent for him and they could neither produce him nor explain why not, he ordered their execution: "Off with their heads!" Fed up with Judea and Jews, he went for a vacation to Caesarea.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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 remember hearing the story in Sunday school of how an angel had let Peter out of Prison, but when I heard a preacher dramatically tell the next bit of the story, I thought he had taken a little bit of imagination and added it to the story. [Mind you
I was a little distracted because a friend who I invited to the meeting was giggling that the preacher, the Divisional Commander, looked like Sergeant Ernie Bilko (Phil Silvers) of the popular television show.]
The bit of the story that I had not heard was that when Peter went to join his friends they were holding a prayer meeting for him. Then when he was released from prison they did not believe it.
Rhoda, a young woman answered the door and got so excited to hear Peter she forgot to open the door and invite him in, and rushed to tell the others. Then as we read, they just did not believe her. Then we read:
All this time poor Peter was standing out in the street, knocking away. Finally they opened up and saw him—and went wild! Peter put his hands up and calmed them down. He described how the Master had gotten him out of jail, then said, "Tell James and the brothers what's happened." He left them and went off to another place. (Acts 12:16-17 The Message).
How often do we pray, only half believing God will answer our prayer?
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2520.mp3
or
Band and Band Chorus (New Tune) : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1599.mp3 ]
Simply trusting every day.
Trusting through a stormy way,
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Chorus
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting him whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth his Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While he leads I need not fall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Singing, if my way be clear,
Praying, if the path be drear,
If in danger, for him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting him while life shall last,
Trusting him till earth be past,
Till within the jasper wall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Author: Edgar Page Stites (1836-1921)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 754
Acts 12:12-19 (The Message)
12-14Still shaking his head, amazed, he went to Mary's house, the Mary who was John Mark's mother. The house was packed with praying friends. When he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young woman named Rhoda came to see who it was. But when she recognized his voice—Peter's voice!—she was so excited and eager to tell everyone Peter was there that she forgot to open the door and left him standing in the street.
15-16But they wouldn't believe her, dismissing her, dismissing her report. "You're crazy," they said. She stuck by her story, insisting. They still wouldn't believe her and said, "It must be his angel." All this time poor Peter was standing out in the street, knocking away.
16-17Finally they opened up and saw him—and went wild! Peter put his hands up and calmed them down. He described how the Master had gotten him out of jail, then said, "Tell James and the brothers what's happened." He left them and went off to another place.
18-19At daybreak the jail was in an uproar. "Where is Peter? What's happened to Peter?" When Herod sent for him and they could neither produce him nor explain why not, he ordered their execution: "Off with their heads!" Fed up with Judea and Jews, he went for a vacation to Caesarea.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
Sunday, June 21, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday, 22nd June, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday, 22nd June, 2009
The portion of Acts set for day is a very exciting story of God’s intervention in the midst of very ordinary circumstances. As I read the story I could not stop thinking that even as we sleep God is watching over us.
We used to sing a chorus that said simply:
I know the Lord will make a way for me
I know the Lord will make a way for me
If I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right
I know the Lord will make a way for me
(Chorus 282 The Salvation Army Chorus Book -1945)
Do we trust God that much?
Acts 12:1-11 (The Message)
1-4 That's when King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members. He murdered James, John's brother. When he saw how much it raised his popularity ratings with the Jews, he arrested Peter—all this during Passover Week, mind you—and had him thrown in jail, putting four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. He was planning a public lynching after Passover.
5All the time that Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously.
6Then the time came for Herod to bring him out for the kill. That night, even though shackled to two soldiers, one on either side, Peter slept like a baby. And there were guards at the door keeping their eyes on the place. Herod was taking no chances!
7-9Suddenly there was an angel at his side and light flooding the room. The angel shook Peter and got him up: "Hurry!" The handcuffs fell off his wrists. The angel said, "Get dressed. Put on your shoes." Peter did it. Then, "Grab your coat and let's get out of here." Peter followed him, but didn't believe it was really an angel—he thought he was dreaming.
10-11Past the first guard and then the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city. It swung open before them on its own, and they were out on the street, free as the breeze. At the first intersection the angel left him, going his own way. That's when Peter realized it was no dream. "I can't believe it—this really happened! The Master sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's vicious little production and the spectacle the Jewish mob was looking forward to."
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3800.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1208.mp3 ]
I’ve heard the glad news of the gospel,
It makes me so happy and free;
So I trust to my Father in Heaven,
For I know that He cares for me.
Chorus
I know he cares for me, for me,
I know he cares for me, for me;
I'll trust my Father in Heaven
For I know that he cares for me.
Sometimes I walk in the darkness,
My path then I scarcely can see;
But I trust in my Father in Heaven,
Fir I know that He cares for me.
Sometimes I wish I could see Him
And wonder how long it will be;
But He’s gone to prepare me a mansion,
For I know that He cares for me.
Author: Anon.
The Salvation Army (Canada) Songs of Faith: Number 81.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
The portion of Acts set for day is a very exciting story of God’s intervention in the midst of very ordinary circumstances. As I read the story I could not stop thinking that even as we sleep God is watching over us.
We used to sing a chorus that said simply:
I know the Lord will make a way for me
I know the Lord will make a way for me
If I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right
I know the Lord will make a way for me
(Chorus 282 The Salvation Army Chorus Book -1945)
Do we trust God that much?
Acts 12:1-11 (The Message)
1-4 That's when King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members. He murdered James, John's brother. When he saw how much it raised his popularity ratings with the Jews, he arrested Peter—all this during Passover Week, mind you—and had him thrown in jail, putting four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. He was planning a public lynching after Passover.
5All the time that Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously.
6Then the time came for Herod to bring him out for the kill. That night, even though shackled to two soldiers, one on either side, Peter slept like a baby. And there were guards at the door keeping their eyes on the place. Herod was taking no chances!
7-9Suddenly there was an angel at his side and light flooding the room. The angel shook Peter and got him up: "Hurry!" The handcuffs fell off his wrists. The angel said, "Get dressed. Put on your shoes." Peter did it. Then, "Grab your coat and let's get out of here." Peter followed him, but didn't believe it was really an angel—he thought he was dreaming.
10-11Past the first guard and then the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city. It swung open before them on its own, and they were out on the street, free as the breeze. At the first intersection the angel left him, going his own way. That's when Peter realized it was no dream. "I can't believe it—this really happened! The Master sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's vicious little production and the spectacle the Jewish mob was looking forward to."
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3800.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1208.mp3 ]
I’ve heard the glad news of the gospel,
It makes me so happy and free;
So I trust to my Father in Heaven,
For I know that He cares for me.
Chorus
I know he cares for me, for me,
I know he cares for me, for me;
I'll trust my Father in Heaven
For I know that he cares for me.
Sometimes I walk in the darkness,
My path then I scarcely can see;
But I trust in my Father in Heaven,
Fir I know that He cares for me.
Sometimes I wish I could see Him
And wonder how long it will be;
But He’s gone to prepare me a mansion,
For I know that He cares for me.
Author: Anon.
The Salvation Army (Canada) Songs of Faith: Number 81.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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, June 20, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 21st JUNE, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 21st JUNE, 2009
This day belongs to the LORD!
Let's celebrate
and be glad today.
(Psalm 118:24 Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 9: 1 – 10 (The Message)
1-2 I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart,
I'm writing the book on your wonders.
I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
I'm singing your song, High God.
3-4 The day my enemies turned tail and ran,
they stumbled on you and fell on their faces.
You took over and set everything right;
when I needed you, you were there, taking charge.
5-6 You blow the whistle on godless nations;
you throw dirty players out of the game,
wipe their names right off the roster.
Enemies disappear from the sidelines,
their reputation trashed,
their names erased from the halls of fame.
7-8 GOD holds the high center,
he sees and sets the world's mess right.
He decides what is right for us earthlings,
gives people their just deserts.
9-10 GOD's a safe-house for the battered,
a sanctuary during bad times.
The moment you arrive, you relax;
you're never sorry you knocked.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 9
Author: Attributed to: Samuel Barnard (d 1807)
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1598.mp3
or
Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1806.mp3 ]
Jehovah is our strength,
And he shall be our song;
We shall o'ercome at length
Although our foes be strong.
In vain does Satan then oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
The Lord our refuge is
And ever will remain;
Since he has made us his
He will our cause maintain.
In vain our enemies oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
The Lord our shepherd is;
He knows our every need,
And since we now are his,
His care our souls will feed.
In vain do sin and death oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
Our God our Father is;
Our names are on his heart;
We ever will be his,
He ne'er from us will part.
In vain the mightiest powers oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
Psalm 9: 11– 20 (The Message)
11-12 Sing your songs to Zion-dwelling GOD,
tell his stories to everyone you meet:
How he tracks down killers
yet keeps his eye on us,
registers every whimper and moan.
13-14 Be kind to me, GOD;
I've been kicked around long enough.
Once you've pulled me back
from the gates of death,
I'll write the book on Hallelujahs;
on the corner of Main and First
I'll hold a street meeting;
I'll be the song leader; we'll fill the air
with salvation songs.
15-16 They're trapped, those godless countries,
in the very snares they set,
Their feet all tangled
in the net they spread.
They have no excuse;
the way God works is well-known.
The cunning machinery made by the wicked
has maimed their own hands.
17-20 The wicked bought a one-way
ticket to hell.
No longer will the poor be nameless—
no more humiliation for the humble.
Up, God! Aren't you fed up with their empty strutting?
Expose these grand pretensions!
Shake them up, God!
Show them how silly they look.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 37
Author: Stuart K. Hine
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_703.mp3
or Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2188.mp3 ]
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed:
Chorus
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee;
How great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee:
How great thou art, how great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art!
Prayer:
Lord, we beseech you to keep your family, the Church, in continual godliness, that through your protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve you in good works, to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation:
Jesus loves me : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_700.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 group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because it was 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 9: 1 – 10 (The Message)
1-2 I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart,
I'm writing the book on your wonders.
I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
I'm singing your song, High God.
3-4 The day my enemies turned tail and ran,
they stumbled on you and fell on their faces.
You took over and set everything right;
when I needed you, you were there, taking charge.
5-6 You blow the whistle on godless nations;
you throw dirty players out of the game,
wipe their names right off the roster.
Enemies disappear from the sidelines,
their reputation trashed,
their names erased from the halls of fame.
7-8 GOD holds the high center,
he sees and sets the world's mess right.
He decides what is right for us earthlings,
gives people their just deserts.
9-10 GOD's a safe-house for the battered,
a sanctuary during bad times.
The moment you arrive, you relax;
you're never sorry you knocked.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 9
Author: Attributed to: Samuel Barnard (d 1807)
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1598.mp3
or
Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1806.mp3 ]
Jehovah is our strength,
And he shall be our song;
We shall o'ercome at length
Although our foes be strong.
In vain does Satan then oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
The Lord our refuge is
And ever will remain;
Since he has made us his
He will our cause maintain.
In vain our enemies oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
The Lord our shepherd is;
He knows our every need,
And since we now are his,
His care our souls will feed.
In vain do sin and death oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
Our God our Father is;
Our names are on his heart;
We ever will be his,
He ne'er from us will part.
In vain the mightiest powers oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
Psalm 9: 11– 20 (The Message)
11-12 Sing your songs to Zion-dwelling GOD,
tell his stories to everyone you meet:
How he tracks down killers
yet keeps his eye on us,
registers every whimper and moan.
13-14 Be kind to me, GOD;
I've been kicked around long enough.
Once you've pulled me back
from the gates of death,
I'll write the book on Hallelujahs;
on the corner of Main and First
I'll hold a street meeting;
I'll be the song leader; we'll fill the air
with salvation songs.
15-16 They're trapped, those godless countries,
in the very snares they set,
Their feet all tangled
in the net they spread.
They have no excuse;
the way God works is well-known.
The cunning machinery made by the wicked
has maimed their own hands.
17-20 The wicked bought a one-way
ticket to hell.
No longer will the poor be nameless—
no more humiliation for the humble.
Up, God! Aren't you fed up with their empty strutting?
Expose these grand pretensions!
Shake them up, God!
Show them how silly they look.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 37
Author: Stuart K. Hine
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_703.mp3
or Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2188.mp3 ]
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed:
Chorus
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee;
How great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee:
How great thou art, how great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art!
Prayer:
Lord, we beseech you to keep your family, the Church, in continual godliness, that through your protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve you in good works, to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation:
Jesus loves me : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_700.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 group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
SALVATIONARMY3 was born in August 2004 because it was 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
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 20th June 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 20th June 2009
During this past week, I had a conversation with a man who had spent a lot of time in the bush until a she said “the kids needed to go to school”. I had visited Cunnamulla, the main town in the area where he worked on sheep properties, a number of times. We chatted about Cunnamulla for a while.
Later I thought about the melons which grew on the dry and hot roadside and how we thought they might be “survival food”. I wrote about this about 5 years ago.
Precious Melons
For many years my son has made a study of bush (Australian wilderness) survival and bush tucker (food). He has collected information in many ways and invested many hours and dollars in gaining this knowledge. He takes every opportunity to camp and walk in the bush with a particular interest in mountainous places. In many places, the mountain slopes are covered by rain forest or jungle. There are huge trees, with an undergrowth of smaller plants taking advantage of the moist shade or struggling towards the sun high above them.
He has gained knowledge of various plants and fruits which are useful as food for variety in the diet and, of course if required, for a survival diet. He has developed skill in cooking meals by campfire including loaves of damper cooked in camp ovens (cast iron pots/kettles with lids).
Some years ago my wife and I were travelling in the west of our State between Charleville and Cunnamulla. The country was quite barren. Like much of the state, it had been many, many months since it had rained. Beside the two lane (one each way) bitumen road, which is officially a highway was red, dusty and sandy ground. Every now and then small plants would struggle for survival.
We soon came to an area where there were plants not only growing but fruiting. The fruit was not known to me but was clearly a melon. They looked like miniature watermelons. Even the leaves on the plants resembled melon leaves. We
noticed that some of the melons appeared to be turning from green to yellow, which to us indicated they were ripening. When we could we stopped to pick a few of the melons. They were the size of large oranges or even large grapefruit. For the next few days until we reached home we did what we could to stop them bruising by rolling all around our car, trying to trap them amongst the suitcases and other luggage.
So on arrival home we presented the bush tucker we had discovered to our son. He looked at them and with his typical smile said simply. “They are Colocynth or Pie Melons and they are poisonous”. In a few moments he had a reference book open which confirmed the identification and their reputation as poisonous. The fruit were had cared for so carefully were quickly consigned to the garbage bin.
I was reminded of St Paul who looked at much he valued in his life before he met Christ and said
“I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 1so that, somehow, I can experience the resurrection from the dead!” (Philippians 3. 7-11 NLT).
Are we carefully caring for “pie melons” in our life and hoping they are of value when compared with Christ they are nothing but garbage?
MEDITATION:
O Christ, in thee my soul hath found,
And found in thee alone,
The peace, the joy, I sought so long,
The bliss till now unknown.
Chorus
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
No other name for me;
There's love and life and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in thee.
I sighed for rest and happiness,
I yearned for them, not thee;
But while I passed my Saviour by,
His love laid hold on me.
I tried the broken cisterns, Lord,
But, ah the waters failed;
E'en as I stooped to drink they fled,
And mocked me as I wailed.
The pleasures lost I sadly mourned,
But never wept for thee.
Till grace my sightless eyes received,
Thy loveliness to see.
Authors: B. E.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 547
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
During this past week, I had a conversation with a man who had spent a lot of time in the bush until a she said “the kids needed to go to school”. I had visited Cunnamulla, the main town in the area where he worked on sheep properties, a number of times. We chatted about Cunnamulla for a while.
Later I thought about the melons which grew on the dry and hot roadside and how we thought they might be “survival food”. I wrote about this about 5 years ago.
Precious Melons
For many years my son has made a study of bush (Australian wilderness) survival and bush tucker (food). He has collected information in many ways and invested many hours and dollars in gaining this knowledge. He takes every opportunity to camp and walk in the bush with a particular interest in mountainous places. In many places, the mountain slopes are covered by rain forest or jungle. There are huge trees, with an undergrowth of smaller plants taking advantage of the moist shade or struggling towards the sun high above them.
He has gained knowledge of various plants and fruits which are useful as food for variety in the diet and, of course if required, for a survival diet. He has developed skill in cooking meals by campfire including loaves of damper cooked in camp ovens (cast iron pots/kettles with lids).
Some years ago my wife and I were travelling in the west of our State between Charleville and Cunnamulla. The country was quite barren. Like much of the state, it had been many, many months since it had rained. Beside the two lane (one each way) bitumen road, which is officially a highway was red, dusty and sandy ground. Every now and then small plants would struggle for survival.
We soon came to an area where there were plants not only growing but fruiting. The fruit was not known to me but was clearly a melon. They looked like miniature watermelons. Even the leaves on the plants resembled melon leaves. We
noticed that some of the melons appeared to be turning from green to yellow, which to us indicated they were ripening. When we could we stopped to pick a few of the melons. They were the size of large oranges or even large grapefruit. For the next few days until we reached home we did what we could to stop them bruising by rolling all around our car, trying to trap them amongst the suitcases and other luggage.
So on arrival home we presented the bush tucker we had discovered to our son. He looked at them and with his typical smile said simply. “They are Colocynth or Pie Melons and they are poisonous”. In a few moments he had a reference book open which confirmed the identification and their reputation as poisonous. The fruit were had cared for so carefully were quickly consigned to the garbage bin.
I was reminded of St Paul who looked at much he valued in his life before he met Christ and said
“I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 1so that, somehow, I can experience the resurrection from the dead!” (Philippians 3. 7-11 NLT).
Are we carefully caring for “pie melons” in our life and hoping they are of value when compared with Christ they are nothing but garbage?
MEDITATION:
O Christ, in thee my soul hath found,
And found in thee alone,
The peace, the joy, I sought so long,
The bliss till now unknown.
Chorus
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
No other name for me;
There's love and life and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in thee.
I sighed for rest and happiness,
I yearned for them, not thee;
But while I passed my Saviour by,
His love laid hold on me.
I tried the broken cisterns, Lord,
But, ah the waters failed;
E'en as I stooped to drink they fled,
And mocked me as I wailed.
The pleasures lost I sadly mourned,
But never wept for thee.
Till grace my sightless eyes received,
Thy loveliness to see.
Authors: B. E.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 547
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 20th June 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 20th June 2009
During this past week, I had a conversation with a man who had spent a lot of time in the bush until a she said “the kids needed to go to school”. I had visited Cunnamulla, the main town in the area where he worked on sheep properties, a number of times. We chatted about Cunnamulla for a while.
Later I thought about the melons which grew on the dry and hot roadside and how we thought they might be “survival food”. I wrote about this about 5 years ago.
Precious Melons
For many years my son has made a study of bush (Australian wilderness) survival and bush tucker (food). He has collected information in many ways and invested many hours and dollars in gaining this knowledge. He takes every opportunity to camp and walk in the bush with a particular interest in mountainous places. In many places, the mountain slopes are covered by rain forest or jungle. There are huge trees, with an undergrowth of smaller plants taking advantage of the moist shade or struggling towards the sun high above them.
He has gained knowledge of various plants and fruits which are useful as food for variety in the diet and, of course if required, for a survival diet. He has developed skill in cooking meals by campfire including loaves of damper cooked in camp ovens (cast iron pots/kettles with lids).
Some years ago my wife and I were travelling in the west of our State between Charleville and Cunnamulla. The country was quite barren. Like much of the state, it had been many, many months since it had rained. Beside the two lane (one each way) bitumen road, which is officially a highway was red, dusty and sandy ground. Every now and then small plants would struggle for survival.
We soon came to an area where there were plants not only growing but fruiting. The fruit was not known to me but was clearly a melon. They looked like miniature watermelons. Even the leaves on the plants resembled melon leaves. We
noticed that some of the melons appeared to be turning from green to yellow, which to us indicated they were ripening. When we could we stopped to pick a few of the melons. They were the size of large oranges or even large grapefruit. For the next few days until we reached home we did what we could to stop them bruising by rolling all around our car, trying to trap them amongst the suitcases and other luggage.
So on arrival home we presented the bush tucker we had discovered to our son. He looked at them and with his typical smile said simply. “They are Colocynth or Pie Melons and they are poisonous”. In a few moments he had a reference book open which confirmed the identification and their reputation as poisonous. The fruit were had cared for so carefully were quickly consigned to the garbage bin.
I was reminded of St Paul who looked at much he valued in his life before he met Christ and said
“I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 1so that, somehow, I can experience the resurrection from the dead!” (Philippians 3. 7-11 NLT).
Are we carefully caring for “pie melons” in our life and hoping they are of value when compared with Christ they are nothing but garbage?
MEDITATION:
O Christ, in thee my soul hath found,
And found in thee alone,
The peace, the joy, I sought so long,
The bliss till now unknown.
Chorus
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
No other name for me;
There's love and life and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in thee.
I sighed for rest and happiness,
I yearned for them, not thee;
But while I passed my Saviour by,
His love laid hold on me.
I tried the broken cisterns, Lord,
But, ah the waters failed;
E'en as I stooped to drink they fled,
And mocked me as I wailed.
The pleasures lost I sadly mourned,
But never wept for thee.
Till grace my sightless eyes received,
Thy loveliness to see.
Authors: B. E.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 547
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
During this past week, I had a conversation with a man who had spent a lot of time in the bush until a she said “the kids needed to go to school”. I had visited Cunnamulla, the main town in the area where he worked on sheep properties, a number of times. We chatted about Cunnamulla for a while.
Later I thought about the melons which grew on the dry and hot roadside and how we thought they might be “survival food”. I wrote about this about 5 years ago.
Precious Melons
For many years my son has made a study of bush (Australian wilderness) survival and bush tucker (food). He has collected information in many ways and invested many hours and dollars in gaining this knowledge. He takes every opportunity to camp and walk in the bush with a particular interest in mountainous places. In many places, the mountain slopes are covered by rain forest or jungle. There are huge trees, with an undergrowth of smaller plants taking advantage of the moist shade or struggling towards the sun high above them.
He has gained knowledge of various plants and fruits which are useful as food for variety in the diet and, of course if required, for a survival diet. He has developed skill in cooking meals by campfire including loaves of damper cooked in camp ovens (cast iron pots/kettles with lids).
Some years ago my wife and I were travelling in the west of our State between Charleville and Cunnamulla. The country was quite barren. Like much of the state, it had been many, many months since it had rained. Beside the two lane (one each way) bitumen road, which is officially a highway was red, dusty and sandy ground. Every now and then small plants would struggle for survival.
We soon came to an area where there were plants not only growing but fruiting. The fruit was not known to me but was clearly a melon. They looked like miniature watermelons. Even the leaves on the plants resembled melon leaves. We
noticed that some of the melons appeared to be turning from green to yellow, which to us indicated they were ripening. When we could we stopped to pick a few of the melons. They were the size of large oranges or even large grapefruit. For the next few days until we reached home we did what we could to stop them bruising by rolling all around our car, trying to trap them amongst the suitcases and other luggage.
So on arrival home we presented the bush tucker we had discovered to our son. He looked at them and with his typical smile said simply. “They are Colocynth or Pie Melons and they are poisonous”. In a few moments he had a reference book open which confirmed the identification and their reputation as poisonous. The fruit were had cared for so carefully were quickly consigned to the garbage bin.
I was reminded of St Paul who looked at much he valued in his life before he met Christ and said
“I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 1so that, somehow, I can experience the resurrection from the dead!” (Philippians 3. 7-11 NLT).
Are we carefully caring for “pie melons” in our life and hoping they are of value when compared with Christ they are nothing but garbage?
MEDITATION:
O Christ, in thee my soul hath found,
And found in thee alone,
The peace, the joy, I sought so long,
The bliss till now unknown.
Chorus
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
No other name for me;
There's love and life and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in thee.
I sighed for rest and happiness,
I yearned for them, not thee;
But while I passed my Saviour by,
His love laid hold on me.
I tried the broken cisterns, Lord,
But, ah the waters failed;
E'en as I stooped to drink they fled,
And mocked me as I wailed.
The pleasures lost I sadly mourned,
But never wept for thee.
Till grace my sightless eyes received,
Thy loveliness to see.
Authors: B. E.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 547
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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, June 18, 2009
OzThoughts – Friday, 19th June, 2009
OzThoughts – Friday, 19th June, 2009
Peter had had a great time in Joppa and an even better time in Caesarea. In Joppa God gave him a strange vision and then turned “food laws” upside down. Then Peter knew God had also turned relationships with people upside down.
This was confirmed when he went to Caesarea and met with Cornelius a centurion in the Italian band. He not only had an opportunity to tell his story to Cornelius and his friends but The Holy Spirit fell on them just like he did on the Day of Pentecost.
Now Peter has to go back to Jerusalem were he is questioned about his new experience and that he had accepted outsiders into the group. Of course, Peter related the whole story and told how the Holy Spirit had sealed the deal. We read Petr then said:
“So I ask you: ‘If God gave the same exact gift to them as to us when we believed in the Master Jesus Christ, how could I object to God?’" (Acts 11:17 The Message).
What was the reaction of Peter’s old friends?
Hearing it all laid out like that, they quieted down. And then, as it sank in, they started praising God. "It's really happened! God has broken through to the other nations, opened them up to Life!"( Acts 11:18 The Message)
Are we open to the revealing of God’s will and ways for us today?
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_977.mp3
or: Congregational song:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_208.mp3
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Doth his successive journeys run;
His Kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till suns shall rise and set no more.
People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on his love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their young hosannas to his name.
Blessings abound where'er he reigns,
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains,
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blest.
Where he displays his healing power,
Death and the curse are known no more;
In him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.
Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again
And earth prolong the joyful strain.
Author: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 160
Acts 11:1-18 (The Message)
1-3 The news travelled fast and in no time the leaders and friends back in Jerusalem heard about it—heard that the non-Jewish "outsiders" were now "in." When Peter got back to Jerusalem, some of his old associates, concerned about circumcision, called him on the carpet: "What do you think you're doing rubbing shoulders with that crowd, eating what is prohibited and ruining our good name?"
4-6 So Peter, starting from the beginning, laid it out for them step-by-step: "Recently I was in the town of Joppa praying. I fell into a trance and saw a vision: Something like a huge blanket, lowered by ropes at its four corners, came down out of heaven and settled on the ground in front of me. Milling around on the blanket were farm animals, wild animals, reptiles, birds—you name it, it was there. Fascinated, I took it all in.
7-10 "Then I heard a voice: 'Go to it, Peter—kill and eat.' I said, 'Oh, no, Master. I've never so much as tasted food that wasn't kosher.' The voice spoke again: 'If God says it's okay, it's okay.' This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the sky.
11-14 "Just then three men showed up at the house where I was staying, sent from Caesarea to get me. The Spirit told me to go with them, no questions asked. So I went with them, I and six friends, to the man who had sent for me. He told us how he had seen an angel right in his own house, real as his next-door neighbor, saying, 'Send to Joppa and get Simon, the one they call Peter. He'll tell you something that will save your life—in fact, you and everyone you care for.'
15-17 "So I started in, talking. Before I'd spoken half a dozen sentences, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as he did on us the first time. I remembered Jesus' words: 'John baptized with water; you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So I ask you: If God gave the same exact gift to them as to us when we believed in the Master Jesus Christ, how could I object to God?"
18 Hearing it all laid out like that, they quieted down. And then, as it sank in, they started praising God. "It's really happened! God has broken through to the other nations, opened them up to Life!"
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
Peter had had a great time in Joppa and an even better time in Caesarea. In Joppa God gave him a strange vision and then turned “food laws” upside down. Then Peter knew God had also turned relationships with people upside down.
This was confirmed when he went to Caesarea and met with Cornelius a centurion in the Italian band. He not only had an opportunity to tell his story to Cornelius and his friends but The Holy Spirit fell on them just like he did on the Day of Pentecost.
Now Peter has to go back to Jerusalem were he is questioned about his new experience and that he had accepted outsiders into the group. Of course, Peter related the whole story and told how the Holy Spirit had sealed the deal. We read Petr then said:
“So I ask you: ‘If God gave the same exact gift to them as to us when we believed in the Master Jesus Christ, how could I object to God?’" (Acts 11:17 The Message).
What was the reaction of Peter’s old friends?
Hearing it all laid out like that, they quieted down. And then, as it sank in, they started praising God. "It's really happened! God has broken through to the other nations, opened them up to Life!"( Acts 11:18 The Message)
Are we open to the revealing of God’s will and ways for us today?
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_977.mp3
or: Congregational song:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_208.mp3
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Doth his successive journeys run;
His Kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till suns shall rise and set no more.
People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on his love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their young hosannas to his name.
Blessings abound where'er he reigns,
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains,
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blest.
Where he displays his healing power,
Death and the curse are known no more;
In him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.
Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again
And earth prolong the joyful strain.
Author: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 160
Acts 11:1-18 (The Message)
1-3 The news travelled fast and in no time the leaders and friends back in Jerusalem heard about it—heard that the non-Jewish "outsiders" were now "in." When Peter got back to Jerusalem, some of his old associates, concerned about circumcision, called him on the carpet: "What do you think you're doing rubbing shoulders with that crowd, eating what is prohibited and ruining our good name?"
4-6 So Peter, starting from the beginning, laid it out for them step-by-step: "Recently I was in the town of Joppa praying. I fell into a trance and saw a vision: Something like a huge blanket, lowered by ropes at its four corners, came down out of heaven and settled on the ground in front of me. Milling around on the blanket were farm animals, wild animals, reptiles, birds—you name it, it was there. Fascinated, I took it all in.
7-10 "Then I heard a voice: 'Go to it, Peter—kill and eat.' I said, 'Oh, no, Master. I've never so much as tasted food that wasn't kosher.' The voice spoke again: 'If God says it's okay, it's okay.' This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the sky.
11-14 "Just then three men showed up at the house where I was staying, sent from Caesarea to get me. The Spirit told me to go with them, no questions asked. So I went with them, I and six friends, to the man who had sent for me. He told us how he had seen an angel right in his own house, real as his next-door neighbor, saying, 'Send to Joppa and get Simon, the one they call Peter. He'll tell you something that will save your life—in fact, you and everyone you care for.'
15-17 "So I started in, talking. Before I'd spoken half a dozen sentences, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as he did on us the first time. I remembered Jesus' words: 'John baptized with water; you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So I ask you: If God gave the same exact gift to them as to us when we believed in the Master Jesus Christ, how could I object to God?"
18 Hearing it all laid out like that, they quieted down. And then, as it sank in, they started praising God. "It's really happened! God has broken through to the other nations, opened them up to Life!"
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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, June 17, 2009
OzThoughts – Thursday, 18th June, 2009
OzThoughts – Thursday, 18th June, 2009
“I am not a racist but…” I have heard those words often on talkback radio. I wonder if the people speaking know what racial discrimination is?
In Australia, “The Racial Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race in many areas of public life. These include in employment, renting or buying property, the provision of goods and services, accessing public places and in advertising. The Act also prohibits offensive behaviour based on racial hatred (racial vilification).
Peter (Acts 10) learn a big lesson when God gave him a vision and then applied that vision to his dealings with the men who came from Cornelius and then Cornelius himself.
Look how today’s reading starts:
“Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone.” (Acts 10:34-36 The Message)
And that is not all. Peter quickly relates some facts about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. As Peter tells about the Disciples being commissioned by Jesus to tell the good news of Jesus, the Holy Spirit intervened:
“No sooner were these words out of Peter's mouth than the Holy Spirit came on the listeners. The believing Jews who had come with Peter couldn't believe it, couldn't believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on "outsider" non-Jews, but there it was—they heard them speaking in tongues, heard them praising God.” (Acts 10:44-46 (The Message)
Peter, now, can truly say “I am not racist as ‘God plays no favourites!’”
[Listen : 1947 78rpm recording : http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF315%20-%20Vocal%20-%20Christ%20for%20the%20Whole%20Wide%20World.mp3 ]
Tell them in the east and in the west,
Tell them of the one you love the best.
Tell them how to find the sweetest rest
Leaning on the loving Saviour's breast.
Tell them all about the dear old book,
Tell them there is life just for a look;
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Chorus
Tell them of the baby in the manger laid,
Sent from Heaven above;
Tell them how for them he was a ransom paid,
Just because of love.
Tell them with your lips and by your actions too,
And with flag unfurled,
Tell it out with a shout, tell it out with a shout:
Christ for the whole wide world.
To the beat of Army drums, make known
That the Saviour-King has sin o'erthrown;
Tell the rich and poor, the sad and lone,
Till his power to everyone is shown.
Tell it to the people you may meet,
Tell it in the hall and in the street;
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Tell it to the young and to the old,
Tell them they may all be warriors bold,
Tell them of the shepherd and the fold,
Tell them of the heavenly harps of gold.
Tell it with a clarion voice so clear,
Let the story ring out far and near,
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Author: Arthur Smith Arnott (1870-1941), alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 829
Acts 10:34-48 (The Message)
34-36Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone.
37-38"You know the story of what happened in Judea. It began in Galilee after John preached a total life-change. Then Jesus arrived from Nazareth, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit, ready for action. He went through the country helping people and healing everyone who was beaten down by the Devil. He was able to do all this because God was with him.
39-43"And we saw it, saw it all, everything he did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem where they killed him, hung him from a cross. But in three days God had him up, alive, and out where he could be seen. Not everyone saw him—he wasn't put on public display. Witnesses had been carefully handpicked by God beforehand—us! We were the ones, there to eat and drink with him after he came back from the dead. He commissioned us to announce this in public, to bear solemn witness that he is in fact the One whom God destined as Judge of the living and dead. But we're not alone in this. Our witness that he is the means to forgiveness of sins is backed up by the witness of all the prophets."
44-46No sooner were these words out of Peter's mouth than the Holy Spirit came on the listeners. The believing Jews who had come with Peter couldn't believe it, couldn't believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on "outsider" non-Jews, but there it was—they heard them speaking in tongues, heard them praising God.
46-48Then Peter said, "Do I hear any objections to baptizing these friends with water? They've received the Holy Spirit exactly as we did." Hearing no objections, he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Then they asked Peter to stay on for a few days.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
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OzThoughts
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“I am not a racist but…” I have heard those words often on talkback radio. I wonder if the people speaking know what racial discrimination is?
In Australia, “The Racial Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race in many areas of public life. These include in employment, renting or buying property, the provision of goods and services, accessing public places and in advertising. The Act also prohibits offensive behaviour based on racial hatred (racial vilification).
Peter (Acts 10) learn a big lesson when God gave him a vision and then applied that vision to his dealings with the men who came from Cornelius and then Cornelius himself.
Look how today’s reading starts:
“Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone.” (Acts 10:34-36 The Message)
And that is not all. Peter quickly relates some facts about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. As Peter tells about the Disciples being commissioned by Jesus to tell the good news of Jesus, the Holy Spirit intervened:
“No sooner were these words out of Peter's mouth than the Holy Spirit came on the listeners. The believing Jews who had come with Peter couldn't believe it, couldn't believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on "outsider" non-Jews, but there it was—they heard them speaking in tongues, heard them praising God.” (Acts 10:44-46 (The Message)
Peter, now, can truly say “I am not racist as ‘God plays no favourites!’”
[Listen : 1947 78rpm recording : http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF315%20-%20Vocal%20-%20Christ%20for%20the%20Whole%20Wide%20World.mp3 ]
Tell them in the east and in the west,
Tell them of the one you love the best.
Tell them how to find the sweetest rest
Leaning on the loving Saviour's breast.
Tell them all about the dear old book,
Tell them there is life just for a look;
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Chorus
Tell them of the baby in the manger laid,
Sent from Heaven above;
Tell them how for them he was a ransom paid,
Just because of love.
Tell them with your lips and by your actions too,
And with flag unfurled,
Tell it out with a shout, tell it out with a shout:
Christ for the whole wide world.
To the beat of Army drums, make known
That the Saviour-King has sin o'erthrown;
Tell the rich and poor, the sad and lone,
Till his power to everyone is shown.
Tell it to the people you may meet,
Tell it in the hall and in the street;
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Tell it to the young and to the old,
Tell them they may all be warriors bold,
Tell them of the shepherd and the fold,
Tell them of the heavenly harps of gold.
Tell it with a clarion voice so clear,
Let the story ring out far and near,
Let this banner be unfurled:
Christ for the whole wide world.
Author: Arthur Smith Arnott (1870-1941), alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 829
Acts 10:34-48 (The Message)
34-36Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone.
37-38"You know the story of what happened in Judea. It began in Galilee after John preached a total life-change. Then Jesus arrived from Nazareth, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit, ready for action. He went through the country helping people and healing everyone who was beaten down by the Devil. He was able to do all this because God was with him.
39-43"And we saw it, saw it all, everything he did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem where they killed him, hung him from a cross. But in three days God had him up, alive, and out where he could be seen. Not everyone saw him—he wasn't put on public display. Witnesses had been carefully handpicked by God beforehand—us! We were the ones, there to eat and drink with him after he came back from the dead. He commissioned us to announce this in public, to bear solemn witness that he is in fact the One whom God destined as Judge of the living and dead. But we're not alone in this. Our witness that he is the means to forgiveness of sins is backed up by the witness of all the prophets."
44-46No sooner were these words out of Peter's mouth than the Holy Spirit came on the listeners. The believing Jews who had come with Peter couldn't believe it, couldn't believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on "outsider" non-Jews, but there it was—they heard them speaking in tongues, heard them praising God.
46-48Then Peter said, "Do I hear any objections to baptizing these friends with water? They've received the Holy Spirit exactly as we did." Hearing no objections, he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Then they asked Peter to stay on for a few days.
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