OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 1st November 2009
This is the very day God acted—
let's celebrate and be festive! (Psalm 118:24 The Message)
The night has passed, and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind.
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever. Amen.
Psalm 24 (The Message)
A David Psalm
1-2 GOD claims Earth and everything in it,
GOD claims World and all who live on it.
He built it on Ocean foundations,
laid it out on River girders.
3-4 Who can climb Mount GOD?
Who can scale the holy north-face?
Only the clean-handed,
only the pure-hearted;
Men who won't cheat,
women who won't seduce.
5-6 GOD is at their side;
with GOD's help they make it.
This, Jacob, is what happens
to God-seekers, God-questers.
7 Wake up, you sleepyhead city!
Wake up, you sleepyhead people!
King-Glory is ready to enter.
8 Who is this King-Glory?
GOD, armed
and battle-ready.
9 Wake up, you sleepyhead city!
Wake up, you sleepyhead people!
King-Glory is ready to enter.
10 Who is this King-Glory?
GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies:
he is King-Glory.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 8
Authors: Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4790.mp3 ]
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
2.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
3.
To all life thou givest, to both great and small,
In all life thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.
4.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light.
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render; O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.
Psalm 148 (The Message)
1-5 Hallelujah! Praise GOD from heaven,
praise him from the mountaintops;
Praise him, all you his angels,
praise him, all you his warriors,
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, you morning stars;
Praise him, high heaven,
praise him, heavenly rain clouds;
Praise, oh let them praise the name of GOD—
he spoke the word, and there they were!
6 He set them in place
from all time to eternity;
He gave his orders,
and that's it!
7-12 Praise GOD from earth,
you sea dragons, you fathomless ocean deeps;
Fire and hail, snow and ice,
hurricanes obeying his orders;
Mountains and all hills,
apple orchards and cedar forests;
Wild beasts and herds of cattle,
snakes, and birds in flight;
Earth's kings and all races,
leaders and important people,
Robust men and women in their prime,
and yes, graybeards and little children.
13-14 Let them praise the name of GOD—
it's the only Name worth praising.
His radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky;
he's built a monument—his very own people!
Praise from all who love GOD!
Israel's children, intimate friends of GOD.
Hallelujah!
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 184
Author: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_594.mp3
or
Congregation with band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_059.mp3
Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessed redeemer!
Sing, O earth. his wonderful love proclaim!
Hail him! Hail him, highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to his holy name!
Like a shepherd. Jesus will guard his children,
In his arms he carries them all day long.
Chorus
Praise him! Praise him!
Tell of his excellent greatness;
Praise him! Praise him!
Ever in joyful song.
2.
Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessed redeemer!
For our sins he suffered and bled and died;
He our rock, our hope of eternal salvation.
Hail him! Hail him! Jesus. the crucified!
Sound his praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows,
Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong.
3.
Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessed redeemer!
Heavenly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Saviour, reigneth for ever and ever;
Crown him! Crown him! Prophet and priest and King!
Christ is coming, over the world victorious;
Power and glory unto the Lord belong.
Praise:
Ephesians 1:3-6 (The Message)
The God of Glory
How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
Meditation: “Fanfare of Praise”:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2676.mp3
[If you have enjoyed this OzThoughts Sunday Hymns and Psalms – please pass it to others who may enjoy it. It is prepared particularly for those who cannot get to Sunday Worship as they loved to do.]
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If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 31st October, 2009.
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 31st October, 2009.
Bird Clouds
Ever since, I got my first budgerigars, people have told me, and I later read, how once in the western part of our State, Queensland, great clouds of budgerigars blocked out the sun. There were thousands in each flock and they would fight over roosting places and take turns to drink at a water trough or beside a stream.
Sadly, those huge flocks were gone. It was suggested that trapping them for the pet trade had reduced their numbers so much that now flocks were quite small. Some even considered them a rarity in the west and seeing them was a privilege and a bonus for those who loved the little Aussie parrot.
Those huge flocks had gone, or at least not been reported until this week when huge flocks around the western Queensland town of Boulia captured the attention of Australian and overseas news reporters.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/27/2725150.htm (click arrows on page to see second photo).
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2009/s2725341.htm
Someone asked me why the budgerigars would flock like this. Basically, it is because an excellent supply of grass seeds has encouraged them to breed. The far west of Queensland had good rain earlier this year and was also flooded when flood waters from rain much further north came down the rivers and creeks and spread out in flood across the flat plains.
Good rain means the grass begins to grown and budgerigars and finches such as zebra finches will begin to nest. When the eggs hatch 2 (finches) to 2.5 (budgerigars) weeks later, green seed heads will be on the grass and the parents will eat this seed and regurgitate it into the open beaks of the babies. As the seed ripens, the first hatch of babies will be ready to leave the nest and learn to feed on the drying seed.
A budgerigar will lay 4 to 8 eggs in a nest and will nest about 3 times in quick succession. While the maximum numbers are rarely raised, mathematics alone shows the huge expansion in numbers caused by just one pair in a successful season. Budgerigars nest in holes (hollows) in trees but will nest on the ground if nesting holes are not available.
It is not that long ago that many families had pet budgerigars. They sat somewhere in a warm spot in their cage which was equipped with a mirror, a small bell and ladder. These happy little budgies would play and chirp, whistle and generally make happy noises from dawn to dusk. They loved human company and would respond to whistles and conversation. In fact, many would repeat words and phrases or whistle a simple tune in response to their human companions. It seems, too, they had not lost their connections with the wild outside as they would also respond to the screeches of lorikeets or other parrots flying overhead.
My first pets, which were strictly mine alone as they came as a birthday present, were two budgerigars. The female, Tootsie was green and Butch the male was blue. They had all the usual markings and colourings of a budgerigar. They did not talk and I was very envious of my Great-Aunt Jessie who had a budgerigar that never stopped ‘talking’ the various phrases he had been taught. I remember dad saying this was because Aunt Jessie never stopped talking and most of the time the bird was her only company. So he who heard much said much.
http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2002/archives/2002?p=811
The pet and show budgerigars we see today are very different to the wild budgerigars of the Australian inland. The wild budgie is basically green with a yellowish head and black barring on its wings and back. It is the smallest of the Australian parrots and smaller and more slender than most of today’s caged birds. Any bird show, breeder’s collection or pet shop today will have a huge range of colours of budgies. A quick search of the internet will reveal just how keen budgerigar breeders are on striving for the perfect bird or the elusive colourings or markings.
Much of the initial breeding of budgies with different colour was carried out in England and many would suggest that the best show birds in Australia today are descendents of British bred birds. This little Aussie I guess not only speaks English with the world’s various accents but has now learnt to respond in many of the world’s languages. So there is room for another hymn a combination of “All things bright and beautiful” and “O for a thousand tongues to sing”.
Budgerigars remain today an excellent first pet for children. With care (and the cat outside and closed windows) they can be allowed to perch on a finger or shoulder. They will play happily with children and at the same time make a marvellous companion for adults. They require only seed and water and the occasional treat of fruit or vegetable and some calcium supplement and they are happy.
As I think about the thousands of his little Australian bird spread throughout the world, I wonder do they really capture the essence of Australia, as some have claimed. In the same way, I wonder how we can represent the essence of Christianity to the world.
It is easiest to point to Jesus. There is God become the perfect man. There is a man without sin. There is a man with more love than we can show. There is a man who demonstrates such power of over nature, disease and even death. There is a man who can show us God like no other.
Jesus however places much of the responsibility with us. We are not only to point to him but we are to live as he lived. In a real sense it is the essence of Jesus in us that the world sees. Each of us need to look at how we respond to that challenge. People must look at us and see Jesus and know God is there in all our living.
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
In every thought and deed,
This is my aim, my creed;
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
His Spirit helping me,
Like him I'll be.
The Salvation Amy Song Book: Chorus Number: 107
---
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_561.mp3 ]
In the secret of thy presence,
Where the pure in heart may dwell,
Are the springs of sacred service
And a power that none can tell.
There my love must bring its offering,
There my heart must yield its praise,
And the Lord will come, revealing
All the secrets of his ways.
Chorus
In the secret of thy presence,
In the hiding of thy power,
Let me love thee, let me serve thee,
Every consecrated hour.
More than all my lips may utter,
More than all I do or bring,
Is the depth of my devotion
To my Saviour, Lord and King.
Nothing less will keep me tender;
Nothing less will keep me true;
Nothing less will keep the fragrance
And the bloom on all I do!
Blessed Lord, to see thee truly,
Then to tell as I have seen,
This shall rule my life supremely,
This shall be the sacred gleam.
Sealed again is all the sealing,
Pledged again my willing heart,
First to know thee, then to serve thee,
Then to see thee as thou art.
Author: Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 591
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Bird Clouds
Ever since, I got my first budgerigars, people have told me, and I later read, how once in the western part of our State, Queensland, great clouds of budgerigars blocked out the sun. There were thousands in each flock and they would fight over roosting places and take turns to drink at a water trough or beside a stream.
Sadly, those huge flocks were gone. It was suggested that trapping them for the pet trade had reduced their numbers so much that now flocks were quite small. Some even considered them a rarity in the west and seeing them was a privilege and a bonus for those who loved the little Aussie parrot.
Those huge flocks had gone, or at least not been reported until this week when huge flocks around the western Queensland town of Boulia captured the attention of Australian and overseas news reporters.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/27/2725150.htm (click arrows on page to see second photo).
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2009/s2725341.htm
Someone asked me why the budgerigars would flock like this. Basically, it is because an excellent supply of grass seeds has encouraged them to breed. The far west of Queensland had good rain earlier this year and was also flooded when flood waters from rain much further north came down the rivers and creeks and spread out in flood across the flat plains.
Good rain means the grass begins to grown and budgerigars and finches such as zebra finches will begin to nest. When the eggs hatch 2 (finches) to 2.5 (budgerigars) weeks later, green seed heads will be on the grass and the parents will eat this seed and regurgitate it into the open beaks of the babies. As the seed ripens, the first hatch of babies will be ready to leave the nest and learn to feed on the drying seed.
A budgerigar will lay 4 to 8 eggs in a nest and will nest about 3 times in quick succession. While the maximum numbers are rarely raised, mathematics alone shows the huge expansion in numbers caused by just one pair in a successful season. Budgerigars nest in holes (hollows) in trees but will nest on the ground if nesting holes are not available.
It is not that long ago that many families had pet budgerigars. They sat somewhere in a warm spot in their cage which was equipped with a mirror, a small bell and ladder. These happy little budgies would play and chirp, whistle and generally make happy noises from dawn to dusk. They loved human company and would respond to whistles and conversation. In fact, many would repeat words and phrases or whistle a simple tune in response to their human companions. It seems, too, they had not lost their connections with the wild outside as they would also respond to the screeches of lorikeets or other parrots flying overhead.
My first pets, which were strictly mine alone as they came as a birthday present, were two budgerigars. The female, Tootsie was green and Butch the male was blue. They had all the usual markings and colourings of a budgerigar. They did not talk and I was very envious of my Great-Aunt Jessie who had a budgerigar that never stopped ‘talking’ the various phrases he had been taught. I remember dad saying this was because Aunt Jessie never stopped talking and most of the time the bird was her only company. So he who heard much said much.
http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2002/archives/2002?p=811
The pet and show budgerigars we see today are very different to the wild budgerigars of the Australian inland. The wild budgie is basically green with a yellowish head and black barring on its wings and back. It is the smallest of the Australian parrots and smaller and more slender than most of today’s caged birds. Any bird show, breeder’s collection or pet shop today will have a huge range of colours of budgies. A quick search of the internet will reveal just how keen budgerigar breeders are on striving for the perfect bird or the elusive colourings or markings.
Much of the initial breeding of budgies with different colour was carried out in England and many would suggest that the best show birds in Australia today are descendents of British bred birds. This little Aussie I guess not only speaks English with the world’s various accents but has now learnt to respond in many of the world’s languages. So there is room for another hymn a combination of “All things bright and beautiful” and “O for a thousand tongues to sing”.
Budgerigars remain today an excellent first pet for children. With care (and the cat outside and closed windows) they can be allowed to perch on a finger or shoulder. They will play happily with children and at the same time make a marvellous companion for adults. They require only seed and water and the occasional treat of fruit or vegetable and some calcium supplement and they are happy.
As I think about the thousands of his little Australian bird spread throughout the world, I wonder do they really capture the essence of Australia, as some have claimed. In the same way, I wonder how we can represent the essence of Christianity to the world.
It is easiest to point to Jesus. There is God become the perfect man. There is a man without sin. There is a man with more love than we can show. There is a man who demonstrates such power of over nature, disease and even death. There is a man who can show us God like no other.
Jesus however places much of the responsibility with us. We are not only to point to him but we are to live as he lived. In a real sense it is the essence of Jesus in us that the world sees. Each of us need to look at how we respond to that challenge. People must look at us and see Jesus and know God is there in all our living.
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
In every thought and deed,
This is my aim, my creed;
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
His Spirit helping me,
Like him I'll be.
The Salvation Amy Song Book: Chorus Number: 107
---
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_561.mp3 ]
In the secret of thy presence,
Where the pure in heart may dwell,
Are the springs of sacred service
And a power that none can tell.
There my love must bring its offering,
There my heart must yield its praise,
And the Lord will come, revealing
All the secrets of his ways.
Chorus
In the secret of thy presence,
In the hiding of thy power,
Let me love thee, let me serve thee,
Every consecrated hour.
More than all my lips may utter,
More than all I do or bring,
Is the depth of my devotion
To my Saviour, Lord and King.
Nothing less will keep me tender;
Nothing less will keep me true;
Nothing less will keep the fragrance
And the bloom on all I do!
Blessed Lord, to see thee truly,
Then to tell as I have seen,
This shall rule my life supremely,
This shall be the sacred gleam.
Sealed again is all the sealing,
Pledged again my willing heart,
First to know thee, then to serve thee,
Then to see thee as thou art.
Author: Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 591
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Thursday, October 29, 2009
OzThoughts. Friday 30th October 2009
OzThoughts. Friday 30th October 2009
A Sunday or two ago, before I left home for morning worship, I was listening to the radio. A caller to the program said it was very cold morning in Melbourne. To this, the announcer, known as Macca, replied “Just think how cold it would be if we never had global warming”.
Global warming and what we can do to adjust the results of the excesses of human life on Earth are a big concern to many people. Governments, political parties, wildlife and conservation groups, and concerned people of all types in many nations are seeking answers to their concerns. Others are a step ahead and are wanting agreements, treaties and laws on how we must live for the future of mankind and this Earth.
How do we respond as Christians to all this? We must care for the world and every creatures in it. Why? Because it is the Lord’s. He made it, and we believe he governs and preserves it. However, we must live responsively and in prayer and meditation seek his will in these things.
We must also be discerning. As you read what Peter says notice that he concludes with:
“But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!”
2 Peter 3:11-18 (The Message)
11-13 Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.
14-16 So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don't know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it.
17-18 But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4139.mp3
or
Congregation: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_221.mp3 ]
This is my Father's world,
And to my listening ears,
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world,
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father's world,
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass, I hear him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father's world;
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heaven be one.
Author: Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1858-1901)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 42
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
A Sunday or two ago, before I left home for morning worship, I was listening to the radio. A caller to the program said it was very cold morning in Melbourne. To this, the announcer, known as Macca, replied “Just think how cold it would be if we never had global warming”.
Global warming and what we can do to adjust the results of the excesses of human life on Earth are a big concern to many people. Governments, political parties, wildlife and conservation groups, and concerned people of all types in many nations are seeking answers to their concerns. Others are a step ahead and are wanting agreements, treaties and laws on how we must live for the future of mankind and this Earth.
How do we respond as Christians to all this? We must care for the world and every creatures in it. Why? Because it is the Lord’s. He made it, and we believe he governs and preserves it. However, we must live responsively and in prayer and meditation seek his will in these things.
We must also be discerning. As you read what Peter says notice that he concludes with:
“But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!”
2 Peter 3:11-18 (The Message)
11-13 Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.
14-16 So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don't know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it.
17-18 But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4139.mp3
or
Congregation: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_221.mp3 ]
This is my Father's world,
And to my listening ears,
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world,
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father's world,
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass, I hear him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father's world;
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heaven be one.
Author: Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1858-1901)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 42
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
OzThoughts. Thursday 29th October 2009
OzThoughts. Thursday 29th October 2009
“Hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention”. Peter reminds his readers that both his letters reminds them that are to keep their minds totally fixed on the things the prophets had said and the teachings of Jesus passed on to them by the Apostles.
In recent days we have heard of a plane that missed an airport by 240 kilometres (150 miles) because the two pilots, as they told the FBI "were in a heated discussion over airline policy and lost situational awareness".
An Australian teenager is currently out in the South Pacific Ocean, attempting to become the youngest person to sail around the world non-stop. On the first night out of her home harbour sailing to her official starting point in Sydney, while she slept, considerable damage was done to her yacht when she collided with a huge bulk carrier.
A fishing trawler recently parked itself in the shallow waters of the beach at Fraser Island and needed to be towed by a tug from its resting place. The crew were asleep at the time.
These actions have all caused considerable comment. The “situational awareness” of the people involved has been considered the result of foolishness by many.
Jesus told a story of 5 foolish and 5 wise young women who waited for the bridegroom to appear. He reminded us to be ready and maintain “situational awareness”. Peter builds on this teaching and reminds his readers and us to “Hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention”.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_970.mp3 ]
My heart is fixed, eternal God,
Fixed on thee;
And my unchanging choice is made,
Christ for me.
He is my prophet, priest and King,
Who did for me salvation bring,
And while I've breath I mean to sing:
Christ for me.
Let others boast of heaps of gold,
Christ for me.
His riches never can be told,
Christ for me.
Your gold will waste and wear away,
Your honors perish in a day,
My portion never can decay,
Christ for me.
In pining sickness or in health,
Christ for me.
In deepest poverty or wealth,
Christ for me.
And in that all-important day,
When I the summons must obey,
And pass from this dark world away,
Christ for me.
At home, abroad, by night, by day,
Christ for me.
Where'er I speak, or sing, or pray,
Christ for me.
Him first and last, him all day long,
My hope, my solace, and my song,
I'll send the ringing cry along:
Christ for me.
Author: Richard Jukes (1804-67)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 356
2 Peter 3:1-10 (The Message)
1-2 My dear friends, this is now the second time I've written to you, both letters reminders to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention. Keep in mind what the holy prophets said, and the command of our Master and Saviour that was passed on by your apostles.
3-4First off, you need to know that in the last days, mockers are going to have a heyday. Reducing everything to the level of their puny feelings, they'll mock, "So what's happened to the promise of his Coming? Our ancestors are dead and buried, and everything's going on just as it has from the first day of creation. Nothing's changed."
5-7They conveniently forget that long ago all the galaxies and this very planet were brought into existence out of watery chaos by God's word. Then God's word brought the chaos back in a flood that destroyed the world. The current galaxies and earth are fuel for the final fire. God is poised, ready to speak his word again, ready to give the signal for the judgment and destruction of the desecrating sceptics.
8-9Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.
10But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment.
```````````````````````````````
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/
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
“Hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention”. Peter reminds his readers that both his letters reminds them that are to keep their minds totally fixed on the things the prophets had said and the teachings of Jesus passed on to them by the Apostles.
In recent days we have heard of a plane that missed an airport by 240 kilometres (150 miles) because the two pilots, as they told the FBI "were in a heated discussion over airline policy and lost situational awareness".
An Australian teenager is currently out in the South Pacific Ocean, attempting to become the youngest person to sail around the world non-stop. On the first night out of her home harbour sailing to her official starting point in Sydney, while she slept, considerable damage was done to her yacht when she collided with a huge bulk carrier.
A fishing trawler recently parked itself in the shallow waters of the beach at Fraser Island and needed to be towed by a tug from its resting place. The crew were asleep at the time.
These actions have all caused considerable comment. The “situational awareness” of the people involved has been considered the result of foolishness by many.
Jesus told a story of 5 foolish and 5 wise young women who waited for the bridegroom to appear. He reminded us to be ready and maintain “situational awareness”. Peter builds on this teaching and reminds his readers and us to “Hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention”.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_970.mp3 ]
My heart is fixed, eternal God,
Fixed on thee;
And my unchanging choice is made,
Christ for me.
He is my prophet, priest and King,
Who did for me salvation bring,
And while I've breath I mean to sing:
Christ for me.
Let others boast of heaps of gold,
Christ for me.
His riches never can be told,
Christ for me.
Your gold will waste and wear away,
Your honors perish in a day,
My portion never can decay,
Christ for me.
In pining sickness or in health,
Christ for me.
In deepest poverty or wealth,
Christ for me.
And in that all-important day,
When I the summons must obey,
And pass from this dark world away,
Christ for me.
At home, abroad, by night, by day,
Christ for me.
Where'er I speak, or sing, or pray,
Christ for me.
Him first and last, him all day long,
My hope, my solace, and my song,
I'll send the ringing cry along:
Christ for me.
Author: Richard Jukes (1804-67)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 356
2 Peter 3:1-10 (The Message)
1-2 My dear friends, this is now the second time I've written to you, both letters reminders to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention. Keep in mind what the holy prophets said, and the command of our Master and Saviour that was passed on by your apostles.
3-4First off, you need to know that in the last days, mockers are going to have a heyday. Reducing everything to the level of their puny feelings, they'll mock, "So what's happened to the promise of his Coming? Our ancestors are dead and buried, and everything's going on just as it has from the first day of creation. Nothing's changed."
5-7They conveniently forget that long ago all the galaxies and this very planet were brought into existence out of watery chaos by God's word. Then God's word brought the chaos back in a flood that destroyed the world. The current galaxies and earth are fuel for the final fire. God is poised, ready to speak his word again, ready to give the signal for the judgment and destruction of the desecrating sceptics.
8-9Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.
10But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment.
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
OzThoughts. Wednesday 28th October 2009
OzThoughts. Wednesday 28th October 2009
I enjoy reading the Psalms because the Psalmists are so in touch with life. They know the bumps and feel the pain that leads to bruises yet out of it all come s the experience that God is there and that he is worthy of praise.
As I read a part of Psalm 109, I felt again this life stained existence but I can identify with a huge sense of relief that God is there and he can remove the stain and the pain.
Psalm 109:25-30 (The Message)
21-25 Oh, God, my Lord, step in;
work a miracle for me—you can do it!
Get me out of here—your love is so great!—
I'm at the end of my rope, my life in ruins.
I'm fading away to nothing, passing away,
my youth gone, old before my time.
I'm weak from hunger and can hardly stand up,
my body a rack of skin and bones.
I'm a joke in poor taste to those who see me;
they take one look and shake their heads.
26-29 Help me, oh help me, God, my God,
save me through your wonderful love;
Then they'll know that your hand is in this,
that you, God, have been at work.
Let them curse all they want;
you do the blessing.
Let them be jeered by the crowd when they stand up,
followed by cheers for me, your servant.
Dress my accusers in clothes dirty with shame,
discarded and humiliating old ragbag clothes.
30-31 My mouth's full of great praise for God,
I'm singing his hallelujahs surrounded by crowds,
For he's always at hand to take the side of the needy,
to rescue a life from the unjust judge.
[Listen: (Tune: Faith is the Victory): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_027.mp3
or
Songsters (Old tune): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_027.mp3
God's love to me is wonderful,
That he should deign to hear
The faintest whisper of my heart,
Wipe from mine eyes the tear;
And though I cannot comprehend
Such love, so great, so deep,
In his strong hands my soul I trust,
He will not fail to keep.
Chorus
God's love is wonderful,
God's love is wonderful,
Wonderful that he should give his Son to die for me;
God's love is wonderful!
God's love to me is wonderful!
My very steps are planned;
When mists of doubt encompass me,
I hold my Father's hand.
His love has banished every fear,
In freedom I rejoice,
And with my quickened ears I hear
The music of his voice.
God's love to me is wonderful!
He lights the darkest way;
I now enjoy his fellowship,
'Twill last through endless day.
My Father doth not ask that I
Great gifts on him bestow,
But only that I love him too,
And serve him here below.
Author: Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 48
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
I enjoy reading the Psalms because the Psalmists are so in touch with life. They know the bumps and feel the pain that leads to bruises yet out of it all come s the experience that God is there and that he is worthy of praise.
As I read a part of Psalm 109, I felt again this life stained existence but I can identify with a huge sense of relief that God is there and he can remove the stain and the pain.
Psalm 109:25-30 (The Message)
21-25 Oh, God, my Lord, step in;
work a miracle for me—you can do it!
Get me out of here—your love is so great!—
I'm at the end of my rope, my life in ruins.
I'm fading away to nothing, passing away,
my youth gone, old before my time.
I'm weak from hunger and can hardly stand up,
my body a rack of skin and bones.
I'm a joke in poor taste to those who see me;
they take one look and shake their heads.
26-29 Help me, oh help me, God, my God,
save me through your wonderful love;
Then they'll know that your hand is in this,
that you, God, have been at work.
Let them curse all they want;
you do the blessing.
Let them be jeered by the crowd when they stand up,
followed by cheers for me, your servant.
Dress my accusers in clothes dirty with shame,
discarded and humiliating old ragbag clothes.
30-31 My mouth's full of great praise for God,
I'm singing his hallelujahs surrounded by crowds,
For he's always at hand to take the side of the needy,
to rescue a life from the unjust judge.
[Listen: (Tune: Faith is the Victory): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_027.mp3
or
Songsters (Old tune): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_027.mp3
God's love to me is wonderful,
That he should deign to hear
The faintest whisper of my heart,
Wipe from mine eyes the tear;
And though I cannot comprehend
Such love, so great, so deep,
In his strong hands my soul I trust,
He will not fail to keep.
Chorus
God's love is wonderful,
God's love is wonderful,
Wonderful that he should give his Son to die for me;
God's love is wonderful!
God's love to me is wonderful!
My very steps are planned;
When mists of doubt encompass me,
I hold my Father's hand.
His love has banished every fear,
In freedom I rejoice,
And with my quickened ears I hear
The music of his voice.
God's love to me is wonderful!
He lights the darkest way;
I now enjoy his fellowship,
'Twill last through endless day.
My Father doth not ask that I
Great gifts on him bestow,
But only that I love him too,
And serve him here below.
Author: Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 48
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, October 26, 2009
OzThoughts. Tuesday 27th October 2009
OzThoughts. Tuesday 27th October 2009
Our Corps Officer some time ago talked about describing what we really do each day and how that might differ from what people imagine when they hear our job description. I immediately whispered to my wife “I wander around all day talking to people in their pyjamas”. Officially, I am an “Ecumenical Chaplain Coordinator”. I have just thought all the patients I talk to are in their pyjamas except for one really delightful Christian gentleman who always is fully dressed including a tie. Yes, not many people wear a tie in bed!
The point of all this, is that I get to speak and listen to many people. I have found many give me their version of religion. Some opinions I find lines up with the Bible, as I understand it. Other people will say “I think that as long as we are sincere and believe in something, then it all will be okay”.
That is not what Peter says “The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word”.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1595.mp3 ]
Set forth within the sacred word
The path of life is plainly shown;
The ways of God its lines record,
For every soul of man made known.
The truth, of all our hopes the ground,
Is here within its pages found.
God's ample grace for fallen man,
His care for our eternal good,
The depth of his salvation plan,
The doctrine of atoning blood,
The Scriptures' living words express
And point the way to holiness.
But how shall we that truth declare,
Thy grace, thy love, thy beauty show?
Only as we thy nature wear
Shall men that nature truly know;
And as we walk with thee abroad
They shall perceive the mind of God.
So teach us, Lord, to use each power
As we the doctrine shall adorn,
That truth and grace shall spring to flower
In lives renewed and souls reborn;
As we to all the world unfold
The glory of the faith we hold.
Author: Will J. Brand (1889-1977)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 656
Peter 1:12-21 (The Message)
12-15 Because the stakes are so high, even though you're up-to-date on all this truth and practice it inside and out, I'm not going to let up for a minute in calling you to attention before it. This is the post to which I've been assigned—keeping you alert with frequent reminders—and I'm sticking to it as long as I live. I know that I'm to die soon; the Master has made that quite clear to me. And so I am especially eager that you have all this down in black and white so that after I die, you'll have it for ready reference.
16-18 We weren't, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes: Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight." We were there on the holy mountain with him. We heard the voice out of heaven with our very own ears.
19-21 We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard—God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word.
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Our Corps Officer some time ago talked about describing what we really do each day and how that might differ from what people imagine when they hear our job description. I immediately whispered to my wife “I wander around all day talking to people in their pyjamas”. Officially, I am an “Ecumenical Chaplain Coordinator”. I have just thought all the patients I talk to are in their pyjamas except for one really delightful Christian gentleman who always is fully dressed including a tie. Yes, not many people wear a tie in bed!
The point of all this, is that I get to speak and listen to many people. I have found many give me their version of religion. Some opinions I find lines up with the Bible, as I understand it. Other people will say “I think that as long as we are sincere and believe in something, then it all will be okay”.
That is not what Peter says “The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word”.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1595.mp3 ]
Set forth within the sacred word
The path of life is plainly shown;
The ways of God its lines record,
For every soul of man made known.
The truth, of all our hopes the ground,
Is here within its pages found.
God's ample grace for fallen man,
His care for our eternal good,
The depth of his salvation plan,
The doctrine of atoning blood,
The Scriptures' living words express
And point the way to holiness.
But how shall we that truth declare,
Thy grace, thy love, thy beauty show?
Only as we thy nature wear
Shall men that nature truly know;
And as we walk with thee abroad
They shall perceive the mind of God.
So teach us, Lord, to use each power
As we the doctrine shall adorn,
That truth and grace shall spring to flower
In lives renewed and souls reborn;
As we to all the world unfold
The glory of the faith we hold.
Author: Will J. Brand (1889-1977)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 656
Peter 1:12-21 (The Message)
12-15 Because the stakes are so high, even though you're up-to-date on all this truth and practice it inside and out, I'm not going to let up for a minute in calling you to attention before it. This is the post to which I've been assigned—keeping you alert with frequent reminders—and I'm sticking to it as long as I live. I know that I'm to die soon; the Master has made that quite clear to me. And so I am especially eager that you have all this down in black and white so that after I die, you'll have it for ready reference.
16-18 We weren't, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes: Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight." We were there on the holy mountain with him. We heard the voice out of heaven with our very own ears.
19-21 We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard—God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word.
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Sunday, October 25, 2009
OzThoughts. Monday 26th October 2009
OzThoughts. Monday 26th October 2009
Peter’s Second Letter begins with great encouragement for our Christian life at the beginning of this week. This week will no doubt hold many different things for us. For me, and the team of Chaplains, I work with at the hospital, it is “Chaplaincy Week”.
We have prayed the week will bring opportunities to enter into conversation with many others about our work under the theme “Standing by You”. Our prayer is that they might see Christ in us and realise that Christ is there for them.
I see Peter as saying that our lives, yours and mine, should be like that every day of every week “no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus”.
People should see Jesus present in us and a demonstration that he is available today.
2 Peter 1:1-11 (The Message)
1-2 I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. I write this to you whose experience with God is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God's straight dealing and the intervention of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master.
Don't Put It Off
3-4 Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.
5-9 So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.
10-11 So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
[Listen: Choir: (Original Tune: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4668.mp3
or
Songsters: (New Tune): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2453.mp3 ]
Jesus, tender lover of my soul,
Pardoner of my sins, and friend indeed,
Keeper of the garden of my heart,
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Chorus
Jesus, thou art everything to me,
Jesus, thou art everything to me,
All my lasting joys are found in thee;
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
What to me are all the joys of earth?
What to me is every sight I see,
Save the sight of thee, O Friend of mine?
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Here I lay me at thy bleeding feet,
Deepest homage now I give to thee;
Hear thy whispered love within my soul;
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Authors: Edward Henry Joy (1871-1949) (verses),
Arthur Smith Arnott (1870-1941) (chorus).
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 600
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Peter’s Second Letter begins with great encouragement for our Christian life at the beginning of this week. This week will no doubt hold many different things for us. For me, and the team of Chaplains, I work with at the hospital, it is “Chaplaincy Week”.
We have prayed the week will bring opportunities to enter into conversation with many others about our work under the theme “Standing by You”. Our prayer is that they might see Christ in us and realise that Christ is there for them.
I see Peter as saying that our lives, yours and mine, should be like that every day of every week “no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus”.
People should see Jesus present in us and a demonstration that he is available today.
2 Peter 1:1-11 (The Message)
1-2 I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. I write this to you whose experience with God is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God's straight dealing and the intervention of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master.
Don't Put It Off
3-4 Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.
5-9 So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.
10-11 So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
[Listen: Choir: (Original Tune: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4668.mp3
or
Songsters: (New Tune): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2453.mp3 ]
Jesus, tender lover of my soul,
Pardoner of my sins, and friend indeed,
Keeper of the garden of my heart,
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Chorus
Jesus, thou art everything to me,
Jesus, thou art everything to me,
All my lasting joys are found in thee;
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
What to me are all the joys of earth?
What to me is every sight I see,
Save the sight of thee, O Friend of mine?
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Here I lay me at thy bleeding feet,
Deepest homage now I give to thee;
Hear thy whispered love within my soul;
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
Authors: Edward Henry Joy (1871-1949) (verses),
Arthur Smith Arnott (1870-1941) (chorus).
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 600
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
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`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Friday, October 23, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 24th 25th October, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 24th 25th October, 2009
The Humble Choko
Have you ever eaten choko? If you come from Australia or at least the northern half of it you probably have. Some are probably already saying that they have but not by choice. Their minds are probably going back to when they were children and when slices or segments of this vegetable were covered in white sauce and served along with other vegetables and the meat of their main meal.
Actually, while I say vegetable, chokos are a fruit and appear on the vine after a small flower has been fertilised by a bee. A choko is used mainly as a vegetable but at times finds itself in cooked fruit recipes. Chokos are called various things in other places including chayote. (http://www.marketfresh.com.au/produce_guide/product.asp?ID=38
I have been thinking about chokos since one of the chaplains I work with gave me four chokos that had begun to grow. When she asked if I like d choko and would like
Some to grow, she told me they were growing up the wall already and she needed to do something with them. So the next day, I received four chokos in a plastic supermarket bag and the vines were already at least 50 centimetres long. They appeared to be growing out of the bag.
If you looked at the website above, you will have seen that a choko is a pear shaped fruit with a single large flattened seed. When a choko begins to grow the seed elongates and protrudes like a tongue between lips. Very soon a green shoot will appear on one side of the tongue and as it grows and becomes vine like, it will begin to develop leaves along its length.
Close examination of the tongue at this time will also reveal the beginning of roots which will grow down. This is the time for the choko to be placed just under soil with the vine against a fence or something else that will support its growth. Mine are planted beside a fence.
Often chokos were planted on the wire netting fence of a chook yard (chicken run) which gave excellent support while the choko vine in turn provided shade for the chooks. I imagine too that the chooks regularly provided rich fertiliser for any choko roots that grew under the chook pen.
In days gone by in many Oz backyards, the back of the outdoor dunny (toilet) formed a part of the chook yards and the choko vine would grow up and over the dunny. The choko vine, dunny and chook yard have become a part of the folklore of backyards in Australia until probably the late 1950s. At that time, toilets moved inside the house with the advent of sewerage systems, and backyard chooks were replaced by frozen chickens from the supermarket and shops kept eggs under refrigeration.
(http://www.theherald.com.au/multimedia/images/full/406744.jpg).
Most chokos bear their fruit in abundance. I remember a bandmaster at one Corps who in the choko bearing season would stand beside the Corps Officer in the foyer of the Citadel (church) and hand people chokos as they left the meeting (church service). He sometimes had two bucket fulls to give away. It was at the same Corps I visited a man who was the next day to enter hospital for heart valve replacement surgery. He asked me if I liked chokos. I said yes and he went to the backyard to get them. He was so breathless when he came back from picking them that I felt sorry I liked them.
Sometimes, chokos do not appear to be going to bear fruit. It is sometimes suggested this is because of lack of bees to pollinate them. Some gardeners will suggest that hand pollination using a small feather to transfer pollen from the male to the female flowers (the ones with a tiny choko behind them) is the way to go. I imagine this is what a friend (who is now the chief finance writer for Sydney’s main newspaper) when he told me that his father, a Salvation Army Officer, was stationed in Newcastle, Australia and spent his time studying the sex life of chokos.
I probably like choko best when it is steamed or boiled and then covered in white sauce. I also enjoy them baked along with potatoes, sweet potato, carrots, parsnip and pumpkin. Chokos are rather bland in flavour and have a texture something like potato or pumpkin.
I am not sure whether it is just an old cook’s tale or a fact but it is said that choko takes on the flavour of anything it is cooked with. In the depression of the 1930s and during the rationing and shortages of wartime in the 1940s, choko was used in apple pies and other fruit pies. Some have claimed it was cooked and served as pears. I have also seen a hint in recipe books, claiming that with careful slicing choko can be substituted or used as an extender for green beans without the consumer being aware of the substitution.
One of the most popular uses of chokos is to use it as the main ingredient in making pickles. I hope that is what will happen to a lot of the chokos that my new vines will bear. Of course, it will help if this current drought ends.
Galatians 5 (The Message)
22But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard--things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,
23not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.
24Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good--crucified.
25Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.
26That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_230.mp3 ]
Thank you, Lord, for all your goodness:
Through the years of yesterday;
Thank you, too, for present mercies
And your blessing on my way.
Thank you for each revelation,
And for what you choose to hide;
Thank you, Lord, for grace sustaining
As I in your love abide.
Thank you, Lord, for sunlit pathways,
Thank you, too, for byways rough;
Thank you for the fruitful summers
Also for the winters tough.
Thank you, Lord, for fragrant flowers
Growing right amid the weeds;
Thank you for the peace you give me
Even when my spirit bleeds.
Chorus
Thank you, Lord, for wayside roses,
Even for the thorns beside;
Thank you for the prayers you granted
And for those that you denied;
Thank you, Lord, for precious comfort
In my hours of grief and pain;
Thank you for your precious promise
Life eternal I shall gain.
Authors: August Ludvig Storm (1862-1914),
Translated Flora Larsson
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 552
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
The Humble Choko
Have you ever eaten choko? If you come from Australia or at least the northern half of it you probably have. Some are probably already saying that they have but not by choice. Their minds are probably going back to when they were children and when slices or segments of this vegetable were covered in white sauce and served along with other vegetables and the meat of their main meal.
Actually, while I say vegetable, chokos are a fruit and appear on the vine after a small flower has been fertilised by a bee. A choko is used mainly as a vegetable but at times finds itself in cooked fruit recipes. Chokos are called various things in other places including chayote. (http://www.marketfresh.com.au/produce_guide/product.asp?ID=38
I have been thinking about chokos since one of the chaplains I work with gave me four chokos that had begun to grow. When she asked if I like d choko and would like
Some to grow, she told me they were growing up the wall already and she needed to do something with them. So the next day, I received four chokos in a plastic supermarket bag and the vines were already at least 50 centimetres long. They appeared to be growing out of the bag.
If you looked at the website above, you will have seen that a choko is a pear shaped fruit with a single large flattened seed. When a choko begins to grow the seed elongates and protrudes like a tongue between lips. Very soon a green shoot will appear on one side of the tongue and as it grows and becomes vine like, it will begin to develop leaves along its length.
Close examination of the tongue at this time will also reveal the beginning of roots which will grow down. This is the time for the choko to be placed just under soil with the vine against a fence or something else that will support its growth. Mine are planted beside a fence.
Often chokos were planted on the wire netting fence of a chook yard (chicken run) which gave excellent support while the choko vine in turn provided shade for the chooks. I imagine too that the chooks regularly provided rich fertiliser for any choko roots that grew under the chook pen.
In days gone by in many Oz backyards, the back of the outdoor dunny (toilet) formed a part of the chook yards and the choko vine would grow up and over the dunny. The choko vine, dunny and chook yard have become a part of the folklore of backyards in Australia until probably the late 1950s. At that time, toilets moved inside the house with the advent of sewerage systems, and backyard chooks were replaced by frozen chickens from the supermarket and shops kept eggs under refrigeration.
(http://www.theherald.com.au/multimedia/images/full/406744.jpg).
Most chokos bear their fruit in abundance. I remember a bandmaster at one Corps who in the choko bearing season would stand beside the Corps Officer in the foyer of the Citadel (church) and hand people chokos as they left the meeting (church service). He sometimes had two bucket fulls to give away. It was at the same Corps I visited a man who was the next day to enter hospital for heart valve replacement surgery. He asked me if I liked chokos. I said yes and he went to the backyard to get them. He was so breathless when he came back from picking them that I felt sorry I liked them.
Sometimes, chokos do not appear to be going to bear fruit. It is sometimes suggested this is because of lack of bees to pollinate them. Some gardeners will suggest that hand pollination using a small feather to transfer pollen from the male to the female flowers (the ones with a tiny choko behind them) is the way to go. I imagine this is what a friend (who is now the chief finance writer for Sydney’s main newspaper) when he told me that his father, a Salvation Army Officer, was stationed in Newcastle, Australia and spent his time studying the sex life of chokos.
I probably like choko best when it is steamed or boiled and then covered in white sauce. I also enjoy them baked along with potatoes, sweet potato, carrots, parsnip and pumpkin. Chokos are rather bland in flavour and have a texture something like potato or pumpkin.
I am not sure whether it is just an old cook’s tale or a fact but it is said that choko takes on the flavour of anything it is cooked with. In the depression of the 1930s and during the rationing and shortages of wartime in the 1940s, choko was used in apple pies and other fruit pies. Some have claimed it was cooked and served as pears. I have also seen a hint in recipe books, claiming that with careful slicing choko can be substituted or used as an extender for green beans without the consumer being aware of the substitution.
One of the most popular uses of chokos is to use it as the main ingredient in making pickles. I hope that is what will happen to a lot of the chokos that my new vines will bear. Of course, it will help if this current drought ends.
Galatians 5 (The Message)
22But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard--things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,
23not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.
24Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good--crucified.
25Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.
26That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_230.mp3 ]
Thank you, Lord, for all your goodness:
Through the years of yesterday;
Thank you, too, for present mercies
And your blessing on my way.
Thank you for each revelation,
And for what you choose to hide;
Thank you, Lord, for grace sustaining
As I in your love abide.
Thank you, Lord, for sunlit pathways,
Thank you, too, for byways rough;
Thank you for the fruitful summers
Also for the winters tough.
Thank you, Lord, for fragrant flowers
Growing right amid the weeds;
Thank you for the peace you give me
Even when my spirit bleeds.
Chorus
Thank you, Lord, for wayside roses,
Even for the thorns beside;
Thank you for the prayers you granted
And for those that you denied;
Thank you, Lord, for precious comfort
In my hours of grief and pain;
Thank you for your precious promise
Life eternal I shall gain.
Authors: August Ludvig Storm (1862-1914),
Translated Flora Larsson
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 552
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Thursday, October 22, 2009
OzThoughts. Friday 23rd October 2009
OzThoughts. Friday 23rd October 2009
I was about 15 or 16 when I became an avid watcher of the Bishop Fulton Sheen Show on TV. If I remember correctly it was called “Thinking Life Through” or certainly something similar. The Bishop just faced the camera and addressed the viewers. His only prop was a blackboard on which he wrote with chalk just like any school teacher.
Some time later, I bought some of his books. It was in one of those books where he talked about the value of suffering. He suggested that the best nurse was one who had suffered because she knew what her patient was enduring and could reach out in real love. I imagine that can be debated but I can see some truth in it.
Peter seems to say something similar in today’s part of his letter. He concludes by saying “So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.”
1 Peter 4:12-19 (The Message)
12-13 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
14-16 If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
17-19 It's judgment time for God's own family. We're first in line. If it starts with us, think what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message!
If good people barely make it,
What's in store for the bad?
So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.
[Listen: Songsters (Barry Gott tune): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3635.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4448.mp3
or
Band and Congregation: (Tune: Blaewern): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_163.mp3
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged:
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness:
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge:
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In his arms he'll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Author: Joseph Scriven (1819-86)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 645
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
I was about 15 or 16 when I became an avid watcher of the Bishop Fulton Sheen Show on TV. If I remember correctly it was called “Thinking Life Through” or certainly something similar. The Bishop just faced the camera and addressed the viewers. His only prop was a blackboard on which he wrote with chalk just like any school teacher.
Some time later, I bought some of his books. It was in one of those books where he talked about the value of suffering. He suggested that the best nurse was one who had suffered because she knew what her patient was enduring and could reach out in real love. I imagine that can be debated but I can see some truth in it.
Peter seems to say something similar in today’s part of his letter. He concludes by saying “So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.”
1 Peter 4:12-19 (The Message)
12-13 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
14-16 If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
17-19 It's judgment time for God's own family. We're first in line. If it starts with us, think what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message!
If good people barely make it,
What's in store for the bad?
So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.
[Listen: Songsters (Barry Gott tune): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3635.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4448.mp3
or
Band and Congregation: (Tune: Blaewern): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_163.mp3
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged:
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness:
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge:
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In his arms he'll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Author: Joseph Scriven (1819-86)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 645
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
OzThoughts. Thursday, 22nd October 2009.
OzThoughts. Thursday, 22nd October 2009.
I don’t know whether it came from Peter being a fisherman in touch with nature in all its moods, but Peter seems to have a very good grasp of the teaching of Jesus and telling it plainly and clearly to those who read his letters. I imagine he writes just as he spoke.
Today Peter reminds us not to worry about the old people we used to spend our time with if they do not understand us now we follow Jesus. That is very practical advice.
He goes on to tell us, his readers, to listen carefully to the message and to stay awake in prayer. Then he turns his attention to loving each other and the far reaching outcomes of that love. He also tells us to be aware that love carries out many actions.
1 Peter 4:3-11 (The Message)
3-5You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore. But you don't have to give an account to them. They're the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.
6Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.
7-11Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
[Listen: Band and Male Voice: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4131.mp3 ]
Once I was lost, on the breakers tossed,
And far away from shore;
My drifting bark all in the dark,
No beacon light before.
I was sinking fast when the lifeboat passed
And the Captain took me in;
Now the storm is o'er and I fear no more,
I have perfect peace within.
Chorus
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm off for a trip in the gospel ship,
To Canaan's happy shore.
Thank God! 'tis true, my heart's quite new,
Old things have passed away;
And now I know the cleansing flow
Rolls o'er my soul each day.
'Tis a glorious thing to know the sting
Of death has been destroyed,
And that Jesus lives in my heart, and gives
What can sweetly be enjoyed!
And when at last, all dangers past,
I join the blood-washed throng,
Though with the least at the heavenly feast,
I'll sing the glad new song.
O what bliss complete when my Lord I meet
In the banquet hall on high,
And with comrades there in love I share
The joys that never die!
Author: William Giles Collins (1854-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 375
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
I don’t know whether it came from Peter being a fisherman in touch with nature in all its moods, but Peter seems to have a very good grasp of the teaching of Jesus and telling it plainly and clearly to those who read his letters. I imagine he writes just as he spoke.
Today Peter reminds us not to worry about the old people we used to spend our time with if they do not understand us now we follow Jesus. That is very practical advice.
He goes on to tell us, his readers, to listen carefully to the message and to stay awake in prayer. Then he turns his attention to loving each other and the far reaching outcomes of that love. He also tells us to be aware that love carries out many actions.
1 Peter 4:3-11 (The Message)
3-5You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore. But you don't have to give an account to them. They're the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.
6Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.
7-11Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
[Listen: Band and Male Voice: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4131.mp3 ]
Once I was lost, on the breakers tossed,
And far away from shore;
My drifting bark all in the dark,
No beacon light before.
I was sinking fast when the lifeboat passed
And the Captain took me in;
Now the storm is o'er and I fear no more,
I have perfect peace within.
Chorus
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm off for a trip in the gospel ship,
To Canaan's happy shore.
Thank God! 'tis true, my heart's quite new,
Old things have passed away;
And now I know the cleansing flow
Rolls o'er my soul each day.
'Tis a glorious thing to know the sting
Of death has been destroyed,
And that Jesus lives in my heart, and gives
What can sweetly be enjoyed!
And when at last, all dangers past,
I join the blood-washed throng,
Though with the least at the heavenly feast,
I'll sing the glad new song.
O what bliss complete when my Lord I meet
In the banquet hall on high,
And with comrades there in love I share
The joys that never die!
Author: William Giles Collins (1854-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 375
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
OzThoughts. Wednesday, 21st October 2009.
OzThoughts. Wednesday, 21st October 2009.
Last weekend , here on the Gold Caost we had the Coolangatta Gold race. It is said to be the toughest Ironman and Ironwoman race on the surf sports calendar. Held right along the Gold Coast, competitors are forced to ski, board paddle, swim and run, with the men’s course held over 46.65km and the women and juniors battling it out over 30.5km course. (see event details: http://www.coolangattagold.com.au/about/abouttheevent.aspx and course map:
http://www.coolangattagold.com.au/about/coursemaps.aspx ).
I noticed in the lead up to the race, the various athletes who were favoured to finish among the winners, spoke about their commitment to training, and their focus on this most gruelling event. There were great individual stories. It is good to hear the athletes tell their stories. For example, the athlete who was in a coma following a car accident just last New Year’s Eve. Then there was the athlete who was coming third who collapsed just 15 metres from the finishing line and was carried across the line on a stretcher. Of course, this meant her record was marked: DNF (Did not finish).
Peter reminds us that the Christian life calls for commitment and focus, and be ready to speak about our life. We of course, must follow Jesus example who went through it all for us.
1 Peter 3:13 - 18 (The Message)
13-18 If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.
Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.
Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath.
It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_213.mp3
or
Look and Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_042.WMV ]
I want to tell what God has done
Through Christ. his well-beloved Son,
How my poor heart he sought and won;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
I want to tell what God can do
For sinners lost like me and you,
Of sins washed white and garments new;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
Chorus
I want to tell you what the Lord has done,
What the Lord has done for me;
He lifted me from the miry clay;
O what a happy day!
I want to tell you what the Lord can do,
What the Lord can do for you:
He can take your life as he did mine,
And make it anew.
I want to tell of saving grace,
Of God's strong arm, his warm embrace,
Of blood that can all sins erase;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
I want to tell to sinners lost
That Christ has paid sin's fearful cost,
And saves unto the uttermost;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
What God has done, he still can do;
His power can fashion lives anew,
And all who trust him find him true;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
I want to tell of that glad day
For which we watch, for which we pray,
It must be near, not far away;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
Author: Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 335
```````````````````````````````
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:
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Last weekend , here on the Gold Caost we had the Coolangatta Gold race. It is said to be the toughest Ironman and Ironwoman race on the surf sports calendar. Held right along the Gold Coast, competitors are forced to ski, board paddle, swim and run, with the men’s course held over 46.65km and the women and juniors battling it out over 30.5km course. (see event details: http://www.coolangattagold.com.au/about/abouttheevent.aspx and course map:
http://www.coolangattagold.com.au/about/coursemaps.aspx ).
I noticed in the lead up to the race, the various athletes who were favoured to finish among the winners, spoke about their commitment to training, and their focus on this most gruelling event. There were great individual stories. It is good to hear the athletes tell their stories. For example, the athlete who was in a coma following a car accident just last New Year’s Eve. Then there was the athlete who was coming third who collapsed just 15 metres from the finishing line and was carried across the line on a stretcher. Of course, this meant her record was marked: DNF (Did not finish).
Peter reminds us that the Christian life calls for commitment and focus, and be ready to speak about our life. We of course, must follow Jesus example who went through it all for us.
1 Peter 3:13 - 18 (The Message)
13-18 If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.
Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.
Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath.
It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_213.mp3
or
Look and Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_042.WMV ]
I want to tell what God has done
Through Christ. his well-beloved Son,
How my poor heart he sought and won;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
I want to tell what God can do
For sinners lost like me and you,
Of sins washed white and garments new;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
Chorus
I want to tell you what the Lord has done,
What the Lord has done for me;
He lifted me from the miry clay;
O what a happy day!
I want to tell you what the Lord can do,
What the Lord can do for you:
He can take your life as he did mine,
And make it anew.
I want to tell of saving grace,
Of God's strong arm, his warm embrace,
Of blood that can all sins erase;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
I want to tell to sinners lost
That Christ has paid sin's fearful cost,
And saves unto the uttermost;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
What God has done, he still can do;
His power can fashion lives anew,
And all who trust him find him true;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
I want to tell of that glad day
For which we watch, for which we pray,
It must be near, not far away;
Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
Author: Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 335
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, October 19, 2009
OzThoughts. Tuesday, 20th October 2009.
OzThoughts. Tuesday, 20th October 2009.
I remember when my daughter was quite a tiny youngster, she loved to draw. She still does. In Those early days give her any piece of paper and a pen and pencil and she would draw a masterpiece. The problem was that we often had to tell her what the drawing was about. She showed some disgust when we could not see what it was plainly meant to be. As she got older her drawing became better and we could fathom what the shapes were meant to be.
Our lives as Christians should be such that there is no contradiction with the standards God set. People should be able to see quite clearly that we are living according to God’s rules.
1 Peter 3:8-16 (The Message)
8-12 Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
Whoever wants to embrace life
and see the day fill up with good,
Here's what you do:
Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good;
run after peace for all you're worth.
God looks on all this with approval,
listening and responding well to what he's asked;
But he turns his back
on those who do evil things.
13-18 If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.
[Listen: Band and Male Chorus: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1248.mp3
I'm a soldier bound for Glory,
I'm a soldier going home;
Come and hear me tell my story,
All who love the Saviour, come.
Chorus
I love Jesus, hallelujah!
I love Jesus, yes, I do;
I love Jesus, he's my Saviour,
Jesus smiles and loves me too.
I will tell you what induced me
In the glorious fight to start;
'Twas the Saviour's loving kindness
Overcame and won my heart.
When I first commenced my warfare
Many said I'd run away;
But they all have been deceived,
In the fight I am today.
I'm a wonder unto many,
God alone the change has wrought;
Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by his help I'm brought.
When to death's dark, swelling river,
Like a warrior I shall come,
Then I mean to shout salvation!
And go singing glory! home.
Author: Richard Jukes (1804-67),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 338
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
I remember when my daughter was quite a tiny youngster, she loved to draw. She still does. In Those early days give her any piece of paper and a pen and pencil and she would draw a masterpiece. The problem was that we often had to tell her what the drawing was about. She showed some disgust when we could not see what it was plainly meant to be. As she got older her drawing became better and we could fathom what the shapes were meant to be.
Our lives as Christians should be such that there is no contradiction with the standards God set. People should be able to see quite clearly that we are living according to God’s rules.
1 Peter 3:8-16 (The Message)
8-12 Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
Whoever wants to embrace life
and see the day fill up with good,
Here's what you do:
Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good;
run after peace for all you're worth.
God looks on all this with approval,
listening and responding well to what he's asked;
But he turns his back
on those who do evil things.
13-18 If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.
[Listen: Band and Male Chorus: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1248.mp3
I'm a soldier bound for Glory,
I'm a soldier going home;
Come and hear me tell my story,
All who love the Saviour, come.
Chorus
I love Jesus, hallelujah!
I love Jesus, yes, I do;
I love Jesus, he's my Saviour,
Jesus smiles and loves me too.
I will tell you what induced me
In the glorious fight to start;
'Twas the Saviour's loving kindness
Overcame and won my heart.
When I first commenced my warfare
Many said I'd run away;
But they all have been deceived,
In the fight I am today.
I'm a wonder unto many,
God alone the change has wrought;
Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by his help I'm brought.
When to death's dark, swelling river,
Like a warrior I shall come,
Then I mean to shout salvation!
And go singing glory! home.
Author: Richard Jukes (1804-67),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 338
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Sunday, October 18, 2009
OzThoughts. Monday, 19th October 2009.
OzThoughts. Monday, 19th October 2009.
How was your day of worship? I hope you had a good day of meeting with God and meeting with his people. It is great to meet in the house of the Lord on his day.
I am sure Peter was well aware of the times he let Jesus down. However, he had a wonderful assurance that god had forgiven him, and the people who mattered to him knew how the resurrected Jesus had restored him to his place amongst his closest followers.
Just as Peter was so sure of his own forgiveness and restoration, he knew how badly Jesus had suffered and how God, too, had set things right for him. At the same time as God set Jesus right , he had set things right for those who would follow Jesus.
1 Peter 2:21-25 (The Message)
21-25This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.
They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
[Listen: Band Chorus: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1250.mp3
or
Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4047.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2110.mp3
or
Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1809.mp3 ]
My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine,
For thee all the pleasures of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art thou,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
I love thee because thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;
I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
I will love thee in life, I will love thee in death,
And praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath;
And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
In mansions of Glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore thee and dwell in thy sight;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
Authors: William Ralph Featherstone (1846-73)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 357
Tunes: Unsworth, 577; Flow gently, sweet Afton, 558
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
How was your day of worship? I hope you had a good day of meeting with God and meeting with his people. It is great to meet in the house of the Lord on his day.
I am sure Peter was well aware of the times he let Jesus down. However, he had a wonderful assurance that god had forgiven him, and the people who mattered to him knew how the resurrected Jesus had restored him to his place amongst his closest followers.
Just as Peter was so sure of his own forgiveness and restoration, he knew how badly Jesus had suffered and how God, too, had set things right for him. At the same time as God set Jesus right , he had set things right for those who would follow Jesus.
1 Peter 2:21-25 (The Message)
21-25This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.
They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
[Listen: Band Chorus: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1250.mp3
or
Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4047.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2110.mp3
or
Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1809.mp3 ]
My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine,
For thee all the pleasures of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art thou,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
I love thee because thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;
I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
I will love thee in life, I will love thee in death,
And praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath;
And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
In mansions of Glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore thee and dwell in thy sight;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
Authors: William Ralph Featherstone (1846-73)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 357
Tunes: Unsworth, 577; Flow gently, sweet Afton, 558
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Saturday, October 17, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 18th October 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 18th October 2009
This is the very day God acted—
let's celebrate and be festive! (Psalm 118:24 The Message)
19 My friends, the blood of Jesus gives us courage to enter the most holy place
20 by a new way that leads to life! And this way takes us through the curtain that is Christ himself.
21 We have a great high priest who is in charge of God's house.
22 So let's come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let's keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.
23 We must hold tightly to the hope that we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us.
24 We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things.
25 Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer. (Hebrews 10:19-25 Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 104: 1-14 (the Message)
1-14 O my soul, bless God! God, my God, how great you are!
beautifully, gloriously robed,
Dressed up in sunshine,
and all heaven stretched out for your tent.
You built your palace on the ocean deeps,
made a chariot out of clouds and took off on wind-wings.
You commandeered winds as messengers,
appointed fire and flame as ambassadors.
You set earth on a firm foundation
so that nothing can shake it, ever.
You blanketed earth with ocean,
covered the mountains with deep waters;
Then you roared and the water ran away—
your thunder crash put it to flight.
Mountains pushed up, valleys spread out
in the places you assigned them.
You set boundaries between earth and sea;
never again will earth be flooded.
You started the springs and rivers,
sent them flowing among the hills.
All the wild animals now drink their fill,
wild donkeys quench their thirst.
Along the riverbanks the birds build nests,
ravens make their voices heard.
You water the mountains from your heavenly cisterns;
earth is supplied with plenty of water.
You make grass grow for the livestock,
hay for the animals that plow the ground.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 42
Author: Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1858-1901)
Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4139.mp3
This is my Father's world,
And to my listening ears,
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world,
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
2.
This is my Father's world,
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass, I hear him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
3.
This is my Father's world;
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heaven be one.
Psalm 22:22-31 (The Message)
22-24 Here's the story I'll tell my friends when they come to worship,
and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:
Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers;
give glory, you sons of Jacob;
adore him, you daughters of Israel.
He has never let you down,
never looked the other way
when you were being kicked around.
He has never wandered off to do his own thing;
he has been right there, listening.
25-26 Here in this great gathering for worship
I have discovered this praise-life.
And I'll do what I promised right here
in front of the God-worshipers.
Down-and-outers sit at GOD's table
and eat their fill.
Everyone on the hunt for God
is here, praising him.
"Live it up, from head to toe.
Don't ever quit!"
27-28 From the four corners of the earth
people are coming to their senses,
are running back to GOD.
Long-lost families
are falling on their faces before him.
GOD has taken charge;
from now on he has the last word.
29 All the power-mongers are before him
—worshiping!
All the poor and powerless, too
—worshiping!
Along with those who never got it together
—worshiping!
30-31 Our children and their children
will get in on this
As the word is passed along
from parent to child.
Babies not yet conceived
will hear the good news—
that God does what he says.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 33
Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1866-1960)
[Listen: Congregation: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_180.mp3
or
Look and Listen: Congregation: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_048.WMV ]
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with thee;
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Chorus
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed thy hand hath provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
2.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
3.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Prayer:
Gracious God and Father, we give you thanks
for the cross of Christ at the heart of creation,
the presence of Christ in our weakness and strength,
the power of Christ to transform our suffering . . .
for all ministries of healing,
all agencies of relief,
all that sets men free from pain, fear and distress . . .
for the assurance that your mercy knows no limit,
and for the privilege of sharing
your work of renewal through prayer. Amen.
Holy God, through your beloved Son you reconciled all things to yourself, making peace by the blood of his cross, fill us and those for whom we pray with your peace and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(http://www.belfastcathedral.org/resources/prayer-source/item/35 )
Meditation: Traditional Army Choruses:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_112.mp3
[If you have enjoyed this OzThoughts Sunday Hymns and Psalms – please pass it to others who may enjoy it. It is prepared particularly for those who cannot get to Sunday Worship as they loved to do.]
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
This is the very day God acted—
let's celebrate and be festive! (Psalm 118:24 The Message)
19 My friends, the blood of Jesus gives us courage to enter the most holy place
20 by a new way that leads to life! And this way takes us through the curtain that is Christ himself.
21 We have a great high priest who is in charge of God's house.
22 So let's come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let's keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.
23 We must hold tightly to the hope that we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us.
24 We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things.
25 Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer. (Hebrews 10:19-25 Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 104: 1-14 (the Message)
1-14 O my soul, bless God! God, my God, how great you are!
beautifully, gloriously robed,
Dressed up in sunshine,
and all heaven stretched out for your tent.
You built your palace on the ocean deeps,
made a chariot out of clouds and took off on wind-wings.
You commandeered winds as messengers,
appointed fire and flame as ambassadors.
You set earth on a firm foundation
so that nothing can shake it, ever.
You blanketed earth with ocean,
covered the mountains with deep waters;
Then you roared and the water ran away—
your thunder crash put it to flight.
Mountains pushed up, valleys spread out
in the places you assigned them.
You set boundaries between earth and sea;
never again will earth be flooded.
You started the springs and rivers,
sent them flowing among the hills.
All the wild animals now drink their fill,
wild donkeys quench their thirst.
Along the riverbanks the birds build nests,
ravens make their voices heard.
You water the mountains from your heavenly cisterns;
earth is supplied with plenty of water.
You make grass grow for the livestock,
hay for the animals that plow the ground.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 42
Author: Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1858-1901)
Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4139.mp3
This is my Father's world,
And to my listening ears,
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world,
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
2.
This is my Father's world,
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass, I hear him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
3.
This is my Father's world;
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heaven be one.
Psalm 22:22-31 (The Message)
22-24 Here's the story I'll tell my friends when they come to worship,
and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:
Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers;
give glory, you sons of Jacob;
adore him, you daughters of Israel.
He has never let you down,
never looked the other way
when you were being kicked around.
He has never wandered off to do his own thing;
he has been right there, listening.
25-26 Here in this great gathering for worship
I have discovered this praise-life.
And I'll do what I promised right here
in front of the God-worshipers.
Down-and-outers sit at GOD's table
and eat their fill.
Everyone on the hunt for God
is here, praising him.
"Live it up, from head to toe.
Don't ever quit!"
27-28 From the four corners of the earth
people are coming to their senses,
are running back to GOD.
Long-lost families
are falling on their faces before him.
GOD has taken charge;
from now on he has the last word.
29 All the power-mongers are before him
—worshiping!
All the poor and powerless, too
—worshiping!
Along with those who never got it together
—worshiping!
30-31 Our children and their children
will get in on this
As the word is passed along
from parent to child.
Babies not yet conceived
will hear the good news—
that God does what he says.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: Song Number: 33
Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1866-1960)
[Listen: Congregation: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_180.mp3
or
Look and Listen: Congregation: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_048.WMV ]
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with thee;
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Chorus
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed thy hand hath provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
2.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
3.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Prayer:
Gracious God and Father, we give you thanks
for the cross of Christ at the heart of creation,
the presence of Christ in our weakness and strength,
the power of Christ to transform our suffering . . .
for all ministries of healing,
all agencies of relief,
all that sets men free from pain, fear and distress . . .
for the assurance that your mercy knows no limit,
and for the privilege of sharing
your work of renewal through prayer. Amen.
Holy God, through your beloved Son you reconciled all things to yourself, making peace by the blood of his cross, fill us and those for whom we pray with your peace and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(http://www.belfastcathedral.org/resources/prayer-source/item/35 )
Meditation: Traditional Army Choruses:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_112.mp3
[If you have enjoyed this OzThoughts Sunday Hymns and Psalms – please pass it to others who may enjoy it. It is prepared particularly for those who cannot get to Sunday Worship as they loved to do.]
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Friday, October 16, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 17th and 18th October, 2009.
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 17th and 18th October, 2009.
SMILE
I missed the first part of the Volunteers’ Meeting at the hospital where I work this week because I was at another meeting. I walked into the Volunteers’ Meeting just as the movie they were watching came to the point where it showed “The End”. The room broke into immediate enthusiastic applause. The Volunteer Manager explained he had found the movie on You Tube and immediately knew he had to show it to the volunteers.
During the coffee break and following the meeting, everybody was talking about the movie and I had to admit I had not seen it. Even later the other Chaplains who were at the meeting told me I must see it. Now I am not one for watching movies as I tend to drop off to sleep but I did do a search of You Tube and I found it. As it only goes for about 15 minutes, I decided to watch it. I noticed it is described on You Tube as “a fable about the magic of free parking”. I wondered what is magic about free parking.
I am quite excited about the movie and I am sure its message is worth sharing. You can see it here:
[Can I suggest you download it with the sound turned off and have a cup of coffee while it downloads or do other things on your computer? If not it will probably keep pausing while the next bit downloads. When it is completely downloaded you can hit the play (replay) button and turn up the sound to see it without interruption. ]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao
Do you see why everyone was excited about it? I do and I want to share its message.
We can share the message in the movie in many ways. We, of course, can share the movie as I have done but we can best share the message by putting it into practice.
The movie made me think about Ida who was the cook at the Seniors Group at our first Corps (church) as commissioned Officers. We found that we had many management issues with Ida but the women, in particular, loved her. I remember my wife and I discussed why and really she was just like the young man in this movie. As each woman arrived each week they passed close to the kitchen and Ida would greet each one personally. She would tell them how nice they looked or what a lovely dress they were wearing. It was only a few seconds of conversation but it certainly mattered to our seniors. By the way, Ida was a community volunteer and told me she was “not into religion” but I think many of our ladies saw her as having a “lovely Christian attitude”. It was a lesson my wife and I learnt well.
Someone drew my attention to the “Sign off” on a recent email to the SalvationArmy3 group. It said simply “We pray that God will bless your socks off!” My correspondent was a little puzzled by it. I thought it was something like the phrase we use in Oz “Bless your cotton socks”. I got my research assistant Mr Google to look at the phrase and he found many websites.
One I noted was a Christian book called “Bless your socks off” It seemed to me the subtitle says it all: “Unleashing the power of encouragement” The author is Sandra P. Aldrich and it is published by Focus on the Family / Tyndale House Publishers.
(http://www.sandraaldrich.com/bysoex.html) To see something of the author click on books at the bottom of that page.
I like what Paul says to his friends in the Church at Thessalonica :
(1 Thessalonians 5:10-15 The Message)
9-11 God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it.
12-13 And now, friends, we ask you to honour those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!
Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.
We don’t need to do mission, we need to live mission.
Miriam Richards gives us encouragement. Most of us don’t have to manufacture opportunities to encourage and cheer people in the name of Christ. The people who need our encouragement are right where we are! (Or on your email address book, mobile phone, Facebook or read your blog).
What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow?
How bring back hope where men have sorely failed?
Just where I am I'll speak the word of comfort,
Tell how for me Christ's sacrifice availed.
Chorus
Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me,
Just where he needs me, there would I be!
And since he found me, by love he's bound me
To serve him joyfully.
What can I do to ease life's heavy burdens?
What can I do to help mankind in need?
Just where I am I'll share my neighbor's hardship,
Lighten his load, and prove a friend indeed.
What can I do to justify my living?
What can I be to worthwhile?
I'll be a voice to call men to the Saviour,
Just where I am, and win my Father's smile.
Author: Miriam M. Richards
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 706
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
SMILE
I missed the first part of the Volunteers’ Meeting at the hospital where I work this week because I was at another meeting. I walked into the Volunteers’ Meeting just as the movie they were watching came to the point where it showed “The End”. The room broke into immediate enthusiastic applause. The Volunteer Manager explained he had found the movie on You Tube and immediately knew he had to show it to the volunteers.
During the coffee break and following the meeting, everybody was talking about the movie and I had to admit I had not seen it. Even later the other Chaplains who were at the meeting told me I must see it. Now I am not one for watching movies as I tend to drop off to sleep but I did do a search of You Tube and I found it. As it only goes for about 15 minutes, I decided to watch it. I noticed it is described on You Tube as “a fable about the magic of free parking”. I wondered what is magic about free parking.
I am quite excited about the movie and I am sure its message is worth sharing. You can see it here:
[Can I suggest you download it with the sound turned off and have a cup of coffee while it downloads or do other things on your computer? If not it will probably keep pausing while the next bit downloads. When it is completely downloaded you can hit the play (replay) button and turn up the sound to see it without interruption. ]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao
Do you see why everyone was excited about it? I do and I want to share its message.
We can share the message in the movie in many ways. We, of course, can share the movie as I have done but we can best share the message by putting it into practice.
The movie made me think about Ida who was the cook at the Seniors Group at our first Corps (church) as commissioned Officers. We found that we had many management issues with Ida but the women, in particular, loved her. I remember my wife and I discussed why and really she was just like the young man in this movie. As each woman arrived each week they passed close to the kitchen and Ida would greet each one personally. She would tell them how nice they looked or what a lovely dress they were wearing. It was only a few seconds of conversation but it certainly mattered to our seniors. By the way, Ida was a community volunteer and told me she was “not into religion” but I think many of our ladies saw her as having a “lovely Christian attitude”. It was a lesson my wife and I learnt well.
Someone drew my attention to the “Sign off” on a recent email to the SalvationArmy3 group. It said simply “We pray that God will bless your socks off!” My correspondent was a little puzzled by it. I thought it was something like the phrase we use in Oz “Bless your cotton socks”. I got my research assistant Mr Google to look at the phrase and he found many websites.
One I noted was a Christian book called “Bless your socks off” It seemed to me the subtitle says it all: “Unleashing the power of encouragement” The author is Sandra P. Aldrich and it is published by Focus on the Family / Tyndale House Publishers.
(http://www.sandraaldrich.com/bysoex.html) To see something of the author click on books at the bottom of that page.
I like what Paul says to his friends in the Church at Thessalonica :
(1 Thessalonians 5:10-15 The Message)
9-11 God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it.
12-13 And now, friends, we ask you to honour those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!
Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.
We don’t need to do mission, we need to live mission.
Miriam Richards gives us encouragement. Most of us don’t have to manufacture opportunities to encourage and cheer people in the name of Christ. The people who need our encouragement are right where we are! (Or on your email address book, mobile phone, Facebook or read your blog).
What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow?
How bring back hope where men have sorely failed?
Just where I am I'll speak the word of comfort,
Tell how for me Christ's sacrifice availed.
Chorus
Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me,
Just where he needs me, there would I be!
And since he found me, by love he's bound me
To serve him joyfully.
What can I do to ease life's heavy burdens?
What can I do to help mankind in need?
Just where I am I'll share my neighbor's hardship,
Lighten his load, and prove a friend indeed.
What can I do to justify my living?
What can I be to worthwhile?
I'll be a voice to call men to the Saviour,
Just where I am, and win my Father's smile.
Author: Miriam M. Richards
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 706
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Thursday, October 15, 2009
OzThoughts. Friday, 16th October 2009.
OzThoughts. Friday, 16th October 2009.
Yesterday we asked among other questions “How about in the community, was he (Peter) a good net-worker and was he community minded with compassion for the poor and outcast?” No doubt, after he met Jesus and became his follower and learnt a lot from him, Peter changed. However, in today’s section of Peters 1st Letter we read about our place in the community.
1 Peter 2:11-17 (The Message)
11-12Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cosy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.
13-17Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.
What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow?
How bring back hope where men have sorely failed?
Just where I am I'll speak the word of comfort,
Tell how for me Christ's sacrifice availed.
Chorus
Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me,
Just where he needs me, there would I be!
And since he found me, by love he's bound me
To serve him joyfully.
What can I do to ease life's heavy burdens?
What can I do to help mankind in need?
Just where I am I'll share my neighbor's hardship,
Lighten his load, and prove a friend indeed.
What can I do to justify my living?
What can I be to worthwhile?
I'll be a voice to call men to the Saviour,
Just where I am, and win my Father's smile.
Author: Miriam M. Richards
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 706
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Yesterday we asked among other questions “How about in the community, was he (Peter) a good net-worker and was he community minded with compassion for the poor and outcast?” No doubt, after he met Jesus and became his follower and learnt a lot from him, Peter changed. However, in today’s section of Peters 1st Letter we read about our place in the community.
1 Peter 2:11-17 (The Message)
11-12Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cosy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.
13-17Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.
What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow?
How bring back hope where men have sorely failed?
Just where I am I'll speak the word of comfort,
Tell how for me Christ's sacrifice availed.
Chorus
Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me,
Just where he needs me, there would I be!
And since he found me, by love he's bound me
To serve him joyfully.
What can I do to ease life's heavy burdens?
What can I do to help mankind in need?
Just where I am I'll share my neighbor's hardship,
Lighten his load, and prove a friend indeed.
What can I do to justify my living?
What can I be to worthwhile?
I'll be a voice to call men to the Saviour,
Just where I am, and win my Father's smile.
Author: Miriam M. Richards
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 706
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
OzThoughts. Thursday, 15th October 2009.
OzThoughts. Thursday, 15th October 2009.
[Admin Note: Anyone who would like a copy of Australian Eastern, Australia Southern or New Zealand Territory Officer Appointment Announcements please email me on OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au and tell me which one you require].
I have often wondered what Peter was like as a fisherman. Was he a better fishermen than others along his part of the sea? Was he a leader amongst the other fisherman? How about in the community, was he a good net-worker and was he community minded with compassion for the poor and outcast?
We do not get an answer to that but we know he readily answered the call to follow Jesus. We know, too, that Jesus renamed this man previously called Simon, Peter which means rock and spoke of him being a foundation.
And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. (Matthew 16: 18 The Message).
Now “Rock” (Peter) writes about the rock Jesus, rejected by men but restored by God. He calls his reader to be joined with Jesus and become building stones.
Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God…
you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
[Listen: Congregational Song: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_053.mp3 ]
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness,
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Chorus
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to veil his face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, his covenant and blood,
Support me in the 'whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
Author: Edward Mote (1797-1874)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 745
1 Peter 2:4-10 (The Message)
4-8Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honour. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. The Scriptures provide precedent:
Look! I'm setting a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone in the place of honour.
Whoever trusts in this stone as a foundation
will never have cause to regret it.
To you who trust him, he's a Stone to be proud of, but to those who refuse to trust him,
The stone the workmen threw out
is now the chief foundation stone.
For the untrusting it's
.. . a stone to trip over,
a boulder blocking the way.
They trip and fall because they refuse to obey, just as predicted.
9-10But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
[Admin Note: Anyone who would like a copy of Australian Eastern, Australia Southern or New Zealand Territory Officer Appointment Announcements please email me on OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au and tell me which one you require].
I have often wondered what Peter was like as a fisherman. Was he a better fishermen than others along his part of the sea? Was he a leader amongst the other fisherman? How about in the community, was he a good net-worker and was he community minded with compassion for the poor and outcast?
We do not get an answer to that but we know he readily answered the call to follow Jesus. We know, too, that Jesus renamed this man previously called Simon, Peter which means rock and spoke of him being a foundation.
And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. (Matthew 16: 18 The Message).
Now “Rock” (Peter) writes about the rock Jesus, rejected by men but restored by God. He calls his reader to be joined with Jesus and become building stones.
Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God…
you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
[Listen: Congregational Song: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_053.mp3 ]
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness,
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Chorus
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to veil his face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, his covenant and blood,
Support me in the 'whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
Author: Edward Mote (1797-1874)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 745
1 Peter 2:4-10 (The Message)
4-8Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honour. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. The Scriptures provide precedent:
Look! I'm setting a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone in the place of honour.
Whoever trusts in this stone as a foundation
will never have cause to regret it.
To you who trust him, he's a Stone to be proud of, but to those who refuse to trust him,
The stone the workmen threw out
is now the chief foundation stone.
For the untrusting it's
.. . a stone to trip over,
a boulder blocking the way.
They trip and fall because they refuse to obey, just as predicted.
9-10But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
OzThoughts. Wednesday, 14th October 2009.
OzThoughts. Wednesday, 14th October 2009.
People who live in New South Wales and Southern Queensland had a dust storm or two a couple of weeks ago. Now if you have never been in a dust storm, just imagine it. This might help.
When my mum made pastry or scones (English / Australian type scones) she sprinkled flour over the pastry board or table and when she rolled the dough or kneaded it, the flour stopped it sticking to the board. A dust storm is just like that dusting of flour except instead of being white it is reddish brown.
The dust covers everything outside and rests on any flat surface or even hangs on house walls, etc. Leave a window or a door open and that’s accepted as an invitation to come right in and settle on everything in the house.
Then comes the clean up. It is great if it rains soon after the dust has settled. That does help a bit but in some places the dust seems to be gathered by pools of water and leaves a pool shaped mud mark when the water evaporates.
Then the forecast for our part of Queensland is for another dust storm. Much of New south Wales and Western Queensland have already experienced it. It will reach us with gusty winds tomorrow.
Peter writes “25Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. …
3So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.”
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4490.mp3 ]
Lord, through the blood of the Lamb that was slain,
Cleansing for me;
From all the guilt of my sins now I claim
Cleansing from thee.
Sinful and black though the past may have been,
Many the crushing defeats I have seen,
Yet on thy promise, O Lord, now I lean.
Cleansing for me.
From all the sins over which I have wept,
Cleansing for me;
Far, far away by the blood-current swept,
Cleansing for me.
Jesus, thy promise I dare to believe,
And as I come thou wilt surely receive,
That over sin I may never more grieve,
Cleansing for me.
From all the doubts that have filled me with gloom,
Cleansing for me;
From all the fears that would point me to doom,
Cleansing for me.
Jesus, although I may not understand,
In childlike faith now I stretch forth my hand,
And through thy word and thy grace I shall stand,
Cleansed by thee.
From all the care of what men think or say,
Cleansing for me;
From ever fearing to speak, sing or pray,
Cleansing for me.
Lord, in thy love and thy power make me strong
That all may know that to thee I belong;
When I am tempted, let this be my song,
Cleansing for me.
Author: Herbert Howard Booth (1862-1926)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 437
1 Peter 1:18 - 2: 3 (The Message)
18-21Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
22-25Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself! That's why the prophet said,
The old life is a grass life,
its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers;
Grass dries up, flowers droop,
God's Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.
1-3So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
People who live in New South Wales and Southern Queensland had a dust storm or two a couple of weeks ago. Now if you have never been in a dust storm, just imagine it. This might help.
When my mum made pastry or scones (English / Australian type scones) she sprinkled flour over the pastry board or table and when she rolled the dough or kneaded it, the flour stopped it sticking to the board. A dust storm is just like that dusting of flour except instead of being white it is reddish brown.
The dust covers everything outside and rests on any flat surface or even hangs on house walls, etc. Leave a window or a door open and that’s accepted as an invitation to come right in and settle on everything in the house.
Then comes the clean up. It is great if it rains soon after the dust has settled. That does help a bit but in some places the dust seems to be gathered by pools of water and leaves a pool shaped mud mark when the water evaporates.
Then the forecast for our part of Queensland is for another dust storm. Much of New south Wales and Western Queensland have already experienced it. It will reach us with gusty winds tomorrow.
Peter writes “25Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. …
3So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.”
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4490.mp3 ]
Lord, through the blood of the Lamb that was slain,
Cleansing for me;
From all the guilt of my sins now I claim
Cleansing from thee.
Sinful and black though the past may have been,
Many the crushing defeats I have seen,
Yet on thy promise, O Lord, now I lean.
Cleansing for me.
From all the sins over which I have wept,
Cleansing for me;
Far, far away by the blood-current swept,
Cleansing for me.
Jesus, thy promise I dare to believe,
And as I come thou wilt surely receive,
That over sin I may never more grieve,
Cleansing for me.
From all the doubts that have filled me with gloom,
Cleansing for me;
From all the fears that would point me to doom,
Cleansing for me.
Jesus, although I may not understand,
In childlike faith now I stretch forth my hand,
And through thy word and thy grace I shall stand,
Cleansed by thee.
From all the care of what men think or say,
Cleansing for me;
From ever fearing to speak, sing or pray,
Cleansing for me.
Lord, in thy love and thy power make me strong
That all may know that to thee I belong;
When I am tempted, let this be my song,
Cleansing for me.
Author: Herbert Howard Booth (1862-1926)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 437
1 Peter 1:18 - 2: 3 (The Message)
18-21Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
22-25Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself! That's why the prophet said,
The old life is a grass life,
its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers;
Grass dries up, flowers droop,
God's Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.
1-3So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, October 12, 2009
OzThoughts. Tuesday, 13th October 2009.
OzThoughts. Tuesday, 13th October 2009.
Peter warns in today’s section of his letter, that people must not lazily slip back into the old evil ways. He says that those old evil ways came about because we did not know any better. He now says
“As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness.”
Then he reminds us that God is a good father and will help us but as a responsible father he requires better than sloppy living from us.
1 Peter 1:10-17 (The Message)
10-12 The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. The Messiah's Spirit let them in on some of it—that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory. They clamoured to know who and when. All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves—through the Holy Spirit—the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!
13-16 So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."
17 You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4785.mp3 ]
Praise, my soul, the King the Heaven,
To his feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like thee his praise should sing?
Praise Him!
Praise the everlasting King.
Praise him for this grace and favor
To our fathers in distress;
Praise him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide and swift to bless;
Praise him!
Glorious in his faithfulness.
Father-like he tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame he knows,
In his hands he gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him!
Widely as his mercy flows.
Angels in the heights adore him,
Ye behold him face to face;
Sun and moon bow down before him:
Dwellers all in time and space,
Praise him!
Praise with us the God of grace.
Author: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 17
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Peter warns in today’s section of his letter, that people must not lazily slip back into the old evil ways. He says that those old evil ways came about because we did not know any better. He now says
“As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness.”
Then he reminds us that God is a good father and will help us but as a responsible father he requires better than sloppy living from us.
1 Peter 1:10-17 (The Message)
10-12 The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. The Messiah's Spirit let them in on some of it—that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory. They clamoured to know who and when. All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves—through the Holy Spirit—the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!
13-16 So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."
17 You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4785.mp3 ]
Praise, my soul, the King the Heaven,
To his feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like thee his praise should sing?
Praise Him!
Praise the everlasting King.
Praise him for this grace and favor
To our fathers in distress;
Praise him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide and swift to bless;
Praise him!
Glorious in his faithfulness.
Father-like he tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame he knows,
In his hands he gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him!
Widely as his mercy flows.
Angels in the heights adore him,
Ye behold him face to face;
Sun and moon bow down before him:
Dwellers all in time and space,
Praise him!
Praise with us the God of grace.
Author: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 17
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Sunday, October 11, 2009
OzThoughts. Monday, 12th October 2009.
OzThoughts. Monday, 12th October 2009.
For the next three weeks we will take most of our readings from Peter’s letters. As I read today’s part of Peter’s first letter, I can certainly agree with Peter “What a great God we have”.
I am going to hold that thought today and make it my “sticker”. We have many reasons to say our God is a great God and Peter introduces us to a few of the main ones we share.
1 Peter 1
1-2I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!
3-5What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.
6-7I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
8-9You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.
[Listen: Band and Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_321.mp3
or
Look and Listen: George Beverly Shea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czWJfkDCB74
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!
Author: Stuart K. Hine
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 37
```````````````````````````````
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/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
For the next three weeks we will take most of our readings from Peter’s letters. As I read today’s part of Peter’s first letter, I can certainly agree with Peter “What a great God we have”.
I am going to hold that thought today and make it my “sticker”. We have many reasons to say our God is a great God and Peter introduces us to a few of the main ones we share.
1 Peter 1
1-2I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!
3-5What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.
6-7I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
8-9You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.
[Listen: Band and Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_321.mp3
or
Look and Listen: George Beverly Shea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czWJfkDCB74
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!
Author: Stuart K. Hine
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 37
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