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


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