OzThoughts Tuesday. 1st December 2009
The first day of December already! It is also the first day of Summer in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also only 25 days to Christmas.
Christmas ! So many things to do! So many things to get! I have been reminded in recent days of Matt Redman’s song:
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about you, it's all about you Jesus
I'm sorry lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about you, it's all about you Jesus.
(Matt Redman)
I see the challenge to look to the real things of Christmas. To look to the reason Jesus came. The world needed a Saviour. Look to the unexpected way God sent his Son. Our worship is to welcome and praise him.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank you for Christmas and all it means to the relationship between you and me. Help me to grow in that relationship as I seek to know more of you. Help me to see and show Christmas is all about you, Jesus.
“I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it, when it's all about you, all about you Jesus”. Amen.
The Heart of Worship
Author: Matt Redman
[Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZgPPmtZgS4 ]
When the music fades,
All is stripped away, and I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart
I'll bring you more than a song
For a song in itself is not what you have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear;
You're looking into my heart.
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about you
All about you Jesus.
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about you,
All about you Jesus.
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much you deserve.
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is yours, every single breath.
I'll bring you more than a song
For a song in itself is not what you have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear;
You're looking into my heart.
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about you
All about you Jesus.
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about you,
All about you Jesus.
Colossians 1:15-20 (The Message)
15-18We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.
18-20He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.
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Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
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You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
OzThoughts Monday 30th November 2009.
OzThoughts Monday 30th November 2009.
I noticed in an email message from a Christian Bookshop that if we do not tell the Christmas message during Advent then a lot of folk will not hear the story of the birth of our Saviour. The writer, a Christian author was no doubt reflecting the discussion in his denomination that Christmas carols belong to the Church Season of Christmas not the Season of Advent. He was putting the view that church people disappear after Christmas Day, so the Christmas story would be told faithfully but to empty pews.
Now, most of my readers would have guessed that this author was not a Salvationist, as the first Sunday of Advent drops the starting flag on the busy season of caroling, collecting, standing kettles, bell ringing or what ever we call it. It’s a busy season of giving out and appeals to replenish the storehouse.
As I was playing carols on Saturday morning, (I think this is already the fourth involvement of our bandsmen in Christmas this year), I thought of the Bible reading from our Bible study a few weeks ago. It was the familiar passage from 1 Corinthians 13 which says:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13: 1 NKJV).
As I thought about our caroling and the whole “Christmas effort” I thought we could be so much “sounding brass or clanging bells”. My mind went to the song where Commissioner Arch Wiggins took the thoughts of this passage and gave us words which remind us all who are involved in ministry during the Advent and Christmas period, the basis of it all.
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2255.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1684.mp3 ]
Though in declaring Christ to the sinner,
I may all men surpass,
If love impassioned seal not the message,
I am naught but sounding brass.
Chorus
Love suffereth patiently;
Love worketh silently;
Love seeketh not her own.
Love never faileth;
Love still prevaileth;
Lord, in me thy love enthrone!
2.
Though I have wisdom lighting all mysteries;
Though I may all things know;
Though great my faith be, removing mountains,
Without love 'tis empty show.
3.
Though I distribute all my possessions;
Though as a martyr die;
My sacrifices profit me nothing.
Unless love doth sanctify.
Author: Arch R. Wiggins (1893-1976)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 530
PRAYER:
Father, I pray that I might know and show your love during this season of preparation, proclamation and praise for your coming. Help me to find your love within my heart to encourage others at this time. Amen.
1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)
1If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing.
3If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
4Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
5Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
6Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
7Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
8Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit.
9We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. 10But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
```````````````````````````````
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 noticed in an email message from a Christian Bookshop that if we do not tell the Christmas message during Advent then a lot of folk will not hear the story of the birth of our Saviour. The writer, a Christian author was no doubt reflecting the discussion in his denomination that Christmas carols belong to the Church Season of Christmas not the Season of Advent. He was putting the view that church people disappear after Christmas Day, so the Christmas story would be told faithfully but to empty pews.
Now, most of my readers would have guessed that this author was not a Salvationist, as the first Sunday of Advent drops the starting flag on the busy season of caroling, collecting, standing kettles, bell ringing or what ever we call it. It’s a busy season of giving out and appeals to replenish the storehouse.
As I was playing carols on Saturday morning, (I think this is already the fourth involvement of our bandsmen in Christmas this year), I thought of the Bible reading from our Bible study a few weeks ago. It was the familiar passage from 1 Corinthians 13 which says:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13: 1 NKJV).
As I thought about our caroling and the whole “Christmas effort” I thought we could be so much “sounding brass or clanging bells”. My mind went to the song where Commissioner Arch Wiggins took the thoughts of this passage and gave us words which remind us all who are involved in ministry during the Advent and Christmas period, the basis of it all.
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2255.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1684.mp3 ]
Though in declaring Christ to the sinner,
I may all men surpass,
If love impassioned seal not the message,
I am naught but sounding brass.
Chorus
Love suffereth patiently;
Love worketh silently;
Love seeketh not her own.
Love never faileth;
Love still prevaileth;
Lord, in me thy love enthrone!
2.
Though I have wisdom lighting all mysteries;
Though I may all things know;
Though great my faith be, removing mountains,
Without love 'tis empty show.
3.
Though I distribute all my possessions;
Though as a martyr die;
My sacrifices profit me nothing.
Unless love doth sanctify.
Author: Arch R. Wiggins (1893-1976)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 530
PRAYER:
Father, I pray that I might know and show your love during this season of preparation, proclamation and praise for your coming. Help me to find your love within my heart to encourage others at this time. Amen.
1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)
1If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing.
3If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
4Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
5Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
6Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
7Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
8Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit.
9We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. 10But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
```````````````````````````````
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
Saturday, November 28, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 29th November 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 29th November 2009
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 New International Version)
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 25:1-10 (The Message)
Psalm 25
A David Psalm
1-2 My head is high, GOD, held high;
I'm looking to you, GOD;
No hangdog skulking for me.
3 I've thrown in my lot with you;
You won't embarrass me, will you?
Or let my enemies get the best of me?
Don't embarrass any of us
Who went out on a limb for you.
It's the traitors who should be humiliated.
4 Show me how you work, GOD;
School me in your ways.
5 Take me by the hand;
Lead me down the path of truth.
You are my Savior, aren't you?
6 Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, GOD;
Rebuild the ancient landmarks!
7 Forget that I sowed wild oats;
Mark me with your sign of love.
Plan only the best for me, GOD!
8 GOD is fair and just;
He corrects the misdirected,
Sends them in the right direction.
9 He gives the rejects his hand,
And leads them step-by-step.
10 From now on every road you travel
Will take you to GOD.
Follow the Covenant signs;
Read the charted directions.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 53
Author: Henry Williams Baker (1821-77)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1815.mp3
or
Look and Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lORmhLjgHM ]
The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
And he is mine forever.
2.
Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul he leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow
With food celestial feedeth.
3.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love he sought me,
And on his shoulder gently laid
And home rejoicing brought me.
4.
In death's dark vale I fear no ill
With thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.
5.
And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
Within thy house forever.
Psalm 25:11-22 (The Message)
11 Keep up your reputation, GOD;
Forgive my bad life;
It's been a very bad life.
12 My question: What are God-worshipers like?
Your answer: Arrows aimed at God's bull's-eye.
13 They settle down in a promising place;
Their kids inherit a prosperous farm.
14 God-friendship is for God-worshipers;
They are the ones he confides in.
15 If I keep my eyes on GOD,
I won't trip over my own feet.
16 Look at me and help me!
I'm all alone and in big trouble.
17 My heart and kidneys are fighting each other;
Call a truce to this civil war.
18 Take a hard look at my life of hard labor,
Then lift this ton of sin.
19 Do you see how many people
Have it in for me?
How viciously they hate me?
20 Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble;
Don't let me down when I run to you.
21 Use all your skill to put me together;
I wait to see your finished product.
22 GOD, give your people a break
From this run of bad luck.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 9
Author: Attributed to Samuel Barnard (d 1807)
[Listen: Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1806.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1598.mp3 ]
Jehovah is our strength,
And he shall be our song;
We shall o'ercome at length
Although our foes be strong.
In vain does Satan then oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
2.
The Lord our refuge is
And ever will remain;
Since he has made us his
He will our cause maintain.
In vain our enemies oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
3.
The Lord our shepherd is;
He knows our every need,
And since we now are his,
His care our souls will feed.
In vain do sin and death oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
4.
Our God our Father is;
Our names are on his heart;
We ever will be his,
He ne'er from us will part.
In vain the mightiest powers oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
Philippians 2:5-11 (The Message)
5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honoured him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honour of God the Father.
Meditation: How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1280.mp3
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 New International Version)
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 25:1-10 (The Message)
Psalm 25
A David Psalm
1-2 My head is high, GOD, held high;
I'm looking to you, GOD;
No hangdog skulking for me.
3 I've thrown in my lot with you;
You won't embarrass me, will you?
Or let my enemies get the best of me?
Don't embarrass any of us
Who went out on a limb for you.
It's the traitors who should be humiliated.
4 Show me how you work, GOD;
School me in your ways.
5 Take me by the hand;
Lead me down the path of truth.
You are my Savior, aren't you?
6 Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, GOD;
Rebuild the ancient landmarks!
7 Forget that I sowed wild oats;
Mark me with your sign of love.
Plan only the best for me, GOD!
8 GOD is fair and just;
He corrects the misdirected,
Sends them in the right direction.
9 He gives the rejects his hand,
And leads them step-by-step.
10 From now on every road you travel
Will take you to GOD.
Follow the Covenant signs;
Read the charted directions.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 53
Author: Henry Williams Baker (1821-77)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1815.mp3
or
Look and Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lORmhLjgHM ]
The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
And he is mine forever.
2.
Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul he leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow
With food celestial feedeth.
3.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love he sought me,
And on his shoulder gently laid
And home rejoicing brought me.
4.
In death's dark vale I fear no ill
With thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.
5.
And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
Within thy house forever.
Psalm 25:11-22 (The Message)
11 Keep up your reputation, GOD;
Forgive my bad life;
It's been a very bad life.
12 My question: What are God-worshipers like?
Your answer: Arrows aimed at God's bull's-eye.
13 They settle down in a promising place;
Their kids inherit a prosperous farm.
14 God-friendship is for God-worshipers;
They are the ones he confides in.
15 If I keep my eyes on GOD,
I won't trip over my own feet.
16 Look at me and help me!
I'm all alone and in big trouble.
17 My heart and kidneys are fighting each other;
Call a truce to this civil war.
18 Take a hard look at my life of hard labor,
Then lift this ton of sin.
19 Do you see how many people
Have it in for me?
How viciously they hate me?
20 Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble;
Don't let me down when I run to you.
21 Use all your skill to put me together;
I wait to see your finished product.
22 GOD, give your people a break
From this run of bad luck.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 9
Author: Attributed to Samuel Barnard (d 1807)
[Listen: Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1806.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1598.mp3 ]
Jehovah is our strength,
And he shall be our song;
We shall o'ercome at length
Although our foes be strong.
In vain does Satan then oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
2.
The Lord our refuge is
And ever will remain;
Since he has made us his
He will our cause maintain.
In vain our enemies oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
3.
The Lord our shepherd is;
He knows our every need,
And since we now are his,
His care our souls will feed.
In vain do sin and death oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
4.
Our God our Father is;
Our names are on his heart;
We ever will be his,
He ne'er from us will part.
In vain the mightiest powers oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.
Philippians 2:5-11 (The Message)
5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honoured him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honour of God the Father.
Meditation: How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1280.mp3
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 28th & 29th November 2009.
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 28th & 29th November 2009.
A FEW THINGS ABOUT CAIRNS
Last week, I wrote about my gephyrophobia. A few people asked what it meant. My dictionary, and that’s where I discovered the word, tells me it is fear of bridges. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gephyrophobia). It is something that I can identify I have but it is not a fear of all bridges. The bridges I fear are those ones that swing in the breeze or friends can make bounce as I walk on them.
I used to have a fear of walking on jetties or piers (which are bridges which lead nowhere). I remember as a young child I was afraid of the cracks between the large slabs of timber which formed the deck. Somehow as a five year old, I thought that if I could see the sea through the crack, then I was in danger of falling through.
I got a chance to test my gephyrophobia when we holidayed in Cairns earlier this year. Before I tell that story, I will tell you a bit about Cairns. I have visited Cairns about six times for holidays and for work. This time my wife and I took advantage of discount air fares to fly the 1800 kilometres (1,120 miles) and we stayed at inexpensive Salvation Army owned holiday units. A hire care helped us to get around.
Cairns is a tourist city in tropical far north Queensland and has tourist attractions to the north, south, east and west. Originally, Cairns was settles as a port for the shipment of tin and gold from the mines in the mountains to the west and the ships brought supplies as well as new settlers and would be miners to the area. Cairns was the fourth port to be settled following Cooktown, Port Duglas and Smithfield on the Barron River.
To the east of Cairns is the Great Barrier Reef which is a must visit for visitors to the Cairns region. The colours and shapes of the corals and the colours, sizes and numbers of fish can not be imagined and documentaries on television or at the movies cannot do them justice.
To the south are sugar cane fields, and sugar mills, banana plantations, Australia’s biggest tea plantations, Queensland highest mountain Mount Bartle Frere, and the wettest part of Australia. It was on a trip to the south, that I put my gephyrophobia to the test. We drove to Paronella Park which was established by an eccentric Spanish immigrant, Jose Paronella. The thing that dominates the park are the ruins of the castle that Jose built. (http://www.paronellapark.com.au/index.html - then click on discover the park). The castle is built beside a waterfall in a creek. Across the creek is a suspension bridge and my walk across this bridge tested my gephyrophobia. I can report it is almost cured. (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2920899400_9c4a9b83cc.jpg?v=0)
To the north of Cairns is another tourist town, Port Douglas, and beyond that Mossman. The drive from Cairns to Port Douglas gives some sights of the tropical green-blue sea and some beautiful white beaches with coconut trees growing right next to the sand. On the right of the road is the beach and the sea and on the left is rain forest covered hills. After Mossman one gets the sense of driving into the unknown as the patches of rain forest get thicker and the farming properties along the road side look like intruders into the natural way things should be.
Eventually, we reached the village of Daintree where there is on offer boat rides on the river to see wild crocodiles. Just how wild they are, was demonstrated earlier this month when the dominant male crocodile in the area, Fat Albert attacked a tourist boat (http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,28318,26316885-5014090,00.html ).
We did not take this opportunity but drove on and crossed the river in our car on a car ferry. Our destination was Cape tribulation where the rain forest truly meets the sea. It was certainly a beautiful drive.
To the west of Cairns is the Atherton Tableland and the rain forest village of Kuranda is a gateway to the tableland. Many tourists, like us this time, went no further but after visiting several markets and a small museum to view dinosaur bones and other geology exhibits, we had lunch and returned to Cairns.
We did not drive to Kuranda but travelled by train. The train travels fro Cairns and after leaving the city and the sugar canefields, begins a slow climb up the mountain. When I first did this trip almost 50 years ago, the train was pulled by a steam engine. However this time a diesel engine hauled the historic carriages. The carriages are old fashioned country train carriages with leather seats and viewing platforms at the end of the carriage.
As it winds up the mountain along ledges cut into the mountain side, through tunnels and over trestle bridges, it is very difficult to imagine the fact this train track was cut into the mountain by hand. The train stops at Barron Falls Station to allow the passengers to go to viewing platforms on the station to see the Barron Falls. There is now a dam above the falls which regulates the water flow but it is still spectacular. The most spectacular time is when the river is in flood and flowing over the dam wall before tumbling over the falls. http://www.ksr.com.au/the_history/cns_kur_Railway/default.asp
Our return trip from Kuranda to Cairns was by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail tested my gephyrophobia and my acrophobia (fear of high places). I do not mind telling you I was very nervous at first and hung on tightly. However, the beauty of looking down on the rain forest, the mountains and the Baron River soon overcame my fears.
We got off the Skyrail at both of the two rainforest mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls. These station are right in the rain forest and boardwalks allowed us to explore the amazing environment and scenic look-outs gave great photograph opportunities. The Skyrail lookout is on the opposite side of the river to the train so allows the Barron Falls to be viewed from a different perspective. It is amazing, too, to see the train line across the river valley. http://www.skyrail.com.au
I highly recommend Cairns for a holiday. It is very hot and very humid from November to February and that is also the monsoonal wet season. Torrential and flooding rain often falls most days during the wet and sometimes the rain arrives as destructive cyclones. However, the Australian winter (and really, autumn and spring, too) is an ideal time to visit and escape the cold of the south and enjoy the warm days and nights of the Australian tropics.
Psalm 22 (The Message)
A David Psalm
1-2 God, God...my God! Why did you dump me
miles from nowhere?
Doubled up with pain, I call to God
all the day long. No answer. Nothing.
I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.
3-5 And you! Are you indifferent, above it all,
leaning back on the cushions of Israel's praise?
We know you were there for our parents:
they cried for your help and you gave it;
they trusted and lived a good life.
6-8 And here I am, a nothing—an earthworm,
something to step on, to squash.
Everyone pokes fun at me;
they make faces at me, they shake their heads:
"Let's see how God handles this one;
since God likes him so much, let him help him!"
9-11 And to think you were midwife at my birth,
setting me at my mother's breasts!
When I left the womb you cradled me;
since the moment of birth you've been my God.
Then you moved far away
and trouble moved in next door.
I need a neighbor.
12-13 Herds of bulls come at me,
the raging bulls stampede,
Horns lowered, nostrils flaring,
like a herd of buffalo on the move.
14-15 I'm a bucket kicked over and spilled,
every joint in my body has been pulled apart.
My heart is a blob
of melted wax in my gut.
I'm dry as a bone,
my tongue black and swollen.
They have laid me out for burial
in the dirt.
16-18 Now packs of wild dogs come at me;
thugs gang up on me.
They pin me down hand and foot,
and lock me in a cage—a bag
Of bones in a cage, stared at
by every passerby.
They take my wallet and the shirt off my back,
and then throw dice for my clothes.
19-21 You, GOD—don't put off my rescue!
Hurry and help me!
Don't let them cut my throat;
don't let those mongrels devour me.
If you don't show up soon,
I'm done for—gored by the bulls,
meat for the lions.
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.
[Listen: http://salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2972.mp3 ]
Stand up and bless the Lord,
Ye people of his choice;
Stand up and bless the Lord your God
With heart and soul and voice.
Chorus
Praise ye the Lord, hallelujah!
Though high above all praise,
Above all blessing high,
Who would not fear his holy name,
And laud and magnify?
O for the living flame
From his own altar brought,
To touch our lips, our minds inspire,
And wing to Heaven our thought!
God is our strength and song,
And his salvation ours;
Then be his love in Christ proclaimed
With all our ransomed powers.
Stand up and bless the Lord,
The Lord your God adore;
Stand up and bless his glorious name
Henceforth for evermore.
Author: James Montgomery (1771-1854)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 20
…………………………………………………….
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
A FEW THINGS ABOUT CAIRNS
Last week, I wrote about my gephyrophobia. A few people asked what it meant. My dictionary, and that’s where I discovered the word, tells me it is fear of bridges. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gephyrophobia). It is something that I can identify I have but it is not a fear of all bridges. The bridges I fear are those ones that swing in the breeze or friends can make bounce as I walk on them.
I used to have a fear of walking on jetties or piers (which are bridges which lead nowhere). I remember as a young child I was afraid of the cracks between the large slabs of timber which formed the deck. Somehow as a five year old, I thought that if I could see the sea through the crack, then I was in danger of falling through.
I got a chance to test my gephyrophobia when we holidayed in Cairns earlier this year. Before I tell that story, I will tell you a bit about Cairns. I have visited Cairns about six times for holidays and for work. This time my wife and I took advantage of discount air fares to fly the 1800 kilometres (1,120 miles) and we stayed at inexpensive Salvation Army owned holiday units. A hire care helped us to get around.
Cairns is a tourist city in tropical far north Queensland and has tourist attractions to the north, south, east and west. Originally, Cairns was settles as a port for the shipment of tin and gold from the mines in the mountains to the west and the ships brought supplies as well as new settlers and would be miners to the area. Cairns was the fourth port to be settled following Cooktown, Port Duglas and Smithfield on the Barron River.
To the east of Cairns is the Great Barrier Reef which is a must visit for visitors to the Cairns region. The colours and shapes of the corals and the colours, sizes and numbers of fish can not be imagined and documentaries on television or at the movies cannot do them justice.
To the south are sugar cane fields, and sugar mills, banana plantations, Australia’s biggest tea plantations, Queensland highest mountain Mount Bartle Frere, and the wettest part of Australia. It was on a trip to the south, that I put my gephyrophobia to the test. We drove to Paronella Park which was established by an eccentric Spanish immigrant, Jose Paronella. The thing that dominates the park are the ruins of the castle that Jose built. (http://www.paronellapark.com.au/index.html - then click on discover the park). The castle is built beside a waterfall in a creek. Across the creek is a suspension bridge and my walk across this bridge tested my gephyrophobia. I can report it is almost cured. (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2920899400_9c4a9b83cc.jpg?v=0)
To the north of Cairns is another tourist town, Port Douglas, and beyond that Mossman. The drive from Cairns to Port Douglas gives some sights of the tropical green-blue sea and some beautiful white beaches with coconut trees growing right next to the sand. On the right of the road is the beach and the sea and on the left is rain forest covered hills. After Mossman one gets the sense of driving into the unknown as the patches of rain forest get thicker and the farming properties along the road side look like intruders into the natural way things should be.
Eventually, we reached the village of Daintree where there is on offer boat rides on the river to see wild crocodiles. Just how wild they are, was demonstrated earlier this month when the dominant male crocodile in the area, Fat Albert attacked a tourist boat (http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,28318,26316885-5014090,00.html ).
We did not take this opportunity but drove on and crossed the river in our car on a car ferry. Our destination was Cape tribulation where the rain forest truly meets the sea. It was certainly a beautiful drive.
To the west of Cairns is the Atherton Tableland and the rain forest village of Kuranda is a gateway to the tableland. Many tourists, like us this time, went no further but after visiting several markets and a small museum to view dinosaur bones and other geology exhibits, we had lunch and returned to Cairns.
We did not drive to Kuranda but travelled by train. The train travels fro Cairns and after leaving the city and the sugar canefields, begins a slow climb up the mountain. When I first did this trip almost 50 years ago, the train was pulled by a steam engine. However this time a diesel engine hauled the historic carriages. The carriages are old fashioned country train carriages with leather seats and viewing platforms at the end of the carriage.
As it winds up the mountain along ledges cut into the mountain side, through tunnels and over trestle bridges, it is very difficult to imagine the fact this train track was cut into the mountain by hand. The train stops at Barron Falls Station to allow the passengers to go to viewing platforms on the station to see the Barron Falls. There is now a dam above the falls which regulates the water flow but it is still spectacular. The most spectacular time is when the river is in flood and flowing over the dam wall before tumbling over the falls. http://www.ksr.com.au/the_history/cns_kur_Railway/default.asp
Our return trip from Kuranda to Cairns was by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail tested my gephyrophobia and my acrophobia (fear of high places). I do not mind telling you I was very nervous at first and hung on tightly. However, the beauty of looking down on the rain forest, the mountains and the Baron River soon overcame my fears.
We got off the Skyrail at both of the two rainforest mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls. These station are right in the rain forest and boardwalks allowed us to explore the amazing environment and scenic look-outs gave great photograph opportunities. The Skyrail lookout is on the opposite side of the river to the train so allows the Barron Falls to be viewed from a different perspective. It is amazing, too, to see the train line across the river valley. http://www.skyrail.com.au
I highly recommend Cairns for a holiday. It is very hot and very humid from November to February and that is also the monsoonal wet season. Torrential and flooding rain often falls most days during the wet and sometimes the rain arrives as destructive cyclones. However, the Australian winter (and really, autumn and spring, too) is an ideal time to visit and escape the cold of the south and enjoy the warm days and nights of the Australian tropics.
Psalm 22 (The Message)
A David Psalm
1-2 God, God...my God! Why did you dump me
miles from nowhere?
Doubled up with pain, I call to God
all the day long. No answer. Nothing.
I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.
3-5 And you! Are you indifferent, above it all,
leaning back on the cushions of Israel's praise?
We know you were there for our parents:
they cried for your help and you gave it;
they trusted and lived a good life.
6-8 And here I am, a nothing—an earthworm,
something to step on, to squash.
Everyone pokes fun at me;
they make faces at me, they shake their heads:
"Let's see how God handles this one;
since God likes him so much, let him help him!"
9-11 And to think you were midwife at my birth,
setting me at my mother's breasts!
When I left the womb you cradled me;
since the moment of birth you've been my God.
Then you moved far away
and trouble moved in next door.
I need a neighbor.
12-13 Herds of bulls come at me,
the raging bulls stampede,
Horns lowered, nostrils flaring,
like a herd of buffalo on the move.
14-15 I'm a bucket kicked over and spilled,
every joint in my body has been pulled apart.
My heart is a blob
of melted wax in my gut.
I'm dry as a bone,
my tongue black and swollen.
They have laid me out for burial
in the dirt.
16-18 Now packs of wild dogs come at me;
thugs gang up on me.
They pin me down hand and foot,
and lock me in a cage—a bag
Of bones in a cage, stared at
by every passerby.
They take my wallet and the shirt off my back,
and then throw dice for my clothes.
19-21 You, GOD—don't put off my rescue!
Hurry and help me!
Don't let them cut my throat;
don't let those mongrels devour me.
If you don't show up soon,
I'm done for—gored by the bulls,
meat for the lions.
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.
[Listen: http://salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2972.mp3 ]
Stand up and bless the Lord,
Ye people of his choice;
Stand up and bless the Lord your God
With heart and soul and voice.
Chorus
Praise ye the Lord, hallelujah!
Though high above all praise,
Above all blessing high,
Who would not fear his holy name,
And laud and magnify?
O for the living flame
From his own altar brought,
To touch our lips, our minds inspire,
And wing to Heaven our thought!
God is our strength and song,
And his salvation ours;
Then be his love in Christ proclaimed
With all our ransomed powers.
Stand up and bless the Lord,
The Lord your God adore;
Stand up and bless his glorious name
Henceforth for evermore.
Author: James Montgomery (1771-1854)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 20
…………………………………………………….
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
Thursday, November 26, 2009
OzThoughts Friday 27th November 2009
As we think of our place before God and as his servants in the world, there must be many, many thoughts that course like a stream through our mind. There are some affirmations that we can make. With David the Psalmist we can say “The Lord is my shepherd”. We can declare with the chorus writers “God is still on his throne” and “He’s the same today as yesterday”. We can say with the song writer “Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing and ever blest”.
However Miriam Richards looks at a number of questions we can ask as a servant of God and then supplies a wonderful affirmation in the chorus. We can allow God to speak to us as we prayerfully meditate on these words. Can we shout “amen” and “hallelujah” to this affirmation?
[Listen: No recording of these words could be located on the internet]
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 neighbour'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
Hebrews 12:1-17 (The Message)
1-3Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
4-11In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?
My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline,
but don't be crushed by it either.
It's the child he loves that he disciplines;
the child he embraces, he also corrects.
God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.
12-13So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!
14-17Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.
```````````````````````````````
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
As we think of our place before God and as his servants in the world, there must be many, many thoughts that course like a stream through our mind. There are some affirmations that we can make. With David the Psalmist we can say “The Lord is my shepherd”. We can declare with the chorus writers “God is still on his throne” and “He’s the same today as yesterday”. We can say with the song writer “Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing and ever blest”.
However Miriam Richards looks at a number of questions we can ask as a servant of God and then supplies a wonderful affirmation in the chorus. We can allow God to speak to us as we prayerfully meditate on these words. Can we shout “amen” and “hallelujah” to this affirmation?
[Listen: No recording of these words could be located on the internet]
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 neighbour'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
Hebrews 12:1-17 (The Message)
1-3Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
4-11In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?
My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline,
but don't be crushed by it either.
It's the child he loves that he disciplines;
the child he embraces, he also corrects.
God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.
12-13So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!
14-17Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.
```````````````````````````````
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
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
OzThoughts – Thursday 26th November 2009.
OzThoughts – Thursday 26th November 2009.
[Admin note: There are 5 band selections with “Thanksgiving” in their title at the end of today’s OzThoughts. ]
Today in The USA is Thanksgiving. Canada had their’s last month. The rest of the world does not celebrate a special day called “Thanksgiving”. In some places there are Harvest Festivals which are a time of thanksgiving for the harvest.
There are many who live by St Paul’s suggestion to a small church in Greece,
“Thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live”. (1 Thessalonians 5: 18 - The Message)
PRAYER:
My Heavenly Father, I thank you for every thing you give me. I thank you for life and its turnings. Thank you for the thorns amongst the most beautiful perfume flowers, the bones in my meal of fresh fish and the seeds in the grapes I enjoy. Help me to se they have their purpose in your creation. Amen.
Psalm 24 (The Message)
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.
[Listen: Band and Congregation: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1033.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_307.mp3
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam:
Chorus
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O praise him, alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice:
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light:
Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise him, alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them his glory also show:
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship him in humbleness,
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One:
Author: Francis of Assisi (1182-1226),
Translator: William Henry Draper (1855-1933)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 2
Symphony of Thanksgiving (Dean Goffin): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2744.mp3
Fanfare, Hymn and Thanksgiving (Dudley Bright): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2553.mp3
Music of Thanksgiving: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2683.mp3
Tone Poem- Thanksgiving (Albert Jakeaway) Recorded 1950: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3685.mp3
Prayer of Thanksgiving (William Himes): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1218.mp3
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
[Admin note: There are 5 band selections with “Thanksgiving” in their title at the end of today’s OzThoughts. ]
Today in The USA is Thanksgiving. Canada had their’s last month. The rest of the world does not celebrate a special day called “Thanksgiving”. In some places there are Harvest Festivals which are a time of thanksgiving for the harvest.
There are many who live by St Paul’s suggestion to a small church in Greece,
“Thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live”. (1 Thessalonians 5: 18 - The Message)
PRAYER:
My Heavenly Father, I thank you for every thing you give me. I thank you for life and its turnings. Thank you for the thorns amongst the most beautiful perfume flowers, the bones in my meal of fresh fish and the seeds in the grapes I enjoy. Help me to se they have their purpose in your creation. Amen.
Psalm 24 (The Message)
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.
[Listen: Band and Congregation: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1033.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_307.mp3
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam:
Chorus
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O praise him, alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice:
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light:
Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise him, alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them his glory also show:
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship him in humbleness,
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One:
Author: Francis of Assisi (1182-1226),
Translator: William Henry Draper (1855-1933)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 2
Symphony of Thanksgiving (Dean Goffin): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2744.mp3
Fanfare, Hymn and Thanksgiving (Dudley Bright): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2553.mp3
Music of Thanksgiving: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2683.mp3
Tone Poem- Thanksgiving (Albert Jakeaway) Recorded 1950: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3685.mp3
Prayer of Thanksgiving (William Himes): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1218.mp3
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday 25th November 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday 25th November 2009
Today I begin the 12th year of life with a new heart valve. It seems it is a pretty routine operation. The heart is bypassed and stopped. The surgeon does his work and the heart is restarted. Later consciousness is slowly regained and the world comes back into reality. There is the reality of pain, the reality of relief with drugs, the reality of hearing the new valve tick with each heart beat and the reality of regaining new strength. The reality that life is new again is something beyond normal experience.
I think, too, that sometimes our salvation bought at such great cost with the death of God’s son, Jesus, seems so routine. It helps sometimes to consider the cost of our salvation.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote about cheap grace and costly grace and reminded us that discipleship and commitment to Christ was an essential part of our eternal salvation.
(See: http://www.crossroad.to/Persecution/Bonhoffer.html ).
A new valve gives a new lease of life, but that new life will only continue as I daily take medication and have regular blood checks to make sure the dose is correct. The medication also calls for a commitment to a slight change in diet as certain foods may affect the medication.
Living for Jesus means much more than calling ourselves “Christian because God loves us all”.
PRAYER:
Father, I thank you for my salvation bought at such a price. May I not take it lightly and live today a life pleasing to you. Help me to share the good news of your full salvation with others. Amen.
Ephesians 2: 1 -13 (The Message)
1-6It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.
7-10Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
11-13But don't take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God's ways had no idea of any of this, didn't know the first thing about the way God works, hadn't the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God's covenants and promises in Israel, hadn't a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.
[Listen: Choir: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4242.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3616.mp3 ]
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Cleanse me from its guilt and power.
Not the labours of my hands
Can fulfil thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears for ever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to thee for dress,
Helpless, look to thee for grace,
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Saviour, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee.
Author: Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-78)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 302
```````````````````````````````
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
Today I begin the 12th year of life with a new heart valve. It seems it is a pretty routine operation. The heart is bypassed and stopped. The surgeon does his work and the heart is restarted. Later consciousness is slowly regained and the world comes back into reality. There is the reality of pain, the reality of relief with drugs, the reality of hearing the new valve tick with each heart beat and the reality of regaining new strength. The reality that life is new again is something beyond normal experience.
I think, too, that sometimes our salvation bought at such great cost with the death of God’s son, Jesus, seems so routine. It helps sometimes to consider the cost of our salvation.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote about cheap grace and costly grace and reminded us that discipleship and commitment to Christ was an essential part of our eternal salvation.
(See: http://www.crossroad.to/Persecution/Bonhoffer.html ).
A new valve gives a new lease of life, but that new life will only continue as I daily take medication and have regular blood checks to make sure the dose is correct. The medication also calls for a commitment to a slight change in diet as certain foods may affect the medication.
Living for Jesus means much more than calling ourselves “Christian because God loves us all”.
PRAYER:
Father, I thank you for my salvation bought at such a price. May I not take it lightly and live today a life pleasing to you. Help me to share the good news of your full salvation with others. Amen.
Ephesians 2: 1 -13 (The Message)
1-6It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.
7-10Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
11-13But don't take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God's ways had no idea of any of this, didn't know the first thing about the way God works, hadn't the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God's covenants and promises in Israel, hadn't a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.
[Listen: Choir: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4242.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3616.mp3 ]
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Cleanse me from its guilt and power.
Not the labours of my hands
Can fulfil thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears for ever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to thee for dress,
Helpless, look to thee for grace,
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Saviour, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee.
Author: Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-78)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 302
```````````````````````````````
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, November 23, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday 24th November 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday 24th November 2009
A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present “Seven Wonders of the World”.
Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:
1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, “Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many”.
The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help”. The girl hesitated, then read:
“I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:
1. To See
2. To Hear
3. To Touch
4. To Taste
5. To Feel
6. To Laugh
7. And to Love”.
The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous!
A gentle reminder -- that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.
Prayer:
Our Father, God. I thank you that you have given me these lovely things. I pray that today I might enjoy them and that others might share this enjoyment. Amen
1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)
1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_3469.mp3 ]
Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom his wold rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Hath blessed on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever-joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us,
And keep us in his grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
In this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son and him who reigns
With them in highest Heaven.
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.
Author: Martin Rinkart (1588-1649)
Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1827-78)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 12
```````````````````````````````
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 group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present “Seven Wonders of the World”.
Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:
1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, “Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many”.
The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help”. The girl hesitated, then read:
“I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:
1. To See
2. To Hear
3. To Touch
4. To Taste
5. To Feel
6. To Laugh
7. And to Love”.
The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous!
A gentle reminder -- that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.
Prayer:
Our Father, God. I thank you that you have given me these lovely things. I pray that today I might enjoy them and that others might share this enjoyment. Amen
1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)
1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_3469.mp3 ]
Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom his wold rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Hath blessed on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever-joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us,
And keep us in his grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
In this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son and him who reigns
With them in highest Heaven.
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.
Author: Martin Rinkart (1588-1649)
Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1827-78)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 12
```````````````````````````````
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, November 22, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday 24th November 2009.
OzThoughts – Monday 24th November 2009.
Eleven years ago today, I entered hospital for open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. As I settled into the ward, I was introduced to the others who were in the other three beds in the room. I learnt one was recovering from receiving a heart transplant. That put my surgery into perspective. I was to receive a little valve. He received a new heart!
Later that day, I learnt the patient with the new heart was also a Salvationist and a bandsman. He knew my brother and he knew many of the bandsmen at the Corps I attended. Later, his former Corps band came to play to him and I hope he got as much blessing as I did. We also shared a lot of visitors who knew us both.
We have a wonderful God and I believe he not only guided the surgeons and others we had prayed for but he did much more than we could ever imagine.
Geoff Bullock’s song has meant a lot to me then and in the time since. It is the prayer that I pray as I start this new week of blessings:
The Power of Your Love
(Geoff Bullock)
[Listen: Band: http://salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2671.mp3
or
Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1810.mp3 ]
Lord I come to You
Let my heart be changed, renewed
Flowing from the grace
That I’ve found in You
Lord I’ve come to know
The weakenesses I see in me
Will be stripped away
By the power of Your love
Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side
And as I wait
I’ll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
Lord unveil my eyes
Let me see You face to face
The knowledge of Your love
As You live in me
Lord renew my mind
As Your will unfolds in my life
In living every day
By the power of Your love
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
Ephesians 3:14-21 (The Message)
14-19My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
20-21God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!
```````````````````````````````
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
Eleven years ago today, I entered hospital for open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. As I settled into the ward, I was introduced to the others who were in the other three beds in the room. I learnt one was recovering from receiving a heart transplant. That put my surgery into perspective. I was to receive a little valve. He received a new heart!
Later that day, I learnt the patient with the new heart was also a Salvationist and a bandsman. He knew my brother and he knew many of the bandsmen at the Corps I attended. Later, his former Corps band came to play to him and I hope he got as much blessing as I did. We also shared a lot of visitors who knew us both.
We have a wonderful God and I believe he not only guided the surgeons and others we had prayed for but he did much more than we could ever imagine.
Geoff Bullock’s song has meant a lot to me then and in the time since. It is the prayer that I pray as I start this new week of blessings:
The Power of Your Love
(Geoff Bullock)
[Listen: Band: http://salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2671.mp3
or
Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1810.mp3 ]
Lord I come to You
Let my heart be changed, renewed
Flowing from the grace
That I’ve found in You
Lord I’ve come to know
The weakenesses I see in me
Will be stripped away
By the power of Your love
Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side
And as I wait
I’ll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
Lord unveil my eyes
Let me see You face to face
The knowledge of Your love
As You live in me
Lord renew my mind
As Your will unfolds in my life
In living every day
By the power of Your love
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
Ephesians 3:14-21 (The Message)
14-19My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
20-21God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!
```````````````````````````````
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
Saturday, November 21, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 22nd November 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 22nd November 2009
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 New International Version)
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 93 (New International Version)
1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty
and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days, O LORD.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 16
Authors: Robert Grant (1779-1838)
[Listen: Choir: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4784.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_980.mp3 ]
O worship the King, all glorious above;
O gratefully sing his power and his love;
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
2.
O tell of his might, O sing of his grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
3.
The earth with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, thy power hath founded of old,
Hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree,
And round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.
4.
Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light,
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.
5.
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail,
In thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
6.
O measureless Might! Ineffable Love!
While angels delight to hymn thee above,
The humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall sing to thy praise.
Psalm 95:1-7 (The Message)
1-2 Come, let's shout praises to GOD,
Raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!
Let's march into his presence singing praises,
lifting the rafters with our hymns!
3-5 And why? Because GOD is the best,
High King over all the gods.
In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns,
in the other hand grasps the high mountains.
He made Ocean—he owns it!
His hands sculpted Earth!
6-7 So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!
Oh yes, he's our God,
and we're the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 12
Authors: Martin Rinkart (1588-1649)
Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1827-78)
[Listen: Band and Congregation: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_766.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3633.mp3 ]
Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom his wold rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Hath blessed on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
2.
O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever-joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us,
And keep us in his grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
In this world and the next.
3.
All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son and him who reigns
With them in highest Heaven.
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.
Philippians 2:5-11 (The Message)
5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honoured him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honour of God the Father.
Meditation: Grant us Thy Peace:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2754.mp3
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 New International Version)
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 93 (New International Version)
1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty
and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days, O LORD.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 16
Authors: Robert Grant (1779-1838)
[Listen: Choir: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4784.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_980.mp3 ]
O worship the King, all glorious above;
O gratefully sing his power and his love;
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
2.
O tell of his might, O sing of his grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
3.
The earth with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, thy power hath founded of old,
Hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree,
And round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.
4.
Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light,
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.
5.
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail,
In thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
6.
O measureless Might! Ineffable Love!
While angels delight to hymn thee above,
The humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall sing to thy praise.
Psalm 95:1-7 (The Message)
1-2 Come, let's shout praises to GOD,
Raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!
Let's march into his presence singing praises,
lifting the rafters with our hymns!
3-5 And why? Because GOD is the best,
High King over all the gods.
In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns,
in the other hand grasps the high mountains.
He made Ocean—he owns it!
His hands sculpted Earth!
6-7 So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!
Oh yes, he's our God,
and we're the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 12
Authors: Martin Rinkart (1588-1649)
Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1827-78)
[Listen: Band and Congregation: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_766.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3633.mp3 ]
Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom his wold rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Hath blessed on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
2.
O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever-joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us,
And keep us in his grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
In this world and the next.
3.
All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son and him who reigns
With them in highest Heaven.
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.
Philippians 2:5-11 (The Message)
5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honoured him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honour of God the Father.
Meditation: Grant us Thy Peace:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2754.mp3
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 21st & 22nd November, 2009
Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 21st & 22nd November, 2009
Gephyrophobia
I do not need to tell anyone living in Adelaide and in those parts of Australia east and north of Adelaide that it has been very, very hot in the last few weeks. It is still spring until the 30th November, but we are already experiencing heat equal to or more than that of Summer. There are a number of ways to escape the heat. One is to go for a swim or surf. Another is to turn up the air conditioner. Others might seek the coolness of the mountains. Others will go to the shopping centres and seek the coolness of the air conditioning there. A small group from our Band did that today, as for two hours we played Christmas carols to the pre-Christmas crowds.
Near to the Gold Coast there are several choices. The closest to where I live is Mt Tamborine (http://www.tamborinemtncc.org.au/visiting/tourist_info/tourist_info.cfm). There is also Springbrook (http://www.springbrooktourism.com.au), Binna Burra (http://www.verygoldcoast.com.au/binna-burra/attractions/scenic-drives-and-walks) or the spot known as O’Reilly’s in Lamington National Park (http://www.oreillys.com.au ).
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse is one of the places that I always want to visit again. It was just over 40 years ago that I visited there for the first time. It is on the top of the mountains behind the Gold Coast City where I now live. My little Swiss mate tells me these mountains are not really mountains. She says they are just big hills. They are covered with a very thick growth of trees and vines and a variety of plants including orchids and numerous ferns and fungi. Birds abound but you will be lucky to see them as most love to hide from any visitors to their domain. The cracking whip sound of the whip bird will sound through the trees and other birds may be glimpsed hurrying away.
The eight O’Reilly brothers and cousins cut their way up the rain forest coloured slopes to make their dairy farms high on the McPherson Ranges. Soon after their arrival two things happened. One was the Government declared the mountains around them a National Park, there by cutting them off from the outside road except for their established tracks. The second thing was that people loved to visit the O’Reilly’s wilderness retreat. So many people visited that one of the families established a guesthouse which is still the focal point for visitors.
That is what led eventually to the test of my gephyrophobia and is still causing my little mate back home in Switzerland to laugh as the snows begin to fall around her.
O’Reillys have taken advantage of the graded tracks and walking tracks (trails) through the rain forest but have also developed a number of ways which assist people to enjoying this seeming different world from the hectic world of the Gold Coast City less than two hours away.
One of the developments I had heard was a “tree top walk” which allows people to walk through the forest top amongst the branches of the high trees. This walk allows visitors to look right at the birds etc in the beauty of their preferred home. It was put on my list of “must dos’ and a good reason to re-visit O’Reillys after 35 years.
So the day came when we headed to O’Reillys. It was cloudy and we could not really enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and the valleys as we drove the twists and turns through the tree lined roads. It was not long after we arrived and after some adjustments to our personal comfort that we headed out the damp earth pathway into the rainforest. The dampness around us and the mixed smells including decaying vegetation reminded us why this prolific growth was called rain forest.
We followed the path as it wound around huge trees entwined with vines and covered in lichens, fern and other growths. We noticed where birds or animals had been scratching in the decaying mulch like floor of the forest. So we came to the entrance of the Tree Top Walk. Our little group comprise my wife, my son, and my little Swiss mate.
We followed some Japanese tourists onto the walk and we had not gone far when I felt the onset of gephyrophobia or was it acrophobia? The walk was a narrow walkway suspended between cables. When we came to the first viewing platform there was an opportunity to climb to a lookout. This gave me time to discuss the situation. Basically, there was no discussion. Before us was the longest span of the walkway that bridged the highest point. Surrounded by this crowd of witnesses, I simply said “I can not go on, I am going back”. So I did. It was maybe a combination of gephyrophobia (fear of bridges) and acrophobia (fear of heights). Whatever it was my little Swiss mate laughed when she came of the bridge and said simply “wuss!” At least that is easier to spell. (Yes! She said wuss and not a Germanic accented vuss!).
The others spent time, walking and enjoying the view. With my feet firmly on the earth, I enjoyed the view closer to the ground. In fact, I found a lovely area where one man had taken the time and laboured to create a bush garden with plants representative of those growing throughout the whole area. It was lovely time of quietness as I alone looked at the plants and then came to a memorial to those who had lost their life in a plane crash nearby.
As I reflect on this experience, a number of songs come to mind. The first is the verse of the favourite made popular by George Beverley Shea and the Massed Choirs of the Billy Graham Crusades of the 1950s and through to the 1970s:
[Listen: Band and vocal solo: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_3326.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2879.mp3
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed:
Chorus
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee;
How great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee:
How great thou art, how great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
Author: Stuart K. Hine
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 37
In my reflection I think too of the words of “How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord”.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_080.mp3 ]
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled:
Chorus
No, never alone, no, never alone,
He promised he never would leave me,
Never, no never, alone.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid!
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow,
For I will be with thee thy trials to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
Author: Anon
The Salvation Army Song Book. Song Number: 653
And I cannot but remember and find peace and comfort in the beautiful words which reflect a story of Jesus when I think of my fears:
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3795.mp3
or
Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music4/mus_6036.mp3
Like to a lamb who from the fold has strayed
Far on the mountain, of the dark afraid,
Seeking a shelter from the night's alarm,
Longing for comfort of the shepherd's arm,
So Jesus found me on sin's mountain drear,
Gathered me close and banished all my fear.
Chorus
In the Love of Jesus there is all I need,
While I follow closely where my Lord may lead;
By his grace forgiven,
In his presence blest,
In the love of Jesus,
In the love of Jesus, is perfect rest.
In the love of Jesus is all I need,
While I follow closely where my Lord may lead;
By his grace forgiven,
In his presence blest,
In the love of Jesus, is perfect rest,
Is perfect rest.
Like to a pilgrim in an unknown land
Seeking the comfort of a guiding hand,
Fearing the perils of the winding way,
Pleading for strength sufficient every day,
I met my Lord; and, though the path be dim,
He knows the way and I will walk with him.
Like to a child who, when the night may fall,
Out of the darkness hears his father call,
Far and a-weary though his feet may roam,
Sees in the distance shining lights of home,
So at the last the music of his voice
Will calm my fears and make my heart rejoice.
Author: Ivy Mawby (1903-83)]
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 740
```````````````````````````````
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
Gephyrophobia
I do not need to tell anyone living in Adelaide and in those parts of Australia east and north of Adelaide that it has been very, very hot in the last few weeks. It is still spring until the 30th November, but we are already experiencing heat equal to or more than that of Summer. There are a number of ways to escape the heat. One is to go for a swim or surf. Another is to turn up the air conditioner. Others might seek the coolness of the mountains. Others will go to the shopping centres and seek the coolness of the air conditioning there. A small group from our Band did that today, as for two hours we played Christmas carols to the pre-Christmas crowds.
Near to the Gold Coast there are several choices. The closest to where I live is Mt Tamborine (http://www.tamborinemtncc.org.au/visiting/tourist_info/tourist_info.cfm). There is also Springbrook (http://www.springbrooktourism.com.au), Binna Burra (http://www.verygoldcoast.com.au/binna-burra/attractions/scenic-drives-and-walks) or the spot known as O’Reilly’s in Lamington National Park (http://www.oreillys.com.au ).
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse is one of the places that I always want to visit again. It was just over 40 years ago that I visited there for the first time. It is on the top of the mountains behind the Gold Coast City where I now live. My little Swiss mate tells me these mountains are not really mountains. She says they are just big hills. They are covered with a very thick growth of trees and vines and a variety of plants including orchids and numerous ferns and fungi. Birds abound but you will be lucky to see them as most love to hide from any visitors to their domain. The cracking whip sound of the whip bird will sound through the trees and other birds may be glimpsed hurrying away.
The eight O’Reilly brothers and cousins cut their way up the rain forest coloured slopes to make their dairy farms high on the McPherson Ranges. Soon after their arrival two things happened. One was the Government declared the mountains around them a National Park, there by cutting them off from the outside road except for their established tracks. The second thing was that people loved to visit the O’Reilly’s wilderness retreat. So many people visited that one of the families established a guesthouse which is still the focal point for visitors.
That is what led eventually to the test of my gephyrophobia and is still causing my little mate back home in Switzerland to laugh as the snows begin to fall around her.
O’Reillys have taken advantage of the graded tracks and walking tracks (trails) through the rain forest but have also developed a number of ways which assist people to enjoying this seeming different world from the hectic world of the Gold Coast City less than two hours away.
One of the developments I had heard was a “tree top walk” which allows people to walk through the forest top amongst the branches of the high trees. This walk allows visitors to look right at the birds etc in the beauty of their preferred home. It was put on my list of “must dos’ and a good reason to re-visit O’Reillys after 35 years.
So the day came when we headed to O’Reillys. It was cloudy and we could not really enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and the valleys as we drove the twists and turns through the tree lined roads. It was not long after we arrived and after some adjustments to our personal comfort that we headed out the damp earth pathway into the rainforest. The dampness around us and the mixed smells including decaying vegetation reminded us why this prolific growth was called rain forest.
We followed the path as it wound around huge trees entwined with vines and covered in lichens, fern and other growths. We noticed where birds or animals had been scratching in the decaying mulch like floor of the forest. So we came to the entrance of the Tree Top Walk. Our little group comprise my wife, my son, and my little Swiss mate.
We followed some Japanese tourists onto the walk and we had not gone far when I felt the onset of gephyrophobia or was it acrophobia? The walk was a narrow walkway suspended between cables. When we came to the first viewing platform there was an opportunity to climb to a lookout. This gave me time to discuss the situation. Basically, there was no discussion. Before us was the longest span of the walkway that bridged the highest point. Surrounded by this crowd of witnesses, I simply said “I can not go on, I am going back”. So I did. It was maybe a combination of gephyrophobia (fear of bridges) and acrophobia (fear of heights). Whatever it was my little Swiss mate laughed when she came of the bridge and said simply “wuss!” At least that is easier to spell. (Yes! She said wuss and not a Germanic accented vuss!).
The others spent time, walking and enjoying the view. With my feet firmly on the earth, I enjoyed the view closer to the ground. In fact, I found a lovely area where one man had taken the time and laboured to create a bush garden with plants representative of those growing throughout the whole area. It was lovely time of quietness as I alone looked at the plants and then came to a memorial to those who had lost their life in a plane crash nearby.
As I reflect on this experience, a number of songs come to mind. The first is the verse of the favourite made popular by George Beverley Shea and the Massed Choirs of the Billy Graham Crusades of the 1950s and through to the 1970s:
[Listen: Band and vocal solo: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_3326.mp3
or
Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2879.mp3
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed:
Chorus
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee;
How great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee:
How great thou art, how great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
Author: Stuart K. Hine
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 37
In my reflection I think too of the words of “How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord”.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_080.mp3 ]
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled:
Chorus
No, never alone, no, never alone,
He promised he never would leave me,
Never, no never, alone.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid!
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow,
For I will be with thee thy trials to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
Author: Anon
The Salvation Army Song Book. Song Number: 653
And I cannot but remember and find peace and comfort in the beautiful words which reflect a story of Jesus when I think of my fears:
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3795.mp3
or
Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music4/mus_6036.mp3
Like to a lamb who from the fold has strayed
Far on the mountain, of the dark afraid,
Seeking a shelter from the night's alarm,
Longing for comfort of the shepherd's arm,
So Jesus found me on sin's mountain drear,
Gathered me close and banished all my fear.
Chorus
In the Love of Jesus there is all I need,
While I follow closely where my Lord may lead;
By his grace forgiven,
In his presence blest,
In the love of Jesus,
In the love of Jesus, is perfect rest.
In the love of Jesus is all I need,
While I follow closely where my Lord may lead;
By his grace forgiven,
In his presence blest,
In the love of Jesus, is perfect rest,
Is perfect rest.
Like to a pilgrim in an unknown land
Seeking the comfort of a guiding hand,
Fearing the perils of the winding way,
Pleading for strength sufficient every day,
I met my Lord; and, though the path be dim,
He knows the way and I will walk with him.
Like to a child who, when the night may fall,
Out of the darkness hears his father call,
Far and a-weary though his feet may roam,
Sees in the distance shining lights of home,
So at the last the music of his voice
Will calm my fears and make my heart rejoice.
Author: Ivy Mawby (1903-83)]
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 740
```````````````````````````````
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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Thursday, November 19, 2009
OzThoughts – Friday 20th November 2009.
OzThoughts – Friday 20th November 2009.
Today is the beginning of the annual “Schoolies Week” when up to 50,000 17 year olds who have just finished High School will come to the Gold Coast for a time of relaxation and celebration.
It is a time when we know from previous experience many will experiment with alcohol, drugs and sex. Most, however, are only here to have a great time and want to have a trouble free holiday and celebration of the end of 12 years schooling.
About half the volunteers working at Schoolies come from the churches and will be working under the banner of the “Hotel Chaplains”. They make contact with young people by handing out red frogs and cooking pancakes for breakfast. They are available to give assistance and share their faith as appropriate. For more information and video: http://salvos.org.au/more/whats-new/event-calendar/2009/11/20/red-frogs/ and
http://www.redfrogs.com.au/hotelchaplaincy .
PRAYER:
Our Father, I think of this huge crowd of young people. I pray you will give them a safe and happy time. May Jesus be victorious in the lives of those who love you. Please be with the Hotel Chaplains and give them wisdom and words to minister at this time. Amen.
Matthew 28:16-20 (The Message)
16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3648.mp3
or
Look and Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_028.WMV
or
Listen (Audio of above video) : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3704.mp3
Come, join our Army, to battle we go,
Jesus will help us to conquer the foe;
Fighting for right and opposing the wrong,
The Salvation Army is marching along.
Chorus
Marching along, marching along,
The Salvation Army is marching along;
Soldiers of Jesus, be valiant and strong;
The Salvation Army is marching along.
Come, join our Army, the foe must be driven;
To Jesus, our captain, the world shall be given;
Foes may surround us, we'll press through the throng;
The Salvation Army is marching along.
Come, join our Army, the foe we defy,
True to our colours, we'll fight till we die;
Saved from all sin is our war cry and song;
The Salvation Army is marching along.
Come, join our Army, and do not delay,
The time for enlisting is passing away;
Fierce is the battle, but victory will come;
The Salvation Army is marching along.
Author: William James Pearson (1832-92)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 681
```````````````````````````````
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).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Today is the beginning of the annual “Schoolies Week” when up to 50,000 17 year olds who have just finished High School will come to the Gold Coast for a time of relaxation and celebration.
It is a time when we know from previous experience many will experiment with alcohol, drugs and sex. Most, however, are only here to have a great time and want to have a trouble free holiday and celebration of the end of 12 years schooling.
About half the volunteers working at Schoolies come from the churches and will be working under the banner of the “Hotel Chaplains”. They make contact with young people by handing out red frogs and cooking pancakes for breakfast. They are available to give assistance and share their faith as appropriate. For more information and video: http://salvos.org.au/more/whats-new/event-calendar/2009/11/20/red-frogs/ and
http://www.redfrogs.com.au/hotelchaplaincy .
PRAYER:
Our Father, I think of this huge crowd of young people. I pray you will give them a safe and happy time. May Jesus be victorious in the lives of those who love you. Please be with the Hotel Chaplains and give them wisdom and words to minister at this time. Amen.
Matthew 28:16-20 (The Message)
16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3648.mp3
or
Look and Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_028.WMV
or
Listen (Audio of above video) : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3704.mp3
Come, join our Army, to battle we go,
Jesus will help us to conquer the foe;
Fighting for right and opposing the wrong,
The Salvation Army is marching along.
Chorus
Marching along, marching along,
The Salvation Army is marching along;
Soldiers of Jesus, be valiant and strong;
The Salvation Army is marching along.
Come, join our Army, the foe must be driven;
To Jesus, our captain, the world shall be given;
Foes may surround us, we'll press through the throng;
The Salvation Army is marching along.
Come, join our Army, the foe we defy,
True to our colours, we'll fight till we die;
Saved from all sin is our war cry and song;
The Salvation Army is marching along.
Come, join our Army, and do not delay,
The time for enlisting is passing away;
Fierce is the battle, but victory will come;
The Salvation Army is marching along.
Author: William James Pearson (1832-92)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 681
```````````````````````````````
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
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
OzThoughts Thursday 19th November 2009
OzThoughts Thursday 19th November 2009
Sometimes it is just good to soak in the Word of God and allow it to speak to our mind, body and spirit. I feel like this when I read Paul’s statement of faith and praise in Colossians.
15 We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created.
16 For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels--everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.
17 He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.
18 And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.
He was supreme in the beginning and--leading the resurrection parade--he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. 19 So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding.
20 Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe--people and things, animals and atoms--get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the Cross.
21 You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got.
22 But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God's side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence.
23 You don't walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message--just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message. Colossians 1 (The Message).
PRAYER:
Father, I join in praise of you because of all your benefits to me. Help me to go out from this time of worship and reflection as your servant. Amen.
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2623.mp3
or
Songsters; http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2370.mp3 ]
For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind's delight,
For the mystic harmony
Linking sense to sound and sight,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For each perfect gift of thine
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of Heaven,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
Author: Folliott Sandford Pierpoint (1835-1917)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 28
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
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Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
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OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Sometimes it is just good to soak in the Word of God and allow it to speak to our mind, body and spirit. I feel like this when I read Paul’s statement of faith and praise in Colossians.
15 We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created.
16 For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels--everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.
17 He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.
18 And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.
He was supreme in the beginning and--leading the resurrection parade--he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. 19 So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding.
20 Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe--people and things, animals and atoms--get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the Cross.
21 You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got.
22 But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God's side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence.
23 You don't walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message--just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message. Colossians 1 (The Message).
PRAYER:
Father, I join in praise of you because of all your benefits to me. Help me to go out from this time of worship and reflection as your servant. Amen.
[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2623.mp3
or
Songsters; http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2370.mp3 ]
For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind's delight,
For the mystic harmony
Linking sense to sound and sight,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
For each perfect gift of thine
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of Heaven,
Father, unto thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise.
Author: Folliott Sandford Pierpoint (1835-1917)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 28
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following 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
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday 18th November 2009
OzThoughts – Wednesday 18th November 2009
Last Saturday afternoon, I drove our Corps mini-bus full of members of our over 50’s club past the place where we used to have our open air meetings at Surfers Paradise.
Those open air meetings attracted a good number of people, many of them dressed in their best swimming wear. Others were dressed in casual clothes suitable for walking around the area looking at the other tourists and the shops.
On one occasion, I was leading the open air meeting and I was reading out the words of the next song the band was to play. A man very deliberately came up to me and started to interrupt. I was about halfway through the verse but then he decided to wait until I finished. When I finished he said “religious fanaticism is a form of mental illness.” I simply said “That’s good” and he quickly left to join his friend.
As the band played I thought how stupid was that answer. “What’s good about that?”
1 Corinthians 1 :: The Message (MSG)
1I, Paul, have been called and sent by Jesus, the Messiah, according to God's plan…
17God didn't send me out to collect a following for myself, but to preach the Message of what he has done, collecting a following for him. And he didn't send me to do it with a lot of fancy rhetoric of my own, lest the powerful action at the center--Christ on the Cross--be trivialized into mere words.
18The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out.
19It's written,
I'll turn conventional wisdom on its head,
I'll expose so-called experts as crackpots.
20So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense?
21Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb--preaching, of all things!-to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation.
22While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom,
23we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle--and Greeks pass it off as absurd.
24But to us who are personally called by God himself--both Jews and Greeks--Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one.
25Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can't begin to compete with God's "weakness."
26Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families.
27Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses,
28chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? 29That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God.
30Everything that we have--right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start--comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.
31That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I believe you have called me and equipped me. Thank you for every opportunity you give. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who meets my needs with “medication” for the foolishness I suffer. Thank you for your Word which feeds me daily. Thanks too for friends who encourage me. Amen
[Listen: Band : (Geibel): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1588.mp3
or
Band and Male Voice (Geibel) : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4064.mp3
or
Band and congregation (God bless the Prince of Wales): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_134.mp3 ]
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross!
Lift high his royal banner.
It must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army he shall lead
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger,
And strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
Stand in his strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on salvation armor,
And watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor's song.
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be,
He with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.
Author: George Duffield (1818-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 699
```````````````````````````````
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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Last Saturday afternoon, I drove our Corps mini-bus full of members of our over 50’s club past the place where we used to have our open air meetings at Surfers Paradise.
Those open air meetings attracted a good number of people, many of them dressed in their best swimming wear. Others were dressed in casual clothes suitable for walking around the area looking at the other tourists and the shops.
On one occasion, I was leading the open air meeting and I was reading out the words of the next song the band was to play. A man very deliberately came up to me and started to interrupt. I was about halfway through the verse but then he decided to wait until I finished. When I finished he said “religious fanaticism is a form of mental illness.” I simply said “That’s good” and he quickly left to join his friend.
As the band played I thought how stupid was that answer. “What’s good about that?”
1 Corinthians 1 :: The Message (MSG)
1I, Paul, have been called and sent by Jesus, the Messiah, according to God's plan…
17God didn't send me out to collect a following for myself, but to preach the Message of what he has done, collecting a following for him. And he didn't send me to do it with a lot of fancy rhetoric of my own, lest the powerful action at the center--Christ on the Cross--be trivialized into mere words.
18The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out.
19It's written,
I'll turn conventional wisdom on its head,
I'll expose so-called experts as crackpots.
20So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense?
21Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb--preaching, of all things!-to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation.
22While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom,
23we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle--and Greeks pass it off as absurd.
24But to us who are personally called by God himself--both Jews and Greeks--Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one.
25Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can't begin to compete with God's "weakness."
26Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families.
27Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses,
28chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? 29That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God.
30Everything that we have--right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start--comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.
31That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I believe you have called me and equipped me. Thank you for every opportunity you give. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who meets my needs with “medication” for the foolishness I suffer. Thank you for your Word which feeds me daily. Thanks too for friends who encourage me. Amen
[Listen: Band : (Geibel): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1588.mp3
or
Band and Male Voice (Geibel) : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4064.mp3
or
Band and congregation (God bless the Prince of Wales): http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_134.mp3 ]
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross!
Lift high his royal banner.
It must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army he shall lead
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger,
And strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
Stand in his strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on salvation armor,
And watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor's song.
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be,
He with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.
Author: George Duffield (1818-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 699
```````````````````````````````
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Monday, November 16, 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday 17th November 2009
OzThoughts – Tuesday 17th November 2009
Christmas is the season of goodwill. People go about doing good. I remember some years ago on radio I heard a woman telephoning to say she believed Christmas was a season for doing good. She said she was an atheist but in the spirit of goodwill she would pay the $180 fine a person had occurred because they could not afford to pay their car registration fee on time.
It becomes a challenge to us who are Christians and want to do good as a witness to Jesus. The challenge is not to be just another “do gooder” but to do it in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, accept the things I do as a gift of worship and service to you. If it be your will use my various actions and words in this season to praise Jesus and as a way of commending Jesus to others. Amen.
Romans 12:6-10 (The Message)
6-8 If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.
9-10 Love from the centre of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1586.mp3 ]
Who is on the Lord's side?
Who will serve the King?
Who will be his helpers
Other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world's side?
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord's side?
Who for him will go?
Chorus
By thy grand redemption,
By thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord's side;
Saviour, we are thine.
Not for weight of glory,
Not for crown and palm,
Enter we the army,
Raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth
Lives for whom he died;
He whom Jesus nameth
Must be on his side.
Jesus, thou hast bought us,
Not with gold or gem,
But with thine own life-blood
For thy diadem.
With thy blessing filling
Each who comes to thee,
Thou hast made us willing,
Thou hast made us free.
Fierce may be the conflict,
Strong may be the foe,
But the King's own army
None can overthrow.
Round his standard ranging,
Victory is secure,
For this truth unchanging
Makes the triumph sure.
Final Chorus
Master, thou wilt keep us,
By thy grace divine.
Always on the Lord's side,
Saviour, always thine.
Author: Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 707
```````````````````````````````
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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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Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
Christmas is the season of goodwill. People go about doing good. I remember some years ago on radio I heard a woman telephoning to say she believed Christmas was a season for doing good. She said she was an atheist but in the spirit of goodwill she would pay the $180 fine a person had occurred because they could not afford to pay their car registration fee on time.
It becomes a challenge to us who are Christians and want to do good as a witness to Jesus. The challenge is not to be just another “do gooder” but to do it in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, accept the things I do as a gift of worship and service to you. If it be your will use my various actions and words in this season to praise Jesus and as a way of commending Jesus to others. Amen.
Romans 12:6-10 (The Message)
6-8 If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.
9-10 Love from the centre of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1586.mp3 ]
Who is on the Lord's side?
Who will serve the King?
Who will be his helpers
Other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world's side?
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord's side?
Who for him will go?
Chorus
By thy grand redemption,
By thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord's side;
Saviour, we are thine.
Not for weight of glory,
Not for crown and palm,
Enter we the army,
Raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth
Lives for whom he died;
He whom Jesus nameth
Must be on his side.
Jesus, thou hast bought us,
Not with gold or gem,
But with thine own life-blood
For thy diadem.
With thy blessing filling
Each who comes to thee,
Thou hast made us willing,
Thou hast made us free.
Fierce may be the conflict,
Strong may be the foe,
But the King's own army
None can overthrow.
Round his standard ranging,
Victory is secure,
For this truth unchanging
Makes the triumph sure.
Final Chorus
Master, thou wilt keep us,
By thy grace divine.
Always on the Lord's side,
Saviour, always thine.
Author: Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 707
```````````````````````````````
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
Sunday, November 15, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday 16th November, 2009
OzThoughts – Monday 16th November, 2009
Yesterday morning in our church we witnessed three young children becoming Junior Soldiers. Following that ceremony the other Junior Soldiers and their Prayer Pals renewed their promises. It was great to see members of the new Junior Soldier’s extended families visiting our Corps to give encouragement.
On Saturday, I met with many of our Corps Over 50’s group for their annual pre-Christmas lunch. As I looked around the group, I saw quite a number who have joined our group in the past few years. Others represented many years of personal commitment to God through the Army in a number of Corps. For many of them, even some in their eighties, it is service they continue to give.
I thought about each of these two groups and saw different levels of understanding and service but I saw the same determination to be servants of God for the Army’s and the Kingdom’s sake.
The words of one of the songs we used to sing as a statement of commitment in our worship time give cause for each of us to reflect and pray as we commence another week of opportunity:
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2369.mp3 ]
In the secret of thy presence,
Where the pure in heart may dwell,
Are the springs of sacred service
And a power that none can tell.
There my love must bring its offering,
There my heart must yield its praise,
And the Lord will come, revealing
All the secrets of his ways.
Chorus
In the secret of thy presence,
In the hiding of thy power,
Let me love thee, let me serve thee,
Every consecrated hour.
More than all my lips may utter,
More than all I do or bring,
Is the depth of my devotion
To my Saviour, Lord and King.
Nothing less will keep me tender;
Nothing less will keep me true;
Nothing less will keep the fragrance
And the bloom on all I do!
Blessed Lord, to see thee truly,
Then to tell as I have seen,
This shall rule my life supremely,
This shall be the sacred gleam.
Sealed again is all the sealing,
Pledged again my willing heart,
First to know thee, then to serve thee,
Then to see thee as thou art.
Authors: Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)
[The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number 591]
Romans 12 (The Message)
Place Your Life Before God
1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.
6-8If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.
9-10Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
```````````````````````````````
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 morning in our church we witnessed three young children becoming Junior Soldiers. Following that ceremony the other Junior Soldiers and their Prayer Pals renewed their promises. It was great to see members of the new Junior Soldier’s extended families visiting our Corps to give encouragement.
On Saturday, I met with many of our Corps Over 50’s group for their annual pre-Christmas lunch. As I looked around the group, I saw quite a number who have joined our group in the past few years. Others represented many years of personal commitment to God through the Army in a number of Corps. For many of them, even some in their eighties, it is service they continue to give.
I thought about each of these two groups and saw different levels of understanding and service but I saw the same determination to be servants of God for the Army’s and the Kingdom’s sake.
The words of one of the songs we used to sing as a statement of commitment in our worship time give cause for each of us to reflect and pray as we commence another week of opportunity:
[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2369.mp3 ]
In the secret of thy presence,
Where the pure in heart may dwell,
Are the springs of sacred service
And a power that none can tell.
There my love must bring its offering,
There my heart must yield its praise,
And the Lord will come, revealing
All the secrets of his ways.
Chorus
In the secret of thy presence,
In the hiding of thy power,
Let me love thee, let me serve thee,
Every consecrated hour.
More than all my lips may utter,
More than all I do or bring,
Is the depth of my devotion
To my Saviour, Lord and King.
Nothing less will keep me tender;
Nothing less will keep me true;
Nothing less will keep the fragrance
And the bloom on all I do!
Blessed Lord, to see thee truly,
Then to tell as I have seen,
This shall rule my life supremely,
This shall be the sacred gleam.
Sealed again is all the sealing,
Pledged again my willing heart,
First to know thee, then to serve thee,
Then to see thee as thou art.
Authors: Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)
[The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number 591]
Romans 12 (The Message)
Place Your Life Before God
1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.
6-8If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.
9-10Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
```````````````````````````````
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
Saturday, November 14, 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 15th November 2009
OzThoughts - Sunday Hymns and Psalms. Sunday 15th 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 62 (The Message)
1-2 God, the one and only—
I'll wait as long as he says.
Everything I need comes from him,
so why not?
He's solid rock under my feet,
breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle:
I'm set for life.
3-4 How long will you gang up on me?
How long will you run with the bullies?
There's nothing to you, any of you—
rotten floorboards, worm-eaten rafters,
Anthills plotting to bring down mountains,
far gone in make-believe.
You talk a good line,
but every "blessing" breathes a curse.
5-6 God, the one and only—
I'll wait as long as he says.
Everything I hope for comes from him,
so why not?
He's solid rock under my feet,
breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle:
I'm set for life.
7-8 My help and glory are in God
—granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—
So trust him absolutely, people;
lay your lives on the line for him.
God is a safe place to be.
9 Man as such is smoke,
woman as such, a mirage.
Put them together, they're nothing;
two times nothing is nothing.
10 And a windfall, if it comes—
don't make too much of it.
11 God said this once and for all;
how many times
Have I heard it repeated?
"Strength comes
Straight from God."
12 Love to you, Lord God!
You pay a fair wage for a good day's work!
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 1
Author: Martin Luther (1483-1546),
Translator: Frederick Henry Hedge (1805-90)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_193.mp3
or Look and Listen; Choir : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADamVJaXZMg&feature=related ]
A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper he, amid the flood,
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
2.
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
From age to age the same,
And he must win the battle.
3.
And though this world, with demons filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him,
His rage we can endure,
For lo! His doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
4.
That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is for ever.
Psalm 16 (The Message)
1-2 Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you.
I say to GOD, "Be my Lord!"
Without you, nothing makes sense.
3 And these God-chosen lives all around—
what splendid friends they make!
4 Don't just go shopping for a god.
Gods are not for sale.
I swear I'll never treat god-names
like brand-names.
5-6 My choice is you, GOD, first and only.
And now I find I'm your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
And then you made me your heir!
7-8 The wise counsel GOD gives when I'm awake
is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I'll stick with GOD;
I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go.
9-10 I'm happy from the inside out,
and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
that's not my destination!
11 Now you've got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I'm on the right way.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 510
Author: Susie Forrest Swift (1862-1916)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_219.mp3 ]
Mine to rise when thou dost call me,
Lifelong though the journey be;
Thine to measure all its windings,
Leading step by step to thee.
Chorus
I am thine, O Lord and Master,
Thine to follow to the end
Thou art mine, O Christ my Saviour.
Guide and helper, lover, friend!
2.
Mine to follow, even blindly,
Thine, O Christ, to go before;
Mine to try and scale the barrier,
Thine to fling an open door.
3.
Mine to smile in face of failure,
Thine to gladden my defeat;
Mine to kneel and drink of Marah,
Thine to make its waters sweet.
4.
Thine the sealing and revealing
All the outcome of my vow,
As I give thee soul and body,
Mine no longer, thine just now.
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: Songsters: The Wonder of His Grace
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1273.mp3
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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 62 (The Message)
1-2 God, the one and only—
I'll wait as long as he says.
Everything I need comes from him,
so why not?
He's solid rock under my feet,
breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle:
I'm set for life.
3-4 How long will you gang up on me?
How long will you run with the bullies?
There's nothing to you, any of you—
rotten floorboards, worm-eaten rafters,
Anthills plotting to bring down mountains,
far gone in make-believe.
You talk a good line,
but every "blessing" breathes a curse.
5-6 God, the one and only—
I'll wait as long as he says.
Everything I hope for comes from him,
so why not?
He's solid rock under my feet,
breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle:
I'm set for life.
7-8 My help and glory are in God
—granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—
So trust him absolutely, people;
lay your lives on the line for him.
God is a safe place to be.
9 Man as such is smoke,
woman as such, a mirage.
Put them together, they're nothing;
two times nothing is nothing.
10 And a windfall, if it comes—
don't make too much of it.
11 God said this once and for all;
how many times
Have I heard it repeated?
"Strength comes
Straight from God."
12 Love to you, Lord God!
You pay a fair wage for a good day's work!
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 1
Author: Martin Luther (1483-1546),
Translator: Frederick Henry Hedge (1805-90)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_193.mp3
or Look and Listen; Choir : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADamVJaXZMg&feature=related ]
A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper he, amid the flood,
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
2.
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
From age to age the same,
And he must win the battle.
3.
And though this world, with demons filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him,
His rage we can endure,
For lo! His doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
4.
That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is for ever.
Psalm 16 (The Message)
1-2 Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you.
I say to GOD, "Be my Lord!"
Without you, nothing makes sense.
3 And these God-chosen lives all around—
what splendid friends they make!
4 Don't just go shopping for a god.
Gods are not for sale.
I swear I'll never treat god-names
like brand-names.
5-6 My choice is you, GOD, first and only.
And now I find I'm your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
And then you made me your heir!
7-8 The wise counsel GOD gives when I'm awake
is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I'll stick with GOD;
I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go.
9-10 I'm happy from the inside out,
and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
that's not my destination!
11 Now you've got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I'm on the right way.
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 510
Author: Susie Forrest Swift (1862-1916)
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_219.mp3 ]
Mine to rise when thou dost call me,
Lifelong though the journey be;
Thine to measure all its windings,
Leading step by step to thee.
Chorus
I am thine, O Lord and Master,
Thine to follow to the end
Thou art mine, O Christ my Saviour.
Guide and helper, lover, friend!
2.
Mine to follow, even blindly,
Thine, O Christ, to go before;
Mine to try and scale the barrier,
Thine to fling an open door.
3.
Mine to smile in face of failure,
Thine to gladden my defeat;
Mine to kneel and drink of Marah,
Thine to make its waters sweet.
4.
Thine the sealing and revealing
All the outcome of my vow,
As I give thee soul and body,
Mine no longer, thine just now.
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: Songsters: The Wonder of His Grace
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1273.mp3
```````````````````````````````
Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.
If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :
OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
You can also receive OzThoughts from the following group which you are welcome to join:
SalvationArmy3: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/
Subscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Unsubscribe: OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
OzThoughts
Writer (Only): OzThoughts@yahoo.com.au
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