Philippians 3:12-21 (The Message).
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites. But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
I have been reviewing my Blog over the past several days, and I have felt I needed a song to sum up where I'm at today.
Although things look fairly "normal" on the outside and to many we seem to be doing OK, we certainly have a long way to go. Don't get me wrong, we have certainly moved way past circumstances that have caused us some pain over this year, but we know we still have a long way to go.
Writing this Blog and reflecting on verses of scripture and words of songs as given me a greater peace within and a thirst to know more of what God wants for my life.
I am looking forward to finishing the year well and can't wait for what 2011 will bring, not only for me, but my family too.
He promised us that He would be a counselor,
A Mighty God and the Prince of Peace.
He promised us that He would be a Father,
And that He would love us with a love that would not cease.
Well, I tried Him and I found His promises are true.
He’s everything He said that He would be.
The finest words I know could not begin to tell
Just how much Jesus really means to me.
For He’s more wonderful than my mind can conceive.
He’s more wonderful than my heart can believe.
He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams.
He’s everything that my soul ever longed for,
He's everything He’s promised and so much more.
More than amazing, more than marvelous,
More than miraculous could ever be,
He’s more than wonderful, that’s what Jesus is to me.
I stand amazed when I think that the King of glory,
Should come to live within the heart of man.
I marvel just to know He really loves me
When I think of who He is, and who I am.
For He’s more wonderful than my mind can conceive,
He’s more wonderful than my heart can believe,
He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams.
He’s everything that my soul ever longed for,
He's everything He’s promised and so much more.
More than amazing, more than marvelous,
More than miraculous could ever be,
He’s more than wonderful, that’s what Jesus is to me.
He’s everything that my soul ever longed for,
He's everything He’s promised and so much more.
More than amazing, more than marvelous,
More than miraculous could ever be,
He’s more than wonderful, that’s what Jesus is to me.
Thank you Jesus, for meeting me just where I am.
I thank you for your peace through trying times and comfort when I needed it most.
Lord, continue to reveal your plans for me in your word and in song.
Give me understanding and discernment of your word, and the willingness to follow it.
Amen.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Storms Raging & Trust.
Psalm 61:1-4 (NIV).
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Today we met together and remembered "Woody".
For my extended family it has been a very emotional journey over the past several weeks and it concluded (?) with the funeral service at the Preston Salvation Army today.
I had the privilege of leading a brass ensemble for the occasion to add some (hopefully) uplifting music as a prelude to the service. As I looked down on the crowd (I have not seen that many people at a funeral before), I could see people's hearts breaking amidst some laughter and good memories whilst Andrew was with his friends and family prior to his untimely death.
This song below, has been playing in my heart (as have many others), but the words "I worship you though my heart maybe breaking" has been foremost in my mind. How can we worship a God who takes away a much loved person from his family and friends? It is easy to turn away from our beliefs at a time like this.
Although the tragedy has effected family - and I know they are hurting still, I have constantly been praying and meditating to try and find answers for myself, and for others too, in this time.
This song has blessed me immensely over this time and I have prayed it for my family, my extended family, and for all those are finding the journey tough going at the moment.
"You are my strength through it all".
Love never failing, you hold me in your hand.
When seasons are changing, my heart will seek your plan.
I will trust you, seek you, safe in your arms.
Trust, seek your face.
You're my strong tower, you will never change.
Though storms may be raging, you promise your peace will remain.
I will trust you, seek you, safe in your arms.
Trust, seek your face.
I worship you though my heart maybe breaking,
You are my strength through it all.
I seek your face though the darkness is chasing,
You carry me when I fall.
I worship you through it all.
You're my strong tower, you will never change.
Though storms may be raging, you promise your peace will remain.
I will trust you, seek you, safe in your arms.
Trust, seek your face.
I worship you though my heart maybe breaking,
You are my strength through it all.
I seek your face though the darkness is chasing,
You carry me when I fall.
I worship you though my heart maybe breaking,
You are my strength through it all.
I seek your face though the darkness is chasing,
You carry me when I fall.
I will trust you, seek you, safe in your arms.
Trust, seek your face.
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Today we met together and remembered "Woody".
For my extended family it has been a very emotional journey over the past several weeks and it concluded (?) with the funeral service at the Preston Salvation Army today.
I had the privilege of leading a brass ensemble for the occasion to add some (hopefully) uplifting music as a prelude to the service. As I looked down on the crowd (I have not seen that many people at a funeral before), I could see people's hearts breaking amidst some laughter and good memories whilst Andrew was with his friends and family prior to his untimely death.
This song below, has been playing in my heart (as have many others), but the words "I worship you though my heart maybe breaking" has been foremost in my mind. How can we worship a God who takes away a much loved person from his family and friends? It is easy to turn away from our beliefs at a time like this.
Although the tragedy has effected family - and I know they are hurting still, I have constantly been praying and meditating to try and find answers for myself, and for others too, in this time.
This song has blessed me immensely over this time and I have prayed it for my family, my extended family, and for all those are finding the journey tough going at the moment.
"You are my strength through it all".
Love never failing, you hold me in your hand.
When seasons are changing, my heart will seek your plan.
I will trust you, seek you, safe in your arms.
Trust, seek your face.
You're my strong tower, you will never change.
Though storms may be raging, you promise your peace will remain.
I will trust you, seek you, safe in your arms.
Trust, seek your face.
I worship you though my heart maybe breaking,
You are my strength through it all.
I seek your face though the darkness is chasing,
You carry me when I fall.
I worship you through it all.
You're my strong tower, you will never change.
Though storms may be raging, you promise your peace will remain.
I will trust you, seek you, safe in your arms.
Trust, seek your face.
I worship you though my heart maybe breaking,
You are my strength through it all.
I seek your face though the darkness is chasing,
You carry me when I fall.
I worship you though my heart maybe breaking,
You are my strength through it all.
I seek your face though the darkness is chasing,
You carry me when I fall.
I will trust you, seek you, safe in your arms.
Trust, seek your face.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
His Provision.
Hebrews 15:13 (NIV).
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
On Friday morning, on my way to work, I plugged in my iPod and hit the "shuffle" button. The first song that played was "His Provision".
We are still in the process of trying to understand why tragedy happens and when it effects family, it all becomes difficult to comprehend such events.
As we heard today (at church) it does give us this feeling of where is God in this situation?
You know, it's difficult to drive with tears in yours eyes and praying at the same time ! But I prayed this prayer for Kylie, Braydon and Tyson and the Reeve family on Friday (several times) and it continues to play over and over in my head.
I know I've certainly needed His provision on many occasions this year, but today I want others to know that His provision is available in the day of their despair.
At the moment of my weakness when my need for power is plain,
And my own strength is exhausted once again (once again).
Then my Lord has made provision For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer (my prayer).
Then my Lord has made provision For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Holy Spirit,
Promised presence fall on me.
Holy Spirit,
Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit,
Holy Spirit,
Give your power to me O Holy Spirit.
When the darkness falls around me, when bewildered and afraid,
And I feel the most deserted and betrayed (and betrayed).
Then my every need is answered by God's providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer (my prayer).
Then my every need is answered by God's providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Nothing now can rob God's servant of the peace that he bequeaths.
Nothing take away the strength His presence brings (presence brings).
Of the everlasting arms of love I'm daily made away,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer (my prayer).
Of the everlasting arms of love I'm daily made away,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Holy Spirit,
Promised presence fall on me.
Holy Spirit,
Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit,
Holy Spirit,
Give your power to me O Holy Spirit.
Give your power to me O Holy Spirit.
(Words by General John Gowans)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
On Friday morning, on my way to work, I plugged in my iPod and hit the "shuffle" button. The first song that played was "His Provision".
We are still in the process of trying to understand why tragedy happens and when it effects family, it all becomes difficult to comprehend such events.
As we heard today (at church) it does give us this feeling of where is God in this situation?
You know, it's difficult to drive with tears in yours eyes and praying at the same time ! But I prayed this prayer for Kylie, Braydon and Tyson and the Reeve family on Friday (several times) and it continues to play over and over in my head.
I know I've certainly needed His provision on many occasions this year, but today I want others to know that His provision is available in the day of their despair.
At the moment of my weakness when my need for power is plain,
And my own strength is exhausted once again (once again).
Then my Lord has made provision For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer (my prayer).
Then my Lord has made provision For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Holy Spirit,
Promised presence fall on me.
Holy Spirit,
Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit,
Holy Spirit,
Give your power to me O Holy Spirit.
When the darkness falls around me, when bewildered and afraid,
And I feel the most deserted and betrayed (and betrayed).
Then my every need is answered by God's providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer (my prayer).
Then my every need is answered by God's providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Nothing now can rob God's servant of the peace that he bequeaths.
Nothing take away the strength His presence brings (presence brings).
Of the everlasting arms of love I'm daily made away,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer (my prayer).
Of the everlasting arms of love I'm daily made away,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.
Holy Spirit,
Promised presence fall on me.
Holy Spirit,
Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit,
Holy Spirit,
Give your power to me O Holy Spirit.
Give your power to me O Holy Spirit.
(Words by General John Gowans)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Strength For Today.
John 4:13-14 (NIV).
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
I cannot find much to say today as another tragedy has effected my extended family.
We need to believe there is some purpose to this, but at this point, the only thing that is clear is hurt, pain and loss.
I am praying that the family will eventually find peace and understanding - it may take time (and probably a lot of it), but I pray that when we come in our "broken" state, Jesus will fill our lives with a new found strength for today, tomorrow and for ever,
May we also find that because of His love for us, we will never go "thirsty" - our lives will overflow with a spirit of hope, joy and love.
Come just as you are, hear the spirit call.
Come just as you are.
Come and see, come receive,
Come and live forever.
Life everlasting.
And strength for today.
Taste the living water,
And never thirst again.
Come just as you are, hear the spirit call
Come just as you are, come receive
Christ the King,
Come and live forever.
Life everlasting.
And strength for today.
Taste the living water,
And never thirst again.
Come just as you are, hear the spirit call
Come just as you are, come receive
Christ the King,
Come and live forever more.
Come receive
Christ the King,
Come and live forever more
Lord, may your peace and understanding fill our hearts, minds and body today.
Many are the things we can not understand - only you can provide the comfort we need in times of loss.
Give strength to those who need you, words of wisdom to those who comfort others and sense of peace to those who grieve.
Amen.
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
I cannot find much to say today as another tragedy has effected my extended family.
We need to believe there is some purpose to this, but at this point, the only thing that is clear is hurt, pain and loss.
I am praying that the family will eventually find peace and understanding - it may take time (and probably a lot of it), but I pray that when we come in our "broken" state, Jesus will fill our lives with a new found strength for today, tomorrow and for ever,
May we also find that because of His love for us, we will never go "thirsty" - our lives will overflow with a spirit of hope, joy and love.
Come just as you are, hear the spirit call.
Come just as you are.
Come and see, come receive,
Come and live forever.
Life everlasting.
And strength for today.
Taste the living water,
And never thirst again.
Come just as you are, hear the spirit call
Come just as you are, come receive
Christ the King,
Come and live forever.
Life everlasting.
And strength for today.
Taste the living water,
And never thirst again.
Come just as you are, hear the spirit call
Come just as you are, come receive
Christ the King,
Come and live forever more.
Come receive
Christ the King,
Come and live forever more
Lord, may your peace and understanding fill our hearts, minds and body today.
Many are the things we can not understand - only you can provide the comfort we need in times of loss.
Give strength to those who need you, words of wisdom to those who comfort others and sense of peace to those who grieve.
Amen.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Here Am I, My Lord, Send Me.
Isaiah 6:8 (The Message).
And then I heard the voice of the Master: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”
I spoke up, “I’ll go. Send me!”
Today, I read this article from a Blog I'm following:
On this date, Daniel March, a Congregational pastor, was scheduled to preach at a meeting of the Christian Association of Philadelphia. He had a great interest in the work of world missions, and his text that day was Isa. 6:8, “I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”
When Rev. March couldn’t find a hymn to suit the theme of his message, he wrote one. Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling not only issues a summons to evangelize the lost in other lands. It emphasizes that there is something each of us can do, wherever we are.
Hark! the voice of Jesus crying,
"Who will go and work today?
Fields are white, and harvests waiting;
Who will bear the sheaves away?"
Loud and long the Master calleth,
Rich reward he offers free;
Who will answer, gladly saying,
"Here am I; send me, send me."
If you cannot cross the ocean,
And the heathen lands explore,
You can find the heathen nearer,
You can help them at your door.
If you cannot give your thousands,
You can give the widow's mite;
And the least you give for Jesus
Will be precious in his sight.
If you cannot be a watchman,
Standing high on Zion's wall,
Pointing out the path to heaven,
Off'ring life and peace to all,
With your prayers and with your bounties
You can do what God demands;
You can be like faithful Aaron,
Holding up the prophet's hands.
Let none hear you idly saying,
"There is nothing I can do,"
While the sons of men are dying,
And the Master calls for you:
Take the task he gives you gladly,
Let his work your pleasure be;
Answer quickly when he calleth,
"Here am I; send me, send me."
I can't believe it ! A song I don't know - and I don't even know the tune these words are sung to !
Today, I had the privilege of taking people (who have a keen interest in the Salvation Army's work) to some of our Salvation Army Centres in Melbourne.
I am still amazed (although I probably shouldn't be by now) about peoples passion for the lost, the last, and the least in our society.
I need to say thank you to God for allowing me to be a part of this "work" in this place. People I have met today (both people who are willing to give (say) Bequests - and those who give of their time, talents, gifts & passion) have inspired me again.
But, still, there is work to be done !
A song that speaks on this same subject, came to my mind as soon as I read this Blog.
Here am I my Lord, send me, send me.
I am wanting to be what you want me to be.
Use me when and where ever, and how you best see.
Here am I my Lord, send me.
It's one that we used to sing quite regularly, but comes with great responsibility for those who sing it - Do we really mean what we say (sing) ?
I think there is some apprehension among (us) Christians when it comes to saying "here am I my Lord, send me". I think we are afraid of what this commitment may mean. We sit back and say, "you can have most of my life and I will be committed to that part, but giving up my all to follow, is not where I'm at at present".
Some may even be thinking, I give my "all" on Sunday's, that's enough - my week is busy enough thanks!
Maybe this statement could mean "officership" for some - and that in itself could be very, very daunting - and life changing!
I really admire those who have heard "the call" and are doing something about it! God bless you and your ministry - wherever you are and wherever it takes you. It must be frustrating at times, but to be in a position that assists people in a journey to find Jesus as their friend and Savior must far outweigh those "bad" times.
My prayer:
Lord, help me to mean what I say, when I sing these words.
I pray, Lord, for those of us that are "hard of hearing", that we may have -
Ears to hear your calling in our lives and,
Discerment as to what it is you want us to do.
In our work for you I pray that you will -
Equip us with your power,
Guide us with your grace and,
Empower us with your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
And then I heard the voice of the Master: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”
I spoke up, “I’ll go. Send me!”
Today, I read this article from a Blog I'm following:
On this date, Daniel March, a Congregational pastor, was scheduled to preach at a meeting of the Christian Association of Philadelphia. He had a great interest in the work of world missions, and his text that day was Isa. 6:8, “I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”
When Rev. March couldn’t find a hymn to suit the theme of his message, he wrote one. Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling not only issues a summons to evangelize the lost in other lands. It emphasizes that there is something each of us can do, wherever we are.
Hark! the voice of Jesus crying,
"Who will go and work today?
Fields are white, and harvests waiting;
Who will bear the sheaves away?"
Loud and long the Master calleth,
Rich reward he offers free;
Who will answer, gladly saying,
"Here am I; send me, send me."
If you cannot cross the ocean,
And the heathen lands explore,
You can find the heathen nearer,
You can help them at your door.
If you cannot give your thousands,
You can give the widow's mite;
And the least you give for Jesus
Will be precious in his sight.
If you cannot be a watchman,
Standing high on Zion's wall,
Pointing out the path to heaven,
Off'ring life and peace to all,
With your prayers and with your bounties
You can do what God demands;
You can be like faithful Aaron,
Holding up the prophet's hands.
Let none hear you idly saying,
"There is nothing I can do,"
While the sons of men are dying,
And the Master calls for you:
Take the task he gives you gladly,
Let his work your pleasure be;
Answer quickly when he calleth,
"Here am I; send me, send me."
I can't believe it ! A song I don't know - and I don't even know the tune these words are sung to !
Today, I had the privilege of taking people (who have a keen interest in the Salvation Army's work) to some of our Salvation Army Centres in Melbourne.
I am still amazed (although I probably shouldn't be by now) about peoples passion for the lost, the last, and the least in our society.
I need to say thank you to God for allowing me to be a part of this "work" in this place. People I have met today (both people who are willing to give (say) Bequests - and those who give of their time, talents, gifts & passion) have inspired me again.
But, still, there is work to be done !
A song that speaks on this same subject, came to my mind as soon as I read this Blog.
Here am I my Lord, send me, send me.
I am wanting to be what you want me to be.
Use me when and where ever, and how you best see.
Here am I my Lord, send me.
It's one that we used to sing quite regularly, but comes with great responsibility for those who sing it - Do we really mean what we say (sing) ?
I think there is some apprehension among (us) Christians when it comes to saying "here am I my Lord, send me". I think we are afraid of what this commitment may mean. We sit back and say, "you can have most of my life and I will be committed to that part, but giving up my all to follow, is not where I'm at at present".
Some may even be thinking, I give my "all" on Sunday's, that's enough - my week is busy enough thanks!
Maybe this statement could mean "officership" for some - and that in itself could be very, very daunting - and life changing!
I really admire those who have heard "the call" and are doing something about it! God bless you and your ministry - wherever you are and wherever it takes you. It must be frustrating at times, but to be in a position that assists people in a journey to find Jesus as their friend and Savior must far outweigh those "bad" times.
My prayer:
Lord, help me to mean what I say, when I sing these words.
I pray, Lord, for those of us that are "hard of hearing", that we may have -
Ears to hear your calling in our lives and,
Discerment as to what it is you want us to do.
In our work for you I pray that you will -
Equip us with your power,
Guide us with your grace and,
Empower us with your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Who Do You Trust?
Proverbs 30:5 (The Message)
The believer replied, “Every promise of God proves true; he protects everyone who runs to him for help.
Today I was reminded of the simple song "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus".
I was pondering the things we trust in the world - Friends, family, colleagues, the "system" etc. Unfortunately, some of these areas let us down and we feel let down, left out and sometimes, even lonely.
I have been put into situations this year that have tested my faith and trust, and have seen my trust in the things of this world diminished considerably.
My faith and trust in the "system" of the corporate world was shattered late last year and my faith in people took a battering. It was only when I saw that others were in worse (?) situations than me, that I realised that I must take stock of my life and where it was heading and trust God with my (our) future.
I know of others that are going through similar situations at the moment and I pray these words for you this week also.
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Prayer:
Let the morning bring me, let the morning bring.
Word of your unfailing, let the morning bring.
I have put my trust in - put my trust in you.
So let the morning bring, your love,
Let the morning bring.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Sing, Sing, Sing.
Psalm 96 (NIV).
I found this on another Blog and I thought it was good for a laugh.
It's not in the normal "style" of my Blog, but as I read it, I was reminded of the wonderful groups of Salvation Army Songsters (Choirs) I have been involved in over the years
ps. I must add (in my opinion and experience) it is very accurate.
Enjoy.
THE YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO THE SATB CHOIR
In any chorus, there are four voice parts: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Sometimes these are divided into first and second within each part, prompting endless jokes about first and second basses. There are also various other parts such as baritone, countertenor, contralto, mezzo soprano, etc., but these are mostly used by people who are either soloists, or belong to some excessively hotshot classical a cappella group (this applies especially to countertenors), or are trying to make excuses for not really fitting into any of the regular voice parts, so we will ignore them for now.
Each voice part sings in a different range, and each one has a very different personality. You may ask, "Why should singing different notes make people act differently?", and indeed this is a mysterious question and has not been adequately studied, especially since scientists who study musicians tend to be musicians themselves and have all the peculiar complexes that go with being tenors, french horn players, timpanists, or whatever. However, this is beside the point; the fact remains that the four voice parts can be easily distinguished, and I will now explain how.
THE SOPRANOS are the ones who sing the highest, and because of this they think they rule the world. They have longer hair, fancier jewelry, and swishier skirts than anyone else, and they consider themselves insulted if they are not allowed to go at least to a high F in every movement of any given piece. When they reach the high notes, they hold them for at least half again as long as the composer and/or conductor requires, and then complain that their throats are killing them and that the composer and conductor are sadists. Sopranos have varied attitudes toward the other sections of the chorus, though they consider all of them inferior. Altos are to sopranos rather like second violins to first violins - nice to harmonize with, but not really necessary. All sopranos have a secret feeling that the altos could drop out and the piece would sound essentially the same, and they don't understand why anybody would sing in that range in the first place - it's so boring. Tenors, on the other hand, can be very nice to have around; besides their flirtation possibilities (it is a well-known fact that sopranos never flirt with basses), sopranos like to sing duets with tenors because all the tenors are doing is working very hard to sing in a low-to-medium soprano range, while the sopranos are up there in the stratosphere showing off. To sopranos, basses are the scum of the earth - they sing too damn loud, are useless to tune to because they're down in that low, low range - and there has to be something wrong with anyone who sings in the F clef, anyway.
THE ALTOS are the salt of the earth - in their opinion, at least. Altos are unassuming people, who would wear jeans to concerts if they were allowed to. Altos are in a unique position in the chorus in that they are unable to complain about having to sing either very high or very low, and they know that all the other sections think their parts are pitifully easy. But the altos know otherwise. They know that while the sopranos are screeching away on a high A, they are being forced to sing elaborate passages full of sharps and flats and tricks of rhythm, and nobody is noticing because the sopranos are singing too loud (and the basses usually are too). Altos get a deep, secret pleasure out of conspiring together to tune the sopranos flat. Altos have an innate distrust of tenors, because the tenors sing in almost the same range and think they sound better. They like the basses, and enjoy singing duets with them - the basses just sound like a rumble anyway, and it's the only time the altos can really be heard. Altos' other complaint is that there are always too many of them and so they never get to sing really loud.
THE TENORS are spoiled. That's all there is to it. For one thing, there are never enough of them, and choir directors would rather sell their souls than let a halfway decent tenor quit, while they're always ready to unload a few altos at half price. And then, for some reason, the few tenors there are are always really good - it's one of those annoying facts of life.. So it's no wonder that tenors always get swollen heads - after all, who else can make sopranos swoon? The one thing that can make tenors insecure is the accusation (usually by the basses) that anyone singing that high couldn't possibly be a real man.. In their usual perverse fashion, the tenors never acknowledge this, but just complain louder about the composer being a sadist and making them sing so damn high. Tenors have a love-hate relationship with the conductor, too, because the conductor is always telling them to sing louder because there are so few of them. No conductor in recorded history has ever asked for less tenor in a forte passage. Tenors feel threatened in some way by all the other sections - the sopranos because they can hit those incredibly high notes; the altos because they have no trouble singing the notes the tenors kill themselves for; and the basses because, although they can't sing anything above an E, they sing it loud enough to drown the tenors out. Of course, the tenors would rather die than admit any of this. It is a little-known fact that tenors move their eyebrows more than anyone else while singing.
THE BASSES sing the lowest of anybody. This basically explains everything. They are stolid, dependable people, and have more facial hair than anybody else. The basses feel perpetually unappreciated, but they have a deep conviction that they are actually the most important part (a view endorsed by musicologists, but certainly not by sopranos or tenors), despite the fact that they have the most boring part of anybody and often sing the same note (or in endless fifths) for an entire page. They compensate for this by singing as loudly as they can get away with - most basses are tuba players at heart. Basses are the only section that can regularly complain about how low their part is, and they make horrible faces when trying to hit very low notes. Basses are charitable people, but their charity does not extend so far as tenors, whom they consider effete poseurs. Basses hate tuning the tenors more than almost anything else. Basses like altos - except when they have duets and the altos get the good part. As for the sopranos, they are simply in an alternate universe which the basses don't understand at all. They can't imagine why anybody would ever want to sing that high and sound that bad when they make mistakes. When a bass makes a mistake, the other three parts will cover him, and he can continue on his merry way, knowing that sometime, somehow, he will end up at the root of the chord.
James 5:13 (The Message).
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing.
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.
I found this on another Blog and I thought it was good for a laugh.
It's not in the normal "style" of my Blog, but as I read it, I was reminded of the wonderful groups of Salvation Army Songsters (Choirs) I have been involved in over the years
ps. I must add (in my opinion and experience) it is very accurate.
Enjoy.
THE YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO THE SATB CHOIR
In any chorus, there are four voice parts: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Sometimes these are divided into first and second within each part, prompting endless jokes about first and second basses. There are also various other parts such as baritone, countertenor, contralto, mezzo soprano, etc., but these are mostly used by people who are either soloists, or belong to some excessively hotshot classical a cappella group (this applies especially to countertenors), or are trying to make excuses for not really fitting into any of the regular voice parts, so we will ignore them for now.
Each voice part sings in a different range, and each one has a very different personality. You may ask, "Why should singing different notes make people act differently?", and indeed this is a mysterious question and has not been adequately studied, especially since scientists who study musicians tend to be musicians themselves and have all the peculiar complexes that go with being tenors, french horn players, timpanists, or whatever. However, this is beside the point; the fact remains that the four voice parts can be easily distinguished, and I will now explain how.
THE SOPRANOS are the ones who sing the highest, and because of this they think they rule the world. They have longer hair, fancier jewelry, and swishier skirts than anyone else, and they consider themselves insulted if they are not allowed to go at least to a high F in every movement of any given piece. When they reach the high notes, they hold them for at least half again as long as the composer and/or conductor requires, and then complain that their throats are killing them and that the composer and conductor are sadists. Sopranos have varied attitudes toward the other sections of the chorus, though they consider all of them inferior. Altos are to sopranos rather like second violins to first violins - nice to harmonize with, but not really necessary. All sopranos have a secret feeling that the altos could drop out and the piece would sound essentially the same, and they don't understand why anybody would sing in that range in the first place - it's so boring. Tenors, on the other hand, can be very nice to have around; besides their flirtation possibilities (it is a well-known fact that sopranos never flirt with basses), sopranos like to sing duets with tenors because all the tenors are doing is working very hard to sing in a low-to-medium soprano range, while the sopranos are up there in the stratosphere showing off. To sopranos, basses are the scum of the earth - they sing too damn loud, are useless to tune to because they're down in that low, low range - and there has to be something wrong with anyone who sings in the F clef, anyway.
THE ALTOS are the salt of the earth - in their opinion, at least. Altos are unassuming people, who would wear jeans to concerts if they were allowed to. Altos are in a unique position in the chorus in that they are unable to complain about having to sing either very high or very low, and they know that all the other sections think their parts are pitifully easy. But the altos know otherwise. They know that while the sopranos are screeching away on a high A, they are being forced to sing elaborate passages full of sharps and flats and tricks of rhythm, and nobody is noticing because the sopranos are singing too loud (and the basses usually are too). Altos get a deep, secret pleasure out of conspiring together to tune the sopranos flat. Altos have an innate distrust of tenors, because the tenors sing in almost the same range and think they sound better. They like the basses, and enjoy singing duets with them - the basses just sound like a rumble anyway, and it's the only time the altos can really be heard. Altos' other complaint is that there are always too many of them and so they never get to sing really loud.
THE TENORS are spoiled. That's all there is to it. For one thing, there are never enough of them, and choir directors would rather sell their souls than let a halfway decent tenor quit, while they're always ready to unload a few altos at half price. And then, for some reason, the few tenors there are are always really good - it's one of those annoying facts of life.. So it's no wonder that tenors always get swollen heads - after all, who else can make sopranos swoon? The one thing that can make tenors insecure is the accusation (usually by the basses) that anyone singing that high couldn't possibly be a real man.. In their usual perverse fashion, the tenors never acknowledge this, but just complain louder about the composer being a sadist and making them sing so damn high. Tenors have a love-hate relationship with the conductor, too, because the conductor is always telling them to sing louder because there are so few of them. No conductor in recorded history has ever asked for less tenor in a forte passage. Tenors feel threatened in some way by all the other sections - the sopranos because they can hit those incredibly high notes; the altos because they have no trouble singing the notes the tenors kill themselves for; and the basses because, although they can't sing anything above an E, they sing it loud enough to drown the tenors out. Of course, the tenors would rather die than admit any of this. It is a little-known fact that tenors move their eyebrows more than anyone else while singing.
THE BASSES sing the lowest of anybody. This basically explains everything. They are stolid, dependable people, and have more facial hair than anybody else. The basses feel perpetually unappreciated, but they have a deep conviction that they are actually the most important part (a view endorsed by musicologists, but certainly not by sopranos or tenors), despite the fact that they have the most boring part of anybody and often sing the same note (or in endless fifths) for an entire page. They compensate for this by singing as loudly as they can get away with - most basses are tuba players at heart. Basses are the only section that can regularly complain about how low their part is, and they make horrible faces when trying to hit very low notes. Basses are charitable people, but their charity does not extend so far as tenors, whom they consider effete poseurs. Basses hate tuning the tenors more than almost anything else. Basses like altos - except when they have duets and the altos get the good part. As for the sopranos, they are simply in an alternate universe which the basses don't understand at all. They can't imagine why anybody would ever want to sing that high and sound that bad when they make mistakes. When a bass makes a mistake, the other three parts will cover him, and he can continue on his merry way, knowing that sometime, somehow, he will end up at the root of the chord.
James 5:13 (The Message).
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Change, Anxiety.... Peace
Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message).
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life
I have recently come across an arrangement of a song I didn't know, but the melody was "haunting" enough to stick with me for several months.
I now have in my possession the score and brass band parts for the chorus that was originally found in the Happiness and Harmony publication - The Lord Is Near.
Reading through the words and listening to the melody, I now know why this has become an integral part of my quiet time.
How awesome is the first line - "The Lord is near.... Have no anxiety".
As our journey has been unfolding over the past several months, we have often known how much the grace of God has been near to us - but we have also known (and still do) have the unfortunately feelings of stress and anxiety. They hit out of the blue - and for no known reason, but as we struggle through these times, I know God is watching over us and his peace is but a prayer away.
I need to get this out of my mind and onto "paper" ....
Today we saw more changes in our place where we feel most comfortable, welcomed, encouraged and loved. This has already caused us anxiety and concern for we have no idea what the changes will mean for not only us, but for others too.
I suppose it's only natural to have doubts and concerns, and the unknown can be daunting and confusing, and when we get "disturbed" from our comfortable state - this brings feelings of uneasiness. We struggle with peace and understanding as to why, and with the consequences these changes have already had on many people - and the potential "issues" this change could have.
Again, I need to stop, be still, and know that this is Gods plan, and that the timing etc. is all part of the greater picture. I need to believe that people in higher authority have consulted with God (hopefully many, many times) prior to such a change, and that the Kingdom of God is extended here in this place.
The Lord is near, have no anxiety,
Make your requests known to God in prayer,
The Lord is near, have no anxiety,
Make your requests known to God in prayer,
Then the peace of God,
Which is beyond our understanding,
Will keep guard o'er your hearts and thoughts.
Then the peace of God,
Which is beyond our understanding,
Will keep guard o'er your hearts and thoughts.
I must remember, it's not about me. What ever part we undertake (and wherever it takes us), it will be for His glory and His alone.
Having said all that..... I am more than happy to be a part of the Church at Preston (as much as I didn't want the changes to happen) and to be a support to the leadership team in this place.
May God bless our new Officers and the leadership team of the Salvation Army Preston Corps.
Bring it on !
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life
I have recently come across an arrangement of a song I didn't know, but the melody was "haunting" enough to stick with me for several months.
I now have in my possession the score and brass band parts for the chorus that was originally found in the Happiness and Harmony publication - The Lord Is Near.
Reading through the words and listening to the melody, I now know why this has become an integral part of my quiet time.
How awesome is the first line - "The Lord is near.... Have no anxiety".
As our journey has been unfolding over the past several months, we have often known how much the grace of God has been near to us - but we have also known (and still do) have the unfortunately feelings of stress and anxiety. They hit out of the blue - and for no known reason, but as we struggle through these times, I know God is watching over us and his peace is but a prayer away.
I need to get this out of my mind and onto "paper" ....
Today we saw more changes in our place where we feel most comfortable, welcomed, encouraged and loved. This has already caused us anxiety and concern for we have no idea what the changes will mean for not only us, but for others too.
I suppose it's only natural to have doubts and concerns, and the unknown can be daunting and confusing, and when we get "disturbed" from our comfortable state - this brings feelings of uneasiness. We struggle with peace and understanding as to why, and with the consequences these changes have already had on many people - and the potential "issues" this change could have.
Again, I need to stop, be still, and know that this is Gods plan, and that the timing etc. is all part of the greater picture. I need to believe that people in higher authority have consulted with God (hopefully many, many times) prior to such a change, and that the Kingdom of God is extended here in this place.
The Lord is near, have no anxiety,
Make your requests known to God in prayer,
The Lord is near, have no anxiety,
Make your requests known to God in prayer,
Then the peace of God,
Which is beyond our understanding,
Will keep guard o'er your hearts and thoughts.
Then the peace of God,
Which is beyond our understanding,
Will keep guard o'er your hearts and thoughts.
I must remember, it's not about me. What ever part we undertake (and wherever it takes us), it will be for His glory and His alone.
Having said all that..... I am more than happy to be a part of the Church at Preston (as much as I didn't want the changes to happen) and to be a support to the leadership team in this place.
May God bless our new Officers and the leadership team of the Salvation Army Preston Corps.
Bring it on !
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Plans, Strength All Gone ?
Psalm 118:26 (NIV).
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
I was reviewing my music collection last night and I was reminded of the South Queensland Evangelical Tour that the Launceston Salvation Army sections took part in (in 1998).
I could not go past the vocal solo's sung by Nat as she shared the responsibilities for the vocal solo's with her brother, Jeremy, over the 10 day tour.
The song "In The Name Of The Lord" was introduced by Sandi Patti and Nat made it her own over this tour.
I cannot help but wonder why the second verse became "real" again to me last night.
As everyone in this household slept, I listened again and again to these words and realised (again) that the dependence on God's power continues to become a priority and, as I strive to understand His plan for our lives, I realise that there is infact strength, power and hope in the name of the Lord
Crowds Have Lined The Narrow Street
To See This Man From Galilee
Just A Carpenter Some Say Leading Fools Astray
Yet Many Kneel To Give Him Praise
And In His Eyes They Glimpse The Power
That Sees The Heart Of All Men
And He Knows His Fathers Mind And He Speaks His Fathers Words
For He Comes In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Strength In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Power In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Hope In The Name Of The Lord
Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord
When My Plans Have Fallen Through
And When My Strength Is Nearly Gone
When There's Nothing Left To Do But Just Depend On You
And The Power Of Your Name
And When We Call Upon Your Name
Your Strength Through Weakness To Show
We Can Know The Master Plan Extend The Masters Hand
When We Come In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Strength In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Power In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Hope In The Name Of The Lord
Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord
His Name Will Be Worshipped Forever
Creator Redeemer And King And King
There Is Strength In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Power In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Hope In The Name Of The Lord
Blessed Is He Who Comes
Blessed Is He Who Comes
Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord
In The Name Of The Lord
I'm not sure how many "old" Launcestonians read this Blog, but as I listened to the song, I said a prayer for each of you as it was a huge effort by all concerned and (I think) most of us are still going strong in the Lord.
We probably had no idea as to how things worked out in each centre we visited, and what has happened since we left, but I pray that we will all find a new source of strength, power and hope in our lives today!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
I was reviewing my music collection last night and I was reminded of the South Queensland Evangelical Tour that the Launceston Salvation Army sections took part in (in 1998).
It was a great tour and many memories still linger in my mind.
I could not go past the vocal solo's sung by Nat as she shared the responsibilities for the vocal solo's with her brother, Jeremy, over the 10 day tour.
The song "In The Name Of The Lord" was introduced by Sandi Patti and Nat made it her own over this tour.
I cannot help but wonder why the second verse became "real" again to me last night.
As everyone in this household slept, I listened again and again to these words and realised (again) that the dependence on God's power continues to become a priority and, as I strive to understand His plan for our lives, I realise that there is infact strength, power and hope in the name of the Lord
Crowds Have Lined The Narrow Street
To See This Man From Galilee
Just A Carpenter Some Say Leading Fools Astray
Yet Many Kneel To Give Him Praise
And In His Eyes They Glimpse The Power
That Sees The Heart Of All Men
And He Knows His Fathers Mind And He Speaks His Fathers Words
For He Comes In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Strength In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Power In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Hope In The Name Of The Lord
Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord
When My Plans Have Fallen Through
And When My Strength Is Nearly Gone
When There's Nothing Left To Do But Just Depend On You
And The Power Of Your Name
And When We Call Upon Your Name
Your Strength Through Weakness To Show
We Can Know The Master Plan Extend The Masters Hand
When We Come In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Strength In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Power In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Hope In The Name Of The Lord
Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord
His Name Will Be Worshipped Forever
Creator Redeemer And King And King
There Is Strength In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Power In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Hope In The Name Of The Lord
Blessed Is He Who Comes
Blessed Is He Who Comes
Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord
In The Name Of The Lord
I'm not sure how many "old" Launcestonians read this Blog, but as I listened to the song, I said a prayer for each of you as it was a huge effort by all concerned and (I think) most of us are still going strong in the Lord.
We probably had no idea as to how things worked out in each centre we visited, and what has happened since we left, but I pray that we will all find a new source of strength, power and hope in our lives today!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Long Road.....
John 4:5-14 (NIV).
So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
This week has seen me rack up some kilometres in my car as my job has taken me to some country areas of Victoria.
I have been trying to get inspired to Blog this week, but as I have sat in the car (for many hours - traffic is horrendous) and listened to music - nothing has struck me. The music is awesome and inspired by God but it is now getting familiar and repetitive (I wonder if that's the problem).
I wonder if we sometimes feel that our journey is going nowhere or becoming repetitive and very mundane ?
Where do we look for inspiration and things that can excite and motivate us ?
Are we happy with our Christian walk ?
Is our daily routine dulling our senses - making it difficult to hear (let alone understand) God's leading ?
It's funny how we can start the climb up in our Christian journey, when something is sent to either trip us up or to stop the journey in its tracks. It is easy just to give up. I know, I have thought about it several times this year. (and yes I have Blogged about it too.)
If I have any words of "wisdom" (?) at all about giving up, I certainly would encourage you not too. Look for inspiration and motivation in different areas - Talk to some one who you trust - I even took up reading.
Having said all that, maybe we should take the time to stop occasionally on this journey - take stock of our vain wanderings and find some peace and added strength to continue life in His name.
I suppose if we are wandering around aimlessly, bored and uninspired, it would be a good time to stop and reinvigorate ourselves - with the objective to get up close and personal with God again, and to continue the journey with Him.
SASB 351.
Life is a journey; long is the road,
And when the noontide is high
Souls that are weary faint 'neath their load,
Long for the waters, and cry:
The well is deep and I require
A draught of the water of life,
But none can quench my soul's desire
For a draught of the water of life;
Till one draws near who the cry will heed,
Helper of men in their time of need,
And I, believing, find indeed
That Christ is the water of life.
Life is a seeking, life is a quest,
Eager and longing desire;
Unto the true things, unto the best,
Godward our spirits aspire.
Life is a finding; vain wand'rings cease
When from the Saviour we claim
All we have longed for, solace and peace,
And we have life in his name.
Lord, give us the assurance that throughout this "journey of life", you are always there.
If we start to wander, pull us up and set our feet on the right path.
Thank you for solace, peace and "life" in your name.
Amen.
So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
This week has seen me rack up some kilometres in my car as my job has taken me to some country areas of Victoria.
I have been trying to get inspired to Blog this week, but as I have sat in the car (for many hours - traffic is horrendous) and listened to music - nothing has struck me. The music is awesome and inspired by God but it is now getting familiar and repetitive (I wonder if that's the problem).
I wonder if we sometimes feel that our journey is going nowhere or becoming repetitive and very mundane ?
Where do we look for inspiration and things that can excite and motivate us ?
Are we happy with our Christian walk ?
Is our daily routine dulling our senses - making it difficult to hear (let alone understand) God's leading ?
It's funny how we can start the climb up in our Christian journey, when something is sent to either trip us up or to stop the journey in its tracks. It is easy just to give up. I know, I have thought about it several times this year. (and yes I have Blogged about it too.)
If I have any words of "wisdom" (?) at all about giving up, I certainly would encourage you not too. Look for inspiration and motivation in different areas - Talk to some one who you trust - I even took up reading.
Having said all that, maybe we should take the time to stop occasionally on this journey - take stock of our vain wanderings and find some peace and added strength to continue life in His name.
I suppose if we are wandering around aimlessly, bored and uninspired, it would be a good time to stop and reinvigorate ourselves - with the objective to get up close and personal with God again, and to continue the journey with Him.
SASB 351.
Life is a journey; long is the road,
And when the noontide is high
Souls that are weary faint 'neath their load,
Long for the waters, and cry:
The well is deep and I require
A draught of the water of life,
But none can quench my soul's desire
For a draught of the water of life;
Till one draws near who the cry will heed,
Helper of men in their time of need,
And I, believing, find indeed
That Christ is the water of life.
Life is a seeking, life is a quest,
Eager and longing desire;
Unto the true things, unto the best,
Godward our spirits aspire.
Life is a finding; vain wand'rings cease
When from the Saviour we claim
All we have longed for, solace and peace,
And we have life in his name.
Lord, give us the assurance that throughout this "journey of life", you are always there.
If we start to wander, pull us up and set our feet on the right path.
Thank you for solace, peace and "life" in your name.
Amen.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Just Where He Needs Me.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV).
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
I had an interesting encounter today prior to our Church service.
I was at the Service Station, minding my own business, waiting for Nat to buy some much needed refreshments, when I had a tap on my window.
A tall, rough (?) looking man wearing a Bikie Jacket wanted my attention. I rolled down the window and he proceeded to ask me if I was religious and could I pray for him as his fiance had just died (last week) of an overdose. He didn't understand why this had happened as he loved her very much. Apart from his grief there was confusion as he had people telling him, that if she loved him so much, she wouldn't have done that. - He was understandably shaken up.
He said he didn't believe there was a God, but wondered if I'd pray anyway.
He was shattered and was trying to get some help. He had called the Grief Line and wondered if the person on the other end had had any similar experience as he had had this week. He wanted me to pray, also, for a service to be provided for people in his circumstance - but with advice given from people who had been through actual experiences - not just some one to talk to on a telephone.
I took his details and said I was on my way to Church and would pass on his details and circumstances to my Ministers for further action/prayer.
I cannot help but wonder why he chose to speak to me.
Simple.... I was in full Salvation Army uniform - That would be it !
What a responsibility we as Christian / Salvo's have in the community. There is such great respect for us as an organisation, but to do nothing - in my opinion - would be irresponsible.
It got me thinking about what Spiritual Gift(s) I have - if any ?
In my case, I don't believe it is necessarily the gift being able to talk to people - but as my employment demands it, maybe somethings are becoming more obvious.
My passion is music - and has been since I can remember, but as time goes on (and so does age, experience, understanding (?) and growth in "spiritual things"), the passion for people is becoming more evident.
There has to be more than just sitting back on Sunday morning and "playing" our part. I know we can't all give up our weekly employment and become Minister's or Missionary's, but there has to be more about "just where I am" than means that I (we) can become more useful for God's kingdom here in this place.
SASB 706.
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 make this life worthwhile?
I'll be a voice to call men to the Saviour,
Just where I am, and win my Father's smile.
Lord, help me be a light in this world so that others can see you in and through me.
Give us strength for new challenges that take us out of our comfort zone.
May your presence be near when we take steps to assist others.
And give us the right words to say when we have no words of our own.
Jesus we praise you - now more than ever,
For you alone are worthy of our praise, our praise.
Jesus we need you - now more than ever,
Your Spirits power we claim for each and every hour.
Jesus we love you - now more than ever.
For you first loved us more than we could ever love.
Jesus we bless you - our hearts rejoice in you,
Now more than ever.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
I had an interesting encounter today prior to our Church service.
I was at the Service Station, minding my own business, waiting for Nat to buy some much needed refreshments, when I had a tap on my window.
A tall, rough (?) looking man wearing a Bikie Jacket wanted my attention. I rolled down the window and he proceeded to ask me if I was religious and could I pray for him as his fiance had just died (last week) of an overdose. He didn't understand why this had happened as he loved her very much. Apart from his grief there was confusion as he had people telling him, that if she loved him so much, she wouldn't have done that. - He was understandably shaken up.
He said he didn't believe there was a God, but wondered if I'd pray anyway.
He was shattered and was trying to get some help. He had called the Grief Line and wondered if the person on the other end had had any similar experience as he had had this week. He wanted me to pray, also, for a service to be provided for people in his circumstance - but with advice given from people who had been through actual experiences - not just some one to talk to on a telephone.
I took his details and said I was on my way to Church and would pass on his details and circumstances to my Ministers for further action/prayer.
I cannot help but wonder why he chose to speak to me.
Simple.... I was in full Salvation Army uniform - That would be it !
What a responsibility we as Christian / Salvo's have in the community. There is such great respect for us as an organisation, but to do nothing - in my opinion - would be irresponsible.
It got me thinking about what Spiritual Gift(s) I have - if any ?
In my case, I don't believe it is necessarily the gift being able to talk to people - but as my employment demands it, maybe somethings are becoming more obvious.
My passion is music - and has been since I can remember, but as time goes on (and so does age, experience, understanding (?) and growth in "spiritual things"), the passion for people is becoming more evident.
There has to be more than just sitting back on Sunday morning and "playing" our part. I know we can't all give up our weekly employment and become Minister's or Missionary's, but there has to be more about "just where I am" than means that I (we) can become more useful for God's kingdom here in this place.
SASB 706.
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 make this life worthwhile?
I'll be a voice to call men to the Saviour,
Just where I am, and win my Father's smile.
Lord, help me be a light in this world so that others can see you in and through me.
Give us strength for new challenges that take us out of our comfort zone.
May your presence be near when we take steps to assist others.
And give us the right words to say when we have no words of our own.
Jesus we praise you - now more than ever,
For you alone are worthy of our praise, our praise.
Jesus we need you - now more than ever,
Your Spirits power we claim for each and every hour.
Jesus we love you - now more than ever.
For you first loved us more than we could ever love.
Jesus we bless you - our hearts rejoice in you,
Now more than ever.
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