Shifting Values.

This week I spent some time enjoying a Victorian Country Road Trip. The further west I drove the less radio reception I received - 89.9 Light FM is my station.

I cranked up the iPhone and hit the "shuffle" button to get a mix of band, songsters, contemporary worship and secular music ( even some Country and Western ).

A new song to my library was from the Melbourne Staff Songsters - The Solid Rock. An updated version of an old hymn.

Verse 2 reads,
When darkness seems to veil his face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.


This then sent my mind to a favourite tune that I used to use often as a benediction to a service.

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the storm tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.


I suppose over the past 12 months, there have been many circumstances that have changed for me and my family. Looking back I can see that whilst there are many things that pull us from pillar to post, and just when you think you heading in the right direction, circumstances change around us that leave us confused and unsure, God has always been there.

I must say too, that God through His people, have been an enourmous source of strength and support to us as a family and for this we are very, very grateful and thankful.

My thoughts turned to this verse found in Song 324;

In a world of shifting values,
There are standard that remain.
I believe that holy living
By God's grace we may attain.
All would hear the Holy Spirit
If they listen to his voice,
Every Christian can be Christlike
And in liberty rejoice.


Thank you Lord for being my source of strength and someone told hold on to in times of trouble and stress.
Thank you for never changing when the world moves so quickly around me.
Help me to strive for holy living and to be Christlike in my every thought, word and deed.

Question Time.

1 Kings 3:9 (NIV).
So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.


Following another challenge at church last week, I found myself questioning many things.

Is my heart in it ?
Do I really care ? How much ?
Have I lost the passion ?
Am I willing and ready to do what is asked ?
Do I want any of this ?

I was reminded of the following song that has been stuck in my head (yet again) since these questions where raised and I am struggling to find the "right" answers.


SASB 426
I want, dear Lord, a heart that's true and clean,
A sunlit heart, with not a cloud between;
A heart like thine, a heart divine,
A heart as white as snow;
On me, dear Lord, a heart like this bestow.

I want, dear Lord, a love that cares for all,
A deep, strong love that answers every call;
A love like thine, a love divine,
A love to come or go;
On me, dear Lord, a love like this bestow.

I want, dear Lord, a soul on fire for thee,
A soul baptised with heavenly energy;
A willing mind, a ready hand To do whate'er I know,
To spread thy light wherever I may go.


I pray that verse 3 is what we are striving for ( for all of us ) but it would be difficult to do if verse 1 and 2 where not as honestly prayed for as well - or would it ?

I suppose you can be fired up, but for what purpose ?

Right Now - Today!

Philippians 3:14 (NIV).
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Yesterday, at church, we sang a song that I must admit, is not my favourite.  Probably because when it was first introduced, we sang/played it to death, but yesterday it became clear, again, that for me to move forward with Jesus, my passion(s), my skill(s) need to be given to Him - right now - TODAY!

It was a "gentle" reminder that if I was being honest with God and myself, I need to get on with things - no use talking about it (or Blogging for that matter) but making that commitment to give up these things that hold me back and say today (and from now on) - I am yours.

It also reminded me that my passion and my skill (both somewhat questionable at times) need to be used for the extension of His kingdom.  I don't think I've ever had too many issues with this as I have always given my best in my playing and leading and the Launceston Citadel Band's Motto - "My Best For The Highest" has always been foremost in my thinking in my preparation, playing and leading.  I think the reminder for me today, is to be humble with the skills that God has given - to keep the passion alive - and to use it to reach/speak to others in their journey - A help to worship not a hindrance.

All that I am, all I can be,
All that I have, all that is me,
Accept and use Lord,
As you would chose, Lord,
Right now - today!
Take ev'ry passion, ev'ry skill,
Take all my dreams and bend them to your will,
May all I give, Lord,
For you I'll live, Lord,
Come what may.

Often I come with my problems and cares,
Running to you when distressed.
But I must bring you the whole of my life.
Lord, I must give you my best.

Life has no purpose unless it is yours.
Life without you has no goal.
All that fulfills me is doing your will,
Knowing that your in control.

All that I am, all I can be,
All that I have, all that is me,
Accept and use Lord,
As you would chose, Lord,
Right now - today!
Take ev'ry passion, ev'ry skill,
Take all my dreams and bend them to your will,
May all I give, Lord,
For you I'll live, Lord,
Come what may.


As I typed this Blog I was reminded of the simple chorus and prayer:

Renew my will from day to day;
Blend it with thine, and take away
All that now makes it hard to say,
Thy will be done. 

Amen.