I have said on several occasions that God has been faithful through this stage of my journey and looking back, he has always been there in the journey of life so far.
It is difficult to put into words how I feel about this fact and songs previously "Blogged" about have been a source reflection, comfort and inspiration.
I listened to another CD this week and found a great song written by Nathan Rowe (Aust) which adds great words to a great tune to sum up my feelings today.
Who is like my Lord
No one is as mighty as You
All creation roars
You're so beautiful
No one can compare
to Your awesome splendor Father
Every knee shall fall
You're so holy Lord
Incomparable
Mighty and powerful
Lord You're so wonderful
Beyond compare
You are faithful
Holy and merciful
Lord You're so beautiful
Beyond compare
My Lord
So beautiful
So wonderful
Incomparable
You are Lord.
Comfort:
Heavenly Father, I know that You are the only reason why I live. I will follow Your command to step out of my comfort zone, or leave behind what is familiar to me for I know that You will not leave me nor forsake me. Thank you Lord that You will provide everything that I need and continue to provide me as You have promised in Your Word.
Matthew 7:7-8
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Why I Love Jesus
Today I was listening to a updated version of a well known song in the "Witness" section of the Salvation Army Song Book (Song 404).
I found myself singing away heartily - to myself - no one else around. What a pleasant (?) sound I made !!
I realised that I have a song to sing and the words sum up my experience of the past weeks/months, and it is also relevant for my life today.
1.
Would you know why I love Jesus,
Why he is so dear to me?
'Tis because my blessed Saviour
From my sins has ransomed me.
Chorus
This is why I love my Jesus,
This is why I love him so:
He has pardoned my transgressions,
He has washed me white as snow.
2.
Would you know why I love Jesus,
Why he is so dear to me?
'Tis because the blood of Jesus
Fully saves and cleanses me.
3.
Would you know why I love Jesus,
Why he is so dear to me?
'Tis because, amid temptation,
He supports and strengthens me.
4.
Would you know why I love Jesus,
Why he is so dear to me?
'Tis because in every conflict
Jesus gives me victory.
5.
Would you know why I love Jesus,
Why he is so dear to me?
'Tis because my friend and Saviour
He will ever, ever be.
Having sung along, I wondered if anybody knows of my experience ? Have I told anyone ? Do I witness to the fact that He is dear to me ? Would others know that He is even in my life ?
I have always tried to show Jesus in my living, and the experience of the past 6 months working with The Salvation Army's Bush Fire Recovery Centre in Whittlesea has been an important part of my development in this area.
I'm looking forward to the next stage of my development working with the Public Relations Department of The Salvation Army - I am hoping that Jesus will be seen in and through me as I come into contact with the people of Victoria's western / country areas.
Another reading I found in an iPhone App - "Pocket Prayer" under the ministry section reads:
Lord, use me as your instrument to minister life, hope, help and healing to others; especially to the non believers. I do not want to be so focused on my own life and overlook your masterplan for me to minister to those around me. Empower the gift that you have planted in me, so that I can fully utlise them.
1 Peter 4:10
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms
I found myself singing away heartily - to myself - no one else around. What a pleasant (?) sound I made !!
I realised that I have a song to sing and the words sum up my experience of the past weeks/months, and it is also relevant for my life today.
1.
Would you know why I love Jesus,
Why he is so dear to me?
'Tis because my blessed Saviour
From my sins has ransomed me.
Chorus
This is why I love my Jesus,
This is why I love him so:
He has pardoned my transgressions,
He has washed me white as snow.
2.
Would you know why I love Jesus,
Why he is so dear to me?
'Tis because the blood of Jesus
Fully saves and cleanses me.
3.
Would you know why I love Jesus,
Why he is so dear to me?
'Tis because, amid temptation,
He supports and strengthens me.
4.
Would you know why I love Jesus,
Why he is so dear to me?
'Tis because in every conflict
Jesus gives me victory.
5.
Would you know why I love Jesus,
Why he is so dear to me?
'Tis because my friend and Saviour
He will ever, ever be.
Having sung along, I wondered if anybody knows of my experience ? Have I told anyone ? Do I witness to the fact that He is dear to me ? Would others know that He is even in my life ?
I have always tried to show Jesus in my living, and the experience of the past 6 months working with The Salvation Army's Bush Fire Recovery Centre in Whittlesea has been an important part of my development in this area.
I'm looking forward to the next stage of my development working with the Public Relations Department of The Salvation Army - I am hoping that Jesus will be seen in and through me as I come into contact with the people of Victoria's western / country areas.
Another reading I found in an iPhone App - "Pocket Prayer" under the ministry section reads:
Lord, use me as your instrument to minister life, hope, help and healing to others; especially to the non believers. I do not want to be so focused on my own life and overlook your masterplan for me to minister to those around me. Empower the gift that you have planted in me, so that I can fully utlise them.
1 Peter 4:10
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Limited Strength / Resources ??
I often wonder how we will ever cope with life, and the things that seem to be constantly "thrown" at us.
Negativity and uncertainty are two things that come to mind over the past few months.
Today (at church) we learnt about the Grace of God - I had already blogged about this subject, but God spoke to me again today. He is constantly reminding me that he is in control and I (we) must keep Him first in our lives for all things to fall(?) into place.
As I listened to the Songsters sing "Grace Alone" I found myself singing along - BUT this line was new to me and made my heart skip a beat and tears (again) begin to flow - something that has happened quite a lot over recent months.
"Strength alone He will provide" - WOW - God has been faithful, even though it is me that constantly stuffs up - He has never left, and has provided strength to get through the day to day "struggles" of life.
AND, How good is it that God never gives up on us. How many times can this go on ?
His love has no limits, his grace has no measure
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth, and giveth again.
SASB 579 v3
Every promise we can make
Every prayer and step of faith
Every difference we can make
Is only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb
Every ray of hope we shine
Every blessing left behind
Is only by His grace
Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.
Every soul we long to reach
Every heart we hope to teach
Everywhere we share His peace
Is only by His grace.
Every loving word we say
Every tear we wipe away
Every sorrow turned to praise
Is only by His grace.
Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.
Thank you God for your unlimited love, strength, power and grace
Negativity and uncertainty are two things that come to mind over the past few months.
Today (at church) we learnt about the Grace of God - I had already blogged about this subject, but God spoke to me again today. He is constantly reminding me that he is in control and I (we) must keep Him first in our lives for all things to fall(?) into place.
As I listened to the Songsters sing "Grace Alone" I found myself singing along - BUT this line was new to me and made my heart skip a beat and tears (again) begin to flow - something that has happened quite a lot over recent months.
"Strength alone He will provide" - WOW - God has been faithful, even though it is me that constantly stuffs up - He has never left, and has provided strength to get through the day to day "struggles" of life.
AND, How good is it that God never gives up on us. How many times can this go on ?
His love has no limits, his grace has no measure
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth, and giveth again.
SASB 579 v3
Every promise we can make
Every prayer and step of faith
Every difference we can make
Is only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb
Every ray of hope we shine
Every blessing left behind
Is only by His grace
Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.
Every soul we long to reach
Every heart we hope to teach
Everywhere we share His peace
Is only by His grace.
Every loving word we say
Every tear we wipe away
Every sorrow turned to praise
Is only by His grace.
Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.
Thank you God for your unlimited love, strength, power and grace
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Priorities
Over the past several months I have been trying to get back to basics in my prayer life, devotions, reading (and listening) with the aim to prioritise my daily walk and service with/for God.
I have been reminded that I should bring my best and all the rest to God and lay them down before him.
I am continually reminded of the verse from James 4:10 (The Message)
Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
I know he is faithful in supplying my needs on a daily basis - My priority should be - to seek His face BEFORE I seek His plan for my life.
In this quiet place with you I bow before your throne
I bare the deepest part of me to you and you alone
I keep no secrets for there is no thought you have not know
I bring my best and all the rest to you and lay them down
With all my heart I want to love you Lord
And live my life each day to know you more
All that is in me is yours completely
I'll serve you only with all my heart
You faithfully supply my needs according to your plan
So help me Lord to seek your face before I seek your hand
And trust you know what's best for me when I don't understand
Then follow in obedience in every circumstance
With all my heart I want to love you Lord
And live my life each day to know you more
All that is in me is yours completely
I'll serve you only with all my heart
Lord help me to trust you more each day,
Thank you for supplying my daily needs,
Forgive me for putting my priorities before yours,
May my life and service be acceptable to you,
May all glory, honour and praise be yours
Amen.
I have been reminded that I should bring my best and all the rest to God and lay them down before him.
I am continually reminded of the verse from James 4:10 (The Message)
Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
I know he is faithful in supplying my needs on a daily basis - My priority should be - to seek His face BEFORE I seek His plan for my life.
In this quiet place with you I bow before your throne
I bare the deepest part of me to you and you alone
I keep no secrets for there is no thought you have not know
I bring my best and all the rest to you and lay them down
With all my heart I want to love you Lord
And live my life each day to know you more
All that is in me is yours completely
I'll serve you only with all my heart
You faithfully supply my needs according to your plan
So help me Lord to seek your face before I seek your hand
And trust you know what's best for me when I don't understand
Then follow in obedience in every circumstance
With all my heart I want to love you Lord
And live my life each day to know you more
All that is in me is yours completely
I'll serve you only with all my heart
Lord help me to trust you more each day,
Thank you for supplying my daily needs,
Forgive me for putting my priorities before yours,
May my life and service be acceptable to you,
May all glory, honour and praise be yours
Amen.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Reward and Recognition
Coming from the "corporate world" where (if you're lucky enough) you can gain some monetary reward and recognition for a job well done, I was reminded (by my iPod Shuffle) of where the recognition for the work I do should go.
The line to "take your word and shine it all around, but first help me to live it, Lord" was a subtle reminder that in my role in the Bushfire Recovery Centre in Whittlesea, people need to see Jesus in me and I need to live what I believe and the love that Jesus shows to me, I should show to others.
A second reminder for today was that the Preston Brass Band is off to country Victoria this weekend and as I play, I am continually reminded that no matter how good (?) I/we play - the glory goes to God.
These are the words of the song by Keith Green
Oh Lord, You're beautiful
Your face is all I see
For when Your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me
I want to take Your Word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live it, Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
Oh Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clean
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
I want to take Your Word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live it, Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
My prayer:
In my "Service for God" world - may all the glory be given to you Lord.
In my life Lord
Be glorified, be glorified
In my life, Lord
Be glorified today.
In Your church, Lord
Be glorified, be glorified
In Your church, Lord
Be glorified today.
In my heart, Lord
Be glorified, be glorified
In my heart, Lord
Be glorified today.
In my praise, Lord
Be glorified, be glorified
In my praise, Lord
Be glorified today.
The line to "take your word and shine it all around, but first help me to live it, Lord" was a subtle reminder that in my role in the Bushfire Recovery Centre in Whittlesea, people need to see Jesus in me and I need to live what I believe and the love that Jesus shows to me, I should show to others.
A second reminder for today was that the Preston Brass Band is off to country Victoria this weekend and as I play, I am continually reminded that no matter how good (?) I/we play - the glory goes to God.
These are the words of the song by Keith Green
Oh Lord, You're beautiful
Your face is all I see
For when Your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me
I want to take Your Word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live it, Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
Oh Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clean
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
I want to take Your Word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live it, Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
My prayer:
In my "Service for God" world - may all the glory be given to you Lord.
In my life Lord
Be glorified, be glorified
In my life, Lord
Be glorified today.
In Your church, Lord
Be glorified, be glorified
In Your church, Lord
Be glorified today.
In my heart, Lord
Be glorified, be glorified
In my heart, Lord
Be glorified today.
In my praise, Lord
Be glorified, be glorified
In my praise, Lord
Be glorified today.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
I Would Be True
This morning I had an interesting "revelation" as I was driving to work. ( it's difficult to drive when your heart's beating out of your chest and your eyes are full of tears!! )
Listening to my iPod and with music on "shuffle", an old Salvation Army March began and I sung along with much gusto.
Although I have never played the March before I had heard it a couple of months ago.
The revelation was that I am NOT living up to the words I was singing. I have been so busy over the past few weeks I have begun to slip back into my old ways - very little prayer - very little devotions - very little focus on God - and not attending church (once).
SASB 491
I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
Jesus will help me,
He is my friend;
He'll lead and I will follow
Till life's very end.
I would be friend of all - the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving, and forget the gift;
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up and laugh and love and lift.
I have had the line "I would be true for there are those who trust me" at the forefront of my life as I have had many leadership positions within the church. I have felt it necessary to be true to God as people that you lead need to be able to trust there leaders. I'm feeling a little flat at present and wonder what others are seeing - someone showing signs of little motivation and unsteadiness I would expect.
The line "I would be pure, for there are those who care" . what can I say - pure in thought, word and deed - failing miserably at present. Don't get me wrong - I have not turned to the "dark side", but just some days are worse than others and I know I should/could/must be better.
Next comes "I would be strong, for there is much to suffer", "I would be brave, for there is much to dare." - not feeling very strong or brave at present - finding too easy to go with the flow.
Jesus, please help me to be true, pure, strong and brave.
Jesus, take my hand - lead me and I will follow 'till life's very end.
Listening to my iPod and with music on "shuffle", an old Salvation Army March began and I sung along with much gusto.
Although I have never played the March before I had heard it a couple of months ago.
The revelation was that I am NOT living up to the words I was singing. I have been so busy over the past few weeks I have begun to slip back into my old ways - very little prayer - very little devotions - very little focus on God - and not attending church (once).
SASB 491
I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
Jesus will help me,
He is my friend;
He'll lead and I will follow
Till life's very end.
I would be friend of all - the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving, and forget the gift;
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up and laugh and love and lift.
I have had the line "I would be true for there are those who trust me" at the forefront of my life as I have had many leadership positions within the church. I have felt it necessary to be true to God as people that you lead need to be able to trust there leaders. I'm feeling a little flat at present and wonder what others are seeing - someone showing signs of little motivation and unsteadiness I would expect.
The line "I would be pure, for there are those who care" . what can I say - pure in thought, word and deed - failing miserably at present. Don't get me wrong - I have not turned to the "dark side", but just some days are worse than others and I know I should/could/must be better.
Next comes "I would be strong, for there is much to suffer", "I would be brave, for there is much to dare." - not feeling very strong or brave at present - finding too easy to go with the flow.
Jesus, please help me to be true, pure, strong and brave.
Jesus, take my hand - lead me and I will follow 'till life's very end.
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