What Do I (You) Look Like

Matthew 5:16 (NIV).
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.


On September 20th, I turned the Daily Verse and Quote Of The Day booklet at THQ over to find the above verse and this quote:

Is your life a witness, with testimony true?

Could the world be won to Christ by what others see in you?

Paul L. Powers.

I thought it would be a good text to use in my Blog as I have often wondered - What do I look like to others around me?

Nat and I have a favourite pass time - People Watching.  It usually happens in a crowded Shopping Centre and whilst we see some interesting (?) sights, I often wonder what people would see in me when I'm out and about in public. 

It's easy on Sunday's for others to see a certain side of me that hopefully is pleasing in His sight.  I put on my uniform and "play" my part to the best of my ability.  Now, during my week days, I am clothed in the same uniform (well almost) and get to move amongst the people of Victoria - Is the outward appearance a true reflection of my inward being?

Just because we might look good (?) and we "act" good when we are "on show", doesn't always reflect our true selves.

I hadn't added the quote and Bible verse to my Blog until now.  I was reminded by my fellow Blogger (Ian R) in his Blog - The Key To Life.

http://21stcenturysoap.blogspot.com/2010/09/key-to-life.html

Thanks again for this reminder.

I love the song in our Song Book (that I used several months ago) that summed up what I wanted in my life back then.  I don't think the prayer has changed - I know I have changed (hopefully for the better) but, still it's a prayer that continues to echo in my mind and in my heart.

Christ of Glory, Prince of Peace,
Let thy life in mine increase;
Though I live may it be shown
'Tis thy life and not my own.
Dwell within, that men may see
Christ in me,
Christ, the living Christ, in me.

Answer now my soul's desire,
Purge my heart with holy fire,
Soothe the hurt with gentle balm,
Breathe within my life thy charm,
Fill me now, so shall there be
Christ in me,
Christ, the holy Christ, in me.

Gracious Lord, thy grace apply,
Both to save and sanctify;
All my life wilt thou control,
Calmly ordering the whole,
That the world may ever see
Christ in me,
Christ, and only Christ, in me.
SASB 479

Inhabit (or Inhibit) Our Praise

After working my way through a new CD that I purchased a couple of weeks ago (MSS - God Is..), I was reminded of the way things can effect my worship time and things that have come to inhibit my praise.

Inhibit:
Transitive verb. to hold back or keep from some action, feeling, etc.; check or repress;

I'm not sure if I can capture all the things that come into my life that inhibit my praise and why I even let them (sometimes) take control of my time.  Having said that, I don't think I'm alone in this issue.

My days leading up to Sunday's are now enjoyable and spending time with people who, for many, reasons are supporters of this organisation that has both Christian/church focus and a social emphasis too.  I certainly have had a change in direction in employment terms, but it has given me more time to focus on things that are important and the things that make me a better person/Christian.

Some things like worry, stress, time constraints, other peoples priorities (that are not the same as mine) all can get in the way of worship, prayer and praise - why do we allow these things to inhibit our praise?

I need to stop and take control of these inhibitors of my praise and concentrate on the things that ensure my worship is found to be worthy and that God inhabits my praise.

From every nation all across this world,
We come to celebrate your life - Gods love to us revealed.
Holy and righteous, pure in all your ways,
Worthy and eternal one - Inhabit our praise.

We give you the honour
We give you the glory
We come to lift up your name
God inhabit our praise.

We give you the honour,
We give you the glory.
Jesus we welcome you here,
As your presence draws near.

Lift up the Father, lavished on this world,
Lamb of God, word made flesh, who came to save and heal.
King of the angels, author of our days,
Merciful, anointed one - Inhabit our praise.

We give you the honour
We give you the glory
We come to lift up your name
God inhabit our praise.

We give you the honour,
We give you the glory.
Jesus we welcome you here,
As your presence draws near.

Lifting up your name
Giving you our praise
We're lifting up your name
Giving you our praise

We give you the honour
We give you the glory
We come to lift up your name
God inhabit our praise.

We give you the honour,
We give you the glory.
Jesus we welcome you here,
As your presence draws near.


Philippians 4:5-9 (The Message).
Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive.  He could show up any minute!

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. 

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. 

Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized.  Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Get Down..... To Pray

1Thessalonuans 5:17-18
Pray all the time;  thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live

I saw a great quote on Face book the other day.
"God understands our prayers even when we can't find the words to say them."

I was reminded the other day that as a Junior Soldiers Prayer Pal (Salvation Army speak), we should pray for our Pal as a minimum 5 times a week.  Some would find this easy as I know there as those in our church who pray continually - not just for the young people, but for all aspects of the churches ministry - both locally and internationally.

I would have to admit, I'm a person that prays when times seem a little desperate.  You know the times - when all things seem hopeless and it's only then we turn to God for help.

I have certainly stepped up the talking (and listening) to God this year as I have tried to become a better "disciple", but to "pray never ceasing" will take more discipline on my behalf.

We often hear of the great answers to prayer in many differing circumstances in peoples lives and I have to wonder if we all got down to pray more often, what greater things would we encounter.

Lord, listen to your children praying.
Lord, send your spirit in this place.
Lord, listen to your children praying.
Send us love, send us power, send us grace.

Something's gonna happen like the world has never known,
When the people of the Lord get down to pray.
The doors gonna swing open and the walls come a tumblin' down
When the people of the Lord get down to pray.

Lord, listen to your children praying.
Lord, send your spirit in this place.
Lord, listen to your children praying.
Send us love, send us power, send us grace.

You're gonna know it, when the Lord stretched out His hand.
And the people of the Lord get down to pray.
There's gonna be a brand new song of victr'y in this land,
When the people of the Lord get down to pray.

And all the people said:

Lord, listen to your children praying.
Lord, send your spirit in this place.
Lord, listen to your children praying.
Send us love, send us power, send us grace.

Send us love,
Send us power,
Send us grace.


I am thankful that when I take the time to pray (even if it's not as often as I should), God is always there.

I have even purchased a prayer application on my iPhone to help with journaling my prayers and to assist me with my focus on my prayer time.

There are many hymns, songs and tunes associated with prayer and I have used my favourite before.

Prayer gently lifts me to highest Heaven,
From earth's confusion to Jesus' breast.
My sin and weakness, my doubt and sorrow,
Are lost for ever in sweetest rest. 


I particularly like the song "You Are Always There" and I though it would be good to share it today.

When I talk to you I know you listen,
And when I'm scared I always know that you are there.
In your presence I will feel your comfort,
That's why I know that I can come to you in prayer,
It's in the stillness that you touch me,
And show me just how much you care.
And as my heart fills with your wonder,
I know that you are always there.

You are always there,
You are always there,
And your love will never cease,
You fill me with your peace,
You are always there

You are always there,
You are always there,
When I come to you in prayer,
I know that you are always there.

There are times when I have been too busy,
And there are times when I don't take the time to pray.
But you are always there just waiting for me,
Until I come to you and put my cares away,
It's in the stillness that you touch me,
And show me just how much you care.
And as my heart fills with your wonder,
I know that you are always there.

You are always there,
You are always there,
And your love will never cease,
You fill me with your peace,
You are always there

You are always there,
You are always there,
When I come to you in prayer,
I know that you are always there.

When I come to you in prayer, I know that you are always there.

Walking In The Light

Hebrews 12:2 (The Message)
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God


I have had a great day today.

We (at Territorial Head Quarters) have a time set aside for prayers - every Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

It's not every workplace that can boast some time to be specifically set aside during the week for prayer, praise and worship - "Corporate" life is far too busy sometimes to even have 5 minutes peace let alone time to stop and consider Jesus - I know, I've been there and forgotten that!

Today was excellent - we had a group of young people come in under the leadership of Ken Waterworth and lead the worship time.

The group sang a beautiful song written by Tommy Walker - In The Light Of Your Glory.  I have no idea who he is, but the words and arrangement (by Dave Williamson) gave me something to think about today.

Again it speaks of giving up the "stuff" that the world has to offer, and even our dreams and desires too - especially if they are not "in tune" with His will for our lives.  There are a lot of "voices" that can distract from the voice of Jesus in this world today, but I was encouraged to stop and look to Jesus and find that what He offers is far greater that anything we count as precious here in this place.


All the things that seemed so big now look so small
The selfish dreams I held so high, I let them fall.
Now that I have tasted and I've seen who you are,
I let go now, I give you my all

In the light of your glory and love,
In the light of your beauty and grace from above,
I consider all things of this earth only loss,
In the light of your glory and love.

So many are the fears that were controlling me,
So many voices calling me away from thee,
Just give me your presence and your grace from the cross,
It's to you I cling, Lord I give you my all.

In the light of your glory and love,

In the light of your beauty and grace from above
I consider all things of this earth only loss
In the light of your glory and love.

I give my love,
I give my life to you forever,
No one compares to you my precious Lord, my Savior

In the light of your glory and love,

In the light of your beauty and grace from above,
I consider all things of this earth only loss,
In the light of your glory and love.


My prayer for you and me:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Amazing

Matthew 7:28 (NIV).
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching.

Luke 4:31-32 (NIV)
Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people.  They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.


I looked up the word "Amazed" in my electronic version of the Bible and many verses appeared.  I was drawn to the verses above and the fact that most of the references to people being "amazed" were when Jesus was teaching his disciples and doing miraculous things like casting out demons etc. etc. etc.
Today, as I was stuck in traffic, my iPhone (on shuffle) played a new song written by Nathan Rowe which I hadn't listened to - from start to finish at least..

It speaks of being amazed by the sacrifice Jesus paid at Calvary, His blood, His grace, His power - His victory.

How can I not be amazed with what was done for me!

When I think about your goodness I'm amazed.
When I think about the price you paid, I don't understand.
When I think about your sacrifice, the blood you shed for me,
I'm amazed Lord that you gave it all for me.

When I think about your goodness I'm amazed.
When I think about the price you paid, I don't understand.
When I think about your sacrifice, the blood you shed for me,
I'm amazed Lord that you gave it all for me.

I'm amazed that you gave it all for me.
I'm amazed Lord by the power of Calvary
I'm amazed by your precious sacrifice
I'm amazed, I'm amazed.

Lord, I don't deserve this gift of grace.
That you sent your only son for me and he took my place,
I cant believe he die for me then rose in victory,
I'm amazed Lord, that you did this all for me.

I'm amazed that you gave it all for me.
I'm amazed Lord by the power of Calvary
I'm amazed by your precious sacrifice
I'm amazed, I'm amazed.


I'm amazed that you gave it all for me.
I'm amazed Lord by the power of Calvary,
I'm amazed by your precious sacrifice,
I'm amazed, I'm amazed.

You are Lord,
Amazing.
Thank you Lord for saving me

You are Lord,
Amazing.
Thank you lord you set me free.

I'm amazed that you gave it all for me,
I'm amazed Lord by the power of Calvary,
I'm amazed by your precious sacrifice,
I'm amazed, I'm amazed.
(Nathan Rowe)


I thought I would add some older words that too reference the fact that "I'm amazed". 

I can't help but wonder if verse 2 was sent as another "gentle" reminder for me today!
(see my Blog:  New Words - Traditional Tune)


SASB 179
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how he could love me,
A sinner, condemned. unclean.

Chorus
How marvellous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvellous! How wonderful
Is my Saviour's love for me!

For me it was in the garden
He prayed: Not my will, but thine;
He had no tears for his own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.

He took my sins and sorrows,
He made them his very own;
He bore my burden to Calvary.
And suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in Glory
His face I at last shall see,
'Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of his love for me.
Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1856-1932)

New Words - Traditional Tune

Luke 22:39-43 (NIV).

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.  On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”  He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,  "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

"Oh Shenandoah" (also called simply "Shenandoah", or "Across the Wide Missouri") is a traditional American folk song of uncertain origin, dating at least to the early 19th century.


One of my favourite tunes is Shenandoah in which the Salvation Army Song 614, written by John Oxenham, has been adapted for Brass and Vocal.

I have used the words before whilst Blogging, but I was inspired (?) to write some other words to this tune that sum up where I am today.  The inspiration came as one Band Practise night, Fiona gave devotions and said she had written some words of her own (but I can't remember what they where or to what tune they went - sorry).

I thought of my favourite tune and tried to write my feelings in words to fit to this tune.  I was reminded of the verse in Luke where Jesus knew what was to happen to him, but still he prayed "not my will but yours be done".
 
We read of the anguish he felt and yet he prayed more earnestly.
 
I am thankful that I have not had to make a choice this great.  Could we pray the same thing if put in this situation?
 
I struggle sometimes to pray in much less life changing circumstances, and sometimes I forget to even consider Gods plan and purpose when things seem to great for me to comprehend.  How easy is it to put our will before God and the needs of others?
 
My thoughts behind the words:
 
Firstly, I need to pray that Gods will is my will.  His glory is what I seek - not my own glory.  Others need to be able to see Jesus in me.
 
Secondly, others need Christ - What am I doing about this ?  Anything ?  Nothing ? 
Again, glorifying God in the process is the utmost importance and not taking the "praise" when we do "good deeds".  I am happy when people do good for others, and I believe there needs to be more of it - but lets give God the glory!
 
I know words are important to build us up and equip us for the task, and they can be encouraging to those around us who are struggling in their journey - but actions are important too (more important ??). 
Don't just talk about it, do something !
 
Thirdly, the acknowledgement that we need God in our lives daily, renewing and refreshing - giving His power for the tasks which he assigns.
 
And finally, the commitment - My life, my ALL I give.
 
Lord hear my prayer - your will to know,
In my life your glory show.
So other souls around may see
Jesus - living in me.
Jesus lives in me.

Lord hear my prayer - your love to share,
To a world in great despair.
O may my words and actions to,
Give glory all to you.
Glory all to you.

O Lord I need you more each day,
Send your power to me I pray.
Renew my will each day I live.
My life, my all I give
My all I give.

My life, my all I give.

When The G. P. S. Goes Down.

Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

John 14:6 (NIV).
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.


As part of my new role, I am required to travel to western suburbs and country Victoria.  Today was a day where my Global Positioning System (GPS) didn't know where to go.  The Melways in the car is dated 2007 and the GPS maps are 2 years old - this, with the ever changing landscape of the country, got me lost today.

I was flying blind.  I didn't have a clue as each new subdivision looked the same as the last and I was feeling a little unsettled as I was in unknown territory.

During my visitation today, I was reminded that God has everything mapped out for me (us).  It doesn't matter how young or old we are, or if we think we're "out of date" like my maps, Gods plan for our lives is plain.

I again looked up Micah 6:8 (The Message).

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women.  It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbour, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously — take God seriously.

I have previously Blogged on this verse and how many times (this year) it has been given to me to teach me the direction I should go.  I think my lack of understanding (and willingness to listen and take action) has caused this verse to be "sent" to me on many occasions (so far) in 2010.

On Sunday morning, in the middle of our 125th Anniversary Church Service, I was reminded of the song in our songbook about following Jesus and how the future with Him is the right path to tread.  The tune was right in front of me and the arrangement of this tune filled my head.

We were reminded of how important the past was, and how exciting the present is, but the challenge for me was - "how will I use the future to be a better person - in my family, at work, in church and the community where Jesus is needed so badly".

SASB 490
I heard a voice so gently calling: Take up thy cross and follow me.
A tempest on my heart was falling, A living cross this was to be;
I struggled sore, I struggled vainly, No other light my eyes could see.

I'll follow thee, of life the giver, I'll follow thee, suffering redeemer,
I'll follow thee, deny thee never, By thy grace I'll follow thee.

I heard his voice unto me saying: Take up thy cross and follow me.
My heart is thine, now thee obeying, Speak all thy will, dear Lord, to me.
Make weakness strength, thy power now give me, And from this hour I'll follow thee.
Agnes Heathcote.

This is certainly not an easy song to sing, as it takes commitment to sing "and from this hour, I'll follow thee", not to mention "I'll follow thee, deny thee never". 

Do we sing it and mean it?  Or is it just a song that someone wrote - that meant something to someone  - at some point in the past?

As my GPS fell over today, I thank God for the fact that Gods Positioning System (GPS) is available - always.  It takes some commitment to follow.  Are we in a position to say "yes" and take a stand and trust Gods leading in our lives?  Or are we happy to go with the flow?

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV).
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

As For Me And My House....

Joshua 24:15 (The Message).
“If you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you’d rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you’re now living. As for me and my family, we’ll worship God.”

As I prepared for our church service yesterday - with a focus on our 125th Anniversary (albeit it we only came in 2008), I was reminded of an "old" song which asks the question - who's side are you on?

I knew we were going to have a great time of celebration - of the past, present and future, but I was challenged even before we left for church about where do I sit in the scheme of things here in the Preston Salvation Army.

Am I willing to be a part of the future and be a force that God can use in His service?

SASB 707
Who is on the Lord's side?  Who will serve the King?
Who will be his helpers other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world's side?  Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord's side?  Who for him will go?

By thy grand redemption, by thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord's side; Saviour, we are thine.

Not for weight of glory, not for crown and palm,
Enter we the army, raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth lives for whom he died;
He whom Jesus nameth must be on his side.

Jesus, thou hast bought us, not with gold or gem,
But with thine own life-blood for thy diadem.
With thy blessing filling each who comes to thee,
Thou hast made us willing, thou hast made us free.

Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe,
But the King's own army none can overthrow.
Round his standard ranging, victory is secure,
For his truth unchanging makes the triumph sure.

Master, thou wilt keep us, by thy grace divine.
Always on the Lord's side, Saviour, always thine.


Before we left for church, I looked this song up in a book that was given to me many years ago (Amazing Grace - 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotion) and found the above verse in Joshua, which ends in the statement - "As for me and my house, we're gonna serve the Lord".


The challenges for me (us) today are:

Whose side are you on?

Are we (you) willing to be an integral part of the future of His (Salvation) Army here in this place?

Are we (you) in a position to say "as for me and my house, we're going to serve the Lord?"

Throw Your Arms Up ?

How easy it is to throw your hands up either in disgust, disillusionment or dissatisfaction and walk away because it's all too hard?

Well - I had a minor "hissy fit" this weekend, although justifiable (if I don't say so myself) and considered throwing my arms up in all of the above mentioned areas - even to a point of walking away.

Since last weekend, a song has been played over and over in my mind - sung by the Melbourne Staff Songsters (words and music by Phil Laeger) - which has helped me through the past few days.

Let your love work its way into my heart.
I wanna give away like you have given me.
So I'm throwin' my arms open wide to you,
Use me, Lord, how you want to.
I am available.
With my all I part.
Let your love work its way into my heart.

I wanna be like you,
I wanna show how much you love them.
I wanna love like you,
Help me to be your hands and feet.
I wanna be like you,
I wanna show how much you love them.
I wanna love like you,
Help me to be your hands and feet.

Let your love work its way into my heart.
I wanna give away like you have given me.
So I'm throwin' my arms open wide to you,
Use me, Lord, how you want to.
I am available.
With my all I part.
Let your love work its way into my heart.
(Phil Laeger)


Why throw your arms up (even in despair) when you should throw your arms open wide to Him who can lift us far past any despair, disillusionment and dissatisfaction that life often brings.

Jesus, too, stretched His arms open wide when they were nailed to the cross. He did this out of love - what an awesome concept.  Maybe we should think about stretching out our arms to Him and then to others - and not throw them in the air and walk away because it's all too hard.

SASB 764 v1
Through the love of God our Saviour
All will be well;
Free and changeless is his favour,
All, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us,
Perfect is the grace that sealed us,
Strong the hand outstretched to shield us,
All must be well.
(Mary Peters 1813-1856)

Father's Day 2010

I've had a good Fathers Day for 2010.  It started with breafast in bed with 4 presents from my 3 girls and wife Nat - What a great start to the day!

I received a poem from Maddison.

Walk a Little Slower Daddy

"Walk a Little slower, Daddy." said a little child so small.
I'm following in your footsteps and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast, sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower Daddy, for you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up, You're what I want to be.
Then I will have a little child who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right, and know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy, for I must follow you!!
- Author Unknown


Today, I wanted to share the words of a song sung by Garry Druery.  The words have been slightly changed to suit my circumstances - but you will get the message.

It speaks of being a Holy Example and the innocents of children.

It has been with me alot over several years as I have tried to be a good dad - I know I'm not the best one around as I have moved away from eldest 3 children on a couple of occasions - even as far as FNQ, but I've tried to lead a good life with Jesus as my guide through life so that "others", including my family, may see Jesus in me.


She climbs in my lap for a good night hug,
She calls me dad and I call her bub,
The faded old pillow, the bear named Pooh,
She snuggles up close and says, I wanna be like you.
And I tuck her in bed and I kiss her good night,
Tripping over the toys as I turn out the light
And I whisper a prayer that some day she'll see
She has a father in God because she has seen Jesus in me

Lord I wanna be just like you,
Cause she wants to be just like me.
I wanna be a holy example for her innocent eyes to see.
Help me be a Living Bible Lord, that my little girl can read.
I wanna be just like you, cause she wants to be like me.

I've got to admit I got so far to go
Make so many mistakes and I'm sure that you know
Sometime it seems no matter how hard I try
With all the pressure in life I just can't do it all right.
But I'm trying so hard to learn from the best,
Being patient and kind and with your tenderness,
Cause I know that she'll learn by the things that she sees,
An the Jesus she find will be the Jesus in me.

Lord I wanna be just like you,
Cause she wants to be just like me.
I wanna be a holy example for her innocent eyes to see.
Help me be a Living Bible Lord, that my little girl can read.
I wanna be just like you, cause she wants to be like me.

Right now from where she stands I might seem mighty tall,
It's only 'cause I'm learning from the best Father of them all.

Lord I wanna be just like you,
Cause she wants to be just like me.
I wanna be a holy example for her innocent eyes to see.
Help me be a Living Bible Lord, that my little girl can read.
I wanna be just like you, cause she wants to be like me.

I wanna be just like you, cause she wants to be like me.

How Deep ?

Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV).
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.


Our church (The Salvation Army - Preston) is fast approaching its 125th Anniversary.

As part of the Sunday afternoon celebrations, the band is playing some pieces that spans over 70+ years of music.  One of the more recent arrangements that we will be playing uses the words of "How Deep The Fathers Love For Us" - again, this music is stuck firmly in my brain (along with so many tunes, I find it difficult to sleep at night)

I have always struggled with the line "It was my sin that held him there".  I know all this happened before I was even thought of, but I cannot help but stumble over this line - every time we sing it.  I know I'm not perfect, and I know even today, I still do things that I know go against where Jesus is trying to lead me.

I just wonder how many times must Jesus hang on the cross for me ?  How many times must I put those nails into his hands and feet ?

I probably should concentrate more on the part where it says, "His dying breath has brought me life".  I know this to be true in my life and I am eternally grateful for this sacrificial death, I am just sorry that my failings continually take up so much of His time.

The arrangement we are playing concludes - triumphantly with verse 3.

The first line - "I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom" - is something that I firmly believe in.  Over many years now I have been very thankful that God has given me some (small) gifts and talents.  I have always handed them over to God to use as He sees fit - there is no boasting in my abilities or talents - God gave them to me / us (no matter how big or small) - It has always been my prayer for God to be glorified in my life - whether a leader, participant in a musical section or member of a church congregation.

As for power and wisdom - I don't believe I have ever had too much of them to worry about boasting !


How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(Stuart Townend)