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.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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)
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)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Take The World
Mark 8:36-37 (NIV).
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
! John 2:15-17 (NIV).
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
I am so grateful that I have been brought up knowing Jesus is my Saviour.
I am constantly blessed being part of this Christian organisation - The Salvation Army. I have to admit that music is a major part of this "attraction", but the Army has been "instrumental" (pardon the pun) in my growth as a person and a Christian.
I cannot get past this fact at the moment. I know the music I listen to has been sent from God - to inspire, challenge, poke and prod - and most of all, after studying the words of the songs and the scriptures that they are based on - they have given me Jesus.
I was privileged recently to conduct the Preston Salvation Army Band in a beautiful arrangement of "Give Me Jesus" - Arranged for Horn (solo) by Harold Burgmayer. The music is simple enough with an awesome tune and superbly played by our CSM - Ian Russel.
It was as recent as last Saturday night, as I listened to the Melbourne Staff Songsters (Salvation Army Choir) sing this same arrangement - for Male Voices - that the words suddenly became "real" to me.
You can see all around us that the "attraction" of the world has people under its spell. People want it all - The cars, the houses, the executive wages, the high life. But are they happy with their lot in life?
If I was to confess right here and now, It would be that I too have enjoyed position, salary, travel - but I have also lost it. We have struggled this year as our world was thrown into a spin, but you know what? Jesus never left us. He has been a constant friend in our struggles, a light at the end of our tunnel, and even if we never get back to where we once were, I know that in the morning when I wake and when it seems I am all alone - Jesus is always with me (us).
In the morning when I wake
In the morning when I wake
In the morning when I wake
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have all this world
But give me Jesus
And when I am alone
And when I am alone
And when I am alone
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have all this world
But give me Jesus
And when I go to die
And when I go to die
And when I go to die
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have all this world
You may have all this world
You may have all this world
But give me Jesus
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.
Amen.
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
! John 2:15-17 (NIV).
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
I am so grateful that I have been brought up knowing Jesus is my Saviour.
I am constantly blessed being part of this Christian organisation - The Salvation Army. I have to admit that music is a major part of this "attraction", but the Army has been "instrumental" (pardon the pun) in my growth as a person and a Christian.
I cannot get past this fact at the moment. I know the music I listen to has been sent from God - to inspire, challenge, poke and prod - and most of all, after studying the words of the songs and the scriptures that they are based on - they have given me Jesus.
I was privileged recently to conduct the Preston Salvation Army Band in a beautiful arrangement of "Give Me Jesus" - Arranged for Horn (solo) by Harold Burgmayer. The music is simple enough with an awesome tune and superbly played by our CSM - Ian Russel.
It was as recent as last Saturday night, as I listened to the Melbourne Staff Songsters (Salvation Army Choir) sing this same arrangement - for Male Voices - that the words suddenly became "real" to me.
You can see all around us that the "attraction" of the world has people under its spell. People want it all - The cars, the houses, the executive wages, the high life. But are they happy with their lot in life?
If I was to confess right here and now, It would be that I too have enjoyed position, salary, travel - but I have also lost it. We have struggled this year as our world was thrown into a spin, but you know what? Jesus never left us. He has been a constant friend in our struggles, a light at the end of our tunnel, and even if we never get back to where we once were, I know that in the morning when I wake and when it seems I am all alone - Jesus is always with me (us).
In the morning when I wake
In the morning when I wake
In the morning when I wake
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have all this world
But give me Jesus
And when I am alone
And when I am alone
And when I am alone
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have all this world
But give me Jesus
And when I go to die
And when I go to die
And when I go to die
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have all this world
You may have all this world
You may have all this world
But give me Jesus
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.
Amen.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Small Corners
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV).
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Today, as I was driving to my first call, I was reminded of the words of a song we used to sing in Sunday School (many, many moons ago...). I was thinking about what I was about to do and how others are working in other parts of the world (Daryl) - as well as in our own back yard - Melbourne.
** Check out - http://darylbc.blogspot.com/ **
As I was humming the tune, I was reminded that there is "darkness" in this world. We can define "darkness" in may varied ways - from personal circumstances, events of the day, even to varied situations in locations across the world. I thought of many people who deal with "darkness" in other peoples lives - in their everyday occupation - and prayed for an extra bit of fuel to keep God's light shining in and through them.
I was thinking the Salvation Army's relief efforts in Haiti, and how "darkness" falls in many circumstances, but, through a shinning light in the "darkness" (that's you Daryl!) - Jesus can be seen.
Others, too, across the globe are dealing with "darkness" in their every day life, but the words "you in your small corner and I in mine" especially hit home today.
I thought of my "small corner" - and wondered just how "small" it actually is. Is it so small that no one else can see it? It was a huge challenge for me this morning as I hadn't even met anyone as yet, but God challenged me to spread His light a little wider than what I would be comfortable with.
I think if we are to make a difference in someones life, we need to stretch our little corner a little wider and maybe reach out to someone today - before it's too late.
SASB 841.
Jesus bids us shine with a clear, pure light,
Like a little candle burning in the night;
In the world of darkness, so we must shine,
You in your small corner and I in mine.
Jesus bids us shine first of all for him;
Well he sees and knows it if our light is dim.
He looks down from Heaven to see us shine;
You in your small corner and I in mine
Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around
Many kinds of darkness in this world abound;
Sin and want and sorrow; so we must shine,
You in your small corner and I in mine.
My Prayer:
Lord, grant me all I need to enable my "small corner" to develop into something bigger for you. Help me in my daily occupation to shine for you. Lord give me the opportunities to talk to people about your love and goodness and assist me in bringing people from "darkness" into light.
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.
Amen.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Today, as I was driving to my first call, I was reminded of the words of a song we used to sing in Sunday School (many, many moons ago...). I was thinking about what I was about to do and how others are working in other parts of the world (Daryl) - as well as in our own back yard - Melbourne.
** Check out - http://darylbc.blogspot.com/ **
As I was humming the tune, I was reminded that there is "darkness" in this world. We can define "darkness" in may varied ways - from personal circumstances, events of the day, even to varied situations in locations across the world. I thought of many people who deal with "darkness" in other peoples lives - in their everyday occupation - and prayed for an extra bit of fuel to keep God's light shining in and through them.
I was thinking the Salvation Army's relief efforts in Haiti, and how "darkness" falls in many circumstances, but, through a shinning light in the "darkness" (that's you Daryl!) - Jesus can be seen.
Others, too, across the globe are dealing with "darkness" in their every day life, but the words "you in your small corner and I in mine" especially hit home today.
I thought of my "small corner" - and wondered just how "small" it actually is. Is it so small that no one else can see it? It was a huge challenge for me this morning as I hadn't even met anyone as yet, but God challenged me to spread His light a little wider than what I would be comfortable with.
I think if we are to make a difference in someones life, we need to stretch our little corner a little wider and maybe reach out to someone today - before it's too late.
SASB 841.
Jesus bids us shine with a clear, pure light,
Like a little candle burning in the night;
In the world of darkness, so we must shine,
You in your small corner and I in mine.
Jesus bids us shine first of all for him;
Well he sees and knows it if our light is dim.
He looks down from Heaven to see us shine;
You in your small corner and I in mine
Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around
Many kinds of darkness in this world abound;
Sin and want and sorrow; so we must shine,
You in your small corner and I in mine.
My Prayer:
Lord, grant me all I need to enable my "small corner" to develop into something bigger for you. Help me in my daily occupation to shine for you. Lord give me the opportunities to talk to people about your love and goodness and assist me in bringing people from "darkness" into light.
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.
Amen.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Time Well Spent.
John 15:4-5
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Since the commencement of my new job with the Salvation Army, I have been very busy trying to understand my role and learn from my team. I have had many thoughts on how I should cover my territory in the most productive way and complete the assigned visit schedule within the allotted time frame.
I have even started my old habits of "working" after hours (and in the middle of the night). Whilst I put this down to eagerness to preform at my best, it can (and has previously) taken up all my time and energy, which in turn takes away my eagerness to understand God's will for my life.
I certainly have enjoyed the last 8 months of drawing closer to God through time spent reading, blogging, praying, worshipping and most of all listening.
It has been an awesome time - even though I had no idea what the future held, I began to understand what FAITH was all about.
It was just this week, I felt I had been a little slack on my Blog, and wondered why I had not been inspired to share some more of my story and song. It was then I realised (again listening to music on my iPhone - as I do every day - this is not new) that I had stopped doing some of the things I had been doing over the past 8 months or so.
I had not been spending time in His presence.
To spend time (quietly) with God has given me new hope and direction over this time, but I seem to be too busy now to get up close and personal with Him.
It came crashing through as I listened to the words to this song:
There he was just waiting, in our old familiar place.
An empty spot beside him, where once I used to wait.
To be filled with strength and wisdom for the battles of the day,
I would have passed him by again if I didn't hear him say.
I miss my time with you
Those moments together
I need to be with you each day
And it hurts me when you say
You're too busy
Busy trying to serve me
But how can you serve me
When your spirit's empty
There's a longing in my heart
Wanting more than just a part of you
It's true
I miss my time with you
What do I have to offer, how can I truly care -
My efforts have no meaning when your presence isn't there.
But you will provide the power if I take time to pray,
I'll stay right here beside him and you will never have to say.
God forgive me for letting things slip. Thank you for your patience over the past several months and I ask, again, for your guidance in my life - I need you more and more each day.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
I need you more
More than yesterday
I need you more
More than words can say
I need you more
Than ever before
I need you more
I need you more.
More than the air I breath
More than the song I sing
More than the next heart beat
More than anything
And Lord as time goes by
I'll be by your side.
'Cause I never want to go back
To my old life.
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Since the commencement of my new job with the Salvation Army, I have been very busy trying to understand my role and learn from my team. I have had many thoughts on how I should cover my territory in the most productive way and complete the assigned visit schedule within the allotted time frame.
I have even started my old habits of "working" after hours (and in the middle of the night). Whilst I put this down to eagerness to preform at my best, it can (and has previously) taken up all my time and energy, which in turn takes away my eagerness to understand God's will for my life.
I certainly have enjoyed the last 8 months of drawing closer to God through time spent reading, blogging, praying, worshipping and most of all listening.
It has been an awesome time - even though I had no idea what the future held, I began to understand what FAITH was all about.
It was just this week, I felt I had been a little slack on my Blog, and wondered why I had not been inspired to share some more of my story and song. It was then I realised (again listening to music on my iPhone - as I do every day - this is not new) that I had stopped doing some of the things I had been doing over the past 8 months or so.
I had not been spending time in His presence.
To spend time (quietly) with God has given me new hope and direction over this time, but I seem to be too busy now to get up close and personal with Him.
It came crashing through as I listened to the words to this song:
There he was just waiting, in our old familiar place.
An empty spot beside him, where once I used to wait.
To be filled with strength and wisdom for the battles of the day,
I would have passed him by again if I didn't hear him say.
I miss my time with you
Those moments together
I need to be with you each day
And it hurts me when you say
You're too busy
Busy trying to serve me
But how can you serve me
When your spirit's empty
There's a longing in my heart
Wanting more than just a part of you
It's true
I miss my time with you
What do I have to offer, how can I truly care -
My efforts have no meaning when your presence isn't there.
But you will provide the power if I take time to pray,
I'll stay right here beside him and you will never have to say.
God forgive me for letting things slip. Thank you for your patience over the past several months and I ask, again, for your guidance in my life - I need you more and more each day.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
I need you more
More than yesterday
I need you more
More than words can say
I need you more
Than ever before
I need you more
I need you more.
More than the air I breath
More than the song I sing
More than the next heart beat
More than anything
And Lord as time goes by
I'll be by your side.
'Cause I never want to go back
To my old life.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Putting God into Worship
John 4:23-24 (NIV).
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.
I was reading another Blog the other day that led me to a sleepless night.
5 ways to improve SA Worship by James Pedlar
Some comments on one of his points were talking about how we tend to spend more time singing about how "I" worship and how often we tend to get back to "it's all about ME" or "look at ME" more so that the worship being about God.
I'm am still struggling with this even now, as I often have sung and played songs about how I personally worship - I certainly have spent many hours trying to adjust my thinking and worship to concentrate on Him and not on me - and I have got to say - I'm getting more out of worship these days than I ever have.
God has spoken to me in ways I have never heard of before (hence the Blogging) and I put this down to being completely focused on God in our Sunday services - trying to put the distractions of life (and Church) aside for a short time and spending quality time worshiping God. Not just on Sunday's either I might add! As much as I can throughout the week too. This has been a huge awakening for me and I can only recommend it to you too.
We have often sung:
I worship you,
I worship you,
The reason I live is to worship you.
Is this wrong ??
The comments also talk about how worship is being MC'd these days too, so I guess putting these 2 points together, we can get caught up in the fact the it can become a performance and the "look at me" part has the potential to take the focus off what we are trying to achieve - Worshipping God!
I know we do this at our Church, but I haven't felt this as a problem. Maybe others have, or other Churches do, but I guess it's all about what we as individuals are bringing to the worship experience - are we expecting to get something out of it, or are we putting all of ourselves in to worshiping God and God alone?
One of my favourite songs (written by James Curnow) is:
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,
Worship the Lord in the spirit of praise.
Bow down before Him,
Love and adore Him,
Come let us worship in spirit and truth.
So as I write this - I'm none the wiser as to what the writer (and the subsequent writers of the comments) was trying to get across. I think I'll continue to do worship the way I have this year - It's working for me.
(and hopefully I'll get some sleep tonight!!)
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.
I was reading another Blog the other day that led me to a sleepless night.
5 ways to improve SA Worship by James Pedlar
Some comments on one of his points were talking about how we tend to spend more time singing about how "I" worship and how often we tend to get back to "it's all about ME" or "look at ME" more so that the worship being about God.
I'm am still struggling with this even now, as I often have sung and played songs about how I personally worship - I certainly have spent many hours trying to adjust my thinking and worship to concentrate on Him and not on me - and I have got to say - I'm getting more out of worship these days than I ever have.
God has spoken to me in ways I have never heard of before (hence the Blogging) and I put this down to being completely focused on God in our Sunday services - trying to put the distractions of life (and Church) aside for a short time and spending quality time worshiping God. Not just on Sunday's either I might add! As much as I can throughout the week too. This has been a huge awakening for me and I can only recommend it to you too.
We have often sung:
I worship you,
I worship you,
The reason I live is to worship you.
Is this wrong ??
The comments also talk about how worship is being MC'd these days too, so I guess putting these 2 points together, we can get caught up in the fact the it can become a performance and the "look at me" part has the potential to take the focus off what we are trying to achieve - Worshipping God!
I know we do this at our Church, but I haven't felt this as a problem. Maybe others have, or other Churches do, but I guess it's all about what we as individuals are bringing to the worship experience - are we expecting to get something out of it, or are we putting all of ourselves in to worshiping God and God alone?
One of my favourite songs (written by James Curnow) is:
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,
Worship the Lord in the spirit of praise.
Bow down before Him,
Love and adore Him,
Come let us worship in spirit and truth.
So as I write this - I'm none the wiser as to what the writer (and the subsequent writers of the comments) was trying to get across. I think I'll continue to do worship the way I have this year - It's working for me.
(and hopefully I'll get some sleep tonight!!)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Dangers Surround.
Romans 8:35-39 (NIV).
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Yesterday (Friday the 13th), I spent the afternoon on the streets of suburbia - Just north of the city - Lygon Street (Melbourne).
I was visiting people who had made contact with The Salvation Army and this just so happened to be the area that was on my schedule to complete this week.
2 Shot Dead - Lygon Street!
This is what I heard on the "breaking news" - thankfully after the time I was safe at home. I have no idea where the shootings occurred in relation to where I was - I don't think I want to know.
My heart skipped a beat and I although I was in no apparent danger at the time, It did give me a sense of fear.
I suppose in this day and age, unfortunately we can't escape it. Dangers surround us - whether in our homes, community, suburbs, cities and nations. (and some in other countries too - Daryl - Keep safe!).
Sometimes in our everyday living too, we put ourselves into "dangers" that we feel we cannot get out of. We put ourselves in certain situations that we know are not right, yet, either the temptation is "too great", or we just like living on the edge - either way, it's a choice we've made and the consequences are ours to bear.
My thought for today :
Let God have control of all the aspects of your (our) life that often lead you (us) into temptation.
Step back from the edge and let God have every part of your (our) journey that leads you to "danger".
Help us to understand when we are heading in the wrong direction and give us the courage to turn away from it!
He will take care of you!
SASB 773
When you feel weakest, dangers surround,
Subtle temptations, troubles abound,
Nothing seems hopeful, nothing seems glad,
All is despairing, everything sad;
Keep on believing, Jesus is near;
Keep on believing, there's nothing to fear;
Keep on believing, this is the way;
Faith in the night as well as the day.
If all were easy, if all were bright,
Where would the cross be, and where the fight?
But in the hardness, God gives to you
Chances of proving that you are true.
God is your wisdom, God is your might,
God's ever near you, guiding aright;
He understands you, knows all you need;
Trusting in him you'll surely succeed.
Let us press on then, never despair,
Live above feeling, victory's there;
Jesus can keep us so near to him
Thant nevermore our faith shall grow dim.
I am grateful today, that God is my (our) protector - in all the "dangers" in life - whether I've put them there or not!
SASB 308
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secured.
He will my shield and portion be.
As long as life endures.
SACB132
I have a pilot who guides me
Night and day;
Through cloud and sunshine I trust Him,
Come what may.
Dangers may threaten but I never fear;
I'm full of confidence while he is near;
I have a pilot who guides me
Along life's way.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Yesterday (Friday the 13th), I spent the afternoon on the streets of suburbia - Just north of the city - Lygon Street (Melbourne).
I was visiting people who had made contact with The Salvation Army and this just so happened to be the area that was on my schedule to complete this week.
2 Shot Dead - Lygon Street!
This is what I heard on the "breaking news" - thankfully after the time I was safe at home. I have no idea where the shootings occurred in relation to where I was - I don't think I want to know.
My heart skipped a beat and I although I was in no apparent danger at the time, It did give me a sense of fear.
I suppose in this day and age, unfortunately we can't escape it. Dangers surround us - whether in our homes, community, suburbs, cities and nations. (and some in other countries too - Daryl - Keep safe!).
Sometimes in our everyday living too, we put ourselves into "dangers" that we feel we cannot get out of. We put ourselves in certain situations that we know are not right, yet, either the temptation is "too great", or we just like living on the edge - either way, it's a choice we've made and the consequences are ours to bear.
My thought for today :
Let God have control of all the aspects of your (our) life that often lead you (us) into temptation.
Step back from the edge and let God have every part of your (our) journey that leads you to "danger".
Help us to understand when we are heading in the wrong direction and give us the courage to turn away from it!
He will take care of you!
SASB 773
When you feel weakest, dangers surround,
Subtle temptations, troubles abound,
Nothing seems hopeful, nothing seems glad,
All is despairing, everything sad;
Keep on believing, Jesus is near;
Keep on believing, there's nothing to fear;
Keep on believing, this is the way;
Faith in the night as well as the day.
If all were easy, if all were bright,
Where would the cross be, and where the fight?
But in the hardness, God gives to you
Chances of proving that you are true.
God is your wisdom, God is your might,
God's ever near you, guiding aright;
He understands you, knows all you need;
Trusting in him you'll surely succeed.
Let us press on then, never despair,
Live above feeling, victory's there;
Jesus can keep us so near to him
Thant nevermore our faith shall grow dim.
I am grateful today, that God is my (our) protector - in all the "dangers" in life - whether I've put them there or not!
SASB 308
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secured.
He will my shield and portion be.
As long as life endures.
SACB132
I have a pilot who guides me
Night and day;
Through cloud and sunshine I trust Him,
Come what may.
Dangers may threaten but I never fear;
I'm full of confidence while he is near;
I have a pilot who guides me
Along life's way.
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