After he turned thirty, He went back to the temple
To say He was The Son Of God, the Truth, the Life, the Way.
They took his to a hill they called The Skull to render him silent
But faith could not prevent what He was dying to say.
He was dying to tell the world how much he really cared.
It was not three old rusty nails that kept him hanging there.
The expression on his face gave the real reason away,
He had something on His heart He was dying to say.
He said I love you
I love you
I love you is what He said
He said I love you
I love you
And He cared enough that He wrote it down in red.
He was dying to tell the world how much he really cared.
It was not three old rusty nails that kept him hanging there.
The expression on his face gave the real reason away.
He had something on His heart,
Someone on His mind.
He had something on His heart,
He was dying to say.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Devotions @ Band (Preston Brass)
This week was my turn to provide devotions at our band practise.
We (at The Salvation Army Preston) have been addressing some very important issues in the Salvation Army world - 1 "oldie" and 2 new ones.
OWSOMS - One Weeks Salary On Missionary Service
This has been a 6 week program to assist us to understand that sacrificial giving can be a huge financial support to communities in developing countries where the basics (i.e. food, clothing, medicine, schools etc. ) are in very short supply.
I "face booked" previously that my $1.50 each Sunday to buy a Coke Zero could possible be a weekly wage to someone in these countries.
This year (after 40 years of OWSOMS material) has been one that has hit home the most - even thought I have no full time employment and thing were/are "tough"(?), I enjoy many things here in Australia and I (we) take for granted some many other things that people in others countries can only dream of.
STAMP - Social Training And Mission Preparation
This is new to us and I have been blessed, moved, challenged and possibly even convicted that there is more to the Salvation Army and it's work in the community.
We have had some great "sessions" from people connected to the social programs in the Salvation Army and I am looking forward to hearing more about STAMP in the coming weeks.
Salvos Out There
(From the Web Site)
If you’re a Salvo ready to get out of your comfort zone, to meet and connect with your neighbours and community, and to better know and honour God, I urge you to get involved with Salvos Out There!
This week is week 3 - I am looking forward to see what else is in store for us.
We in the Salvation Army have some great resources to assist us in worship and I often refer to song and hymns that have inspired me.
Last week I conducted the band with the words that have "stuck" in my head since the commencement of these programs.
SASB Song 518 / SATB Tune 20 - Harton Lea
O Lord, whose human hands were quick
To feed the hungry, heal the sick.
Who love by loving deed expressed
Help me to comfort the distressed.
What is divine about my creed
If I am blind to human need?
For you have said they serve you best,
Who serve the helpless and oppressed.
Lord may your love translucent shine
Through every loving deed of mine.
That men may see the works I do
And give the glory all to you.
Through my daily devotions and through watching some online sessions put on by iSalvos (http://www.isalvos.net/), I have read and listened to the following scripture passages
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.
Galatians 6:2 (The Message)
Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens and do complete Christ's law.
Proverbs 31:8-9 (The Message)
Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute.
In my daily devotions I read the following:
Christian, It takes our effort alongside a BIG God to advance the Kingdom. If you are living on the sideline waiting to get in the game, or waiting on God to show you, STOP IT !
Get in the game.
All Christians are called to be ministers. If we wait until the how, or just continue to perfect ourselves, the enemy has won.
God will direct you as you start somewhere in ministry.
Men (Women) it is time we put the remote down and do something with our faith.
James 2:26
Anyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!NO BREATH - NO LIFE, NO ACTION - NO FAITH.
WOW James hits you right between the eyes. SO GET IN THE GAME!!!!!
We (at The Salvation Army Preston) have been addressing some very important issues in the Salvation Army world - 1 "oldie" and 2 new ones.
OWSOMS - One Weeks Salary On Missionary Service
This has been a 6 week program to assist us to understand that sacrificial giving can be a huge financial support to communities in developing countries where the basics (i.e. food, clothing, medicine, schools etc. ) are in very short supply.
I "face booked" previously that my $1.50 each Sunday to buy a Coke Zero could possible be a weekly wage to someone in these countries.
This year (after 40 years of OWSOMS material) has been one that has hit home the most - even thought I have no full time employment and thing were/are "tough"(?), I enjoy many things here in Australia and I (we) take for granted some many other things that people in others countries can only dream of.
STAMP - Social Training And Mission Preparation
This is new to us and I have been blessed, moved, challenged and possibly even convicted that there is more to the Salvation Army and it's work in the community.
We have had some great "sessions" from people connected to the social programs in the Salvation Army and I am looking forward to hearing more about STAMP in the coming weeks.
Salvos Out There
(From the Web Site)
If you’re a Salvo ready to get out of your comfort zone, to meet and connect with your neighbours and community, and to better know and honour God, I urge you to get involved with Salvos Out There!
This week is week 3 - I am looking forward to see what else is in store for us.
We in the Salvation Army have some great resources to assist us in worship and I often refer to song and hymns that have inspired me.
Last week I conducted the band with the words that have "stuck" in my head since the commencement of these programs.
SASB Song 518 / SATB Tune 20 - Harton Lea
O Lord, whose human hands were quick
To feed the hungry, heal the sick.
Who love by loving deed expressed
Help me to comfort the distressed.
What is divine about my creed
If I am blind to human need?
For you have said they serve you best,
Who serve the helpless and oppressed.
Lord may your love translucent shine
Through every loving deed of mine.
That men may see the works I do
And give the glory all to you.
Through my daily devotions and through watching some online sessions put on by iSalvos (http://www.isalvos.net/), I have read and listened to the following scripture passages
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.
Galatians 6:2 (The Message)
Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens and do complete Christ's law.
Proverbs 31:8-9 (The Message)
Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute.
In my daily devotions I read the following:
Christian, It takes our effort alongside a BIG God to advance the Kingdom. If you are living on the sideline waiting to get in the game, or waiting on God to show you, STOP IT !
Get in the game.
All Christians are called to be ministers. If we wait until the how, or just continue to perfect ourselves, the enemy has won.
God will direct you as you start somewhere in ministry.
Men (Women) it is time we put the remote down and do something with our faith.
James 2:26
Anyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!NO BREATH - NO LIFE, NO ACTION - NO FAITH.
WOW James hits you right between the eyes. SO GET IN THE GAME!!!!!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
What next !!
Last night I commenced a new daily devotional reading plan. I have been looking for something new to read as I have been trying really hard to "do the right thing" and get inspired and find meaning to life as it is dealt out each day.
This week has been very exciting with both Nat and I having Job Interviews and confirmed 2nd interviews with prospective employers this week.
It is no secret as to my "wrestling" with service and the way forward for me (and my family). I have had several logistics roles open and subsequently close - nothing concrete came to fruition. A major decision and job prospect came forward which I (we) concluded that it was not the right "fit" for me and my family, which meant that I was still not employed in a full time capacity and each day I had no idea as to what the future held.
Even as I write, I am constantly reminded that there is something "big" in store for Nat and I and the waiting game is (unfortunately) far from over.
Over the past several weeks, I have been reading up on the Salvation Army's Social Justice department and our Social Programs Division, taking special note on what other people are doing about the Army's mission and how people are working to make life better for so many people here in Australia.
We (our church) have entered our program for giving to our Overseas Missionary Service (OWSOMS) and I am moved every week to see the poverty that has so many people in other countries, trapped and isolated and what a difference a monetary contribution can make in their lives. I even Face booked (?) that my $1.50 Coke Zero purchase from the machine each Sunday would be equivalent to a months wages for people in some developing countries.
Back to my new reading... Check out the following Scripture verses and let me know what you think ?
1. Matthew 6:33-34
2. Mark 1:16-18
3. Galatians 6:2
4. Matthew 9:36
In a nutshell..
1. Don't worry about tomorrow - God will provide all your "everyday human concerns" (the message)
2. Whilst you are doing your "ordinary" job - Drop everything and follow Jesus - He will make you a fishers of men. - Don't ask questions - just to it !
3. Assist others to follow
4. The crowd wanders through life aimlessly - Jesus' heart broke - they were like sheep without a shepherd.
I wonder if this new reading plan is trying to tell me something !
Final prayer:
Send the fire O Lord
Send the fire
To magnify your name
To never be the same
We (I) need your holy flame
Send the fire.
This week has been very exciting with both Nat and I having Job Interviews and confirmed 2nd interviews with prospective employers this week.
It is no secret as to my "wrestling" with service and the way forward for me (and my family). I have had several logistics roles open and subsequently close - nothing concrete came to fruition. A major decision and job prospect came forward which I (we) concluded that it was not the right "fit" for me and my family, which meant that I was still not employed in a full time capacity and each day I had no idea as to what the future held.
Even as I write, I am constantly reminded that there is something "big" in store for Nat and I and the waiting game is (unfortunately) far from over.
Over the past several weeks, I have been reading up on the Salvation Army's Social Justice department and our Social Programs Division, taking special note on what other people are doing about the Army's mission and how people are working to make life better for so many people here in Australia.
We (our church) have entered our program for giving to our Overseas Missionary Service (OWSOMS) and I am moved every week to see the poverty that has so many people in other countries, trapped and isolated and what a difference a monetary contribution can make in their lives. I even Face booked (?) that my $1.50 Coke Zero purchase from the machine each Sunday would be equivalent to a months wages for people in some developing countries.
Back to my new reading... Check out the following Scripture verses and let me know what you think ?
1. Matthew 6:33-34
2. Mark 1:16-18
3. Galatians 6:2
4. Matthew 9:36
In a nutshell..
1. Don't worry about tomorrow - God will provide all your "everyday human concerns" (the message)
2. Whilst you are doing your "ordinary" job - Drop everything and follow Jesus - He will make you a fishers of men. - Don't ask questions - just to it !
3. Assist others to follow
4. The crowd wanders through life aimlessly - Jesus' heart broke - they were like sheep without a shepherd.
I wonder if this new reading plan is trying to tell me something !
Final prayer:
Send the fire O Lord
Send the fire
To magnify your name
To never be the same
We (I) need your holy flame
Send the fire.
Monday, February 22, 2010
It's Nat and I'm hi-jacking Paul's blog.......
Twelve months ago life was good. Or so I believed. Imogen had had her first surgery and was happily settled into the first year of Primary School. Paul was employed full time, Maddison was admittedly ferral (but we've come to expect that from her) and I was five months pregnant with Willow. I would never have guessed that by Christmas, Paul would have no job and I would be suffering from Depression and severe Anxiety. Let me tell you, it is a horrible feeling to continuously believe that you are going to die with every headache, pain or new feeling your body feels. I am truly lucky to have a husband like Paul who is so understanding and supportive!
Last week I had my first of what will more than likely be several Psychologist appointments. It is funny how you can completely pour your heart out to a complete stranger, but to friends and family you always say your fine. I learnt last week I am far from fine.
In the first ten minutes of my appointment my Psychologist said she was amazed I had not suffered fom any forms of anxiety or stress related illnesses before. We were only up to 1998.
Which I believe is where it all began.
Nearly everyone has heard a version of what they believe to be the truth of how Paul and my realtionship started. Paul and I, our friends and family and most importantly God knows the real truth and they are the only people that matter. I have spent nearly twelve years holding onto anger over the way we were judged and treated and it's time I let it go. I can only hope people never have to go through what we went through and those that treated us as they did can forgive themselves.
You may wonder why I would bring this up after so many years, but that year has formed the basis of a lot of my issues. For a long time I have pretended everythings ok, when it's not. For example, when Imogen was born, I was asked by an Officer if I felt her leg defieciency was God's way of punishing me for what she obviously believed were my and Paul's mistakes. I hadn't thought that until it was asked. But now! Guilt anyone?? Medically, I know there was nothing I did/could have done to prevent it, but it's still hard to not ask the what ifs...
I've often felt like people expect me to be the strong one. Mainly from family, but a few friends too. I can be strong, and as we all well know, I say it like it is. Sometimes though, things are just too much to handle. I know it isn't just me that feels like this! I think these days we just expect too much from ourselves and each other. I just think when we have someone in our life who is always strong for you, we don't stop and consider if they need anyone to be strong for them.
Don't get me wrong. I'm very fortunate to have a loving family and great friends. It's just not always easy to find time to sit and have those deep and meaningful discussions. Also, it's always in the back of my mind that I'm having a whinge or over reacting to things.
Only time will tell how I'm going to come out of this latest cloud of anxiety. I'm just hoping and praying it's going to be soon! I'm also certain that when I do, I will be a better person because of it.
I want to leave you with the verse of a song I had the pleasure of singing with the Preston band some time ago.
I can't remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle, to bring me gain.
I can't remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide. He's ALWAYS been faithful to me..........
Last week I had my first of what will more than likely be several Psychologist appointments. It is funny how you can completely pour your heart out to a complete stranger, but to friends and family you always say your fine. I learnt last week I am far from fine.
In the first ten minutes of my appointment my Psychologist said she was amazed I had not suffered fom any forms of anxiety or stress related illnesses before. We were only up to 1998.
Which I believe is where it all began.
Nearly everyone has heard a version of what they believe to be the truth of how Paul and my realtionship started. Paul and I, our friends and family and most importantly God knows the real truth and they are the only people that matter. I have spent nearly twelve years holding onto anger over the way we were judged and treated and it's time I let it go. I can only hope people never have to go through what we went through and those that treated us as they did can forgive themselves.
You may wonder why I would bring this up after so many years, but that year has formed the basis of a lot of my issues. For a long time I have pretended everythings ok, when it's not. For example, when Imogen was born, I was asked by an Officer if I felt her leg defieciency was God's way of punishing me for what she obviously believed were my and Paul's mistakes. I hadn't thought that until it was asked. But now! Guilt anyone?? Medically, I know there was nothing I did/could have done to prevent it, but it's still hard to not ask the what ifs...
I've often felt like people expect me to be the strong one. Mainly from family, but a few friends too. I can be strong, and as we all well know, I say it like it is. Sometimes though, things are just too much to handle. I know it isn't just me that feels like this! I think these days we just expect too much from ourselves and each other. I just think when we have someone in our life who is always strong for you, we don't stop and consider if they need anyone to be strong for them.
Don't get me wrong. I'm very fortunate to have a loving family and great friends. It's just not always easy to find time to sit and have those deep and meaningful discussions. Also, it's always in the back of my mind that I'm having a whinge or over reacting to things.
Only time will tell how I'm going to come out of this latest cloud of anxiety. I'm just hoping and praying it's going to be soon! I'm also certain that when I do, I will be a better person because of it.
I want to leave you with the verse of a song I had the pleasure of singing with the Preston band some time ago.
I can't remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle, to bring me gain.
I can't remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide. He's ALWAYS been faithful to me..........
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Waiting, Waiting.
As I still wait for employment and have been proactive in sending many, many applications, resumes and cover letters, I still have no full time employment.
I have some "irons in the fire" but nothing concrete as yet.
Now a further dilemma has arisen.... My daily devotional for the 04/01/10 read:
Never run before God gives you His direction. If you have the slightest doubt, then He is not guiding. Whenever there is doubt - wait.
Wait for God's timing and He will do it without any heartache or disappointment. When it is a question of the providential will of God, wait for God to move.
OK, so how long should I wait ?
I do have doubts regarding one particular application - what do I do about it ?
Should I continue to be proactive in my approach for "commercial" employment opportunities when I have said that my preference is to work for The Salvation Army in some capacity ?
What happens when financial obligations and God's timing /waiting reach breaking point ?
So many questions left unanswered .......
So as I continue to "wait upon the Lord" for the right employment opportunity, I pray for patience (not my strongest attribute) and strength to continue in the search for God's will in my life.
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Isaiah 40 vs 28-31
I have some "irons in the fire" but nothing concrete as yet.
Now a further dilemma has arisen.... My daily devotional for the 04/01/10 read:
Never run before God gives you His direction. If you have the slightest doubt, then He is not guiding. Whenever there is doubt - wait.
Wait for God's timing and He will do it without any heartache or disappointment. When it is a question of the providential will of God, wait for God to move.
OK, so how long should I wait ?
I do have doubts regarding one particular application - what do I do about it ?
Should I continue to be proactive in my approach for "commercial" employment opportunities when I have said that my preference is to work for The Salvation Army in some capacity ?
What happens when financial obligations and God's timing /waiting reach breaking point ?
So many questions left unanswered .......
So as I continue to "wait upon the Lord" for the right employment opportunity, I pray for patience (not my strongest attribute) and strength to continue in the search for God's will in my life.
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Isaiah 40 vs 28-31
Monday, December 14, 2009
Grace Alone
The Preston Salvation Army Band in which I am privileged to be a part of, is well into its 2009 Christmas Carolling schedule.
We are fortunate to be able to play carols in the streets of Preston (Victoria) and in a major Shopping Centre - Northlands.
In the Shopping Centre, the traditional carols mixed with Christmas songs are played and people gather around to listen and then move off to complete the last minute Christmas shopping before it's too late.
We have been able to make contact with people if they have has a spare minute and although it only may be a brief time in the busyness of the season, I can not help wonder if people really stop to take in the real meaning of Christmas.
I pray that we have been able to give some hope to people this Christmas, some small word as to the reason for the season and share some peace in this time of year.
A song that has been playing in my mind (albeit not a Christmas song) speaks of the Grace of God. In Christianity - Grace is defined as "unmerited favour" from God.
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.
As we have had a chance again this year to spread the "Good News" of Christmas in our small corner of the world, I pray that people will understand that peace, strength and hope for the future can be found in the real meaning of Christmas, and those of us who profess to be Christians, go out with Christ as our cornerstone to a world in need of hope, peace and love.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Be Still and Know
God knows we are not strong all the time..... Sometimes all we can do is rest in His arms as he takes us through the journey of life... With Him we are safe.
Psalm 46:10a
Be still and know that I am God
Hide me now under your wings
Cover me within your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know you are God.
I rest my soul in Christ alone
Know his power in quietness and trust
Find rest my soul in Christ alone
Know his power in quietness and trust
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know you are God
In thee O Lord, do I put my trust.
SACB 73
Resting in the Lord is not dependent on your external circumstances at all, but on your relationship with God himself.
In every trouble we should first seek to realize God's presence with us. Only let us enjoy his smile, and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart for his dear sake.
Psalm 46:10a
Be still and know that I am God
Hide me now under your wings
Cover me within your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know you are God.
I rest my soul in Christ alone
Know his power in quietness and trust
Find rest my soul in Christ alone
Know his power in quietness and trust
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know you are God
In thee O Lord, do I put my trust.
SACB 73
Resting in the Lord is not dependent on your external circumstances at all, but on your relationship with God himself.
In every trouble we should first seek to realize God's presence with us. Only let us enjoy his smile, and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart for his dear sake.
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