OzThoughts Monday 2nd March 2009.

(Please forward this OzThoughts to your friends).

In the past few weeks you probably have received, as I have, wonderful pictures
of koalas seeking water from people. One such koala has been called Sam. Keith,
a friend in England sent me some follow up pictures where the firefighter is
reunited after some time with the still recovering Sam. It is a wonderful
picture of a beautiful relationship.

I said to Keith that maybe the impact of these pictures is lost on people
overseas.  I don't think non-Australians would know how amazing these pictures
really are.

Firstly, koalas don't normally drink. They get the moisture they need from the
leaves they eat. Secondly, these are wild animals. They would usually run from
people and escape up the nearest tree. If cornered they will scratch and bite to
defend themselves. They are not as cute and cuddly as they look unless they are
trained animals used to human handling in zoo.

I received another email which told of a whale rescue. The rescuers took time to
cut a whale free from ropes and nets which were holding it and soon would kill
it. After it was released the whale went to each of the divers as if to
individually thank them. What a response to an act of caring. (If you would like
to see these emails, please send a note to: OzThoughts@...).
Today’s reading from Matthew is about caring. In fact is about the result of
caring. It is also about the result of not caring. Jesus says the result is
eternal! Caring also builds relationships which may have eternal consequences
for the one cared for.
Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message)
  31-33"When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him,
the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations
will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd
sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.
  34-36"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed
by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you
since the world's foundation. And here's why:

    I was hungry and you fed me,
    I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
    I was homeless and you gave me a room,
    I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
    I was sick and you stopped to visit,
    I was in prison and you came to me.'
  37-40"Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about?
When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And
when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will
say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to
someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'
  41-43"Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get
out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why?
Because—

    I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
    I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
    I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
    I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
    Sick and in prison, and you never visited.'
  44"Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about?
When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or
in prison and didn't help?'
  45"He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to
do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was
me—you failed to do it to me.'
  46"Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to
their eternal reward."
[Listen:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_069.mp3  ]

How can I better serve thee, Lord,
Thou who hast done so much for me?
Faltering and weak my labor has been;
O that my life may tell for thee!

Chorus
Here at the cross in this sacred hour,
Here at the source of reviving power,
Helpless indeed, I come with my need;
Lord, for thy service, fit me I plead.

Dull are my ears to hear thy voice,
Slow are my hands to work for thee,
Loath are my feet to conquer the steeps
That lead me to my Calvary.

Strength for my weakness, Lord, impart;
Sight for my blindness give to me;
Faith for my doubtings, Lord, I would crave,
That I may serve thee worthily.
Author: Bramwell Coles (1887-1960)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 488

[ In preparation for Easter read a Christian book during Lent which is now. ]


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OzThoughts Sunday Hymns and Psalms 1st March, 2009

[Please forward this OzThoughts to your friends].

This is the day which the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
(Psalm 118.24).

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 17
Authors:  Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)

[Listen: Choir: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4785.mp3

OR

Brass Band:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4959.mp3]

Praise, my soul, the King the Heaven,
To his feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like thee his praise should sing?
Praise Him!
Praise the everlasting King.

2.
Praise him for this grace and favor
To our fathers in distress;
Praise him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide and swift to bless;
Praise him!
Glorious in his faithfulness.

3.
Father-like he tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame he knows,
In his hands he gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him!
Widely as his mercy flows.

4.
Angels in the heights adore him,
Ye behold him face to face;
Sun and moon bow down before him:
Dwellers all in time and space,
Praise him!
Praise with us the God of grace.


Psalm 146 (The Message)

  1-2 Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God!
    All my life long I'll praise God,
       singing songs to my God as long as I live.

  3-9 Don't put your life in the hands of experts
       who know nothing of life, of salvation life.
    Mere humans don't have what it takes;
       when they die, their projects die with them.
    Instead, get help from the God of Jacob,
       put your hope in God and know real blessing!
    God made sky and soil,
       sea and all the fish in it.
    He always does what he says—
       he defends the wronged,
       he feeds the hungry.
    God frees prisoners—
       he gives sight to the blind,
       he lifts up the fallen.
    GOD loves good people, protects strangers,
       takes the side of orphans and widows,
       but makes short work of the wicked.

  10 GOD's in charge—always.
       Zion's God is God for good!
       Hallelujah!

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 438
Authors:  Charles Wesley (1707-88)

[Listen:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4440.mp3 ]

Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of Heaven, to earth come down,
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
All thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation,
Enter every longing heart.

2.
Come, almighty to deliver,
Let us all thy grace receive;
Suddenly return, and never,
Never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve thee as thy hosts above;
Pray and praise thee without ceasing,
Glory in thy perfect love.

3.
Finish then thy new creation,
Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see thy great salvation,
Perfectly restored in thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in Heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
Lost in wonder, love and praise.

PRAYER:
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are
redeemed: guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to
your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.  (A Prayer Book for Australia).
…………
Read a Christian book during Lent.

Lent in 2009 started on Wednesday, the 25th of February and will continue for 46
days until Saturday, the 11th of April.
  ……………………………………………..

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Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 28th February, 2009

My Collecting Gene

[Updated from a ATAW first published December, 2005]

I have a number of collections.  Firstly, there is my collection of stamps. I
started out in this when I was about ten. It taught be about different countries
and something about them. In fact I learnt to recognise Chinese, Japanese and
Korean stamps fairly quickly. I also learnt that some countries have strange
names for themselves. Switzerland called itself Helvetia. Norge seemed a strange
way to spell Norway. So it went on. I learnt about Kings, Queens and Presidents.
I learnt about special events. I learnt things like the United States of America
could not put its flag on a stamp as the postal cancellation mark would deface
the flag. Some years later the flag appeared on a stamp of the United States. I
also learnt something about the value of various stamps. Most of mine were low
value but I collected on for a number of years. I now have hoarded bags of
stamps that I have collected over the years.

Some years before I started collecting stamps, I started collecting books. The
first ones were Little Golden Books. Johnny Appleseed was a favourite then.  To
these were added my Sunday School prizes. I loved the story of Shadow the Sheep
Dog. I soon added other books and my collection has grown to where it is now
several large collections.

I have a collection of various translations of the Bible and New Testaments.
That’s really a part of a big collection of religious books. Another part of
this collection is a collection of hymn books and Salvation Army Song Books.
Although many of these are a bit battered, I treasure them.  I have several
books about hymns and hymn writers which I also value as a resource. However,
much of the information about hymns is now easily found on the internet.

Of course, I have many Salvation Army books. I would guess there are well over
500, maybe a 1000 volumes. I have made a start on cataloguing these. I am
grateful that my parents had valued Army writings and had a few books which they
suggested I read about the time I commenced Corps Cadets as a young teenager.
That reminds me I have a big collection of Corps Cadet Books of the Month. Often
these were the short biographies that could be read in an hour or two but also
included some major books by Commissioner Brengle and General Coutts. I only
have a few of my own Corps Cadet Handbooks but I have quite a collection from
later when I was responsible for leading. Corps Cadet groups.

Sunday School (we never used the term – it was always the Company Meeting)
provided quite a heap of resources for my collection. I have about two dozen of
the red International Company Orders books (one or two years are green covered)
and the later Living and Believing and the Manual of Bible Teaching Series. I
also have quite a collection of the annual booklets which were published as a
resource for the Young People’s Anniversary which included songs, poems and
short dramatic items and tableaux.

Another major part of my book collection is my Australian collection. I have
several hundred books about Australia and by Australian authors. These range
from the academic to the very lightweight. There is historical fact and fiction.
There is politics and travel.

Of course, I have book collections relating to my other hobbies such as
gardening, woodwork and fishing.  Another hobby is photography and that has not
so much generated a collection of books but a collection of cameras. Gardening
and woodwork, too, are not only hobbies but have generated their own collections
of tools. Fishing has generated a collection of more than a dozen fishing reels
and a collection of rods for various purposes.

Oh, I forgot birds. I breed birds so that has generated a collection of about a
dozen books and about 120 birds. It is the breeding season so I have not done a
recent count. These are mostly zebra finches of various colours, a diminishing
number of canaries and at the moment four quail. I have a general interest in
Australian wildlife and yes that means more books.

In the past year, I have been collecting CDs of Salvation Army Bands playing
Christmas Carols. So far I have catalogued my collection gives me a choice of
over 140 carols and Christmas songs. By Christmas that number will probably
increase.

  My most recent collections are caps, key rings and flags of various nations. I
was disappointed not to be able to find a Vatican City flag when we visited
there but I found one in a shop in Rome while looking at other souvenirs. Our
holiday to Europe last year provided opportunity to add to this collection and
in the next few weeks, I will arrange the display of these in my office here at
home. I must add I am grateful to friends who have sent me flags, key rings and
caps from their countries.

Years ago, my wife found and cut out of a newspaper a small cartoon. It was one
of the “Love is” series. It simply said “Love is letting him keep his
junk”. So we have developed a respect for each others collections.

I thanked my parents for introducing me to Army books. I think I can also thank
them for the collecting gene. My father had a few prized possessions but none
more than his motor mechanic’s tools. Along side those tools, in his shed was,
I think, every part he ever replaced in the various cars and trucks he owned
over the twenty years he lived at that address.

My dear mum has the real collector’s gene. Some less reverent people would
call it a hoarder’s gene. One of her uncles was a champion. When Uncle Les
died, his house was absolutely full of newspapers stacked in order in the
various rooms and passageways. He also had a huge collection of empty tin cans
and various screw top bottles which would come in handy for something one day. 
Unfortunately, those who cleaned up after him did not share his vision.

I have been thinking about my collections and my inclinations in that direction
since I heard a program on radio that hoarding is a disease. Not only was the
speaker was saying that but she has a program to break hoarders of the disease.
I guess Uncle Les was a sufferer of OCHD (Obsessive Compulsive Hoarding
Disorder).

I thought about my collections and their worth to me when I read during this
week the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus very clearly says:

"Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by
rust or--worse!-stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's
safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where
your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
(Matthew 6: 19 -21 The Message).

I am also reminded of what the Letter to the Hebrews says:

1  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us
throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let
us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
2  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for
the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at
the right hand of the throne of God.
3  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will
not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3 New International Version)

I can feel a New Year’s resolution coming on.  I guess I can do a bit more
collecting by then.

Lay up treasure in Heaven,
Life will pass away;
Lay up treasure in Heaven,
For the great accounting day;
Lay up treasure in Heaven,
Though men count thee poor,
Thou shalt reign with the sons of God
For evermore.
	 The Salvation Army Song Book: Chorus Number 249.
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`

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OzThoughts Friday 27th February 2009

[ In preparation for Easter read a Christian book during Lent which is now. ]

Anyone who announces they are a Christian will soon be asked what Church they
belong to.  No doubt the answer will press a button in the questioner’s mind
and a tape will run will some details of the church or of previous encounters
with it.  I wonder how many times, when I tell people I am a Salvo, they have
responded with “They do a great job” or “They were good in the war”?

Others, of course, will have a personal view of what “right religion” is and
will question more deeply about Salvation Army beliefs and practices or even
lack of certain practices. I do not find that a problem as I love to discuss my
faith. I can not say that without saying I also like to listen to the reasoning
of others.

Matthew records the followers of John the Baptist coming and questioning Jesus
about how Jesus Disciples did not fast as they and the Pharisees did. Jesus
tells them it is because they are celebrating, just like a wedding feast while
the bridegroom is present.

Jesus
Matthew 9:14-15 (The Message)
  14 A little later John's followers approached, asking, "Why is it that we and
the Pharisees rigorously discipline body and spirit by fasting, but your
followers don't?"
  15 Jesus told them, "When you're celebrating a wedding, you don't skimp on the
cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but not now.
No one throws cold water on a friendly bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!"

PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book):

[Listen:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_054.mp3   ]

Jesus comes! Let all adore him!
Lord of mercy, love and truth.
Now prepare the way before him,
Make the rugged places smooth;
Through the desert mark his road,
Make a highway for our God.

Jesus comes! Reward is with him,
Let the valleys all be raised,
God's great glory now revealing
As the mountains are abased.
Lift thy voice and greet the Lord,
Cry to Zion: See thy God!

Jesus comes! The Christ is marching
Through the places waste and wild;
He his Kingdom is enlarging
Where no verdure ever smiled.
Soon the desert will be glad
And with beauty shall be clad.

Jesus comes! Where thorns have flourished
Trees shall now be seen to grow,
Stablished by the Lord and nourished,
Strong and fair and fruitful too.
They shall rise on every side,
Spread their branches far and wide.

Jesus comes! From barren mountains
Rivers shall begin to flow,
There the Lord will open fountains
And supply the plains below;
As he passes, every land
Shall acclaim his powerful hand.
Author:  Thomas Kelly (1769-1855),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 159

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OzThoughts Thursday 26th February 2009

[ In preparation for Easter read a Christian book during Lent which is now. ]

The Salvation Army has a number of well known mottos and slogans. One which is
prominent when thinking of our work in the community is “Heart to God and Hand
to Man”.   It expresses a similar thought as the religious scholar’s answer
to Jesus question in the passage from Luke’s Gospel we read today:

25  Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus.
"Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?"
  26  He answered, "What's written in God's Law? How do you interpret it?"
  27  He said, "That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer
and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do
yourself."
  28  "Good answer!" said Jesus. "Do it and you'll live."  (Luke 10 The Message)

We all know that the slogan is used by the Salvation Army in a powerful comment
on our motivation and practice in our assistance to individuals and communities
in need. It is linked often with our fundraising for our community work.

Jesus was not talking about a public relations slogan or even the basis for
doing good in society. He was talking to an individual about eternal life and
how to get it. Eternal life comes from a right relationship with God and a right
relationship with other people.

“Others”  was one of the Salvation Army’s earliest mottos. It is
interesting to put ourselves in the place of the religious scholar and see how
Jesus would challenge us about our relationship with “Others”.  What
“other” would Jesus use instead of “Samaritan” if Jesus was talking to
me?

PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as our Prayer book):

[Listen: Hymn Tune: Maryton: 
http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF347%20-%20Hymn%20Tunes%20-%20(a)%20Maryton\
%20(b)%20Ramsgate.mp3
(This recording also includes the hymn tune: O Disclose Thy Lovely Face - Song
412) ]

O Master, let me walk with thee
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil. the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me thy patience; still with thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong;

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future's broadening way,
In peace that only thou canst give,
For thee, O Master, let me live.
Author:  Washington Gladden (1836-1918)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 519

Luke 10:25-37 (The Message)
  25  Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus.
"Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?"
  26  He answered, "What's written in God's Law? How do you interpret it?"
  27  He said, "That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer
and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do
yourself."
  28  "Good answer!" said Jesus. "Do it and you'll live."
  29  Looking for a loophole, he asked, "And just how would you define
'neighbor'?"
  30-32  Jesus answered by telling a story. "There was once a man traveling from
Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his
clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was
on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other
side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
  33-35  "A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man's
condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and
bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and
made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them
to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it
on my bill—I'll pay you on my way back.'
  36  "What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man
attacked by robbers?"
  37  "The one who treated him kindly," the religion scholar responded.
    Jesus said, "Go and do the same."

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OzThoughts Wednesday 25th February 2009

[ In preparation for Easter read a Christian book during Lent.
Lent starts today, Wednesday, 25th of February, and will continue for 46 days
until Saturday, the 11th of April. ]

ASH WEDNESDAY (See explanation after Scripture reading below).

Years ago when my daughter, who is now a grandmother, was about two, she was
playing with her tea set on her small table and chairs.  She asked me to have a
cup of tea. So I sat on one of the small chairs. She placed the tiny cup and
saucer in front of me and I began play acting enjoying the cup of tea. I slurped
but didn’t burp and in a great burst of imaginary and dramatic show, I told
her how I enjoyed the tea and thanked her profusely. Her answer? “But Dad, I
have not poured into the cup, yet!” So we started all over again.

In that gold mine of Jesus’ teaching we know as “The Sermon on the Mount”,
Jesus tells us not to go play acting our religion. When we are doing good for
others, when we are praying and when we are fasting, we are not to do it as a
performance and in a way to attract the attention and applause of others.

PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book):

[Listen: Hymn Tune “Lloyd” to which these words can be sung:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_850.mp3 ]

Prayer is the soul's sincere desire
Uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast.

Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near.

Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
The majesty on high.

Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice
Returning from his ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice
And cry: Behold, he prays!

Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
The Christian's native air,
His watchword at the gates of death;
He enters Heaven with prayer.

O thou by whom we come to God,
The life, the truth, the way!
The path of prayer thyself hast trod:
Lord, teach us how to pray!
Author:  James Montgomery (1771-1854)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 625

Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21 (The Message).
  1  "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make
a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you
won't be applauding.
2-4  "When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself.
You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating
prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long
as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but
that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks.
Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived
you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
  5  "And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production
either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for
stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
  6  "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be
tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can
manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his
grace.
…………………..
16-18  "When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate
on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time
celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act
normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face.
God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are
doing; he'll reward you well.
  19-21  "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and
corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven,
where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The
place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up
being.

Ash Wednesday. The first day of Lent, observed 46 days before Easter, is so
called from the practice of placing ashes on the forehead of the worshiper as a
sign of penitence. In the Roman Catholic Church, these ashes are obtained from
burning palm branches used in the previous year's Palm Sunday observation. (Palm
Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem a week before Easter
Sunday, and it begins Holy Week. On Ash Wednesday, the ashes are placed on the
forehead of the communicant during Mass. The recipient is told, "Remember that
you are dust, and unto dust you shall return" or "Turn away from sin and be
faithful to the Gospel."
(http://www.bookrags.com/research/glossary-of-religious-holidays-wen-01/)
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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OzThoughts Tuesday 24th February 2009

[  In preparation for Easter read a Christian book during Lent.
Lent will start this Wednesday, 25th of February, and will continue for 46 days
until Saturday, the 11th of April. ]

Somehow yesterday I got into two conversations which both talked about our works
and God’s grace. In both there was agreement that God’s grace – his
undeserved and unmerited love towards us – demonstrated in Jesus dying on the
cross and being raised to new life brings about our salvation. We said
Christians are busy about doing God’s work.
That, however, is not to earn our salvation but is actually an outcome of our
salvation which was freely given and freely received.

As you read today’s portion from John’s Gospel, note carefully the words of
Jesus in verses 16 and 17.

John 15:9-17 (The Message)

  9-10"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in
my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love.
That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his
love.

  11-15"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy,
and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved
you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your
friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer
calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is
thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on
everything I've heard from the Father.

  16"You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to
bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the
Father in relation to me, he gives you.

  17"But remember the root command: Love one another.

Prayer: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book)

[ Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1001.mp3 ]

My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine,
For thee all the pleasures of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art thou,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love thee because thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;
I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I will love thee in life, I will love thee in death,
And praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath;
And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

In mansions of Glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore thee and dwell in thy sight;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
Author:  William Ralph Featherstone (1846-73)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 357

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OzThoughts Monday 23rd February 2009

[  In preparation for Easter read a Christian book during Lent.
Lent will start this Wednesday, 25th February, and will continue for 46 days
until Saturday, 11th April. ]

Yesterday many Churches would have read the reading from Mark, which I have
chosen for today. However, as The Salvation Army does not follow the Common
Lectionary readings, many Salvationists would not have read the story of
Jesus’ Transfiguration.

Sometimes we get hung up on the trivial. When I read the story of the
Transfiguration, I cannot help remembering a fellow Cadet at the Officer
Training College who challenged our Old Testament Bible Teacher when she said
Moses never entered the Promised Land. He maintained his Bible said Moses did
enter the Promised Land. When asked for proof, he turned to this account where
Moses (and Elijah) appeared with Jesus.

It is probably not trivial but have you considered if Peter had his way, we
could have had Three Tabernacles as the symbol of our religion. With three
tabernacles, Jesus would have stood as one of three leaders or even three
prophets.

It was God who lifted Jesus way above the suggestions of man. The voice in the
cloud proclaimed "This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him."

Jesus was not only a leader, not only a prophet, but a loved Son. Jesus looked
ahead beyond the three tabernacles, beyond the mountain experience and told his
Disciples it would all be plain to when he rose from the dead. Already the
shadow of the cross which would become an eternal memorial and marker of our
faith was falling on Jesus. Jesus knew they need the whole experience before
they could understand the reality that confronted him and them.

[Listen: Brass Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_962.mp3

OR

Male Voice:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2611.mp3 ]

When Jesus looked o'er Galilee,
So blue and calm and fair,
Upon her bosom, could he see
A cross reflected there?

When sunrise dyed the lovely deeps,
And sparkled in his hair,
O did the light rays seem to say:
A crown of thorns he'll wear?

When in the hush of eventide,
Cool waters touched his feet,
Was it a hymn of Calvary's road
He heard the waves repeat?

But when the winds triumphantly
Swept from the open plain,
The Master surely heard the song:
The Lord shall live again!
Author:  Catherine Baird (1895-1984)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 103

Mark 9:2-9 (The Message)
  2-4Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John
and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out,
right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than
any bleach could make them. Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep
conversation with Jesus.
  5-6Peter interrupted, "Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let's build three
memorials— one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah." He blurted this out
without thinking, stunned as they all were by what they were seeing.
  7Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a
voice: "This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him."
  8The next minute the disciples were looking around, rubbing their eyes, seeing
nothing but Jesus, only Jesus.
  9-10Coming down the mountain, Jesus swore them to secrecy. "Don't tell a soul
what you saw. After the Son of Man rises from the dead, you're free to talk."
They puzzled over that, wondering what on earth "rising from the dead" meant.


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OzThoughts Sunday Hymns and Psalms 22nd February 2009



The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 220
Author:  Reginald Heber (1783-1826)

[Listen: Hendon Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2529.mp3
Look and Listen:  Hawthorne Citadel Band:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_063.WMV ]

Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

2.
Holy, holy, holy; all the saints adore thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
Who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be!

3.
Holy, holy, holy; though the darkness hide thee,
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee
Perfect in power, in love and purity!

4.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea;
Holy holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Psalm 41 (The Message) – Selected Verses.

  1-3Dignify those who are down on their luck;
you'll feel good—that's what God does.
    God looks after us all,
       makes us robust with life—
    Lucky to be in the land,
       we're free from enemy worries.
    Whenever we're sick and in bed,
       God becomes our nurse,
       nurses us back to health.
…
  10 God, give grace, get me up on my feet.
       I'll show them a thing or two.

  11-12 Meanwhile, I'm sure you're on my side—
       no victory shouts yet from the enemy camp!
    You know me inside and out, you hold me together,
       you never fail to stand me tall in your presence
       so I can look you in the eye.

  13 Blessed is God, Israel's God,
       always, always, always.
       Yes. Yes. Yes.

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 489
Authors:  Herbert Howard Booth (1862-1926) (verses), W.H. Williams (chorus)

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1600.mp3 ]

I bring to thee my heart to fill;
I feel how weak I am, but still
To thee for help I call.
In joy or grief, to live or die,
For earth or Heaven, this is my cry,
Be thou my all in all.

Chorus
Christ is all, yes, all in all.
My Christ is all in all.

2.
Around me in the world I see
No joy that turns my soul from thee;
Its honors fade and fall;
But with thee, though I mount the cross,
I count it gain to suffer loss,
For thou art all in all.

3.
I've little strength to call my own,
And what I've done, before thy throne
I here confess, is small;
But on thy strength. O God, I lean,
And through the blood that makes me clean,
Thou art my all in all.

4.
No tempest can my courage shake,
My love from thee no pain can take,
No fear my heart appall;
And where I cannot see I'll trust,
For then I know thou surely must
Be still my all in all.

PRAYER:
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are
redeemed: guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to
your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.  (A Prayer Book for Australia).
…………
Read a Christian book during Lent.

Lent in 2009 will start on Wednesday, the 25th of February and will continue for
46 days until Saturday, the 11th of April.
  ……………………………………………..

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Australian Thoughts at the Weekend.  21st February, 2009.

GOING BOLDLY

The other day, I read the well known chapter of Hebrews which includes the
words:

So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into "the
Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as
our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body. (Hebrews
10: 19-21 The Message)

Some may be more familiar with the King James Version:

  19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood
of Jesus,
  20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil,
that is to say, his flesh; (Hebrews 10:19-20 King James Version)

I began to reflect on the idea of going boldly into the presence of God. I was
thinking what a privilege it is.  I have no access to the Premier of our State,
Queensland, to the Prime Minister of Australia or to the Queen of Queensland and
Australia who also happens to be the Queen of England and many other places.

When I was in Rome last year, I visited the Vatican City and St Peters Basilica.
However, I had no access to the Pope. It would have been difficult as he was in
Sydney, Australia at the time. I could go boldly to view the Vatican art as I
had paid my entrance fee and walk through St Peters.  There were limits to where
I could boldly go and I had the idea that security people were watching.

I continued to think about going boldly and I remembered the prayer we pray each
Monday in the Chapel before we gin our hospital patient visiting. It is based on
2 Timothy 1: 6-7:

God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but a spirit of power and of love and
of self-discipline. May we rekindle the gift of God within us. Amen.

Again, I like The Message version of those verses on which the prayer is based:

And the special gift of ministry you received when I (Paul) laid hands on you
(Timothy) and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his
gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. (2 Timothy 1: 6-7 The Message).

I have been in seven or eight different prisons but there is one night when I
went boldly. I think it was boldly on the outside although it was far from it
inside. This particular night I was visiting without my fellow Chaplain and the
guards on one cell block told me there was no one available to escort me down
100 meters of the internal road to the next cell block.

I waited while they telephoned ahead and then I set out down the road through
the dark. I would think that the guards at each end of the road were watching me
as I swiftly made my way. I was about half way when I saw something moving in
the dark down towards the perimeter fence. I quickened my pace and had visions
of being taken hostage by a stray prisoner.

When I got to the cell block, the gate was unlocked and I moved into the safety
of the compound. I reported the movement I had seen to the guard and he smiled
as he said “Sir, they are Mr King’s kangaroos”.  I remembered, then, the
kangaroos the Prison Governor had inside the external boundary fence.

I remember another time there was a prison officers’ strike at Parramatta
Prison in Sydney. It was a tough prison with some very tough prisoners. The
Salvation Army with the agreement of the Prison officers’ Union was given the
responsibility of feeding the prisoners.

We did this by placing the essentials for 3 meals, including one hot chicken
dinner with vegetables in two supermarket bags. This was the daily ration for
each prisoner.  When all was ready we took the meal packs to each cell block.
There was one Salvation Army Officer, about three armed Police Officers and one
prison manager in each cell block.

We approached the cell door. The prisoner was commanded to stand back. The
Prison manger tested the door to make sure it was not electrically live.
(Prisoners had previous occasions ripped electrical wiring from the walls and
connected the metal doors to the electric light supply which was painful to
anyone touching the door). The peep hole was then used to make sure the prisoner
was back from the door and the door unlocked and opened.

I then boldly stepped forward and placed the meal bags in the doorway and
quickly stepped back. The prisoner was then told to come forward, pick up his
meal bags and slowly return to his cell. The door was locked and we repeated the
procedure at the next cell door. After the prisoners had been in “lock down”
mode for a few days without a shower or exercise the relationship of many of the
prisoners with police and prison officers was very abusive. It was always a
great relief to hear the door bang closed behind me and I could breathe easy the
fumes of Parramatta traffic outside the prison.

It was about the same time as I my visits to Parramatta Prison to be part of a
team preparing and delivering meals to the prisoners in their cells that I was
appointed as a Fire Brigade Chaplain and was called to attend a fatal vehicle
accident for the first time. I will not dwell on the details but that first time
and every time since that I was called to a fatal fire or a vehicle accident
with death and severe injuries, my prayer was that God would give me courage to
go boldly and be of use to the people at the scene and to distressed relatives
and friends who arrived.

The Ambassador for South Africa was to visit a country town where I was the
Corps Officer at the time. The Town Council put on a Civic Reception for him and
I was invited to attend. It was a Friday night. Friday night, I used to do my
hotel rounds with my bundle of War Crys and my collection box. It was quite
tight timing but I managed to complete the hotel round in time to walk home and
then around the corner to the Town Hall for the reception. As I reflected later,
I thought what a contrast there was between the last hotel, probably with the
lowest socio economic group in town and the reception where I met not only the
official guest but mingled with every community and business leader in the town.
I had never spoken to an Ambassador before or since, but he sought me out and
spoke highly of The Salvation Army and its work in his home land.

I have told the story before of the young blind man whom I took from the
dreadful circumstances in which he was living almost kept prisoner by relatives
who had taken every advantage of his pension income and gave almost nothing in
return. Yes, I not only went boldly and with a prayer but reported to the police
station before and after the “rescue” as his relatives were known for their
violence.

It was in my first appointment that we had a Saturday night “coffee shop”
for teenagers. It had been going for about three years and it was mostly
attended by young people from the community. There behaviour was sometimes far
less than desirable especially when they had spent the Saturday afternoon
drinking alcohol. They often upset our neighbours and we spent a lot of time
trying to bring peace to the situation.

One night they upset one of the neighbours who went to a nearby hotel and
gathered friends to fix us up. His friends like him all seemed about 30cm (1
foot) taller than me.  They all looked like they were practiced in battle. Just
as I wqas confronted by the group, our rock group of guitars and drums struck up
another song. Luckily, it wasn’t their loud and raucous version of “Wild
Thing”, “Proud Mary” or “Bad moon Rising” but their vocalist Robyn
singing with quiet accompaniment “Amazing Grace”.

The leader of the pack told his friends to shut up and listen. As Robyn’s
clear voice sang the well known words, the leader said “Anyone with music like
that can’t be bad. Let’s go”. With that he shook me by the hand, told me
to have a good night and joined his friends as they went back to wherever they
had come from.

The neighbour was not satisfied. A few Saturday night’s later he confronted me
with a shotgun on the footpath outside our Citadel. I felt a lot better when the
police arrived. I was bold but not stupid. I closed the Saturday night Coffee
Shop a week later. Our outreach tot eh young people continued on Wednesday night
when we had our Bible Study and games night. On Wednesdays they had been at work
or school so they came and of course stayed sober.

I started out by quoting from Hebrews. Remember ?

So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into "the
Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as
our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body. (Hebrews
10: 19-21 The Message)

The writer to the Hebrews does not stop there he goes on:
  22-25So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside
and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always
keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and
helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other
on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
[Listen:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3805.mp3 ]

There's a path that's sometimes thorny,
There's a narrow way, and straight;
It is called the path of duty,
And it leads to Heaven's gate.
While we tread this path of duty,
We will find our needs supplied
From the river of God's mercy
That is flowing close beside.

Chorus
By the pathway of duty
Flows the river of God's grace.
By the pathway of duty
Flows the river of God's grace.

'Tis a blessed way and holy,
'Tis a path of peace and joy;
Though sometimes the way be stony
And the cares of life annoy.
But this path that we call duty
Is the way the Master trod,
And the smile of love and beauty
Lights the way that leads to God.

  Let us walk this path of duty
With our faces to the sun,
Carry all our burdens gladly,
Finish well what we've begun.
From the river of God's mercy
That is flowing by the way,
We may drink and find refreshing
For the burdens of the day.
Author:  Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 462
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read a Christian book during Lent.

Lent in 2009 will start on Wednesday, the 25th of February and will continue for
46 days until Saturday, the 11th of April.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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OzThoughts Friday 20th February 2009

Yesterday the question was how would you answer “Who is Jesus?”  Today’s
reading really poses the question “who would you tell your answer to?”  Do
you let people know that Jesus is in control of your life?

I remember one Salvation Army Officer telling us that he found it quite amusing
his daughter told her friends at school that her father was a cheese salesman.
It makes me wonder about how we answer questions which would declare our faith.

Do we answer “what did you do on Sunday?” with “I spent time with the
family” instead of “I went to Church with the family on Sunday”.  How
about “I wear this uniform as I play in a Salvation Army Band” rather than
“I wear this uniform as a Soldier of Christ? The “Ss” on my uniform collar
declare “Saved to serve”.

Jesus is talking about the “Big C”: Commitment.

Prayer: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book):

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1594.mp3 ]

Thou art the way, none other dare I follow;
Thou art the truth, and thou hast made me free;
Thou art the life, the hope of my tomorrow;
Thou art the Christ who died for me.
This is my creed, that 'mid earth's sin and sorrow,
My life may guide men unto thee.

Hold thou my feet, let there be no returning
Along the path which thou hast bid me tread;
Train thou my mind, I would be ever learning
The better way thy fame to spread;
Keep thou my heart ablaze with holy burning
That love for souls may ne'er be dead.

I would bring peace to lives now torn asunder,
Ease aching hearts with words that soothe and heal;
I would bring peace when, breaking like the thunder,
Men rise in war, and hatred feel.
Peacemaker, Lord! Now I am stirred to wonder;
O take me, and my calling seal!
	 Authors:  Arch R. Wiggins (1893-1976)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 529

Mark 8:34-39 - Mark 9:  1

  34-37  Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "Anyone who intends to
come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't
run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no
help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true
self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real
you? What could you ever trade your soul for?
  38  "If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I'm leading you when you
get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you'll be an even
greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of
God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels."
Mark 9:  1  Then he drove it home by saying, "This isn't pie in the sky by and
by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the
kingdom of God arrive in full force."

Read a Christian book during Lent.

Lent in 2009 will start on Wednesday, the 25th of February and will continue for
46 days until Saturday, the 11th of April.
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OzThoughts Thursday 19th February 2009

How often are we challenged about our faith? I had a fellow decide he would
challenge me about my faith and he was going strong. When I suggested the story
he was telling about Jesus saying to Paul “sell everything you have and give
to the poor” was not about Paul but about the “Rich young ruler”, he lost
interest in his challenge. However, I gave a brief statement of my faith in
Jesus and who he was to me.

In today’s reading from Mark’s Gospel, Jesus challenged his Disciples very
directly "And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?"

Peter answers and it seems very quickly "You are the Christ, the Messiah."

We cannot escape answering the same question. We must answer it for ourselves. I
believe we must also answer it for others who question us.
David Pawson says that god all-matey has replaced God Almighty. Others have
suggested that in none of all the “I am” statements in the Gospel does Jesus
say “I am your best friend”.  Even others have suggested that the “Jesus
is my (boy/girl?) friend theology in some choruses is no theology but just
another song aping popular culture.

Even Peter’s statement "You are the Christ, the Messiah." needed development
by Jesus and Jesus outlines what being the Christ would mean. When Peter
challenges that new teaching, Jesus does not hesitate in saying “"Get behind
me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things
of men." (NIV).

How do we answer Jesus question "And you—what are you saying about me? Who am
I?" Does our answer reflect our thoughts are the things of God, or the things of
men?

[Listen:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3888.mp3  ]

I know thee who thou art,
And what thy healing name;
For when my fainting heart
The burden nigh o'ercame,
I saw thy footprints on my road
Where lately passed the Son of God.

Thy name is joined with mine
By every human tie,
And my new name is thine,
A child of God am I;
And never more alone, since thou
Art on the road beside me now.

Beside thee as I walk,
I will delight in thee
In sweet communion talk
Of all thou art to me;
The beauty of thy face behold
And know thy mercies manifold.

Let nothing draw me back
Or turn my heart from thee,
But by the Calvary track
Bring me at last to see
The courts of God, that city fair,
And find my name is written there.
Author:  Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number:  59

Mark 8:27-33 (The Message)

  27  Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea
Philippi. As they walked, he asked, "Who do the people say I am?"
  28  "Some say 'John the Baptizer,'" they said. "Others say 'Elijah.' Still
others say 'one of the prophets.'"
  29  He then asked, "And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?"
    Peter gave the answer: "You are the Christ, the Messiah."
  30-32  Jesus warned them to keep it quiet, not to breathe a word of it to
anyone. He then began explaining things to them: "It is necessary that the Son
of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the
elders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and after three days
rise up alive." He said this simply and clearly so they couldn't miss it.
  32-33  But Peter grabbed him in protest. Turning and seeing his disciples
wavering, wondering what to believe, Jesus confronted Peter. "Peter, get out of
my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works."


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OzThoughts Wednesday 18th February 2009

Last week, I was asked by a retired Pastor to pray that he might have comfort in
his arms. The irritating discomfort was driving him to the point where he was
tearing his skin with constant scratching. He had got himself into quite a mess.
When I saw him the next day, he asked that I might pray again that the healing
be continued. On Monday, he told me he was much, much better. He was sleeping
peacefully yesterday, so I did not see him.

I am sure God hears our prayerful requests. However, the answers come as God is
pleased to grant the requests. If God does not answer then it is I don’t think
it is because he can’t answer them.

As I read, in today’s reading, of the blind man who only appeared to be
partially healed, I imagine there are those who might question why Jesus did not
heal this man immediately and perfectly.  In our questioning we must not lose
sight of the fact that Jesus did heal the man and when they parted the man could
see perfectly.

God is able to meet our every need.

PRAYER:  (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book):

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2448.mp3 ]

At the moment of my weakness,
When my need for power is plain.
And my own strength is exhausted once again,
Then the Lord has made provision for the day of my despair
and his precious Holy Spirit hears my Prayer
Then the Lord has made provision for the day of my despair
and his precious Holy Spirit hears my Prayer

chorus:
Holy Spirit! Promised Presence fall on me.
Holy Spirit! Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit! Give your pow’r to me
O Holy Spirit.

When the darkness fall around me,
When bewildered and afraid,
When I feel the most deserted and betrayed,
Then my every need is answered by God's providential care
and his precious Holy Spirit hears my Prayer
Then my every need is answered by God's providential care
and his precious Holy Spirit hears my Prayer.

Nothing now can rob God's servant
of the peace that he bequeaths,
Nothing take away the strength his presence breathes
Of the everlasting arms of Love I'm daily made aware
and his precious Holy Spirit hears my Prayer.
Of the everlasting arms of Love I'm daily made aware
and his precious Holy Spirit hears my Prayer.





Mark 8:22-26 (The Message)

  22-23 They arrived at Bethsaida. Some people brought a sightless man and begged
Jesus to give him a healing touch. Taking him by the hand, he led him out of the
village. He put spit in the man's eyes, laid hands on him, and asked, "Do you
see anything?"
  24-26 He looked up. "I see men. They look like walking trees." So Jesus laid
hands on his eyes again. The man looked hard and realized that he had recovered
perfect sight, saw everything in bright, twenty-twenty focus. Jesus sent him
straight home, telling him, "Don't enter the village."


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OzThoughts Tuesday 17th February 2009

“But the disciples forgot to pack a lunch. Except for a single loaf of bread,
there wasn't a crumb in the boat.”  Is it great to know the Disciples are like
us. They forget things. Yesterday I forgot to take my wallet with me to work.
Luckily, I did not need my money, my credit card or my Driver’s Licence it
contained.

Jesus takes the opportunity of their forgetfulness to remind them of two things.
Firstly he tells them to beware of the contaminating yeast of the Pharisees and
Herod’s followers. Yeast is a mould or single cell fungi and Jesus obviously
knows there are good and bad moulds.

Secondly, Jesus reminds them of the fact, he has already demonstrated his
ability to supply “our daily bread”.  He reminds them of two occasions when
he not only supplied enough bread for thousands from a few loaves but had plenty
over.

Prayer: (Using the Song Book as our Prayer Book):

[Listen : Hymn Tunes Lathbury* and St Cuthbert :

http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF387%20-%20Hymn%20Tunes%20(a)%20Lathbury%20\
(b)%20St%20Cuthbert.mp3

*Lathbury is the tune for the following words:

Break thou the bread of life,
O Lord, to me,
As thou didst break the loaves
Beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page
I seek thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for thee,
O living Word!

Thou art the bread of life,
O Lord, to me,
Thy holy word the truth
That saveth me;
Give me to eat and live
With thee above;
Teach me to love thy truth,
For thou art love.

O send thy Spirit, Lord,
Now unto me,
That he may touch my eyes
And make me see;
Show me the truth concealed
Within thy word,
And in thy book revealed
I see the Lord.
Authors:  Mary Artemisia Lathbury (1841-1913), (verse 1 )
     Alexander Groves, (1843-1909) (verses 2 and 3 )
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 650

Mark 8:14-21 (The Message)

  13-15  He then left them, got back in the boat, and headed for the other side.
But the disciples forgot to pack a lunch. Except for a single loaf of bread,
there wasn't a crumb in the boat. Jesus warned, "Be very careful. Keep a sharp
eye out for the contaminating yeast of Pharisees and the followers of Herod."
  16-19  Meanwhile, the disciples were finding fault with each other because they
had forgotten to bring bread. Jesus overheard and said, "Why are you fussing
because you forgot bread? Don't you see the point of all this? Don't you get it
at all? Remember the five loaves I broke for the five thousand? How many baskets
of leftovers did you pick up?"
    They said, "Twelve."
  20  "And the seven loaves for the four thousand—how many bags full of
leftovers did you get?"
    "Seven."
  21  He said, "Do you still not get it?"



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OzThoughts Monday 16th February 2009

So we come to the beginning of another week. It will be different for each of
us. What are some of the things we will face this week? Maybe challenges at work
or at school for some. Some will face health problems. Others will face family
or financial problems. Some are dealing with floods and fire while others are
dealing with snow or drought.

In the midst of all this the Psalmist reminds us to “Keep your eyes open for
God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence.”
In other words: Don’t miss out on the blessings God has for us. Actually the
Psalmist suggests how we should react:

Psalm 105:1-7 (The Message)

  1-7  Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name!
       Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
    Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
       translate his wonders into music!
    Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs,
       you who seek God. Live a happy life!
    Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works;
       be alert for signs of his presence.
    Remember the world of wonders he has made,
       his miracles, and the verdicts he's rendered—
          O seed of Abraham, his servant,
          O child of Jacob, his chosen.
He's God, our God,
       in charge of the whole earth.

PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as our Prayer Book):

Thank you, Lord, for all your goodness:
Through the years of yesterday;
Thank you, too, for present mercies
And your blessing on my way.
Thank you for each revelation,
And for what you choose to hide;
Thank you, Lord, for grace sustaining
As I in your love abide.

Thank you, Lord, for sunlit pathways,
Thank you, too, for byways rough;
Thank you for the fruitful summers
Also for the winters tough.
Thank you, Lord, for fragrant flowers
Growing right amid the weeds;
Thank you for the peace you give me
Even when my spirit bleeds.

Chorus
Thank you, Lord, for wayside roses,
Even for the thorns beside;
Thank you for the prayers you granted
And for those that you denied;
Thank you, Lord, for precious comfort
In my hours of grief and pain;
Thank you for your precious promise
Life eternal I shall gain.
Authors:  August Ludvig Storm (1862-1914),
Translator: Flora Larsson
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 552



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OzThoughts Sunday Hymns and Psalms 15th February 2009

[Administration Note:

A recent thank you note to OzThoughts reminded me that there are people like the
writer of that note who cannot get to Sunday Meetings. While this cannot replace
that experience, my prayer is that these hymns, Psalms and prayers might help
people to feel a time of communion with God but feel connected with others
across the world who are sharing the experience of this time of worship and
meditation.

You may wish to forward this to others who you would like to share the
experience. ]

[Listen: Brass Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1598.mp3

OR

Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1806.mp3

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 9
Authors:  Attr Samuel Barnard (d 1807)

Jehovah is our strength,
And he shall be our song;
We shall o'ercome at length
Although our foes be strong.
In vain does Satan then oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.

2.
The Lord our refuge is
And ever will remain;
Since he has made us his
He will our cause maintain.
In vain our enemies oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.

3.
The Lord our shepherd is;
He knows our every need,
And since we now are his,
His care our souls will feed.
In vain do sin and death oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.

4.
Our God our Father is;
Our names are on his heart;
We ever will be his,
He ne'er from us will part.
In vain the mightiest powers oppose,
For God is stronger than his foes.


Psalm 30 (The Message)

  1 I give you all the credit, GOD— you got me out of that mess,
       you didn't let my foes gloat.

  2-3 GOD, my God, I yelled for help
       and you put me together.
    GOD, you pulled me out of the grave,
       gave me another chance at life
       when I was down-and-out.

  4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to GOD!
       Thank him to his face!
    He gets angry once in a while, but across
       a lifetime there is only love.
    The nights of crying your eyes out
       give way to days of laughter.

  6-7 When things were going great
       I crowed, "I've got it made.
    I'm GOD's favorite.
       He made me king of the mountain."
    Then you looked the other way
       and I fell to pieces.

  8-10 I called out to you, GOD;
       I laid my case before you:
    "Can you sell me for a profit when I'm dead?
       auction me off at a cemetery yard sale?
    When I'm 'dust to dust' my songs
       and stories of you won't sell.
    So listen! and be kind!
       Help me out of this!"

  11-12 You did it: you changed wild lament
       into whirling dance;
    You ripped off my black mourning band
       and decked me with wildflowers.
    I'm about to burst with song;
       I can't keep quiet about you.
    GOD, my God,
       I can't thank you enough.



The Salvation Army Song Book: SongNumber:  022
Authors:  Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)

[Listen:  Congregational Song:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_033.mp3

OR

Brass Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3537.mp3 ]

To God be the glory, great things he hath done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son;
Who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Chorus
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give him the glory; great things he hath done!

2.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

3.
Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer and higher and greater will be
Our wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see.



……………………………………………..

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Australian Thoughts at the Weekend. 14th February, 2009.

Next Tuesday is the anniversary of the crash of a Stinson passenger airliner. 
The crash occurred on 17th February, 1937.  Eventually two survivors of the
crash were rescued. The story of their rescue is one of those stories that if it
was fiction would we would dismiss as not only unbelievable but unlikely to ever
happen.

A couple of years ago, I visited O’Reilly’s Guest House in the rugged
mountain ranges at the back of the Gold Coast. Following that visit I wrote a
few thoughts about the visit and told the story of the rescue. Such was the
interest in that story that I wrote a longer version.

As we approach this anniversary I have repeated the two versions and added some
websites which are worth a visit.  I apologise to those who have read this
account in ATAW since I first wrote it in 2004 but isn’t a good story worth
reading again?

Anyone who has visited the mountains behind the Gold Coast will have a good idea
of the single-minded determination of Bernard O’Reilly and the Herculean
effort he made. As we think of him and his massive effort, notice how he
dismisses it and calls it an answer to prayer. I have no doubt it was an answer
to prayer. Do you agree?

The Stinson Disaster

Most people seemed to ignore the statue in the forecourts of O’Reilly’s
Guesthouse. . Some stopped and looked for a moment barely having time to read
the plaque. Tourists who had arrived on buses mingled with those who arrived by
private transport and from packets sprinkled seeds and other morsels which were
eagerly gobbled by the colourful parrots and other birds. It was the birds which
were the attraction. Those who were lucky enough to have birds land on their
hands or head hoped their friends with still and video cameras had captured the
moment. Some might get the statue in the background of their pictures and may
wonder at the story behind it. It is a story of strength and tenacity and
answers to prayer.
It is the story of a man who searched for a plane that went missing after all
others had given up. It was 68 years ago this weekend on the 19th February, 1937
that the Stinson tri-motor 'City of Brisbane' (VH-UHH), flying its regular
service flight to Sydney, took off from Brisbane into the teeth of a cyclone.
When the luxury tri-motor with its 2 crew and 5 passengers failed to arrive in
Sydney, the largest air search in Australia's history began. (See longer version
of story below)
Bernard O’Reilly began his search over a week after the crash and after the
official search had been called off. He searched in the rugged subtropical rain
forest covered mountains of the New South Wales and Queensland Border. He was
guided by a burnt out tree on a far ridge to where the wreck of the plane and
two survivors lay injured and exhausted beside it. It is the story of his extra
human feat in getting down the mountain and getting help to get these two men to
safety.

It was a remarkable four days from when he left home to begin his search to when
the survivors were brought to the waiting ambulances. With only limited sleep
and food and massive human exertion during that time it was in the realm of
heroic feat yet O’Reilly pointed to God. It was God who was his help as
prayers were answered.
In one place as he considers comments made about his bushcraft he says that word
‘bushcraft’ was overworked. He says that anyone who carefully studies the
topography and vegetation of the Border Ranges would know that no matter how
well a man was equipped with bush instinct he might search there unsuccessfully
for fifty years. He says the fact should be noted and due credit given to his
mother who was saying her prayers back home.
Reflecting further on the rescue O’Reilly wrote in “Green Mountains”:
	 It is a wild dream now- that wild run (from Westray to the open forest where he
met the rifle man) – I was quite mad – my heart had been wrung out with
horror and pity – no one who looked upon those poor survivors could help
praying as I did: “that God would let me live long enough to help these
men.” I knew that I was sobbing and that I only paused when tears blinded me.
I remember, too, that the shock and jar of leaping and landing on these rocks at
top speed was telling on me, even though I was in splendid condition, but I was
given strength to complete the task.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4355.mp3  ]

If human hearts are often tender,
And human minds can pity know,
If human love is touched with splendour,
And human hands compassion show,

Chorus
Then how much more shall God our Father
In love forgive, in love forgive!
Then how much more shall God our Father
Our wants supply, and none deny!

If sometimes men can live for others,
And sometimes give where gifts are spurned,
If sometimes treat their foes as brothers,
And love where love is not returned,

If men will often share their gladness,
If men respond when children cry,
If men can feel each other's sadness,
Each other's tears attempt to dry,
	 John Gowans
The Salvation Army Song Book Song Number:  50

````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````\
```````````````````````
The Stinson Disaster
It was 72 years ago this week on the 19th February, 1937 that the Stinson
tri-motor 'City of Brisbane' (VH-UHH), flying its regular service flight to
Sydney, took off from Brisbane into the teeth of a cyclone. When the luxury
tri-motor with its 2 crew and 5 passengers failed to arrive in Sydney, the
largest air search in Australia's history began.
Over the next couple of days, hundreds of seemingly reliable reports and
sightings flooded in. Thousands of searchers and dozens of aircraft combed the
1000 km of mountains, beaches, and ocean between Brisbane and Sydney.  Many
reports said they had heard or seen the plane close to Sydney and therefore
officials narrowed the search to the mountainous ravines and gullies of Broken
Bay and the Kuringai Chase National Park just north of Sydney. After a week of
exhaustive investigations from the air and on land, the official search was
abandoned. It was to be assumed that, for some unknown reason, the plane had
headed out to sea on its approach to Mascot Airport in Sydney and had crashed
into the ocean.
On Thursday 25 February, Mrs H. Proud, mother of one of the missing passengers,
offered a 500 pound reward to anyone who found the missing plane. Over the
previous few days she had had a recurring vision. She could see her son sitting
in the bush beside burnt-out wreckage. He was still alive. (This dream was
documented in newspapers of the time.)
On the Queensland - New South Wales border ranges nine hundred kilometres away
from the search around Sydney, Bernard O'Reilly, a dairy farmer, led his
packhorses down into the valley with his week's cream supply. His property had
been carved from the rainforest on the mountain tops in the early 1900s, just
before the area was declared a National Park. The farm was surrounded by the
towering trees of the rainforest, and the only track to his farm was up the side
of the treacherous ravines that overshadow the valley.
Bernard visited his brother Herb (who had a farm in the valley) and, during the
day, Bernard had the opportunity to read the newspapers from the previous week.
He read details of the search for the missing Stinson, but from all of the
conflicting reports, there appeared to be only one key fact: there were four
passengers waiting to be collected in Lismore and the plane hadn't arrived.
During the day, Herb commented idly: 'The plane flew over here, you know. It was
so low it scared all the chooks and they didn't lay for a few days.'  Bernard
rang a couple of Herb's neighbours to see if they had seen the distinctive
aircraft flying over and, from their discussions, found a number of the locals
had seen the plane passing. The last farmer up the valley had watched as the
plane disappeared into the clouds—heading towards, but high enough to clear
the mountains.
That evening, as the final search planes returned to Sydney without success,
Bernard O'Reilly wound his way back up the track to his farm, he pondered the
plane's fate and decided that, after his chores next morning, he would take a
ride out to the border ranges to see if he could see anything. He drew a line on
his map with a pencil and school ruler from where the farmer had seen the
aircraft climbing higher over the mountains to Lismore. He reasoned that the
plane if it crashed would be on one of the northern slopes of the four east-west
mountain ranges along the line indicated by the pencil line.
Shortly after dawn, O’Reilly set out on horse back and rode as far as the
horse could take him on the narrow track through the thick rain forest. Sending
the horse back home, he turned to face the battle though the forest on foot. The
rest of the day he battled on rising up the ranges and down the gorges, noting
as he went huge trees which had been felled by the previous week’s cyclone.
After an almost sleepless night spent in the company of the forest’s nocturnal
creatures including howling dingoes, tiger cats and powerful owls, he pushed on
towards the high peak from which he hoped to survey the landscape across several
mountain ranges. Upon arrival at the top of the mountain he looked and surveyed
a scene of swirling low cloud. As he stood enjoying the cooling breezes suddenly
the clouds parted and he could see clearly across three mountain ranges.
On the third range, in the sea of green trees, with the occasional white
flowering tree was a tree that was light brown. A tree that was burnt or dying.
O’Reilly decided that it was no coincidence this tree was right on the pencil
line marking the guessed route of the plane. He set off with renewed vigour to
cross the gorges and ranges between him and the tree. It was about 4 o’clock
in the afternoon he eventually reached the top of the range where the dead tree
by his calculations was situated.
After regaining his breath he sent out the great Australian bush call:
“Coo-ee”. It echoed across the gorge. There also came a clear answering call
from close by. Then there was a second call which woke him from the physical
shock of the first. Continuing to call and hear answering calls, he moved as
quickly as possible the two hundred yards or so where he saw the burnt out
remains of the plane. From under the wreck came the voices of the two survivors.
As O’Reilly looked at the man he saw first, he saw the broken swollen and
maggoty leg and realised this man, John Proud, had lain there in pain for ten
days and he was probably too late to save him. The second man, Jim Binstead,
too, was in poor condition but had been able through the ten days to drag
himself over rocks and vines, etc., 300 metres down and back up a steep slope to
get water. But that journey was now impossible. The last one had taken him 5
hours.
O’Reilly found enough dry material to start a fire and soon had the billy
boiling to make tea. Meantime, he heard the tale of the crash. How the plane had
been caught in a sudden downdraft of the cyclone and dashed against the trees
chopping off their tops and then finally hitting the big tree which had become
the guiding beacon. Four, the two pilots and two passengers, were killed
instantly in the crash and subsequent fire. A third man an Englishman, Jim
Westray, had also escaped the crash and had helped Binstead drag Proud clear.
Westray had gone for help but had not returned.
Not much more than a half hour after finding the two men, O’Reilly set off for
help. Westray had chosen the best direction for help, so he went the same way
down along the creek. Eventually, he came to a waterfall and saw where Westray
had slipped over it as he tried to move around it. O’Reilly expected to find
his broken body at the bottom but it wasn’t there. Westray had dragged himself
down the steam for several more miles and successfully past other waterfalls
until eventually he died as he sat with his back against a rock bathing a
smashed ankle in the cooling pool and with his last cigarette in his hand.
O’Reilly had no time to stop. Light was fading and he must get as far as he
could before night’s darkness was complete. He was driven on, as mile after
mile of obstacles in the creek bed passed by, by the thought that Proud was
dying. Eventually, he came to an area where the jungle gave way to more open
forest and he eventually found a broad timber-getters track. Nearby there was
the crack of a rifle. O’Reilly called out and received a cheery youthful
reply. As they met, the rifle’s owner said he was just shooting flying foxes
but asked where O’Reilly came from.
O’Reilly broke the news he had found the plane and two survivors. As quickly
as they could they got to the young man’s house and phoned the news the plane
was found. As the news went out, a rescue party organised. A doctor, ambulance
cars and the police were notified. Men from the district were organised into two
groups. One with the doctor to go back to the wreck, the way O’Reilly had
come. The other group would go to a closer vantage point and would commence
cutting through vine and bush with brush hooks and axes to make a way for the
men on stretchers to be brought.
It was 10am when the rescue party got to the wreck. O’Reilly had come down to
the open country in three hours. It had been 8 hours since he met the doctor and
the party and began the same upward climb. The doctor quickly began treating
Proud’s wounds as the rescuers began to fashion stretchers from saplings and
chaff bags. A bush tent was made for the two men to rest in with the aid of
sedatives. My nightfall the men cutting the track through the jungle emerged at
the wreck. It was time for a night’s rest for all. Not many slept. After
refreshing billy tea in the pre-dawn darkness the stretcher bearers set of down
the slope. At times depending whether they were travelling up or down the
carriers had their end of the stretcher high above their heads while at the
other end it was carried well below the knees of weary yet willing men.
Eleven hours after the dawn departure, the weary party arrived at “base
camp” where ambulance cars waited and the local women had set up a canteen.
Four days after O’Reilly left home he could now rest except for those, friends
and strangers, newsmen and photographers who questioned him and remarked about
his “bushcraft”.
In one place as he considers comments made about his bushcraft he says that word
was overworked. He says that anyone who carefully studies the topography and
vegetation of the Border Ranges would know that no matter how well a man was
equipped with bush instinct he might search there unsuccessfully for fifty
years. He says the fact should be noted and due credit given to his mother who
was saying her prayers back home.
Reflecting further on the rescue O’Reilly wrote in “Green Mountains”:
	 It is a wild dream now- that wild run (from Westray to the open forest where he
met the rifle man) – I was quite mad – my heart had been wrung out with
horror and pity – no one who looked upon those poor survivors could help
praying as I did: “that God would let me live long enough to help these
men.” I knew that I was sobbing and that I only paused when tears blinded me.
I remember, too, that the shock and jar of leaping and landing on these rocks at
top speed was telling on me, even though I was in splendid condition, but I was
given strength to complete the task. (1941. p 45).
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````\
```````````````````````Bernard O'Reilly's book Green Mountains tells the story
of his family pioneering, clearing and settling the rainforest of the McPherson
Ranges and, in his book, he dedicates three chapters to his search for the
missing Stinson. O’Reilly’s Guesthouse in the mountains behind the Gold
Coast continues to provide a link with the family and the home of this heroic
pioneer.
http://www.oreillys.com.au/
http://lamington.nrsm.uq.edu.au/Documents/Other/stin.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_in_time/Transcripts/s678197.htm
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21085822-5003416,00.html


`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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OzThoughts Friday 13th February 2009

Say "Ephphatha!” three times quickly. How did you go?  “Ephphatha” is the
command Jesus gave to the man who was unable to hear or speak and who had been
brought to Jesus by friends.  The result we read was immediately “the man’s
hearing was clear and his speech was plain”.

I like the comment Mark gives right after this healing “Jesus urged them to
keep it quiet, but they talked it up all the more, beside themselves with
excitement."He's done it all and done it well. He gives hearing to the deaf,
speech to the speechless."

Prayer: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book):

[Listen: Congregational Song: 
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_199.mp3 ]

Master, speak: thy servant heareth,
Waiting for thy gracious word,
Longing for thy voice that cheereth;
Master, let it now be heard.
I am listening, Lord, for thee;
What hast thou to say to me?

Speak to me by name, O Master,
Let me know it is to me.
Speak, that I may follow faster,
With a step more firm and free,
Where the shepherd leads the flock
In the shadow of the rock.

Master, speak: though least and lowest,
Let me not unheard depart.
Master, speak! for O thou knowest
All the yearning of my heart,
Knowest all its truest need;
Speak! and make me blest indeed.

Master, speak: and make me ready,
When thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady
Still to follow every word.
I am listening, Lord, for thee;
Master, speak: O speak to me!
	 Author: Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 614

Mark 7:31-37 (The Message)

  31-35  Then he left the region of Tyre, went through Sidon back to Galilee Lake
and over to the district of the Ten Towns. Some people brought a man who could
neither hear nor speak and asked Jesus to lay a healing hand on him. He took the
man off by himself, put his fingers in the man's ears and some spit on the man's
tongue. Then Jesus looked up in prayer, groaned mightily, and commanded,
"Ephphatha!—Open up!" And it happened. The man's hearing was clear and his
speech plain—just like that.
  36-37  Jesus urged them to keep it quiet, but they talked it up all the more,
beside themselves with excitement. "He's done it all and done it well. He gives
hearing to the deaf, speech to the speechless."

````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````


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OzThoughts Thursday 12th February 2009

I have always considered today’s reading from Mark’s Gospel as a
demonstration of Jesus’ sense of humour as well as his ability to use God’s
power to heal. There are those who might see Jesus’ words to the woman as
politically incorrect but that is applying today’s “rules” into a historic
situation.

The woman comes back with a quick answer that implies the dog’s get fed at the
same time as the children or you can’t feed the children without feeding the
dogs.

We really see his a wonderful demonstration of Jesus compassion and healing.
Jesus could have treated this woman as just the next person in the queue but his
conversation reminded everyone that his healing was for everyone, not only those
who “Children of Abraham”.

PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as our Prayer Book):
[Listen: Congregational Song (Tune: The Old Rustic Bridge): 
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_014.mp3

OR

Hollywood Tabernacle Band: Tenor Horn Solo: The Old Rustic Bridge:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4114.mp3

OR

Vocal Solo : Mandy Williams : (different tune):
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_256.mp3]

The Saviour of men came to seek and to save
The souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which he loved
With the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the laborers are few,
And still there are souls without bread,
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep,
And still straying sheep to be led.

Chorus
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwelleth thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed
Burning love is my need;
I know I can find this in thee.

O is not the Christ 'midst the crowd of today
Whose questioning cries do not cease?
And will he not show to the hearts that would know
The things that belong to their peace?
But how shall they hear if the preacher forbear
Or lack in compassionate zeal?
Or how shall hearts move with the Master's own love,
Without his anointing and seal?

It is not with might to establish the right,
Nor yet with the wise to give rest;
The mind cannot show what the heart longs to know
Nor comfort a people distressed.
O Saviour of men, touch my spirit again,
And grant that thy servant may be
Intense every day, as I labor and pray,
Both instant and constant for thee.
Author:  Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 527


Mark 7:24-30 (The Message)

  24-26  From there Jesus set out for the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house
there where he didn't think he would be found, but he couldn't escape notice. He
was barely inside when a woman who had a disturbed daughter heard where he was.
She came and knelt at his feet, begging for help. The woman was Greek,
Syro-Phoenician by birth. She asked him to cure her daughter.
  27  He said, "Stand in line and take your turn. The children get fed first. If
there's any left over, the dogs get it."
  28She said, "Of course, Master. But don't dogs under the table get scraps
dropped by the children?"
  29-30  Jesus was impressed. "You're right! On your way! Your daughter is no
longer disturbed. The demonic affliction is gone." She went home and found her
daughter relaxed on the bed, the torment gone for good.


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OzThoughts Wednesday 11th February 2009

Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” often uses words which are very
descriptive and leave us little doubt to their meaning. The reading from Mark
records Jesus saying that we are not polluted by what we eat as that is
processed by the body and waste product eliminated.

It is when Peterson chooses a word to describe what the Authorised King James
Version calls “That which cometh out of the man” that he chooses the word
“vomit”.  Now I don’t think it appropriate to give a list of picturesque
Australian words to describe this action.  I imagine they can be found online in
other places.

However, consider the list that Jesus (Peterson translation) considers
“vomit” and Jesus’ comment after he gives the list:

“obscenities, lusts, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, depravity, deceptive
dealings, carousing, mean looks, slander, arrogance, foolishness—all these are
vomit from the heart. There is the source of your pollution."

How do we respond to that?
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as our Prayer book):
[Listen:  Hymn Tune : Marshall :
http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/GEM24%20-%2012%20-%20Hymn%20-%20Marshall.mp3
]

Give me a holy life,
Spotless and free,
Cleansed by the crystal flow
Coming from thee.
Purge the dark halls of thought,
Here let thy work be wrought,
Each wish and feeling brought
Captive to thee.

Cleanse, thou refining Flame,
All that is mine;
Self only may remain
If thou refine.
Fix the intention sure,
Make my desire secure,
With love my heart keep pure,
Rooted in thee.

All my best works are naught,
Please they not thee;
Far past my busy hands
Thine eye doth see
Into the depths of mind,
Searching the plan designed,
Gladdened when thou dost find
First of all, thee.

Now is my will resigned,
Struggles are quelled;
Clay on the wheel am I,
Nothing withheld.
Master, I yield to thee,
Crumble, then fashion me
Flawless, and fit to be
Indwelt by thee.
Author:  Leslie Taylor-Hunt (1901-79)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number:  416
Mark 7:14-23 (The Message)
  14-15 Jesus called the crowd together again and said, "Listen now, all of
you— take this to heart. It's not what you swallow that pollutes your life;
it's what you vomit—that's the real pollution."
  17 When he was back home after being with the crowd, his disciples said, "We
don't get it. Put it in plain language."
  18-19 Jesus said, "Are you being willfully stupid? Don't you see that what you
swallow can't contaminate you? It doesn't enter your heart but your stomach,
works its way through the intestines, and is finally flushed." (That took care
of dietary quibbling; Jesus was saying that all foods are fit to eat.)
  20-23  He went on: "It's what comes out of a person that pollutes: obscenities,
lusts, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, depravity, deceptive dealings,
carousing, mean looks, slander, arrogance, foolishness—all these are vomit
from the heart. There is the source of your pollution."

````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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OzThoughts Tuesday 10th February 2009

Australians know the phrase “Fair Dinkum” pretty well. It is Australian
slang for genuine, honest, fair and square.  If they ask “Are you fair dinkum
?”. They mean “are you telling me the truth ? ; do you really mean that ?”
Fair dinkum is the opposite of fake.

Today’s reading from Mark Chapter 12 has the Pharisees questioning Jesus about
the actions of his Disciples. The said the Disciples were not conforming to what
had been an accepted practice. They were not washing their hands before their
meals.  (It might pay us to remember that germs and other nasties we carry on
our hands had not been “invented” yet. Okay, I mean discovered yet.). It was
ritual cleaning of the hands.

Now Jesus knew that these Pharisees were not fair dinkum.  He firstly quotes
Isaiah to them and then shows them how they actually break the law of Moses and
use their fake devotion to God as an excuse.

As we consider this conversation dare we ask ourselves “Are we fair dinkum
about our faith and practice ?”
Mark 7:1-13 (The Message)
  1-4  The Pharisees, along with some religion scholars who had come from
Jerusalem, gathered around him. They noticed that some of his disciples weren't
being careful with ritual washings before meals. The Pharisees—Jews in
general, in fact—would never eat a meal without going through the motions of a
ritual hand-washing, with an especially vigorous scrubbing if they had just come
from the market (to say nothing of the scourings they'd give jugs and pots and
pans).
  5The Pharisees and religion scholars asked, "Why do your disciples flout the
rules, showing up at meals without washing their hands?"
  6-8  Jesus answered, "Isaiah was right about frauds like you, hit the
bull's-eye in fact:

    These people make a big show of saying the right thing,
          but their heart isn't in it.
    They act like they are worshiping me,
          but they don't mean it.
    They just use me as a cover
          for teaching whatever suits their fancy,
    Ditching God's command
       and taking up the latest fads."
  9-13  He went on, "Well, good for you. You get rid of God's command so you
won't be inconvenienced in following the religious fashions! Moses said,
'Respect your father and mother,' and, 'Anyone denouncing father or mother
should be killed.' But you weasel out of that by saying that it's perfectly
acceptable to say to father or mother, 'Gift! What I owed you I've given as a
gift to God,' thus relieving yourselves of obligation to father or mother. You
scratch out God's Word and scrawl a whim in its place. You do a lot of things
like this."
PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer Book).

[Listen:  This 1931 78 recording is of the SA Supplies Department Band
(Conducted by Captain Eric Ball) playing Wells and Norwood, two tunes we usually
associate with “Rock of Ages”.  The first tune Wells is the preferred tune
for these words:

http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF210%20-%20(G21127)%20-%20Tune%20-%20Rock%2\
00f%20Ages.mp3  ]


Gracious Spirit, dwell with me;
I myself would gracious be,
And with words that help and heal
Would thy life in mine reveal;
And with actions bold and meek
Would for Christ, my Saviour, speak.

Truthful Spirit, dwell with me;
I myself would truthful be,
And with wisdom kind and clear
Let thy life in mine appear;
And with actions brotherly
Speak my Lord's sincerity.

Tender Spirit, dwell with me;
I myself would tender be;
Tender in my love for men,
Wooing them to God again;
With compassion pure and sweet
Lead the lost to Jesus' feet.

Mighty Spirit, dwell with me;
I myself would mighty be,
Mighty so as to prevail
Where unaided man must fail;
Ever by a mighty hope
Pressing on and bearing up.

Holy Spirit, dwell with me;
I myself would holy be,
Separate from sin, I would
Choose and cherish all things good;
And whatever I can be
Give to him who gave me thee.
Author: Thomas Toke Lynch (1818-71)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 212


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OzThoughts Monday 9th February 2009

I am sure today that the focus of thoughts and conversations of Australians
today will be on the tragedy of the bushfires in the State of Victoria. I am
sure caring people across the world will also include this tragedy in their
prayers. The numbers of houses destroyed and people killed are still being
counted. As I write I have also heard of two people who lost their lives in
floods in North Queensland as well as a young boy who followed his pet dog into
the Daintree River also in North Queensland.  It is feared he was taken by a
crocodile.

Its impossible to make sense of these tragedies. I am mindful of a Bishop who
was asked where is God in the Tsunami that claimed so many lives? His answer was
“That’s a hard question but I will say this: I saw God in the caring and
love of the people who were giving assistance to those who had lost so much.. I
praise God for them.” I noticed his questioner did not pursue that line of
questioning.

I don’t have the answers but I saw the peace God gives to those who love him
in a woman I have ministered to in hospital in these past weeks. Cancer had
taken possession of vital organs but she knew God had taken possession of her.
Her two daughters also said “Mum is ready to go”.  You don’t ask more
questions in face of that assurance.

PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as our Prayer book):

For thy sweet comfort in distress,
For aid when heavy burdens press,
My love for thee I will confess,
And thank thee, Lord.

For strength to tread a lonely way,
For darkness changed to shining day,
For burdens lifted when I pray,
I thank thee, Lord.

For ease which comes swift after pain,
For peace which follows after strain,
For seeming loss now turned to gain,
I thank thee, Lord.

When shadows fall and dark the night,
When clouds hang low, no ray of light,
Thy loveliness breaks on my sight,
I thank thee, Lord.

Lord, grant me courage, make me strong,
However steep the way, and long,
That I may sing the conqueror's song,
And thank thee, Lord.
Author:  Doris N. Rendell
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 719

Psalm 91 (The Message) – Selected Verses

  1-13  You who sit down in the High God's presence,
spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
    Say this: "GOD, you're my refuge.
       I trust in you and I'm safe!"
    That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
       shields you from deadly hazards.
    His huge outstretched arms protect you—
       under them you're perfectly safe;
       his arms fend off all harm.
    Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
       not flying arrows in the day,
    Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
       not disaster that erupts at high noon.
    …
    Yes, because GOD's your refuge,
       the High God your very own home,
    Evil can't get close to you,
       harm can't get through the door.
    He ordered his angels
       to guard you wherever you go.
    If you stumble, they'll catch you;
       their job is to keep you from falling.
    You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
       and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

  14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD,
       "I'll get you out of any trouble.
    I'll give you the best of care
       if you'll only get to know and trust me.
    Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
       I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
    I'll give you a long life,
       give you a long drink of salvation!"

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OzThoughts Sunday Hymns and Psalms 8th February 2009

[Administration Note:

A recent thank you note to OzThoughts reminded me that there are people like the
writer of that note who cannot get to Sunday Meetings. While this cannot replace
that experience, my prayer is that these hymns, Psalms and prayers might help
people to feel a time of communion with God but feel connected with others
across the world who are sharing the experience of this time of worship and
meditation.

You may wish to forward this to others whom you would like to share the
experience. ]



The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 2
Authors:  Francis of Assisi (1182-1226),
Translator:  William Henry Draper (1855-1933)

[ Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1033.mp3 ]

All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam:
Chorus
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

2.
Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O praise him, alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice:

3.
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light:

4.
Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise him, alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them his glory also show:

5.
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship him in humbleness,
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One:


Psalm 147:1-11 (The Message)

  1 Hallelujah! It's a good thing to sing praise to our God;
       praise is beautiful, praise is fitting.

  2-6 GOD's the one who rebuilds Jerusalem,
       who regathers Israel's scattered exiles.
    He heals the heartbroken
       and bandages their wounds.
    He counts the stars
       and assigns each a name.
    Our Lord is great, with limitless strength;
       we'll never comprehend what he knows and does.
    GOD puts the fallen on their feet again
       and pushes the wicked into the ditch.

  7-11 Sing to GOD a thanksgiving hymn,
       play music on your instruments to God,
    Who fills the sky with clouds,
       preparing rain for the earth,
    Then turning the mountains green with grass,
       feeding both cattle and crows.
    He's not impressed with horsepower;
       the size of our muscles means little to him.
    Those who fear GOD get GOD's attention;
       they can depend on his strength.




The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number:  579
Authors:  Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)

[ Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2452.mp3 ]

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase,
To added afflictions he addeth his mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.

2.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

3.
His love has no limits, his grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

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Australian Thoughts at the Weekend 7th February, 2009

There has been a lot of comment about Australia’s weather in the last week or
two. In the north it is very hot, steamy and wet. Well, most of us would think
it is very hot but it is about 10 to 15 degrees celcius cooler than in the
southern State capitals of Melbourne and Adelaide.  Those cities and their
States are not only hot but they are being heated by very dry winds which have
blown across the hot centre of Australia.
Heres a few forecast temperatures for today (Saturday) :

PERTH Fine. Max 28c/85f
ADELAIDE Windy. Change developing. Max 41c/105f
MELBOURNE Late cool change. Windy. Max 44c/111f
HOBART Rain at times clearing. Max 27c/81f
ALBURY-WODONGA Mostly sunny. Windy. Max 44c/111f
CANBERRA Dry, sunny and very hot. Max 40c/104f
SYDNEY Fine. Sunny. Max 33c/91f
BRISBANE fine Max 31c/87f
TOWNSVILLE Rain, windy Max 29c/85f
CAIRNS Showers Max 31c/87f
DARWIN A few showers. Max 32c/90f
ALICE SPRINGS Fine, afternoon cloud. Max 40c/104f

The people who do not know Australian cities may not understand that Darwin and
Cairns are both tropical cities and have the reputation for being uncomfortably
humid and hot. However the southernmost mainland capitals are today and for the
past week have been hotter than the tropics.
The heat in Adelaide and Melbourne is caused by hot dry winds which blow across
the hot dry inland of Austrtalia. As I type this bush fires are raging and many
homes and other property has been lost.
  The news which was just on the radio says that cool winds have come from the
south but they are blowing the fires in a new direction. A fire authority
spokesperson says that even with the cooler temperatures, it will be many hours
before the fires are safe.
The closest fires to where I am on the Gold Coast are about 1000 kilometres away
around Sydney. Melbourne is another 700 kilometres south of Sydney.
About 1500 kilometres north of me is the town of Ingham which is expecting its
second flood in a week. Last night Ingham had 150mm or 6 inches of rain and it
is still raining. People who had begun clearing out the mud and mess from the
first flood have retreated to higher parts of their homes or to higher ground.
While Ingham had 150mm last night, Innisfail further north is reported to have
had 350mm or 14inches at the same time.  Most of this water goes quickly out to
sea as the mountains are close to the coast. However, there is such a huge
quantity that the rivers often break their banks and spread out causing flood
damage to towns and country areas.

The north Queensland area around Ingham and Innisfail grow sugar cane, bananas,
pawpaws (papaya), and to a lesser extent vegetable crops.
Australia at the moment has extremes of weather. Whilst some areas have floods
in the north, there are other areas which have not had good rainfall for years.
Some of the areas which have not had good rainfall will benefit in a few weeks
when the water which flowed inland from North Queensland monsoonal rains travels
down the normally dry rivers and creeks to them.

We struggle to understand weather , nature and all that is around us. Jesus
observed nature around him and suggested people should look at it to learn
lessons for their life.

He says:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink;
or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food,
and the body more important than clothes?
26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than
they?
27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[2] ?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow.
They do not labor or spin.
29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one
of these.
30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and
tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of
little faith?
31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or
'What shall we wear?'
32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that
you need them.
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well.
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6: 25-34. NIV).

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny[4] ? Yet not one of them will fall to
the ground apart from the will of your Father.
30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10; 29-31
NIV).

[Listen:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4513.mp3
OR
Look and listen: Ethel Waters: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnLKyeY_fj8&feature=related ]
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
	 Civilla D. Martin, 1905.

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OzThoughts Friday 6th February 2009

Yesterday, we considered how Jesus sent out his Disciples with the barest
essentials. Today’s  reading from the Letter to the Hebrews has advice for us.
You can read the whole of today’s portion later but I was taken by the middle
of the passage. :
5-6 Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what
you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and
leave you," we can boldly quote,

    God is there, ready to help;
    I'm fearless no matter what.
    Who or what can get to me?
  These are days in which the focus of the world’s politicians, financiers, 
journalists, and ordinary people like you and me are on the very much changed
world financial situation. I am not sure how the leaders of various countries
are handling their particular situation but ours has decided to throw money at
it.
I listened briefly on Wednesday morning on the local version of our national
broadcaster to a representative of the Australian Government telling people how
much the government would give them. The people described their income and
family size and they were told a dollar amount. You could hear the very wide
smile on people’s lips as they said “That much! Wow! Thanks!”  Then a
member of the opposition political party came onto the program and said “You
are telling people they are getting this money but the parliament has not even
considered it yet”.  I heard later programs on radio and TV asking people
“How will they spend their money?”
Hmm… The advice in today’s reading is just what you read above.
I imagine the question is “How then as Christians should we live?”
Kneeling before thee, Lord, I am praying,
Claiming a closer communion with thee,
Longing to sever from selfish ambition;
Break thou each fetter and set my soul free.

Chorus
Into thy hands, Lord, take me and mold me,
E'en as the potter handles the clay;
Make me a vessel fit for thy service;
Cleanse me and fill me, and use me today.

Fruitless has been the way of my choosing;
Now I am leaving the future with thee;
Treading the pathway of joyful obedience,
Lord, see me ready thy servant to be.

Not in my own strength can I accomplish
An thou art planning for me, day by day;
Owning the limit of human endeavor,
Humbly I seek, Lord, the grace to obey.
Author:  Jessie Mountain (1895-1981)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 501


Hebrews 13:1- 8 (The Message)
  1-4Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a
meal or a bed when it's needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels
without ever knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them.
Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you. Honor
marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband.
God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.
  5-6Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what
you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and
leave you," we can boldly quote,

    God is there, ready to help;
    I'm fearless no matter what.
    Who or what can get to me?
  7-8Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good
look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as
their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For
Jesus doesn't change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself.

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OzThoughts Thursday 5th February 2009

Forty years ago when my wife and I were preparing to enter the Salvation Army
Officer Training College, our list of equipment included a metal trunk. I think
the theory was that each Cadet would be able to contain all their possessions in
that one trunk.  In practice we had several trunks and many other boxes which
contained all our goods.

It is interesting to notice in today’s reading the instructions Jesus gave to
his disciples about what they were to take with them on the road when he sent
them out.

Mark 6:7-13 (The Message)
  7-8  Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them
authority and power to deal with the evil opposition. He sent them off with
these instructions:
  8-9  "Don't think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the
equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple.
  10  "And no luxury inns. Get a modest place and be content there until you
leave.
  11  "If you're not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don't make a
scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way."
  12-13  Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life
can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they
brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits.
“Keep it simple” certainly applied to their possessions but I imagine this
thought ruled their ministry as well.  I can see Mark is reminding us that they
simply got on with ministry.  It was simply done and God gave them success.
PRAYER: (Using The Song Book as our Prayer Book):

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_567.mp3 ]

In the Army of Jesus we've taken our stand
To fight 'gainst the forces of sin,
To the rescue we go, Satan's power to o'erthrow,
And his captives to Jesus we'll win.

Chorus
I’ll stand for Christ alone
Amid the tempest and the storm.
Where Jesus leads I'll follow on;
I'll stand, I'll stand for Christ alone.

We go forth not to fight 'gainst the sinner, but sin;
The lost and the outcast we love;
And the claims of our King we before them will bring
As we urge them his mercy to prove.

Jesus pitied our case, and he died for our race,
To save a lost world he was slain;
But he rose and now lives, and his pardon he gives
Unto all who will call on his name.

Though our trials be great and God's enemies strong,
To battle undaunted we go,
For our warfare's the Lord's and to him we belong,
In his strength we shall conquer the foe.
Author:  Frederick William Fry (1859-1939), alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 687

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OzThoughts Wednesday 4th February 2009

My father loved roses. He had about 50 bushes in the front garden. He belonged
to the rose society and eagerly read every bulletin he received from them. Mum
loved to cut a vase full of flowers to look good and to fill the room with their
perfume.

I don’t think I have to describe a bed of roses to anyone and therefore we can
all see a life described as a bed of roses as an easy and peaceful life. Now, I
might argue with that. As a young teenager I was required to help my father to
help maintain the rose garden by removing weeds, etc.  I had many encounters
with painful thorns.

Also, I don’t know if it is easy to grow roses where you are but here they sem
to be atacked by every pest imaginable. There are sucking ‘insects’ like
scale and aphids. Then there are chewing ‘insects’ like caterpillars and
grasshopers. There is also the leaf cutting bee which cuts neat semi-circles
from the edge of leaves and takes them home to line its nest. One of the
greatest pests is black spot, a fungus disease and mildew which come about from
very humid conditionss.

Mark Chapter 6 records Jesus preaching and teaching in his home town. The first
two verses record what happened:

He left there and returned to his hometown. His disciples came along. On the
Sabbath, he gave a lecture in the meeting place. He made a real hit, impressing
everyone. "We had no idea he was this good!" they said. "How did he get so wise
all of a sudden, get such ability?" (Mark 6: 1,2  The Message).

That’s the beautiful flowers and sweet smelling perfume but then comes the
thorns:

But in the next breath they were cutting him down: "He's just a
carpenter—Mary's boy. We've known him since he was a kid. We know his
brothers, James, Justus, Jude, and Simon, and his sisters. Who does he think he
is?" They tripped over what little they knew about him and fell, sprawling. And
they never got any further. (Mark 6: 3  The Message).

Mark goes on to give Jesus reaction and the outcome of the visit:

4-6 Jesus told them, "A prophet has little honour in his hometown, among his
relatives, on the streets he played in as a child." Jesus wasn't able to do much
of anything there—he laid hands on a few sick people and healed them, that's
all. He couldn't get over their stubbornness. He left and made a circuit of the
other villages, teaching. (Mark 6: 4-6  The Message).
PRAYER:
Our Father God, We thank you for your love and mercy you show to us when we come
to you in prayer at a time of need. Teach us to trust you in all the
circumstances of life and to know your loving care and protection, through our
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen  (Adapted from “A Book of Prayer for Australia”).
[Listen: Tune “Blessed Assurance” to which this song can be sung:

http://salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1558.mp3

OR

1932 78 recording of song to original tune:  (Penge Songster Brigade):

http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF218%20-%20(G21681)%20-%20Song%20-%20Keep%2\
0on%20Believing.mp3  ]

When you feel weakest, dangers surround,
Subtle temptations, troubles abound,
Nothing seems hopeful, nothing seems glad,
All is despairing, everything sad:

Chorus
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
That nevermore our faith shall grow dim.
Author: Lucy Milward Booth-Hellberg (1868-1953)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 773


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OzThoughts Tuesday 3rd February 2009

There was a time when my favorite participation sport was athletics. It seems
difficult to imagine as I look back 50 years that I represented my school in 100
yards sprint. Then a year or so later every Wednesday afternoon, I would run the
3.2 miles of the school cross country course.  It was known as one of the
toughest courses any school had but I did it with a number of others because we
enjoyed it.  We also trained on other days, so that we might complete the course
in a good time.

I learnt a lot about running from various coaches and from books on the subject.
These days I just love watching the Olympic Games and the superior athletes on
display there.

The writer to the Hebrews uses the image of the athlete when he talks about how
to live the Christian life. He tells us to keep focused on Jesus and watch how
he does it.  We can learn from the way he ran his race of life.

Hebrews 12:1-4 (The Message)

  1-3 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all
these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down,
start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. 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.
When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item
by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot
adrenaline into your souls!
  4 In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you,
to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel
sorry for yourselves.

PRAYER:  (Song Book as our Prayer Book):

[Listen: Male Voice: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1594.mp3

OR

Brass Band: (Tune: Finlandia): 
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_592.mp3]

Thou art the way, none other dare I follow;
Thou art the truth, and thou hast made me free;
Thou art the life, the hope of my tomorrow;
Thou art the Christ who died for me.
This is my creed, that 'mid earth's sin and sorrow,
My life may guide men unto thee.

Hold thou my feet, let there be no returning
Along the path which thou hast bid me tread;
Train thou my mind, I would be ever learning
The better way thy fame to spread;
Keep thou my heart ablaze with holy burning
That love for souls may ne'er be dead.

I would bring peace to lives now torn asunder,
Ease aching hearts with words that soothe and heal;
I would bring peace when, breaking like the thunder,
Men rise in war, and hatred feel.
Peacemaker, Lord! Now I am stirred to wonder;
O take me, and my calling seal!
Author:  Arch R. Wiggins (1893-1976)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 529

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OzThoughts Monday 2nd February 2009

As we have read the first four Chapters of the Gospel of Mark, we have seen
Jesus teaching and preaching interrupted by opportunities to heal.  Today, we
have a much longer story where Jesus comes to a place where there is a mad man
and heals him.
Note particularly the last three verses which tel of the outcome of this act of
healing.

Mark 5: 1-20 (The Message)

  1-5  They arrived on the other side of the sea in the country of the Gerasenes.
As Jesus got out of the boat, a madman from the cemetery came up to him. He
lived there among the tombs and graves. No one could restrain him—he couldn't
be chained, couldn't be tied down. He had been tied up many times with chains
and ropes, but he broke the chains, snapped the ropes. No one was strong enough
to tame him. Night and day he roamed through the graves and the hills, screaming
out and slashing himself with sharp stones.
  6-8 When he saw Jesus a long way off, he ran and bowed in worship before
him—then bellowed in protest, "What business do you have, Jesus, Son of the
High God, messing with me? I swear to God, don't give me a hard time!" (Jesus
had just commanded the tormenting evil spirit, "Out! Get out of the man!")
  9-10 Jesus asked him, "Tell me your name."
    He replied, "My name is Mob. I'm a rioting mob." Then he desperately begged
Jesus not to banish them from the country.
  11-13 A large herd of pigs was browsing and rooting on a nearby hill. The
demons begged him, "Send us to the pigs so we can live in them." Jesus gave the
order. But it was even worse for the pigs than for the man. Crazed, they
stampeded over a cliff into the sea and drowned.
  14-15 Those tending the pigs, scared to death, bolted and told their story in
town and country. Everyone wanted to see what had happened. They came up to
Jesus and saw the madman sitting there wearing decent clothes and making sense,
no longer a walking madhouse of a man.
  16-17 Those who had seen it told the others what had happened to the
demon-possessed man and the pigs. At first they were in awe—and then they were
upset, upset over the drowned pigs. They demanded that Jesus leave and not come
back.
  18-20 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the demon-delivered man begged to go
along, but he wouldn't let him. Jesus said, "Go home to your own people. Tell
them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you." The man went
back and began to preach in the Ten Towns area about what Jesus had done for
him. He was the talk of the town.

Did you notice the man decided he wanted to go with Jesus and begged to be
allowed to go with him. However, Jesus knew what was best. He sent the man to
face those who knew him well and to tell them what had happened. We read “He
was the talk of the town”.

Sometimes it is easier to witness to people we don’t have a relationship with.
It might be easier to preach in another village than to preach in the street
where we are known.  We must not be like the former madman who told Jesus what
he would do but listebn to Jesus and then do as he tells us.

PRAYER: (Using our Song Book as a Prayer Book):



What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow?
How bring back hope where men have sorely failed?
Just where I am I'll speak the word of comfort,
Tell how for me Christ's sacrifice availed.

Chorus
Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me,
Just where he needs me, there would I be!
And since he found me, by love he's bound me
To serve him joyfully.

What can I do to ease life's heavy burdens?
What can I do to help mankind in need?
Just where I am I'll share my neighbor's hardship,
Lighten his load, and prove a friend indeed.

What can I do to justify my living?
What can I be to worthwhile?
I'll be a voice to call men to the Saviour,
Just where I am, and win my Father's smile.
	 Author: Miriam M. Richards
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 706

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Australian Thoughts at the Weekend.  31st January and 1st February, 2009

Messing Around in Boats

"There is nothing--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply
messing around in boats," says the obviously wise Water Rat in Kenneth Grahame's
book ‘Wind in the Willows’.

For me a great part of the messing around in boats is fishing. I love to have a
baited line or two over the side of the boat. Better still is to have a lively
fish fighting to stop me dragging him to my dinner plate via the boat.

Another great part of messing around in my boat is to be anchored just by the
main channel as we fish and watch the various boats go past. There is a huge
variety.

My boat is best described as a small aluminium dinghy (it is 3.4 metres  or 11
feet with an 18 hp outboard motor) so most boats that go past are bigger. So I
dream of being in one of the big ones (10 mtrs/30ft to 20mtrs/60ft is normal.)
with a boat about the size of mine hanging off the back as the tender. Bigger
boats are real heaven on water stuff. These dream boats are wider than mine is
long. As these bigger ones power past I am often waken from my daydreams by the
waves from their wake that make my ‘tinnie’ bob up and down.  These
luxurious boats probably cost as much as some of the basic churches where we
gather for worship.  I was a private luxury boat in July but more of that later.

Other boats that pass are carrying tourists. Some are going out to the ocean
reefs for a day’s fishing. Others will fish around the smooth water. A variety
of other boats give tours and day trips around the waterways with commentary as
they go. I have heard us being mentioned on the public address system as the
amphibious ‘ducks” which carry sightseers have passed. Sometimes we have
been fortunate enough to catch a fish as they pass just a few meters away.  It
is nice to be a tourist attraction. I smile as I am captured on a dozen Japanese
video cameras and countless still cameras.

Some boats take divers out for a diving lesson or adventure. Some have tourists
strapped in tightly and they get their thrills by speed as the driver spins the
boat and jumps the ocean waves. Other thrill seekers will try the parasails.
That is being lifted high on a parachute being towed behind a powerful speed
boat.

There are of course stately sail boats, tall ships and luxury yachts that could
sail any ocean. Of course, there are also the smaller ones made for the family
and even the kids alone to mess around in. Others will paddle canoes or kayaks
and sometimes a team of paddlers will pass in their dragon boat which looks like
it has come all the way from some South Seas tropical island.

There is every variety of boat. I haven’t mentioned houseboats, jet skis,
barbecue or party pontoons, water taxis, water police and rescue boats. There
are fishing trawlers, and various work barges, some transporting cars and trucks
to the islands. Small planes equipped to land and take off from the water are
noisy and scary as they come right towards you before taking off and going above
our heads. It is as the tourist advertisements say “Beautiful one day, perfect
the next”.

If Queensland is beautiful one day and perfect the next, it seemed more than
perfect when my wife and I stepped onto a 100 feet long private cruiser in Rome,
Italy as the guests of the owner. My brother-in-law who helped us organise our
itinerary for our shared time in England and Europe met the owner to discuss
business while we were in London.

After discussing business they got to talking about our itinerary and that we
were going to Rome and then to Naples to visit Pompeii. The business man asked
about the dates and then said “I will be there then. How would you like to go
from Rome to Naples on my boat”.  So as we stepped onto the boat we stepped
into a world of luxury that can only be imagined. Five of us joined the owner,
his wife and two other guest for the trip of a life-time.

The boat had a permanent crew of 4 comprising a Captain, a chef  (Hell’s
Kitchen winner Terry Miller) and two helpers. As we left Rome we faced wind
blown sea waves. The boat powered through them but the up and down movement made
some sick. The owner said to us that if it got worse, we would have to turn back
but he would confer with the skipper to see what eh recommended.

He came back with the news that at the skipper’s suggestion we would increase
speed and that should solve the problem. The sick ones would soon feel better
but the downside for him was that the big twin diesel engines would consume 1800
litres of fuel each hour.

It worked. The trip was now much smoother and the wake was spectacular. However,
it did attract the attention of the Italian Coast Patrol who stopped us and
wanted to know why we were travelling so quickly.

After an overnight stop alongside a jetty on the island of Ponza (Isola Di Ponza
– have a look at Google results for Ponza), we soon made it to Naples where we
lined up in the Marina with other not insignificant vessels.

I thought of the rough seas off Italy when I read today’s reading from
Mark’s Gospel.  The Disciples and Jesus were on a smaller boat and did not
have the power of big diesel engines. However, they had the amazing power of
Jesus.

Mark 4:35-41 (The Message)
  35-38  Late that day he said to them, "Let's go across to the other side." They
took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up.
Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern,
head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, "Teacher, is it nothing to
you that we're going down?"
  39-40  Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, "Quiet!
Settle down!" The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus
reprimanded the disciples: "Why are you such cowards? Don't you have any faith
at all?"
41 They were in absolute awe, staggered. "Who is this, anyway?" they asked.
"Wind and sea at his beck and call!"
Beautiful one day, perfect the next? With Jesus, it was life threatening one
moment an perfect peace the next.
[Listen: New York Staff Band Male Voice: 
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4131.mp3

OR

Chelmsford Songsters:
http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2420.mp3

Once I was lost, on the breakers tossed,
And far away from shore;
My drifting bark all in the dark,
No beacon light before.
I was sinking fast when the lifeboat passed
And the Captain took me in;
Now the storm is o'er and I fear no more,
I have perfect peace within.

Chorus
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm bound for Canaan's shore,
I'm off for a trip in the gospel ship,
To Canaan's happy shore.

Thank God! 'tis true, my heart's quite new,
Old things have passed away;
And now I know the cleansing flow
Rolls o'er my soul each day.
'Tis a glorious thing to know the sting
Of death has been destroyed,
And that Jesus lives in my heart, and gives
What can sweetly be enjoyed!

And when at last, all dangers past,
I join the blood-washed throng,
Though with the least at the heavenly feast,
I'll sing the glad new song.
O what bliss complete when my Lord I meet
In the banquet hall on high,
And with comrades there in love I share
The joys that never die!
	 William Giles Collins (1854-1931),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 375

……………………………………………….


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