Whether it be at home in private devotionals or in coming to corporate worship, Christians benefit most when they come to God with a spirit of expectancy. Like the lame man outside the Gate Beautiful, we need to expect something of God ~ something new, something exciting, something fresh in our lives. When we do, we can be assured that we won’t leave worship like we came in Jesus’ Name". The lame man expected something, and he got far more than he ever expected (including a forced change of livelihood and all that involved!).
I have no doubt that God wants us to come to Him with believing hearts, faith-filled hearts ~ EXPECTANT hearts! The Bible calls us to have an expectancy in God that allows Him to be God! He will always do what is best for our eternal well-being, and what is most honouring to Him. The best we can do is trust Him. We need to live with a full expectancy of seeing the hand of God in our lives everyday.
Acts 3:4-5 (NIV) ~ "Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them."
Sunday, 23 September 2007
Friday, 21 September 2007
Approval
We've heard alot recently about approval ratings, particularly with regard to the leaders of our political parties, not to mention the football commentators' opinions regarding who might be a more worthy winner of this year's preliminary finals. Then again there are the many times we try, consciously or unconsciously, to do our best to meet the approval of others.
When it comes to the crunch, the only approval that really counts is God's. Toward the end of his life King Hezekiah turned from Isaiah and faced God, praying: "Remember, O God, who I am, what I've done! I've lived an honest life before you, My heart's been true and steady, I've lived to please you; lived for your approval." (2 Kings 20:2, MSG)
One of our inspirational residents, who has earned God's stamp of approval, is quoted as saying: "Life is a gift from God, lived for God. For all the love and acceptance I was given, I was given courage with a fighting spirit of faith and strength."
Living for God's approval is far more valuable than striving to meet man's approval.
When it comes to the crunch, the only approval that really counts is God's. Toward the end of his life King Hezekiah turned from Isaiah and faced God, praying: "Remember, O God, who I am, what I've done! I've lived an honest life before you, My heart's been true and steady, I've lived to please you; lived for your approval." (2 Kings 20:2, MSG)
One of our inspirational residents, who has earned God's stamp of approval, is quoted as saying: "Life is a gift from God, lived for God. For all the love and acceptance I was given, I was given courage with a fighting spirit of faith and strength."
Living for God's approval is far more valuable than striving to meet man's approval.
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Serenity Prayer
The beautiful Serenity Prayer by theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr, has inspired countless people seeking peace and strength in times of struggle, despair, and uncertainty since it was first written. Research suggests that Niebuhr wrote the prayer as part of a sermon he was giving.
God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
But it doesn't end there, for I learned today that Niebuhr's original version of the prayer contains a more personal affirmation and heart plea.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
The intention of the Serenity Prayer is to bring peace, faith, and certainty to the mind and heart of those seeking God's support.
Pray it sincerely and wait to see what God will do through you!
God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
But it doesn't end there, for I learned today that Niebuhr's original version of the prayer contains a more personal affirmation and heart plea.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
The intention of the Serenity Prayer is to bring peace, faith, and certainty to the mind and heart of those seeking God's support.
Pray it sincerely and wait to see what God will do through you!
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Random Recall
One of the many "God moments" in aged care chaplaincy ministry is being present to celebrate the random moments of memory recall that occur from time to time as we seek to connect on both a personal and spiritual level with our dementia residents.
Today it was our personal privilege to share again in one such grace-filled, heart-inspiring and soul-rewarding occasion. It was as though a light had suddenly been switched on in a dark and lonely room and for a brief but beautiful period, the mind was alert and active and the heart burst out in vocal praise to God with recall of hymns sung years ago. The very presence of God Himself was evident in every harmonious note of praise, in addition to being written on the faces of all who looked on with joyful delight.
Moments such as these inspire and motivate God's servants, like none other, to continue ministering faithfully and foster a deep assurance of hope and purpose when the daily routines seem predictable and mundane. For it's then that we are caused to recall the greatness and graciousness of God in making us all "more than conquerors through Christ who loves us" (Rom 8:37). Hallelujah!
2 Timothy 1:5 (MSG) ~ "That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith ~ and what a rich faith it is..."
Today it was our personal privilege to share again in one such grace-filled, heart-inspiring and soul-rewarding occasion. It was as though a light had suddenly been switched on in a dark and lonely room and for a brief but beautiful period, the mind was alert and active and the heart burst out in vocal praise to God with recall of hymns sung years ago. The very presence of God Himself was evident in every harmonious note of praise, in addition to being written on the faces of all who looked on with joyful delight.
Moments such as these inspire and motivate God's servants, like none other, to continue ministering faithfully and foster a deep assurance of hope and purpose when the daily routines seem predictable and mundane. For it's then that we are caused to recall the greatness and graciousness of God in making us all "more than conquerors through Christ who loves us" (Rom 8:37). Hallelujah!
2 Timothy 1:5 (MSG) ~ "That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith ~ and what a rich faith it is..."
Monday, 17 September 2007
Discipleship Displayed
Retired Australian minister of the Uniting Church and author, Bruce D Prewer, writes candidly about Christian discipleship.
Setting a cross on top of a church may be fine
but it is not discipleship.
Putting a cross on the altar is a worthy sign
but it is not discipleship.
Wearing one on a chain might seem enough
but it is not discipleship.
Getting it tattooed over one’s heart might be tough
but it is not discipleship.
Singing about the old rugged cross may feel okay
but it is not discipleship.
Preaching about the cross can point the way,
but it is not discipleship.
Weeping on Good Friday may seem devout,
but it is not discipleship.
Whipping your own back till blood flows out
is not discipleship.
Following the Christ, not counting the cost,
old bridges burning, listening and learning,
setting your face, trusting sheer grace,
on the steep track, not looking back,
loving and forgiving, dying while living:
that is discipleship.
Setting a cross on top of a church may be fine
but it is not discipleship.
Putting a cross on the altar is a worthy sign
but it is not discipleship.
Wearing one on a chain might seem enough
but it is not discipleship.
Getting it tattooed over one’s heart might be tough
but it is not discipleship.
Singing about the old rugged cross may feel okay
but it is not discipleship.
Preaching about the cross can point the way,
but it is not discipleship.
Weeping on Good Friday may seem devout,
but it is not discipleship.
Whipping your own back till blood flows out
is not discipleship.
Following the Christ, not counting the cost,
old bridges burning, listening and learning,
setting your face, trusting sheer grace,
on the steep track, not looking back,
loving and forgiving, dying while living:
that is discipleship.
Challenging, isn't it? The world today needs to see Christians visibly living out their faith both in word and deed. Not just "talking the talking" but "walking the walking". It's important that there is no compromise when it comes to our Christian discipleship.
Lord, may we daily display Your love and walk in Your way!
Sunday, 16 September 2007
If I... You Are
Celebrating the grace of God is always inspiring because we are forced to acknowledge our own limited humanness and not only contemplate the bountiful Divine, but experience it personally.
Church of Christ minister, Reverend Anne Spoelder, reminded us this morning during our ecumenical communion service that God is personal and powerful. Using the psalmist's experience, we explored the security we have in Christ. During the reading of Psalm 139, I found myself focusing on the repeated words "If I... You are". David said, "If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there."
No matter what our experience or situation might be, God is present and personally concerned. No matter where we are or how we feel, God is present and personally concerned.
This theme was carried on in our informal evening worship time, as Lieut-Colonels Rusty and Elizabeth Adams led us in celebrating the matchless name of Jesus. Together we sang John Newton's, How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, when Colonel Adams mentioned the words, "Dear Name, the rock on which I build, my Shield and Hiding Place!", commenting on how great it was to know that we have a secure, welcoming and sufficient place in which to find refreshing refuge.
Thank you, Lord, for Your personal concern and providing a refreshing Refuge.
Church of Christ minister, Reverend Anne Spoelder, reminded us this morning during our ecumenical communion service that God is personal and powerful. Using the psalmist's experience, we explored the security we have in Christ. During the reading of Psalm 139, I found myself focusing on the repeated words "If I... You are". David said, "If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there."
No matter what our experience or situation might be, God is present and personally concerned. No matter where we are or how we feel, God is present and personally concerned.
This theme was carried on in our informal evening worship time, as Lieut-Colonels Rusty and Elizabeth Adams led us in celebrating the matchless name of Jesus. Together we sang John Newton's, How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, when Colonel Adams mentioned the words, "Dear Name, the rock on which I build, my Shield and Hiding Place!", commenting on how great it was to know that we have a secure, welcoming and sufficient place in which to find refreshing refuge.
Thank you, Lord, for Your personal concern and providing a refreshing Refuge.
Friday, 14 September 2007
Miracles on Middleborough Rd
In Daniel 6, King Darius published an awesome proclamation to every race, color and creed on earth. And today my heart rejoices in echoing these same words of praise in honour of the glory of God at work in the lives of those we minister to.
Peace to you! Abundant peace!
God shall be worshipped and feared...
He is the living God, world without end.
His kingdom never falls.
His rule continues eternally.
He is a savior and rescuer.
He performs astonishing miracles in heaven and on earth.
Miracles in the making are exciting at the best of times. But to witness these first-hand during the course of one's day is absolutely phenomenal.
At Inala today, I have seen our great, miracle-working God lift a heavy burden of sorrow and replace it with an evident, reassuring peace and joy; I've counselled a troubled soul who concluded our time together by testifying of her deep personal sense of immediate restoration through God's grace; and I've witnessed answered prayer as a concerned spouse was seeking the healing touch of God for the life of her husband.
Praise God, for miracles are in the making everyday, everywhere!
Peace to you! Abundant peace!
God shall be worshipped and feared...
He is the living God, world without end.
His kingdom never falls.
His rule continues eternally.
He is a savior and rescuer.
He performs astonishing miracles in heaven and on earth.
Miracles in the making are exciting at the best of times. But to witness these first-hand during the course of one's day is absolutely phenomenal.
At Inala today, I have seen our great, miracle-working God lift a heavy burden of sorrow and replace it with an evident, reassuring peace and joy; I've counselled a troubled soul who concluded our time together by testifying of her deep personal sense of immediate restoration through God's grace; and I've witnessed answered prayer as a concerned spouse was seeking the healing touch of God for the life of her husband.
Praise God, for miracles are in the making everyday, everywhere!
[Oh, and by the way, GO PIES!!]
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