Worship this morning:
The King of Love
Open the Eyes of my Heart
There is a Higher Throne
Light of the World
Thank You for Saving Me
The theme of the message was the power of the cross, it seemed a little obvious, but during ministry I felt I just had to play
Oh to see the Dawn
And just...well....'cos...
Your Name, Higher than I Know
I rarely need an excuse to play that one.
One thing that struck me in the message was a mention of clouds, or at least a cloud, and I thought, yes, I can relate to that, where I feel fine, generally speaking, but I'm dogged by this feeling that things could be better. So many things I could have done, but clouds got in my way....This, despite some wonderfully encouraging words from a speaker I will see again next Thursday, and I will again be leading worship. I'm in for an incredibly busy week. I am actually looking forward to an event at the weekend, and, for once, I will not be involved in any of it, I will blissfully be part of the cong!
Someone missing today as well, I won't see them for over a month probably...this saddened me somewhat and got me wondering just what is going on in their heart. I have already decided to distance myself from the situation, as much as it hurts. I don't even know whether to get in contact with them.
And sad news from the one who is now alone in the world, despite the army of friends, they are just a crowd of faces to them...
Although I rarely practice Sunday afternoons, I will do today - I want to be at my best next Thursday, and keep a right frame of mind.
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Detached
Now there's a word.
That word was said to me a few weeks ago by a new friend, who said they felt "detatched".
I know what they're on about, I can totally relate.
Everyone needs a bosom to run to. I feel a bit let down of late. No, not by God, absolutely not. Not by my SOH either who I know will be perfect in a crisis if this escalates. No, I feel let down by other mere mortals. I stretch out a hand, and it feels like it's ignored.
I was looking through my modern Anglican hymnbook - some might call the publication "eccentric", others "a bit PC focussed" - f'r'instance, it has "Onward Christian Pilgrims" rather than Soldiers. Hmm. Anyway, there were two hymns my eyes alighted upon "Good King Wenceslas" and a new one on me "Going Home" (which has now become a strong contender for my funeral hymn; every Christian seems to have one). One invites you to tread in Christ's footsteps, the other reminds you that "Christ has gone before"
Christ has gone before. What a fabulous reminder for those about to enter unknown territory. Like I might be.
In other news, I might actually be....sssshhh...nervous Still, Sunday morning will come and go, as will next Thursday. All I can do right now is pray.
That word was said to me a few weeks ago by a new friend, who said they felt "detatched".
I know what they're on about, I can totally relate.
Everyone needs a bosom to run to. I feel a bit let down of late. No, not by God, absolutely not. Not by my SOH either who I know will be perfect in a crisis if this escalates. No, I feel let down by other mere mortals. I stretch out a hand, and it feels like it's ignored.
I was looking through my modern Anglican hymnbook - some might call the publication "eccentric", others "a bit PC focussed" - f'r'instance, it has "Onward Christian Pilgrims" rather than Soldiers. Hmm. Anyway, there were two hymns my eyes alighted upon "Good King Wenceslas" and a new one on me "Going Home" (which has now become a strong contender for my funeral hymn; every Christian seems to have one). One invites you to tread in Christ's footsteps, the other reminds you that "Christ has gone before"
Christ has gone before. What a fabulous reminder for those about to enter unknown territory. Like I might be.
In other news, I might actually be....sssshhh...nervous Still, Sunday morning will come and go, as will next Thursday. All I can do right now is pray.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Kingsway 18th September
Title: Over All
First Line: Higher than all the heavens
Artist: Tom Read
Composer: Tom Read, Nick Herbert
Album: Compass
Mp3: Yes
Sheet Music: Yes
CCL: Too new
Popular sources: Too new
My thoughts: So a new one on me for a change, and a songwriter I hadn't heard of before now - to my shame I suspect if he's the Worship Central leader in Asia. I "read" the music first and then the Kingsway site went off sick for a bit (it's still a little peaky now) but I thought OK, lively one and looks a good future candidate for those times you want to get your cong a bit undignified. Just listened to it now I can access Kingsway and - hmm. He's got a good voice, and it is a good song, but I was finding the chorus just a little irritating. Maybe it's the format of the song which is very "80-fied" - don't get me wrong, love 80s music, but this actually sounds like one of those post 86 tracks when the best artists were running out of ideas and the new guys sounded plain awful. Tom I suspect has done a fair bit of this before, although this is his first UK release. I should try and get to hear snippets of the rest of the album before starting to judge really harshly - Kingsway are - quote - "more than a little excited" about the release of Compass, but I'm having difficulty. Perhaps I'm just a rebel.
This song is available on Kingsway from today until 24th September inc. To access, you must logon; or register with Kingsway, who in return will add you to their mailing list, but they are not serial spammers.
First Line: Higher than all the heavens
Artist: Tom Read
Composer: Tom Read, Nick Herbert
Album: Compass
Mp3: Yes
Sheet Music: Yes
CCL: Too new
Popular sources: Too new
My thoughts: So a new one on me for a change, and a songwriter I hadn't heard of before now - to my shame I suspect if he's the Worship Central leader in Asia. I "read" the music first and then the Kingsway site went off sick for a bit (it's still a little peaky now) but I thought OK, lively one and looks a good future candidate for those times you want to get your cong a bit undignified. Just listened to it now I can access Kingsway and - hmm. He's got a good voice, and it is a good song, but I was finding the chorus just a little irritating. Maybe it's the format of the song which is very "80-fied" - don't get me wrong, love 80s music, but this actually sounds like one of those post 86 tracks when the best artists were running out of ideas and the new guys sounded plain awful. Tom I suspect has done a fair bit of this before, although this is his first UK release. I should try and get to hear snippets of the rest of the album before starting to judge really harshly - Kingsway are - quote - "more than a little excited" about the release of Compass, but I'm having difficulty. Perhaps I'm just a rebel.
This song is available on Kingsway from today until 24th September inc. To access, you must logon; or register with Kingsway, who in return will add you to their mailing list, but they are not serial spammers.
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Hope, Promises, Love
Worship this morning:
Tell Out my Soul
From the Breaking of the Dawn
Above All Powers
At the Cross
I Worship You, Almighty God
I will maintain and even improve upon all mortal relationships, for if a relationship moves into a different chapter, I want it to continue, even if it's from afar. What good is it to sour, you may need it later - and you could end up trying to use something very skanky indeed!
When I think that the next time the group could be properly together again, the clocks would have gone back and autumn will be moving into winter, it sorta saddens me, and my heart pangs as I really don't know what's going to happen "beyond", once plans laid are put into action. Yes, I have three more Sundays, a special day and possibly another Saturday as a "locum" (though several of us are praying that the permanent WL comes back, soon, for their spiritual health) - yet it feels like a gradual descent into a feather bed of rest, and yet in this bed I will have to also seek.
I feel so so tired, I'm not even halfway yet. I am happy - sort of - but I am a little fearful that my strength could give out, that I have taken on much too much against God's will.
I think I'll take it gradually at work tomorrow, I'm actually looking forward to it as I'll be seeing parts of a process as yet unseen.
I pray for my own spiritual clouded glass to clear soon. It is. Slowly. Maybe I'm afraid of what it might show.
Tell Out my Soul
From the Breaking of the Dawn
Above All Powers
At the Cross
I Worship You, Almighty God
I will maintain and even improve upon all mortal relationships, for if a relationship moves into a different chapter, I want it to continue, even if it's from afar. What good is it to sour, you may need it later - and you could end up trying to use something very skanky indeed!
When I think that the next time the group could be properly together again, the clocks would have gone back and autumn will be moving into winter, it sorta saddens me, and my heart pangs as I really don't know what's going to happen "beyond", once plans laid are put into action. Yes, I have three more Sundays, a special day and possibly another Saturday as a "locum" (though several of us are praying that the permanent WL comes back, soon, for their spiritual health) - yet it feels like a gradual descent into a feather bed of rest, and yet in this bed I will have to also seek.
I feel so so tired, I'm not even halfway yet. I am happy - sort of - but I am a little fearful that my strength could give out, that I have taken on much too much against God's will.
I think I'll take it gradually at work tomorrow, I'm actually looking forward to it as I'll be seeing parts of a process as yet unseen.
I pray for my own spiritual clouded glass to clear soon. It is. Slowly. Maybe I'm afraid of what it might show.
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Courts of the King
Today was a Good Day.
It was a God Day.
It started with words of encouragement and really good worship in this sorta locum WL activity I've found myself in. Someone pointed out (and liked the fact) that it was made up of old choruses. But, my gosh, when 3 of them have them singing in tongues and you feel like an ocean wave you just know the Spirit is moving.
At the beginning of the proceedings someone reminded me that if it is just one on one, i.e. just me worshipping God - sobeit. Don't worry if not one person is joining in. Worship God. It wasn't until the 3rd verse of the second chorus that I started to settle, and worship.
Oh wow, it felt good today. It's the way worship should be - that I feel topped up, invigorated - and utterly exhausted. But to feel spiritually improved and tired is a good thing, believe me. I feel that I've given God 110%.
My spirit fervently prays that the person I'm "locum"ing for comes back soon. In fact, it would be best for them to be there as soon as possible - for their own spiritual health.
I am so going to enjoy this whilst it lasts though. Thank You. This has all come at exactly the right time.
It was a God Day.
It started with words of encouragement and really good worship in this sorta locum WL activity I've found myself in. Someone pointed out (and liked the fact) that it was made up of old choruses. But, my gosh, when 3 of them have them singing in tongues and you feel like an ocean wave you just know the Spirit is moving.
At the beginning of the proceedings someone reminded me that if it is just one on one, i.e. just me worshipping God - sobeit. Don't worry if not one person is joining in. Worship God. It wasn't until the 3rd verse of the second chorus that I started to settle, and worship.
Oh wow, it felt good today. It's the way worship should be - that I feel topped up, invigorated - and utterly exhausted. But to feel spiritually improved and tired is a good thing, believe me. I feel that I've given God 110%.
My spirit fervently prays that the person I'm "locum"ing for comes back soon. In fact, it would be best for them to be there as soon as possible - for their own spiritual health.
I am so going to enjoy this whilst it lasts though. Thank You. This has all come at exactly the right time.
Friday, 14 September 2012
Careful
Careful...to be full of care, i.e. anxious, worried - looking at the original Greek the word in Php 4:6 is used to state any kind of worry elsewhere in the New Testament, but...
Careful also means cautiousness, or even over-cautiousness, the original word not being too far removed from its common usage today...
soooo....the sentence can also be translated including the words "Be bold"
Be strong. For the Lord thy God is with thee.
Careful also means cautiousness, or even over-cautiousness, the original word not being too far removed from its common usage today...
soooo....the sentence can also be translated including the words "Be bold"
Be strong. For the Lord thy God is with thee.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Clarity
Today, a few things occurred which are probably confirming I'm on the right track and I'm about to do the Right Thing.
One of the things that happened was that some scripture that has been ping-ponging back and forth between me and others came back from another source today - and this time I really read it. Php 4, be careful for nothing etc.
Prayer
Supplication
Thanksgiving
Make known your thoughts
Guard your ways and thoughts...
It has struck me lately that we really don't pray right. We're just selfish in our prayers, and we use this piece of scripture to "prove" we can get anything we want. Not so.
Supplication and Thanksgiving. Do we know what that means? Do we even do this in prayer? I'm going to have to think on this.
What is troubling me the most is, once I see the open door I will have to have two very painful conversations. I am considering softening the blow with a few well worded offers. But this won't make it any easier for them - or me. When the time comes I will have to remember this scripture, and probably live it.
One of the things that happened was that some scripture that has been ping-ponging back and forth between me and others came back from another source today - and this time I really read it. Php 4, be careful for nothing etc.
Prayer
Supplication
Thanksgiving
Make known your thoughts
Guard your ways and thoughts...
It has struck me lately that we really don't pray right. We're just selfish in our prayers, and we use this piece of scripture to "prove" we can get anything we want. Not so.
Supplication and Thanksgiving. Do we know what that means? Do we even do this in prayer? I'm going to have to think on this.
What is troubling me the most is, once I see the open door I will have to have two very painful conversations. I am considering softening the blow with a few well worded offers. But this won't make it any easier for them - or me. When the time comes I will have to remember this scripture, and probably live it.
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