Today I thought I would share one of my favourite hymns which I from time to time remind my husband I want sung at my funeral. I love the hymn my hope is built in nothing less. It was written by a Edward mote a baptist minister who died in November 1874. A great quote from him when he was offered the church building as a gift from his congregation "I do not want the chapel, I only want the pulpit; and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that." Indeed we should all preach Christ in our lives and what a solid rock we have in Christ.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
Refrain
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Monday 22 March 2010
My dwelling place (psalm 84)
How lovely is thy dwelling place.....Can we really say this? What a challenge to be able to say that with all our heart. So many things in our lives fight to take Gods place but ultimately we are made for a relationship with our creater and we are only truely happy in his presence...following his highway. What a great thing that God is everywhere and his presence is with us day and night, in happiness and sadness. His presense is lovely in every moment of life...just like its great to have a friend/spouse/someone you love with you in happy times and in sad, so no matter what life brings it is indeed truely lovely to have our saviour with us...to be in his dwelling place no matter what.
Psalm 84
84:1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise! Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion. [2]
6 As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
9 Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!
10 For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
blessed is the one who trusts in you!
nb- this is a lovely song based on this psalm on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeitZ0y2EQM
Psalm 84
84:1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise! Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion. [2]
6 As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
9 Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!
10 For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
blessed is the one who trusts in you!
nb- this is a lovely song based on this psalm on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeitZ0y2EQM
Thursday 18 March 2010
A joke I thought of!
What did the duck say to his mother after I've a very long swim?
I'm cream quackered!
Tuesday 16 March 2010
My Shepherd
The Lord in my shepherd his voice I will head.
I have in my Lord every little thing that I need.
The Lord is my shepherd his voice I will head.
I will follow Him where his hand he doth lead.
The lord is my shepherd, my soul true rest it receives,
By green pastures and still waters as my saviour he leads.
The Lord is my shepherd and my life’s only guide.
In Christ, as paths of righteousness we together find.
My saviour I do trust, even when through the trials we tread.
I know he will lead me, yes even as I lie on my death bed.
For you are my rock, my protector.
My guide, always by my side.
I have all I need on earth with my shepherd by my side.
As wonderful mercy, grace and truth he provides.
As on this earth this path we together stride,
Until in heaven with my saviour I abide.
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Beauty
O Lord thank you for the beauty,
The beauty of that sparking sea,
The wonder of those trees I See,
Wonderful beauty, created by You.
Amen
Friday 5 March 2010
I came across this lightbulb denominational Joke online at: http://wilk4.com/humor/humorc8.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Take this with a smile, it's not meant to insult anyone. We all need to laugh at ourselves from time-to-time. We presbyterians are still waiting to hear back from the committee our elders appointed about what our answer should be -jw)
How many Charismatics does it take to change a light bulb?
Only one since his/her hands are in the air anyway.
-Or-
Five. One to change the bulb and four to bind the spirit of darkness in the room.
How many Calvinists does it take to change a light bulb?
None. God has predestined when the lights will be on.
-Or-
Calvinists do not change light bulbs. They simply read out the instructions and pray the light bulb will decide to change itself.
How many neo-evangelicals does it take to change a light bulb?
No one knows. They can't tell the difference between light and darkness.
How many Pentecostals does it take to change a light bulb?
Ten. One to change the bulb and nine to pray against the spirit of darkness.
How many TV evangelists does it take to change a light bulb?
One. But for the message of light to continue, send in your donation today.
How many fundamentalists or independent Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?
Only one because any more would be compromise and ecumenical standards of light would slip.
How many liberals does it take to change a light bulb?
At least ten, as they need to hold a debate on whether or not the light bulb exists. Even if they can agree upon the existence of the light bulb, they still may not change it to keep from alienating those who might use other forms of light.
How many Anglicans or Catholics does it take to change a light bulb?
None. They always use candles.
How many campfire worship leaders does it take to change light bulb?
One. But soon all those around can warm up to its glowing.
How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb?
Ten. One to call the electrician, and nine to say how much they liked the old one better.
-Or-
Four. One to change the bulb. One to bless the elements. One to pour the sherry. And one to offer a toast to the old light bulb.
How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?
CHANGE???????
-Or-
At least 15. One to change the light bulb, and three committees to approve the change and decide who brings the potato salad.
How many Southern Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?
About 16,000,000. However, they are badly divided over whether changing the bulb is a fundamental need or not.
How many Nazarenes does it take to change a light bulb?
Two. One to change the bulb. Another to replace the new with the old after shaking it and finding it can be revived with a second blessing.
-Or-
Six. One woman to replace the bulb while five men review church lighting policy.
How many United Church of Christ members does it take to change a light bulb?
Eleven. One to change the light bulb. And ten more to organize a covered dish supper that will follow the changing of the bulb service.
How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb?
There is some question here. But we have it on good authority that they have appointed a committee to study the issue and report back at their next meeting.
-Or-
We read that we are to so fear and love God that we cannot by our own effort or understanding comprehend the replacement of an electromagnetic photon source. It is, rather by faith, NOT by our efforts (effected toward the failed worldly incandescence), that we truly see, and that our own works cannot fully justify us in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Of course, it is still dark.
-Or-
None. Lutherans don't believe in change.
How many Amish does it take to change a light bulb?
What's a light bulb?
How many Mormons does it take to change a light bulb?
Five. One man to change bulb & four wives to tell him how to do it.
How many Presbyterians does it take to change a light bulb?
None. Lights will go on and off at predestined times.
How many Unitarians does it take to change a light bulb?
300. 12 to sit on the Board which appoints the Nominating and Personnel Committee. 5 to sit on the Nominating and Personnel Committee, which appoints the House Committee. 8 to sit on the House Committee, which appoints the Light Bulb changing committee. 4 to sit on the Light Bulb Changing Committee, which chooses who will screw in the Light Bulb--those 4 then give their own opinion of "screwing in methods" while the one actually does the installation. After completion it takes 100 individuals to complain about the method of installation and another 177 to debate the ecological impact of using the light bulb at all.
How many United Methodists does it take to change a light bulb?
We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey, you have found that a light bulb works for you, that is fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship to your light bulb and present it next month at our annual light bulb Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long-lived, and tinted; all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence through Jesus Christ.
-Or-
Undetermined. Whether your light is bright, dull, or completely out, you are loved --you can be a light bulb, turnip bulb, or tulip bulb. Church wide lighting service is planned for Sunday. Bring bulb of your choice and a covered dish
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Take this with a smile, it's not meant to insult anyone. We all need to laugh at ourselves from time-to-time. We presbyterians are still waiting to hear back from the committee our elders appointed about what our answer should be -jw)
How many Charismatics does it take to change a light bulb?
Only one since his/her hands are in the air anyway.
-Or-
Five. One to change the bulb and four to bind the spirit of darkness in the room.
How many Calvinists does it take to change a light bulb?
None. God has predestined when the lights will be on.
-Or-
Calvinists do not change light bulbs. They simply read out the instructions and pray the light bulb will decide to change itself.
How many neo-evangelicals does it take to change a light bulb?
No one knows. They can't tell the difference between light and darkness.
How many Pentecostals does it take to change a light bulb?
Ten. One to change the bulb and nine to pray against the spirit of darkness.
How many TV evangelists does it take to change a light bulb?
One. But for the message of light to continue, send in your donation today.
How many fundamentalists or independent Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?
Only one because any more would be compromise and ecumenical standards of light would slip.
How many liberals does it take to change a light bulb?
At least ten, as they need to hold a debate on whether or not the light bulb exists. Even if they can agree upon the existence of the light bulb, they still may not change it to keep from alienating those who might use other forms of light.
How many Anglicans or Catholics does it take to change a light bulb?
None. They always use candles.
How many campfire worship leaders does it take to change light bulb?
One. But soon all those around can warm up to its glowing.
How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb?
Ten. One to call the electrician, and nine to say how much they liked the old one better.
-Or-
Four. One to change the bulb. One to bless the elements. One to pour the sherry. And one to offer a toast to the old light bulb.
How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?
CHANGE???????
-Or-
At least 15. One to change the light bulb, and three committees to approve the change and decide who brings the potato salad.
How many Southern Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?
About 16,000,000. However, they are badly divided over whether changing the bulb is a fundamental need or not.
How many Nazarenes does it take to change a light bulb?
Two. One to change the bulb. Another to replace the new with the old after shaking it and finding it can be revived with a second blessing.
-Or-
Six. One woman to replace the bulb while five men review church lighting policy.
How many United Church of Christ members does it take to change a light bulb?
Eleven. One to change the light bulb. And ten more to organize a covered dish supper that will follow the changing of the bulb service.
How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb?
There is some question here. But we have it on good authority that they have appointed a committee to study the issue and report back at their next meeting.
-Or-
We read that we are to so fear and love God that we cannot by our own effort or understanding comprehend the replacement of an electromagnetic photon source. It is, rather by faith, NOT by our efforts (effected toward the failed worldly incandescence), that we truly see, and that our own works cannot fully justify us in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Of course, it is still dark.
-Or-
None. Lutherans don't believe in change.
How many Amish does it take to change a light bulb?
What's a light bulb?
How many Mormons does it take to change a light bulb?
Five. One man to change bulb & four wives to tell him how to do it.
How many Presbyterians does it take to change a light bulb?
None. Lights will go on and off at predestined times.
How many Unitarians does it take to change a light bulb?
300. 12 to sit on the Board which appoints the Nominating and Personnel Committee. 5 to sit on the Nominating and Personnel Committee, which appoints the House Committee. 8 to sit on the House Committee, which appoints the Light Bulb changing committee. 4 to sit on the Light Bulb Changing Committee, which chooses who will screw in the Light Bulb--those 4 then give their own opinion of "screwing in methods" while the one actually does the installation. After completion it takes 100 individuals to complain about the method of installation and another 177 to debate the ecological impact of using the light bulb at all.
How many United Methodists does it take to change a light bulb?
We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey, you have found that a light bulb works for you, that is fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship to your light bulb and present it next month at our annual light bulb Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long-lived, and tinted; all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence through Jesus Christ.
-Or-
Undetermined. Whether your light is bright, dull, or completely out, you are loved --you can be a light bulb, turnip bulb, or tulip bulb. Church wide lighting service is planned for Sunday. Bring bulb of your choice and a covered dish
Tuesday 2 March 2010
What do you smell like?
Our sense of smell is a very good thing as I've found out recently when i lost it for a while. I read on the BBC today that our noses are being investigated as a possible source of identification i.e. nose prints. What a lovely thing it is to smell good smells e.g. freshly cooked bread, fresh flowers, perfume/aftershave and alternatively its not so nice to smell rotten food, mold and smelly feet. The Bible in 2Corinthians 2v15-17 says:
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
Paul describes us as the aroma of Christ to God.....what a thought that God delights in us and our lives as a result of being made clean and fresh in Christ and having our sins forgiven. But what a challenge...the aroma of our life can point people to life or death. When you smell nice bread in the supermarket of course you are more likely to buy it than if you smell mould. Likewise if our lives smell sweet to others they will be more likely to be attracted to learn more about Jesus and taste and see that God is good. But also what a sobering thought that Christians can also stink...and people can be put off Christianity by this. But the final bit of verse 17 says we are commissioned by God i.e. its God who sends us out and equips us with the sweet smelling fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5v22-24)....love, joy ,peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. How can we smell good? By being IN CHRIST....by knowing him better..by following him closer..by feeding on his word. So I ask myself and you....how are you smelling today?
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
Paul describes us as the aroma of Christ to God.....what a thought that God delights in us and our lives as a result of being made clean and fresh in Christ and having our sins forgiven. But what a challenge...the aroma of our life can point people to life or death. When you smell nice bread in the supermarket of course you are more likely to buy it than if you smell mould. Likewise if our lives smell sweet to others they will be more likely to be attracted to learn more about Jesus and taste and see that God is good. But also what a sobering thought that Christians can also stink...and people can be put off Christianity by this. But the final bit of verse 17 says we are commissioned by God i.e. its God who sends us out and equips us with the sweet smelling fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5v22-24)....love, joy ,peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. How can we smell good? By being IN CHRIST....by knowing him better..by following him closer..by feeding on his word. So I ask myself and you....how are you smelling today?
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