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A Safe Haven (Psalm 7)
O Lord my God, I take refuge in you.
You are my safe haven;
My hiding place;
My shelter from the storm.
You Lord, are the fortress wall around me;
Strong and invincible.
A place to come to in trouble,
A place to find security,
A place of security and protection.
Yours are the arms that reach out to draw me in.
Yours is the voice that speaks words of calm.
O Lord my God,
There is no other place under the sun
So blessed as under your wing.
O Lord my God, I take refuge in you.
You are my safe haven;
My hiding place;
My shelter from the storm.
You Lord, are the fortress wall around me;
Strong and invincible.
A place to come to in trouble,
A place to find security,
A place of security and protection.
Yours are the arms that reach out to draw me in.
Yours is the voice that speaks words of calm.
O Lord my God,
There is no other place under the sun
So blessed as under your wing.
Freedom
Lord I can’t live a day without you;
I’m so glad that you chose me.
I am nothing without you Lord;
You broke my ties and set me free.
You’ve set me free of all restrictions,
That are imagined or are real;
You taught my thirsty soul to love, Lord;
And my hardened heart to feel.
You gave my life a sense of purpose;
Opened paths before my feet;
You quenched my thirst with living water;
Gave me the bread of life to eat.
I know that you are always with me;
A loving Father, close at hand.
You’ve made me be a fruitful tree Lord;
I am not just a grain of sand.
You’ve turned me on the potter’s wheel, Lord;
So I’m not just a lump of clay;
But something beautiful and useful;
Use me now Lord, this I pray.
Lord I can’t live a day without you;
I’m so glad that you chose me.
I am nothing without you Lord;
You broke my ties and set me free.
You’ve set me free of all restrictions,
That are imagined or are real;
You taught my thirsty soul to love, Lord;
And my hardened heart to feel.
You gave my life a sense of purpose;
Opened paths before my feet;
You quenched my thirst with living water;
Gave me the bread of life to eat.
I know that you are always with me;
A loving Father, close at hand.
You’ve made me be a fruitful tree Lord;
I am not just a grain of sand.
You’ve turned me on the potter’s wheel, Lord;
So I’m not just a lump of clay;
But something beautiful and useful;
Use me now Lord, this I pray.
BUILDING FOR GOD
So many Christians begin to build with their own materials, according to their own plans, setting their own standards and although the work in progress may seem good and eminently worthwhile, if it is not built following God's blueprint and using his plumb line it will be worthless in his eyes and will surely fall sooner or later.
I want to build something good and beautiful for the Lord. I want to make something that is good and pleasing to my Saviour. But I can only build anything of real beauty if I build with the materials he provides. I can only build anything of true worth if I build according to his plan. I can only build anything of lasting value to him if I build according to his standard.
The materials he gives us to build with are the best there are. The plans he makes and requires us to follow are perfect in every way. Anything built to the standard and quality that he requires will last forever. He is the Master Builder.
So many Christians begin to build with their own materials, according to their own plans, setting their own standards and although the work in progress may seem good and eminently worthwhile, if it is not built following God's blueprint and using his plumb line it will be worthless in his eyes and will surely fall sooner or later.
I want to build something good and beautiful for the Lord. I want to make something that is good and pleasing to my Saviour. But I can only build anything of real beauty if I build with the materials he provides. I can only build anything of true worth if I build according to his plan. I can only build anything of lasting value to him if I build according to his standard.
The materials he gives us to build with are the best there are. The plans he makes and requires us to follow are perfect in every way. Anything built to the standard and quality that he requires will last forever. He is the Master Builder.
Golden Pond 09.10.05
Once, with my love I watched a golden sunset
Turn the ebbing tide to molten gold;
Little craft at anchor in the harbour,
In silhouette against the golden light.
As we watched, a pair of swans came gliding;
Black shapes against the goldness all around.
The balmy evening air was hushed and silent
As with in-drawn breath
We watched this wondrous sight.
Long years have passed since we beheld that magic;
My dearest heart and I no longer young;
But every time we glimpse a wondrous sunset
We recall that long-since night on golden pond.
Once, with my love I watched a golden sunset
Turn the ebbing tide to molten gold;
Little craft at anchor in the harbour,
In silhouette against the golden light.
As we watched, a pair of swans came gliding;
Black shapes against the goldness all around.
The balmy evening air was hushed and silent
As with in-drawn breath
We watched this wondrous sight.
Long years have passed since we beheld that magic;
My dearest heart and I no longer young;
But every time we glimpse a wondrous sunset
We recall that long-since night on golden pond.
I am sorry Pearl. Your wonderful words on this thread have been here over a year and never saw them. I feel like I am just waking up or something. Just beautiful and edifying. Thank you. I definitely won't be able to read it all tonight. <3
Thanks Mayflower, I'll find something else to post. I hope you enjoy reading.
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
One summer morning after quite a lot of I was enjoying a rare moment of peace and tranquillity in my garden. I made myself a cuppa and as I sat enjoying it I could hear the birds and my little wind chimes. The sky was blue and the sun was shining and I felt deeply peaceful and content.
After a while I became aware of the amazing flashes of light as the diamonds in my rings reflected the sun; blue, yellow, green and white. So sparkly. And I realised this was a life lesson.
Before those diamonds had been polished they were just stones with no beauty of their own, but the master jeweller could see their potential. He had the knowledge to know where to cut and how to polish so that the stones in his hands were transformed into things of beauty.
And it’s not just the large diamonds that sparkle; it’s the little ones too; even the diamond chippings in my eternity ring were giving off flashes of reflected light.
And just as the jeweller chooses stones and sees their potential for beauty long before he puts his tools to them, so God chooses us knowing our capabilities and how best to bring out the best in us and where to make his cuts. And just as my diamond chippings were sparkling so too the smallest of us; the least of us; has that ability to shine. Some obviously shine brighter than others but that is God’s plan so whatever setting you are in know that you have the ability to shine.
And also know that diamonds are forever.
One summer morning after quite a lot of I was enjoying a rare moment of peace and tranquillity in my garden. I made myself a cuppa and as I sat enjoying it I could hear the birds and my little wind chimes. The sky was blue and the sun was shining and I felt deeply peaceful and content.
After a while I became aware of the amazing flashes of light as the diamonds in my rings reflected the sun; blue, yellow, green and white. So sparkly. And I realised this was a life lesson.
Before those diamonds had been polished they were just stones with no beauty of their own, but the master jeweller could see their potential. He had the knowledge to know where to cut and how to polish so that the stones in his hands were transformed into things of beauty.
And it’s not just the large diamonds that sparkle; it’s the little ones too; even the diamond chippings in my eternity ring were giving off flashes of reflected light.
And just as the jeweller chooses stones and sees their potential for beauty long before he puts his tools to them, so God chooses us knowing our capabilities and how best to bring out the best in us and where to make his cuts. And just as my diamond chippings were sparkling so too the smallest of us; the least of us; has that ability to shine. Some obviously shine brighter than others but that is God’s plan so whatever setting you are in know that you have the ability to shine.
And also know that diamonds are forever.
I always think that I have been blessed to have learned early on in my Christian life that my relationship with God depends more on who he is than who I am. Whatever I may think of myself I know he loves me, I know he has forgiven my sins – every last one – and that he is merciful, gracious and loving. Also I know that he delights in me and wants the best for me; that he doesn’t care if I am not beautiful or clever or if I have status or wealth. He loves me for who I am in him not for who I am in the world.
I have had good teaching from day one of my journey into life. First from a wonderful Anglican vicar and his wife who were Spirit filled and knew that many of their flock needed more than the Anglican church could offer. He made sure we were satisfied by organising trips to hear speakers such as David Watson and Colin Urquhart, opening up the evening service for more informal praise and worship once or twice a month and hosting after church gatherings in their home on Sunday evenings. Those time were wonderful times of growth and learning; of early discipleship and fellowship.
After a number of years though, the restraints of the Anglican church began to be felt and I knew I wanted more so I moved on to a church which was part of the Restoration movement under Bryn and Keri Jones. Their aim was to restore the church to what it had been in the early days of Christianity as described in Acts: A community having all things in common and sharing our lives throughout the week not just on Sundays. No liturgy, no vestments, candles or other trappings of traditional religion. Just people loving God and each other.
I am eternally grateful for the foundations laid in my life by both these church experiences, foundations that have remained strong and unshakable throughout my life as a Christian: Common sense Christianity rather than sentimentalism or traditionalism or even intellectualism. Simple, uncomplicated and wonderful.
I have had good teaching from day one of my journey into life. First from a wonderful Anglican vicar and his wife who were Spirit filled and knew that many of their flock needed more than the Anglican church could offer. He made sure we were satisfied by organising trips to hear speakers such as David Watson and Colin Urquhart, opening up the evening service for more informal praise and worship once or twice a month and hosting after church gatherings in their home on Sunday evenings. Those time were wonderful times of growth and learning; of early discipleship and fellowship.
After a number of years though, the restraints of the Anglican church began to be felt and I knew I wanted more so I moved on to a church which was part of the Restoration movement under Bryn and Keri Jones. Their aim was to restore the church to what it had been in the early days of Christianity as described in Acts: A community having all things in common and sharing our lives throughout the week not just on Sundays. No liturgy, no vestments, candles or other trappings of traditional religion. Just people loving God and each other.
I am eternally grateful for the foundations laid in my life by both these church experiences, foundations that have remained strong and unshakable throughout my life as a Christian: Common sense Christianity rather than sentimentalism or traditionalism or even intellectualism. Simple, uncomplicated and wonderful.
As the fierce storm battered us, it howled and whistled through keyholes and any other little gaps it could find. But I put the heating up and a classical CD on and just sat on my sofa in the calm atmosphere of inside and watched it. Sitting there with all that fierce weather going on outside I thought that it was a good representation of us as Christians who live in the tempestuous world but are not of it.
The storm was so fierce and close – just on the other side of the window but those thin transparent sheets of glass protected me from it. It was so noisy but was drowned out by the music I chose to listen to. Being in Jesus protects me from the storms of life and listening to his voice drowns out the other voices. These scriptures came to mind.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1Peter 5:8
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Luke 8:24
John 16:33
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The storm was so fierce and close – just on the other side of the window but those thin transparent sheets of glass protected me from it. It was so noisy but was drowned out by the music I chose to listen to. Being in Jesus protects me from the storms of life and listening to his voice drowns out the other voices. These scriptures came to mind.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1Peter 5:8
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Luke 8:24
John 16:33
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
WalterandDebbie
Well-Known Member
- Dec 14, 2009
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Great! thanks for sharing.As the fierce storm battered us, it howled and whistled through keyholes and any other little gaps it could find. But I put the heating up and a classical CD on and just sat on my sofa in the calm atmosphere of inside and watched it. Sitting there with all that fierce weather going on outside I thought that it was a good representation of us as Christians who live in the tempestuous world but are not of it.
The storm was so fierce and close – just on the other side of the window but those thin transparent sheets of glass protected me from it. It was so noisy but was drowned out by the music I chose to listen to. Being in Jesus protects me from the storms of life and listening to his voice drowns out the other voices. These scriptures came to mind.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1Peter 5:8
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Luke 8:24
John 16:33
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Love, Walter
Warriors
This is one of my 'God dreams'. It was about a smallish group of men in black martial arts attire practicing their kicks together. None of them could kick very high but they were trying hard. After a while a new man joined the group and he could kick higher than any of the others and they were watching and learning from him. Then another person joined in; head and shoulders above the others his kicks were amazing and so controlled that he was able to kick the flower out of the hair of one of the watching women with complete precision. When I asked God to show me the meaning of this dream I understood that the first group of men were church leaders; first the newcomer was a man of God such as Smith Wigglesworth, John Wesley or another of the great men of God from the past. Obviously the second newcomer was Jesus showing the men how to be efficient and effective warriors.
This is one of my 'God dreams'. It was about a smallish group of men in black martial arts attire practicing their kicks together. None of them could kick very high but they were trying hard. After a while a new man joined the group and he could kick higher than any of the others and they were watching and learning from him. Then another person joined in; head and shoulders above the others his kicks were amazing and so controlled that he was able to kick the flower out of the hair of one of the watching women with complete precision. When I asked God to show me the meaning of this dream I understood that the first group of men were church leaders; first the newcomer was a man of God such as Smith Wigglesworth, John Wesley or another of the great men of God from the past. Obviously the second newcomer was Jesus showing the men how to be efficient and effective warriors.
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