We sang this in church tonight and I thought of all my friends here throughout the service and promised I would post this when I got home for anyone who was interested...
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down
Thy head upon My breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place,
And He has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one,
Stoop down, and drink, and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise,
And all thy day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that light of life I'll walk,
Till trav'ling days are done.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"My Father's house above
Has many mansions; I've a place
Prepared for you in love."
I trust in Jesus—in that house,
According to His word,
Redeemed by grace, my soul shall live
Forever with the Lord.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSSiEixBt8E
Incidentally, the Bible reading was Luke III 1-6 (just continuing from last week)
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Different individuals have different ways of seeing Divine Truth but it is the heart and motive that Jesus sees so clearly! I truly thank God that He is pouring out His Spirit onto His people inspite of the protestations of His representatives!
:dsunny:
Quote from: lastpost on August 04, 2013, 10:49:48 PM
We sang this in church tonight and I thought of all my friends here throughout the service and promised I would post this when I got home for anyone who was interested...
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down
Thy head upon My breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place,
And He has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one,
Stoop down, and drink, and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise,
And all thy day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that light of life I'll walk,
Till trav'ling days are done.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"My Father's house above
Has many mansions; I've a place
Prepared for you in love."
I trust in Jesus—in that house,
According to His word,
Redeemed by grace, my soul shall live
Forever with the Lord.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSSiEixBt8E
Incidentally, the Bible reading was Luke III 1-6 (just continuing from last week)
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Different individuals have different ways of seeing Divine Truth but it is the heart and motive that Jesus sees so clearly! I truly thank God that He is pouring out His Spirit onto His people inspite of the protestations of His representatives!
:dsunny:
Many thanks for sharing such a truly inspirational song... I am a collector of Scripturally sound songs, hymns... I've done several studies on "To Whose Voice Are You Hearkening?" Sort of started the studies when I noticed that it was because Adam hearkened/obeyed the voice of his wife (Gen 3:17)... that the ground was cursed.... also another man who hearkened to the voice of his wife Gen 16:2 Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai resulted in Ishmael being conceived...
later in Gen 26:4-5 in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed... because Abraham heard/obeyed My voice...
And, of course, in the NT we read much about hearing... of special note is John 10:1-18 hearing the voice of Jesus, the good shepherd...
Sorry, I got a little carried away...
Of course, I will print this song and file it with my other treasures. Thanks so much lastpost
Dear Ann
Your treasures contain so many sacred truths.
We also sang "Forward be our watchword" which was appropriate as our reading was about following Christ and I symbolise following the "fiery pillar" and not looking behind as following Christ into the unknown without fear or anxiety because of unwavering faith in Him and not having to keep turning back...
Forward! be our watchword, steps and voices joined;
Seek the things before us, not a look behind;
Burns the fiery pillar at our army's head;
Who shall dream of shrinking, by our Captain led?
A soothing and revealing hymn...
Hushed was the evening hymn,
The temple courts were dark;
The lamp was burning dim
Before the sacred ark;
When suddenly a voice divine
Rang through the silence of the shrine.
The old man, meek and mild,
The priest of Israel, slept;
His watch the temple child,
The little Levite, kept;
And what from Eli's sense was sealed
The Lord to Hannah's son revealed.
O give me Samuel's ear,
The open ear, O Lord,
Alive and quick to hear
Each whisper of Thy Word,
Like him to answer at Thy call,
And to obey Thee first of all.
O give me Samuel's heart,
A lowly heart, that waits
Where in Thy house Thou art,
Or watches at Thy gates;
By day and night, a heart that still
Moves at the breathing of Thy will.
O give me Samuel's mind,
A sweet unmurm'ring faith,
Obedient and resigned
To Thee in life and death,
That I may read with child like eyes
Truths that are hidden from the wise.
Peace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0otV1wTaOWo
Open My Eyes, That I May See
1. Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key,
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
2. Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave-notes fall on my ear,
Ev'rything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!
3. Open my mouth, and let it bear
Gladly the warm truth ev'rywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Lyrics: Clara H. Fiske Scott
Music: Clara H. Fiske Scott
http://www.hymnpod.com/2011/02/01/open-my-eyes-that-i-may-see
We sang these hymns tonight and I had the thought to share the words. Children of God willingly seeking to draw closer to Him through the singing in unity of thoughts and words of Him - and He draws close. The Spirit flows in Spirit Communion when individuals lay aside the distractions of man's busy highways and byways and instead harmonise together nearer to the Harmony which is of God. He is the Living God - Living.
"My God, My Father, While I Stray" Charlotte Elliot, 1789-1871
1. My God and Father! while I stray,
Far from my home in life's rough way,
Oh! teach me from my heart to say,
"Thy will be done!"
2. If Thou shouldst call me to resign,
What most I prize, it ne'er was mine.
I only yield Thee what was Thine;
"Thy will be done!"
3. If but my fainting heart be blest,
With Thy sweet Spirit for its guest,
My God! To Thee I leave the rest,
"Thy will be done!"
4. Renew my will from day to day,
Blend it with Thine, and take away,
All now that makes it hard to say,
"Thy will be done!"
5. Then when on earth I breathe no more,
The prayer, oft mixed with tears before,
I'll sing upon a happier shore,
"Thy will be done!"
"Our Blest Redeemer, Ere He Breathed "
Words: Harriet Auber, Spirit of the Psalms, 1829
Our blest Redeemer, ere He breathed
His tender last farewell,
A Guide, a Comforter, bequeathed
With us to dwell.
He came in semblance of a dove,
With sheltering wings outspread,
The holy balm of peace and love
On earth to shed.
He came sweet influence to impart,
A gracious, willing Guest,
While He can find one humble heart
Wherein to rest.
And His that gentle voice we hear,
Soft as the breath of even,
That checks each fault, that calms each fear,
And speaks of Heav'n.
And every virtue we possess,
And every conquest won,
And every thought of holiness,
Are His alone.
Spirit of purity and grace,
Our weakness, pitying, see:
O make our hearts Thy dwelling place
And worthier Thee.
Peace for the children of God, and again Peace.
Quote from: lastpost on August 04, 2013, 10:49:48 PM
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto Me and rest..."
So hard for some to believe!! :dsunny:
Good evening, it is truly a blessing to receive renewal in soul and body - and all one need do is go to Him with humble heart and simple mind and He is there - regardless of the distractions of elaborate glosses. He is the Way.
1. Spirit divine, attend our prayer,
And make our hearts Thy home;
Descend with all Your gracious power;
O come, great Spirit, come!
2. Come as the light; to waiting minds
That long the truth to know,
Reveal the narrow path of right,
The way of duty show.
3. Come as the fire; enkindle now
The sacrificial flame,
Till our whole souls an offering be
In Love's redeeming name.
4. Come as the wind: sweep clean away
What dead within us lies,
And search and freshen all our souls
With living energies.
"Seek first the kingdom and its righteousness, and these all shall be added to you" Matt. 6:33
"Jesus is saying to him, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one is coming to the Father except through Me" John 14:6
"And Jesus, passing by thence, perceived a man termed Matthew sitting at the tribute office, and He is saying to him, 'Follow Me!' " Matt.9:9
"Jesus averred to him, 'If you are wanting to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and be giving to the poor, and you will be having treasure in the heavens. And hither! Follow Me'."
"Guard your feet when you go to the house of Elohim; To go near to hear is better than that the foolish should offer sacrifice, For they know nothing but to do evil" Eccl 5:1
"Then it is saying, 'Into my home will I be turning back, whence I came out.' And coming, it is finding it unoccupied, and swept and decorated" Matt. 12:44
"...not to be configured to this eon, but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, for you to be testing what is the will of God, good and well pleasing and perfect..." Rom. 12:2,3
Peace is His
:girlheart:
It may be "old" but it was "new" when we sang this tonight...
I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him.
And round my heart still closely twine
Those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
Forever and forever.
I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
He bled, He died to save me;
And not alone the gift of life,
But His own self He gave me.
Naught that I have my own I call,
I hold it for the Giver;
My heart, my strength, my life, my all,
Are His, and His forever.
I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
So kind, and true, and tender,
So wise a Counsellor and Guide,
So mighty a Defender!
From Him who loves me now so well,
What power my soul can sever?
Shall life or death, or earth or hell?
No? I am His forever.
https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/288?
I am privileged to be able to share with friends the wonderful words of this hymn that we few regulars sang tonight in our Service...
Indeed:
"Before we upward pass to Heav'n,
We taste our immortality"
O THOU WHO MAKEST SOULS TO SHINE
Words: John Armstrong, 1847.
O Thou Who makest souls to shine
With light from brighter worlds above,
Now send Thy glistening dew divine
On all who seek a Savior's love!
Do Thou Thy benediction give
On all who teach, on all who learn,
That all Thy Church may holier live,
And every lamp more brightly burn.
Give those that teach pure hearts and wise,
Faith, hope, and love, all warmed by prayer;
Themselves first training for the skies,
They best will raise their people there.
Give those, who learn, the willing ear,
The spirit meek, the guileless mind;
Such gifts will make the lowliest here
Far better than a kingdom find.
O bless the shepherd, bless the sheep,
That guide and guided both be one—
One in the faithful watch they keep,
Until this hurrying life be done.
If thus, good Lord, Thy grace be giv'n,
In Thee to live, in Thee to die,
Before we upward pass to Heav'n,
We taste our immortality.
Incidentally, our reading of Luke 12-35 was "unplanned" which simply continued on from where we ended last week which was Luke 14: 11...
"For everyone exalting himself shall be humbled, and humbling himself shall be exalted."
At even, ere the sun was set,
the sick, O Lord, around thee lay;
O, in what diverse pains they met!
O, with what joy they went away!
Once more 'tis eventide, and we,
oppressed with various ills, draw near;
what if thy form we cannot see?
We know and feel that thou art here.
O Savior Christ, our woes dispel;
for some are sick, and some are sad;
and some have never loved thee well,
and some have lost the love they had;
and some have found the world is vain,
and yet from the world they break not free;
And some have friends who give them pain,
yet have not sought a friend in thee.
And none, O Lord, have perfect rest,
for none are wholly free from sin;
And they who fain would serve thee best
are conscious most of wrong within.
O Savior Christ, thou too art man;
thou has been troubled, tempted, tried;
thy kind but searching glance can scan
the very wounds that shame would hide.
Thy touch has still its ancient power.
no word from thee can fruitless fall;
hear, in this solemn evening hour,
and in thy mercy heal us all.
Words: Henry Twells, 1868
Now listen to the Voice of the Spirit, cast care aside, lean on your Guide and know that Christ, He who goes down into the valley for His sheep, is here - here in all His majesty, but here much more in all His Love - that Love which knows no barriers, which no defective faith can put aside, because it is the Love of God and you are His little children.
The way of discipleship is the way of the cross, but some have quite a wrong idea of what this means. Christ was the Redeemer of the world, and His road, hard and difficult, ended literally on the Cross of Calvary so far as the physical was concerned; but because Christ died for you and for me, that last sacrifice is taken from us in a spiritual sense.
Visualise that road and take your troubles, your trials, and your tests, as the obstacles and the rough bits which have got either to be climbed over or dug away. This is the road to God - as you see it - and in front is the cross of sacrifice which you think you have to take up and bear, in addition to your other burdens.
Now, listen, if you go forward in faith and in trust - to the best of your ability - then as you reach the cross, instead of the agony of the cross, you shall see nothing but the smiling, tender Face of the Saviour Himself, and sorrow will fall from you, and joy will be in your heart and mind instead - the cross of sacrifice turned into the loving, welcome look of the Saviour.
This can be got right - it is not expecting the impossible. To little children the way seems long, the hills so high, and the wind so keen; but if the little child is holding the Hand of Someone who is strong and fearless - why, doesn't it make all the difference in the world?
And although you cannot see it, and you forget to so often, this is what each one of you are doing spiritually, because there is gathered to your side the Master - The Master who understands weariness, sadness of heart, falling spirits, and the longing for home and safety - and because He understands so well, He is there beside you, and will be for ever more.
Oh, rise in heart and mind, and take that which is offered to you so freely, so eagerly, and then your tears will be stemmed, and the pain will go out of your hearts, and the weariness from your limbs, and you will have the vision glorious; and, seeing this, will go on your way rejoicing - rejoicing that Christ has said: 'Follow Me' - not to the cross but to that perfect harmony and gladness and elation which only unity with the Spirit within - which is of God indeed - can bring you.
Let the world go by; don't cling to the little material things - the toys and those attractions that draw you and distract your attention from the things of the Spirit - let them all go.
You are offered gifts in plenty, gifts which will not please the mind for a moment and leave you dissatisfied later, but the gifts which once had, you will never wish to part with, because with the things that are of God they grow in beauty and in power and in revelation, and these only can satisfy the hungry heart of mankind. They know it not - here and there they go, trying to get the happiness which for ever escapes them, trying to drug the spirit which cries out: 'Let me be free and let me demonstrate God in my life!'
Little things are told - just little fragments of the Truth is imparted - but beyond these are others, and beyond again and again - no ending - fresh beauties, fresh visions, and as you step forward the greatest gift of all - further revelation of the Love of God and all that means.
Prepare your hearts and minds to meet the Saviour, to meet Him with the wish to be as He was, and to live as He lived. That done, the Saviour does the rest. This is the only gift we can make - the dedication of our hearts and minds - the only thing asked from us, and in return there are those things which cannot be touched upon because in the earth language there is nothing to express them.
The Sign of the Cross - remember - remember that the sign of the Cross to you, the children of God, represents the Compassionate Saviour who came to earth to bear your cross, and to lift you from all the sadness and all the pain which, of necessity, physical life doth bring. It is preparation for the life hereafter when sorrow is no more, when gladness fills the heart and mind to overflowing.
We are reminded of the words: 'At even, ere the sun was set, the sick, O Lord, around Thee lay'... and then it goes on: 'As to the divers pains in which they met, and with what joy they went away'.
God's children come, depressed, saddened by the trials of life and its many irritations - they come, their minds are healed, their spirits are restored and they can go on their way rejoicing.
Now, when you find this brightness - which you prize so much - slipping from you, recall that you are soldiers of Christ, and that being so, the Light is around you always.
It is not easy. You get up from when the Holy Spirit has been upon you, and your courage is high. You ask yourselves: 'Why did I feel so sad? Everything is going to be all right!' And then the enemy, which has been pushed back, regains its strength and slowly approaching, the chill comes again, and the mind - the physical mind, remember - cries out: 'How long, O Lord, how long!' and that cry gives the first advantage to the shadows.
Make no mistake. No one who wishes to love and serve their Saviour is ever allowed to give all the advantage to the enemy - the protection is complete, but the little stings, the flying darts, they reach you, and Christ, with all His Love and wish to help, is saddened because, all unconsciously, you listen to the voice of that which tells you that God cannot love you, otherwise He would not allow the evil to strike you so.
This is terribly sad for Christ. Your own hearts ought to tell you that you cannot turn from One who is Love Itself without bringing a double blow - the blow that strikes your shrinking heart, and the deeper blow that strikes the Tender Heart of He who is One with our Father.
Oh, if you could but see the tactics of the enemy - how they deceive and divert you - you would indeed throw all aside and say: 'With Christ I am secure'. But your physical mind tells you - suggests to you - that the security is not quite perfect, and that is how the sorrow comes.
Having taken from He who came: 'To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death', our work is to return to the valley and give out in return.
I just want to say, that music can be so healing. It can cut through so many layers of this world, I believe, and find us in our heart and soul.
It is a complicated story, but for about 27 years, I did not really listen to music. I loved it as a child, adolescent and young adult, but I was in a place, where I suppose one would say, I couldn't receive it, and I guess it penetrated my wall, which I had built to be able to perpetuate the lies I was believing.
So, one evening, I was helping out in a Christian Coffeehouse, which I did once a month, but instead of doing, what I call the 'Martha routine', I was so exhausted, I sat in the back, in the darkness. Someone, who is like family to me now, was singing that evening. I had seen him, 'heard' him, but had never listened to him. As I listened, the presence of God in the songs he was singing, broke the walls.
This was about 5 years ago. Now, I listen to music daily, and mostly Christian music. I listen in the car, sing along, and it is amazing what the music and lyrics have done to bolster my faith and joy. I attend many concerts, now, and am surrounded by music, as much as possible.
St. Augustine said that when we sing we pray twice. I agree.
Thank you all for sharing your songs with me, and us.
Music is a wonderful gift, from God.
:gguitar:
:grouppray: :HeartThrob:
Bless you Lord Jesus Christ for blessing us so very much !!
I am reminded of Rev 7 and how all those whom dwell in the heavens praise God and thankful giving Him the HIGHEST OF GLORY continually !!!
We must be in heaven than , because of the joy unspeakable and full of glory ... :HeartThrob:
11And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures;
and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,
12saying, "Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever.
Amen."
13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?"...
coming out of tribulation in the world we have plenty to overcome !!
john 16 Ask and You will Receive :dsunny:
...32"Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home,
and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.
33"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
But thanking God though Jesus Christ there is Victory in HIS HOLY NAME !!!!
Thank you for your little story about music Dandelion.
As you love music, may I hazard a guess [which is my opinion you understand], I would say that when we sing in God's Fair Land, we will find beautiful accompanying music appearing from nowhere without an instrument in sight; and we might also find that there are hedgerows and fields and forests of flowers which delight not only in displaying their colours but also produce exquisite music for all to hear who might happen that way - in short, God is everywhere and therefore harmony in music is also to be found where it is loved. There is a reason for this of course and it is to do with healing of others - always for others, we never take for ourselves.
The good God is, and God is good,
And when to us 'tis dimly seen
'Tis but the mists that come between
Like darkness round the Holy Rood,
Or Sinai Mount where they adored
The Rising Glory of the Lord.
` He giveth life, so life is good,
As all is good that He has given.
Earth is the vestibule of Heaven;
And so he feeds with angel's food
Those in His likeness He has made,
That death may find us unafraid.
Death is no wraith, of visage pale,
But waits attendant on our birth
Out of this darkened womb of earth,
To lead us gently through the Veil,
To realms of radiance, broad and free,
To Christ and immortality.
Peace and Harmony
Being a musician myself.... I see a bunch of singers and players and accompaniests sittin round a fire makin beautiful music together and enjoying the heaven out of it ;o)
Quote from: eaglesway on June 06, 2015, 10:01:17 PM
Being a musician myself.... I see a bunch of singers and players and accompaniests sittin round a fire makin beautiful music together and enjoying the heaven out of it ;o)
AMEN .. :angelharp: :violin: :thumbsup:
Heavenly music is always in reverence and praise to the Great God - which all are thrilled to be a part of - of course.
According to my understanding, that which represents the beauty of the earth is but a temptation for the worldly thinking, that is where so many make a grave error in my opinion, their training was not by the Good Shepherd but by the minds of men, they think it's all for them, take and take again wihtout giving, and they fall at the first post - thank God for aeonial life.
Peace
Quote from: lastpost on June 06, 2015, 11:14:26 PM
..... they think it's all for them, take and take again wihtout giving, and they fall at the first post
Peace
Very generalized and judgmental statement it seems to me. In my opininion God is not that uptight. There are many ways to celibrate the beauty of creation in art and music in a spirit of gratitude and appreciation.
Certainly there are those who do what you are saying, I see it everyday as do we all, but to categorize all music but your definition in heavenly music in that way seems a bit religious to me in an unreal sort of way.
Thank you for your opinion ew. I think that I may have said something that upset you for which I apologise.
You do realise that I am referring to actually being in a heavenly realm and the music that occurs there? I was not referring to music on this earth.
I am not sure that you understood that perhaps? When I was talking to Dandelion, I was actually talking about being in a heavenly realm and what can be expected there.
I am referring to people naming themselves Christians who think that Heaven is all about them, and they pass into what I call the Summerland of Temptation, where there is a paradise-type of existence which mirrors the earth in the things that man in the flesh considers the goal of his existence - to be free from responsibility, to be carefree, to take all of the 'earthly type' beauty that is around him as his right - but what exactly has he done to deserve this when there are countless millions suffering in poverty?
Ah yes, there are many different viewpoints about the Afterlife. I realise many think it is all 'over' at once at a later date' and a general assize has occurred in their literal interpretation - hence there will be confusion.
But you see, according to my understanding, the soul passes into the Afterlife when the flesh has served its purpose. This Afterlife, for the sake of complying with this forum, is made up of a place where the wickedness in souls in pruned [aionion kolasin] and also a place where refining of good souls is carried out or purified [aeonial life].
Essentially, I believe this is clearly described by Jesus in His parable about the rich man and the beggar...
http://tentmaker.org/forum/bible-threatenings-explained/lazarus-the-rich-man/msg159810/#msg159810
http://tentmaker.org/forum/bible-threatenings-explained/lazarus-the-rich-man/msg159811/#msg159811
I believe that the real heaven that Jesus wants His followers to go to is made up of the beauty of sacrifice, real spiritual beauty is of Sacrificial Love. In that condition is to be found the Love of God. There is spiritual beauty and not earthly beauty. I hope that you can see the difference.
As people have different beliefs - some materialistic and some less so, one place for all people naming themselves Christians to go to after death will not suit everybody.
Hence, there is the place of temptation that I referred to and to which you seem to have taken great offence when I said that we are not meant to be taking of it, it is in essence for the healing of others until they rid themselves [or God rids them] of any selfishness in them. then they are able to pass into the heavenly place that God intends for them.
So you can perhaps see why I said that those who take and take have fallen at the first post.
This is my opinion of course, but it is a considered opinion and I have exceptionally good reasons to believe it rather than anything else that comes from the minds of men alone.
All I can say is that I have tried to explain it, and I truly believe that one day you will see that this explanation, as inadequate as it is, is not far from the reality. Again, my opinion.
The Master Christ teaches His followers not to be of the world. If His followers do what He teaches then they will not be fooled by the Land of Temptation.
I hope this helps.
Peace and Harmony
Hi Lastpost,
No, I wasnt upset in the slightest :o)
Just voicing my reaction to your post as I read it- altho I may have mis-understood it.
Sometimes I think we all project our imaginations and preferences on what is "holy".
I see God as being a little more crunchy myself, you know.
Jesus hung with tax-collectors and wine bibbers and at the weddings and dinners their was music and laughter and I think we Christians project evil and temptation onto things in a generalized way when it is not that general.
Music is a gift with which I love to glorify God.
It is also a gift freely given to enjoy for the sake of the beauty of the gift itself.
It is also a gift of celebrating all things from common joys to evil pleasures- very much subject to the heart of the maker as God gives freely and without restraint upon the gift and its use.
Music is a medium for sharing that God has given to man for his enjoyment as well as for praise and worship, like the rain, falling on the just and the unjust. :o)
The unjust use it to project injustice, chaos, evil, lustful. The just to express what is just and good, joyful or sorrowful, common joys and sorrows or holy joys and sorrows.
I am sure that you have misunderstood me EW. I was not projecting my opinion of what is holy concerning music on the earth. [Incidentally, I am glad to see that you agree God's gifts can also be abused].
I am only attempting to portray what has been built up in me over the last quarter of a century by what I am thoroughly convinced is the Holy Spirit and which is a living reality to me. It can be taken or rejected. So, this is my opinion.
I mentioned the sadder side - the aeonial kolasin, into which some pass for their own "age" whether shorter or longer, who are in opposition to that Love which the Master Christ portrayed to perfection, those whose "treasures" are of wickedness and evil are "stored" for them - those who delight in the downfall of others and who are not happy unless they can inflict pain on others - these have stored up misery for themselves until that blackness is worked out of their souls. Each one goes to "his own" and remains a prisoner in such a state until he has paid his debt and the evil is pruned away.
Aeonial Zoe is a far more pleasant affair of course. There is that area into which the treasures of the earthly-minded have been stored up for themselves, not having entertained any evil but also not having aspired to anything purer and more Divine, into which they pass until they tire of the earthly and wish to seek for something better of Christ - that is that which is bright with the beauty of sacrifice, enhanced with the melody that has been culled from faithful hearts and minds undertaking the mundane task, which many would call Heaven - but only because the transition to the purest state of utter Divinity is not a possibility without preparation. And then there is that which is Heaven, so vast, so all-embracing that it would be impossible to convey anything of what it represents to a human mind.
But God's Plan is that all people, should represent in turn one great family, that the Universe as we understand it, should represent one family; and the time will come when all, regardless of how far apart now, shall be brought into harmony one with the other. This is far beyond the physical consciousness to grasp, for there is no end as there was no beginning to the Love of God and its varied manifestations in countless forms, all expressing miracles of Infinite Love and Grace.
So that is my opinion rather inadequately expressed but one must try.
Peace.
Quote from: lastpost on June 06, 2015, 11:14:26 PM
Heavenly music is always in reverence and praise to the Great God - which all are thrilled to be a part of - of course.
According to my understanding, that which represents the beauty of the earth is but a temptation for the worldly thinking, that is where so many make a grave error in my opinion, their training was not by the Good Shepherd but by the minds of men, they think it's all for them, take and take again wihtout giving, and they fall at the first post - thank God for aeonial life.
Peace
"According to my understanding, that which represents the beauty of the earth is but a temptation for the worldy thinking....."
That really is the statement I was disagreeing with. I think the gift of music is given by God for, among other things- exactly that - "expressing the beauty of earth" and the attendant joys and sorrows of living on it.
Yes, we have a misunderstanding. It is this medium of communication.
I was attempting to say that some, if not many, pass into something which they have built up with their desires - their treasure - but it is not what God has in mind for them, only what they think God has in mind for them - to do nothing but take from the surroundings - worldly thinking. This is a further temptation which must be overcome. I cannot help but say that this is not what we should be aiming for because the sweetnesses and treasures that Christ would have us have are beyond that. It is easy for man to decide what paradise is, but I believe that God has far more in store for man - and man will not escape that destiny.
Suppose then (without wishing to sound ridiculous), for the sake of discussion, a soul which once lived in a three dimensional world had now been in his 'paradise' for, say, ten trillion, trillion, trillion of our years. Is that soul happy to be sitting around doing the things that he once did on earth ten trillion, trillion, trillion years ago? Is that really God's ultimate goal for man? Is that really what Jesus died for? I would say that God has something in mind which no human mind has conceived of, far beyond an earthly conception of happiness.
I believe that there is a valid point concerning Service which should be explained but it is too vast a subject to attempt on a forum. Suffice it to say that true joy only comes from Giving - as Love only wants to give and give again, and taking for oneself is not considered. And after all, we are God's sons and daughters, and God is Love, so as we become ever more fashioned to the likeness of Christ, we shall want to give like Christ more and more.
I hope that these few words put things more into the perspective that cannot be put into words.
Harmony and Peace
Peace and Harmony
And they are One
Well, respectfully- I was only disagreeing with your former statement, as I specified, and I don't see the connection between that and all you just said, so yes, we have a communication issue I guess.
EW, I have said that I was not referring to the music of the earth.
I have said that I was not talking about the earth when I wrote that statement that you have quoted me as saying.
I was writing about a possible next stage of being - one which mirrors the earth of the things which people assume is real beauty whereas only that which is of sacrifical love is real beauty, therefore anything less is a temptation in which people think they are in "paradise" as it conforms to their treasures. I have expressed my opinion that this is not where Jesus Christ has in mind for His children ultimately, not to think "Heaven" is based on earthly values of happiness but spiritual values of Love.
This is not referring to music on earth being "earthly" music. I have heard your music and found it excellent. There is a communication problem as we have different ideas of the future.
Harmony, Peace and Joy
Quote from: lastpost on June 07, 2015, 07:23:37 PM
EW, I have said that I was not referring to the music of the earth.
I have said that I was not talking about the earth when I wrote that statement that you have quoted me as saying.
I was writing about a possible next stage of being - one which mirrors the earth of the things which people assume is real beauty whereas only that which is of sacrifical love is real beauty, therefore anything less is a temptation in which people think they are in "paradise" as it conforms to their treasures. I have expressed my opinion that this is not where Jesus Christ has in mind for His children ultimately, not to think "Heaven" is based on earthly values of happiness but spiritual values of Love.
This is not referring to music on earth being "earthly" music. I have heard your music and found it excellent. There is a communication problem as we have different ideas of the future.
Harmony, Peace and Joy
I understand what you are saying- but now you are writing a whole lot into that one little statement, which I am still pretty sure I disagree with, despite all the latent explanations. :o)
I think the common joys of earth are gifts of God and reflections of eternity. Heaven is coming to earth. The new heavens and the new earth will flow in bounty in many of the same ways the earth does not- enhanced by the glory of God.
I have felt joy unspeakable and full of glory, the Lord is so generous and kind and gracious to us all.
I just see Him as distributing simple blessings in abundance for all to enjoy, and the celebration of that abundance- whether through music or just laughter or through tears, in heaven or on earth- these are the ways in which God demonstrates His faithfulness to all men.
Yes, EW, you see it as one thing and I see it as two. I see it this way: There is a spiritualisation of the earth and there is a passage through the heavens.
As far as I understand, people need healing and there is healing power for some needing it with the music in the Next Life. Souls need healing for various reasons but in one area it is because they need to attune to the praise of their God, and they will eventually be healed enough to realise the music is all praising their God. It was this 'area' or 'sphere' which was meant to be for good souls with earthly desires (and they find it their desires there) - I was saying to Dandelion that it was not for us as we are taught by Christ not to be of the world.
I think really you have misunderstood what I was saying to Dandelion and you have taken it to heart. I did not put it nearly as clearly as it was inside my mind so I will learn a lesson from that and perhaps keep silent on such issues unless somebody actually unfolds truths in that area.
It is not a problem, it is life.
Good is God - God is Good
THOU, WHOSE ETERNAL WORD
Thou, whose eternal word
Chaos and darkness heard,
And took their flight;
Hear us, we humbly pray,
And, where the Gospel's day
Sheds not its glorious ray,
Let there be light!
Thou, who didst come to bring
On Thy redeeming wing
Healing and sight,
Health to the sick in mind,
Sight to the inly blind,
O now, to all mankind,
Let there be light!
Spirit of truth and love,
Life giving, holy Dove,
Speed forth Thy flight;
Move on the water's face
Bearing the lamp of grace,
And, in earth's darkest place,
Let there be light!
This is a hymn we sang in our little gathering tonight.
There are two first lines to this hymn, one uses
'Almighty Word' and one is 'Eternal Word'.
I think 'Eternal Word' is better personally.
A traveller from Canada turned up which was really nice, she is on a three month tour. She joined in with our little Communion service although she is not a Christian. I will think of souls like her as 'unconscious Christians' in the nicest possible way!
There is a strong presence of Christ in our chapel always, and I think Peter is coming up next week chronologically speaking.
✞
Quote from: lastpost on June 07, 2015, 11:05:17 PM
Yes, EW, you see it as one thing and I see it as two. I see it this way: There is a spiritualisation of the earth and there is a passage through the heavens.
As far as I understand, people need healing and there is healing power for some needing it with the music in the Next Life. Souls need healing for various reasons but in one area it is because they need to attune to the praise of their God, and they will eventually be healed enough to realise the music is all praising their God. It was this 'area' or 'sphere' which was meant to be for good souls with earthly desires (and they find it their desires there) - I was saying to Dandelion that it was not for us as we are taught by Christ not to be of the world.
I think really you have misunderstood what I was saying to Dandelion and you have taken it to heart. I did not put it nearly as clearly as it was inside my mind so I will learn a lesson from that and perhaps keep silent on such issues unless somebody actually unfolds truths in that area.
It is not a problem, it is life.
Good is God - God is Good
I am not sure you understand the way I see it :o)- and as I said before- I have not taken anything to heart, I just disagreed with a particular statement and the tone of it. In my world, that is no reason to take anything to heart. It is how we test the spirits, discover what someone is saying if we can, and grow in understanding.
You are indeed right- it is not a problem, it is life.
Quote from: Dandelion on June 06, 2015, 05:36:24 PM
I just want to say, that music can be so healing. It can cut through so many layers of this world, I believe, and find us in our heart and soul.
It is a complicated story, but for about 27 years, I did not really listen to music. I loved it as a child, adolescent and young adult, but I was in a place, where I suppose one would say, I couldn't receive it, and I guess it penetrated my wall, which I had built to be able to perpetuate the lies I was believing.
So, one evening, I was helping out in a Christian Coffeehouse, which I did once a month, but instead of doing, what I call the 'Martha routine', I was so exhausted, I sat in the back, in the darkness. Someone, who is like family to me now, was singing that evening. I had seen him, 'heard' him, but had never listened to him. As I listened, the presence of God in the songs he was singing, broke the walls.
This was about 5 years ago. Now, I listen to music daily, and mostly Christian music. I listen in the car, sing along, and it is amazing what the music and lyrics have done to bolster my faith and joy. I attend many concerts, now, and am surrounded by music, as much as possible.
St. Augustine said that when we sing we pray twice. I agree.
Thank you all for sharing your songs with me, and us.
Music is a wonderful gift, from God.
:gguitar:
Dear Dandelion, thank you for this. I felt for you having been without music and then encountering its healing powers.
In my opinion! Music is an integral part of God's great scheme of things and has many phases and uses, either in service and ultimately in praise of the great God. It is not hard to imagine that music becomes even more beautiful and its effects more clear as the children of God grow into the sons and daughters of God - one can also imagine having a greater ability to hear and feel music by the abilities of those spiritual bodies Paul tells us about. I find that idea full of hope and inspiration, a never-ending unfolding of God's beauty and Love which He has so graciously thought out at every stage for the future Life of His children - His children!
Peace, Joy, Harmony and Freedom in the Divine Melodies that shall always be
Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.
Martin Luther
This is a first century Hellenistic worship song that Phil Keaggy put to music entitled "Seikolos".
https://youtu.be/WlDDvnJ-m54 (https://youtu.be/WlDDvnJ-m54)
Savior of All !!!!
Beautiful, eaglesway! Thanks for sharing.
:violin:
Standing On the Promises of Christ My King
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Saviour;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List'ning every moment to the Spirit's call,
Resting in my Saviour as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
We heard about Cephas tonight.
I feel that Peter understood that his denial of Jesus followed by his lifetime of openly claiming Him, is a blessing and inspiration to some who feel that they can never overcome their feelings of guilt.
All things are possible with Christ.
I can hear my Grandmother sweetly singing that hymn in my mind. Beautiful lastpost! :HeartThrob:
Tonight us few sang this hymn...
WHO ARE THESE LIKE STARS APPEARING?
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/o/whoaretl.htm
Who are these like stars appearing,
These before God's throne who stand?
Each a golden crown is wearing;
Who are all this glorious band?
Alleluia! Hark, they sing,
Praising loud their heav'nly King.
Who are these of dazzling brightness,
These in God's own truth arrayed,
Clad in robes of purest whiteness,
Robes whose luster ne'er shall fade,
Ne'er be touched by time's rude hand?
Whence come all this glorious band?
These are they who have contended
For their Savior's honor long,
Wrestling on till life was ended,
Following not the sinful throng;
These who well the fight sustained,
Triumph through the Lamb have gained.
These are they whose hearts were riven,
Sore with woe and anguish tried,
Who in prayer full oft have striven
With the God they glorified;
Now, their painful conflict o'er,
God has bid them weep no more.
These, like priests, have watched and waited,
Offering up to Christ their will;
Soul and body consecrated,
Day and night to serve Him still:
Now in God's most holy place
Blest they stand before His face.
Now we are looking at Forgiveness – the forgiveness of others. One thing I find worth considering is the spiritual value of Forgiveness, and how this value would be absent if there was no cause to necessitate forgiveness in us. God can use the ignorance, selfishness and even evil of His fallen children to teach the children willing to learn how to grow. GOD is the Great Constructor, the Divine Reconciler through His Christ.
With Gratitude to Him always ✞
We few sang this song on Sunday, admittedly it was not on the scale of the included link - but that's not the point, it's just as uplifting with only two or three singing...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60f-xF6mRvs
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long.
2
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
3
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Saviour am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Oh Christ, make our hearts light, and remove from our eyes the fog which lingers between that which is unreal and that which is Real.
Whatever the future has in store, grant that we can continue on the upward path in faith, certain that the ways of the Supreme Being, God Almighty, are best, knowing that each day brings the choice of the Spirit to us.
And knowing this, grant that we may push forward whatever the shadows of terror may attempt to throw in front of our view, that we may not shrink back but fight onwards with Thee always by our side because we have come to a Consciousness of Thee which cannot be shaken by any enemy.
Make us more sensitive and aware of the needs of our brothers and sisters wherever they may be, in whatever race or creed they may find themselves, make us more generous in love, that we may pray and love our way through each and every day that Thou dost give us.
Peace and again Peace brothers and sisters ✞
Blessings brother in Christ !! :dsunny:
Friends, because 'Service' was our theme tonight in our little church, we began our time together with:
"Have you had a kindness shown?"
1 Have you had a kindness shown?
Pass it on, pass it on!
'Twas not giv'n for thee alone,
Pass it on, pass it on!
Let it travel down the years,
Let it wipe another's tears;
Till in heav'n the deed appears,
Pass it on, pass it on!
Refrain:
Pass it on, pass it on!
Cheerful word of loving deed,
Pass it on,
Live for self, you live in vain;
Live for Christ, you live again,
Live for Him, with Him you reign.
Pass it on, pass it on!
2 Did you hear the loving word?
Pass it on, pass it on!
Like the singing of a bird?
Pass it on, pass it on!
Let its music live and grow,
Let it cheer another's woe;
You have reaped what others sow,
Pass it on, pass it on! [Refrain]
3 Have you found the heav'nly light?
Pass it on, pass it on!
Souls are groping in the night,
Daylight gone, daylight gone!
Hold your lighted lamp on high,
Be a star in someone's sky,
He may live who else would die,
Pass it on, pass it on! [Refrain]
We prayed together something like this:
"O God, we enter into the Silence, and because the spirit within craves to make all that which is of Thee its own, we ask that Thou - by Thy love - hold it out to us.
Grant it possible that each one of Thy children is able to truly offer from themselves that within which is of the spirit - because they are conscious that they belong to Thee, and they know who they are because they are Thine.
May our minds be trained, O Christ, so that our wills may be blended with Thine. Grant that the power to love is given. Give to us a faith which is strong, a purpose which is renewed, and a peace which is deep and binding - all of which are brought through knowledge of Thee.
Help us to always commend ourselves into Thy loving care, certain that Thou wilt send down the power needed to follow Thee, so that with happy hearts we may be confident in the direction of our God... Amen...
We – us few who go to our little church – we heard about Service tonight. We believe we are instruments of God, used in one degree or another, and therefore we claim nothing for ourselves.
So, we believe, solely because of the wonderful generosity of our God... we believe because we have Him in our hearts... we believe because we are made in His image - that He blesses us in the sense that He can use us in the most simple things in daily life – in the round of the day, in the routine, in hundreds and thousands of trivial thoughts and acts that escape our minds – trivial so we think –, that God uses us as we serve to further His plan.
It is wonderful because, in the main, those who serve others in His name are blind to the blessings He bestows, expect in the sense that we know He has asked us to follow Him, to be of service to Him, which means being of service to others for their sake and for His sake.
It seems that the point is often overlooked that if we could see the results of our faith then we should be robbed of the blessing – robbed because faith would be certainty and no longer faith. Ah, this point could be so developed to bring in so many lost children who have not been told when they could understand - yet Service is our theme.
So those who carry out the mundane things in life, those who wish the best for others, those who strengthen others, those who gave out a little thought of compassion in passing to the one looking troubled - which they had forgotten but which God had not forgotten...for these is being brought together by God's most wonderful spiritual laws a very firm foundation for a time when the blindness of the physical eyes is no more.
So what of those who must earn their daily bread for themselves and those who depend on them? Is this service? Ah yes, but there it does not end as many may think. Rest and health are a right of the human machine - it is practical sense - but Service in the God sense does not end there.
We believe that we were made in the image of God and therefore His spirit is in us... or rather before the short life of the decaying body of flesh was donned we were made of His spirit which was granted individuality – a child of God, a new spirit of His. Thus within each one, in miniature, there is a power and a strength which can be brought out by preparation – a power and strength that can defy the moaning and grumbling of the mind of the physical body seeking escape from the Service which the spirit within so desires – which God so desires.
Made in the image of God... When the mind complains it has no force remaining, when the body aches and the eyes grow weary – so the real being, the higher self, the Divine You – so the original You can step in and take control, and why? Because God is spirit and we are spirit and we are never separated from the Source who is God – never separated except by the mind of the body, the mind that is not blended with the Divine Will.
Billions of miracles are being worked, moment by moment, by God the Constructor, God the Redeemer... worked out of the little contributions made by His children who shall not see the results while bound by the eyes of the body – contributions of which His children are generally aware. When the work of the day is done then, during rest, the heart and mind can be set to prayer for those suffering on the other side of this little world, during rest an influence and a power can be set into being because God is within.
To that which is given by the followers of Christ, much shall be given, and into much they shall pass when their short span is over. Yet spare compassionate thoughts for those who have given nothing much at all, those who have failed to create the conditions where God can give the unlimited abundance He longs to give... spare compassion for them for they will not be able to forgive themselves for wasting and squandering the immense and glorious opportunities which were theirs, always theirs, if only they had allowed the God within them to direct them.
It is by faith in God as shown through His Christ when on earth – it is by faith that the Divine within should be allowed to operate – because if God was to reveal the whole picture to His children during their earthly sojourn, then they would be stripped of the gifts He preserves for them borne out of their faith.
We – those few of us who go to our church – we shall continue further with this theme of 'Service' next week, as it is but the outermost tip of the faintest of glints of His Light and Beauty.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
37 'Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
39 When did we see you ill or in prison and go to visit you?"
40 'The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
41 'Then he will say to those on his left, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the fire which is age-long prepared for the devil and his angels.
42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was ill and in prison and you did not look after me."
44 'They also will answer, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or ill or in prison, and did not help you?"
45 'He will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."
Matthew 25:35-45
Peace ✞
If I may take the liberty of summarising this little look into Service as I understand it, it can be seen that God creates an abundance, even treasure in heaven, out of the many little acts of love and sacrifice – an abundance which is waiting for the servants who serve in the Christ Way, although now the results of their Service are hidden...
QuoteBillions of miracles are being worked, moment by moment, by God the Constructor, God the Redeemer... worked out of the little contributions made by His children who shall not see the results while bound by the eyes of the body – contributions of which His children are generally unaware.
Matthew 13:31,32
"Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade."
Matthew 13:33
"He spoke another parable to them: The kingdom of the heavens is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until it had been all leavened."
QuoteTo that which is given by the followers of Christ, much shall be given, and into much they shall pass when their short span is over.
Mark 4:24,25
"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more..."
Matthew 25:28-29
"...Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance..."
QuoteYet spare compassionate thoughts for those who have given nothing much at all, those who have failed to create the conditions where God can give the unlimited abundance He longs to give... spare compassion for them for they will not be able to forgive themselves for wasting and squandering the immense and glorious opportunities which were theirs, always theirs, if only they had allowed the God within them to direct them
Mark 4:25
"...whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them..."
Matthew 25:29-30
"But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
It seems to me that the words of Jesus
are His Word and they are full of Spirit. He has given a complete yet simple guide - available to any human mind, young, old, simple, complex - by the Example of His life and the spirit of His teachings - Word made flesh - for a human being to follow in order to know what is the right path on which to tread to do the Will of the Supreme. Moreover, His wonderful and simple Way will always be there for those who do not yet hear His call to give and serve others with selfless love and sacrifice - when these have burnt out their selfishness and self-seeking material desires and are ready to take up their cross in loving Service...Christ is there, He never leaves them.
Oh, such perfection, such perfection. Only the mind of man complicates such exquisite simplicity and sweetness because it is too simple for his complicated thinking.
The Peace of Christ ✞ passes all understanding
:thumbsup: :dsunny:
Quote from: lastpost on July 30, 2018, 12:32:43 AM
Friends, because 'Service' was our theme tonight in our little church, we began our time together with:
"Have you had a kindness shown?"
1 Have you had a kindness shown?
Pass it on, pass it on!
'Twas not giv'n for thee alone,
Pass it on, pass it on!
Let it travel down the years,
Let it wipe another's tears;
Till in heav'n the deed appears,
Pass it on, pass it on!
Refrain:
Pass it on, pass it on!
Cheerful word of loving deed,
Pass it on,
Live for self, you live in vain;
Live for Christ, you live again,
Live for Him, with Him you reign.
Pass it on, pass it on!
2 Did you hear the loving word?
Pass it on, pass it on!
Like the singing of a bird?
Pass it on, pass it on!
Let its music live and grow,
Let it cheer another's woe;
You have reaped what others sow,
Pass it on, pass it on! [Refrain]
3 Have you found the heav'nly light?
Pass it on, pass it on!
Souls are groping in the night,
Daylight gone, daylight gone!
Hold your lighted lamp on high,
Be a star in someone's sky,
He may live who else would die,
Pass it on, pass it on! [Refrain]
We prayed together something like this:
"O God, we enter into the Silence, and because the spirit within craves to make all that which is of Thee its own, we ask that Thou - by Thy love - hold it out to us.
Grant it possible that each one of Thy children is able to truly offer from themselves that within which is of the spirit - because they are conscious that they belong to Thee, and they know who they are because they are Thine.
May our minds be trained, O Christ, so that our wills may be blended with Thine. Grant that the power to love is given. Give to us a faith which is strong, a purpose which is renewed, and a peace which is deep and binding - all of which are brought through knowledge of Thee.
Help us to always commend ourselves into Thy loving care, certain that Thou wilt send down the power needed to follow Thee, so that with happy hearts we may be confident in the direction of our God... Amen...
We – us few who go to our little church – we heard about Service tonight. We believe we are instruments of God, used in one degree or another, and therefore we claim nothing for ourselves.
So, we believe, solely because of the wonderful generosity of our God... we believe because we have Him in our hearts... we believe because we are made in His image - that He blesses us in the sense that He can use us in the most simple things in daily life – in the round of the day, in the routine, in hundreds and thousands of trivial thoughts and acts that escape our minds – trivial so we think –, that God uses us as we serve to further His plan.
It is wonderful because, in the main, those who serve others in His name are blind to the blessings He bestows, expect in the sense that we know He has asked us to follow Him, to be of service to Him, which means being of service to others for their sake and for His sake.
It seems that the point is often overlooked that if we could see the results of our faith then we should be robbed of the blessing – robbed because faith would be certainty and no longer faith. Ah, this point could be so developed to bring in so many lost children who have not been told when they could understand - yet Service is our theme.
So those who carry out the mundane things in life, those who wish the best for others, those who strengthen others, those who gave out a little thought of compassion in passing to the one looking troubled - which they had forgotten but which God had not forgotten...for these is being brought together by God's most wonderful spiritual laws a very firm foundation for a time when the blindness of the physical eyes is no more.
So what of those who must earn their daily bread for themselves and those who depend on them? Is this service? Ah yes, but there it does not end as many may think. Rest and health are a right of the human machine - it is practical sense - but Service in the God sense does not end there.
We believe that we were made in the image of God and therefore His spirit is in us... or rather before the short life of the decaying body of flesh was donned we were made of His spirit which was granted individuality – a child of God, a new spirit of His. Thus within each one, in miniature, there is a power and a strength which can be brought out by preparation – a power and strength that can defy the moaning and grumbling of the mind of the physical body seeking escape from the Service which the spirit within so desires – which God so desires.
Made in the image of God... When the mind complains it has no force remaining, when the body aches and the eyes grow weary – so the real being, the higher self, the Divine You – so the original You can step in and take control, and why? Because God is spirit and we are spirit and we are never separated from the Source who is God – never separated except by the mind of the body, the mind that is not blended with the Divine Will.
Billions of miracles are being worked, moment by moment, by God the Constructor, God the Redeemer... worked out of the little contributions made by His children who shall not see the results while bound by the eyes of the body – contributions of which His children are generally aware. When the work of the day is done then, during rest, the heart and mind can be set to prayer for those suffering on the other side of this little world, during rest an influence and a power can be set into being because God is within.
To that which is given by the followers of Christ, much shall be given, and into much they shall pass when their short span is over. Yet spare compassionate thoughts for those who have given nothing much at all, those who have failed to create the conditions where God can give the unlimited abundance He longs to give... spare compassion for them for they will not be able to forgive themselves for wasting and squandering the immense and glorious opportunities which were theirs, always theirs, if only they had allowed the God within them to direct them.
It is by faith in God as shown through His Christ when on earth – it is by faith that the Divine within should be allowed to operate – because if God was to reveal the whole picture to His children during their earthly sojourn, then they would be stripped of the gifts He preserves for them borne out of their faith.
We – those few of us who go to our church – we shall continue further with this theme of 'Service' next week, as it is but the outermost tip of the faintest of glints of His Light and Beauty.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
37 'Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
39 When did we see you ill or in prison and go to visit you?"
40 'The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
41 'Then he will say to those on his left, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the fire which is age-long prepared for the devil and his angels.
42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was ill and in prison and you did not look after me."
44 'They also will answer, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or ill or in prison, and did not help you?"
45 'He will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."
Matthew 25:35-45
Peace ✞
That song reminds me of one of my all time favorites.
https://youtu.be/tadZ8nCLBsI
D.