Friday, October 29, 2010

THE gate


' Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.' John 10: 1-2
I love the King James version that says 'verily, verily. I think that has a richness and a deeper meaning that reaches deep inside ones being......verily, verily I tell you.
I like to think of this gate as something we all pass through, or should pass through each day before we go out into the world,into the sheep fold, where there are sheep and wolves. Unless God is with us in mind and heart and prayer, unless we have sought strength through him, then its a bit like the wolf entering the fold.

I like this prayer:
You are the gate, O Lord!
Through you may I pass, out to my daily work and back again to rest, and whether in work or rest, may I abide in your safekeeping. (FB Myer)
Lets set about our daily work, having passed through the 'gate' first.
Grace and peace.
Anne

Monday, October 25, 2010

your love for us is manifested


' You well deserve the praises of your children, O God.......you that answer prayer.' Psalm 65 (Psalms Now)
Its our humanity that gets in the road when we give up hope, or begin to doubt. I think of the anxious years of the recent drought and our fears we would never see again the abundant spring rains, lush grass and full dams but there it is, God has stayed faithful, he has answered prayer and delivered.................he reached out to save us.
All around we see the power of God in the grandeur of the mountains, the roar of the sea, grain laden fields and new life in all creation yet we doubt and become anxious when we are threatened.
I love this last verse of psalm 65: The meadows are clothed with sheep; and the valleys stay so thick with corn, they shout and sing for joy.
When times are tough we need to stay close to God, right by his side and trust.
Blessings on your day and peace from God the Father.
Anne

Friday, October 22, 2010

The travelers psalm


' I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come?' My help comes from the Lord., Psalm 121:1
This is one of those ' grounded' verses that stay with you always. Every time I look at a hill or mountain, every time I 'need' God close, every time I am feeling a bit anxious, every day on the walking track overlooking the mountains and before the day begins....... it comes straight to mind.

It doesn't matter if you are on a journey to Israel, traveling down the highway or heading for the operating theatre, God's comfort and protection, is there with you. His help is only a whisper away.............'from where will my help come?' 'It comes from the Lord.'
Grace and peace on this glorious day.
Anne


Monday, October 18, 2010

Seek ye first the kingdom of God



'One thing I will ask of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in his temple.'




There they were this morning, tiny capsules of pure delight, bursting with God's love and I thought of those who do not know of that love and my heart was on fire for them.




Go seek and find the lost in the name of the Christ we server.


Grace and peace.


Anne

Friday, October 15, 2010

Love from God


Morning has broken and the blackbird is the only sound, high on the power line, singing and singing and singing in the rain. What a beautiful blessing for the day.
Longfellow has a saying:'Into all our lives, in many simple, familiar, homely ways, God infuses this element of joy from the surprises of life, which unexpectedly brighten our days and fill our eyes with light.'
I think that is so profound and fills one with joy just to read it. Think of your days and those blessings that comes so unexpectedly......treasured gifts from God, that's what I call a blessing. They are mine, they are rich, they are special, they are personal, life giving, faith affirming, exciting. They are like 'love' from God directly to our heart.
Sometimes it comes when we serve others and we end up with the blessing.
Sometimes it comes from a glorious sunset
Sometimes it comes from a beautiful sing flower.
When you settle down tonight, count the blessings from this day and you will be blessed again.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne





Friday, October 1, 2010

Rejoice!


This will be familiar to many from the Thursday daily office but I wonder how many stop to really meditate?
'As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you, now and forever.'
As I was praying this I looked up from my place of prayer and saw the gifts already being given, and the presence of God was so visible in the breaking day.
A glorious tree, naked, standing proud with buds of new life ready to burst open, daffodils and jonquils at its base, bright gifts of joy interspersed with violets, their perfume only imaginable from within the room.

Wet grass from a heavy unexpected frost and the deep, sweet melody of the warbling magpies, all before I stepped outside.
'As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence O Lord, set our hearts on fire for you.'
As Steiner Rice says: 'Who but God can make the day!'
Grace and peace, and morning blessings from God our Father.
Anne