Autumn. God's love

'Accept my offerings of praise O Lord.' Ps 119:108

For me the morning is where I have the free mind and heart to meditate on the things of God and what a special thing that is, that one on one with God. It warms the heart by his presence.

I love the autumn confrontation of beauty, breathtaking revelations of multiple colours of his glory. I look from tree to tree with a sense of 'there he is, there he is and there he is over there also.' Its wonderful to capture his Spirit this way, its fuel for the day.

Look about , don't lose the moment of the Spirits refreshing in a rush to get to yesterdays unfinished work. Pause a moment with God.

Thank you God for giving us much more than we expect.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

all God;s creatures

' Is not he your Father who created you...' Deut 32:6

I watched as God went through the rhythm of the morning creation, tucking away the stars, and drawing a curtain of light over the night revealing what promises to be a glorious Autumn day and I watched a cluster of kookaburras on a power line just quietly listening as one was softly chuckling, then there was a couple chuckling and the next moment they burst in raucous laughter. (Try not to laugh your self when that happens!) and I thought of a song I want to teach the disability group at church:

' All God;s creatures have a place in the choir, some sing low and some sing higher, some just clap their wings, their paws, whatever they have got. All God's creatures have a place in the choir.' (Celtic Thunder)

How wonderful to see God in the morning when there are no distractions, no noise of a busy day, just the wonder of him in his creation all about us just for our seeing and hearing.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne, servant of the Lord.

Shine for Jesus

'Christ is risen. he is risen indeed. Alleluia. (APBA)
We have had much time to reflect on the events of Holy Week and Easter, the highs and lows of Jesus life during that period and there should now be a renewed sense of purpose for Jesus.
I came upon a truck that had jack knifed across the road and a couple of anxious drivers attempting to stop the oncoming traffic before there was a greater accident. Getting out of my car I asked was there anything I could do thinking they might ask me to phone for help or stop the traffic, but no, on seeing me walking towards them one of the men rushed over saying. 'You are just what we need right now,pray for us that we get out of this mess quickly!'

What an honour, what a blessing to be recognised as one of Christ's own. What an honour, what a blessing to shine the light for Jesus.

In me Lord, let there be light.
Anne, servant of the Lord.

Gethsemane

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, sit here while I go over there and pray.'....he was grieved and agitated.Then he said to Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, 'Stay with me and remain awake with me.' Going a little further he threw himself on the ground and prayed.'My Father if it is possible let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.' Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. Matt 26:36-40.

I stood in the garden of Gethsemane and I was silent. The gnarled old olive trees reflected something ancient, something knowing, you could feel it. You could sense the Spirit hovering in that place and all I can say is we need to stay awake with Jesus. We need to stay awake for Jesus.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

solid rock

' The stone the builders have rejected has become the corner stone.' Luke 20:17

Breathtaking misty blue mountains,the first of autumn fog in the valley, trees emerging like ghostly figures and a naked tree, dead, yet alive with bird life, a chorus of calls filling the still morning and heralding in the day as the golden orange horizon turned to pink then blue. And I said 'Here you are God, and here am I.' And my morning prayers were caught up like a fragrance in the dew of the new day.

The only true way we can make a difference for Christ is to be close to him, to have his name constantly in our hearts and on our lips so he is the cornerstone of our lives and our actions.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

the scroll of the book

' Then I said, 'Here I am ,in the scroll of the book it is written of me.'Ps 40:7

I stood in the small synagogue in the Nazareth village surrounded by time and history and God thoughts,and there before me was a table and on the table was a scroll, an ancient scroll. As I stared transfixed I had this incredible sense that I was standing on Holy Ground as I saw in reality things I had only previously read and heard of. The scroll was like a time capsule connecting the then and the now.

And I again make that promise to God to continue to do his will, with delight.

Sacred places, sacred spaces, sacred thoughts in the presence of God that warm the heart and affirm the faith. Where are the spaces you find God? Where is your faith affirmed and your heart warmed?

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

Lent

'Blessed is the one who stays awake.' Rev 16:15

The day covered the mountains of grandeur in a veil of soft blue morning mist and there it hung its beauty and I was riveted to the spot, fixed in wonder at the start of a day already filled with heaven. There was peace and there was quiet and there was awe and and I knew it was God.

Lenten meditation for me is an exciting meeting with God. Its rebuilding our relationship. Its soaking in his love.

How are you spending your time with God this Lenten season?

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

I love thy house Oh God, wherein thy honour dwells.'

'Tend the flock of God......' 1 Peter:5:2

I look at the elderly seated in anticipation of the commencement of the service, stooped, bent, frail, and I am so blessed. Here are the encourager's, here are the survivors of life, here are the keepers of the stories, here are the tried and tested, here are the faithful. No matter what life has served up, no matter the losses, they have kept the faith.

Treasure those in your care and seek the ones who are lonely and isolated. Let them know they are blessed and a blessing.

I read this quote: 'The treasures of earth are free and full of surprises.'

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

Comfort from God

'Your rod and your staff they comfort me.' Psalm 23:4

Many of our days can be floored with little fractures of despair or worry. They can pull us down. they can distract us from enjoyment, they can take us away from our trust in God.

We often cant avoid the issues in our days but we dont have to go them alone. God is there with us, even in the fractured bits. (or perhaps even more so) Now that is a great comfort.

When we do fall into fractures in our day, know that Jesus is there, open arms, waiting to comfort us. That's a nice word, comfort. It gives me images of wrapped in a warm blanket and held tight.

'Between the cracks of daily life I find you waiting...you slip into my life like night and day, like stars and sunshine. I know that you are God.' (Mecrina Wiederkehr)

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

Rain, and more rain

'The rain fell, the floods came.....' Matt 7:25

The absolute magnitude of God's creative work continues to amaze me. I don't think there is a dry piece of land in the country at the moment from the persistent falling rain over the past days yet God's creatures knew it was coming and prepared for it. Have you seen the ants nest, built up high with dirt, a protective wall for the nest against the flood around them?I often think when its dry and I see these tiny ants preparing for something I yet can't see or feel that it must be a bit like Noah building the ark in a dry and parched land with much bewilderment and amusement of those about him. What an amazing God we have and just as amazing our God given ability to see his handy work if we are looking. But, more so, how must God feel when he knows we see it!

Open our eyes Lord to the wonder of your world.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord

gushing water

'The water that I will give them will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life' John 4:14

I like that word gushing!

When I stood by the source of the Jordan River with the waters absolutely gushing out at a massive rate from within the mountain, I thought of these words of Jesus and dwelt on them , reflecting on the more we 'drink' from his word and life, the more the spring within us bubbles then gushed higher and higher, gathering momentum driving us towards eternal life. A spring is a water source that never stops, always bubbling. Lets constantly tap into the spring of life giving waters , Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

I love you Lord

'I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love , may............ know this love that surpasses knowledge.' Eph 3:16-19

I am so often in awe as I step out into the morning God is making. Today, golden, deep golden sunrise creeping across the sky, covering creation with the gold of God's glory and it couldn't have been better as it was accompanied by a very vocal chorus a blue wrens. Sometimes its hard to find myself closer to God than I do on early morning walks. Sometimes I don't walk far because I just want to stand in his wonder.

I am filled with added blessings as God gives me the sung words to glorify him from Bernard of Clairvaux:

'Jesus the very thought of thee,with sweetness fills my breast

but sweeter far thy face to see,and in thy presence rest.

I can think of no better way to start the day than with a constant mantra of praise and thanks.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne,servant of the Lord.

Lent

'But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying. 'God be merciful to me, a sinner!' Luke18:13

So often we are tempted and our thoughts 'pushed' in the opposite way to how we know we should be as followers of The Christ. Temptation is not a bad thing, its when we carry out the temptation that we are in strife. If we are tempted then this is a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God.

Reflecting more deeply during Lent about that relationship and our need for forgiveness always draws me to dwell on the 'Jesus Prayer' saying more frequently as a Lenten mantra, ' Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God: have mercy on me a sinner.'

Brother Edward Anglican Priest and spiritual guide (d1953) said: Those who live very near to Jesus grow like him. The secret of the Saints is 'keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus'

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

Carrying Christ with you

' The Lords hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:21

Did you 'touch' the sky this morning with your heart and mind and soul? because if you did then you would know that God has placed his blessing on this day with oomph, flair and colour in a glorious sunrise that arrived with peace and quiet yet made its self noticeable in presence . When that happens I always want to say, 'Send me out Lord, let me pitch my tent where you place me and may I be mindful that you have deliberately put people in my pathway so I can proclaim your love in words and actions.

With those thoughts in mind may we all 'go forth,' as the old hymn says,' with God's blessings, his true love confessing....'

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne, servant of the Lord.

on the trail

Jesus said.' When two or three are gathered together in my name, I am with them.' Matthew 18:20

I got into the car at the edge of the park and from there I saw dozens of pigeon's feeding on the ground from a scruffy, unkept, man in straggling clothes who was throwing them crumbs of a loaf of bread. Something compelled me out of the car again and I walked over to him for a chat. We talked and he told me his story and he said he often spent his last dollar on bread for the pigeons, 'but no one speaks to me ,' he said. 'Why have you stopped to talk to me? 'What an opportunity to share God's love.

Some can't look at the frail elderly, or the disabled child, the scarred and disfigured

or the old man unwashed who lies on the park bench. Somehow its all too much for them yet are these not the ones Jesus asks us to care for?

(Anon) Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne, servant of he Lord.

prayer

'Withdraw to deserted places and pray.' (Luke 5:16)

I am out walking in the beautiful fresh morning after a previous days rain and I find myself talking inwardly to God. Its like a secret conversation rising up from the heart filling me with joy . I like the comment about prayer that says it is not a dialogue between a madman and his shadow but heart to heart communication between the child of God and and the Father, the Holy Being. ( H.Hodkin )

Mother Teresa says:' Love to pray - feel often during the day the need for prayer, and take trouble to pray. Prayer enlarges the heart until its capable of containing GOD'S gift of himself.' Wow! there is some strength in those words. Pray and pray often and you have the gift of God's presence with you always.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

The pastoral caring dog

'When morning guilds the sky, my heart awkening cries, Jesus Christ is Lord.' (Christian song)

Sometimes life can bring on challenges that pull us down in body and mind but with our Lord, our Spirit should be strong. I took my Bella dog (a black Lab) to the struggling nursing home as a moral lifter for the staff and residents. I walked from room to room just chatting and Bella brought many a smile, many a conversation, many blessings. But I know the blessings were mine also for I saw joy, I saw love, I saw smiles and there was much reminiscing. An elderly lady visiting her bed bound husband took me aside and with tears in her eyes told me of her husbands great love of his dog and his joy at seeing a dog, another told me of his farm life and his three kelpies, another patted Bell's head with such vigour that I had to rescue her.

It is easy to share God's love when we know that each day when we wake up with Jesus on our hearts an minds and a Spirit that say he is Lord, no matter what. Then lives will be changed, lives will be blessed.

Grace and peace this day, from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne, servant of the Lord.

God's love

'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, Jesus Christ so that whoever believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.'John 3:16

It always sends a tingle down my spine when I see these words on a banner in a massive crowd at a sporting event. Someone bold enough to proclaim God's saving love to the world, in full view of the world. These words say whoever believes. It doesn't say you have to be perfect, beautiful, complete and are not accepted if you are otherwise. It says whoever believes.

I held a perfect rose,deep red and full of beautiful perfume. I passed it around the group of elderly, frail, people and each person removed a petal until there was nothing left but one limp petal, a broken stem and a withered rose head. There was no longer anything beautiful about it. It was broken.

God loves us all we only have to believe. And what a message to take to the world.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne, servant of the Lord

joy

'For the joy of the Lord is your strength.' Neh 8:10

You know what its like when you round a corner, or come over the crest of a hill and there before you is the most stunning, breathtaking sunset, or when the kookaburra laughs and the morning silence is broken , or even when you unexpectedly come across a family of 'roo's' on the walking track, grazing and just 'being family.' All the elements of pleasurable surprise.

I was 'touched' by a sentence, a one liner at the recent convention which said: 'Joy comes through surprise.'

We have a God of surprises, who fills our hearts and lives with joy.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

a little bird and God

' But now, thus says the Lord, who has created you.......Do not fear, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine,' (Isa 43:1 (paraphresed)

I held the tiniest of birds in the palm of my hand, a beautiful coloured Finch who had flown into the window. I prayed to God that he would regain consciousness and I watched as his little eyes fluttered open and shut. I prayed for him saying to God that this is a creation of yours you know every feather on his body, you know his needs, his flock family, and I had this image as I looked at this bird resting in the palm of my hand of a mighty God who holds us all in the palm of his hand, praying for us, and waiting for our 'breath moment' that will give us life. It was a special, sacred moment where God, my hand, and a little bird were one.

God, ground of my being, mysterious presence, the more I discover you, the more I am. (S. Kennedy)

Go well, and care for all in God's kindom.

Anne. Servant of the Lord.

deep and meaningful

' I danced in the morning when the world was begun....' TIS 242

Every morning before my feet hit the floor I have a conversation with God, a very deep conversation filled with faith and hope and love - just three words,'Good morning Lord.' and I can almost hear his reply. 'Good morning Anne.'

On my recent pilgrimage I sat and reflected across the Sea of Galilee watching the sun rise and my good morning mantra turned to: Good morning Lord, good morning Lord, good morning Lord before I fell into a deep peace.

How wonderful it is to speak with our Lord, our creator.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of our Lord

Stop, look,listen

' be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.' Psalm 37:7

I had an elderly man in an anxious state say to me, 'I cant find God.' I encouraged him to be still. to be quiet, and to listen.

Sometimes we can be in a space where we feel God is not present.

Where we feel God is distant

When we feel its just us, and not God.

(Anon)

When I stop I find you

When I look I see you

When I listen I hear you.

Take moments in the day to stop, look and listen and God will join you.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne, servant of the Lord

Oh what a gift, what a wonderful gift

'As each one of us has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another....'1 Peter 4:10

Christmas and birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and births are occasions for gift giving and its such fun. There is always a sense of expectation by the receiver as the gift is held and a wonder is exclaimed as to what is inside the wrapping. My granddaughter said once she had unwrapped the gift she was give, 'That is just what I wished for, I need this so I can do the things I want to do and so I can help dad in the garden.'

God has given us gifts we can use. Each of us is a gift to others, a parcel wrapped with the gifts we need for helping our Father. Therefore we can do the ministry we do and live a life of service and helping others with confidence knowing in all we do, we do it with the gifts God has given us in our uniqueness. Accept the gifts willingly and share them around in the lives of others.

Give thanks this day for the gifts God has given you

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

New Years resolutions

' My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labour.'Eccl.2:10

A whole new year lies before us. There are wonderful opportunities to do life giving, life changing works. I think of New Year and New Years resolutions, all the best made plans and before the first month is over they have all fallen in a heap and self promises are broken so I lay aside the 'worldly' resolutions and focus on Christ. What do I need to do to better my relationship with Jesus? How can I best serve him? Where does he want me to be? Who does he want me share his love with? Who can he lead me to so I can say: I have seen Jesus, come and see?

If we can take delight in all we do in the name of Christ then indeed that in itself is the reward of the labour.

Let us pray that God will show us these things so that he will be honoured and our lives fulfilled.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord

Epiphany

' ..........go and search diligently for the child.' Matthew 2 :8

Out walking in the beauty of a new day, that is fresh from overnight rain and I am drawn to notice the new flowers on the honeysuckle bush, beads of moisture covering the leaves and filling the air with its rich perfume and straight away my thoughts were of God and Christmas and Epiphany. I thought of the new baby Jesus coming to bring new life: his living water and the Magi (what an Epiphany they must have had, did it change their lives forever?)

Every time I stop and smell such beauty I think its like being in heaven, its like another Epiphany as it connects me to God in the moment and raises my spirit, setting me off with changed thoughts.

Look about you and see God in the unexpected places and be blessed by Epiphany moments, life changing moments.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne, servant of the Lord.

now the reason begins

' 'When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him ad he found the place where it is written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recover the sight of the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim the year of the Lord. 'Luke 4: 16-19

The mad rush of Christmas, the preparations, the gift buying, the gatherings together can be hectic to say the least. Times of worship are meaningful and encouraging and I say its all over bar the shouting. Well, here comes the shouting:

(Howard Therman)

When the song of the angel is stilled,when the star in the sky is gone,when the kings and princes are home,when the shepherds are back with their flocks

the WORK of Christmas begins:

to find the lost,to heal the broken,to feed the hungry,to release the prisoner,to rebuild the nations,to bring peace among the people

to make music in the heart.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne, servant of the Lord.

holiday or holy day

' Joseph (also) went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee,to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem.' (Luke 2:4

So much of my recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land just jumps out at me from the pages of the bible. I can't read of the Christmas story without saying to myself in humble excitement, 'I know, I know, I have been and seen.' But you know, everyone of us can take the road to Bethlehem each year through the way we see and celebrate Christmas; by the way we treat Christmas day as a holiday or a holy day.

I was touched by a comment passed to me in the supermarket just yesterday by one of the staff frantically trying to keep the shelves stocked. He looked at me and connected with who I am and said 'Its a very busy time of the year for you too isn't it.' To be known as a follower of Christ, a traveller on the road to Bethlehem, in our local community is what blesses me so much about Christmas. He was stacking the shelves with gifts yet within himself he knew the greatest gift; The gift of Jesus, the Christ and Saviour of the world.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ may Christmas be a holy day

Anne

A star

'How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "your God reigns." Isa 52:7

I think I have already had the most treasured Christmas present for this year. One of the children at church walked up to me and placing her hand in mine she looked up and passing a small red star into my hand she said, 'This is for you, to remind you of Christmas.' She is all of 4years old.

I read this saying today:

'Christmas is a gift from God that we cannot keep unless we give it to someone else.'

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

God's angelic choir

' Fear not for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; you will I help.' Isa 41:10

I stood in the bush on a small winding track and looked at the vast mountain ranges all around me and in all the beauty and density of my isolated surroundings I found the overwhelming peace of Christ. But, you know what brought me to my knees? In the silence, the deep quiet I heard a chorus singing Amazing Grace. I looked around for another person, a house, somewhere it could be coming from but there was non to be seen. The singing was not from with in my mind or my heart or my voice, it was a choir outside my being surrounding me with Amazing Grace and I felt it deep in my soul.

I later read this quote:

I must have the saviour with me, for my faith at best is weak; he will whisper words of comfort that no other words can speak.

Take time to go into the quiet places and hear the voice of God.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

God's face

' Come 'my heart says,'seek his face!' 'your face, Lord, do I seek.' Psalm 27:8

I was out walking in the evening on the fringe of the bush and in the quiet I asked God to show me his face because it was his face I was seeking.

Then, right across my path came this most magnificent Echidena, shy and nervous, hesitant but trusting as he walked across the path before me. Then, within feet of me was a mother wallaby, grazing, and from her pouch the tiniest face of her joey looked at me with interest between long dangling legs.

God continued to show me his face as he pulled down the shutters on the day over the stone faced, magnificent mountain before me, lit in awe inspiring colours of the sun set.

I asked the Lord to show me his face, and he did.

As you go into this day, ask the Lord of no more, than to show you his face.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

heavenly

' The heavens are telling the glory of God.' Ps 19:1

A great deal of God's creation could be called the glory of God but I think none surpasses the heavens. Most times when we look upward we can be in a moment of experiencing God's glory.

The predawn silence in oneness with God, the glorious colourful sunrise of pastel colours blue, pink orange, clouds tinted, mountains tipped. The sunset, Oh did you see last nights? Black voluminous clouds filled the horizon and were ablaze with brilliant orange. Then I look to the heavens in the evening and am left in a stare of mystery and awe. Millions and millions of stars in a velvet sky that just goes on and on to a distance beyond our imagination and in it all is the revelation of the Glory of God.

(Stanislau Kennedy) The (night) sky- -we are immersed in mystery, an immense mystery.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne

blessings

'..........see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down an overflowing blessing.' Mal 3:10 (paraphrased)

Blessings are so special.

The small child who puts his hand in yours, unexpectedly.

Seeing the complete, bright rainbow after a storm.

The smile of an elderly person

Seeing the joy of achievement for one with disability.

Looking at a glorious view

Seeing the tiniest of blue wrens in the garden.

I ask myself what is a blessing and I answer, something that gives you goosebumps, something that makes you feel warm and happy inside, because it comes from God.

Be blessed by many things today.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

water wells

' Who ever drinks this water will get thirsty again: but whoever drinks the water that I shall give will never be thirsty again.' John 4:14

I remember as a small child peering down this great hole in the ground as my uncle swung a bucket on a rope down into its depths to get some water. It was the first well I had ever seen and I was fascinated with the fact that if we dig deep enough we will find water, life giving water. I have never forgotten the memory of him drawing that life giving water from the well, the source of life.

After the woman at the well received her drink from Jesus she then became a well for others to drink from. (John 4:39)

Macrina Wiederkehr says: Look for wells along the way and be such a well for others to find.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

wide wide as the ocean

'As the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord' (Habakkuk 2:14)

I was reading these statistics:

There is approximately 326 million trillion gallons of water on the earth and 98% of that is in the oceans. Habakkuk, the prophet compares God's glory to water that fills the sea. That's one heck of a lot of God's glory.

How often do you think about the glory of the Lord and try and take in its magnitude, its richness, its blessings. Next time you walk on the beach and paddle in the sea reflect on Habakkuk's words and have that sense of the glory of the Lord.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne

All for Jesus

'May the mind of Christ my Saviour live in me from day to day' TIS 609

I looked across the vineyard that had been pruned and was now in lush growth, vibrant, alive and ready to produce fruit. when I look at the seasons of the vineyard and Jesus stories about vineyards I am always filled with hope and assurance.

One of the elderly ladies at the aged care facility Communion service, who has dementia, started in the middle of prayers to softly sing in the most loveliest of voice: 'May the love of Jesus fill me as the waters fill the sea.' What sacred ground we were on as the room seemed to fill with the Spirit of God. What assurance, what hope I was filled with. Season after season in her long life she still comes back to the source of her being and the ability to bring Christ to others.

May the mind of Christ our Saviour live in us always.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne

God's love

' As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you. ' Isaiah 66:13

I was watching a baby Rosella in the bottle brush playing with the branches trying to see how to get his own food, fluffing up his inmature feathers and totally absorbed in his activities when he was suddenly startled and became anxious and called for his mother. She called back with a calmer call which almost said, 'All is well, I am here.' As soon as he saw her he flew right into her space and snuggled up against a familiar body , calmer, quieter and safe.

This reminded me of our Lord. We go off and do our thing, we work, we minister, we play and sometimes when we least expect it we feel anxious, threatened ,frightened and alone.

God is never far off, all we need do is call and he will respond and that finds us snuggling into his everlasting arms.

Grace this day, and peace, from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

Heading for Jerusalem

' Because the Lord God helps me, I will not be dismayed, therefore I have set my face like flint to do his will, and I have known that I will triumph.' Isaiah 50: 7 (TLB)

We know God helps us because he is on our side, so why do we dismay?

How blessed are we to be in a situation where we can know this right to the core of our heart, that God is always present, always in what we do in his name. We sometimes say in tricky situations: Grit your teeth and get on with it, or bite the bullet and just do it! I like this great sense of determination from Isaiah.................'I will set my face like flint to do his will.'

When we have the problems of 'dismay' in our days we have the promise of God's help so whatever it is today, go for it, God will be there.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

a field of flowers for you

' This is the day that the Lord has made..................let us rejoice and be glad in it.' Ps 118:24

There are days when we feel that the last thing we want to do is rejoice. Sometimes we feel discouraged, sometimes we feel things are out of hand. The writer of this psalm obviously felt likewise at times and he too was a follower of God.

However, as the psalmist talked to God in prayer the psalm always ended in praise. Now doesn't that say something? As the psalmist, on a day of not wanting to rejoice talked to the Lord he then ended up in praise.

Be honest with God

If you don't feel like rejoicing, say so and it can almost be guaranteed that you will end up with praise on your lips before the day is ended.

God has given us this day to live and to serve him...........be glad.

(Lessin) New day, new needs, new mercies, one faithful, loving, caring God in the midst of it all!

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

' For the joy of the Lord is your strength.' Neh 8:10

I just love the resurrection of the garden in spring. The transformation of a drab space into moments of wonder as week by week the plants comes to life in colour, bloom and perfume. I find myself wandering about the garden being amazed by each new burst of blessing.

Its like coming out of darkness into light, like being asleep and now awake, like having a tough time yet knowing there will be better times ahead, its like individual moments of resurrections that bring joy to our hearts, deep within.

Sister Stan says:

Joy comes in little whispers

in sudden unexpected glimpses of mystery.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

shepherd

' The Lord is my shepherd.' Ps 23

last minute request to do something that gave me no time for preparation just sent me into 'a spin.' I could feel my pulse racing, heart pounding and palms sweating. I could feel anxiety taking control and in a last minute effort to gain self control I sent up a mantra of help to God.

'peace Lord (deep breath) peace Lord and I just put my whole self into his hands and a great sense of peace and assurance fell gently through me.

I love the image of Jesus as the shepherd and myself as the sheep. Sometimes he is beside me, sometimes just a little way off and sometimes just out of sight. Its an image that brings a sense of safety, of 'being with in reach' and no matter where God was, or what he was doing when I sent up my mantra for help, he responded, he came to me and walked with me and surprise, surprise all was well.

How blessed we are to have Jesus 'with in reach.' May we never forget that but more so, may we never forget to call on him always, he is just there!

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

awakening

' ...then their eyes were open and they recognised him. Luke 24:31

The disciples walking the road to Emmaus were startled to find that their companion was the risen Lord Jesus and the disciples on the sea of Galilee were startled to see the figure walking towards them was the risen Lord Jesus.

Sometimes we too are startled to find the Lord is with us. He presents himself and shows himself and reveals himself in the beauty and in the pain of our daily life if only we can recognise that it is him. Sometimes the realisation is sudden and sometimes, like the disciples, it can be a slow awakening.

Frederick Buechner said:Lord, catch me off guard today. Surprise me with some moment of beauty or pain so at least for the moment I may be startled into seeing that you are here in all your splendour, always and everywhere, barely hidden, beneath, beyond,within this life I breathe.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

wonder and surprise

'Now thank we all our God, with hearts and hands and voices...' (TIS 106)

I find it hard not to see something in all that is around me to thank God for. Glorious spring flowers packed to the max with sweet perfumes, fresh new leaves bursting from swollen buds on trees, paddocks of green, thick grass, lambs by mothers sides. I marvel at all the surprises God has for us.

I was down at Bermagui on the weekend and amidst a lazy afternoon decided to go for a drive about town. I ended up on the cliffs overlooking the sea and there before my very eyes were whales and the baby of the pod was rolling over and over, trying to blow water our of its spout and banging flippers on the water surface. I sent up to the heavens an almighty thank you.

Sister Stan (Moments of Stillness says)

Thank you for the ordinary gifts of every day evoking in me wonder and surprise.

Take a look and SEE the wonder and surprise of God's gifts to you, in your place, where you are right now.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

simply refreshing

' Out of the believers heart shall flow rivers of living water.' John 7:38

Softly the rain falls on the thirsty earth. plants drink the life giving water and drenched birds shake bodies of wet feathers, enjoying the bath. A fine mist hovers in the air that's filled with the perfumes of the garden and all seems to come to life, brighter, fresher, emanating joy as they drink it all in.

How so truly we can relate this to the life giving waters of Jesus our Lord that drenches us with love, quenches our thirst and allows us to 'bathe' in him and to emanate the perfume of himself, brighter, fresher and with joy.

How blessed are we, how blessed.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne

Good food.

' Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink--even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk--its all free! Isaiah 55:1 (NLB)

When I was on Pilgrimage I enjoyed the foods of Israel and Turkey. Wonderful food that was healthy, fresh and in abundance, which we had to pay for, of course, but once we had our fill at breakfast then walked all the morning we were hungry and ready to eat again. We had to make sure we had money in our pocket to pay.

I have a friend with disability who loves to go to social outings and when I ask whats so good about the outings she says, 'Free food Anne, free food!' Every time she says that I think of Jesus who offers us food and drink for life..........free, readily available, always within reach and the more we reach out and receive the more he gives and the more we are filled and satisfied.

I love that old hymn........'Bread of heaven on thee we feed.' (TIS 513)

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

Treasure chest

'Open my eyes so that I may behold wondrous things........'Psalm 119:18

I walked into the emerging day with the warmth of the sun on my back. I saw the vineyards lined up like soldiers, the horses 'snorting' vapour mist from their nostrils in the cold air as they grazed in the frosty grass.The mountains, O so blue in the early light stood magnificently as a backdrop and I was doubly blessed by the laughter of the kookaburras , and a cluster of native bluebells flourishing in the weeds on the edge of the path, I have been amongst God's treasures. He opened the lid of the treasure chest today to let a few come out.....................for me.... a true and wonderful gift after a very hectic and pressured weekend.. God always knows what we need, be it his assurance, his care, his love..............he always delivers.

Lord open our hearts eyes so we can see you clearly and open our minds so we can understand you better and serve you more.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

clay pot in Ephesus

'For God who said, 'Let there be light in darkness ,' he made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.' 2 Corinthians. 4:6-7.

I remember standing in the street of a small English village looking at the magnificent flowers growing in pots lining the shop fronts. The colours were bright, vibrant, and multi coloured,

There was nothing beautiful about the pots. They were all brown common garden pots but the magnificent colour planted in them is what took my breath away, what caught my attention.

I then thought about the clay jars referred to in this passage and how we are like them. With Christ we are 'colourful',alive, vibrant full of God's light and love. Without, we are colourless and cracked, and self focused.

May God fill us with light and love.................for his glory.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

Hearts of belief

' Now come and have some breakfast!' Jesus said. None of the disciples dared ask him, 'who are you.?' They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12 (NIV)

As I sat at the Sea of Galilee at sunrise I could' feel 'a gospel stories coming to life. I could sense the smoke drifting up from a fire and smell the fish cooking. I could see some disappointed disciples going back to their fishing even though they were feeling the loss of their friend Jesus.

And that is when Jesus, the risen Lord, came to meet them. In their sadness and confusion.

Jesus is always there, always ready to 'come by' and nourish us with his presence and life giving food. Be it loss, be it sadness, be it anxiety, be it loneliness, be it concern. With eyes of faith and hearts of belief Jesus is there in his fullness.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

and they flew

'The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

That has to be one of the most comforting passages of scripture for life's journey. No way can anything be a threat or a risk when we know deep down we have salvation in Christ and his guiding light. We know we can trust him. Sometimes we may be in danger: he is there. Sometimes we may want to take a risk in something that is on our heart : he is there.

We need this reassuring passage of scripture in able to function fully as Christians in our personal lives and in ministry but above all we need to trust its utmost truth. When we do, blessings often abound.

Guillaume Apollinaire said this:

. Come to the edge,' he said.

They said, 'We are afraid.'

'Come to the edge,' he said

They came. He pushed them...............and they flew.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

Heavenly treasures.

' As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.' 2 Corinthians :6:10.

The glorious spring. God in all his glory.

Wattle so, so yellow.

The japonica so deep red.

the pink and white blossoms of the prunus trees.

The highly scented violets.

The delight of daffodils.

The flowering gum.

May we see them as rich gifts from God, heavenly treasures, draw cards to him,far surpassing material things, made by God in order that we may love God.

What heavenly treasures can you see, where you are right now? God has put them there just for you. Spend a moment, in wonder with him reflecting. ' as having nothing yet possessing all things.'

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

a gentle touch of kindness

' As servants of God,we have commanded ourselves in every way.......by purity, knowledge, patients, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love.' 2 Corinthians 6:4-6

That sense of standing on sacred ground is such a 'God thing' that you cant explain it but you know in yourself you have made a connection with God. That you are one.

I was coming up to the traffic lights on my way out of town and thought a coffee for the road would be good. At the same time I had this thought I saw the unshaven, unkept looking man who's 'daily self employment' is to wash the windows of cars stopped at the lights. Something in my mind said...get two coffee. I did, and as I swung around the lights to the highway, window wound down, I passed a coffee over to him. Driving on I heard his words of amazement and heart felt thanks.

Lord Jesus, sow the seeds of kindness in our hearts today. Teach us more to see with your eyes and act with your heart. Help us all to be ready to offer that gentle touch that comes from oneness with you.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

darkness and light

' The light shines in the darkness, the darkness did not overcome it.' John 1:5

As I walked early morning at Galong every where I looked there were passages of scripture rising up to meet me. The night passing, the day dawning, the rising sun, the birds in the fields singing, the straight path, and then I was particularly struck by these thoughts as I saw darkness, a gate and a sunrise........' I am the light of the world'........'I am the gate.'

I remember well the look on the face of the man who has just found Jesus. Coming out of a deep depression of several days realising that Jesus had been in the darkness with him as he walked into a new relationship with Jesus. He said, I saw the light and just kept walking towards it.

With Jesus by our side there is no need to stay in darkness, we just have to walk through that gate, into the light.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne