OzThoughts. Monday 12th May 2008

The Day of Pentecost was a very special day in the life of the early Church. There is probably no argument with the many who have said it marked its birth day. I trust it was a significant day yesterday for you. For those who also celebrated Mother’s Day, I hope you had a lovely day.

In our Sunday Night Meeting we read from the letter to the Hebrews words which included this:

‘ So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body.

So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.’ (Hebrews 10: 19-25).

As I reflected on these words, I thought what wonderful words of encouragement they are for the new week.

With the Holy Spirit present in our lives, we have the confidence and power to live in God’s service full of courage and giving encouragement to others that they might also live complete lives as God’s children.

Prayer:

(From a Prayer Book for Australia – Anglican Church of Australia).

I have read of men of faith

Who have bravely fought till death,

Who now the crown of life are wearing;

Then the thought comes back to me,

Can I not a soldier be,

Like to those martyrs bold and daring?

Chorus

I'll gird on the armour and rush to the field,

Determined to conquer, and never to yield;

So the enemy shall know, Wheresoever I may go,

That I am fighting for Jehovah.

I, like them, will take my stand

With the sword of God in hand,

Smiling amid opposing legions;

I the victor's crown will gain,

And at last go home to reign

In Heaven's bright and sunny regions.

I will join at once the fight,

Leaning on my Saviour's might,

He is almighty to deliver;

From my post I Will not shrink,

Though of death's cup I should drink;

Hell to defeat is my endeavor.

Will you not enlist with me,

And a valiant soldier be?

Vain 'tis to waste your time in slumber;

Jesus calls for men of war

Who will fight and ne'er give o'er,

Routing the foe in fear and wonder.

Author: Mark Williams Sanders (1862-1943)

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 686