OzThoughts – Wednesday, 17^th June, 2009

Yesterday, Peter saw a vision of food that God commanded him to eat. Peter knew the Law described this food as unclean. God commanded him to eat it and told Peter anything he (God) had cleansed was not to be considered unclean.

Now, of course, the background to all this was Peter was a Jew. Jews had strict laws about food. They also kept themselves very separate from people of other nationalities or races.

As Peter wonders what the dream or vision was all about there is a group of men call at the door.  Read the story and reflect on what it means for us. How should we relate to other people?

Acts 10:17-33 (The Message)

 ^17-20As Peter, puzzled, sat there trying to figure out what it all meant, the men sent by Cornelius showed up at Simon's front door. They called in, asking if there was a Simon, also called Peter, staying there. Peter, lost in thought, didn't hear them, so the Spirit whispered to him, "Three men are knocking at the door looking for you. Get down there and go with them. Don't ask any questions. I sent them to get you."

 ²¹Peter went down and said to the men, "I think I'm the man you're looking for. What's up?"

 ^22-23They said, "Captain Cornelius, a God-fearing man well-known for his fair play—ask any Jew in this part of the country—was commanded by a holy angel to get you and bring you to his house so he could hear what you had to say." Peter invited them in and made them feel at home.

God Plays No Favorites

 ^23-26The next morning he got up and went with them. Some of his friends from Joppa went along. A day later they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had his relatives and close friends waiting with him. The minute Peter came through the door, Cornelius was up on his feet greeting him—and then down on his face worshiping him! Peter pulled him up and said, "None of that—I'm a man and only a man, no different from you."

 ^27-29Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come. Peter addressed them, "You know, I'm sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don't do this—visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other. So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked. But now I'd like to know why you sent for me."

 ^30-32Cornelius said, "Four days ago at about this time, midafternoon, I was home praying. Suddenly there was a man right in front of me, flooding the room with light. He said, 'Cornelius, your daily prayers and neighborly acts have brought you to God's attention. I want you to send to Joppa to get Simon, the one they call Peter. He's staying with Simon the Tanner down by the sea.'

 ³³"So I did it—I sent for you. And you've been good enough to come. And now we're all here in God's presence, ready to listen to whatever the Master put in your heart to tell us."

[Listen:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_144.mp3

All have need of God's salvation,

If with him they'd live forever;

But a promise he has given,

It is written: Whosoever.

Chorus

Whosoever will may come,

And who comes to him shall never

Disappointed turn away;

Praise the Lord! 'tis whosoever.

And this word it reaches nations;

Not the rich or learned or clever

Only shall by him be rescued,

O praise God! 'tis whosoever.

For the poor and brokenhearted

There's a hope, and they need never

Have a fear about their coming,

For the book says: Whosoever.

To all kingdoms and all peoples

'Tis the same, and shall be ever;

There's no difference in the message,

But to all 'tis whosoever.

Author: William John McAlonan (1863-1925)

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 824

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Today we think about Acts Chapter 10 which is the story of Peter at Joppa. Not that the place is important. The most important thing is what happened to Peter. Peter was brought up with the strictest food rules. In fact he was brought up pretty strictly about a number of things.

He was bound up by his culture. His culture which included his religion, of course, affected not only his food but what he did and who he associated with. When we think about it someone somewhere in the world probably eats any possible thing whether it be animal, vegetable and mineral. Peter knew the rules.

In the dream, Peter is told to take and eat the creepy, crawly things that are in the sheet. He refuses. It is against his rules. These animals are unclean. God challenges him to eat things that he has cleaned and not to call them unclean. Peter is challenged to move away from his culture to listen to and obey God.

It is a challenge that we all face. Our personal devotion and commitment to God is challenged by the world around us. We are trained by our culture, the society in which we live to live differently to God’s way for us.

Again Paul’s words to the Romans rise high in my moments of meditation on this theme of culture verses God’s way for me.

                So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. <sup>2</sup>Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12. 1, 2. The Message)

PRAYER:

Father, help me to live my life listening to you. Speak clearly that I may hear. Sometimes it seems I need you to paint a picture so I understand your simple words. It could be that like Peter I need a vision to show me clearly what you want. Father, give me a vision of what you would have me be. I ask you this through your son, Jesus who showed me so much of how to live pleasing you. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Acts 10 (The Message)

Peter's Vision
<sup>1</sup>There was a man named Cornelius who lived in Caesarea, captain of the Italian Guard stationed there. <sup>3</sup>He was a thoroughly good man. He had led everyone in his house to live worshipfully before God, was always helping people in need, and had the habit of prayer. <sup>3</sup>One day about three o'clock in the afternoon he had a vision. An angel of God, as real as his next-door neighbour, came in and said, "Cornelius."
<sup>4</sup>Cornelius stared hard, wondering if he was seeing things. Then he said, "What do you want, sir?"
The angel said, "Your prayers and neighbourly acts have brought you to God's attention.

<sup>5</sup>Here's what you are to do. Send men to Joppa to get Simon, the one everyone calls Peter.

<sup>6</sup>He is staying with Simon the Tanner, whose house is down by the sea."
<sup>7</sup>As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two servants and one particularly devout soldier from the guard.

<sup>8</sup>He went over with them in great detail everything that had just happened, and then sent them off to Joppa.
<sup>9</sup>The next day as the three travellers were approaching the town, Peter went out on the balcony to pray. It was about noon.

<sup>10</sup>Peter got hungry and started thinking about lunch. While lunch was being prepared, he fell into a trance.

<sup>11</sup>He saw the skies open up. Something that looked like a huge blanket lowered by ropes at its four corners settled on the ground.

<sup>12</sup>Every kind of animal and reptile and bird you could think of was on it. <sup>13</sup>Then a voice came: "Go to it, Peter--kill and eat."
<sup>14</sup>Peter said, "Oh, no, Lord. I've never so much as tasted food that was not kosher."
<sup>15</sup>The voice came a second time: "If God says it's okay, it's okay."
<sup>16</sup>This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the skies.
<sup>17</sup>As
Peter, puzzled, sat there trying to figure out what it all meant, the men sent by Cornelius showed up at Simon's front door.

<sup>18</sup>They called in, asking if there was a Simon, also called
Peter, staying there.
<sup>19</sup>Peter, lost in thought, didn't hear them, so the Spirit whispered to him, "Three men are knocking at the door looking for you.

<sup>20</sup>Get down there and go with them. Don't ask any questions. I sent them to get you."
<sup>21</sup>Peter went down and said to the men, "I think I'm the man you're looking for. What's up?"
<sup>22</sup>They said, "Captain Cornelius, a God-fearing man well-known for his fair play--ask any Jew in this part of the country--was commanded by a holy angel to get you and bring you to his house so he could hear what you had to say."

<sup>23</sup>Peter invited them in and made them feel at home.
The next morning he got up and went with them. Some of his friends from Joppa went along.

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

Both the rich and the poor,

the despised, the distressed,

They'll sit down in the Kingdom of God.

And none will ask what they have been

Provided that their robes are clean;

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

To be met by their Father and welcomed and blessed,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

The black, the white, the dark, the fair,

Your color will not matter there;

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

Out of great tribulation to triumph and rest

They'll sit down in the Kingdom of God.

From every tribe and every race,

All men as brothers shall embrace;

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west.

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

Author:  John Gowans

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 170

Today we think about Acts Chapter 10 which is the story of Peter at Joppa. Not that the place is important. The most important thing is what happened to Peter. Peter was brought up with the strictest food rules. In fact he was brought up pretty strictly about a number of things.

He was bound up by his culture. His culture which included his religion, of course, affected not only his food but what he did and who he associated with. When we think about it someone somewhere in the world probably eats any possible thing whether it be animal, vegetable and mineral. Peter knew the rules.

In the dream, Peter is told to take and eat the creepy, crawly things that are in the sheet. He refuses. It is against his rules. These animals are unclean. God challenges him to eat things that he has cleaned and not to call them unclean. Peter is challenged to move away from his culture to listen to and obey God.

It is a challenge that we all face. Our personal devotion and commitment to God is challenged by the world around us. We are trained by our culture, the society in which we live to live differently to God’s way for us.

Again Paul’s words to the Romans rise high in my moments of meditation on this theme of culture verses God’s way for me.

                So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. <sup>2</sup>Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12. 1, 2. The Message)

PRAYER:

Father, help me to live my life listening to you. Speak clearly that I may hear. Sometimes it seems I need you to paint a picture so I understand your simple words. It could be that like Peter I need a vision to show me clearly what you want. Father, give me a vision of what you would have me be. I ask you this through your son, Jesus who showed me so much of how to live pleasing you. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Acts 10 (The Message)

Peter's Vision
<sup>1</sup>There was a man named Cornelius who lived in Caesarea, captain of the Italian Guard stationed there. <sup>3</sup>He was a thoroughly good man. He had led everyone in his house to live worshipfully before God, was always helping people in need, and had the habit of prayer. <sup>3</sup>One day about three o'clock in the afternoon he had a vision. An angel of God, as real as his next-door neighbour, came in and said, "Cornelius."
<sup>4</sup>Cornelius stared hard, wondering if he was seeing things. Then he said, "What do you want, sir?"
The angel said, "Your prayers and neighbourly acts have brought you to God's attention.

<sup>5</sup>Here's what you are to do. Send men to Joppa to get Simon, the one everyone calls Peter.

<sup>6</sup>He is staying with Simon the Tanner, whose house is down by the sea."
<sup>7</sup>As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two servants and one particularly devout soldier from the guard.

<sup>8</sup>He went over with them in great detail everything that had just happened, and then sent them off to Joppa.
<sup>9</sup>The next day as the three travellers were approaching the town, Peter went out on the balcony to pray. It was about noon.

<sup>10</sup>Peter got hungry and started thinking about lunch. While lunch was being prepared, he fell into a trance.

<sup>11</sup>He saw the skies open up. Something that looked like a huge blanket lowered by ropes at its four corners settled on the ground.

<sup>12</sup>Every kind of animal and reptile and bird you could think of was on it. <sup>13</sup>Then a voice came: "Go to it, Peter--kill and eat."
<sup>14</sup>Peter said, "Oh, no, Lord. I've never so much as tasted food that was not kosher."
<sup>15</sup>The voice came a second time: "If God says it's okay, it's okay."
<sup>16</sup>This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the skies.
<sup>17</sup>As
Peter, puzzled, sat there trying to figure out what it all meant, the men sent by Cornelius showed up at Simon's front door.

<sup>18</sup>They called in, asking if there was a Simon, also called
Peter, staying there.
<sup>19</sup>Peter, lost in thought, didn't hear them, so the Spirit whispered to him, "Three men are knocking at the door looking for you.

<sup>20</sup>Get down there and go with them. Don't ask any questions. I sent them to get you."
<sup>21</sup>Peter went down and said to the men, "I think I'm the man you're looking for. What's up?"
<sup>22</sup>They said, "Captain Cornelius, a God-fearing man well-known for his fair play--ask any Jew in this part of the country--was commanded by a holy angel to get you and bring you to his house so he could hear what you had to say."

<sup>23</sup>Peter invited them in and made them feel at home.
The next morning he got up and went with them. Some of his friends from Joppa went along.

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

Both the rich and the poor,

the despised, the distressed,

They'll sit down in the Kingdom of God.

And none will ask what they have been

Provided that their robes are clean;

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

To be met by their Father and welcomed and blessed,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

The black, the white, the dark, the fair,

Your color will not matter there;

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

Out of great tribulation to triumph and rest

They'll sit down in the Kingdom of God.

From every tribe and every race,

All men as brothers shall embrace;

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west.

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

Author:  John Gowans

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 170

[Please forward OzThoughts to your friends. Thank you for sharing the love of God in this way].

Acts 10:1-16 (The Message)

Peter's Vision

 <sup>1-3</sup> There was a man named Cornelius who lived in Caesarea, captain of the Italian Guard stationed there. He was a thoroughly good man. He had led everyone in his house to live worshipfully before God, was always helping people in need, and had the habit of prayer. One day about three o'clock in the afternoon he had a vision. An angel of God, as real as his next-door neighbor, came in and said, "Cornelius."

 <sup>4-6</sup>Cornelius stared hard, wondering if he was seeing things. Then he said, "What do you want, sir?"

   The angel said, "Your prayers and neighborly acts have brought you to God's attention. Here's what you are to do. Send men to Joppa to get Simon, the one everyone calls Peter. He is staying with Simon the Tanner, whose house is down by the sea."

 <sup>7-8</sup>As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two servants and one particularly devout soldier from the guard. He went over with them in great detail everything that had just happened, and then sent them off to Joppa.

 <sup>9-13</sup>The next day as the three travelers were approaching the town, Peter went out on the balcony to pray. It was about noon. Peter got hungry and started thinking about lunch. While lunch was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the skies open up. Something that looked like a huge blanket lowered by ropes at its four corners settled on the ground. Every kind of animal and reptile and bird you could think of was on it. Then a voice came: "Go to it, Peter—kill and eat."

 <sup>14</sup>Peter said, "Oh, no, Lord. I've never so much as tasted food that was not kosher."

 <sup>15</sup>The voice came a second time: "If God says it's okay, it's okay."

 <sup>16</sup>This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the skies.

[Listen:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3580.mp3  ]

They shall come from the east,

They shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

Both the rich and the poor,

the despised, the distressed,

They'll sit down in the Kingdom of God.

And none will ask what they have been

Provided that their robes are clean;

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

To be met by their Father and welcomed and blessed,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

The black, the white, the dark, the fair,

Your color will not matter there;

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west,

And sit down in the Kingdom of God;

Out of great tribulation to triumph and rest

They'll sit down in the Kingdom of God.

From every tribe and every race,

All men as brothers shall embrace;

They shall come from the east,

they shall come from the west.

And sit down in the Kingdom of God.

Author:  John Gowans

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 170

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Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.

If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :

OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au  (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).

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You can also receive OzThoughts from the following groups (which you are welcome to join):

SalvationArmy3:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/salvationarmy3/

[Please forward OzThoughts to your friends. Thank you for sharing the love of God in this way].

In today’s reading from Acts Peter meets two people.  Aeneas has been paralysed for 8 years and Tabitha is dead.  We read how Peter tells Aeneas that Jesus heals him, so get out of bed. Aeneas does just that and everyone sees him walking around.

Now Tabitha is also known to some of us as Dorcas. But The Message version calls her the Gazelle. (I had a secretary who had a daughter named Tabitha. Her mother used to remind her that was the same as Dorcas which could be shortened to Dorc. I imagine she would rather be known as the Gazelle).

The Holy Spirit who was available to Peter is available to us today. He gives us the power to minister. As we seek to do God’s will, where will he lead us to minister in his name and for his glory today?

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1586.mp3  ]

Who for him will go?

Author: Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79)

Acts 9:32-43 (The Message)

 <sup>32-35</sup>Peter went off on a mission to visit all the churches. In the course of his travels he arrived in Lydda and met with the believers there. He came across a man—his name was Aeneas—who had been in bed eight years paralyzed. Peter said, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" And he did it—jumped right out of bed. Everybody who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him walking around and woke up to the fact that God was alive and active among them.

 <sup>36-37</sup>Down the road a way in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, "Gazelle" in our language. She was well-known for doing good and helping out. During the time Peter was in the area she became sick and died. Her friends prepared her body for burial and put her in a cool room.

 <sup>38-40</sup>Some of the disciples had heard that Peter was visiting in nearby Lydda and sent two men to ask if he would be so kind as to come over. Peter got right up and went with them. They took him into the room where Tabitha's body was laid out. Her old friends, most of them widows, were in the room mourning. They showed Peter pieces of clothing the Gazelle had made while she was with them. Peter put the widows all out of the room. He knelt and prayed. Then he spoke directly to the body: "Tabitha, get up."

 <sup>40-41</sup>She opened her eyes. When she saw Peter, she sat up. He took her hand and helped her up. Then he called in the believers and widows, and presented her to them alive.

 <sup>42-43</sup>When this became known all over Joppa, many put their trust in the Master. Peter stayed on a long time in Joppa as a guest of Simon the Tanner.

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Thank you for your prayers and support for OzThoughts Internet Ministry.

If you invite friends to subscribe they do it by sending an email (without a message) to :

OzThoughtsInternetMinistry-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au  (Tell them to check their junk box for the reply if it does not seem to come).

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   and be glad today.

(Psalm 118:24 Contemporary English Version)

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
He has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham;
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

(Canticle of Zechariah - Luke 1:68-79).

Psalm 20 (The Message)

A David Psalm

 <sup>1-4</sup> God answer you on the day you crash,

The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach,
   Send reinforcements from Holy Hill,
   Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies,
   Exclaim over your offerings,
   Celebrate your sacrifices,
   Give you what your heart desires,
   Accomplish your plans.

 <sup>5</sup> When you win, we plan to raise the roof
      and lead the parade with our banners.
   May all your wishes come true!

 <sup>6</sup> That clinches it—help's coming,
      an answer's on the way,
      everything's going to work out.

 <sup>7-8</sup> See those people polishing their chariots,
      and those others grooming their horses?
      But we're making garlands for God our God.
   The chariots will rust,
      those horses pull up lame—
      and we'll be on our feet, standing tall.

 <sup>9</sup> Make the king a winner, God;
      the day we call, give us your answer.

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 1

Authors:  Martin Luther (1483-1546),

Translated by: Frederick Henry Hedge (1805-90)

[Listen: Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4483.mp3  

or

Listen: Congregational song : http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_193.mp3

A mighty fortress is our God,

A bulwark never failing;

Our helper he, amid the flood,

Of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

Doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great,

And, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

Our striving would be losing;

Were not the right man on our side,

The man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth his name,

From age to age the same,

And he must win the battle.

And though this world, with demons filled,

Should threaten to undo us;

We will not fear, for God hath willed

His truth to triumph through us.

The prince of darkness grim,

We tremble not for him,

His rage we can endure,

For lo! His doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,

No thanks to them abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours

Through him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

This mortal life also;

The body they may kill;

God's truth abideth still,

His Kingdom is for ever.

Psalm 93 (The Message)

 <sup>1-2</sup> God is King, robed and ruling,

God is robed and surging with strength.
         And yes, the world is firm, immovable,
      Your throne ever firm—you're Eternal!

 <sup>3-4</sup> Sea storms are up, God,
   Sea storms wild and roaring,
   Sea storms with thunderous breakers.
      Stronger than wild sea storms,
      Mightier than sea-storm breakers,
      Mighty God rules from High Heaven.

 <sup>5</sup> What you say goes—it always has.
   "Beauty" and "Holy" mark your palace rule,
   God, to the very end of time.

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number:  Song Number: 9

Author:  Attr Samuel Barnard (d 1807)

[Listen: Band: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1598.mp3

or

Piano: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1806.mp3  ]

Jehovah is our strength,

And he shall be our song;

We shall o'ercome at length

Although our foes be strong.

In vain does Satan then oppose,

For God is stronger than his foes.

The Lord our refuge is

And ever will remain;

Since he has made us his

He will our cause maintain.

In vain our enemies oppose,

For God is stronger than his foes.

The Lord our shepherd is;

He knows our every need,

And since we now are his,

His care our souls will feed.

In vain do sin and death oppose,

For God is stronger than his foes.

Our God our Father is;

Our names are on his heart;

We ever will be his,

He ne'er from us will part.

In vain the mightiest powers oppose,

For God is stronger than his foes.

Prayer:

Meditation:

Songsters: He hideth my soul

http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4257.mp3

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Australian Thoughts at the Weekend  13th June 2009.

Grey Nomads Time.

It is that time of the year in Australia when the Grey Nomads take to the roads throughout Australia. However, the higher cost of fuel this year has made some wonder if there will be as many Grey Nomads on the roads this year.

As I have explained before Grey Nomads are grey haired, retired people who migrate from the cold south of Oz to the warmer north. In fact people with different coloured hair or even none are still Grey Nomads if they take to a mobile home of some type or a fixed home in the north to escape the winter chills of the south.

The grey nomads come north towing caravans and often with a small boat on the top of their car or four wheel drive. Some will come to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in Southern Queensland while others will head further north to the tropical coast right alongside the Great Barrier Reef. It is estimated that 60,000 grey nomads come to our State each year following, as someone said, the winter migration of humpback whales up our coast.

Some will do the “Big Lap” and take the coastal road right around Australia. That coastal road is National Highway One. A website says of it:

“Australia is the world's largest island and its community has been shaped and formed by tracks that became roads and later highways.

National Highway One is unlike any other road system on the planet. It represents one of the most profound engineering and planning feats in our nation's history.

The highway runs more than 24,000 kilometres right around Australia and every day more than a million people travel on some part of it. Prime movers and semi-trailers worth in excess of three billion dollars ply its trade routes, along with hundreds of thousands of cars and other vehicles.” [http://www.abc.net.au/backyard/highwayone ]

Last year I did a quick calculation and with fuel costs in Oz then and reckoning on about 10 litres per 100 kilometres, budget in excess of $3,000 would be needed for fuel alone to do the Big Lap. With petrol at $1.50 a litre and diesel at $1.70 in the big cities, a further $2,000 to $3,000 could be added to this at 2008 prices. At 500 kilometres a day, it would take approximately 50 days to do the trip. So with a minimum budget of $100 a day for accommodation and food, there is another $5,000. Of course, having a caravan reduces accommodation costs but increases fuel and other costs.

Some do half a lap. That is the will take the north south road through the centre of Australia taking in a diversion off this road to visit Uluru (Ayers Rock). This suits many timetables and budgets better than the full lap.

Many towns rely on a boost to their tourism and look to the Grey Nomads to spend well while in town and help the local economy. Fears have been expressed that with the higher fuel prices, and also the higher living costs at home during the rest of the year, many Grey Nomads will not travel this year. Dependent local economies will suffer as a result of this.

The Grey Nomads contribute in many other ways besides spending their money in remote areas. Some retired former teachers will offer their services through V.I.S.E. (Volunteers in Isolated Students’ Education - http://www.vise.org.au ). These experienced teachers come onto isolated properties and help with the education of isolated children. This gives assistance to mothers who are teaching their children with the help if the Distance Education network.

The country varies. The winter that people are escaping in the south is not far from the Australian Alps and Snowy Mountains, where some choose to go for skiing and other snow sports. Some Grey Nomads will tell you they are on a “ski holiday”. They may be miles from both snow and the sea and it will raise the question “Ski holiday?”  To which the answer will come “Yeah SKI! Spending the Kids Inheritance”. One newspaper mentioned that the Grey Nomads  were spending their kids inheritance which caused an irate letter to the editor saying it was about time the present generation learnt to stand on their own financial feet and not rely on their parents.

But back to the subject of changing weather.Today, in Melbourne the maximum temperaturewas 12c/52f. On the Gold Coast and right along the southern  Queensland Coast, the temperature was a little less than 25c/78f. In Darwin a 35c/95f maximum is about normal.

There are all types of characters on the road for various reasons and that adds to the experiences of the grey nomads as they journey and meet with others. It is these characters that are met on the road that add variety and interest to the stops between the long miles.

I spoke to one man and his wife who travelled in a 4WD with boat on top and towing a caravan and asked why they chose this instead of staying in motels and hotels which they could well afford (they own about 5 houses or apartments). They simple answered there is a social life in the caravan parks which you don’t get locked in your motel room. Yes, the men will compare their travelling rigs and proudly show gadgets and modifications they have made to make travelling easier. The cooks will exchange recipe ideas, and show how easily meals can be made in a few minutes.

The shower block or the barbecue area is a place to exchange information about the road ahead, the things not to miss and the things to miss on the way ahead. Quick summaries will be given of the great hospitality or otherwise of caravan parks and eating places along the way. Of course, there will be information exchanged on where and how to catch the best fish.

In Australia most grey nomads drive a rig with a caravan trailing behind. These are joined to the towing vehicle, a large 6 cylinder or V8 car or a 4 wheel drive (SUV)  with an ‘A’ shaped towbar. The self contained motorhome built on a truck or bus chassis are not as popular as the towed vans. It is estimated in Australia there are 320,000 caravans and 40,000 motorhomes. Yet, a few hours away in New Zealand, it is just the opposite with the motorhome being the most popular. Motorhomes are very popular as self drive hire vehicles and that appears to be the main market in New Zealand. Also New Zealand has much shorter distances between towns than Australia, therefore the slower motorhome is more suitable when long distances are not required.

The Salvation Army’s Gold Coast Temple Corps is situated in Australia’s largest “tourist” city. Each winter the Corps welcomes its regular grey nomads who join the congregation and corps life for a month or three. One grey nomad (who flies from New Zealand and stays in a unit) told me he and his wife had been coming to the Corps for 30 years. Others have not been coming as long but they get an enthusiastic welcome.

Again this year we will have 2 or 3 who join the band for the period of their stay. They will bring their uniforms and their instruments, and come to band practice and enjoy all the band engagements. They are most welcome but they must conform to our ‘rules’. Last year two bandsmen flew or drove from Melbourne (1725kms from the Gold Coast) to be with our/their band for an “away” weekend (3^rd /4^th May ) to Tamworth (7 hour drive). We will welcome them back towards the ends of June for their “long  stay”. Others just enjoy the welcome, the fellowship and the worship. Some have bought houses and stayed permanently.

I guess that’s what makes life different for these nomads. They find a very different life style in Queensland (www.driveqld.com.au ), the Northern Territory (http://www.insidetheoutback.com/nt/USA/traveltips/driving.html) and Western Australia (http://www.drivewa.com/start/) . In these places away from the south east corner of Queensland and maybe the coastal areas further north it is how many square miles per person and not persons per square mile. In the wide open spaces life is much more relaxed than the busy and crowded cities of commerce which double as tourist places. I read of one grey nomad who said he changes into shorts and t- shirt when he reaches the southern border of Queensland and does wear long trousers until he crosses it going south in about 3 months time.

Genesis Chapter 12 begins a new era in the life of a ‘Grey Nomad” Abram:

4        So Abram left just as GOD said, and Lot left with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.

10    Then a famine came to the land. Abram went down to Egypt to live; it was a hard famine.

To read the story of Abram who later became known as Abraham is  to read the story of a great nomad. Abram was a  man who travelled, although well advanced in age, at God’s command, doing God’s will, as difficult as that may have seemed at times.  Paul says of him:

The story of Abraham  is a story worth reading . It’s the story of a man who allowed God to lead him.

We could also take time to read of Moses, who was a grey nomad of 80 when God called him to lead the Children of Israel from captivity in Egypt. At age 80 he spent the next 40 years in the wilderness under God’s leadership. Maybe the Grey Nomads amongst us will make the time to do so.    

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_978.mp3

God is our light and God is our sunshine,

Lighting our pathway from day unto day;

In him we trust when all else seems dreary,

For with his sunshine he brightens our way.

Chorus

Sunshine, sunshine, shining along our pathway,

Guiding, guiding, just where the Saviour would go;

Shining, shining when all the way seems gloomy,

Jesus lights our way up to Glory with sunshine rays.

Sometimes we're tempted, often grow weary,

'Tis for the sunshine at such times we pray;

Then through the dark his bright rays come beaming,

Turning our darkness and fears all away.

Author:  Richard Nuttall (1891-1946)

The Salvation Army: Song Number: 31

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I wonder what words we could use to describe the Disciples in today’s portion of Scripture?  They have been arrested, jailed, released by an angel, arrested again while preaching in the Temple, threatened by religious leaders, and whipped and go right back to the Temple and preaching it seems at every opportunity. 

How would you describe them: Steadfast, stubborn, committed, dedicated, enthusiastic, passionate, zealous, fanatical, eager, unwavering, persistent, loyal, staunch, faithful or devoted?  Maybe you have another  suggestion.

Now as followers of this same Jesus, how would we be described?

[Listen:  http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4461.mp3  

or

Look and Listen:

I'll go in the strength of the Lord,

In paths he has marked for my feet;

I'll follow the light of his word,

Nor shrink from the dangers I meet,

His presence my steps shall attend,

His fulness my wants shall supply;

On him, till my journey shall end,

My unwavering faith shall rely.

Chorus

I'll go, I'll go in the strength,

I'll go in the strength of the Lord

I'll go, I'll go in the strength,

I'll go in the strength of the Lord.

I'll go in the strength of the Lord

To work he appoints me to do;

In joy which his smile doth afford

My soul shall her vigor renew.

His wisdom shall guard me from harm.

His power my sufficiency prove;

I'll trust his omnipotent arm,

And prove his unchangeable love.

I'll go in the strength of the Lord

To conflicts which faith will require,

His grace as my shield and reward,

My courage and zeal shall inspire.

Since he gives the word of command.

To meet and encounter the foe,

With his sword of truth in my hand.

To suffer and triumph I'll go.

Author:  Edward Turney (1816-72)

The Salvation Army : Song Number: 734

Acts 5:27-42 (The Message)

 <sup>17-20</sup> Provoked mightily by all this, the Chief Priest and those on his side, mainly the sect of Sadducees, went into action, arrested the apostles and put them in the town jail. But during the night an angel of God opened the jailhouse door and led them out. He said, "Go to the Temple and take your stand. Tell the people everything there is to say about this Life."

   Promptly obedient, they entered the Temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.

 <sup>21-23</sup>  Meanwhile, the Chief Priest and his cronies convened the High Council, Israel's senate, and sent to the jail to have the prisoners brought in. When the police got there, they couldn't find them anywhere in the jail. They went back and reported, "We found the jail locked tight as a drum and the guards posted at the doors, but when we went inside we didn't find a soul."

 <sup>24</sup>  The chief of the Temple police and the high priests were puzzled. "What's going on here anyway?"

 <sup>27-28</sup>  Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. The Chief Priest said, "Didn't we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus' name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man."

 <sup>29-32</sup>  Peter and the apostles answered, "It's necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail."

 <sup>33-37</sup>  When they heard that, they were furious and wanted to kill them on the spot. But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God's Law who was honoured by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time, then said, "Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds.

 <sup>38-39</sup>  "So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!"

 <sup>40-42</sup>  That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus' name and sent them off. The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonoured on account of the Name. Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.

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One of the joys of the internet is the closeness we can achieve in our Christian friendship. It is possible to worship, fellowship and minister with people in all corners of the world. It is a joy to meet with people who inspire, lead and guide us, and in one sense a joy found in the ability to share and pray with others when they are hurting.

I remain forever grateful to those who have encouraged me and brought my concerns before the Lord. I bear a burden to for those who carry heavy loads.  I bring that burden before the Lord. Many people have shared their difficulties with health, in their relationships, in their studies and in their work situation and it gives a real sense of comfort and assurance that God hears our prayers for them.

We read in the Acts (chapter 5) of the people who brought their sick to the disciples and some even placed their sick where the apostle Peter’s shadow might pass over them and bring them healing.

I been grateful for a long time now to a good friend in Wales who shared a song that they sang in Songster practice and God was really with them as they prayed. I have heard it many times since and it always brings a sense of gratitude, wonder and praise to God.

When my heart was so broken
That I could not pray,
When love wasn’t easy to see,
Someone was there, somebody cared,
Somebody prayed for me.

Somebody went to the throne of Heaven,
Somebody lifted my name,
Bringing me into his holy presence,
Saying what I could not say.
Somebody showed me the face of his mercy
When darkness was all I could see,
Somebody pleaded the blood of Jesus,
Somebody prayed for me.

2. When the future looked hopeless
And I’d given up,
When I had lost sight of my dreams,
Somebody near dried every tear,
Somebody prayed for me.

Somebody went to the throne of Heaven,
Somebody lifted my name,
Bringing me into his holy presence,
Saying what I could not say.
Somebody showed me the face of his mercy
When darkness was all I could see,
Somebody pleaded the blood of Jesus,
Somebody prayed for me.

Somebody went to the throne of Heaven,
Somebody lifted my name,
Bringing me into his holy presence,
Saying what I could not say.
Somebody showed me the face of his mercy
When darkness was all I could see,
Somebody pleaded the blood of Jesus,
Somebody prayed, somebody prayed,
Somebody prayed, somebody prayed,
Somebody prayed, somebody prayed for me.
Somebody prayed for me.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the blessing of prayer. I am grateful for people who come before you with my needs. In the same way, I thank you, that I can come humbly, face down before you and bring the needs of my friends.  As I think of your holiness and power, I am but a mere shadow of what I ought to be but I praise you that you hear my prayers. I pray for those who are in deep need. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Acts 5 (The Message)
 
<sup>12</sup>   Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon.

<sup>13</sup>    But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them.

<sup>14</sup>   On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both.

<sup>15</sup>  They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on stretchers and bedrolls, hoping they would be touched by Peter's shadow when he walked by.

<sup>16</sup>   They came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedevilled. And they all were healed.

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I have always been amused by one of the stories of the early Christian church. It is the story mentioned yesterday from our Sunday worship, the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5). The amusing part is not their sin but I have always wondered about the very quick burial of both husband and then wife. This is at a time when a friend I waiting for two weeks for her father’s funeral in England.

The early church was a real community and there was much sharing together. People were pooling their resources to help the community. One noted donor to the group was Barnabas which means encourager. Barnabas you will remember had a block of land which he sold and gave the sale price to the community. I do not wonder he was called the encourager.

His generosity, or was it the praise he got caused Ananias and Sapphira to scheme. Like Barnabas they sold a block of land and decided to give part of the proceeds of the sale to the church community, pretending it was the whole of the proceeds.

When the Church Leader, the apostle Peter confronted Ananias about it, Ananias dropped dead. The scriptures simply say the young men wrapped him up, took him out and buried him. Then Peter questions Sapphira about the matter. She says it was all the funds they received. Peter questions why they were deceiving the Holy Spirit. Then Peter with all the delicacy of a fisherman hauling on a net full of fish, tells her that the men who buried her husband are outside and coming to take her out for burial. She drops dead too.

I would think that a wife would have some claim on attending her husband’s funeral. Although, I guess she should be grateful they were thoughtful enough to bury her beside her husband.  As I said I have always been amused by this.

The content of the story is pretty serious stuff.  This couple were trying to con the church but were actually sinning against the Holy Spirit. God judged them harshly and they both died immediately their sin was known. It seems God used them as an example to the church that they were to be truthful and honest in all their dealings.

I feel a little uncomfortable with the quick funeral. Maybe it was the custom of the day. I have a feeling it is almost the mob rushing in to deal roughly with the wrong doer. Like the mob that was ready to hurl stones at the adulteress or at the Christian preacher Stephen or the mob who cried crucify him when presented with Jesus the Christ! I know in this case god led the punishment but I have in the back of my mind and deep in my heart that we are called by God to be “lovers” and not the punishment squad.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, help me to see what is right in your sight. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. I pray that your Holy Spirit will not be offended by my actions but give me power to live as you would have me live. I pray for each of my friends who read this. I pray that you will bless them all and support those who need your Spirit’s help right now. Amen.

[Look and Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N0iVysrykU&feature=related  ]

Rejoice, the Lord is King!

Your Lord and King adore;

Soldiers, give thanks, and sing

And triumph evermore:

Chorus

Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;

Rejoice; again I say, rejoice.

Jesus the Saviour reigns,

The God of truth and love;

When he had purged our stains,

He took his seat above:

His Kingdom cannot fail,

He rules o'er earth and Heaven;

The keys of death and Hell

Are to our Jesus given:

He sits at God's right hand,

Till all his foes submit,

And bow to his command,

And fall beneath his feet:

He all his foes shall quell,

Shall all our sins destroy,

And every bosom swell

With pure seraphic joy:

Rejoice in glorious hope;

Jesus the judge shall come,

And take his servants up

To their eternal home:

We soon shall hear the archangel's voice;

The trump of God shall sound, Rejoice!

Author:  Charles Wesley (1707-88)

The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 164

Acts 4:32-5:11 (The Message)

 <sup>32-33</sup>The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, "That's mine; you can't have it." They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.

 <sup>34-35</sup>And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need.

 <sup>36-37</sup>Joseph, called by the apostles "Barnabas" (which means "Son of Comfort"), a Levite born in Cyprus, sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles.

Acts 5

 <sup>1-2</sup> But a man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it.

 <sup>3-4</sup>Peter said, "Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn't lie to men but to God."

 <sup>5-6</sup>Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him.

 <sup>7-8</sup>Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, "Tell me, were you given this price for your field?"

   "Yes," she said, "that price."

 <sup>9-10</sup>Peter responded, "What's going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you're next." No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

 <sup>11</sup>By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with.

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Born and raised in East L.A.,CA

from age 3 to 21, I lived in South Central L.A.

just before my 22nd birthday, my parents moved to a middle class area called Leimert Park near Crenshaw, I am almost 60 years old now, I still live in my parents home but I father passed away in the mid 90's and my mother is in a rest home almost 82.

While in high school both Jr and Sr high, I was the DJ at the Friday dances. When I got to my 2nd college I took radio broadcasting classes. 2 years later, I got a radio show after midnight for a few years. I was also doing extra work in the community as a concert MC in the park.  I danced on TV and joined the actors union.

While in high school and college I took all the business classes and was able to get a job as a accounting clerk for over 12 years. 

As a small boy I heard something about a job with double pay with a union job.

I was volunteered at church for a year than my pastor hired me but I got a better job working at the airport full time with all the over time. I stay there for a few years but I passed a test to drive a city bus and I drove for 12 years(DOUBLE TIME on holidays) a union job.  

One day I ask the Lord to let me be used by him and 90 days I was at home praying online with people around the world. That was 3 years ago, THE TONY HOPPER MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL was born.

God has blessed me with you and so many others all around the world, over 5,000 friends on 13 different network.

God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

It has often been said there is no such thing as a secret disciple for discipleship of Jesus destroys secrecy. Yesterday, we considered how the religious leaders had Peter and John arrested and brought before them. Here’s the last portion of yesterday’s reading:

Acts 3: 18- 22

 <sup>18-20</sup> They (the religious leaders) called them back and warned them that they were on no account ever again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John spoke right back, "Whether it's right in God's eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there's no question—we can't keep quiet about what we've seen and heard."

 <sup>21-22</sup>  The religious leaders renewed their threats, but then released them. They couldn't come up with a charge that would stick, that would keep them in jail. The people wouldn't have stood for it—they were all praising God over what had happened. The man who had been miraculously healed was over forty years old. (The Message)

Notice how Peter and John tell the leaders that they will obey God rather than them. How do religious leaders answer that?  We, too, have the opportunity of sharing the good news of Jesus. We can call it witnessing or doing mission , or introducing people to Jesus.

Whatever we call it, it does not just happen Sunday morning, when we gather with other Christians or when we put our uniform on. Witnessing is not an activity we will plan for the future. Witnessing is a ‘now’ activity. Yes, right now, at home, at work and at school or college.

As Peter and John said God plans it and we must be available right now for him.

Acts 4:23-31 (The Message)

One Heart, One Mind

 <sup>23-26</sup>As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends and told them what the high priests and religious leaders had said. Hearing the report, they lifted their voices in a wonderful harmony in prayer: "Strong God, you made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. By the Holy Spirit you spoke through the mouth of your servant and our father, David:

   Why the big noise, nations?
   Why the mean plots, peoples?
   Earth's leaders push for position,
   Potentates meet for summit talks,
   The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers!

 <sup>27-28</sup>"For in fact they did meet—Herod and Pontius Pilate with nations and peoples, even Israel itself!—met in this very city to plot against your holy Son Jesus, the One you made Messiah, to carry out the plans you long ago set in motion.

 <sup>29-30</sup>"And now they're at it again! Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus."

 <sup>31</sup>While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God's Word with fearless confidence.

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