Monday Spot (7 August 2006)
It almost seems as though Captain Dean Pallant (Editor of Salvationist) has been reading last week’s Monday Spot where we praised God for the fact that He never takes a holiday.
Captain Dean Pallant
In his ‘Comment’ column in this week’s issue (5 August) Dean reiterates that thought and also speaks about how we should worship God when on holiday. Click here to read the latest issue of Salvationist (29 July is the latest issue on the site today but 5 August will be published soon). Perhaps you would like to share your views on Dean Pallant’s column with us.
This week sees the end of the Divisional Summer School held at Robertsbridge in Kent. A number of our young people went and we look forward to hearing from them about their experiences.
Our morning worship centered around the commandment which begins ‘Remember the Sabbath Day…….’. Major Kathy led the meeting and spoke about how God intends this day to be ‘Holy’ rather than dull and boring (no, it is not necessary for us to remove the ‘budgie’s’ swing from his cage on Sundays so that he doesn’t enjoy himself). God’s commandment is that we set the day apart for Him, not that we have to be bored and miserable.
Major Kathy
In the evening we followed the assurance that ‘God is with us’. Songs used included Sidney Cox’s ‘I am amazed when I think of God’s love’ (SA Song Book 319) and Richard Slater’s ‘None the love of Christ can measure, none its depths can ever tell’ (SA Song Book 363). In her sermon Major Kathy referred to the words of John Gowans ‘Don’t assume that God’s dismissed you from his mind’ and in particular the chorus which begins ‘For His love remains the same’ (SA Song Book 44).
Finally we would like to leave with you the words of Psalm 23 (used in our morning meeting) but personalised in a particular way. When you read it, give special emphasis to the words in bold capitals so that a new perspective is brought underlining the presence of God with ME (not just us).
The Lord is MY shepherd, I shall lack nothing,
He makes ME lie down in green pastures,
He leads ME beside quiet waters,
He restores MY soul.
He guides ME in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with ME;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort ME.
You prepare a table before ME in the presence of MY enemies.
You anoint MY head with oil; MY cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow ME all the days of MY life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Yes, God is with us, INDIVIDUALLY
Mum, Dad and I are usually at the Hall on Sunday nights. Last week however, we had to miss the meeting because Dad was away on a course, severing our transport link to Chatham. Instead, Mum and I went to Trinity Baptist Chapel in Bexleyheath.
I am amazed by the consistency and power of God! At a totally unrelated church, we took part in a service practically identical to the one described above! Psalm 23 was the reading and we were challenged by the question “Who is holding your hand?” God personally touched me because so many of the songs sung that night had been whirling round my head all week, supporting me and giving me confidence in God!
God’s power is AMAZING and He certainly wants to give us the message that God is with us; as a church and His individual children.
AMEN!!!
Mark Scoulding said this on August 11th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
I really love to come here and read the updates weekly. God bless you all for keeping this site alive and interesting.
sals said this on August 7th, 2006 at 4:22 pm