Windows On The Soul

A seventeenth century German pastor is said to have buried five thousand (5,000) of his parishioners in one year, an average of nearly fifteen a day. Yet, although his parish was ravaged by war, pestilence and an invader’s economic oppression, he wrote this table grace for his children: Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices; Who wondrous things hath done, In whom the world rejoices. Who from our mother’s arms, Hath led us on our way With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today. In 1636, amid the darkness of the Thirty Years War, Martin Rinkart drew spiritual strength from a spirit of thanksgiving for God’s past and present goodness. Richard D.Dinwiddie, ‘The Sacrifice of Praise’, Christianity Today, 20th November 1981, p.40

(On the occasion of a Church Anniversary) As we reflect on the ministry of this church over the past years, let's give thanks and celebrate God's eternal presence and out-working through His Church.  Rejoice in past victories, and look forward in glorious expectation. May this Church forever find that the House of God is a place of:- Seeking God's Counsel   - Judges 20:18 "The Israelites went up and inquired of God" Hearing God's Voice  - Isa 6:8 "I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Who shall I send? Who will go for us?'" Receiving Visions  - Luke 1:22 "They realised he had seen a vision in the temple" Filled with Glory  - 2 Chron 7:1 "The glory of the Lord filled the temple" Praise and Thanksgiving - Psa 150 "Praise God in His sanctuary. Let everything that has breath, praise The Lord" Learning God's Ways  - Mic 4:2 "Come let us go to God's house, and He will teach us...

It was not enough that you made me like yourself, But you chose me, adopted me, joint heir with your only begotten Son. As I turn to you in prayer, your love engulfs me, pure, heavenly, undeserved love. "Daddy" I cry. "My child" you reply. I pour out my day to you, the highs, the lows, the bumps, the bruises, My needs and dreams, hopes and aspirations, we share, together. Father, I honour you, as only you deserve - Father knows best, it may seem trite, But I submit to your holy will, that it might, Be well with me and my children for ever. ---===X===--- Lk.11:1 "Lord, teach us how to pray!" Mt.6:8 "Your Father already knows your need before you ask" Rom.8:15 "...received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba, Daddy" Mt.7:9 "...if his son asks for bread, will he give him a stone?" Eph.1:5 "...unto us the adoption of children by Jesus Christ." Deu.5:29 "...keep my ...