Jeremiah

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)  "...... For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.   ....."

The Jews were in Babylonian exile for 70 years.  Not only did Jeremiah deliver the Lord's message that the defeat and exile would take place, in all it's harshness, but also that the Lord's heart was for a constant personal relationship with his people.  Jeremiah as the messenger was placed up against a rebellious people who did not believe the messages he delivered.  

It would seem that today, messengers who speak about the decline of mercy, grace, peace, love, and mostly obedience to biblical principles, are treated with the same attitudes inflicted on Jeremiah.

Just imagine if Jeremiah was to deliver his message to the leaders of your, or my, country. 

Rest

Rest is an important part of our physical life, so our spent energy can be restored. This Easter period has been an oasis in the middle of some busy times. Time to stop and rest a while. This has been a time of physical refreshment, and rejuvenation.

The same applies to our Spiritual life. As we reflect on the amazing gift of life given at an enormous cost of our Saviour’s life. We then celebrate our Saviour’s resurrection from that death, and we are refreshed deep within.

To often we enjoy the acclaim of the crowd, our peers, etc. and fail to achieve the rest so needed for our physical and spiritual lives to be refreshed. It takes courage and strength to step into a restful environment. Jesus set an example for us all.



Matthew 8:18 (NIV)

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.

Royal Cave

The ‘Royal Cave’ at Buchan, Victoria, Australia.


Romans 1:20 (NIV)

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

I Was Only Nineteen

Mum and Dad and Denny saw the passing out parade at Puckapunyal.
The sixth battalion was the next to tour and it was me who drew the card.
We did Canungra and Shoalwater before we left.
And Townsville lined the footpaths as we marched down to the quay.
This clipping from the paper shows us young and strong and clean.
And there’s me in my slouch hat with my S. L. R. and greens.
God help me, I was only nineteen.

5th Chorus
And can you tell me, doctor, why I still can’t get to sleep?
And why the Channel Seven chopper chills me to my feet?
And what’s this rash that comes and goes, can you tell me what it means?
God help me, I was only nineteen.

J. Schumann, the singer, songwriter, penned these words and performed the song ‘I Was Only Nineteen’ in relation to the Vietnam War conflict where young Australians were involved.

Through the years I have spent some time with Veterans of conflicts, and the J. Schumann song is closer to reality than the advertisements on the TV for young people to join the Armed Forces as a carreer.



Matthew 26:52 (NIV)
Put your sword back in its place, Jesus said to him, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Matthew 5:3-12 (NIV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Obedience

Ezekiel 37:10 (NIV)
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet--a vast army.

Walk on the Wild Side.

Take a walk on the wild side!

The Scriptures are full of walks on the wild side. Just follow Elisha, as he walks along with the Prophet Elijah. Elijah, will soon be taken away, and Elisha will not leave his side until the mantle passed to him. Even though the other Prophets acknowledge that Elijah would soon depart, Elisha’s course was set before him. Elisha desired the Lord’s blessing that sustained Elijah, would flow to him. He would walk on the wild side, to receive a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.

With Pentecost very near, take a walk on the wild side!!!



2 Kings 2:2-3 (NIV)
Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, "Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?" "Yes, I know," Elisha replied, "but do not speak of it."

Gethsemane

The Garden of Gethsemane is a focal point leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. Within the garden is the Church of All Nations. This Church has ornate wrought iron work in the form of a vine around the altar, and the purple window glassing allows the impression of evening. The Church of All Nations is a wonderful place to meditate and pray.


Matthew 26:36 (NIV)
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."