Help me live from day to day
Trusting You though come what may.
Let me see Your tender care
Watching o'er me everywhere.
I do not need to fret and stew
For the things I lack are very few.
Help me look to eternal things -
The peace and joy salvation brings.
May I always understand
That I'm upheld by Your right hand.
May others always come to see
The One who lives inside of me.

Take heart, my daughter - all is not lost.
I came as the Saviour and carried the cost.
Take heart, my daughter -
Though many seem dead
At the touch of My hand, their lives are renewed -
Their paths, Spirit-led.

Take heart my daughter - though through the years,
You've battled and suffered, I will wipe away tears.
Take heart, my daughter - as you stretch out your hand
The faith that is kindled will help you to stand.

Take heart, my daughter - clasp onto My hand
I will lead you through valleys to a far better land.
Take heart, my daughter - I'll stay by your side
As your Friend, your Companion, your Healer, your Guide.

Take heart, my daughter - for soon you will see
The land of the promise - the home of the free.
Take heart, my daughter - the Father is there.
He is loving and gracious and of great tender care.
He longs to enfold you in His arms with great love
When I come back to claim you and take you above.

It was just a lad that went astray
When he overheard what someone had to say,
"A bit of a no-hoper - never be good!"
Were the words that were spoken and never should.
He lost his hope with those ill-spoken words
And with others, took off like migratory birds.

He circled amongst his foolish friends
Using drugs, drink and tools the devil bends
To fashion this soul to a terrible shape
Until about his form, a sheet they will drape.
But a Saviour stepped in as He searched for this lamb
And halted this boy on his life full of sham.

He came in the form of an ambulance man
Who revived him from death and outlined a plan.
He pointed him back to the One who could free
This wreck of a lad and help him to see
That no matter what people may say about him -
His life had been purchased - he was precious to Him.

This little lost sheep was brought back to the fold,
In the arms of the One who went out in the cold
To search for those wandering without any hope
And give them an anchor as they blindly grope.
So watch what you say, dear friends of mine
For all are invited with Jesus to dine.

Jesus put a high price on the worth of a soul
To save the whole world - Yes, that was His goal.
We ruin this plan when we join hand in hand
With the one who destroys - against Jesus we stand.
When we speak words of mistrust, discouragement, pride
We help to send others, to Satan's foul side.

But Jesus has bidden us "Look up and live -
Speak words of encouragement - for hope you can give.
Don't look down on others: their angels do see
The face of the Father and I died on the tree
To free them from sin - to rescue each one.
So kneel down and worship your Saviour - the Son!"

"Grant the best places, Lord," she asked,
"For my two good-looking sons -
One on the right, the other the left,
In the kingdom, when it comes?"

But the Master replied with tender voice,
"Do you really understand?
This question is not what you ask -
For much more lies at hand.

You are asking for a share
In the suffering I must face -
The disappointment, hurt and pain.
Can they really stand the pace?

It means in the garden, to 'watch and pray'
When tempted to go to sleep.
It means to follow close to Me
When others away would creep.

It means humiliation -
Torture and the scorn
Of those who think My cause is mad.
Yes - their heart will be torn.

It means a trusting in My words,
A surrender to My ways,
A pouring out of love and hope,
Of offering peace that stays.

It's a day by day experience
Of demonstrating love:
Not calling down upon a town
Fierce fire from above.

It's of sharing Me with others
Not in a lordly way,
But serving, without honour
Giving mercy day by day.

It means an early death for one:
The action of a sword -
A life cut short because of Me.
This is following Your Lord!

It means a life of ministry
For the other of these men:
Of churches, people and their needs
And letters he will pen.

It means fierce persecution,
A cauldron of hot oil,
Banishment and exile
Upon a foreign soil.

You ask for the best places -
They are not Mine to give.
The only question I can ask -
"My shared life, will you live?"

For it's a cup of suffering
But victory as well.
It is a life of ministry
To rescue souls from hell.

So, do not answer glibly,
"Oh yes, we surely can
'We'll share Your cup of suffering
And drink it like a man.'

For you will surely need the grace
That comes from God above,
To drink this cup which I hold out
And share in My great love.

It is not such an easy cup
To drink - for don't you see
I too, will plead my Father -
Please take this cup from Me!"

But then My heart connects to God -
I see a world in need
"Oh not my will, but Yours be done."
This then, is what I plead.

You cannot drink this cup of Mine
Until your hearts are one -
United with the Father,
The Spirit and the Son.

Yes, you will drain this cup of love
With suffering and My pain.
You'll share the love of God with all -
A new life they will gain.

Remember - all who wish to drink
This cup with James and John.
It's in a life of servanthood
That the victory is won!"

Dear Lord,

This day lies new before me -
I pause to take Your hand.
I cannot walk alone its path
Lest I stray from Your great plan.

So as I place my hand in Yours
I ask that You will lead.
Show me the path of safety
That I, Your Word, may heed.

Anoint my eyes with eye salve
That I may clearly see
The things You want accomplished -
The folk that are in need.

May Your pure robe of righteousness
Around my frame be placed
And may I stand forgiven and cleansed
Accepting of Your grace.

Shower down upon me
Your gifts of faith and love
They are the true adornment
The gold from heaven above.

Touch my lips with living coals
From the altar of your love;
And may I speak the words of Christ
O'ershadowed by Your Dove

My ears attuned to listen
To the whisper of Your voice,
My hands held out in service
That others may rejoice.

I need the gospel of Your grace
To speed me on my way -
The peace that comes from knowing You,
The light to show the way.

I need your Holy Spirit
To anoint me through and through,
To shed to all I meet today
A reflection bright of You.

And so I pause this morning.
Please give me strength and grace.
Walking this road together,
May I behold Your face.

Amen.

Thank You for Your love to me -
The love that sent You to Calvary
That from sin, I might be free.
Thank You for Your gift to me -
The gift of life eternally,
The Spirit of God indwelling me.
Thank You for Your daily care
For victories won and people to share
The love of God without compare.
Thank You for my family dear
Although they are not very near
Keep and bless them everywhere.
Thank You for Your Word and Power
May they be my shield and tower
Protecting me in temptation's hour.
Thank You for this day ahead
May I, today, be truly led
To do Your will, not mine instead.
Thank You for forgiveness free
Cleanse and wash each part of me
And may I live - Your child to be.

God's Joy About Us

You are My child.

When you follow My commandments
My heart leaps for joy.

My Gift for you was not in vain.
You are My vessel to share that joy with others.

I seek for your response and thrill when you respond.
I am overwhelmed with joy at your love response.

Salvation belongs to the Lord.

Our Joy in God

Praise the Lord for a new morning
Our hearts overflow with joy to You.
The earth is watered anew
Let all the earth rejoice.

He gives food in abundance
Our health is daily renewed.

He causes the sun to shine by day
And the moon and stars by night.
We rejoice in the warmth and the light.

Your Word is our strength and stay
It comforts us and gives us joy.

We will praise and commune with Him
Forever and ever
Amen.

Seven times the battle raged
Within this dear girl's heart
You knew her struggles - her circumstance
You offered a brand new start.

You had heard the condemnation
Which men directed her way
But "Where are thine accusers?"
As they slunk, ashamed, away.

You saw her devotion and longing
For the life that You could give
You knew her need for closeness
To the One who let her live.

And then the condemnation
For a deed that brought You joy
Again You stood beside her.
You saw through all their ploy.

You knew her depth of feeling
You knew of her great love
You reaffirmed her value
In the Father's eyes above.

You told of how she offered
A gift so precious and true
And in Your coming trial -
The light to see You through.

You linked her to the gospel
A picture of Your grace
And all the world would hear it
And long to see Your face.

You assured her of salvation
Her faith continued to grow
The peace that you extended
She wanted the world to know.

She became the first evangel
Of her resurrected Lord
And in Your home in heaven
Is laid up her reward.

And so today I linger
As I contemplate Your love
I know that You extend to me
The same grace from above.

I ask Your finger burn through flesh
And write upon my heart
The everlasting covenant
Your law upon my heart.

You've written twice on blocks of stone -
Upon Belshazzar's wall
But now, today, I ask you please
Inscribe your loving call
Upon my life, my heart, my mind -
That I your grace may find.

Fill me with Your Spirit
Remind me that above
I have a great High Priest who stands
Before the Father in love.

This is the greater promise of
Your covenant of grace
I can approach through Jesus Christ
You've already won the race!

My feeble efforts stand complete
For Christ has lived for me
His perfect life is mine today
It is His life, You see.

My past is all forgiven
Washed clean in Jesus' blood
My future's held within His power -
The Holy Spirit's flood

And so a better covenant
Is given me, you see
It is not based on what I do
But what my Saviour did.

This law engraved within me -
New attitudes and thoughts -
Are given me by God on high
For my redemption's bought.

Dear Lord, I now ask Your forgiveness and grace
I want to be conscious of the smile of Your face.
I want to take hold of Your hand and then stay
Close by You forever, my Saviour - I pray.

Lord, make me a person who is holy and good.
May I look for Your coming and work like I should
To speed its fulfilment - I long for the day
When this earth will be mended and with You I can stay.
So help me to be, by the power of your Word,
Spotless and blameless - a friend of my Lord.
May I never forget Your patience with me
So may I extend it to all that I see.

May I share Your salvation - that others may know
Of the God who is Saviour - You want them to know.
May I study the Bible and understand well
The message of love and to others I'll tell.

May I be on my guard against those who despise
The holy and righteous, the pure and the wise.
May I hold tight to Jesus, so that I will not fall
For I know that I'm safe when I answer Your call.
So help me to grow in Your grace and Your will
May my knowledge of You make me wiser until
My life is a carol of praise to my King
And the arches of Heaven will with my praise ring.

Dear child, you lived a prisoner of sin
The odds stacked against in the battle with sin.
You knew not the Saviour; in rebellion you lived
Deceived and ensnared by the master of sin.
"No love"- the motto, Satan brought to the fray
So hatred and malice and envy held sway.

But I want you to know that in Heaven above
Lives the Father of all - the Saviour of love.
A plan was devised so that hope would be given
If man should rebel - Christ's side would be riven,
And the blood Jesus shed would always atone
For the life of the sinner who yielded his own
Into the hand of the Saviour, off'ring mercy and grace
Forgiveness and power that you might see His face.

With the plan came redemption - the life of the Son
The sacrifice made - the battle was won.
So the odds now stand in your favour, you see.
The devil's defeated by Christ's death on the tree.
Your life can be cleansed from the ravage of sin
Just ask your dear Saviour to come live within.

Then the Spirit will come with power from above
To change and renew you and fill you with love.
Your life will be free from enslavery to sin
His pow'r bringing vict'ry - for Christ is your kin.
For you are adopted - you're a daughter or son
He will not forsake you - He always will come
To lift you and guide you, whenever you call
And urge you to follow and give Him your all.

So trusting in God you can have victory
You can live for the Saviour and from sin be set free.
So praise Him today for this wonderful plan
And surrender your life into His mighty hand.

It is Sabbath up in heaven -
The angelic choirs meet
Around the throne of God above
To worship at His feet.

Here on earth, we also gather
To bring our praise and love:
To enter in by means of faith
To the worship held above

So picture please, through eyes of faith
The Saviour seated there,
The Father and the Spirit are
United in their care.

Before them the whole universe
Will offer up their praise;
And our small place of worship
Is a part of that great praise.

The angels hush, all voices still
As our part in worship starts.
Our aim - the heart of God to thrill
As we offer Him our hearts.

My daughter,
I want to live within you
And fill you with My love
I offer grace and mercy -
Forgiveness from above.

But you must surrender to Me -
Accept the gifts I bring:
I offer peace and cleansing
And an inner joy to sing.

I'll fill your life and working
With the presence of My Son
And through the Holy Spirit
I'll infuse your life with love.

I'll wrap My arms around you
I'll carry you - you see -
To ease the bumps and bruises
That the devil has for thee.

He will not harm you, daughter
I'll protect you with My love
If you will just surrender
To my heart of yearning love.

I'll take the things you cherish -
Your family and your friends:
I'll draw them in My mercy
I'll woo them with My love.

You'll never be without Me.
Just place your hand in Mine.
And all of My great riches
Will actually be thine.

I'll fill your life and over flow
To others on life's way
They cannot help but see Me
As they meet you day by day.

For I'll be living in you
You're My temple - don't you see -
A living illustration
Of the character of Me.

This message comes with wishes
For a bright and happy year
For great new opportunities,
For memories to hold dear.

We thank you for your friendship
Throughout the years now past
Your lives have touched with ours
Leaving memories that still last.

We wish you each God's watchcare
In everything you do
We pray that through the days ahead
You'll sense His love for you.

Another day, Lord - I need Your grace
To face what lies ahead.
I do not know the path I take
But put my trust in You instead.
I cannot tell what trials may come -
I do not know the way.
But you have promised to always be
My Friend, my Guide, my Stay.

So take my hand - I reach out to You.
You know the way ahead.
You see the heartaches, toil and tears
You know the pain, the trials, and fears.
So take them all and add Your grace
That in Your strength - all will be faced.
Prepare for me the joy and love -
The peace that comes from You above.

Fill me now and may I know
The trials, Lord, will help me grow.
For in Your power I'll meet the test,
I'll trust in You and will be blessed.

Forgive my wayward wanderings -
My pride and self-sufficiency.
Cleanse and wash me thoroughly
And may Your love shine out through me:
So those I meet, throughout this day,
May pause, and know You passed their way.

I am not worthy of Your grace
But through Your mercy, I seek Your face.
I know that I can boldly plead -
I know You'll bless, and save and heed.
Be my Protector and my Shield
That to temptation I'll not yield.

Please, round about my family place
A hedge of strength - that in this race
From evil they will be preserved
And not complain, or doubt, or swerve,
But trust in You -
And humbly serve.

Fill them anew today with Christ
And may they live for You aright.
Ease their problems - take their loads
And may they know, they walk their roads
With You as Saviour, Guide and Friend
Until the time this world shall end.

And then may all of us arise
And meet You, Lord, in blazing skies.
Take us then, to live with You
Delighting in all things made new.

It's just that time of year again
When memories flood back in -
Pausing for a moment of time
To treasure kith and kin.
So as the season comes your way
We want that you may know
That while you may be far away
In summer heat or snow -
We think of you and ponder much
Of all the memories sweet
And while we may not see your face
We wish that we could meet.
So as our hearts go out to you,
Accept our wishes true
And celebrate the Son of God
Who will make all things new!
Look forward to that happy day
When parting will be done
And we will all together be
United 'round the Son!

Please make my life, a life of prayer,
That others observing may see You there.
May healing flow from You within
Touching lives that are ravaged by sin.
Bring sight to those who cannot see
The way You've prepared to eternity.
Give strength to those whose limbs are weak
For others now may they gladly seek.
Give me compassion for the children dear
May Your love speak and draw them near.
May I speak only kindly words
To lift them up - let praise be heard!
May others in contact with this temple of Thine
Behold their Saviour and their life resign.
To give to You their lives as well
The Holy Spirit in them to dwell.
This is my prayer both day and night.
May my words and acts bring You delight.

What is Christmas all about?
Is it shopping malls where children shout,
"There's Santa, Mum! Can I go now
To sit with him? Will you allow?'
Or is there some far greater thing
That we celebrate and sing?

There was a night some years ago
A tiny Babe was born, and so
His mother laid Him down to sleep
In a cattle stall amidst the sheep.
He was no ordinary lad!
Oh, earth rejoice! All men be glad!
He was the very King of Heaven
Who came as Saviour - all praise be given!

He grew and lived upon this earth
He felt our pain, He knew our worth.
He sacrificed His life for me
That day He died on Calvary's tree!
He rose again on Sunday morn
That you and I may be "reborn!"

He's coming back! 'Twill not be long
To gather all that to Him belong.
We'll see at last that face so kind
With earth made new - true joy we'll find.

And so this Christmas day, my friends,
Let's celebrate what Heaven sends
Believe in Christ and freedom find
From sin and death that plagues mankind.
Let's give to Jesus - Saviour, Lord
Our lives and hearts - and Him adore!

Do you wish to feast with Jesus?
He invites you - "Dine with Me!"
Do you long to sense His presence?
He'll not leave you - don't you see?
Just tune your heart to hear Him:
Look into His face:
Lay aside your cares and sorrows:
Slow your hurried pace.

Accept His invitation,
Hear His gentle call,
Sit down and rest and listen
He gave for you - His all.

Hark! Now you hear Him speaking -
"Dear children, Look and see
How much I truly love you
I died on Calvary...
I long to sit beside you
To share the meal with you
I cannot help but love you
For you belong to Me.

I made you and redeemed you
My death has set you free
My power is now awaiting
It's yours through Calvary.

Just open up your heart's door
Invite Me to come in
The Spirit's flood will fill you
Cleansing you from sin.

You'll find a new awakening,
The power to turn from sin
For the fullness of the Godhead
Indwells you from within.

So enjoy the conversation
As you eat and dine with friends
Remembering that the Saviour
This invitation sends.

Behold, I stand at the door a-knocking
Please, listen as I call
Turn the knob and answer
Open wide your door.
I promise I will enter
I'll sit down to dine with you
And we'll have a celebration
With eternity in view."

He’s asleep now€
The memories flood o’er me -

• The knee horsey rides on Port Pirie Station
• The swings that were hung in the yards as we moved on.
• The shoes lying blackened on each Friday eve
• The pet homes he built for the rodents to please.
• The small cup and saucer brought home for one girl
• The letters that came with small capitals.
• The fret saw and shoe repairs out in the shed
• The stories read as we went off to bed.
• Playing Chook Chook and Rummy, it’s the fun - not the win!
• Of gardening too what plants to put in.
• The times in the night when he prayed through my fears
• The times that he hugged me and wiped away tears.
• Long trips in the car counting up Holdens
• Throwing out leaflets wrapped as gift bon-bons.
• Of times when away Had I forgotten his face?
• But then he’d come home and we would embrace.
• The times away camping Porpunkah and more
• Camporee places for youth to explore.
• Pretence of sleep so he’d carry me to bed
• When we came home at night after all had been said.
• His laughter, his humour, the times of fun
• The reproofs as needed when wrong had been done.

These are the pictures that run through my head.
But a far greater picture is painted instead
In the depths of my soul now part of my life.
It’s a vision of love, forgiveness and worth.
Acceptance by heaven - not based on my works
For he modelled the Father - so tender and kind
Justice and mercy so beautifully twined.
Integrity, truthfulness, loyalty too
Promptness and diligence in all that you do.
He taught me of Jesus and the Father divine
Who takes me and makes me His own dear child
Who hushes my fears, protects me from sin
Accepts me and loves me - just as I am!
Who takes pride in His child and tells me my worth
Is of infinite value so act in that way
For I’m a child of the king don’t give cause for dismay.
He told me of Power that comes from above
To make life worth living a picture of love.
Yes, these things he instilled, but more, modelled for me
A picture worth painting a life work to be.
So I’m thankful today for the life of this man
Who I’m proud to say€ “This was my Dad.”