Tomorrow I'm preaching in my church - Northern Lakes Evangelical Church. I'm really looking forward to it, but at the same time I'm daunted as well!
What a privilege I have in being able to expound the word of God, to those at my church. But it is God's word that I'm expounding.
I've been feeling sometimes overwhelmed with inadequacy for the task, but them I remember who is? My words alone can't do anything! It is God's living active word which brings people from death to life. It's God's living and active word that builds Christ's Church! It's God's living and active word that cuts to the very heart and soul, exposing our sin!
Oh some friends have just arrived.
Going for a walk to the beach.
Bye!
Saturday 28 April 2007
Sunday 22 April 2007
Thinking on the Cross.
When I think upon the cross,
on which the king of glory died,
I weep the tears of sadness,
for all my selfish pride.
I, in my human nature,
rose up against the King,
I rebelled and rejected
the only blessed Him.
The meek and humble Christ,
upon himself did carry,
all my guilt and shame,
to make me part of his glorious Bride,
that to which he'll marry.
Others who may look
on this cross of Christ,
might think it as folly.
How can it indeed be right?
But through this glorious cross,
in the shedding of his blood,
did the great king of all,
indeed purchase us.
At great cost to himself,
was his will to save,
us mere human creatures,
we who are depraved.
He is our substitute,
this great and glorious king.
He is our propitiation,
turning wrath from me.
But now in this saving death,
is the victory given.
I'm taken from the grasp of Satan
and all his dodgy minions.
I fear no longer the fires of hell,
No eternal punishment for me.
I'm free to declare His praises,
and sing only of J. C.
I'm heaven bound,
that is for sure,
purchased by pure blood.
I'll sing his praise,
as one redeemed,
and tell of what He's done.
Think on the cross,
my fellow saints.
Think of the glories given.
Meditate on the crucified Christ,
and shriek not from Christian living.
Ben Waters April 2007
Wednesday 18 April 2007
Introducing Mr Moo!
I just have to post this picture. This is Weaselby (otherwise known as Mister Moo!). He's alot of fun. As you may be able to tell.
We've had him for a while now, and he is currently recovering from a chest infection. Not nice for a wee little pig!
Absolutely hates the vet...Hmmm...don't blame him with those big needles!
Wednesday 11 April 2007
This made me laugh.
Just on the updated news on Robyn, where better to go than her Blog! But I have to place this quote from her blog. It made me laugh when I read it.
"I'm off my Morphine Patches, daily doing physio exercises, trying to go for longish walks 3 times a week, aiming to swim twice weekly, trying to sit up in church, wearing a pedometer daily, and keeping a record of my activity (including how long I sit for) in an exercise journal......Does this mean I'm getting better?......Does it mean I'm on "The Biggest Loser"?.......No to both, although I would have a fair chance of winning the show at 53kg being approx 175cm....hmmm I need to get back the weight I lost huh? "
Read the rest of it at www.shadowgrace.blogspot.com
Bye for now.
"I'm off my Morphine Patches, daily doing physio exercises, trying to go for longish walks 3 times a week, aiming to swim twice weekly, trying to sit up in church, wearing a pedometer daily, and keeping a record of my activity (including how long I sit for) in an exercise journal......Does this mean I'm getting better?......Does it mean I'm on "The Biggest Loser"?.......No to both, although I would have a fair chance of winning the show at 53kg being approx 175cm....hmmm I need to get back the weight I lost huh? "
Read the rest of it at www.shadowgrace.blogspot.com
Bye for now.
Tuesday 3 April 2007
Tomorrow is the big day.
Well here it comes tomorrow. The big day. It's the day that Robyn and I have been waiting for for months now. The day we go to work out if Robyn will have surgery again. (Not what you expected huh?)
We've been waiting for what seems like a life time for this next appointment, and yet it's here. So Robyn and I will be going to Nepean Hospital in Penrith (a bit of a hike), to wait for a while in a outpatients clinic for the big call.
This has been consuming my prayer life recently, and even as I type this post, I'm praying that the surgeon would have wisdom, and if Robyn is to have surgery again (this will be the third time on her back since she was 16) that it would happen relatively soon. I pray that she doesn't have to wait long. But I'm also praying that it would indeed work out. For all we know, things could go horribly wrong. Yet I know that we are in the hands of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, God. We know that he loves us, and no matter what we go through nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31-39). I also know that this sovereign Lord of all, is working out all things for our good (Romans 8:28-29). It's hard to see that sometimes. And that is why I continually need the reminders of these great truths as I search and meditate on the Scriptures.
I don't know how Robyn and I would cope with all that we've gone through and continue to go through if we were not Christians? It is only by His grace, that we continue to move forward. By His grace to we depend on Him. His grace is indeed sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May God continue to sustain us by his grace, knowing that his is working all things for our good, so that in everything He might receive the Glory.
We've been waiting for what seems like a life time for this next appointment, and yet it's here. So Robyn and I will be going to Nepean Hospital in Penrith (a bit of a hike), to wait for a while in a outpatients clinic for the big call.
This has been consuming my prayer life recently, and even as I type this post, I'm praying that the surgeon would have wisdom, and if Robyn is to have surgery again (this will be the third time on her back since she was 16) that it would happen relatively soon. I pray that she doesn't have to wait long. But I'm also praying that it would indeed work out. For all we know, things could go horribly wrong. Yet I know that we are in the hands of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, God. We know that he loves us, and no matter what we go through nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31-39). I also know that this sovereign Lord of all, is working out all things for our good (Romans 8:28-29). It's hard to see that sometimes. And that is why I continually need the reminders of these great truths as I search and meditate on the Scriptures.
I don't know how Robyn and I would cope with all that we've gone through and continue to go through if we were not Christians? It is only by His grace, that we continue to move forward. By His grace to we depend on Him. His grace is indeed sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May God continue to sustain us by his grace, knowing that his is working all things for our good, so that in everything He might receive the Glory.
Sunday 1 April 2007
Where is my treasure?
In whom is my treasure
the things I delight,
the things that I think of
both day and night?
Is it vain things,
whose glory will fail?
Things that won't last
or ever prevail.
Things such as money,
my master its often,
or the lies of beauty and youth
as we grow old they don't soften.
Is it I'd climb
the ladders that be,
to the top of my company,
in intellect you see?
Oh, that Id' realise,
what foolishness is said,
to follow things things
and treasure instead,
the things that are futile,
and never prevail,
and in giving true satisfaction,
will always fail.
Oh, that I'd realise,
and flee from my friend,
that which would and should not
be my treasure instead.
Oh, that I'd ponder forever,
the wonders of him,
the one that was beaten and crushed
to show grace that would never dim.
He is the one
who dies in my stead.
May thoughts of him
never leave my head.
He is the mediator
between God and man,
the one that died,
nails driven in his hands.
He did not stay dead,
this mediator Christ,
He has indeed risen
and gives us new life.
We who love him,
have had our eyes open you see,
to behold his glory,
both you and me.
To us has been given,
the hope of eternal blessedness,
purchased through
the blood of righteousness.
Thus, flee from the things
that take you away.
Care not for things
that lead you astray.
Cling to Christ,
the crucified lamb.
For there's none that can satisfy
except the great I AM.
Delight in him only,
the Saviour who won
To have joy eternally,
in the mighty one.
Treasure this Christ,
who poured out His blood.
Treasure him only,
for he is our one,
our treasure only,
our delight you see,
He is our treasure, and only He.
The question I started,
to wonder with thee,
was where is my treasure
and where should it be?
The answer my friend,
I pray you will see,
is only in Christ,
and naught in me.
By Ben Waters March 2007.
the things I delight,
the things that I think of
both day and night?
Is it vain things,
whose glory will fail?
Things that won't last
or ever prevail.
Things such as money,
my master its often,
or the lies of beauty and youth
as we grow old they don't soften.
Is it I'd climb
the ladders that be,
to the top of my company,
in intellect you see?
Oh, that Id' realise,
what foolishness is said,
to follow things things
and treasure instead,
the things that are futile,
and never prevail,
and in giving true satisfaction,
will always fail.
Oh, that I'd realise,
and flee from my friend,
that which would and should not
be my treasure instead.
Oh, that I'd ponder forever,
the wonders of him,
the one that was beaten and crushed
to show grace that would never dim.
He is the one
who dies in my stead.
May thoughts of him
never leave my head.
He is the mediator
between God and man,
the one that died,
nails driven in his hands.
He did not stay dead,
this mediator Christ,
He has indeed risen
and gives us new life.
We who love him,
have had our eyes open you see,
to behold his glory,
both you and me.
To us has been given,
the hope of eternal blessedness,
purchased through
the blood of righteousness.
Thus, flee from the things
that take you away.
Care not for things
that lead you astray.
Cling to Christ,
the crucified lamb.
For there's none that can satisfy
except the great I AM.
Delight in him only,
the Saviour who won
To have joy eternally,
in the mighty one.
Treasure this Christ,
who poured out His blood.
Treasure him only,
for he is our one,
our treasure only,
our delight you see,
He is our treasure, and only He.
The question I started,
to wonder with thee,
was where is my treasure
and where should it be?
The answer my friend,
I pray you will see,
is only in Christ,
and naught in me.
By Ben Waters March 2007.
I'm Back!
Well, I'm back. Robyn and I have just a great, actually fantastic 2 weeks away on holidays. We are really thankful to God for the refreshment we have received.
Our holiday was at Avoca beach. We learned from last holidays, that a trip tot eh south coast just wasn't practical for my dear wife. This trip was only 45 minutes, not 8+hours!!!! So off the bat, we started well. It was so nice when we finally arrived to our destination, that, thanks be to God, I was able to switch off almost instantly. It was also a great blessing to be able to take our pets to the place we were staying. That was huge for Robyn.
So what did we get up to on our holidays? Not much. That was the whole idea! We slept, read, ate great healthy food (which for us take out kings was excellent!), and did i mention sleep? Robyn still had to sleep a fair bit, but this time is was OK for me. We were still able to hang out and reconnect in such a positive way. It's always refreshing for me to be able to hang out with my dear wife. I love her some much, she brings me such great joy.
It was also great for Robyn and I to get into the bible together. Not that we don't do that when we are not on holidays, but it was just good. We are going through the letter of James at the moment, using the book "Vital signs" by John Dickson and Simon Smart. Gold!
I was also able to finish some books that I wanted to read. I was able to finish Mortification of Sin, by John Owen, which was a good reminder to keep battling sin, to put it to death. Also John Piper's book, "God is the Gospel". This was fantastic. I love the passion for God that comes out in his meditations on such a great theme. His central point was,
that the ultimate good of the gospel, what makes it good news, is not the gifts of God that come through the gospel, salvation, sanctification, justification, even to be in Glory, but that he Himself is what makes the gospel good. It is the gift of Himself for our delight and joy that makes the gospel good news. It was very compelling, and a pleasure to read. I'm a big fan of Piper. He is one of my theological hero's.
I also picked up another John Owen book, "The Glory of Christ". There is something in the way the Puritans wrote that seems to evoke my affections for God. I long to delight in Him, for him to be my satisfaction and treasure. This book is being a great help to me, in meditating on Christ, to think often of him, and to treasure only him. Actually after reading many parts of this book, it created in me a desire to express those thoughts in the writing of poems. Now, this not usually my thing, but it seemed to come quite easily. In fact, I couldn't sleep, as my mind was bombarded with thoughts and ideas to the point that Robyn fell asleep before I did. I plan to post these on this blog.
Not that I only read, Robyn and I had some great small day trips, (something you're thankful for when your wife isn't always able to get out). We went to church together at CCEC, which was a tremendous blessing for both of us. It was great to be again reminded of the sure hope we have as Christians, and to live with the long view in mind (A sermon on Revelation 21 by Rhett Harris). It again put our present sufferings in perspective. How excellent is our God!
And of Course, what Waters' holiday would be complete without drinking coffee. It was just bliss. But with all that said, I'm glad to be home. It just sucks that whenever I really relax, and come down, so to speak, I get sick!
Our holiday was at Avoca beach. We learned from last holidays, that a trip tot eh south coast just wasn't practical for my dear wife. This trip was only 45 minutes, not 8+hours!!!! So off the bat, we started well. It was so nice when we finally arrived to our destination, that, thanks be to God, I was able to switch off almost instantly. It was also a great blessing to be able to take our pets to the place we were staying. That was huge for Robyn.
So what did we get up to on our holidays? Not much. That was the whole idea! We slept, read, ate great healthy food (which for us take out kings was excellent!), and did i mention sleep? Robyn still had to sleep a fair bit, but this time is was OK for me. We were still able to hang out and reconnect in such a positive way. It's always refreshing for me to be able to hang out with my dear wife. I love her some much, she brings me such great joy.
It was also great for Robyn and I to get into the bible together. Not that we don't do that when we are not on holidays, but it was just good. We are going through the letter of James at the moment, using the book "Vital signs" by John Dickson and Simon Smart. Gold!
I was also able to finish some books that I wanted to read. I was able to finish Mortification of Sin, by John Owen, which was a good reminder to keep battling sin, to put it to death. Also John Piper's book, "God is the Gospel". This was fantastic. I love the passion for God that comes out in his meditations on such a great theme. His central point was,
that the ultimate good of the gospel, what makes it good news, is not the gifts of God that come through the gospel, salvation, sanctification, justification, even to be in Glory, but that he Himself is what makes the gospel good. It is the gift of Himself for our delight and joy that makes the gospel good news. It was very compelling, and a pleasure to read. I'm a big fan of Piper. He is one of my theological hero's.
I also picked up another John Owen book, "The Glory of Christ". There is something in the way the Puritans wrote that seems to evoke my affections for God. I long to delight in Him, for him to be my satisfaction and treasure. This book is being a great help to me, in meditating on Christ, to think often of him, and to treasure only him. Actually after reading many parts of this book, it created in me a desire to express those thoughts in the writing of poems. Now, this not usually my thing, but it seemed to come quite easily. In fact, I couldn't sleep, as my mind was bombarded with thoughts and ideas to the point that Robyn fell asleep before I did. I plan to post these on this blog.
Not that I only read, Robyn and I had some great small day trips, (something you're thankful for when your wife isn't always able to get out). We went to church together at CCEC, which was a tremendous blessing for both of us. It was great to be again reminded of the sure hope we have as Christians, and to live with the long view in mind (A sermon on Revelation 21 by Rhett Harris). It again put our present sufferings in perspective. How excellent is our God!
And of Course, what Waters' holiday would be complete without drinking coffee. It was just bliss. But with all that said, I'm glad to be home. It just sucks that whenever I really relax, and come down, so to speak, I get sick!
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