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.
Wednesday, 11 April 2007
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!
Sunday, 11 March 2007
The Spectacular vs the Mundane. Which is God in?
I haven't written in this thing for a while. So sorry. Although I have to admit that I'm not sure how many people are reading this thing? I've heard a few comments which have been great BUT none on the Blog! oh well...I'm off topic already. One of those things I guess.
what I wanted to write about. Yes get to that Ben! Anywho...I was totally hit today about the way that our society is really obsessed with the Spectacular, and they assume that GOD is involved with it.
We've been looking at church at 2 Corinthians and our pastor was explaining how this view of the "God is in the spectacular and NOT the mundane", is really unhelpful. This was the mistake of the Corinthians. But God is involved in the mundane. He uses the mundane to show His power. Take for example words. The speaking of the Gospel, looks like an unimpressive activity, in the worlds eyes, but Paul says the words of the Gospel, have the power to break down strongholds, and take captive every thought for Christ (see 2 Cor 10: 3-6). The gospel is God's power to destroy any argument which sets itself up against God, to reject God. As I reflect on that, that just encourages me. I sometimes feel so weak, and down. I can fell so overwhelmed with doing ministry. And yet, all I need to be doing is telling the gospel, because God is the one who works powerfully taking my unimpressive words, and doing a mighty work of drawing someone to himself. How good is the living God!
I was also encouraged by the way our pastor gently critiqued something which may be popular, and people think that God is in ... a ministry on TV (in the wee early hours). It was a helpful critic based on corrected how we as the church have bought into the notion that the spectacular things show the power of God. The spectacular wasn't discounted, but put into the context of God's power is in the gospel, and God is in the mundane things, the unimpressive things. Any way...should go.
what I wanted to write about. Yes get to that Ben! Anywho...I was totally hit today about the way that our society is really obsessed with the Spectacular, and they assume that GOD is involved with it.
We've been looking at church at 2 Corinthians and our pastor was explaining how this view of the "God is in the spectacular and NOT the mundane", is really unhelpful. This was the mistake of the Corinthians. But God is involved in the mundane. He uses the mundane to show His power. Take for example words. The speaking of the Gospel, looks like an unimpressive activity, in the worlds eyes, but Paul says the words of the Gospel, have the power to break down strongholds, and take captive every thought for Christ (see 2 Cor 10: 3-6). The gospel is God's power to destroy any argument which sets itself up against God, to reject God. As I reflect on that, that just encourages me. I sometimes feel so weak, and down. I can fell so overwhelmed with doing ministry. And yet, all I need to be doing is telling the gospel, because God is the one who works powerfully taking my unimpressive words, and doing a mighty work of drawing someone to himself. How good is the living God!
I was also encouraged by the way our pastor gently critiqued something which may be popular, and people think that God is in ... a ministry on TV (in the wee early hours). It was a helpful critic based on corrected how we as the church have bought into the notion that the spectacular things show the power of God. The spectacular wasn't discounted, but put into the context of God's power is in the gospel, and God is in the mundane things, the unimpressive things. Any way...should go.
Thursday, 22 February 2007
Too much coffee and my head hurts!
I'm so bushed! I can't believe how tired I am. Today has just been one of those days. And I've had so much coffee I'm surprised that I'm not bouncing off the walls! I'm almost there, but not quite.
It started with a visit, and I had a fantastic opportunity to explain the gospel to people. I spent like an hour a bit talking about Jesus with these people in their home. They were really listening, and I think they got it. It was a real learning experience for me, as these people were from a different culture to me, and so I had to really think about how to keep it simple. So praise God. I felt that I was fumbling through a bit. But I pray that they take it in. I'm organising some books for them to read as follow up (and I had a cup of coffee with them).
Then I got home, made some calls and went on another visit. This was to welcome some new people to our church. A great thing to be doing, and God willing some these people will feel more connected into NLEC.
But the absolute killer was meeting with the guy who heads up the Youth Ministry at CCEC - Dave Miers . I'm so thankful to God for godly people like Dave, who are extremely gifted by God, and passionate about ministry. My head hurt after chatting with him, (I think it was accumulative today, the constant chatting). The reason for getting together was NLEC (my Church) is at the stage of thinking through starting a ministry for youth (God willing). Dave is experienced in this area, and his enthusiasm is infectious! It was a good time catching up and chatting about youth ministry. I'm really pumped...May God grow his kingdom through this endeavour! We chatted non stop for 2 1/2 hours. And I had more coffee (Thanks Dave!). In fact I've found it really hard not to switch off tonight, that's how wired I am.
Then Robyn and I went out for dinner. It was good to Robyn to get out of the house, and see some different scenery (even if it was westfield at Tuggarah). The meal was good too - (Coffee club is awesome, great food and I have to say excellent coffee...yeah, I had another one there too!)
Coffee is sooooo good! But I bet I pay for it tonight.
It started with a visit, and I had a fantastic opportunity to explain the gospel to people. I spent like an hour a bit talking about Jesus with these people in their home. They were really listening, and I think they got it. It was a real learning experience for me, as these people were from a different culture to me, and so I had to really think about how to keep it simple. So praise God. I felt that I was fumbling through a bit. But I pray that they take it in. I'm organising some books for them to read as follow up (and I had a cup of coffee with them).
Then I got home, made some calls and went on another visit. This was to welcome some new people to our church. A great thing to be doing, and God willing some these people will feel more connected into NLEC.
But the absolute killer was meeting with the guy who heads up the Youth Ministry at CCEC - Dave Miers . I'm so thankful to God for godly people like Dave, who are extremely gifted by God, and passionate about ministry. My head hurt after chatting with him, (I think it was accumulative today, the constant chatting). The reason for getting together was NLEC (my Church) is at the stage of thinking through starting a ministry for youth (God willing). Dave is experienced in this area, and his enthusiasm is infectious! It was a good time catching up and chatting about youth ministry. I'm really pumped...May God grow his kingdom through this endeavour! We chatted non stop for 2 1/2 hours. And I had more coffee (Thanks Dave!). In fact I've found it really hard not to switch off tonight, that's how wired I am.
Then Robyn and I went out for dinner. It was good to Robyn to get out of the house, and see some different scenery (even if it was westfield at Tuggarah). The meal was good too - (Coffee club is awesome, great food and I have to say excellent coffee...yeah, I had another one there too!)
Coffee is sooooo good! But I bet I pay for it tonight.
Wednesday, 7 February 2007
A what kind of sorrow?
Last night was a real joy for me. It was our second week in growth groups (that's what we call our bible study groups at NLEC), and we were looking at 2 Corinthians 7:2-16. The Big Idea was ... godly sorrow leads to repentance.
It was a positive night as people were grappling with the word of God, in order to change. And it was a passage about change! Godly sorrow is a good thing, as it leads us to repentance - A U turn in the direction we are living our lives, to turn from living our own way, to live God's way. Sorrow and grief, can have a positive result. It's not like worldly sorrow, that just leaves you feeling sorry for yourself, with no change at all, or sorry because you got caught out! But it leads to real change. I was encourage to see how the Corinthians responded to the rebuke from Paul. They repented. They changed.
And our group really wanted to come to terms with this. It was a great gift of God, to see people longing to understand the Scriptures, and work out how it applies. I came home buzzing. I'm usually down on myself for how I lead the study. But this time was different. And I was in pain was well with an infected gum, around a wisdom tooth.
Now, I've been thinking about this concept of godly sorrow this week in my own life. I though what area's of my life have I been sorry (in the worldly sense), or has my sorrow been a godly sorrow? The real test of what kind of sorrow I have, is "Has it brought about change?", " Have I repented?"
May God continue to rebuke me through his Word. May I always have ears to hear, and be prepared to have godly sorrow in my life because it leads me to repentance.
It was a positive night as people were grappling with the word of God, in order to change. And it was a passage about change! Godly sorrow is a good thing, as it leads us to repentance - A U turn in the direction we are living our lives, to turn from living our own way, to live God's way. Sorrow and grief, can have a positive result. It's not like worldly sorrow, that just leaves you feeling sorry for yourself, with no change at all, or sorry because you got caught out! But it leads to real change. I was encourage to see how the Corinthians responded to the rebuke from Paul. They repented. They changed.
And our group really wanted to come to terms with this. It was a great gift of God, to see people longing to understand the Scriptures, and work out how it applies. I came home buzzing. I'm usually down on myself for how I lead the study. But this time was different. And I was in pain was well with an infected gum, around a wisdom tooth.
Now, I've been thinking about this concept of godly sorrow this week in my own life. I though what area's of my life have I been sorry (in the worldly sense), or has my sorrow been a godly sorrow? The real test of what kind of sorrow I have, is "Has it brought about change?", " Have I repented?"
May God continue to rebuke me through his Word. May I always have ears to hear, and be prepared to have godly sorrow in my life because it leads me to repentance.
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