Rugby and 'Rain shelters'

As I told you all in my last entry I was heading down to Melbourne for the World Cup game between New Zealand and Canada. It was a great weekend, great to get away, with little pressure on my time for two days..

The game itself was a great spectacle. My seat was on the halfway line, in the third tier of the stand. I enjoyed seeing the teams run onto the field… maybe my heart really is in New Zealand, because a chill really did run down my spine, as the New Zealand National Anthem was sung, and also the song Pokarekere Ana, (sung by Hayley Westenra).

The Canadian’s played really well, but the result was pretty much as predicted – New Zealand winning 68-6.

I had a really lazy Saturday, it was nice to enjoy the sun, and sit on the banks of the Yarra, watching the rowing crews going through their strokes.

But with the rugby there has come some guilt. To go to the New Zealand v Canada game, I missed Bible Study, and (if, when) I go to the New Zealand v Wales game I will also be missing church. (Going to church in the morning, as I am going to do, is not really the same).

It’s quite a hard one really, because I don’t really want to miss church, and when I bought the tickets I was not sure that it was a Sunday. I know the ‘heretic’ comment is a joke, and a joke in part I’ve taken on, but it is painful … painful because I don’t know that there is anything wrong with it and also because I also feel there is an element of truth in it.

But what’s everyone’s line of thought here? – I am not looking for justification, if rebuke is appropriate, then even if my ears don’t really want to hear, they need to hear it.

I know that the church is not the rain-shelter, but the people, having said that it’s still a break of fellowship, a break from fellowship, and fellowship is important, to deny fellowship with them is to keep the gifts that God has given me (the gift of faith, of hope and of love, expressed through service), to myself.

ABs

Today, I am heading down to Melbourne to watch the New Zealand All Blacks play Canada. While its true that Canada would have to do a Bradbury to win... It still should be a great spectacle.

It's also pretty amazing to read the Umaga, may be fit for the Quarter Finals. (most likely versus South Africa, or England).

The biggest game to date will be England v South Africa, to be played 10pm Satruday night AEST. This will pretty much determine if New Zealand plays England or South Africa in the quarters.

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In bible study last week we looked through Zephaniah 3. It has really struck me as I read Zephaniah how when the Bible speaks of God's judgement, it is tied into his love.

In showing wrath, God displays his love and mercy. This chapter also has what are my favourite verses (Zeph 3:17) (Ever since Karen showed it to me; thanks Karen!)

And, I want to post here the words of a Rebecca St. James song (incidently Karen also introduced me to her music), written from these verses.

Quiet You With My Love

Come to me, all who are weary
And I will give you rest
Come to me, all who are weary
And I will give you rest
Lay your head down
On my shoulders
Be Still My Child
rest a while.

I'll Quiet you with my Love
Rejoice over you with my song
I'll Quiet you with my Love
Rejoice over you with my song

Come to me all who are weary
And take My yoke upon you
Come to me all who are weary
My burden is easy and light
Lay your head down
On my shoulders
Be Still My Child
rest a while.

*Written by Rebeccc St. James and Matt Bronleewe
(c) 2002 Up In The Mix Music (BMI)

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The other news I have is that tomorrow morning, my sister is flying out of the country. She will be spending a year or thereabouts overseas, in the UK, and firstly Japan. Wishing you all the best for your trip, and praying that you'll stay safe. Take care LJ.

Legacy

I have really been struck by Nichole Nordeman's song Legacy ....

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I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

(by Nichole Nordeman 2002 Ariose Music)

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20 Nations, 6 Weeks, 1 Winner ..... (380)

Well, the circus has come to town... The Rugby World Cup has started... For the next six weeks, Australia will be wrapped up in the World Cup.

But before I go on about that - Friday afternoon the sporting record books re-written. Australia played Zimbabwe in the First Cricket Test, and on the Second Day the Australian opening batsmen, Matthew Hayden made history with the highest indivdual score ever recorded. Hayden finished on 380.

He started the day 183*, and in the following two sessions added 197 more runs, in the process passed Don Bradman and Mark Taylor's mark of 334, then Lara's mark at 375. It was an amazing innings. As was the Australian teams. Australia made 730, in less than 6 sessions. (And lost in Hayden's innings was Adam Gilchrist, who scored 113, off about 100 balls.

The Australian Cricket team are a truly amazing (with a keen sense of spirit, and history).

And the World Cup; well tonight all of the favourites would have played. It will be interesting seeing how England go agaist Georgia ... as its a game they should win easily, but these games are never easy to mentally prepare for.

Australia were rusty, but Larkham, and David Lyons had great games, Sailor and Rogers were also impressive.

The All Blacks were also impressive. The first half and bits of the second were rusty as well, and time will tell how much of an impact the injuries will have. Ma'a Nonu was a revlation. Carter was also brilliant. I have to admit, that we need Carter kicking, not Spencer. Spencer may be a vital cog with has passing and running in the midfeild, Carter's better record with the boot means we will need him for the tight games.

Club 5

Over the long weekend I went to Club 5, which is a weekend, were people meet and think through the issues around Ministry – such as What it is?, and why we should all be doing it? This is the second year I have attended this conference, and I think that it is one of the more valuable conferences that I have attend.

On of the really great things about the conference is that you get to spend time with a mature Christian who has been involved in Christian (paid) ministry, and talk about your situation. The other really awesome thing is the chance to take the time to meet up with other people who are thinking through largely the same questions you are.

For me, I think I left the weekend with more questions than answers. I left with a lot to think about, which has been helpful. In terms of decision-making, I think that I am working towards starting MTS in 2005-2006. But I think that I need to pray, think, and talk through the decision a little more.

In the talks we looked at 1 Thessalonians with David Cook (The Principle of Sydney Missionary Bible College), and Phillip Jensen challenged us from 2 Corinthians 5. Through Thessalonians I was challenged about what it means to imitate and model Christ. The question that was on my heart through David's talk was are we getting fat on Gospel Ministry in Sydney. We do have so many opportunites in Sydney, but of those whom much is given, much is demanded.

One of the things that was mentioned during the weekend were SUS-Groups. Now I think these are a really great idea. A SUS Group basically means meeting with like-minded Christians who are concerned for world mission. Meeting with other Christians - finding out more about mission work in another country, or area, and praying for that country specifically. (And who knows, you may end up going to the country that you are SUS'ing out).

Lastly the conference reminded me that I need a correct understanding of Ministry. Ministry is laying down your cross and following Jesus, living with Jesus as LORD, bowing your knee and being Godly.

For some, this command means leaving paid work behind;
for some it means working in the job they are, living a Godly live, being active in church, and committed to mission;
for others it means jumping on a plane and leaving Australia behind and being a doctor, teacher or engineer on the mission field.

For all of us, it means living each day in the light of God’s word and the return of the King, which is a challenge!!