the Greatest song?

On the radio the other day, the annoucers were talking about "What is the greatest song ever written?" And I still can't seem to decide which song I think is the greatest song ever written...

Any other thoughts?

Isaiah 40

I had study group today for the OT paper I am doing through Carey. This week, we looked at Isaiah 40. I thought it sounded like a familiar passage, and upon reading it, realised that I had been quoted the last verse (v31: But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.) many times. Usually as a sort of encouragement, or when I am unsure about what to do next so am encouraged to 'wait on God', or when I've been tired after doing much 'ministry'. But having to read it and dig deeper into it today made me realise the full potential of that verse. It made me realise also, how we can diminish God by quoting verses like that out of its context.

What do I mean? Well, this passage (or prophecy) is written during the time of exile. In fact, this is the first passage in Isaiah written during the time of exile. So, in the beginning of the passage we have God reassuring his people that he is still there for them and hears their anguish of being conquered and taken away into a foreign land. And so the passage goes on to remind the readers (or hearers) about the glory, the grandeur, the majesty of God. That God really is bigger than all their troubles.

Back to that familiar verse (v31) again. Understanding the context of the passage has made the verse even more profound for me. Looking at it by itself, just tells me that if I wait on the Lord (whatever that means) all will be well again and God will make things right for me (emphasis mine because thats what I think it will end up being about - me, not God). But reading it in light of the exile, tells me that God exudes so much grace. The Israelites are in exile because of their own doing (or their ancestors doing). In many occasions, they have turned away from God and disobeyed God. In the end resulting in them beign carried away in exile. But still, God comes to them to reassure them that he still cares for them. God still comes to them to remind them that he is sovereign and about his glory. God still comes to them to give them hope, that He is their hope.

So now, this verse reminds me about God's compassionate nature. That God will extend grace despite my stubborness and disobedience. That God will bring me hope, and God will be my hope. That God is far bigger than anything else - nothing else campares to the grandeur of who God is. No longer does it imply to me that God will give me strength or whatever. It is about God. And who God is. And thats what it should be about. Because there is so much more hope in God and who God is than in merely thinking about what he can do for me.

So, perhaps another reason, why not to quote verses at people? It diminishes God.

MI:3

Went to watch the third installation of the Mission Impossible franchise. Predictable storyline and it delivered as expected - explosions, gadgets, different places in the world and once again, Ethan Hunt does the impossible (with the help of his team of course).

Some good moments in the movie, though the ending was far too soppy (even for chicks!). It was too much of a "happy ending". But I did enjoy it, and I do recommend it if you are after a brainless movie to chill out with. And, bring on X-Men 3!

David Gray

David Gray played in the Wellington Events Centre last night. And he was awesome! He does a fantastic live show, though I don't really get the head wobbling thing. Gosh, it alsmost seems like his head wasn't quite attached to his neck the way it was wobbling.

Anyways, it was a welcome respite from the stress of the last 6 weeks (and more) and after a busy weekend and being unwell for the past week. He moved flawlessly from guitar to piano and the harmonica. I have a bad memory of song titles so I can't quite describe his set list. But I do know it songs from his latest album - Life in Slow Motion and also from his popular album - White Ladder. Another nice thing was that he didn't talk much at all! So it was all music! And he finished the encore with Babylon and got the audience to join in. Nice.

back to my roots?

On Sunday night for the ICF committee retreat, I led a contemplative time of reflection. I have done stuff like this before, but always together with someone. So this was the first time I prepared one on my own. I used the outline from the Sacred Space website (which is a site I try to use often to pray and reflect before I go to bed). I also used lots of written prayers from a book I bought last year and from the Book of Common prayer. It flowed really well. We had a good time to reflect on the last 3 months and then share and pray for each other. Then for the 'Word of God' bit, I used Psalm 30 from a Sons of Korah album and put that on repeat. And then we closed the time together and had chocolate fondue.

I grew up in an Anglican church, and I really disliked using liturgy then. But now, I have begun to like written prayer. I usually go to the Book of Common prayer to find some ideas/inspiration and I also have the New Zealand prayer book (which is the one used by the Anglican Church in NZ). And also try to find other sources where there is pre-written prayer and also contemporary liturgies/prayers. I have come to think that written prayers are just much more able to convey needs and expressions in such a succinct (and sometimes more poetic) way. Also in reflection times, I like the idea of just listening to the bible, and not have anyone explain it or give their opinion about it, but each person can just mull it over - just them and God. And allow the words to just bring healing, restoration, rebuke, etc. (Taken from a Taize style worship idea).

Worship/prayer sessions can easily be wordy. How nice to have simple words, silence, candles and simple music. I'm now finding this approach much more fulfilling and refreshing.

Love life!

Every now and then, I get a sense of appreciation of life and an "I'm so glad I'm here feeling" (particularly after recounting certain times I have expereinced). Tonight is one of those times. I have to come to appreciate these moments. There are times when I am thankful to God for particular things but its good to be thankful about life itself - appreciating life and appreciating God for life. And I hope I will always remember to appreciate and to savour life - having fun, discovering the unlimitless enormousity of God, enjoying meaningful connections with people.

Yes, life has its ups and downs, and no way am I saying that life is always a breeze. But as I try to survive the downs of life (and struggle through to the other side, I also want to ride the wave of the ups in life. And in the midst of it, to thank God and savour this life I have been bestowed.