You know the expression, "It fits like a glove." I've put on a few gloves that didn't fit so well...and while I'm on the subject, what about the glove box in your car? Have you ever put your gloves in there? I did...once...just to say it was finally a glove box. Now keep me straight, a boot is a trunk and a bonnet is a hood. Do we also have another name for the glove box?
Getting back to the right fit, we spend a good part of our lives trying to fit in. Perhaps we find ourselves in a new environment or with a new group of people, we most often do our best to fit. When we come to the conclusion that we aren't the right fit, we often move on.
As believers, we do not fit in this world. God's kingdom is far different than this world and that's where we belong. I suggest we relax on trying to fit in this world and expend our energies shaping up for the Kingdom of God.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV)
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
Saturday, 30 June 2007
Friday, 29 June 2007
Hospitality
Understood as a spiritual gift, hospitality is the kind of Christian grace that can quiet the storm in any situation and comfort the unrest in any soul. Just think about the people you know who minister in the name of Jesus in this profound manner. They're people you like to be near and have as friends.
It is in the giving that the person with hospitality finds satisfaction. This is an approach that resembles our giving Lord, who indiscriminately offers Himself for our peace and joy. Let those who are gifted in this way know that we are grateful for them. Let those of us who are not so gifted, make every attempt to be this way.
3 John 1:5 (MSG)
5 Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible.
It is in the giving that the person with hospitality finds satisfaction. This is an approach that resembles our giving Lord, who indiscriminately offers Himself for our peace and joy. Let those who are gifted in this way know that we are grateful for them. Let those of us who are not so gifted, make every attempt to be this way.
3 John 1:5 (MSG)
5 Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Changes
Every day and all year long we're confronted with changes. Changes that are imposed upon us and changes that we determine are necessary. The public media news alone points to changes in our lives and for many people, it can become onerous.
If we're going to be alive, there is a present reality of change. How we deal with it or even use it will speak to our character and resilience. I do think it's coming faster these days. Is it that I am going slower? I certainly don't want to admit to it.
So as your day begins, expect the changes and remember that God's love doesn't change. Hallelujah!
Daniel 2:21 (MSG)
21 He changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also brings them down, he provides both intelligence and discernment,
If we're going to be alive, there is a present reality of change. How we deal with it or even use it will speak to our character and resilience. I do think it's coming faster these days. Is it that I am going slower? I certainly don't want to admit to it.
So as your day begins, expect the changes and remember that God's love doesn't change. Hallelujah!
Daniel 2:21 (MSG)
21 He changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also brings them down, he provides both intelligence and discernment,
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Gathering
In the gathering of good friends there are tremendous blessings. Better than gathering your thoughts or gathering your belongings, getting together with your friends creates new memories and sustains you in your journey. In difficulty or consternation, gather together with your friends. Their love and concern will bring healing to your soul and hope to your heart.
Now if the friends are Jesus-lovers, all the better. Might I add, make sure your friends are believers, one way or the other. Their connection to the Source of life will bring His presence into the relationship and nourish you in the process.
Thank you, Lord for our friends. May our friendships bring joy to your heart.
Acts 20:2 (MSG)
2 Traveling through the country, passing from one gathering to another, he gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope.
Now if the friends are Jesus-lovers, all the better. Might I add, make sure your friends are believers, one way or the other. Their connection to the Source of life will bring His presence into the relationship and nourish you in the process.
Thank you, Lord for our friends. May our friendships bring joy to your heart.
Acts 20:2 (MSG)
2 Traveling through the country, passing from one gathering to another, he gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope.
Monday, 25 June 2007
Bad Food
Speaking of going to restaurants, have you ever had a bad experience in a restaurant where there's been a little extra in the food? How about a cockroach in your iced tea? What did the restaurant do as a result? Did they offer to replace the drink or maybe pay for the meal? I believe I know what a good restaurant would do.
I tend to object when I hear a person say they were leaving a church or a corps fellowship because they were not being fed. Down deep I seem to understand that only babies need fed. Adults feed themselves. But just for a moment think about the spiritual meal. (There are scriptural references that would support such a concept.) If we recognised that a part of it was bad or spoiled by something that didn't belong, what would you do? Perhaps it depends upon the specific problem.
Let's do everything we can to make certain the spiritual experience isn't spoiled by something we have or have not done.
James 1:21 (MSG)
21 So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
I tend to object when I hear a person say they were leaving a church or a corps fellowship because they were not being fed. Down deep I seem to understand that only babies need fed. Adults feed themselves. But just for a moment think about the spiritual meal. (There are scriptural references that would support such a concept.) If we recognised that a part of it was bad or spoiled by something that didn't belong, what would you do? Perhaps it depends upon the specific problem.
Let's do everything we can to make certain the spiritual experience isn't spoiled by something we have or have not done.
James 1:21 (MSG)
21 So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Presentation
When you went to a good restaurant recently, did you notice that the main course was carefully placed on the plate? How about a really good website? Often, when we find one that we really like, it's look is important to our assessment.
Now we draw together this reality of life and consider our witness as a regular course of who we are. Are we presentable? Oh, you say it depends upon our audience. Sure. I can see that. Now, are you presentable? The success might be found in the receptivity.
My point is that we cannot just leave our witness up to chance when God has given us the good sense to sort out the audience and make necessary adjustments. Does this make us less than authentic? I think not. It makes us effective.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." Colossians 3:17 KJV
Now we draw together this reality of life and consider our witness as a regular course of who we are. Are we presentable? Oh, you say it depends upon our audience. Sure. I can see that. Now, are you presentable? The success might be found in the receptivity.
My point is that we cannot just leave our witness up to chance when God has given us the good sense to sort out the audience and make necessary adjustments. Does this make us less than authentic? I think not. It makes us effective.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." Colossians 3:17 KJV
Saturday, 23 June 2007
Alone
While I enjoy a crowd, there are moments where a person simply likes to be alone. You can sort things out. You can think things through. You can stop to smell the roses. It's not altogether bad.
There are many people who are too alone. The word would be lonely. In these cases, they are starving for some substantive connection with someone, preferably who gives respect and cares. They may be the elderly and they may not. They might even be in the middle of a crowd and still suffer from loneliness. Look around and save someone from their loneliness. It won't cost you much.
All this is critical, but remember especially that the Lord of the universe is with you at every moment. When you know Him as Saviour of your life, Jesus will never leave you alone. Hallelujah!
"I will not leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1: 8 NKJV
There are many people who are too alone. The word would be lonely. In these cases, they are starving for some substantive connection with someone, preferably who gives respect and cares. They may be the elderly and they may not. They might even be in the middle of a crowd and still suffer from loneliness. Look around and save someone from their loneliness. It won't cost you much.
All this is critical, but remember especially that the Lord of the universe is with you at every moment. When you know Him as Saviour of your life, Jesus will never leave you alone. Hallelujah!
"I will not leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1: 8 NKJV
Friday, 22 June 2007
Phone Home
Do you remember the line in the movie, E.T., where the creature says, "E.T. phone home"? He was trying to connect with home to arrange his ride from Earth to home. In the days of mobile phones, we're phoning home on a regular basis.
How about the old song, "Jesus on the line," where the singer relates to a connection with Jesus on the telephone. It was in the days that people made their phone calls through operators and the caller was trying to 'get Jesus on the line.'
If we were to use today's technology, we would put Him on speed dial and set up a special ring tone to recognise when He was calling. Which one would you use?
No matter your mobile phone carrier, He wants you to be in touch with Him. Now's a good time to phone home.
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep my word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.'" John 14: 23 NKJV
How about the old song, "Jesus on the line," where the singer relates to a connection with Jesus on the telephone. It was in the days that people made their phone calls through operators and the caller was trying to 'get Jesus on the line.'
If we were to use today's technology, we would put Him on speed dial and set up a special ring tone to recognise when He was calling. Which one would you use?
No matter your mobile phone carrier, He wants you to be in touch with Him. Now's a good time to phone home.
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep my word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.'" John 14: 23 NKJV
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Traveling Light
I seem to recall a book entitled "Traveling Light." It is very much about not carrying excessive baggage in life and makes a valuable point in the process. Often we find ourselves carrying burdens and preferences that only weigh us down in the pursuit of serving God. These extra bags seem essential to us and will ultimately begin to define us.
Have you heard the expression, "bag lady?" It describes a person who carries her every possession whilst living on the street. She chooses to keep her possessions close to her by necessity. Without disparaging people who have made this choice in life, I do want to suggest that God wants us to ultimately travel light by depending upon Him and not upon the things we hold onto. Perhaps the church could help us by charging excess baggage fees like the airport when we've exceeded a reasonable limit.
"Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, sack, nor sandals;" Luke 10: 3-4 NKJV
Have you heard the expression, "bag lady?" It describes a person who carries her every possession whilst living on the street. She chooses to keep her possessions close to her by necessity. Without disparaging people who have made this choice in life, I do want to suggest that God wants us to ultimately travel light by depending upon Him and not upon the things we hold onto. Perhaps the church could help us by charging excess baggage fees like the airport when we've exceeded a reasonable limit.
"Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, sack, nor sandals;" Luke 10: 3-4 NKJV
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Showers of blessings
I read an article in The Age today that said the winter rains are making a difference in the crops this year and we may be off to a good start. In actual terms, they were estimating an increase in production of more than 80% over last year. This is a blessing from God. As one who has been praying for drought relief, I am grateful to Him.
As the song suggests, there are showers of blessings for us all. Of course our relationship with Him isn't about our prosperity, but I am grateful for every good gift He gives. Part of our joy is to recognise the gifts He gives.
In our first corps appointment, it was common for a person to start their testimony with an expression like, "I thank God for waking me up this morning in my right mind." They were genuine expressions (which I suppose some of us couldn't make), and they were right. He gives us our multi-faceted life and we can celebrate every such blessing.
Deuteronomy 32:2 (MSG)
2 My teaching, let it fall like a gentle rain, my words arrive like morning dew, Like a sprinkling rain on new grass, like spring showers on the garden.
As the song suggests, there are showers of blessings for us all. Of course our relationship with Him isn't about our prosperity, but I am grateful for every good gift He gives. Part of our joy is to recognise the gifts He gives.
In our first corps appointment, it was common for a person to start their testimony with an expression like, "I thank God for waking me up this morning in my right mind." They were genuine expressions (which I suppose some of us couldn't make), and they were right. He gives us our multi-faceted life and we can celebrate every such blessing.
Deuteronomy 32:2 (MSG)
2 My teaching, let it fall like a gentle rain, my words arrive like morning dew, Like a sprinkling rain on new grass, like spring showers on the garden.
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Books
Do you have a few favourite books? In addition to the Bible, I value a few of my books enough to keep them as long as I can. Sometimes I give them away, but will replace them as well.
In them I have become friends with authors who will never know my name. They have spoken to my soul, my thoughts, my encouragement, my information...etc... I am a different person because of their discipline to publish their work and I am grateful.
I believe we have numerous gifted authors in our territory who need to fan the flame of their gifting by writing and being formally published. God wants to speak to us through them. Get working...we're back in the publishing business.
2 Corinthians 3:3 (MSG)
3 Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.
In them I have become friends with authors who will never know my name. They have spoken to my soul, my thoughts, my encouragement, my information...etc... I am a different person because of their discipline to publish their work and I am grateful.
I believe we have numerous gifted authors in our territory who need to fan the flame of their gifting by writing and being formally published. God wants to speak to us through them. Get working...we're back in the publishing business.
2 Corinthians 3:3 (MSG)
3 Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.
Monday, 18 June 2007
Fathers' Day - USA
It's been great to be with family on Fathers' Day. At home in Australia, we celebrate it at a different time of the year. I was greeted by the grandson, who said, "Happy Mothers' Day Poppa!" Having just gone through Mothers' Day, it was the best this two year old could muster.
I'm grateful that my father was the kind of man that made God's Fatherhood good and believable. He celebrated a close relationship with Christ and capably showed me the way. My sons too and our new family all make me proud to be a father. They let me think they need me and value our relationship. I choose to believe them.
All of this comes from the Father of all creation through the Lord Jesus. I will always be grateful. Whether you're in the USA or elsewhere, I commend the absolute Fatherhood of God to you. He loves you more than you know.
Psalms 2:7 (NIV)
7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
I'm grateful that my father was the kind of man that made God's Fatherhood good and believable. He celebrated a close relationship with Christ and capably showed me the way. My sons too and our new family all make me proud to be a father. They let me think they need me and value our relationship. I choose to believe them.
All of this comes from the Father of all creation through the Lord Jesus. I will always be grateful. Whether you're in the USA or elsewhere, I commend the absolute Fatherhood of God to you. He loves you more than you know.
Psalms 2:7 (NIV)
7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
Sunday, 17 June 2007
Beginnings
I know a certain two year old boy who cherishes the start of every day. He sees the morning through fresh eyes and anticipates the day as the best one to live. This is such a lesson to me and perhaps to all of us. I don't ever want to forget what Jesus has done for us and carry His proven love with me daily. He is precisely the source of our hope that allows us to value the freshness of each day.
Start again with me in the morning and look at the day with fresh hope and excitement, no matter what stains or memories that challenge such perspectives and constructive anticipation. Let your schedule, your relationships, your commitments, all your endeavors be exposed to the light of God. If someone or something spoils your approach, you can always begin again tomorrow.
Ezekiel 39:8 (MSG)
8 "It's coming! Yes, it will happen! This is the day I've been telling you about.
Start again with me in the morning and look at the day with fresh hope and excitement, no matter what stains or memories that challenge such perspectives and constructive anticipation. Let your schedule, your relationships, your commitments, all your endeavors be exposed to the light of God. If someone or something spoils your approach, you can always begin again tomorrow.
Ezekiel 39:8 (MSG)
8 "It's coming! Yes, it will happen! This is the day I've been telling you about.
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Court and Strickland Sightings
There have been rumours of sightings of Captains Danielle Strickland and Stephen Court. I saw them with my own eyes. They didn't know I was looking and I don’t think it mattered to them that I was watching. Across the great Hershey Giant Center, in the upper decks, no less, there they were with arms waving, praising the Lord and celebrating His presence. I could feel it from directly across this great arena.
Word has it that they are so close to coming to Australia that the enemy is significantly disturbed. His attempts to keep them out of the country have been thwarted by the victory of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. Hallelujah!
Ready or not, here they come (with their son as well – name not given of a child as is my discipline on the net). Pray for them. Ready yourself for the influence of God through them. So am I.
2 Samuel 2:14 (MSG)
14 Abner challenged Joab, "Put up your best fighters. Let's see them do their stuff." Joab said, "Good! Let them go at it!"
a rich harvest of exiles gathered in from the nations!
Word has it that they are so close to coming to Australia that the enemy is significantly disturbed. His attempts to keep them out of the country have been thwarted by the victory of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. Hallelujah!
Ready or not, here they come (with their son as well – name not given of a child as is my discipline on the net). Pray for them. Ready yourself for the influence of God through them. So am I.
2 Samuel 2:14 (MSG)
14 Abner challenged Joab, "Put up your best fighters. Let's see them do their stuff." Joab said, "Good! Let them go at it!"
a rich harvest of exiles gathered in from the nations!
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Authenticity
If there's a city I want to live in, it's authenticity. Integrity and truth are values and quality characteristics of the best people I know. These are people we trust and depend upon. Who comes to your mind?
I can think of many people who have shared this quality. I am most grateful to them for showing me how to be and what it takes to be authentic. It's best lived through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the authentic one. He is the one who personifies integrity. We need to be like Him and would do well to start with authenticity.
Philippians 4:8 (MSG)
8 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
I can think of many people who have shared this quality. I am most grateful to them for showing me how to be and what it takes to be authentic. It's best lived through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the authentic one. He is the one who personifies integrity. We need to be like Him and would do well to start with authenticity.
Philippians 4:8 (MSG)
8 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Order of the Founder
The General conferred the Order of the Founder upon Colonel Henry Gariepy this past week. He's a great man of God who has served the Lord faithfully in active and now retired officership. He's written many books and has become a literary giant in TSA. Look on your bookshelf or that of the corps library, you're likely to find one of his books there.
I've known him my whole life. He was a friend of my father. They were good fishin' buddies. In our first corps appointment, He and Marjorie, his wife were soldiers. It was a challenge to me, but they did all they could to support us and encourage us.
You can give the Lord a word of gratitude for Colonel Gariepy. I do.
Philippians 1:3 (NIV)
3 I thank my God every time I remember you.
I've known him my whole life. He was a friend of my father. They were good fishin' buddies. In our first corps appointment, He and Marjorie, his wife were soldiers. It was a challenge to me, but they did all they could to support us and encourage us.
You can give the Lord a word of gratitude for Colonel Gariepy. I do.
Philippians 1:3 (NIV)
3 I thank my God every time I remember you.
Monday, 11 June 2007
New Captains
The General commissioned Thirty-eight new Captains today in Hershey, Pennsylvania. We were there to witness this advance in the Kingdom. They were appointed all over the USA Eastern Territory and each received their new addresses for service with joy. One has already been changed within hours of the announcement.
Please understand this personal note. Two of the new Captains commissioned have the surname Knaggs. Our oldest son and his great wife, Jason and Leslie have successfully completed their studies and training and join the ranks of the called, the covenanted, and the commissioned few known as officers in TSA. This is a great day. God be glorified!
The call for officership in the meeting exceeded 140 on the platform. Wow! Bring it on, Lord!
1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
Please understand this personal note. Two of the new Captains commissioned have the surname Knaggs. Our oldest son and his great wife, Jason and Leslie have successfully completed their studies and training and join the ranks of the called, the covenanted, and the commissioned few known as officers in TSA. This is a great day. God be glorified!
The call for officership in the meeting exceeded 140 on the platform. Wow! Bring it on, Lord!
1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
Sunday, 10 June 2007
Jim Cymbala
Pastor Jim Cymbala spoke to TSA on Friday night and gave us a prophetic word. It is found in the scripture verse following this post and he speaks to us to remember our foundations. I wish he were coming to Connections in November. This is precisely where we are coming from and where we are going. Who are these Salvos? Who are we today?
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers also participated. It was glorious and we were blessed to be in His presence. Hallelujah!
The Saturday meetings were extraordinary as well. There was dancing, singing, praying and praising in many forms. It is a joy to be present.
Isaiah 51:1 (NIV)
1 "Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn;
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers also participated. It was glorious and we were blessed to be in His presence. Hallelujah!
The Saturday meetings were extraordinary as well. There was dancing, singing, praying and praising in many forms. It is a joy to be present.
Isaiah 51:1 (NIV)
1 "Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn;
Saturday, 9 June 2007
New Love
This is the title of the General's book and the subject of his presentation today. I've been impressed with the book since I read it upon publishing a year or two ago. It's a very good read.
His session was furthermore illuminating. His fresh delivery and competent style compliment the subject matter for all listeners. We do need to restate our understanding of holiness in terms in which people understand...most likely by our lifestyle.
1 Peter 1:15 (NIV)
15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
His session was furthermore illuminating. His fresh delivery and competent style compliment the subject matter for all listeners. We do need to restate our understanding of holiness in terms in which people understand...most likely by our lifestyle.
1 Peter 1:15 (NIV)
15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
Friday, 8 June 2007
MIA
Generally, the term MIA means Missing in Action. That's kind of where we are. We've been traveling and find ourselves in Hershey, PA at the Kaleidoscope Mission Congress of the USA Eastern Territory. We're actually on duty with some responsibilities and are enjoying the chance to be with family and all. The General is speaking in the meetings and is spot on as usual.
Please pray for us and them all in these days. Quite a crowd has gathered and it is an amazing opportunity to glorify God.
Psalms 100:4 (NIV)
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Please pray for us and them all in these days. Quite a crowd has gathered and it is an amazing opportunity to glorify God.
Psalms 100:4 (NIV)
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
The Look
Fashion, style, and the look take over many people on a regular basis. We tend to communicate signals convincingly to other people by our look. Millions of dollars are spent each day around the world on this very matter.
I suppose there is value in how we look. Certain jobs and opportunities would not be available to us if our 'look' was wrong. I remember a business interviewer who swore by the socks men wore in their suits for work. He would simply say that if they missed these small details, then they weren't a high enough standard for the company.
What are we communicating? What do we intend to communicate by our look? Does it resemble the 'look' of Jesus?
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
I suppose there is value in how we look. Certain jobs and opportunities would not be available to us if our 'look' was wrong. I remember a business interviewer who swore by the socks men wore in their suits for work. He would simply say that if they missed these small details, then they weren't a high enough standard for the company.
What are we communicating? What do we intend to communicate by our look? Does it resemble the 'look' of Jesus?
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Monday, 4 June 2007
Enjoying Worship
When we worship the Lord, we do so for Him to enjoy and when we worship the Lord right, we enjoy it too. Don't you just love the Lord? Singing His praises, praying with expectation, listening to His Word for today are all aspects of worship that are great for all of us. The worship band leads and you hear a particular guitar rift or a unique rhythm set. That just gets me going. The brass play some inspiring arrangement or the songsters display harmonic balance to the delight of my senses and to the delight of God.
This is a beautiful connection for us all. The corps we attended today was all that. Hallelujah! We're blessed. Get to the Army for worship. Contribute to the worship and enjoy the presence of God in all that takes place.
Psalms 29:2 (NIV)
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
This is a beautiful connection for us all. The corps we attended today was all that. Hallelujah! We're blessed. Get to the Army for worship. Contribute to the worship and enjoy the presence of God in all that takes place.
Psalms 29:2 (NIV)
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
Sunday, 3 June 2007
Families
When you're in a good family, there's nothing better. You can feel their love when you're together and the sharing is rich, forgiving and healing. I know of no better comfort than to be with family at any time of the day.
Now this can be true whether you're related by birth or not. God establishes networks of people that can become families all around us. There are some work environments where people would say it resembles a family and certainly a good church environment would be that as well.
God provides for us even if our natural family isn't quite where we find our belonging or if they are not near for a season. Bless the Lord.
Isaiah 58:7 (MSG)
7 What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.
Now this can be true whether you're related by birth or not. God establishes networks of people that can become families all around us. There are some work environments where people would say it resembles a family and certainly a good church environment would be that as well.
God provides for us even if our natural family isn't quite where we find our belonging or if they are not near for a season. Bless the Lord.
Isaiah 58:7 (MSG)
7 What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.
Friday, 1 June 2007
Changing Seasons
So we have entered into Winter in Australia. We're expecting cooler weather and some rain. This in itself is a perfect reason for a change. We thank God for the precipitation and treasure how it will nourish the soil and ourselves. I'm amazed how quickly the ground turns the moisture into growth. Fields that were dry and sunburnt almost instantly have become green. It almost makes us forget about the drought that still has a hold on us.
The balance of life is wonderfully made up of these different seasons. I'm not really writing about the weather here. I'm thinking about the different phases of our lives that God gives us to enjoy and prove His righteousness. We can either fight the changes, or go with the flow and enjoy the stream in the name of God.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
The balance of life is wonderfully made up of these different seasons. I'm not really writing about the weather here. I'm thinking about the different phases of our lives that God gives us to enjoy and prove His righteousness. We can either fight the changes, or go with the flow and enjoy the stream in the name of God.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
Connections 2007 update
Wow! The Connections 2007 plan is improving every day. The planning committee is cookin' and the excitement is raising. Remember? It's a gathering in November (23-25) for everyone from soldiers to employees to volunteers to people in the community. We are planning to connect with God, connect with each other and connect with the community.
I'm expecting a fresh engagement with the Holy Spirit in the name of Christ and a fresh understanding of just who these Salvos are. Think you know already? Maybe so, but there will be no doubt in your mind at Connections. Hallelujah!
Pray for this and for all who will be influenced. God be glorified!
John 15:4 (CEV)
4 Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me.
I'm expecting a fresh engagement with the Holy Spirit in the name of Christ and a fresh understanding of just who these Salvos are. Think you know already? Maybe so, but there will be no doubt in your mind at Connections. Hallelujah!
Pray for this and for all who will be influenced. God be glorified!
John 15:4 (CEV)
4 Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me.
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