Tuesday 31 July 2007

Y2O

That stands for Year Two Officers, which is to say those who have now been on the field for two years. We met with God today for a few minutes and shared in some important moments. One of the mates spoke of the significance of his ministry and his deep deep hopes to even be used more strategically. He ministered to us all. I'm glad I was there.

We've got to be passionate about our role in the Kingdom of God. It isn't a casual stroll in the park. It is life and death. Yes, let's be alive and measure the over arching importance of our witness and ministries. God is with us and will guide us in our efforts in His name. Let's not hold back, but go for it. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 16:5 (MSG)
5 A new government of love will be established in the venerable David tradition. A Ruler you can depend upon will head this government, A Ruler passionate for justice, a Ruler quick to set things right."

Monday 30 July 2007

Technology

Increasingly, we are relying on technology and it is at the very least interesting. Often we are encouraged to take a technological route in order to save time, minimise effort, and keep our interest active. It certainly fits with the attention deficit world in which we live...or is it a cause?

So the technology assists us in communicating the gospel in incredible ways both in content and in overall exposure. We can reach so many more and in so many mediums. Hallelujah!

The message, however, is to a human heart from a divine heart. The technology is reduced to an instrument or vehicle by which the gospel can be shared. Use it for the glory of God. Explore the many new possibilities offered to us technologically. Know that it is a message of the heart to the heart.

2 John 1:12 (MSG)
12 I have a lot more things to tell you, but I'd rather not use paper and ink. I hope to be there soon in person and have a heart-to-heart talk. That will be far more satisfying to both you and me.

Sunday 29 July 2007

Retirement

Retirement for officers is not exactly what the term conveys. You don't retire from active service. You don't retire from officership. I see retirement as a gift to faithful officers who are freed to pursue the service of God on their own terms and to balance the later years with appropriate personal levels of effort.

The retired officers are a valuable asset in the territory. On a regular basis, they soldier with integrity and are available to fill in for officer roles when the need presents itself. They are great Salvos. Hallelujah!

Next time you see a retired officer, tell them how much we need them and how we thank God for them.

Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Saturday 28 July 2007

Women and Ministry

We are regularly reminded of the role of women in TSA. There is no question as to their importance. Keep this in mind as we go forward. This is not an area in which we can afford to go back on. Hallelujah!

I'm very interested in ministry to women as well. We need more women in TSA to reach more women for Christ. We need women of all ages and we need to be strategic in our efforts to minister appropriately. I'm certain that we should take the lead from women as to how to most effectively attract and serve women.

Let us celebrate the incredible role women have had and are having in the movement.

Revelation 21:3 (MSG)
3 I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: "Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They're his people, he's their God.

Friday 27 July 2007

St. Kilda Crisis Centre

The services at the St. Kilda Crisis Centre are straight out of the Salvo 101 manual. I'm not saying that they're basic courses in Salvoism, but rather right on the mark of incredible social programmes that reach out to the "least, the last, and the lost." I sensed their heart and compassion for the many people who need their services.

I met Ms. Jenny Plant and her professional team that are strong and competent. I have confidence in each of them from what they told me today about their ministries. Tonight I'm praying for them as the people they help need great support and they need Christ. The recidivism and long term addictions can be conquered through the grace of God. Hallelujah!

Thank you friends for your faithfulness. God is using you to His glory.

Matthew 25:40 (MSG)
40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'

Thursday 26 July 2007

Training College

The Training College is on track. Have you spoken to one of our Cadets lately? They're doing great and witnessing to the powerful love of God in their lives and in the Training College. That in itself is the best way to evaluate the Training College.

Now look around the territory and see the evidence of a good Training College through the years. We have officers who are faithfully serving Christ with their whole lives and who are making a huge difference in the world. As a territory, we are very blessed.

Thank you, Lord for those who have served you through the years on the Training College Staff and thank you for who's there just now. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 12:7 (MSG)
7 God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training,

Wednesday 25 July 2007

Listening to God

How is it that you hear God? He communicates with us on a regular basis. This is an amazing reality. The Lord of all speaks to us, saved and unsaved. I suppose the message isn't so different. It is a message of love and encouragement.

I heard Him tell me to trust Him today and to keep listening. When I think of the reality of our relationship, my heart thrills. He speaks of hope and holiness. He reminds me of forgiveness and peace for my soul no matter the challenge. He knows how to reach me and only requires that I am looking to Him.

Our relationship with God can be as vibrant as we're willing to accept. Our answer to His call is "yes."

Deuteronomy 28:2 (MSG)
2 All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God:

Tuesday 24 July 2007

Everything's Different Now

Joining in after years of faithful petitions before the Lord, we have entered a new era. Hallelujah!

24/7 Prayer is a reality in the Australia Southern Territory and everything will now be different. Our people, our work, our faith, our outreach...everything will be marked by the day we "took it up a notch" and got strategic in our prayer.

The prayer launch took place at THQ here in Mont Albert this afternoon at 4:00 p.m. where the chapel has been converted into a prayer room. Wait 'till you see what God will do with these connections. Corps, Divisions and Social Institutions are all joining in to celebrate the presence of God in this way. Go to the website and sign up. You don't have to come to THQ to pray...you can do so right where you are and right now. Don't wait. Now is the time.

1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)
20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Monday 23 July 2007

Freeway Community Church

Majors Kay and Darryl Robinson have a vision for the Kingdom of God. It includes the people of the Freeway Community Church and the people who will come to the Freeway Community Church. You can hear the passion in their voices. Their associates share the vision. Everything they do points to the vision. It's very exciting.

On their journey, we shared in worship last night where the Holy Spirit spoke to us all and some in the room invited Jesus into their hearts. Hallelujah!

In the journey of our mission, God will always show us miracles and give us reasons to rejoice. Stay tuned to Him and watch for His glory.

Luke 24:32 (MSG)
32 Back and forth they talked. "Didn't we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?"

Sunday 22 July 2007

Floreat, Western Australia

This photo is of Captains Savage in front of the Floreat Corps building in Western Australia. We joined them Sunday morning for worship and were blessed to belief. It's a full feature corps with good Band and Songster sections as well as a worship band.

In the course of the meeting we participated in the enrolment of a Junior Soldier and two Senior Soldiers. Each of them encouraged us as we witnessed their commitment to Christ in this way.

Perth is showing us a lot. The Floreat Corps is a superb expression of Salvationism. Hallelujah!

Zechariah 14:3 (MSG)
3 But then God will march out against the godless nations and fight—a great war!

Genesis 1

We celebrated the first anniversary of the Genesis programme in Perth today. It continues to show its value to the homeless of Perth and the Kingdom of God. Captain Colin Eldridge and his team are sensational in their compassion and service to their people. They are more than convincing. They're compelling.

Genesis is The Salvation Army. People are being saved and people are being supported. They feed 150 or so on a daily basis. Medical care is provided. Employment Plus staff come to help in their field. All different types of services are rendered and God is honoured. Hallelujah!

Stop by when you're in Perth and be prepared to lend a hand in the name of Christ.

Genesis 1:31a (NIV)
31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

Friday 20 July 2007

Kalgoorlie, Western Australia


Moving due East from Perth in Western Australia, we come to Kalgoorlie and Boulder. In these communities, TSA is beautifully missional with a corps, Men's Hostel, Youth Crisis Accommodation Centre, two Op Shops and plenty of other services that are needed and valued here. Captain Lynn Jones is the corps officer in this mining city of approximately 30,000. She is supported by a capable professional staff and helpers of all sorts.

We were able to meet with quite a few of our supporters at the corps for afternoon tea. (Australia is a civilised country) Each one gave witness to the compelling gospel that comes from Captain Jones. Hallelujah!

Our salute today goes to the whole team here in Kalgoorlie. Coming this way for employment? There's a good Army awaiting you.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)
2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.

Thursday 19 July 2007

Karratha, Western Australia


As the northernmost corps of the Western Australia Division, it was a thrill to get here and see what God is doing. Under the leadership of Captains Cymon and Naava Brooks, the corps mission is in tact and greatly appreciated by the community. Majors Trainor and us met with community leaders on the occasion of our visit. It was worth every minute.

Karratha should be on our prayer lists. The challenges are unique and the remoteness of the appointment creates its own difficulties. The Brooks are doing fine and deserve our commendation. The gospel is being communicated every day in different ways. Hallelujah!

Acts 17:27 (MSG)
27 so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near.

Tuesday 17 July 2007

Trusting God Today

The level of our trust is directly proportional to our confidence in God's capacity. It seems to me that a person can say they trust God, but until they do, they don't. How big is God to you? Measure your faith and you'll have an indication.

We've had a few moments in our life when we trusted God and the results weren't what we had hoped. Notice I haven't written that the results of our hopes speak to our depth of faith. Our faith is shallow if we are sidetracked by our disappointment at the outcomes. Now let's trust God who loves us with abundance, not for what we get but for who He is.

Revelation 15:3 (TEV)
3 and singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: "Lord God Almighty, how great and wonderful are your deeds! King of the nations, how right and true are your ways!

Monday 16 July 2007

Planning

After the vision comes the plan. What are your plans? Long life? Family? Never get married? Move to another country? Never leave your home town?

We develop plans for all sorts of things. We plan to get groceries or go to the movies. We plan to get an education or a job. Part of the thrill in life is the plan.

How about the proud owner of the lottery ticket before the drawing? Big plans...millions of plans...Buy a house...take a long vacation...a new car? Every lottery ticket owner has plans alright.

Just make sure your plans include the plan of God. There is no better way or destination. It'll involve love, courage and risks. Sounds exciting...it is.

Ephesians 1:5 (MSG)
5 Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!)

Sunday 15 July 2007

Candidates' Weekend

At the famous Geelong Conference Centre, the Territorial Candidates' Weekend took place and culminated today with worship and commitment. Majors Len and Marney Turner, Territorial Candidates' Secretaries designed a significant opportunity for the Spirit of God to minister to us and many others in the name of Christ. Hallelujah!

We need as many Candidates as possible to do the work. We have immediate openings and are looking to God for His direction and provisions. We are claiming His grace for these days and believing for His presence in what He is asking us to do. I would be blessed to welcome a large session of Cadets going forward. Is God speaking to you?

Mark 8:34 (MSG)
34 Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how.

Saturday 14 July 2007

Sports

Occasionally, you'll hear that "sports is their religion." I understand the comment and realise it refers to the intensity and dedication some have for sports. I find sports to be something of a distraction from the serious. I can get into a game and even be known to read the sports page first sometimes before the front page.

To some, sports is life. An athlete recently welcomed to the LA area earns in the neighborhood of $1 million a week for his sport. If he's earning that much, imagine what the owners are earning. I think that represents serious business, but not a religion.

In contrast, some make sport of their religion. This is a serious problem. Let's not play games with our faith or put faith in our games. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

1 Chronicles 16:29 (AMP)
29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and in holy array.

Friday 13 July 2007

Excitement

Ready for action? We need to be. God is moving among us and creating opportunities right in front of us. Look up and see Him. He's looking at you and hoping for your interest. He pursues you with relentless hope and dispenses everything we need to actualise His perfect ideas for us.

The way for our perfect journey is prepared and accessible by the most powerful entity in the universe: love. It is designed with you in mind and will fill you with the most thrilling and compelling spirit you have ever known. Experience the joy. Approach the keeper of eternity and get ready for the excitement.

Mark 9:15 (MSG)
15 As soon as the people in the crowd saw Jesus, admiring excitement stirred them. They ran and greeted him.

Thursday 12 July 2007

The Government

In many places and among many services we work with the government. This relates to Federal, State and Local Government. This relationship is best defined as a partnership which is an attempt to serve the community by improving the lives and environments of individuals and families. This type of connection is common around the world.

What we need is a real partnership. This is not defined as simply being participants and is most severely reduced when it is only a contractual relationship. We serve best when our full effort is in play and when we can connect the service to a holistic approach through multiple service points. It's not just a job. It's a holy ministry, marked by the same discipline as if we were serving God.

It's possible to make this work. We do need to have mutual intentionality.

Matthew 25:35 (CEV)
35 When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me,

Wednesday 11 July 2007

Trusting Jesus

As the moments fly...what'ere befall...trusting Jesus...that is all. It seems uncomplicated and not so hard. We've got no reason for pride or personal trumpet blowing. We simply trust Jesus and joy flows. We trust Jesus and hope is amplified. We trust Jesus and difficulty transforms to solutions.

Don't you see it? Don't you experience it? Those who know Christ in their souls know what I'm writing about. It's about miracles and unexplained peace of mind. It's about light where others are having trouble seeing through the dark. It's Jesus. It's always been about Jesus. It will always be about Jesus. Hallelujah!

Romans 3:21 (TLB)
21 But now God has shown us a different way to heaven --not by "being good enough" and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us--declare us "not guilty"--if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like.

Dialogue

In our activist SA, we often want to charge out and do something when it comes to mind. This is my nature. I have learned that dialogue helps. Even a passing reference to your intentions with another person can elicit a response that might change the nature of your action for the better. I admit that I find extended dialogue on a subject that is going no where, painful. Here's where I need to be more disciplined.

The real dialogue we need in every effort is with the Lord. Even if we do not include another person in our process, we must include Him. The Scriptures indicate that "faith without works is dead." That is radically true. I also practice that works without faith is a waste of time.

James 2:17 (MSG)
17 Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

Monday 9 July 2007

Office Altar

So sometime in the middle of the day when I returned to my office I found an altar there, quite unexpectedly. I believe it is one made by the one of the Brunswick Community Programmes for Connections 07. Before you know it a meeting occurred in the office and we concluded by meeting around the altar on our knees. I figure, God sends you an altar, you better use it! Hallelujah!

What has God put in your world today? Something new or unexpected? It may well be something He wants you to use for His glory. Look around. Consider the possibilities. See what God is doing in your life and what He wants to do.

Revelation 16:7 (MSG)
7 Just then I heard the Altar chime in, Yes, O God, the Sovereign-Strong! Your judgments are true and just!

Sunday 8 July 2007

Mountain View

The corps at Mountain View has existed for over 13 years. It's located in The Basin, Victoria. Captains Jeff and Kathy Vale are there with a cadre of good local officers and supporters.

We were there for the dedication of their renovations to the Mountain Valley Camp chapel which they are using to host their Sunday meetings. Today's meeting was great and the Captain preached a good sermon.

For those of you who have attended the Mountain Valley Camp at one time or another, you might want to stop in on a Sunday to see how God is still using the place. You're bound to be blessed.

Deuteronomy 32:49 (NIV)
49 "Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo in Moab, across from Jericho, and view Canaan, the land I am giving the Israelites as their own possession.

Thursday 5 July 2007

Homecoming

Often this is an expression of a reunion or even a part of an anniversary celebration. For us it's a fact. We're coming home to Australia and are on our way. Hallelujah!

Capable team members and associates have covered for us in the days of our absence. Thank you each for your faithfulness.

Ready or not, here we come. We have much to do and more people to reach for the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 5:9 (MSG)
9 But neither exile nor homecoming is the main thing. Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions.

Sunday 1 July 2007

Beautiful Day

Today is a beautiful day. The weather where I am is warm and mild, the sun is shining and we are enjoying the company of loved ones. What's not beautiful?

Also today it is raining somewhere, people have lost loved ones, jobs terminated, illnesses have been discovered and worse. Some days are better than other days. It depends upon our perspective and our circumstances.

I believe in not accepting the 'fate de jour'. That is, we have much to do with the beauty of the day. Some days will be rotten, no doubt, but not because God has abandoned us. His love is constant throughout the good and the not so good. Trust Him and know Him to be true.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 (MSG)
14 On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won't take anything for granted.