Old Buildings - New Plans

Sometimes, the best thing for an old building is new plans. Quite different from old wineskins, an old building has potential for new ideas and schemes and use.

One of the drawbacks of a 140 year old movement is that it involves old buildings. As good as they are, they tend to shape our plans and even dreams. We begin to think in terms of the potential of the walls and their limitations. A building focused movement will not move forward with aggression. We need to be mission focused, which is to say Christ focused.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Commissioners Moretz

The Commissioners head for home tomorrow. They have left a very constructive impression on our territory. I'm very glad they came.

Similarly, they are blessed with what they've seen in evidence of the movement of God throughout the territory. They express gratitude for the opportunity to be with us all in these weeks.

Pray for them and their ministry in their home territory, the USA East.

1 Corinthians 16:7 (MSG)
7 I don't want to just drop by in between other "primary" destinations. I want a good, long, leisurely visit. If the Master agrees, we'll have it!

There's more coming

God wants to do incredible things among us. My head is spinning (nothing new) with the possibilities. Wait 'till you see what He will be doing. Hallelujah!

Get closer to God. He loves you and has amazing opportunities for you as a result. Open your heart, and eyes, and ears, and mind. We don't necessarily need to open your mouth.

Lord, bring it on.

Exodus 19:9 (MSG)
9 God said to Moses, "Get ready. I'm about to come to you in a thick cloud so that the people can listen in and trust you completely when I speak with you." Again Moses reported the people's answer to God.

Pennyfarthing National Championships

I attended the Australian National Pennyfarthing Championships in the last few days in Evandale, Tasmania. It's like something I've never seen before. They can be dangerous in a race like this. It was a great day, connected with the annual Evandale Fair. Congratulations to Huw Morgan, the new national champion.

Some of you are wondering what a pennyfarthing might be. Sometimes I get the same kind of reaction when I speak of God's love and our response. We just have to sort out how to share God's love in believable and compelling ways...like with our lives. It'll be worth it.

1 John 3:11 (MSG)
11 For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other.

Commissioning at Launceston

Tasmania was the location of the most recent commissioning of Heralds of the Good News. God bless new Captains Chris and Cherie Clarke who have covenanted with God in The Salvation Army as officers. Hallelujah!

You will hear me say we need more officers for a growing Army and to reach more people for salvation through Christ. This remains true. I'm believing God for a continuous out-pouring of His Spirit upon people to serve Him with the essence of their lives.

Join us now. Do not delay. Listen to the voice of God. He will enable you. He will anoint you. He will lead you with love.

Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

Commissioning at Thornbury

Tonight at the Thornbury Corps four new Captains were commissioned. New members of the Heralds of the Good News are:

- Captain Gregory Howard - Northern Territory Region
- Captain Julie Howard - Northern Territory Region
- Captain Genevieve Peterson - Melbourne Central Division
- Captain Catherine Shanks - Territorial Headquarters

God bless you each. Hallelujah!

Philippians 1:4-6 (NIV)
4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Administrative Leaders Training Course

The ALTC began today. This is where IHQ appoints six officers from around the world to spend six weeks in our territory (with a short stint in the Eastern Territory) learning about leadership. Commissioners Brian and Carolyn Morgan have organised the course and are giving beautiful servant leadership.

Three delegates are from Korea and the rest are from Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Each one will not only focus upon developing their leader skills and deposit grace among us in the process. Thank you, Lord for each one of them.

1 Peter 5:1 (MSG)
1 I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory.

Melbourne Central Division

The Moretzes met with the officers of the Melbourne Central Division today. It was a good encounter and one in which you just sensed the presence of God and the "unforced rhythms of grace." The subject was the "Essentials of Christian Leadership." The timing was right as was the message.

The officers here are beautiful people with hearts intent on serving Christ completely. I am honoured to be in their company.

2 Peter 3:11 (MSG)
11 Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life?

614 New Life Centre

Commissioner Lawrence R. Moretz was the speaker at the City Temple today. The Holy Spirit ministered to us all throughout the meeting as each of us sought His grace and love.

When you have opportunity, visit this place known as The Salvation Army. Here, you will find God.

Isaiah 61:4 (NIV)
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Women in the SA

You had to be there. Last night at Moreland and to day at Waverley Temple many of our women in TSA got together to worship the Lord, study His word and share in holy fellowship. It was a tremendous blessing. Commissioner Nancy Moretz and many others ministered together to glorify the Lord beautifully.

Thank you, Lord for these women who serve you and seek you with their whole heart. Hallelujah!

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV)
29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

GraceWorks

It's a word. It's two words. It's a sentence. It's true.

God's grace works in miraculous ways. His love is at the heart of His grace while at the outcome as well. Hallelujah!

John 1:14 (NIV)
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Happy Valentine's Day

It's about love.

God is love.

It's always about love.

1 John 4:16 (NIV)
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

All Day

Only giving a part of your day to the Lord will not give you the satisfaction you're seeking. By definition, it speaks to a part time faith.

God is very interested in the full day from us. He allows us the privilege of serving Him and representing Him all day in our journey. Why settle for less? Your faith is worth more than anything and anyone who thinks they can connect most of the time with satisfaction is mistaken,

Trust God all day today. Honour Him with your life. He loves you.

Philippians 4:4 (MSG)
4 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!

Fellowship

There's nothing richer than Christian fellowship. Heaven is going to be terrific with our eternity filled with the relationships of believers in Christ. Hallelujah!

Need a lift? Want to encourage someone? Get together with some Christian friends and have a blast.

1 John 2:14 (MSG)
14 You veterans know the One who started it all; and you newcomers—such vitality and strength! God's word is so steady in you. Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil One.

What's your passion?

There was no lack of passion in the Wider Cabinet tonight, where Carolyn gave a few people the opportunity to share their passion. Soul winning and reaching out to people with the gospel headed up the list.

What's your passion? Do you have a constructive outlet? Does it involve God?

Let your faith be passionate and enjoy the excitement of following God with energy.

Luke 10:27 (MSG)
27 He said, "That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself."

Prayer Warriors

This is a great session name for cadets. The Prayer Warriors' Session was welcomed in a territorial meeting at the Waverley Temple Corps this afternoon. The new Training Principal, Captain Stephen Court was installed as was the Chief Secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Finger and the Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries, Lieutenant Colonel Aylene Finger.

It was a terrific meeting where those who were made Lieutenants in the past year were recognised and concluded with a call to officership where quite a few came to the platform in public commitment. Hallelujah.

Let us move forward in the territory, knowing that God is still interested in using us to His glory and delight. Yes.

Psalms 148:2 (MSG)
2 Praise him, all you his angels, praise him, all you his warriors,

Mr. David Perry

Mr. David Perry retired Friday as the Territorial Property Manager. Just like officers, when they retire, he'll be continuing in what he does best. He'll continue to care for his family and friends. He'll continue to witness to God's saving grace. He'll continue to be a role model for younger men, looking for someone to follow.

Thank you Mr. Perry, for your faithful ministry among us. You have served the Lord well. We'll look to see you around the Fern Tree Gully Corps from time to time. God bless you.

Hebrews 12:2 (MSG)
2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

On Track

Did you know that it was Evangeline Booth who coined the phrase "fell off the wagon"? Clearly indicating the state of those, who were on the wagon and safe from their addiction to alcohol and then lapsed, it's a vivid description of reality for some.

Are you familiar with the phrase "off the rails"? It means the same thing, but in a more generic manner. This would be a person who left the track of the right direction for much worse. It's particularly revealing in that, what good is a train that has left its rails?

Jesus is the way. Any other way is off track and pointless. Furthermore, any other track or trail or road than that of God's love through Jesus leads to hell. God help us to help others know the way, the truth and the life.

Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.