Corporate Support

On this, when I am writing corporate, I'm not thinking so much of the collective, but the corporate world. More and more, companies are considering their corporate social responsibilities. This is good. TSA needs to more intentionally connect with the corporate world to include them in the joy of helping others I welcome their involvement.

Let's take a fresh look at these possibilities and consider opening the door to new relationships to advance the mission.

2 Corinthians 5:18 (MSG)
18 All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.

Alive and well

More than a simple expression of personal well being, alive and well would also be a description of God's plan for our lives. Jesus died so we might live and live well. The wellness part is not simply a statement of good health. I've known people dying of cancer who were alive and well.

Let your spirit soar today in praise to our Lord. Let your worship of Him dominate your existence with joy, hope and love. Now you're alive and well. Hallelujah!

John 10:10 (MSG)
10 A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

The Revelation Project

The Waverley Temple Corps has been hosting The Revelation Project for three weeks now and has another week to go. It has included Sunday night meetings and mid-week Bible studies on the book of The Revelation.

We were blessed to be there tonight with over 200 to share in the experience. The music, the singing and the Word of God. What could be better? There is still a Bible study at 7:30 pm, Thursday and a concluding Sunday night meeting with Lt. Colonel Lucille Turfrey bringing the message.

Revelation 1:3 (NIV)
3 Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Anzac Day

A day to remember those who have died giving us freedom.

John 8:36 (KJV)
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Meeting People

One of the joys God gives us is to meet new people. Our lives are made best by our relationships. It really isn't the places we go or the accomplishments we achieve. The excellence of our lives might be best measured by the friends we have.

Then we have a deeper joy. That is to help these new friends experience the love of God. They can see Him in us and maybe they begin to see the possibilities for themselves. This is known as the plan of God.

Why not meet some new people today?

Titus 3:4-5 (MSG)
4 But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in,
5 he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit.

24/7 Prayer

We continue in our celebration of round the clock prayer. Throughout the territory, we are connecting with God, non-stop. Hallelujah!

God is moving in our midst and we are seeing His glory.

Contact the 24/7 website. Sign up and pray. You'll never be the same.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
17 Pray without ceasing.

Phil and Sheila Smith

We're enjoying the company and ministry of Phil and Sheila Smith. Both gifted musicians, they have shared their music with audiences in Canberra this past weekend. In another week, they'll be returning to Melbourne for a programme with the Melbourne Staff Band.

Those in attendance this past week speak in positive terms of the positive witness of our guests. God's light is shining through them in beautiful ways. Let their superior music and message declare the glory of God.

Psalms 57:7 (NIV)
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the most significant gifts I know. When forgiveness is applied without conditions or deals, it is large and full of hope. It can bring joy to the forgiver and to the forgiven.

Someone has done you harm. You go to them and simply forgive them. No grudge. No payment. No memory. What do you think? Why carry the extra baggage of someone's debt to you? Give it a try.

God desires to forgive us for every sin we're responsible for. He means it. Go for it.

Mark 11:25 (NIV)
25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Carrum Downs

The corps building and its people were dedicated today in Carrum Downs, Victoria. It was a grand occasion with a full house of regulars and visitors to the glory of God. Divisional Leaders Robyn and Ron Clinch supported the corps led by Captains Darren and Cathy Elkington.

This is a family centered worship where children are welcome and cared for. As it should be, all are welcome here. Hallelujah!

Matthew 21:13 (NIV)
13 "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer.'"

Commissioners Les and Coral Strong

Commissioners Les and Coral Strong celebrate the evidence of God in their lives today as we come together for their official retirement. Commissioner Ian Cutmore is present to represent the General in these ceremonies.

The Strongs are tremendous people with a lifetime of sterling service. Just before their leadership of the Australia Eastern Territory, they were the Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries. in the great Australian Southern Territory.

Thank you friends for revealing Christ in the flesh for so many throughout the world. God bless you in retirement.

Revelation 2:19 (MSG)
19 "I see everything you're doing for me. Impressive! The love and the faith, the service and persistence. Yes, very impressive! You get better at it every day.

Captain Lynn Jones

Serving in Kalgoorlie, Captain Lynn Jones is a model of ministry. She gives everything she has to serve the Lord and does so with a joy only Jesus can provide. I would say this is a fairly remote appointment in a very unique setting. Yet if you want to go to TSA, go to the corps in Kalgoorlie. You'll find all you need there in the name of Christ.

Looking for a hero? Meet Captain Lynn Jones.

Matthew 11:27 (MSG)
27 Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.

Retired Officers

We met with the retired officers of Victoria this week. Led by Commissioner Brian Morgan, they represent many of our best Salvationists. When you consider the years of faithful service, you are immediately reminded of the faithfulness of God. He has kept these folks through challenging and peaceful times. They know it and witness to it.

Take a few minutes with a retired officer. You'll find gratitude, hope and holiness. These are all undeniable characteristics of lives lived in the joy and peace of Christ. Hallelujah!

Philippians 4:7 (KJV)
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Parliament Picnic

Generally, we don't consider Parliament a picnic. I'm referring to the Parliament of Victoria on whose steps the 614 Bus was parked. The Deputy Premier was on duty cooking up the sausages and doing quite a fine job.

The Premier too made an appearance, spending considerable time on the chess computer. It's up to him to reveal how the game turned out. All in all, a number of good politicians found their way to the steps of Parliament, saw this ministry opportunity and shared the moments with many street living people.

Democracy at its finest.

Luke 7:5 (MSG)
5 He loves our people. He even built our meeting place."

Youth Leaders

Having met briefly with many of the youth leaders in the territory this week, I'm inclined to restate the obvious. They are leaders. Their importance in our movement cannot be overstated. As I listened to them, I became more convinced of the veracity of their faith and the passion of their hearts. They are creatively engaged in warfare against the enemy in the name of Christ. Hallelujah!

Remember...they're leaders.

1 Peter 5:5 (MSG)
5 And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people.

New Corps Openings

There's all sorts of reasons to consider new corps openings. The best reason is the increased possibility to reach new people for Christ. This is why TSA exists...to bring people to Christ.

Wherever you are, give this subject some thought...and prayer. Might it be God's idea? Then it's a good idea.

Matthew 28:19 (MSG)
19 Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Fresh and Holy

Worship today at Box Hill was fresh and holy. We enjoy attending there when we can. I hope this would describe your experience today. I love how God gives us these opportunities to come together with newness and uniqueness.

Every day is a new day. Every day can present a new aspect of our relationship with God. He's amazing. Hallelujah!

Psalms 110:3 (MSG)
3 Your people will freely join you, resplendent in holy armor on the great day of your conquest, Join you at the fresh break of day, join you with all the vigor of youth.

Going Forward

Two particular meetings today inspired my soul about going forward. One was a recap meeting about the Connections 07 feedback. The question in these sessions is, "What is God saying to TSA in this territory?" Some real direction is beginning to emerge. we have a bright and exciting future. Let's give Him our best in the process.

The second meeting was with a married couple who are serving God with integrity and joy. They very much represent our future and will undoubtedly be an important team in the going forward of our movement.

Let's go for it.

Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)
11 I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Mr. Derek Linsell

Mr. Derek Linsell of Apricot Consulting and the AFL Foundation gave a presentation at a breakfast meeting of Christian Management Australia this morning. His comments on Corporate Social Action were timely, practical and informative for the business persons present. The focus of the meeting is clearly Christian and how business persons can integrate their faith in their business community. The meetings are always worthwhile and this one was no exception.

You may know that Derek is from the great Colonels Frank and Jean Linsell family. He was an officer in earlier days and has not lost the passion of his commitment to Christ. He often benefits TSA in many ways. We thank God for him.

1 Corinthians 12:6 (MSG)
6 God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all.

Training College

The Training College remains a favourite place to go. The Cadets and staff are invigorating. God comes close to us there. The focus on Him is strong and convincing.

Today was no exception. Training Principal Captain Stephen Court excels in his role and leads with a refreshing vigor and passion in the name of Christ. The whole team is solid and encouraging. I thank the Lord for them and commend them to the territory.

The Payer Warriors' session is terrific. They take the Word of God seriously and seek to please God through Jesus. Hallelujah!

2 Timothy 2:15 (NJB)
15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who has no need to be ashamed, but who keeps the message of truth on a straight path.

National Youth Commission

The National Youth Commission released their findings today of their independent study of youth homelessness in Australia. It's a good report on a difficult reality. I recommend you acquire a copy or visit their website for more information at http://nyc.net.au/

Setting aside the statistical aspect of the report, just know that youth homelessness is a bigger issue than the availability of beds. It's about real young people with unique concerns that a simple formulaic response won't address. Captain Paul Moulds reminds us that the solutions begin to come into focus with personal relationships. This has to be a one to one effort. The Lord is with them and with us in these ways.

Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Open to God

When a person is open to the grace of God, great things happen...

Forgiveness of sins...
Awakening of the soul...
Quickening of life...
Guarantee of eternity...
Increasing hope...
Enriching of purpose...
Deepening of relationships...
Spiritual authority...
Moral clarity...
Joyful faith...
Unceasing love...

All for everyone who claims the love of God through Jesus. Hallelujah!

Titus 2:11 (NIV)
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

African Service

What is known as the African Service at the Darwin Corps is their Sunday Morning meeting on the first Sunday of the month. It is led and focused in an African style of worship. Based upon our experience this morning, the meeting is alive and God centered.

God is counting on us to reach all people in the world. This certainly includes Africans living in Australia. I'm grateful for the vision in the Darwin Corps. Hallelujah!

John 3:16 (TLB)
16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Kununurra, WA

There's a great work happening in Kununurra, WA. It is, actually, in the Northern Territory Region (within the great Australian Southern Territory) and is being led by Envoys Gill and Stephen Lefmann.

We enjoyed the celebration of a soldier enrolment today. Nellie looked terrific in her uniform and her witness to the saving power of Christ was strong. Thank you, friends for what you are doing in the name of Jesus in Kununurra. Hallelujah!

Acts 1:8 (NIV)
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Crossroads

Not only is this a place to make a good decision, it is the name of our Social Programme Network within the Melbourne Central Division. Operated by a first class team of professionals, service for people with all types of concerns is given with great integrity. Thanks, Noelle for your ministry and that of your associates.

Just a day ago we enjoyed a spitroast BBQ with both the staff and many clients. The Moreland City Corps was there to connect and give support, complete with the band. The food was great as was the fellowship we each enjoyed. Congratulations Crossroads for creative programming and a heart to bring us all together.

Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
16 This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls..."

Powerless

For two days after a blog on Strength, our quarters has been powerless. A storm knocked out our electricity and we're still waiting for it to be repaired. Several trees came down in the neighborhood. Had we still been in the office in Mont Albert, we would have had two days off work...another good reason for the relocation.

In between strength to strength, we might have periods where we feel powerless. Apart from the strength of God, it is our realistic condition. The power is given to accomplish God's purposes and to bring glory to His name. Other power plays are pointless.

Romans 5:6 (NIV)
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Strength

I like that line in the song, Great is Thy Faithfulness that says, "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow..."

God's plan for us includes His strength. He knows our weaknesses because Jesus was tempted just as we are. When you consider His encounter with the enemy in the desert, He proved His capacity, strength and resolve. This same measure is ours for the asking.

The strength leads to a bright tomorrow. I can't wait...but will.

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."