Rugby League

And the Melbourne Storm is on top of the ladder. Tonight they won 46-0. We were there to validate the veracity of their performance. It's a good game and one that takes strength, intelligence and stamina.

Better than the game was who we went with. The game really was terrific, but the friends we were with made it a great night.It's always about the relationships. I thank God for my friends.

2 John 1:5 (TLB)
5 And now I want to urgently remind you, dear friends, of the old rule God gave us right from the beginning, that Christians should love one another.

The enemy is real

Be on guard.

Recognise that there are forces at work that are diametrically opposed to the ways of God.

He is a liar.

He is happy when you are perplexed.

He is a loser.

Jesus is the victor.

1 John 4:4 (MSG)
4 My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world.

God's leading.

God's leading is a sentence and a complete thought. It means God is leading in this case. It's true. He is not static and cannot be described as non-influential. He always has affect, even though He will not break a bruised reed or stifle a smoking wick.

His leading is full of love and power and fulfillment. When you follow, so will joy and hope and excitement, as obvious as tin cans tied by strings on the back of a honeymoon car. Sounds great doesn't it?

Proverbs 8:21 (TLB)
21 Those who love and follow me are indeed wealthy. I fill their treasuries.

Right decision

Making the right decision is often a great challenge. Once you get past the easy decisions, there are those where the right decision isn't absolutely clear. You know, where the choice is the best of the difficult or the least harmful?

We can get help from others and we can consult the Word of God, but some decisions are ours to make and just not found in the concordance to the Bible. Here's where staying close to God makes all the difference. Our relationship with Him will bring light to the circumstance and His truth will give us clarity to make the right decision. Enjoy it.

Proverbs 2:9 (TLB)
9 He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time.

Be Like Jesus

Not only is this a good plan, it is the name of a new CD released by the USA Southern Territory. It is in preparation of their Holiness Congress. Listening to it today, I'm blessed and impressed. The concept is right and the music right too.

I wouldn't know how to get a copy apart from finding the territorial website and tracking it down. Sometimes getting to be like Jesus isn't easy.

Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Working it Through

Sometimes things need to be worked out. Conversation and dialogue are required to come to at least a consensus if not a solution. We can help by looking at the subject through the eyes of others and putting aside our differences.

The resolution is worth it and the open approach conveys respect to everyone involved. It is civilised and needed in this world. At least consider this perspective.

Proverbs 21:31 (TLB)
31 Go ahead and prepare for the conflict, but victory comes from God.

Red Shield Appeal

Today has been a particularly active day across Australia in TSA. Thousands of Salvos have gone door to door and street corner to street corner to receive the provision of God through generous Australians. The resources are used to improve the lives of over 1 million Australians in the course of the year. It is all worth it.

Thank you for every volunteer and every donor who are making it possible to help so many. God bless you each.

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.'

Spend time with those you love

As you can, spend time with those you love. It may sound simple and obvious, but there are times in our lives when we need such a reminder. Parents, don't let yourself be found to say, "I wish I had spent more time with my kids. They grew up too fast." Don't be found saying, "Now that my folks are gone, I should have taken more time to be with them."

There are other relationships that suffer simply because we don't get to it, or we don't do well to write letters or can't afford the calls. Measure the significance of your relationship and do what it takes to keep it alive. You'll be glad about it when you do.

2 John 1:5 (MSG)
5 But permit me a reminder, friends, and this is not a new commandment but simply a repetition of our original and basic charter: that we love each other.

Caring for People

We need to care for each other. Our relationships with others is our witness to the Holy Spirit within us. We glorify the Lord by such responsibilities.

Now this doesn't mean that we necessarily see things the same way as everybody else and there are moments when we have varying opinions. Is there a time for correction as well? Absolutely. Just read through the comments on this blog. Friends are trying their best to keep me on the straight and narrow.

Even when this is needed, caring for each other is helpful by both parties. It isn't always easy. Let's give it our best.

1 John 4:7 (MSG)
7 My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God.

Welcome Home MSB

The Melbourne Staff Band returned home to THQ officially last night for their regular weekly rehearsal. Although I don't know how long they've been rehearsing elsewhere, they sounded great in the new band room or music room, as they share it with the MSS. Complete for the rehearsal was the visit of Bandmaster emeritus, Colin Woods, B/M Ken Waterworth (on leave) and guest conductor, Lt. Colonel Robert Redhead. For the record, the first piece the band played in the room was Reflections in Nature by Robert Redhead. It'll become a trivia question.

Let the record reveal that the MSB is important to the territory and to the Kingdom of God. The witness of their music reaches much further than the walls of their concert halls. Hallelujah!

Psalms 27:6 (MSG)
6 God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I'm headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I'm singing God-songs; I'm making music to God.

NATSICA Launch

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian Alliance was launched today in Canberra. They represent Christian Aboriginals in Australia. We are greatly impressed with the individuals and churches involved in this alliance and believe that their efforts will be productive for all Australians, in particular, Aboriginals.

The Salvation Army is connected to the alliance in these early days and celebrates the launch and expectations of NATSICA. I believe we will make progress with this initiative and that God will bless what they will do in His name.

1 Corinthians 12:13 (MSG)
13 By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink. The old labels we once used to identify ourselves—labels like Jew or Greek, slave or free—are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive.

Business Community

In our focus on the least, the last, and the lost, remember that we have a responsibility to every person that God brings into our lives. This includes the business community, sales clerks, shop owners, night managers, business people, even CEO's.

The opportunities are endless...just like God's love. In each scenario we have a challenge to sort out the best approach and to seize the moment to the glory of God. Here's what I suggest:

1. be yourself - holy, transparent
2. depend on the Holy Spirit - He goes before you and travels with you.
3. convey the good news - in relevant, Biblical truth
4. ask for a response - trust and obey

Hallelujah!

Acts 13:32 (MSG)
32 "And we're here today bringing you good news: the Message that what God promised the fathers

Extra Help

Just when you've reached your extremes, God sends extra help. I believe He asks us to use what we have and when that is not enough, He steps in to prove His grace and help. We can count on Him.

What are you working on or are you near your goals? Be prepared for God to make it right. He's with you and knows not only our strengths but our weaknesses as well. Mix that with His awareness of our tomorrows and we need not be anxious about how to get through. We can, absolutely, trust Him. hallelujah!

Jesus said,
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1 (NIV)

Think of His love

Calmly, respectfully, faithfully, think of God's love. He created you for life filled with hope, joy and truth. This starts with our free choices. Love does not manipulate and God is love. The personal choice is incredibly important. Why did he put the one tree in the garden of Eden? All of us would be still in the garden, had he not, but it would have been as like puppets.

God love us too much to remove our choice to love Him. You don't have to love Him, but you should. His love is demonstrated in innumerable terms, beginning with the death of Christ on the cross. Can you think on these things? It will clear your mind and settle your heart. Hallelujah!

Romans 5:8 (MSG)
8 But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

Adelaide Congress Hall Corps

In the history of the Australia Southern Territory, the ACH Corps has been a mainstay. They have proven the grace of God over and over through the years and are doing so today. Just now the corps is in pain over the promotion to glory of their corps officer, Major Cameron Wallace.

At the same time they are ministering to Cameron's family with deep love and understanding. The Celebration of his life service occurred today. The corps was present in full force. Let's continue in prayer for the Wallace family and the ACH Corps.

Isaiah 60:1 (NIV)
1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

All walks of life

It takes all kinds of people to make up the Kingdom of God. He has chosen all different languages, personality types and nationalities to become His Kingdom. I'm grateful for His plan. We can enjoy the company of many people who love God and who seek Him for the best in their lives.

We can celebrate here this diversity in preparation for our eternity in heaven. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 14:26 (MSG)
26 This is the plan, planned for the whole earth, And this is the hand that will do it, reaching into every nation.

God Leads the Way

On our daily road, we can count on God. He leads the way. We can look to the left and to the right. We can consider the diversions and turns in the road. We can skip, run or jump. We can be on gravel, dirt or concrete. God desires to lead us with love.

Our job: follow.

It need not be complicated, confusing or cantankerous. He receives you where you are and takes you where you need to go. Follow His lead today.

Psalms 37:23 (NRSV)
23 Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way;

RSA Launch

The Red Sheild Appeal launch occurred today in Melbourne. The AXA corporation sponsored the event which was terrific. Mr. Andy Penn from AXA represented his company and many others by his kind remarks and challenge for Victoria to partner with TSA in our endeavors to serve so many people. Mr. Bernie Brooks of Myer was present to celebrate the proceeds of their Christmas recording which generated over $200,000. The state of Victoria presented $60,000 as well.

These donations will go a long way to help many people. Across Australia we will help over 1,000,000 people this year. The costs will be in excess of $68 million. We have much to do to raise that kind of resource. Thank you each who are helping as you can.

Acts 2:45 (MSG)
45 They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.

Seeing God

While the heavens declare the glory of God, we are made in His image. We can see Him by looking into others around us. In Biblical context, that understanding pre-exists the salvation of the individual. This is to say that we can see the image of God in every person.

God walked into my office today in the person of a couple of people. Each showed me His love, creativity, ingenuity and concern. God's amazing. He keeps me focused on Him if I keep my eyes open for Him.

Look up. look out. Look for Him.

1 John 2:5 (MSG)
5 But the one who keeps God's word is the person in whom we see God's mature love. This is the only way to be sure we're in God.

Major Cameron Wallace

God has called Major Cameron Wallace home to glory. We delight in his eternal reward and celebrate what we who know Christ as Saviour will enjoy one day. At the same time our hearts are broken over the loss of his presence to his wife and family. The Adelaide Congress Hall Corps too will find difficulty without him.

Let us be in prayer for these loved ones and in gratitude for the life and person of Cameron Wallace.

2 Corinthians 5:8 (NRSV)
8 Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Happy Mothers' Day

Genesis 3:20 (NIV)
20 Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.

Pray for the General

As we come before the Lord today, let us remember the General in prayer. General Shaw Clifton continues to lead The Salvation Army with courage, devotion and strength. He and Commissioner Helen Clifton benefit by the provision of God in their lives and depend upon Him completely. They're tremendous leaders.

Psalms 143:1 (NIV)
1 O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.

Heritage

Our history gives a guide to not only our future but the essence of who we are. In terms of TSA, we have much to live up to. In terms of an individual, it may not be as simple. God's transformation of the individual makes the person's history a contrast of dark to light.

The heritage of TSA is mostly beautiful and crafted by God. Although far from perfect, it survives blemishes and difficult chapters because it continues to work towards the glory of God. May we maintain this hope and redeeming approach to mission.

Galatians 4:5 (MSG)
5 Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage.

Wilma Gallet

On the first Sunday we conducted corps meetings in Australia, we met Wilma Gallet. A soldier of the Ferntree Gully Corps, she is the celebrated founder of Employment Plus and an exceptional Christian lady.

Among her many accomplishments in the fields of social programme, she wrote TSA's response to the National Youth Commission's report on youth homelessness in Australia. it's called Finding My Place and it is a quality booklet that describes the mission of TSA among youth in Australia. You can download it or acquire a copy at TSA.

Thank you Wilma, for your witness, your faithfulness and your extraordinary service.

Psalms 119:114 (MSG)
114 You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.

Myanmar

Our friends in Myanmar are in need of our support. Prayers on their behalf will be valued. The death toll is incredible and rising. TSA is there and is serving on the ground in spite of major damage to SA facilities. Communication is difficult.

We can facilitate donations to the work there from any SA location here or online at our territorial website.

May God's grace prevail in the midst of such difficulty.

Psalms 86:13 (MSG)
13 You've always been great toward me—what love! You snatched me from the brink of disaster!

God Provides

In the flurry of life and in the day to day engagements, God provides.
In the complexities of our moods, uncertainties and joys, God provides.
The air we breathe...the sunlight that opens the day...the stars that sparkle...all validate that God provides.

He gives hope to the rejected, peace to the troubled, healing to the unwell, attention to the invisible, grace to the insecure, joy to the hurt, forgiveness to the penitent, understanding to the confused and love to all. That's just for starters.

God provides for you and me. Hallelujah!

Luke 12:28 (TLB)
28 And if God provides clothing for the flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, don’t you suppose that he will provide clothing for you, you doubters?

Healthy Corps

This is an interesting concept that can serve our best intentions in glorifying God. When we measure such things, we must do so in a Biblical context with careful cultural appreciation. I suggest that a healthy corps is one that is paying attention to balance, growth, nourishment and applied faith. They can be small, medium, large or anywhere on any scale. They can be new, old or not so old. They can be urban, country or a mix.

Generally, a corps knows if it is healthy or at least where certain parts need attention. Acts 2:42 gives a good guide to healthy components.

Acts 2:42 (NIV)
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Keeping the Faith

There are many temptations that will discourage and distract you from your faith. Be on your guard. What we call common sense can cause a shortage of faith as can intellectual assertion. How do we explain prayer apart from a relationship with a loving God?

The strength of our faith will enable us in moments of concern and hold us through the valleys in our lives. It's really God who is holding us, not faith in itself. Our choice...His grace. Hallelujah!

James 1:12 (NIV)
12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Encouragement

Here's an idea: be an encourager.

There are plenty who will put a person down or trim them down to size. Why not lift up someone? You might even find it refreshing.

Setting the record straight? The record doesn't need you...people do. You are better than that.

Got something to say? Be an encourager.

Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Social Justice

This territory is on track with social justice. Under the leadership of Captain Danielle Strickland, our efforts are multiplying to glorify God. From fair trade to human traffiking and everything in between, we're learning more and more how to better engage our people in these areas of ministry.

You can learn much more from the justsalvos.com website. It's worth looking at and then just doing something.

Hebrews 11:33 (MSG)
33 Through acts of faith, they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions,

Northern Victoria Division

With four SA divisions, the state of Victoria boasts of a remarkable expression of Salvationism. In the northern part we have the Northern Victoria Division. Well established and currently under the leadership of Majors Graeme and Karen Rigley, this division is real Salvation Army. They are mission focused and solid. When you serve with them you find integrity, balance and holiness.

I thank God for who is there and what is happening in the name of Jesus. Hallelujah!

1 Chronicles 16:29 (MSG)
29 Shout Bravo! to his famous Name, lift high an offering and enter his presence! Stand resplendent in his robes of holiness!