Darwin

Darwin is a very special place. Today, the weather is absolutely beautiful and we're anticipating a great experience this weekend at the Army. Love4Mission08 will be underway tomorrow night at the Darwin Corps.

Be in prayer for all up here. John Cleary, Captain Danielle Strickland and a host of other leaders will be on track to glorify God. Have an extra few minutes. Come to the top end and listen for the voice of God.

John 17:25 (MSG)
25 Righteous Father, the world has never known you, But I have known you, and these disciples know That you sent me on this mission.

Cadets

Some of the finest Salvationists in the territory are at the Training College. Both the staff and Cadets are immersed in the Word of God and in the Holy Spirit. Their witness is strong and their hopes are high. Hallelujah!

If you're thinking that God has called you into service as an officer in TSA, this environment is ready for you. You will learn the ways of God and TSA in the context of holy integrity. As long as it's God's plan, go for it.

Hebrews 12:10 (MSG)
10 While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best.

Commissioners Ros and Vic Poke

Home in Australia for a furlough, the Pokes are the pride of the Australia Southern Territory. As the highest ranking officers from the territory, they're known for their faithfulness, compassion and hard work. Just now they are the territorial leaders of the Sweden and Latvia Territory.

You might see them around. Make sure to say hello and greet them in the name of the Lord Jesus. They will receive you with joy. Carolyn and I count them as good friends and comrades in the battle. Hallelujah!

John 15:13 (MSG)
13 This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.

Questions

Honest questions deserve honest answers. The questions in themselves do not need to denote disagreement, only clarification. A good question can focus a reality and quicken a right response.

When it comes to questions about our faith, we shouldn't simply discount the questioner as the opposition, but rather as a seeker of the truth. There were many in the Word who approached Jesus with questions. He respected them and pointed them to God. May we be so faithful.

Acts 16:30-31 (MSG)
30 He led them out of the jail and asked, "Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved, to really live?"
31 They said, "Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live—and everyone in your house included!"

Kids

I purposely don't refer to children by name on the internet. We need to protect our children from harm that can come by virtue of too much information available. The internet is a powerful weapon in the hands of evil people.

What I'd like to draw attention to are kids in general who need our faithful support, guidance and encouragement. I'd like to see us reach out to more kids in the name of Christ. Our history shows that when we do, they often bring their families to the Lord as well. Let us do what we can to increase our ministry to kids. They need Christ.

Matthew 18:7 (MSG)
7 Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don't have to make it worse—and it's doomsday to you if you do.

Staff Songsters

The two Australian staff songster brigades joined together tonight at the Waverley Temple Corps. It was beautiful music all night. The Melbourne Staff Songsters are in their 21st season and the Sydney Staff Songsters, their twentieth. Both groups were sensational.

God is glorified by the holy singing of musicians to His delight. At points the whole audience sang along and praised God accordingly. Hallelujah, what a night!

Psalm 149:1 (MSG)
1 Hallelujah! Sing to God a brand-new song, praise him in the company of all who love him.

Satisfaction

What is it that gives you satisfaction? How about a job completed and well done? Helping a friend? How about a stranger? There can be satisfaction in many things we do or even say. Generally, satisfaction follows a challenge.

Do you think God is satisfied with you? I'm not suggesting that you're a challenge or that He is finished with you. I believe He would be satisfied with us when we represent Him in holiness and in humble service. I believe He is satisfied with us when we worship Him in spirit and in truth. If He's satisfied, we can be satisfied. Hallelujah!

Psalm 33:5 (MSG)
5 He loves it when everything fits, when his world is in plumb-line true. Earth is drenched in God's affectionate satisfaction.

24/7 Prayer II

On this the 24th day of the seventh month, the Australia Southern Territory has launched into it's second year of 24/7 prayer. The gathering in the chapel at THQ was appropriate and appreciated. Major Lorraine Hart led us and we're on to year two.

I am convinced that this prayer movement throughout the territory is the most significant step towards honouring God in many years. We are clearly drawing closer to God and depending upon Him as we should. This makes us know Him better and the closer we get, the purer we must be. Hallelujah!

Join us!

Ephesians 6:18 (MSG)
18 In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

MCD

This stands for the Melbourne Central Division. This morning we shared in the time of their Officers' Fellowship at the Geelong Conference Centre. They had been in meetings for a few days before we arrived and were in a great frame of reference by the time we came.

Majors Rodney and Jenny Barnard are the divisional leaders who care deeply for their people and prepare carefully in their ministry. Today's theme was "a life gained by giving." We thoroughly enjoyed being with them all and praise God for the blessings.

Romans 12:1 (NIV)
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.

Investing

With the stock market all over the place and global economies awry, investing is a complex matter. In today's 'Army', it is an important aspect of our administration. being good stewards today means possessing investment savvy and good pecuniary support.

More importantly, we invest in people too. These investments speak to the confidence and encouragement we give to the people who make up the 'Army.' We trust and entrust them with responsibilities both in social programme centres and corps. They're worth it and they return extraordinary grace and blessings among us. Hallelujah1

Ecclesiastes 11:1 (MSG)
1 Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns.

Noarlunga

One of our corps deeply committed to prayer is the Noarlunga, South Australia Corps. Captains Robert and Vanessa Evans are the Corps Leaders with Envoy Mark Grant as an assistant. The corps, of course has local leaders that are intrinsically a part of this prayer movement as well.

In the community, the corps has established a 24/7 prayer room, accessible to several churches and individuals in order to seek the Lord in prayer. The corps has gone beyond my imagination in establishing this special prayer room. God is being glorified. Hallelujah!

Philippians 4:6 (MSG)
6 Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.

Ingle Farm Corps

Having just completed their week of 24/7 prayer, Carolyn and I immediately sensed the sweet presence of God in the chapel this morning. The Holy Spirit moved among His children, healing, helping and holding...just what people needed. Hallelujah!

Captains Paul and Wendy Hately are leading a formidable force of Salvationists in this extraordinary fellowship. The music was first class and the interest very high. The services connected to the corps are connected to the corps. This is a beautiful example of how it's supposed to work. God bless you.

Philippians 4:9 (MSG)
9 Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Linsell Lodge

The new Linsell Lodge is a credit to the good name of Brigadier Cecil Linsell, TSA, and the Lord. With civic leaders present as well as a host of celebrants that included many in the Linsell family, the facility was dedicated to God.

Congratulations to the South Australia Division and all who have worked so hard to make this a first class facility for Aged Care. It has a current capacity of 90 residents and there are many extras in the buildings for the residents to enjoy their days in comfort, safety, and a Christian environment. This new complex, of course, replaces the former location on Whitmore Square.

Leviticus 19:32 (NIV)
32 "'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.

Tasmania Division

Under the capable leadership of Majors Graeme and Helen McClimont, the Tasmania Division is a great place to serve the Lord. Continuing in the fine traditions of previous leaders, the division is reaching people for Christ and growing. Hallelujah!

Thank you, Lord, for these faithful Salvos who work diligently and powerfully in the name of Christ.

1 Samuel 12:7 (MSG)
7 Take your stand before him now as I review your case before God in the light of all the righteous ways in which God has worked with you and your ancestors.

Leadership Qualities

How about these:

Decision maker
Dependable
Discerning
Daring
Determined
Delivers objectives

We have many in TSA with these qualities. God has granted such capacities for His honour. Hallelujah!

2 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God's Holiness

The Scriptures declare the holiness of God. He is the purest of pure; the brightest of bright; the lovliest of the lovely; the truest of the true; the most faithful of the faithful; the most blessed of the blessed. When we look to Him we know what is right and worthy and hopeful and graceful. Hallelujah!

He shares His holiness as He shares His love. You and I can be holy people by reflecting His holiness in our lives. It is even God's plan...just amazing.

How are you doing?

1 Peter 1:15 (NIV)
15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

God's Touch

God not only has feelings, He has touch as well. Have you felt His touch? I certainly have. He has touched my life with healing and forgiveness and deep love. I've never been the same since. Hallelujah!

The Word says about His touch that He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoking flax. That's sensitivity. When He touched the blind man, sight was given. When He touched the leper, healing was dispensed. When He touched Peter's mother in law, the fever left her.

Now imagine His touch on your life. Get ready for a good change. Yes!

Mark 3:10 (NIV)
10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him.

Heart of God

God's heart is larger than we think. He has a capacity that exceeds the universe. He loves His beloved and His love extends to those who hate Him. He loves those who are determined to discredit Him and those who who hurt others. We may have difficulty in understanding His love fully. Our limitations are significant.

This is why I can write with confidence that God loves you. He knows you and loves you. Perhaps because of your circumstances, you think He has no regard for you. Have you measured that because your deepest desire has not been met or you have a significant disappointment in your life that you think God should not have allowed? Re-think it and recognise that this is one relationship not based upon what you get out of it. Love requires more than that.

God's heart is as large as His love.

1 John 4:8 (NIV)
8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

God Speaks

The written Word of God allows us to hear the voice of God. He has spoken through the ages with confidence, passion and love. He spoke and the worlds were created. He brought you and me into existence with the life of His breath.

This is why we long to be with Him and why our soul pants to just hear His voice. We are connected by divine design and why we are at a loss when we are separated. Let the whole world hear His voice. Let them tune in to the sweetness of His acceptance and forgiveness. He desires that we choose Him and recognise Him as our loving Creator. Hallelujah!

Genesis 2:7 (NIV)
7 the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

Words of Life

I don't know if you receive or use the international daily devotional entitled, "Words of Life." They're always well done and are an inspiration to many around the world.

They focus on the authentic words of life in the Bible. There is no greater source to understand the grace and love of God. I'd suggest you use a current mainstream translation that will not only guide you to truth, but the Truth: Jesus.

Enjoy the read and the relationship.

Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Learning to Lean

We used to sing a chorus that went like this:

"Learning to lean (2X)
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I've ever dreamed,
I'm learning to lean on Jesus."

This is a good posture for all of us. We attempt to be so self sufficient and independent. It isn't necessary or even God's plan. As a loving parent, He wants us to lean on Him. He's dependable.

Deuteronomy 7:9 (MSG)
9 Know this: God, your God, is God indeed, a God you can depend upon. He keeps his covenant of loyal love with those who love him and observe his commandments for a thousand generations.

Balance

God is the creator of balance. He brings order and from that hope and joy. Sometimes, He starts with chaos and enlightens that with grace that becomes creative genius. He's beautiful and trustworthy in such things.

Consider what He does with a life. the person is in doubt, disarray and disease. An encounter with God brings the balance and harmony and wholeness. The balance is extraordinary.

Looking for this in your life? Seek the Lord while He may be found.

Philippians 4:5 (NIV)
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Souls n Justice

So was the name of an inspirational event at the 614 New Life Centre in Melbourne. Great music, great preaching and a great opportunity to focus on God and natural outcomes - social justice.

Many came forward to pray and the presence of God was obvious. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)
24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

Good Music

Don't you just love good music? Sure, we consider different music as good, but just the same, regardless of the style, it can affect us positively.

I love to put on music on a long drive and most days, I have music playing while I work. For me, the music changes depending what I'm doing. You might hear brass, gospel, instrumental, voice, all types.

Do you like music? Does it draw you to God? It worked for David.

Psalms 101:1 (MSG)
1 A David psalm. My theme song is God's love and justice, and I'm singing it right to you, God.

Friends

A friend stopped by today for lunch. He was in my diary and I was expecting a discussion on something that was on his mind. Imagine my surprise when he simply indicated that he didn't have a concern for me, but rather, only thought it might be good to just have lunch. You'd never guess what mindless subject we talked about.

Can I recommend that to you in your busy life? Just have lunch. Sure, we want to maximise our lives. Who says just having lunch doesn't do that? When you do, do it in remembrance of Jesus.

Matthew 26:26 (MSG)
26 During the meal, Jesus took and blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it to his disciples: Take, eat. This is my body.

Rochester is moving on

After these 120 years, the Rochester Corps is moving on. Celebrating a rich history and a God-honouring present, it is clear they plan to go forward in the name of Christ. Based upon what we witnessed this weekend, they're ready and willing. Hallelujah!

Isn't today as important for every corps? Do we need an anniversary to stimulate our courage and hope for tomorrow? I'm sure you're getting the point. So what about your corps and what about you? Looking for the moment to move in God's direction? I see that moment as now. God's ready.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (MSG)
2 God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time; The day you needed me, I was there to help. Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped.

Rochester, Victoria 120th Anniversary

For 60 years, TSA in Rochester served from this corps hall. Altogether, the corps has functioned effectively for 120 years. To celebrate their anniversary, Majors Graham and Julie Moyle have invited the music forces from the Ringwood Citadel Corps in Melbourne.

The programme tonight was terrific as 10% of the population of Rochester joined us to glorify God. The meetings tonight and tomorrow are being held in the shire hall. The building above is no longer in use as the corps and the new corps building is a little small for such a big celebration. Thank you all for your work in proving the faithfulness of God for over 120 years.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NLT)
24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

4th of July

Independence Day in America has arrived again and is a reminder of the country's independence. As the expression goes, freedom isn't free. I wonder if we reconsidered the war of independence in today's terms, if we would have resisted. As I understand it, there were those who spoke out against the military effort.

I suppose there's no point in second guessing it. It's done and a part of the reality of today.

Salvation is freedom from the real enemy of our souls. It too isn't free. Christ paid for all of us. It's not open for debate. It's what He has done out of love. What's open for consideration is those who would value His gift and accept His love for themselves. When you do, you'll be freer than any country in history. I suggest you go for it.

1 John 5:14 (MSG)
14 And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he's listening.

Grandparents

I'm discovering that the world needs grandparents. Oh, my own grandparents were terrific and very badly needed. Now I'm seeing it from the other side of life. Just like parenthood, I'm delightfully blessed with being a grandparent. It's a part of me that can't be squashed or denied. Ha!

Now we know that God has no grandchildren. When we realise our love relationship with Him, we begin to understand we are His children. Our kids can't inherit our faith. They don't need to. That's a good thing, because sometimes, our witness just isn't up to the grace of God. We can and must show the way to Christ. It is their blessed choice to love and follow Him. Bless the Lord.

Revelation 12:11 (MSG)
11 They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of their witness. They weren't in love with themselves; they were willing to die for Christ.

CEDA

The Committee for Economic Development of Australia represents a high level group of business and community leaders. This morning in Adelaide we were in attendance with the Premier of South Australia where he and I were given the opportunity to address the crowd. Premier Mike Rann spoke extremely well on the subject of social inclusion and is serving his state and the country well in his role in this regard.

We have a great Salvation Army in South Australia with great leaders, great Advisory Board and an incredible opportunity to serve God by serving people. God wants us all to come together to make a difference in this world. He believes in social inclusion.

2 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)
13 We aren't making outrageous claims here. We're sticking to the limits of what God has set for us. But there can be no question that those limits reach to and include you.

Budgets

Every good business works with budgets. We at TSA are no exception. We have budgets within budgets and then complimenting budgets that connect our operations throughout.

A budget is a plan. There are few plans as specific as a budget. At what point do we exercise our faith in the plan known as a budget? Do you imagine that a faith-loaded budget might be a financial problem?

I believe that a faith focused budget is a practical expression of our Christian journey, grounded in reality, but influenced by divine possibilities. It's one of those holy tensions that define our stewardship of pecuniary resources. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 46:10 (NLT)
10 Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.