ACC 08

The Aggressive Christianity Conference has begun today at the Box Hill Corps. God is being glorified with great music and teaching for almost every appetite. This first day was the officers day followed by the keynote of the actual conference.

If you're in the area, stop by. Sessions will be conducted throughout the day and celebration rallies held at night. There is another all star cast this week. Come around and give it a go.

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."

Korean Centenary

The Salvation Army in Korea is celebrating their 100th anniversary. Complete with General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton, the Melbourne Staff Band and the Box Hill Corps Big Band, the events are happening this week.

Let's be in prayer for our brothers and sisters who are recognising the provision of God for these 100 years. Our Korean Salvationists are particularly vibrant and full of the Spirit of God. It is a great work of God.

2 Peter 3:8 (MSG)
8 Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day.

Geraldton, Western Australia

Finally, we have had the opportunity to come to Geraldton, north of Perth on the west coast of the country. It's an absolutely beautiful place with terrific people. The corps and other SA services here are remarkable. Employment Plus has good standing and the social programmes conducted here are effective and mission integrated.

We thank God for Major Deidre Dearing and Captain Ian Dearing who are leading the work with sensitivity, conviction, and grace. The members meeting last night and the worship meeting this morning brought glory to God in a refreshing vibrant style. I'm expecting even more great things in Geraldton. Hallelujah!

Galatians 5:22 (MSG)
22 But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,

Grand Finals

Today we are looking to the sports world for the amazing Footy (Australian Rules Football - also known as no rules football) Grand Finals.The television station is giving a five hour preview show and the game will be watched by millions in addition to the 100,000 in the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground - sometimes used for footy). It's a shame that the Staff Band is out of the country just now. It must have been a tough decision for them to accept the invitation on this basis.

I have a prediction about the game. I'm expecting that the Victorian team will win.

Not unlike the excitement and great expectation of a day like this, we can have a dynamic excitement and expectation in what God wants to do in our lives today. The results of our day may indeed change the lives of many as we celebrate the living hope of our resurrected Lord.

I have a prediction about the world we live in. Jesus, and those with Him, win.

2 Corinthians 13:8 (MSG)
8 We're cheering for the truth to win out in you.

Western Australia Division

Every trip to Western Australia is a delight. On this, the occasion of their divisional review, we are able to witness the provision and undeniable involvement of God throughout the division. It is amazing how He partners with the likes of us to be salt and light to others. This is because so many here say yes to Him and follow His lead.

Let us together be encouraged. We share space in this battle for souls with terrific people here who convey the love of God in extraordinary and practical ways. Hallelujah!

Joshua 1:5 (MSG)
5 All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you.

Praying

Prayer is essential in the journey of a believer. In prayer, we enjoy the presence of God and the awareness that He is involved with our world and our lives. A prominent church minister in Melbourne has declared publicly that God is not an interventionist God. The minister is very wrong, but also misses this joy in life, which is sad.

Is it possible for us to trust God more with an increase in our prayer life? There are more matters in the world and in TSA that needs this support as we go forward. I thank God for those who are today engaged in our 24/7 prayer movement. Pray on and pray as if life depends upon it. It does.

James 5:16 (MSG)
16 Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.

New Approaches

When going to a new place, you have to take a new direction and often new steps. I think that's one of the reasons I like new approaches. They allow for new results. I suggest that new approaches are essential to significantly advance.

Not everybody is ready for new approaches. So do we stop? I don't think so. I think one needs a new approach to make new approaches.

Hebrews 11:6 (MSG)
6 It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.

Brunswick 125

Sounds like a march doesn't it? We did celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Brunswick Citadel Corps today. Captains Jason and Michelle Davies-Kildea and Captains Peter and Erica Jones all led us through the day with careful planning and holy expectation.

The morning meeting was a blessing as was the afternoon B/M Arthur Gullidge tribute concert. The duty band was the Moreland City Band, a community band from the immediate area. Most of the music was from the pen of Gullidge including "Divine Communion" and "For You I Am Praying," both classics from holiness meetings around the world.

The ministry of the corps continues with a strong outreach to the community in non-traditional ways. God is at work here. Hallelujah!

Joshua 1:6 (NIV)
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.

Building the Kingdom of God

Building the Kingdom of God is significantly more than buildings. It is, in fact, the growth of people in and into the Kingdom. It's an amazing privilege that we enjoy as believers in Jesus.

It is something that we should be conscious of and prepared to support. We do so by being holy people ourselves, demonstrating God's love through light and heavy days. As sanctified, joy filled witnesses, our testimony convincingly will shine in the darkness for others to see and desire. Their interest will be drawn to the warmth and light of God, all the while, building His Kingdom. Let's bring as many as we can with us.

2 Peter 1:10-11 (MSG)
10 So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing,
11 the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Government

Proper government relations require a careful understanding of the political climate and a resolve to participate without political commitment. We have good relationships with governments throughout Australia. Together, many people are helped and lives are changed.

I believe government has a duty of care for its citizens. We can help and must, by our convictions and because of our love for God. The many opportunities to support people in their constructive life journeys is tremendous. Our service is a credit to Him. Hallelujah!

Matthew 22:21 (MSG)
21 They said, "Caesar." "Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his."

The Ocean

As an Island country and continent, you can go any direction you want to get to the ocean. What a country!

I am amazed about the constant rhythm of the waves hitting the shore and the immense power that is always at work in the currents and movements of the tides. Just now and all day as well as all night it continues on every shore and in every ocean.

Lord, help us to be so constant when people are looking and when they're not. Empower us from the depths so that we witness to your grace and love in life changing ways. Thank you, Lord.

Proverbs 25:3 (MSG)
3 Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth, the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.

Lighthouse

There are many metaphors around the concept of the lighthouse. Certainly, a ship in a storm is saved by such. We stopped at the Split Rock Lighthouse for a few minutes today, enjoyed the view and considered the metaphors.

What circumstance in your life draws a parallel to the lighthouse? My lighthouse was a person who showed me the way when I was going no where. I'm glad he showed up when he did.


John 9:39 (MSG)
39 Jesus then said, "I came into the world to bring everything into the clear light of day, making all the distinctions clear, so that those who have never seen will see, and those who have made a great pretense of seeing will be exposed as blind."

Coming Attractions

In the many ways that the Aggressive Christianity Conference will be unique, challenging and powerful, you can expect something of an unveiling for the Australia Southern Territory as well. Look for it. Pray for it and expect it.

The guests include Lt. Colonels Richard and Janet Munn, Russell Rook, Commissioner Joe Noland and many more. I believe this one will go down in the record books as one of the best. Hallelujah! Plan to be there.

Jude 1:2 (MSG)
2 Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!

Inspiration

The very breath of God in us is inspiration. All of us have it. His inspiration is the essence of life. It's why we long so much for a closer connection with God and why when we find Him, we are so satisfied. Hallelujah!

To think of inspiration only as a motivating thrill is to limit the expanse of God in you. He dwells in the inspiration. He abides in it. He delights in it. He celebrates it. It's good for us. It's perfect in us. Our soul is nourished by it and we are made complete through it.

Interested? Let the Holy Spirit breath into your soul by opening up your heart and your desires to Him and for Him. Inspiration? Like never before.

Genesis 2:7 (MSG)
7 God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive—a living soul!

Intentionality

The message of God's love must be conveyed with intentionality. In the overall scheme of things, we need to communicate strategically and purposefully. Yes, we communicate God's love indiscriminately and we enjoy the seed throwing aspect of it. There is another level of interaction that requires us to make something of it.

The results have been part of our movement from the beginning of time. We have been raised with such expectation and need to understand that this approach is ours if we are to move forward in the name and plan of God. What's your intention?

Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)
20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—

Influence

Not in the sense of control or power, but in the way of purpose, influence is both natural and desirable. Otherwise, what is the point of our faith? Certainly, the primary point of faith is a holy relationship with God. After that, we are so to influence our world and the world.

Keeping our faith private or to ourselves can be a waste. Let our faith and our Army be influential. Let God's love flow from every person and every mission point to God's glory. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)
20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—

Innovation

The world is a fast changing place. All around us we see places, systems, people and fixtures change so rapidly, that we miss much if we blink.

Into this world we have the joy to breath innovation in the ways and means of gospel sharing. There aren't many venues that are looking for the same ol' same ol'.

He who is the author of creation will infuse you with creative impulses to freshen the message in time for the new day we face today. Yow!

Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
20 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Integration

The blending and connecting of our many services and efforts are helpful towards maximising our ministries. The integration acts as a leverage to multiply the value of our work.

God's work is multifaceted. He is best served when we leave our silos to join together in His name. Not only do we foster relationships in life. Our mission is best when it relates to the many dimensions inherent. Hallelujah!

2 Timothy 3:14 (MSG)
14 But don't let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—

Inclusion

There has never been a better time to include people in our mission. It's God's plan and it makes good sense. We don't need to leave anyone out in terms of their help and in terms of helping them. We do need safeguards, but our option to include people makes for a great opportunity.

God is interested in us all. His full intention is to love and be loved by everyone in all time. Let's not let race, language, gender, intellectual capacity, or anything marginalise anybody. Come join us! Come join Jesus in our Army!

John 3:16 (MSG)
16 "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

Good Friends

You can get past a lot of difficulty in life as you do so with friends. One of the great blessings of living in another territory is all the new friends. We are so fortunate to know so many good people in Australia. We're better people because of them.

Jesus makes certain that we understand our relationship with Him enters the realm of friendship. He honours us with this preference to be friends. He's amazing and the best friend a person could have.

John 15:15 (NIV)
15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Ken Duncan Images

One of the finest photographers in the world is an Australian named Ken Duncan. His images of Australia and many other places around the world are a wonder. He captures scenes and reveals their beauty and uniqueness in a way that validates the intentions of the Creator. If you want a souvenir in Australia or a gift that will be cherished, look for Ken Duncan's work. He has a shop on the south bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne.

Mr. Duncan is a believer. The witness of his soul is evident in his work. Often the images will be supported by Scripture references. It makes for a convincing combination. If a picture is worth 1,000 words, Ken Duncan photographs are 1,000 words of glory to God.

2 Timothy 1:10 (MSG)
10 But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.

Clarence City, Tasmania

TSA in Clarence City is alive and well. Today we shared in the dedication and opening of the newly renovated site to the glory of God. Captain Claire Emerton is the Corps Officer and is leading the corps admirably. Everything came together as planned and worked out beautifully.

When in Clarence City, Tasmania, stop by. The facilities are a credit to the Lord and the friendly people inside will assure your welcome. God is at work, here. I'm proud to be connected to them each.

Psalm 127:1 (KJV)
1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Home Sweet Home

As we walked in the door of our quarters it felt good. It's always good to be home. We've learned through the years of many quarters that you really sense the comfort of being home after you've been away. In the first few months of a new appointment, we know we're settling in when that "home sweet home" sensation hits returning from a trip or assignment.

More and more, though, I'm feeling less at home on this planet. There's a home prepared for each of us who know Jesus as Lord. Much of what is going on around us in this world makes me less comfortable, recognising that heaven is my home with the Lord. One day, by the promise of God we will be home. Many of our family members and friends have already gone there. Hallelujah!

John 14:2 (KJV)
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Auxiliary Captains Tim and Lisa Sheehan

Significant in the recent days in Ohio was the ordination and promotion to Aux. Captains Tim and Lisa Sheehan. Commissioner Lawrence Moretz graciously allowed me to represent him as the officiating officer.

Tim and Lisa's journey is uniquely theirs and is covered in the plan and provision of God for people who simply trust Him and act on their faith. Their lives would have been commendable in their roles in the corps and occupations as SA employees. Both of these groups of people are incredibly important to the movement. Tim and Lisa, however, understood a distinct calling from God for officership...and so they are...

Good on ya' Captains. Hallelujah!

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)
24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Holy Days

We have completed the celebration of Holy Days at Family Camp in the Southwest Ohio and Northeast Kentucky Division of the USA Eastern Territory. Rarely have we seen the spontaneous movement of people to the Mercy Seat at different points in the meetings. There was no reason for them to wait for the end of the sermon. The Holy Spirit moved in hearts and they responded to honour God. Hallelujah!

The Kingdom of God has increased and members of the Kingdom have increased their holy capacity to love...just as God designed.

Hosea 9:5 (MSG)
5 Will you be homesick for the old Holy Days? Will you miss festival worship of God?