Pentecost and Candidates

As God would have it, our Candidates Seminar Sunday and Pentecost Sunday were one in the same. Plainly stated, when a person is filled with the Spirit of God, they will take the right steps.

The Holy Spirit anointed us this morning in His presence. There are quite a few from most parts of the territory that were there seeking God's grace. Hallelujah!

We thank Majors Len and Marney Turner for their faithfulness in leading the experience throughout the weekend.

Acts 2:39 (MSG)
39 The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites."

Bands in the Round

Five brass bands joined together tonight at the Northcote Town Hall. Each band was great and their choice of music superior. We were inspired and affirmed. The bands were:

Box Hill Corps Band

Waverley Temple Corps Band

Camberwell Corps Band

Ringwood Corps Band

Melbourne Staff Band

Thank you each for your witness and declaration of the Lordship of Jesus.

Judges 5:3 (MSG)
3 Hear O kings! Listen O princes! To God, yes to God, I'll sing, Make music to God, to the God of Israel.

Prime Minister's Office

Here's a perspective of a meeting of the minds.

Colossians 2:2 (MSG)
2 I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery.

The Prime Minister

We met with the Prime minister today in his office in Canberra. According to our records, this type of meeting doesn't happen very often. He is a genuine person with a great passion for Australia. His concerns are compelling and his plans for the country are in large measure consistent with our concerns.

It was deeper than a "meet and greet." We couldn't afford to confine ourselves to pleasantries. His awareness of not only our historic foundations, but theological background was impressive. He showed us great respect by his preparation, frankness and hopes for the future. As partners in so many efforts across the country, we are fortunate to be known so well and valued. God bless Mr. Rudd.

1 Peter 2:17 (MSG)
17 Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.

Knowing God

When you know God, life is sweeter, more beautiful, and fulfilling. You can experience His love and holiness that refreshes your soul and stirs your hopes. God has found a way for us to relate to Him in terms we can understand. His name is Jesus. When we consider Jesus and the amazing way He served His Father, we begin to see how God desires to know us and relate to us.

After we know Jesus, we begin to see that certain people around us actually resemble Him and live their lives in the hope that they might reveal God to people around them.

Perhaps it's the other way around, where the person resembles Jesus who is the image of God, so our first awareness comes from holy people who know God. That sounds easy. Anyone can know God that way. What a plan.

1 Kings 8:60 (MSG)
60 Then all the people on earth will know God is the true God; there is no other God.

Constructive Ideas

There's always room for constructive ideas. The critical ideas have their place, but generally, we're probably aware of our faults already.

Consider the situations of your life at work, or home, or at church. Then focus on the positive solutions to these very issues. It's a much more satisfying journey and it might be the key to going forward.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 (MSG)
11 Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something.

A Hope and a Prayer

At the beginning of this day, I was asking the Lord for a certain confirmation of a very important hope. During the day He answered my prayer with a larger confirmation than I expected. Hallelujah!

Prayers answered. Onward march!

Philippians 3:13 (MSG)
13 Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus.

Thank you, Australia

We've been receiving reports over the territory and the country that Australians have again stepped up to support their neighbours by giving to the Red Shield Appeal. Thank you, Australia.

The numbers are not all in and the appeal actually continues yet for a bit, but with today being the official door knock day, I must express the gratitude of TSA. My thanks goes too to the many who are working so hard to make it all work. It requires the whole community.

In this, while we celebrate the support, we do not celebrate the increasing need for Salvo help within the communities.

2 Corinthians 9:13 (MSG)
13 This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone.

Red Shield Appeal

It's here. We need to work together to make the appeal successful. One million people are counting on us.

1 Corinthians 16:2 (MSG)
2 Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you'll have it ready, and I won't have to make a special appeal.

Twitter Red Shield

This initiative of using twitter to support the Red Shield Appeal by Aaron, Grant, Phil & Rowan is awesome check it out... www.bit.ly/reds

You Tweet to share your life. Now you can Tweet to change the world. Your fingers. Your keyboard. US$5. Share a story. Then feed the hungry. House the homeless. Support the isolated. Change the world... How? Buy a Tweet. A Tweet that shares the story of the broken and the forgotten. A Tweet that shares how we can help restore equality to humanity. A Tweet that actually makes a contribution to a better world.You can purchase a Tweet for US$5. This Tweet will share how The Salvation Army serves our communities. The money goes to The Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal. The funds raised in The Red Shield Appeal are used within The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army gives the money back to the community by providing food shelter, homes and personal support to the broken and forgotten of our world. Go on. It's only US$5.For more info check out www.salvationarmy.org.au/redshieldappeal

Isaiah 61:1 (MSG)
1 The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners.

The Whole Story 2

Another opportunity came to us tonight to do basically the same as last night, but in the Geelong area. I think that our plans here would rival any community of equal size in Australia.

There is a productive board and a solid strategic plan to serve even more people in this area. It's not that Geelong has greater needs, they have an sincere interest to help their people.

I'm convinced that by the will of God we can join with this good community to bring help, healing and hope to many. Hallelujah!

Psalms 40:10 (MSG)
10 I didn't keep the news of your ways a secret, didn't keep it to myself. I told it all, how dependable you are, how thorough. I didn't hold back pieces of love and truth For myself alone. I told it all, let the congregation know the whole story.

The Whole Story

At a special gathering of donors tonight we were able to tell the whole story of TSA. Often, people don't really know who we are. They might say, "The Salvos do good things for people." That is not the whole story.

Let the world know that we do what we do because of the love of God. Do not tell them out of pride of rightness, but out of our love for God. Let them know how much He cares for every person and how He hopes for a loving relationship with each of us. Do what needs to be done to help a person understand. Call it social work. Call it social justice. Call it love. Tell the whole story.

John 4:25 (MSG)
25 The woman said, "I don't know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we'll get the whole story."

Support

Support can come from many sources and many directions. I really depend upon support in my journey and Carolyn is absolutely my best supporter. As she does, I'm encouraged to be my best because she knows me better than anyone and she stays with me.

One of the best things we can do for friends and strangers is support. When you base your support on the Word of God, there is no confusion as to whether or not it's constructive. You'll also appreciate the support is not meant to be reflective as to receive personal gain.

Who are you supporting today?

3 John 1:8 (MSG)
8 So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.

Trust

Isn't it great when you can trust someone? It allows you to rest in confidence of privacy and support. That can be a very comfortable place and non-threatening as well.

Who is it that you trust? There are different levels of trust, like the way we trust a security guard versus the way we trust our best friend. Who is it that you trust with your deepest thoughts?

You can trust God.

Proverbs 3:5 (MSG)
5 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.

Lt. Colonels Lyell and Elaine Rader

We have been advantaged this week with the visit and ministry of Lt. Colonels Lyell and Elaine Rader. They are extraordinary servants of God with a sterling witness and humble spirits.

They served in excess of 12 years in Sri Lanka in the course of their journey. As best I can tell, this service marked them in holy and practical ways. You recognise the veracity of their ministry in minutes of their meeting. This morning they were in Ringwood. It was a great meeting, accentuated by their contribution and the movement of the Holy Spirit. Undeniable.

Revelation 19:5 (MSG)
5 From the Throne came a shout, a command: Praise our God, all you his servants, All you who fear him, small and great!

Caring for Others

This becomes a natural outcome of a life in Christ. Out of the overflowing heart where Jesus dwells, concern for others is a joy. The joy is found in the satisfaction that the caring act is service to God.

How could we serve the Creator? In itself it's almost unfathomable. We do, however, become His hands, arms, feet etc... How does God show that He cares to the world today? Through His children...us. Enjoy the responsibility.

Psalms 2:11 (NIV)
11 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.

Fairness

Fairness is a quality most of us aspire to protect. There are many ways that a balance in life can be measured. It takes a fair amount of wisdom to make everything fair.

Much of our society is based on equality and fairness. Often the biggest complaint of the public against a public decision is when it's perceived to be unfair. Even people unaffected by a situation will go to the extreme to stand up for fairness.

I suppose that's fair. Is everyone happy?

Amos 5:24 (MSG)
24 Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That's what I want. That's all I want.

5 in 5

It's a vision of the Western Victoria Division here in the Australia Southern Territory. Check with them as to what it is. I'm impressed and grateful to God for this great approach to winning the world for Jesus. Hallelujah!

We've spent the day here with Commissioners Pobjie. It's been worthwhile and enjoyable. God is moving in this place.

Philippians 1:27 (MSG)
27 Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news,

Bushfire Thank yous

We met with a number of donors tonight to say thank you for their great support in the bushfire relief and recovery. Australia is blessed with many people who have generous hearts when they see a real need with a real way to help. I'm proud they chose to express that confidence in TSA. The work continues at 12 sites throughout the area.

Did you know that people are still coming in for help for the first time? They've been staying at relatives' homes and are attempting to take first steps to get to a new normal. God help them.

1 Chronicles 16:8 (NIV)
8 Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

Loving God

Loving God is an everyday joy. Much more than a one day a week relationship, God assures us that He is with us constantly and we need not fear being alone. He is prepared to lead us if we will pay attention to Him by His Spirit or by His Word.

Take His hand. It is scarred for you and me. It shows His love beyond the shadow of a doubt. They are nail scars where He was nailed to a cross in our place. Feel the warmth, the compassion, the hope.

I'm writing from personal experience. Why not make it your experience?

Isaiah 53:5 (MSG)
5 But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed.

Whitehorse Red Shield Appeal Launch

Throughout the next few weeks we'll be seeing Red Shield Appeal Launches all over the country. This is a very important opportunity for everyone to lend a hand in the effort to help our neighbours. You might be amazed just who is coming to the door of the Salvos for help these days. The economic climate is increasing the need for our services.

Thank you for helping with the Appeal. Many of the people who read this will be helping to collect for the appeal. All of us can contribute. Thank you for what you're able to do.

Matthew 22:39 (NIV)
39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Mother's Day

I have a terrific mother. She's an encourager, a great spirit, and enjoys life. As a child, she led me to the Lord. I was convinced of the veracity of the good news because she and my father demonstrated God's love for me to recognise.

Through the years, my mother has made me proud. She has shown me practical ways to care for people as she endured many pains and serious concerns that immobilise many others. I measured these same qualities when Carolyn came into my life.

I'm grateful to God for my mother and that we have a close relationship. It turns out that she even reads blogs.

Luke 2:19 (MSG)
19 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.

Praying for the Lost

Let our concern not be so much for our point of view, but let it be for those who are lost and without the light of God. They're all around us. We don't have to go far to meet them. Let our witness not be off-putting, but let there be an expression of love in our words.

In English, love can be greatly misunderstood. Here, the understanding of love carries respect. It is not a patronising passive quality. It is much deeper.

1 Corinthians 13:1 (MSG)
1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

Knowing God

It's quite difficult to know the truth about God without knowing God. Our relationship with Him is what validates our understanding. An attempt to search the riches of His grace without faith is like thinking you know how to fly from observing a plane from the ground.

As you read this today, trust God and read His Word with belief. Doubt will become your enemy and your greatest distraction. You'll discover that faith in God is the most rational response to His love.

He's ready for you.

1 Thessalonians 1:8 (MSG)
8 The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore—you're the message!

Composite

The whole of the territory is fantastic. All that is happening around us in the name of Jesus is thrilling and compelling. Often people have a hard time seeing the evidence of God in people's lives. We see it everyday in TSA.

Some people look to God like Santa Claus. I think I understand why, but it's not who God is. Some think that God is simply waiting to say yes to everything we want and to somehow protect us from harm or ill because we love Him and He loves us. Generally, a parent understands the difference, but the child doesn't. The child cries when he doesn't get his way or things turn out different than what he wants. The parent responds with love and understanding. So does God.

1 John 2:2 (MSG)
2 When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good—not only ours, but the whole world's.

Important Decisions

There are many important decisions that we are asked to make in our life. We need to take the time to sort out the questions and weigh the significance. For some, we are able to make a good choice based on past experience or bonafide assessment of the potential outcomes.

Sometimes it helps to take a position on both sides of the problem and contemplate the positive possibilities of either direction. A leader must make these decisions with conviction and defensible reason.

Making an important decision today? Seek the Lord. He knows which way you should go.

2 Corinthians 5:14 (MSG)
14 Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do. Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat.

God is amazing

God continues to amaze us. His love transcends all time and space to reach us and to draw us toward His perfect will for our lives. He leads us towards healing. He urges us toward reconciliation. He warms us toward peace and understanding. He reveals truth and shoulders our sin. He seeks our best and knows exactly what's right for us.

He's totally dependable. He will never let you down. He is love. He is the way. He is the truth. He is the life. Bring it all to God. he is amazing.

Isaiah 61:3 (MSG)
3 To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness" planted by God to display his glory.

International Zonal Secretary

Commissioners Barry and Raemor Pobjie are conducting a territorial review this week in Melbourne. We have prepared many materials and data for the occasion. When you do this, you see the absolute glory of God. You see how He loves us and provides for us. You see how faithful people are serving God throughout the territory.

It's a wonderful experience and one that we might not do if it were not for the required review. We will look at quantifiable evidence and listen to anecdotal proof of how God's work is led by Him, supported by Him and guaranteed by Him. Hallelujah!

Psalm 18:22 (MSG)
22 Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick.

EVD DC Installation

Carolyn and I participated in the installation of Lt. Colonel Jocelyn Knapp as the Divisional Commander and Major Cilla Bone as the Divisional Women's Ministry Secretary of the Eastern Victoria Division. The meeting was held tonight at the Camberwell Corps and it was a great occasion.

The EVD has been under the leadership of Majors Ron and Robyn Clinch, who are now Lt. Colonels and appointed to the Philippines. We wish them well in their journey and trust that God will continue to anoint them and their ministry.

Hallelujah!

Isaiah 55:1 (MSG)
1 "Hey there! All who are thirsty, come to the water! Are you penniless? Come anyway—buy and eat! Come, buy your drinks, buy wine and milk. Buy without money—everything's free!

The Classics

Both the Melbourne Staff Songsters and the Melbourne Veterans' Band offered classic music tonight at their concert at the great Ringwood Corps. We really enjoyed the friendliness of the programme and excellent music performed by terrific people. We were blessed to be there.

Music speaks to my soul. The Spirit has always found my heart open with a song. Tonight was no exception. I'm glad. Thank you, Lord.

Isaiah 30:29 (MSG)
29 But you will sing, sing through an all-night holy feast! Your hearts will burst with song, make music like the sound of flutes on parade, En route to the mountain of God, on the way to the Rock of Israel.

Fellowship of believers

One of the great parts about being a Christian is the fellowship of believers. In case that's a phrase that is only clear to the soundly saved, the fellowship of the believers represents the relationships that followers of Jesus enjoy. In the context of living like Jesus and as He taught, we have so much in common and can trust each other, even though we might not know each other very well.

It's the way God designed us. he hopes that every person on the planet would embrace His love and His people where we can share our joys and heartbreaks wholesomely and without fear. I love getting together with other believers. It's a good plan.

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.