No Meeting Thursday

Who says miracles don't exist today. They're wrong. One of the miracles I encountered today was having a no meeting day. That is, I had no meetings to go to or lead today. Did I get my work done today or what?

Since I am in leadership, many of the meetings I attend, I lead. My commitment to these is that no meeting is boring. Some days I think some of my meeting friends wish there was a little less excitement. That's going to have to be someone else's meeting. I'm looking for life. Hallelujah!

There's a meeting in the air I intend to make where the leader is undeniably the Lord. He has made a way for each of us to be there and not be bored. Coming to the meeting?

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

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Information Technology

Now it appears that this posting may work. How ironic that on this subject there would be substantial difficulty. I've spent significant time trying to rectify the problem and even joined the blogger help forum to resolve it.

When this posts, that'll be evidence that somewhere in the blogger world, the problem was solved.

John 16:33 (MSG)
33 I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."

Moomba Parade

Today being Labour Day and a holiday in Melbourne, we enjoyed the annual Moomba Parade and Melbourne Water Festival. Reports reveal that over 200,000 people were there with us. There were rides, professional water ski competitions, non-professional bath tub racing on the river. They look more difficult than canoes.

It was, thankfully, a non-alcoholic event, complete with signs and promises of conviction for violators. It made it easy for the families to enjoy themselves in a relatively safe environment. It was a day of celebration.

I can see that type of celebration of God's provision, like we hope to do at Connections 2007. It will be a different scale, but should be as interesting and even more so. I hope you make Connections.

1 John 4:9 (Phillips NT)
9 To us, the greatest demonstration of God's love for us has been his sending his only Son into the world to give us life through him. We see real love, not in that fact that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to make personal atonement for our sins.

Echuca Anniversary

God came upon us today in Echuca. He made matters abundantly clear to us as we gathered in His name and looked at His Word. Hallelujah!

Captains Colin and Anne Lane and Lieutenant Cheryl Butcher have had a great week celebrating the corps' 120th anniversary. The Melbourne Staff Band was there last week and they've had special meetings almost every night as well. Today, with the divisional leaders, Lt. Colonel Jocelyn Knapp and Major Cilla Bone, we celebrated why the corps is still alive today with a bright hope for tomorrow. It is the presence of God.

2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NIV)
1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:
2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.

Echuca 120

The Echuca Corps of the Northern Victoria Division is celebrating their 120th Corps Anniversary. Last weekend they hosted the Melbourne Staff Band. This weekend, Carolyn and I are here for the festivities. Tonight we enjoyed an anniversary dinner at the corps where the Divisional Leaders, soldiers and friends gathered to enjoy the historic displays and the fellowship.

I get the impression that while they are celebrating the provision of God for 120 years, they are also projecting the next 120 years as a time in which God abounds in them and through them. There's life here that won't be suppressed or lulled into a sleepy salvationism. We're expecting a visit by the Holy Spirit tomorrow and a realisation by all that God is interested in Echuca. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 1:6 (MSG)
6 He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

WA Youth Workers

A mob of great people came by today to say hello. They're from the Western Australia Division and they're all in youth work. As we were having a chat, the Spirit came upon me to confirm that He is proud of them, it is His work they are doing, and He is offering His abundance for their lives and mission.

How do I know? Just ask the crew that was there. They witnessed the Spirit.

How do you know when God is speaking to you? First of all, He has written a whole book for us to hear what He's saying to us. Then there are moments when you know. Hallelujah!

God's abundance is for you too. Seek Him today.

Deuteronomy 6:3 (MSG)
3 Listen obediently, Israel. Do what you're told so that you'll have a good life, a life of abundance and bounty, just as God promised, in a land abounding in milk and honey.

Heads of Churches

Being a part of the Heads of Churches of Australia is a dynamic opportunity for the Salvos to have a voice in this larger community. It represents a brilliant group of Christian leaders who are attempting to serve the Lord within their denominational disciplines. There is much to learn from this group and much to share. Commissioner Les Strong belongs with me and represents us all quite well.

While the body of Christ can be a church, it can also refer to the church. When you listen to the hearts of these representatives, you get a sense of their place in the body. The Salvos have a place. That's for sure. God has raised us up for His good purposes and we are far from finished in our task. I believe that while we have come a long way and contributed greatly, we've more to do in the Kingdom.

I pray you're with us.

1 Corinthians 12:12 (Phillips NT)
12 As the human body, which has many parts, is a unity, and those parts, despite their multiplicity, constitute one single body, so it is with the body of Christ. For we were all baptised by the Spirit into one body, whether we were Jews, Gentiles, slaves or free men, and we have all had experience of the same Spirit.

Investments

Our commitment to Christ requires careful investments. We can't afford to lose anything in the process of the mission. These investments have to represent our best efforts and may simply require our best energy. The returns are critical to the Kingdom.

With the right investments, the Kingdom will grow and God will be glorified by the richness of our efforts. We need to pray about these investments and their returns.

OK. I can't write anymore until I clarify that the investments that mean so much to us are our investments in people...not money. So maybe you knew what I was on about from the beginning. Good for you. You know my heart. Make an investment today in another person. There's always a market for Spiritual investments.

1 Timothy 6:19 (TLB)
19 By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven--it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well.

Connections 2007

Building upon a very healthy expression of Salvationism, we are announcing the coming event and plan that will refresh the way we look at TSA in the Australian Southern Territory. It is time for us to consider just who we are in today's terms and in light of today's issues. It is time for a fresh engagement of the Holy Spirit in the contemporary context of our mission.

On the occasion of the visit of General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton, we will draw together the year 2007 Salvos who properly include the Salvationists, SA employees, volunteers and other brothers and sisters who share in our hopes to heal broken people in the cause of leading them to Christ. Today's Salvation Army needs to be an inclusive Army in order to widen the influence of God's love in our land.

I hope you're with us. Look for the announcements as they begin to appear and plan to make "Connections."

John 15:4 (CEV)
4 Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me.

The Salvation Army Around the World

The participation of the Administrative Leaders Training Course delegates in the Waverley Temple meeting tonight brings to mind the greatness of the global Salvation Army. The message was given by the delegate from Brazil, Lt. Colonel Deise Eliasen. She spoke quite well in English. Her original tongue is Portuguese.

When you begin to think TSA has its limits, consider how unlimited it is around the world. In so many languages and countries. It should excite our hearts as an image of heaven when we will all gather together at the feet of Jesus. Of course, we will finally be speaking His language perfectly. Do you know which language that is? The language of love.

1 Corinthians 13:1 (TLB)
1 If I had the gift of being able to speak in other languages without learning them and could speak in every language there is in all of heaven and earth, but didn't love others, I would only be making noise.

Seeing Christ

God's plan includes seeing Christ. I'm convinced He has established His Kingdom so that we can observe the presence of Christ every day. All through Jesus' ministry He gives the disciples and us means by which we can relate to Him and see Him at work. The Last Supper is substantially means by which we can partake of His glory and I believe it is intended for daily and holy understanding.

His references to the fields, the farmers, the crops, the sheep and other animals are all a part of our existing world that bring into harmony with the King in the Kingdom of God. Enjoy the day in God's presence. Know how to see Him and share in His love.

1 John 3:2 (MSG)
2 But friends, that's exactly who we are: children of God. And that's only the beginning. Who knows how we'll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we'll see him—and in seeing him, become like him.

Aboriginal Peoples

We have a deep commitment to the Aboriginal Peoples in this territory. Since the beginning of the 'Army' here, there has been a conscientious effort to connect and embrace Aboriginal Peoples as children of God.

While I don't know enough about our history to make bold claims about amazing achievements, I do know enough to be convinced we simply need to walk together. On the basis of respect and equality we may be able to better share the grace of our Lord. He loves every person of every culture and bids us follow His example. It shouldn't be so hard.

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.

Autumn 2007

Autumn has arrived and Summer is over for another year. With the changing seasons, we are reminded of the passing of time and the beautiful variations of our environment. God has designed such changes in our lives for us to enjoy the many contrasts He has planned for us. What is black without white? Sweet without sour? High without low? The list goes on.

Autumn signals the harvest and becomes a prelude to Winter. These changes help us to distinguish our days and months and they liven our perspectives. I'm glad for the changes. They help me to experience the distinctives in my life...for a change.

2 Peter 3:9 (MSG)
9 God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.

Rebecca Kate Philp

We celebrate the life of Bec Philp. Today we gathered with her family and many friends for the Thanksgiving Service for her 17 year old life. Box Hill Corps was the perfect location for the love that flowed from God to us all. Lt. Colonel Carl Schmidtke, who dedicated her as a baby was there to bring words of comfort and hope.

We will miss Bec and may never understand any more than the medical issues that took her life, why she isn't here in person now. She is enjoying her entry into heaven and the presence of God. She too remains in our hearts. We are fortunate to have her in our lives.

John 11:25 (MSG)
25 "You don't have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live.

Lent

These are the perfect days to consider the love of God. Many people fast in these days preceding Easter to draw closer to God and to demonstrate devotion. It seems to me that this would be just a good idea for every day.

What ways do you draw closer to God and show your devotion to Him?

Proverbs 14:34 (MSG)
34 God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak.

Risk Management

With a few guidelines and careful applications, the world could be a safer place. Minor accidents or major, they can create distractions from focus and from mission. They can also hurt.

We believe that all of our work and service environments should be as safe as possible. Seat belts in cars, safeguards with machinery, and proper training for proper equipment are all areas in which we have attempted to make secure from accidents. It does, however, also take our concerted efforts to make it all work. It's far from a waste of time.

Now you know I cannot resist the parallel. Why risk hell? You can manage your faith in Jesus who loves you and only wants your best. Remove the risk. Take the sure way: Jesus. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 2:3 (MSG)
3 do you think we can risk neglecting this latest message, this magnificent salvation? First of all, it was delivered in person by the Master, then accurately passed on to us by those who heard it from him.

Salvation Army Road Show

Not unlike the Antique Road Show that comes on television, Mr. Lindsay Cox, organised this SA Road Show to display artifacts, videos and all. People were also encouraged to bring historic items for others to see as well. The place was packed and the event was well worth it.

The second part included visits from historic characters, Box Hill Youth Concert Band, Camberwell Songsters and the Waverley Timbrels. Each group was a blessing and gratefully received. Again, the hall was quite full.

As it is said, "the past is prologue." I agree and conclude that the present and the future are undeniably promising. Let us seize the moment and make these days worth our living.

Hebrews 11:1 (MSG)
1 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see.

Sidney Myer Music Bowl

The Melbourne Staff Band played the preliminary program to a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Concert tonight. With no less than 20,000 people present, the band performed with excellence and grace. Major Len Turner, the Executive Officer led the program with words of encouragement, life and hope. We were all proud to be Salvationists.

There have to be ways in which we can confront the masses with the love of God. Here in Australia, people generally see the Salvos as people of light. This presents a wonderful opportunity to be strategic in grace. It just isn't enough to be nice people. We must get the Word out. Help us, Lord.

Matthew 5:14 (NIV)
14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Global Resourcing of TSA

I can't explain why God has allowed the distribution of wealth on this planet as it is, and I know the poor we will always have with us. What I do know is that He is expecting us to intelligently and strategically help our neighbours who have less resources. He is particularly interested in us finding and supporting those who have no means of support. So countries and Territories like ours are supposed to extend ourselves accordingly.

The extent of this concern is supposed to be until all have what they need to survive and even prosper. This will require even more effort on our part than we are already exercising. I believe the time is right for us to put our best minds together and demonstrate the providing love of God around the world. We have the means. Do we have the passion?

2 Corinthians 9:9 (NIV)
9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."