Moomba is an annual festival in Melbourne, and one of the largest and longest running festivals in Australia. Moomba is celebrated during the Labour Day long weekend (over four days, from Friday to the second Monday in March), and has been celebrated since 1955. In 2003, the event was renamed Melbourne Moomba Waterfest. It is a family festival run by the City of Melbourne Council.
In 1951, Australia celebrated fifty years of Federation with a parade and the staging of the theatre production "An Aboriginal Moomba: Out of the Dark". The following year, the final Labour Day procession was held in Melbourne. In 1954, Queen Elizabeth II visited the city in her first appearance as reigning monarch and the City Development Association and the Melbourne City Council proposed the Moomba Festival. The first festival was officially opened in 1955. (Thanks to Wikipedia)
The official translation is "let's get together and have fun."
Well, true or not, people were getting together and having fun this weekend in Melbourne. Sounds like a good idea.
Matthew 18:19 (MSG)
19 When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Australia
What a country! This is a fantastic place to live and work. Do we really recognise it? Sometimes we're hard on ourselves and are quick to see our failures and weaknesses. Let's resist the temptation to take such a great country for granted.
We have the freedom to worship as we choose. We can live our dreams. We can even go on walk-about. The people are friendly and we have all the conveniences one could want. Do you like the ocean front? This is the place for you. Most coastline I've seen is reserved for the public and not dominated by hotels, private dwellings or commercial establishments.
I like it.
Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
We have the freedom to worship as we choose. We can live our dreams. We can even go on walk-about. The people are friendly and we have all the conveniences one could want. Do you like the ocean front? This is the place for you. Most coastline I've seen is reserved for the public and not dominated by hotels, private dwellings or commercial establishments.
I like it.
Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Friday, 6 March 2009
The Bible
There's no better book than the Bible. You can learn about God's unconditional love and the movement of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people like ourselves. It is a sacred text inspired by God, reliable from cover to cover.
Psalm 119:91 (MSG)
91 Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that's what you ordered—you set the earth going.
Psalm 119:91 (MSG)
91 Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that's what you ordered—you set the earth going.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
World Day of Prayer
The World Day of Prayer movement is a great idea led by the women of the church. The programme this year is from the context of Papua New Guinea and is a beautiful expression of relationship in God. The unity expressed by this solidarity honours God and strengthens our faith. Hallelujah!
I encourage you to participate in one of these celebrations. They're not only for women. We thoroughly enjoyed the meeting today at THQ. Thank you, Lt. Colonel Jenny Walker for your ministry.
Acts 10:2 (MSG)
2 He was a thoroughly good man. He had led everyone in his house to live worshipfully before God, was always helping people in need, and had the habit of prayer.
I encourage you to participate in one of these celebrations. They're not only for women. We thoroughly enjoyed the meeting today at THQ. Thank you, Lt. Colonel Jenny Walker for your ministry.
Acts 10:2 (MSG)
2 He was a thoroughly good man. He had led everyone in his house to live worshipfully before God, was always helping people in need, and had the habit of prayer.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Business as Usual
Business as usual is a place I generally am uncomfortable. This makes for status quo and maintenance. Somehow, I've always looked for more. When we consider the gospel and our faith in God, I feel quite the same. I believe that God has more for us than we're realising. I expect that He wants us to increase our faith and hope to scale new dimensions of grace.
Down deep, this is not about me. It's about God, who is larger than our greatest imagination with provision for immense outcomes and unlimited love. When He brings change in our lives, he desires a changed world. When he plants hope in your heart, He's moving toward hope for all. His love has no limits. His grace has no measure. When we think of Him, we cannot think about business as usual.
Ezekiel 7:2 (MSG)
2 "You, son of man—God, the Master, has this Message for the land of Israel: " 'Endtime. The end of business as usual for everyone.
Down deep, this is not about me. It's about God, who is larger than our greatest imagination with provision for immense outcomes and unlimited love. When He brings change in our lives, he desires a changed world. When he plants hope in your heart, He's moving toward hope for all. His love has no limits. His grace has no measure. When we think of Him, we cannot think about business as usual.
Ezekiel 7:2 (MSG)
2 "You, son of man—God, the Master, has this Message for the land of Israel: " 'Endtime. The end of business as usual for everyone.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Connecting With God
This was the theme of today's Divisional Companion Club Annual Meeting. This is organised by Major Jennifer Cloke and her capable team. The Veterans Band and Male Chorus were on duty and gave inspirational offerings. Lionel Wood gave a solo and Marianne Kamien gave her vibrant testimony.
We were supported by the Divisional Leaders, Majors Robyn and Ron Clinch, Major Graham Buckle, and Major Cilla Bone. In all, it was a great meeting and God is glorified. Great day.
Romans 8:30 (MSG)
30 After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.
We were supported by the Divisional Leaders, Majors Robyn and Ron Clinch, Major Graham Buckle, and Major Cilla Bone. In all, it was a great meeting and God is glorified. Great day.
Romans 8:30 (MSG)
30 After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Hillsong Church Helps
We have been the grateful recipients of the generosity of many people, groups, corporations and churches. The Hillsong Church is one of these contributors where they have given over $150,000 towards the Victoria Bushfire Relief and Recovery. We have shared our thanks through Pastor Brian Houston who conveys an authentic Christian spirit in the giving.
Other churches too like the Anglican Church of Melbourne and elsewhere have too joined in the bushfire effort. Of course my limitation here by not listing all supporting churches leaves many unrecognised. I assure you, that was never their intent for giving.
Together, we form a formidable force in the name of Jesus. Sounds like a good plan.
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,
Other churches too like the Anglican Church of Melbourne and elsewhere have too joined in the bushfire effort. Of course my limitation here by not listing all supporting churches leaves many unrecognised. I assure you, that was never their intent for giving.
Together, we form a formidable force in the name of Jesus. Sounds like a good plan.
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,
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Lenten Season
Lent is the forty day season of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where He endured temptation by satan. The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial—for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the death and resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We enjoyed this first Sunday in Lent at our home corps where Major Priya Morgan gave the message quite capably. We watched the Self Denial Appeal video and were moved by the concepts of personal sacrifice by both the message and the video. Let us consider the love of Jesus, particularly through Lent and affirm our personal involvement.
Mark 8:35 (MSG)
35 Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.
We enjoyed this first Sunday in Lent at our home corps where Major Priya Morgan gave the message quite capably. We watched the Self Denial Appeal video and were moved by the concepts of personal sacrifice by both the message and the video. Let us consider the love of Jesus, particularly through Lent and affirm our personal involvement.
Mark 8:35 (MSG)
35 Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Bushfire Support
Many people ask, what can I do for the victims of the bushfires. Here's a way to help where you even receive a benefit. The artists and songwriters on this SONY Music CD have donated their work so that the proceeds go towards the effort. Why not buy a copy or two? It'll help.
This second one is a single recorded at the National Day of Mourning Service as sung by Bruce Woodley, Claire Woodley and Carter & Carter. Click here for more information on both.Thanks for your support.
Ephesians 5:19 (MSG)
19 Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Mission
God has wonderfully called us into His service to share in the joy of winning the world for Jesus. Do we deserve it or should we expect a part? Not really, except that it's His plan.
Our salvation is intended for sharing and sharing intentionally. We don't need to wait for opportunities to present themselves. We can aggressively take advantage of the possibilities around us. Please do. Let's bring everyone with us.
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.
Our salvation is intended for sharing and sharing intentionally. We don't need to wait for opportunities to present themselves. We can aggressively take advantage of the possibilities around us. Please do. Let's bring everyone with us.
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.
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Sarah Riley Knaggs
Jacy and Jon Knaggs are celebrating the birth of their daughter, Sarah Riley Knaggs. Sarah is quite fortunate to be born into such a loving family. She will change their lives as their love focuses upon her and as they care for her every need. We've seen her photo and are certain that she's the most beautiful girl in the world.
What does God have in mind? Perfect love for her and from her. Her parents will show her what this means and they will fill her life with hope, fulfillment, and promise. We promise to spoil her as much as we can.
Thank you, Lord for Sarah.
Genesis 21:1 (NIV)
1 Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised.
What does God have in mind? Perfect love for her and from her. Her parents will show her what this means and they will fill her life with hope, fulfillment, and promise. We promise to spoil her as much as we can.
Thank you, Lord for Sarah.
Genesis 21:1 (NIV)
1 Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised.
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Majors Adele and John Vale - Commited Christians
Looking for the genuine thing? John and Adele fit the bill. They are wonderful people with hearts of gold. They retired from active service this past Sunday in a public meeting at the South Barwon Corps. They represent Christ in their everyday expressions and have been consistent throughout their journey.
We are fortunate to know them and to have been influenced by them. Retirement for them will be active. I hope they'll now have the time to spoil their grandchildren, golf every day, and laugh. You can count on their witness being strong no matter where they are or what they're doing. Looking for a hero today? Look no further.
2 Peter 1:8 (MSG)
8 With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus.
We are fortunate to know them and to have been influenced by them. Retirement for them will be active. I hope they'll now have the time to spoil their grandchildren, golf every day, and laugh. You can count on their witness being strong no matter where they are or what they're doing. Looking for a hero today? Look no further.
2 Peter 1:8 (MSG)
8 With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus.
Monday, 23 February 2009
Learning
There's never a time to stop learning. As we age, we might find ourselves being a little more deliberate in what we chose to learn and who to learn from. There seems to be a fair bit of learning how not to do things or how not to be.
I'm learning more and more all he time. I especially like learning more from the Word of God. The wealth of understanding one can gain from the Word is immense and the Holy Spirit enables us in the process. So what are you learning today and from who? Consider the source of your learning to measure the validity of the lesson.
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.
I'm learning more and more all he time. I especially like learning more from the Word of God. The wealth of understanding one can gain from the Word is immense and the Holy Spirit enables us in the process. So what are you learning today and from who? Consider the source of your learning to measure the validity of the lesson.
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.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Princess Royal
Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne attended the Bushfire Memorial Service and represented Her Majesty, the Queen of Australia today. Her presence was significant and deeply appreciated.
Following the Service we were invited to the Government House Melbourne by the Governor and Mrs. Jan de Kretser for a reception. In this environment we were able to thank many people for their effective leadership and service in the Bushfire Relief and recovery work.
It continues to be an honour to represent the Lord in The Salvation Army.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (MSG)
20 We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.
Following the Service we were invited to the Government House Melbourne by the Governor and Mrs. Jan de Kretser for a reception. In this environment we were able to thank many people for their effective leadership and service in the Bushfire Relief and recovery work.
It continues to be an honour to represent the Lord in The Salvation Army.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (MSG)
20 We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
National Day of Mourning
Some 50,000 people are expected at Rod Laver Arena for the Bushfire Memorial Service, officially known as the National Day of Mourning,Together for Victoria. Organisers expect another 50,000 to be spread across five live sites in Melbourne.
"This is a wonderful way to show our mourning, to show our grief, to show our respect but also to express our thanks, our heartfelt thanks to all of those who've done so much to help rebuild in these communities," Mr Brumby said.
The ceremony will begin at 11am (AEDT) with the ringing of the Federation Bells in Birrarung Marr, followed by a welcome address by the premier.
Britain's Princess Anne will fly in to represent her mother, the Queen, at the service.
Speakers will include Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Victorian Governor David de Kretser, Murrindindi Shire Mayor Lyn Gunter, Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon and Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart.
The ceremony will also feature music from 15-year-old singer Annabelle Priftis (Priftis), the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and choirs from around Victoria.
(The information above has been copied from news.com.au)
Psalm 111:4 (MSG)
4 His miracles are his memorial— This God of Grace, this God of Love.
"This is a wonderful way to show our mourning, to show our grief, to show our respect but also to express our thanks, our heartfelt thanks to all of those who've done so much to help rebuild in these communities," Mr Brumby said.
The ceremony will begin at 11am (AEDT) with the ringing of the Federation Bells in Birrarung Marr, followed by a welcome address by the premier.
Britain's Princess Anne will fly in to represent her mother, the Queen, at the service.
Speakers will include Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Victorian Governor David de Kretser, Murrindindi Shire Mayor Lyn Gunter, Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon and Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart.
The ceremony will also feature music from 15-year-old singer Annabelle Priftis (Priftis), the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and choirs from around Victoria.
(The information above has been copied from news.com.au)
Psalm 111:4 (MSG)
4 His miracles are his memorial— This God of Grace, this God of Love.
Friday, 20 February 2009
Hansie
We attended a private screening of "Hansie",the story of the life of South African cricket captain Hansie Cromje. It was worth every minute and I recommend it to you when you have the opportunity. I understand it is not in the theatres yet in Australia, but wherever you are, give it a go.
The message is powerful and worth experiencing. Feel free to take anyone with you. It's safe.
Luke 15:24 (MSG)
24 My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Phase Four
When you consider the words of Jesus just before Pentecost, you might conclude that we're deep into phase four of God's plan to win the world. 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."
Phase 1 - Jerusalem; Phase 2 - Judea; Phase 3 - Samaria; Phase 4 - the ends of the earth.
Let us be faithful in sharing the love of Jesus actively and intentionally across culture and languages. It is the plan of God and precisely why He empowers us. Today, we hardly have to get on a boat or plane to reach the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (MSG)
8 What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."
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."
Phase 1 - Jerusalem; Phase 2 - Judea; Phase 3 - Samaria; Phase 4 - the ends of the earth.
Let us be faithful in sharing the love of Jesus actively and intentionally across culture and languages. It is the plan of God and precisely why He empowers us. Today, we hardly have to get on a boat or plane to reach the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (MSG)
8 What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Administrative Leadership Training Course
Within the leadership of Commissioner Brian Morgan, the ALTC has begun this week for the twenty-fifth session. It is the first time that all zones of TSA are represented.
The course aims to provide experienced officers from a variety of countries with an opportunity to broaden their vision and understanding of the International Salvation Army and further develop their leadership potential for present and future application. The delegates are:
Major Sangthangdula - Divisional Commander, Southern Division, India Eastern Territory
Major Verona Haughton - Secretary for Leader Development, Carribean Territory
Lt Colonel Timothy Mabaso - Secretary for Business Administration, Southern Africa Territory
Major Simon Tso - Assistant to Command Leadership, Hong Kong and Macau Command
Captain Victoria Lalac - Regional Director for Women's Ministries, Romania Region, Eastern Europe Territory
Hebrews 13:17 (MSG)
17 Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?
The course aims to provide experienced officers from a variety of countries with an opportunity to broaden their vision and understanding of the International Salvation Army and further develop their leadership potential for present and future application. The delegates are:
Major Sangthangdula - Divisional Commander, Southern Division, India Eastern Territory
Major Verona Haughton - Secretary for Leader Development, Carribean Territory
Lt Colonel Timothy Mabaso - Secretary for Business Administration, Southern Africa Territory
Major Simon Tso - Assistant to Command Leadership, Hong Kong and Macau Command
Captain Victoria Lalac - Regional Director for Women's Ministries, Romania Region, Eastern Europe Territory
Hebrews 13:17 (MSG)
17 Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Victoria Bush Fires 10
As the death toll rises, hopes are threatened with despair. Our best support are our prayers on behalf of those who have lost loved ones and those who do not yet know they've lost loved ones.
let us pray for peace that passes understanding.
Let us pray for grace that comforts those who mourn.
Let us pray for healing of hearts, minds and bodies.
Let us pray for help from the agents of God.
Let us pray with our actions.
Let us pray with deep faith.
Let us pray in love.
Let us pray.
James 5:16 (NLT)
16 ... The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
let us pray for peace that passes understanding.
Let us pray for grace that comforts those who mourn.
Let us pray for healing of hearts, minds and bodies.
Let us pray for help from the agents of God.
Let us pray with our actions.
Let us pray with deep faith.
Let us pray in love.
Let us pray.
James 5:16 (NLT)
16 ... The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Victoria Bush Fires 9
In terms of rough statistics, TSA has served 4,848 adults and 1957 children with direct support. This amounts to over $2.5m in direct assistance. In addition, we have been serving meals to Whittlesea service personnel in the neighbourhood of 3,000 meals per day. You can imagine that every counseling conversation and each item of support has not been included in these statistics.
Reports today reveal that there are still 12 bushfires out of control in Victoria. They don't seem to be headed towards homes at the moment, although it only takes a little wind to change that prediction.
We remain grateful for the many workers who are helping to quell the fires and the pain.
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.
Reports today reveal that there are still 12 bushfires out of control in Victoria. They don't seem to be headed towards homes at the moment, although it only takes a little wind to change that prediction.
We remain grateful for the many workers who are helping to quell the fires and the pain.
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.
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