General Burrows was presented tonight with the William Wilburforce Award for her excellence in compassion for the marginalised. She's not only a great representative, but her words were spot on. She reached the crowd and encouraged us all to follow God in our service.
God bless General Burrows.
God bless the Salvation Army...in our new day...
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (TLB)
23 May the God of peace himself make you entirely pure and devoted to God; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept strong and blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes back again.
Friday, 30 November 2007
Thursday, 29 November 2007
What God is teaching me ...
Of the many things we're learning through Connections 07, I want to share one of the things God is telling me.
In the course of preparations for Connections, God led me to pray fervently, deeply and with high expectations. He, of course, more than met our expectations and anointed us beyond our imagination. Hallelujah!
God is saying to me, why not exercise that same faith on an every Sunday (and everyday basis)? Did you only look to Me for the impact of the event or that you were in one place together as a territory? He is challenging me (and us) with the same expectancy and faith this week as we exercised going into last week. We don't need to be together in one place to realise the incendiary presence of God.
I hope you're with me on this. Knowing what we know from what God is doing through Connections, let us approach Him with magnificent holy expectation this week too. When we do, we are well on our way towards His way. Send the fire!
Acts 2:17 (NIV)
17 "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
In the course of preparations for Connections, God led me to pray fervently, deeply and with high expectations. He, of course, more than met our expectations and anointed us beyond our imagination. Hallelujah!
God is saying to me, why not exercise that same faith on an every Sunday (and everyday basis)? Did you only look to Me for the impact of the event or that you were in one place together as a territory? He is challenging me (and us) with the same expectancy and faith this week as we exercised going into last week. We don't need to be together in one place to realise the incendiary presence of God.
I hope you're with me on this. Knowing what we know from what God is doing through Connections, let us approach Him with magnificent holy expectation this week too. When we do, we are well on our way towards His way. Send the fire!
Acts 2:17 (NIV)
17 "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Post Connections
There's much going on
...new blogs on the connections site
...the video feeds are there as well to view three of the meetings
...there is an action plan as well.
Reports are coming in of different approaches to maximise connections. Hallelujah!
John 15:17 (NIV)
17 This is my command: Love each other.
...new blogs on the connections site
...the video feeds are there as well to view three of the meetings
...there is an action plan as well.
Reports are coming in of different approaches to maximise connections. Hallelujah!
John 15:17 (NIV)
17 This is my command: Love each other.
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Moving Forward
In gratitude to God, we have much to do going forward. It will be a delight and a joy to serve God in the context of a new day. How much is changing and how much need not change?
Where do you see it? Willing to host a forum to discuss what we have learned? You don't need permission.
Let me know.
John 15:7 (NIV)
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Where do you see it? Willing to host a forum to discuss what we have learned? You don't need permission.
Let me know.
John 15:7 (NIV)
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Monday, 26 November 2007
Monday Connections
The meetings are over but the work continues. Please hold on to what God said to us this weekend. We simply must act on it to glorify God.
Many have commented on the experience. We need local forums organised to draw together the thoughts, concerns and plans for us to follow God forward. Hallelujah!
John 15:16 (NIV)
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Many have commented on the experience. We need local forums organised to draw together the thoughts, concerns and plans for us to follow God forward. Hallelujah!
John 15:16 (NIV)
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Sunday Connections
The Heralds of the Good News are commissioned officers in The Salvation Army. Hallelujah!
The whole day was anointed by God. Hallelujah!
He connected with us...Let's go forward in Him! Hallelujah!
"Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you." John 15: 4
The whole day was anointed by God. Hallelujah!
He connected with us...Let's go forward in Him! Hallelujah!
"Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you." John 15: 4
Saturday, 24 November 2007
Saturday Connections
Community Conference - This conference continued with more stimulating presenters. The exhibit hall was fantastic. The prayer room beautiful. Hallelujah
The Social Justice Parade was amazing with an estimated 3,000 descending upon Federation Square. There was an ocean of Salvos at the square for the Social Justice Rally.
The Kids Connection Programme was sensational and we were leaving just after the Youth Concert got under way. They'll still be out there for another hour and fifteen minutes.
We're looking forward to great meetings tomorrow. Bring it on, Lord.
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
The Social Justice Parade was amazing with an estimated 3,000 descending upon Federation Square. There was an ocean of Salvos at the square for the Social Justice Rally.
The Kids Connection Programme was sensational and we were leaving just after the Youth Concert got under way. They'll still be out there for another hour and fifteen minutes.
We're looking forward to great meetings tomorrow. Bring it on, Lord.
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Friday, 23 November 2007
Friday Connections
Community Conference - relevant subjects, well done and worthwhile.
Kingdom Connections Meeting - Thank you Holy Spirit.
"Remain in me and I will remain in you." John 15: 4
Kingdom Connections Meeting - Thank you Holy Spirit.
"Remain in me and I will remain in you." John 15: 4
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Thursday Connections
Officers' Councils were a blessing from God. The altars were formed in a shape of a cross where many of our brothers and sisters knelt to receive the grace of our Lord.
The Valedictory Service was as well an inspired opportunity to thank the Lord for His provision to the Cadets and Lieutenants to be commissioned.
Hallelujah!
Leviticus 26:12 (GW)
12 So I will live among you and be your God, and you will be my people.
The Valedictory Service was as well an inspired opportunity to thank the Lord for His provision to the Cadets and Lieutenants to be commissioned.
Hallelujah!
Leviticus 26:12 (GW)
12 So I will live among you and be your God, and you will be my people.
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Covenant Service
The Covenant Service was a high holy moment today at the Training College. God confirmed His will for 29 individuals who responded with confidence in Him and conviction on their souls. This is an historic moment and one that will mark the territory. We are so fortunate to have these individuals in the ministry.
I believe He is calling many more. These 29 will do their part and I believe thousands upon thousands will come to Christ in their ministries in years to come. Is He calling you? Are you ready? I know a group of people today who understand the provision of God in the pursuit of following Him. Should you be included? Don't hold back.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 (GW)
24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
I believe He is calling many more. These 29 will do their part and I believe thousands upon thousands will come to Christ in their ministries in years to come. Is He calling you? Are you ready? I know a group of people today who understand the provision of God in the pursuit of following Him. Should you be included? Don't hold back.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 (GW)
24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Prayer
Lord, God, in Jesus name I come to you to thank you for your grace, provision and love. You are the source of my life and of our beloved Army. In you we find fullness of joy, hope and peace. I worship you with my heart, my life and all. I only want to do your will and bring honour to you.
Thank you for the opportunity to connect with you this week in our celebration of your presence known as Connections 07. You have led us in this direction for your glory and we pledge to seek you in spirit and in truth. Please hear our collective hearts and draw us together for an out-pouring of your fullness and power to your delight. We want to be recipients of your love that will change us and enlarge our capacity and vision and witness.
Before you ask, Lord, our answer is yes. Hallelujah! Bring it on!
Acts 2:2-3 (MSG)
2 Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building.
3 Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks..."
Thank you for the opportunity to connect with you this week in our celebration of your presence known as Connections 07. You have led us in this direction for your glory and we pledge to seek you in spirit and in truth. Please hear our collective hearts and draw us together for an out-pouring of your fullness and power to your delight. We want to be recipients of your love that will change us and enlarge our capacity and vision and witness.
Before you ask, Lord, our answer is yes. Hallelujah! Bring it on!
Acts 2:2-3 (MSG)
2 Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building.
3 Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks..."
Monday, 19 November 2007
What would you do differently?
If you knew that God was about to reach into your heart and fill it with overflowing love, what would you do differently? What would you wear? Who would you want to be with you? Would you spend the day reading the Bible and seeking God on your knees? Would you cancel your appointments in anticipation? Would you be excited?
Give thought to the matter on the way to Connections. Oh, it's not the event that will draw God among us, it's your heart. When you and I prepare to meet with Him, His Word tells us that He's ready...and an encounter with Him will thrill your soul. Hallelujah!
Come and bring your ready heart.
1 John 2:28 (MSG)
28 And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives.
Give thought to the matter on the way to Connections. Oh, it's not the event that will draw God among us, it's your heart. When you and I prepare to meet with Him, His Word tells us that He's ready...and an encounter with Him will thrill your soul. Hallelujah!
Come and bring your ready heart.
1 John 2:28 (MSG)
28 And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives.
Sunday, 18 November 2007
Connections - Everyone's Invited
The first signal to understand about Connections is in the area of inclusivity. That is to say, everyone's invited. Everyone's invited to come with us in our journey to join with Jesus in what we do to His glory. I see our mission as including Salvationists, employees, volunteers and others. Imagine the impact for God when we work together with mission focus and united energies.
In this process, we cannot compromise the gospel or it's primary place in our work. This is part of what we will learn at Connections. The anticipation is building and I'm expecting an extraordinary work among us. Hallelujah!
Ephesians 1:13 (NIV)
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
In this process, we cannot compromise the gospel or it's primary place in our work. This is part of what we will learn at Connections. The anticipation is building and I'm expecting an extraordinary work among us. Hallelujah!
Ephesians 1:13 (NIV)
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
Saturday, 17 November 2007
Connections - Officers' Councils
We're anticipating the largest gathering of officers in many years with the Connections events. Connecting between officers is essential to our stability and future. Although only one group of many getting together for the weekend, their combined commitment speaks of a force to be reckoned with. The enemy is not happy with us.
Pray for us. Come with a sense of urgency and holy expectation for the revealed presence of God among us. We come from different places in the journey and from different appointments with differing experiences. God still wants us to meet in one accord and we know what can come of that. Active or retired, our officers are vitally important to the movement. I'm looking forward to the engagement. Hallelujah!
Acts 2:1 (KJV)
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Pray for us. Come with a sense of urgency and holy expectation for the revealed presence of God among us. We come from different places in the journey and from different appointments with differing experiences. God still wants us to meet in one accord and we know what can come of that. Active or retired, our officers are vitally important to the movement. I'm looking forward to the engagement. Hallelujah!
Acts 2:1 (KJV)
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Friday, 16 November 2007
Preparations
We are fully engaged in preparations for Connections 07. The announcement of the availability of Simulcasting on the internet was made today. Basically, you go to our territorial website and click through the Connections banners to find it. I understand you can test how it works by next Tuesday. The meetings this will include are the Friday night and Sunday meetings. Times and all are listed on the website.
I also believe we should be preparing for a new movement of the Holy Spirit among us. He desires that we connect with Him intimately and that His love will be revealed by our connections with each other including our neighbours. Get ready and plan to be there for everything. Don't miss out on what God has for us. Hallelujah!
2 Peter 3:12 (MSG)
12 Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—
I also believe we should be preparing for a new movement of the Holy Spirit among us. He desires that we connect with Him intimately and that His love will be revealed by our connections with each other including our neighbours. Get ready and plan to be there for everything. Don't miss out on what God has for us. Hallelujah!
2 Peter 3:12 (MSG)
12 Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—
Thursday, 15 November 2007
New Friends
I met three more new brothers in Christ today. God sends people our way for just this reason. I'm beginning to see that every encounter has enormous potential for learning, encouragement, and hope. When this happens, we need to be on the look out for what God is doing. Do we believe He's interested in every area of our life? Then we should expect Him.
Just think about your journey today. Who did God add to your life? Why? From Him, it will always be for your good. That's the love of God. Hallelujah!
Revelation 21:5 (MSG)
5 The Enthroned continued, "Look! I'm making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate."
Just think about your journey today. Who did God add to your life? Why? From Him, it will always be for your good. That's the love of God. Hallelujah!
Revelation 21:5 (MSG)
5 The Enthroned continued, "Look! I'm making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate."
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Youth Homelessness
Youth homelessness is a serious present reality in this world and in this country. In the state of Victoria, there are an estimated 6,000 homeless youth. This is a horrible statement about our society and even more terrible for the youth and their families. This lifestyle only has hard consequences.
TSA is committed to help these young people recover from whatever issues have taken them to the streets. We can help and we must. Can we start in prayer? Our every effort will be advanced in this approach. Then we will be in the right mind and soul to really help. God cares for each of these precious ones. They need Him and we know how to make the connection. God is counting on us.
James 5:11 (MSG)
11 What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.
TSA is committed to help these young people recover from whatever issues have taken them to the streets. We can help and we must. Can we start in prayer? Our every effort will be advanced in this approach. Then we will be in the right mind and soul to really help. God cares for each of these precious ones. They need Him and we know how to make the connection. God is counting on us.
James 5:11 (MSG)
11 What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Bean Counters
We met with the group that used to be known as bean counters. We don't use the phrase any more that I know about because it tends to sound derogatory. They are, in fact, our finance people in the territory. They're all good people and important to the mission. Our accountability is precious to our integrity.
We came away from them with a good sense that we are in good hands with their support. There was a time when this crowd would have been dominated by officers. At the present, it is dominated by professional employees. Our need to professionalise and use officers elsewhere has moved us in this direction. We remain in good shape as a result. Pray that they would each share in the total mission of TSA that comes from a healthy relationship with Christ.
Proverbs 22:21 (MSG)
21 Believe me—these are truths that work, and will keep you accountable to those who sent you.
We came away from them with a good sense that we are in good hands with their support. There was a time when this crowd would have been dominated by officers. At the present, it is dominated by professional employees. Our need to professionalise and use officers elsewhere has moved us in this direction. We remain in good shape as a result. Pray that they would each share in the total mission of TSA that comes from a healthy relationship with Christ.
Proverbs 22:21 (MSG)
21 Believe me—these are truths that work, and will keep you accountable to those who sent you.
Monday, 12 November 2007
Heralds of the Good News
This session of Cadets and Lieutenants are ready for the battle. Their classes are about over and they're prepared to step full on into the front line to win the world for Jesus. They've been trained by the best. Our Training College is second to none and our Lieutenants have been mentored and coached by some of the finest officers in The Salvation Army.
With Commissioning only a fortnight away, my heart is swelling with leadership pride in each of these faithful ones who have given their lives to Jesus and are following Him with everything they are and have. Hallelujah!
Come to Connections to witness this incredible moment in our history, when these Heralds are ordained and commissioned to serve as officers in our territory. Be prepared to listen to God, yourself. We need more to tell of His glory and love.
Luke 1:17 (MSG)
17 He will herald God's arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he'll get the people ready for God."
With Commissioning only a fortnight away, my heart is swelling with leadership pride in each of these faithful ones who have given their lives to Jesus and are following Him with everything they are and have. Hallelujah!
Come to Connections to witness this incredible moment in our history, when these Heralds are ordained and commissioned to serve as officers in our territory. Be prepared to listen to God, yourself. We need more to tell of His glory and love.
Luke 1:17 (MSG)
17 He will herald God's arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he'll get the people ready for God."
Sunday, 11 November 2007
The Answer is Love
Having trouble with your family? The answer is love.
Having trouble with a person at work? The answer is love.
How about a problem at the corps? The answer is love.
How do I lead someone to Christ? The answer is love.
What must I do to be like Jesus? The answer is love.
How do I mend a relationship? The answer is love.
How do I raise my children? The answer is love.
How do I relate to my aging parents? The answer is love.
What can be done about world peace? The answer is love.
What would make us most proud about our children? The answer is love.
How can I serve God better? The answer is love.
What does He expect of me? The answer is love.
Got the message?
1 John 4:16 (MSG)
16 We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us.
Having trouble with a person at work? The answer is love.
How about a problem at the corps? The answer is love.
How do I lead someone to Christ? The answer is love.
What must I do to be like Jesus? The answer is love.
How do I mend a relationship? The answer is love.
How do I raise my children? The answer is love.
How do I relate to my aging parents? The answer is love.
What can be done about world peace? The answer is love.
What would make us most proud about our children? The answer is love.
How can I serve God better? The answer is love.
What does He expect of me? The answer is love.
Got the message?
1 John 4:16 (MSG)
16 We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us.
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