Prophetic Warrior

Rest

2010-04-07T15:03:00.001+10:00

Rest is an important part of our physical life, so our spent energy can be restored. This Easter period has been an oasis in the middle of some busy times. Time to stop and rest a while. This has been a time of physical refreshment, and rejuvenation.

The same applies to our Spiritual life. As we reflect on the amazing gift of life given at an enormous cost of our Saviour’s life. We then celebrate our Saviour’s resurrection from that death, and we are refreshed deep within.

To often we enjoy the acclaim of the crowd, our peers, etc. and fail to achieve the rest so needed for our physical and spiritual lives to be refreshed. It takes courage and strength to step into a restful environment. Jesus set an example for us all.

Matthew 8:18 (NIV)

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.

Royal Cave

2009-10-05T15:14:00.002+11:00

The ‘Royal Cave’ at Buchan, Victoria, Australia.

Romans 1:20 (NIV)

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

I Was Only Nineteen

2009-09-29T14:42:00.001+10:00

Mum and Dad and Denny saw the passing out parade at Puckapunyal.
The sixth battalion was the next to tour and it was me who drew the card.
We did Canungra and Shoalwater before we left.
And Townsville lined the footpaths as we marched down to the quay.
This clipping from the paper shows us young and strong and clean.
And there’s me in my slouch hat with my S. L. R. and greens.
God help me, I was only nineteen.

5th Chorus
And can you tell me, doctor, why I still can’t get to sleep?
And why the Channel Seven chopper chills me to my feet?
And what’s this rash that comes and goes, can you tell me what it means?
God help me, I was only nineteen.

J. Schumann, the singer, songwriter, penned these words and performed the song ‘I Was Only Nineteen’ in relation to the Vietnam War conflict where young Australians were involved.

Through the years I have spent some time with Veterans of conflicts, and the J. Schumann song is closer to reality than the advertisements on the TV for young people to join the Armed Forces as a carreer.

Matthew 26:52 (NIV)
Put your sword back in its place, Jesus said to him, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Matthew 5:3-12 (NIV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Obedience

2009-06-01T21:32:00.000+10:00

Ezekiel 37:10 (NIV)
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet--a vast army.

Walk on the Wild Side.

2009-04-13T21:40:00.001+10:00

Take a walk on the wild side!

The Scriptures are full of walks on the wild side. Just follow Elisha, as he walks along with the Prophet Elijah. Elijah, will soon be taken away, and Elisha will not leave his side until the mantle passed to him. Even though the other Prophets acknowledge that Elijah would soon depart, Elisha’s course was set before him. Elisha desired the Lord’s blessing that sustained Elijah, would flow to him. He would walk on the wild side, to receive a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.

With Pentecost very near, take a walk on the wild side!!!

2 Kings 2:2-3 (NIV)
Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, "Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?" "Yes, I know," Elisha replied, "but do not speak of it."

Gethsemane

2009-04-04T20:59:00.001+11:00

The Garden of Gethsemane is a focal point leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. Within the garden is the Church of All Nations. This Church has ornate wrought iron work in the form of a vine around the altar, and the purple window glassing allows the impression of evening. The Church of All Nations is a wonderful place to meditate and pray.

Matthew 26:36 (NIV)
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."

War & Peace

2008-12-15T20:34:00.003+11:00

Is it true, that in the First World War, the opposing sides got out of their trenches and sang Christmas Carols together?

Is it true, that comrade Soldiers were ordered to execute their brothers, who stopped warring?

Luke 2:14 (NIV)

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests."

Weapons

2008-12-03T10:56:00.000+11:00

In 1978, I was privileged to hear a man speaking about the correlation between industrialisation and military arms. All that he said on that occasion, which related to directions in history, and the years in the future, have been fulfilled as described. There are still aspects that are not yet fulfilled, as he described.

Throughout history mankind has not learnt to live with his neighbour in peace.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Faith

2008-11-21T13:33:00.000+11:00

There is an old saying that says, ‘seeing is believing’. On the other hand, I have heard it said, ‘I’ve seen it, but I don’t believe it’.
There are times when we want to see as an aid to faith, only to find that it is an obstacle to that same faith desire. Faith is really an important aspect of a believer’s life. Rather than a passiveness, faith is active in perusing and grasping God’s will for our lives.

Romans 4:20-21 (NIV)

Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

The Church

2008-11-19T11:57:00.000+11:00

The Church is made up of some interesting people who are able to do amazing things where God has appointed, and equipped them. This is pattern and plan that is set in place by God himself. Each person doing there appointed tasks, which are supporting each other, and being supported by others. This is not just a denominational process, but as Jesus wrote to the seven churches in Revelation, the Church in a City is also meant to reflect this common support through the display of God’s gifting.

Sadly there are those who see themselves as “the religious police” rather than ambassadors of grace.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (NIV)
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Perspective

2008-10-17T15:35:00.000+11:00

As we are living in a world of constant change we have to be adaptable to each scenario that presents. Over the past few weeks the world has changed in many ways, none more critically than in the world’s financial fragility. Just a few people, and institutions have created a financial climate that has the Governments of most Countries trying to support the average citizen from a major financial calamity.

Revelation 3:17 (NIV)
You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

WARRIOR

2008-10-04T16:58:00.000+10:00

‘Fighting is hard work, whatever sort of fighting it is. You cannot fight without wounds of body, heart, or soul.’ ~ Mrs. Booth

‘Lastly,’ said The General in a beautiful tribute to our Army Mother, ‘she was a warrior. She liked the fight. She was not one who said to others, “Go,” but “Here, let me go;” and when there was the necessity she said, “I will go!” I never knew her to flinch until her poor body compelled her to lay aside.’

Our Army Mother was, indeed, before all things a warrior; she fought bravely and unceasingly her whole life through.

In thought and purpose she was independent, and dared to stand out for what she felt right. Cowardice, in her opinion, was one of the commonest and most subtle sins of the day, and she had no patience with those who dared not say ‘No,’ and feared to stand alone.

(Catherine Booth, A Sketch ~ Brigadier Duff)

Isaiah 42:13 (NIV)
The LORD will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.

New Thing

2008-08-24T16:50:00.000+10:00

We have been encouraged by our leaders to do new things to reach people for Christ. The emphasis is that it is the new ventures that are proving to be areas of growth as connections are made with people we previously had no contact with.

There are many aspects to new things. I do wonder if we are available for God to do a new thing in our lives. The influences of our Communities have been ruling God’s people, instead of the other way around. We have newspapers and magazine in our homes that are crammed with articles and processes that are in opposition to clear Biblical standards. We talk about peace, but many of our people are willing to use violence to obtain what they think is peace. It would be easy to continue in this vain, however that is only partially helpful.

Changing our focus onto what God wants and requires of us as His servants, will be a more productive way to fulfil our mission to transform society. The ability to be quiet, listen, and observe our world, may be a good place to begin.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (MSG)
"Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.

Walk!

2008-07-24T00:08:00.000+10:00

The call for all believers today is to walk this world, worthy of the call of God on your lives. The main objective is to live a life of holiness, in a world whose operating manual is not, the Holy Bible.

Psalms 116:8-9 (NIV)
For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

Open Book

2008-05-22T13:18:00.000+10:00

Gracious Father, through the ministry of your Holy Spirit help my life to be an open book, before you and the world. That others my read and observe your love and compassion through my life. Amen

Romans 2:12-16 (NIV)
All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

Trust in the Lord

2008-05-12T23:07:00.001+10:00

The Word of God is powerfully accurate!

As I observe the destructiveness displayed in the lives of people today, it seems to be a tightening spiral of a world almost ready to implode.

Psalms 36:2 (NIV)
For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.

The remedy is expressed!

Psalms 37:3-7 (NIV)
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Prophets

2008-05-02T00:16:00.000+10:00

Jeremiah 23:18 (NIV)
But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see or to hear his word? Who has listened and heard his word?

Jeremiah 23:22 (NIV)
But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.

It is time for the Prophets to be accountable to God.

Psalm 2 ~ Meditation

2008-04-14T16:33:00.002+10:00

Psalms 2:1-12 (NIV)
1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters."

Why indeed? Not only Israel with it’s rich history of deliverance by God’s direct intervention, but all other nations to today, continue to abandon the Divine Plan.

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."

Who is the King? Saul, David, or Jesus?
God’s anointed is the King!

7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."

A response from the King, “Ask of me.”
Are the Nations to be ruled by His subjects, when the earth is restored?

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Blessed are His people!
Are these the people whose names are in the Lamb’s Book of life? Revelation 20:15 (NIV)
If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Evaluate

2008-04-13T21:37:00.000+10:00

How do you see your fellow humans?
What are the criteria you use for evaluating people?

We can see people as those who have more than us financially. Or possibly having more acceptable looks, or stature than us. Perhaps even a better quality of employment. This would have us following the ideas of perfection that the media industry, perpetrate on an unsuspecting public each day. So it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that the information packed ideas are the truth.

Psalm 1:5 (KJV)
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

The criteria the God uses, is simply those who have a personal relationship with Him, and those who do not. This is truly a case of the haves and the have nots, but on a spiritual scale.

The Battle is ON!

2008-03-18T16:55:00.000+11:00

I want to use this Blog, as a more select group of people read it.

This afternoon, a man came to the office. He had been to our night meeting last Sunday, and arrived in an agitated state, and left with a calmness that was very evident. It was my privilege to sit in the meeting with this man. At times a breath of fresh air would have been appreciated also. I have seen glimpses of a beautiful person inside this man, who has put up many and varied barriers to the spiritual things of life. I believe that God is beginning to do some amazing things, and today I was able to pray over him, for the protection of this special man. There is a real battle going on, and he has a physical part to play, in this spiritual battle.
The battle has been going on for many years, but the signs at present are indicating a crisis, or culmination.

Holy Spirit, come, with more power!

Ephes. 6:12 (KJV)
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Rev. 3:20 (KJV)
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Alone

2008-03-17T15:24:00.001+11:00

There may be times as a Leader, where you are left feeling all alone. In particular when you are given a vision or revelation to do with your current ministry. There are some things that you know deep down within your spirit, that the people around you are not ready to hear. One of the elements of ministry that requires great patience is to interpret visions and revelations in a way that will be understood by the hearer.

Daniel 10:7 (KJV)
And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

Ahead of Time

2008-03-04T14:21:00.000+11:00

Matthew 24:25 (NIV) See, I have told you ahead of time.
One of the fascinating aspects of the Word of God is its historical accuracy. Written over thousands of years, the central theme, and contents have not diminished, or wavered. The evidence of life events being written ahead of time have only confirmed that the Bible is truly the Word of God.
Examining the words of Jesus, they were relevant for the people of his earthly ministry time, and they are also relevant for the world of today, 2008. Jesus said, I have told you ahead of time, so what did He say about today?

Leaders

2008-03-03T14:12:00.000+11:00

The use or misuse of position is an important aspect of leadership.
I have known leaders who have been supportive and encouraging, and others who have been bullies. There are also leaders who . . . !!!

Let me say at the outset that I am an introvert with a big “I”. It does take time to loosen up, it does take time to cope with a room full of strangers, it does take time to process questions and formulate the answers. If you are my leader, please wait with me, and do not run off. I know that I’m not the life of the party, but be courteous, do not walk away when I’m halfway through a sentence.

Micah 6:8 (Msg)
But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbour, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.

What the World Needs Now

2008-02-18T19:37:00.003+11:00

I thought that I would share one of my favourite, challenging passages of Scripture, Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian Christians. In a world where violence, hatred, maiming, murder, and suicide, are all too frequent occurrences. Where does our influence take root and sprout?

Ephesians 3:16-19. (NIV)
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians. 3:16-19 (Msg)
I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength— that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.

Has Burt Bacharach got it right?

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some but for everyone.

It s not a new song, but one that people need to hear!!!

Adar

2008-02-13T13:07:00.000+11:00

The Hebrew Calendar is quite complex, being lunisolar, and complying with the Hebrew religious traditions. The Calendar has a nineteen-year cycle, which includes leap years in the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, and 19th years.
Today is the 7th day of Adar, 5768. As this is a leap year, an extra month Adar II is added between Adar and Nisan.

Adar is mentioned in Ezra 6:15, where work of restoration of the house of God was completed.

I am reminded that as humans, that we are a temple of the Holy Spirit. From brokenness, and exile, restoration puts us at the time and place of great celebration.

Ezra 6:15,16 (Tanakh Translation)
The house was finished on the third of the month of Adar in the sixth year of the reign King Darius. The Israelites, the priests, and the Levites, and all the other exiles celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.

IS MAN RIGHT?

2008-01-25T16:05:00.001+11:00

Reading the news of each day, I am continually amazed at the destruction, of people’s lives. It isn’t a new thing happening in our country or around the world. The Scriptures give plenty of good advise for us humans, however, we are free to exercise our own will.

For many who are thrust into public positions, which have a high profile, their lives are all too evident of wrong decision-making. It could be in the areas of leadership, finances, relationships, emotional outbursts, substance use or any other aspect of the life they live.

O man, how reliable are your thoughts?

Proverbs 16:25 (Tanakh Translation)
A road may seem right to a man, but in the end it is a road to death.

REVIVAL

2008-01-05T17:16:00.000+11:00

For many years now hundreds of prayerful Christians have been using the intercessions of the “Jerusalem Chamber Fellowship of Prayer,” among which are the following:
That the Church may see the whole world’s need of Christ, and may be ready for any sacrifice in order to make Him known to all mankind;
That the Church may be willing at whatever cost to follow and bear witness to the way of Christ as she learns it;
That the Church may learn to preach the eternal gospel by word of life in terms that the men and women of this age may understand;
That a great number of men and women may offer themselves unreservedly to do Christ’s work at home and abroad in our generation;
For the removal of all hindrances in our lives to the manifestation of God’s redeeming love and power.

I believe that the Oxford Group Movement is God’s outstanding answer to these petitions, and all that longing for revival and renaissance which lay behind them. I believe this with increasing conviction the more I see of the movement.

THE CHURCH IN ACTION ~ Jack C. Winslow
Hodder & Stoughton (1st Printed, 1936)
Introduction ~ Page 12, 13.

Some within the body of Christ have maintained a fervent desire to have meaningful connections with their communities in ways that will not only bring men and women to a relationship with Christ, but also that the communities themselves will be transformed under the rule and authority of Christ.

Lord, fulfil the prayer points in this age. Amen.

Luke 13:28-30 (Message)
"That's when you'll find yourselves out in the cold, strangers to grace. You'll watch Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets march into God's kingdom. You'll watch outsiders stream in from east, west, north, and south and sit down at the table of God's kingdom. And all the time you'll be outside looking in—and wondering what happened. This is the Great Reversal: the last in line put at the head of the line, and the so-called first ending up last.

LEARNING

2007-12-27T09:56:00.000+11:00

This Christmas season has been one of making connections. The first year of an appointment is one of learning and understanding what the normal cyclic processes of a particular congregation are. Each congregation has it’s own way of normal operation through the calendar year and it’s own expectation of what the Officer is supposed to do and be. This is a big learning curve.

Throughout this time there are often things, and situation that arise, which indicate the history of people and previous situations.
One person has a problem with things not being done! When it appeared that something had not been done, their first response was to accuse the officer of not doing the particular thing. However, it had been done, and more importantly was done at the first opportunity, but sadly a third party could not recall the completed task until a fourth party reminded the third party of the situations completion.

You think that you are getting to know someone, then an unfounded accusation is thrown abusively into the mix, and you start to wonder if you know anything about the real person at all?

Sometimes the connections you make, are why something is not happening!

Luke 6:6-7 (Message)
On another Sabbath he went to the meeting place and taught. There was a man there with a crippled right hand. The religion scholars and Pharisees had their eye on Jesus to see if he would heal the man, hoping to catch him in a Sabbath infraction.

THINKING CONNECTIONS

2007-12-05T13:36:00.000+11:00

Last Saturday I was in the centre of a Race Course where there were two cricket grounds. It was a warm day with a good breeze. My team was fielding first, which meant that where I was fielding, I had opportunity to talk to some of the members of the opposing team as the rotated their stint as umpires. We made some superficial connections, and it was pleasing after the game that they each remembered my name. More than that, there were a few opportunities to share that I was an Officer in The Salvation Army.
Although this game was not in my Corps area, it was good let them know who I was. The game was played in a good spirit, however my cricket team did not win.

I am simply more aware of making positive connections.

John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Year 1 PC ~ Day 10.

DIRECTION

2007-12-03T19:29:00.000+11:00

As we move forward in Mission and Ministry to this generation we are bound to face challenges along the way. It seems that with every step forward, another obstacle is placed in our way from the deceiver, and those in opposition to the Kingdom of God. Sadly, some of those involved in opposition are from within our own ranks.
Not only do we lead, we are also in the job of “Vision Casters”. Talking about the vision, sharing the vision, and inviting others to participate in the call of God to connect with this generation.

Let’s head in the same direction!!!

John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Year 1 PC ~ Day 8.

WORD CONNECTION

2007-11-30T12:22:00.000+11:00

Can we connect with the promises in God’s Word?

Psalm 103:1-8 (KJV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Year 1 PC ~ Day 5.

CONNECTIONS

2007-11-29T15:44:00.000+11:00

Have you got the connection?

James 5:13-20 (Message)
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out.
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. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.

Year 1 PC ~ Day 4.

POSSIBILITIES

2007-11-28T11:27:00.000+11:00

Just think of the possibilities for our respective communities, if each Corps and Social Centre were healing centres. A place where the ministry of God the Holy Spirit has free reign to bring healing to burdened lives. Where the lives weighed down by the cares of the world can be unloaded. Where people receive emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual healing. The Apostle Peter calls for people to leave their burdens and cares with Jesus, who can meet their needs.
1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Some may question whether this is a possibility in this day, and age. Peter was following in the footsteps of Jesus, driven by the ministry of God the Holy Spirit in his life. He was also reflecting the promises within God’s Holy Word revealed in the second book of the Bible. Here God’s reflects who he is, and his ministry to the people.
Exodus 15:26 (KJV)
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

Can we be bold enough, to have healing connections available for the burdened in our communities?

1st Year: PC ~ Day 3.

1 PC

2007-11-27T14:20:00.000+11:00

The Salvation Army Australian Southern Territory is now in the era of PC, and we need to measure our growth and responses in the PC mode. No, I’m not talking about computers. This is the era of mission as it relates to “Post Connections 07” we go forward with new vision and strategies to aggressively make meaningful connections in our communities in the name of JESUS.

Year 1 PC ~ Day 2.

John 15:4 (KJV)
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

HOW SMART ARE WE?

2007-10-12T15:55:00.000+10:00

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

This is an interesting question, so it follows that the TV Show has some appeal to people like me. I have seen the show a couple of times and have been impressed by the young people who represent the 5th graders. Their immediate responses to the question, the steely resolve when questioned by their opponent, the obvious joy in knowing that the older person opponent is struggling to find the answers, and their freedom.

In other places in our land, and in some other nations, this snapshot of life is far from reality. Where severe malnutrition, poverty, slavery, war, and human trafficking, steal the potentiality of life from young children. This is a situation that the world cannot ignore. In many cases, some people are getting very rich, without any regard to the human lives that are being destroyed.

Do we contribute to the destruction of other lives? How smart are we, really?

Micah 6:8 (KJV)
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

IRAQ

2007-09-05T14:44:00.000+10:00

These photos are from Iraq, only a few months old. When it was mooted that Iraq was to be invaded, I was totally against this invasion. Mr Bush and others proceeded to influence the world to push ahead with the invasion idea, and strategy. I am deeply saddened that Mr. Howard has involved Australia in this crime.
In our land Australia it is a crime to injure people, to use force on another person, to carry weapons, to retaliate when attacked, to defend your property from an intruder. In fact you have to have your building set up so that if an intruder breaks in and something happens like fire, all the exits have to open from the inside with ease, because if they are injured you are at fault. So if this is the way Australians are to act, then why are we involved in the plundering of another nation and its people?
The evidence thus far is that the Iraq nation is in civil unrest, with the death toll climbing daily. The brutality of the opposition forces has been underestimated, and the initial invasion did nothing to produce a better way of reacting as a community. This war has brought shame on the Christian community as non-Christian communities flag this event by the Western World as a Christian backed enterprise of suffering.

How are we to say to these people in Iraq that a Christian does not operate this way?

Zech. 3:9-10
For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree. (KJV)

WHAT?

2007-08-30T14:57:00.000+10:00

As you look around the community, what moves you?
Is it the community that is separated from God by their own rebellion to his will? Is it the amazing growth in the attitudes that result in aggression and violence? Is it humanity suffering in sickness, and deformity? Is it the emotionally scared, who have abandoned hope and abuse their bodies by any number of means? Or is it the seemingly inability of the people of God to meet needs that are presented in community?

An amazing thing is that often the people of God are unable to cope with the support of their brothers and sisters in the church. We are afraid to be vulnerable and confess our needs and errors. We tend to live our lives under our own authority, without appropriating the promises in God’s Word. We see the public prayer altar as a place of life failure, rather than a place of refreshment in spirit, soul, and body.

How can we reach out to those alienated from God, if we do not know what we have?

James 5:13-16
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (KJV)

Your CHOICE!

2007-08-18T16:06:00.000+10:00

I have heard utterances from some who call themselves the people of God that a sermon should only be 6 minutes long. From these people the celebration of the Word of God seems to have little relevance.

How then would they cope with the Apostle Paul, who spoke all through the night to sun-up? How would they cope with William Booth, who spoke with such passion and fire, for an hour or more? In their thinking Paul, and William Booth, would have been a wasting their efforts! However history would hold the Champions of God with a much different view, and esteem.

It would seem that the problem is not so much with the speaker, but the hearer. On the surface it is simply a rejection of the speaker. With further analytical discernment, the evidence is a total rejection of the Word of God. Who then, in their right mind would openly go out in opposition to not only the Word of God, but also God himself, and his servants?

Joshua 24:14-15
Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. [15] And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (KJV)

DARKNESS

2007-07-25T12:20:00.000+10:00

What is it in the Scriptures that really grab your attention? Is it a passage, a book, a verse, a phrase, or even a single word?

It was dark from the 6th to the 9th hour!
I heard these words, and tears formed in my eyes, immediately. There was no mistake about the impact of these words. My heart was breaking, because of God’s amazing love. Hundreds of images flashed through my mind. There were images of people, and situations. More important, is the scenario associated with that particular darkness for three hours.
It is a period in time, specific to when Jesus was hung on a cross, for execution. Impaled was the Holy Son, of the living God. Condemned by a world filled with hate, greed, piety, selfishness, etc. Jesus surrenders his life and dies!!!

Darkness!! What does this represent?
- God the Father backing off from His creation.
- Three hours where the Devil had an unrestricted opportunity to reign.
- The sorrowful heart of God, expressed to the world.
- A world left to it’s own devices.
- The real burden that Jesus was carrying.
- The real state of the world with out God.

What does this darkness represent?

Luke 23:44
By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours— (Message)

DRY GROUND

2007-07-17T12:44:00.000+10:00

Isaiah 53:2
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. (KJV)

A tender plant . . . out of dry ground.

Jesus the son of the living God, born of Mary, in a town called Bethlehem. How much more vulnerable can Deity become.

The world that Jesus entered was arid, in regard to personal man – God relationships. A real desert spiritually speaking, for the One and Only son of the living God, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Surely it was the abundance of love, grace, and truth, which was the sustaining influence that nurtured him to really on his Heavenly Father.

Lord, thank you for being a tender shoot in dry ground. Amen.

TENDER SHOOT

2007-07-15T22:10:00.000+10:00

In the windows of the ‘Farming Studies’ classrooms that faced into a corridor there were specimen jars with seeds that had germinated, and were transforming into plants, in various stages of growth suspended in alcohol solution. As a teenage student at this Technical College the contents these windows and jars were always fascinating. Although not involved with farming studies, the different stages of growth on view stirred my interest when using that corridor.

To see the earth parting, and the green shoot of a germinated seed, pushing its way up to the sunlight is just an awesome sight. The tender, vulnerable shoots, pushing their way through the earth to the sun, with great strength.

I am reminded of another tender shoot, Jesus.

Isaiah 53:2
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. (KJV)

Lord, thank you for being a tender shoot in dry ground. Amen.

AS BEFORE

2007-07-13T10:53:00.000+10:00

Joel 2:23
Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. (NIV)

AS BEFORE!!!

I have always sat enthralled, as the adventures of the previous generations have been recounted. Whether they are from the history of the local Corps, or from the experiences of Officers’ involved in ministry. As the stories are retold, the amazing thing is the sense of joy, excitement, and passion about the times being shared. More often than not, many of the occasions have been victories through some really tough events and times.

Perhaps if there are people that have influenced, encouraged, and inspired you, an honour roll could be shared. Lord God, we give you praise for the saints who have been influential in our lives, and who are in glory with you, like, Toppie Whiteley, Ted & Lillian Nowell.

Many young people are seeking to do ministry today with the same enthusiasm that was evident in the pioneers. The Youth, are also seeking to be pioneers into new mission areas. This is really exciting!!!

Is this the same ‘as before’, or ‘back to the future’?

Lord, you have been the all sufficiency of those who have gone before; now refresh your people in this day. Amen.

Be GLAD! REJOICE!

2007-07-10T14:26:00.000+10:00

Joel 2:23
Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. (NIV)

Be Glad!!! Rejoice in the Lord!!!

What is there to be glad and rejoice about? You may have many situations in your own life that are specific to you, that will cause you to be glad and rejoice. If that were the case then this inhabitants’ of this world would like to know your story. Shout it from the rooftops, - oooh, well, in the shopping centres, in the work place, on the sporting field, in the family, in worship, etc…

Together, let us be glad and rejoice for the young people in The Salvation Army. The teenagers and young adults who have a deep hunger for the Word of God, and desire to be all that God wants them to be. A Royal Priesthood, and a Holy Nation, a people belonging to God, to declare the Praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His wonderful light.

This is an age where the young people are receiving an abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Showers of blessing, for ministry to a world, that needs to know how to have a personal relationship with their Creator, and Saviour, Jesus.

Lord, continue the autumn and spring rains of righteousness on the young people, so they may be continually refreshed by your Holy Spirit in their spirit, soul, and body. Amen.

REFRESHMENT

2007-07-06T13:47:00.000+10:00

Joel 2:23
Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. (NIV)

Our Nation is experiencing drought conditions, over a large area of the continent. Some talk about global warming, and the problems of greenhouse gas emissions, which will continue to inflict pain on the natural processes of nature, and continue to produce climate change with a negative effect.
There are areas that have coped with a lot over the last few months. Firstly the harshness of the drought next was savage bush fires, then floods. All in the same area

Thinking about the autumn rains, I am reminded that they are refreshing after the hot dry summer, and also the beginning of the restoration of our reservoir resources for the next hot dry period. This applies to the natural world, and also our spiritual life, where the surrounding elements can be harsh.

Lord, help us to receive the refreshment our spirit, soul, and body, require. Amen.

Let's protect the children!

2007-07-04T14:48:00.000+10:00

"We haven't changed our policy in relation to land rights generally. But whatever is needed to be done in the process of establishing a safe society for indigenous children will be done. That is more important to me than anything else. It's more important than any doctrine or philosophy." (Prime Minister John Howard)

Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough likewise believes intervention of this kind only comes once in a generation. "Clearly, in domestic terms, it's the largest intervention I can recall ever in my lifetime," he says. "Can't think of anything else like it. It's the one opportunity to do what people have been crying out for - to repair the damage of years of failure."

I wonder about an unrighteous nation, trying to fix the unrighteous acts of their people.
We as a nation, stole their land, killed their people, raped their women, stole their children, disempowered their law, enslaved their freedom, ruined their culture, polluted their morals, and gave them addictions, etc.

Romans 8:3
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

WHERE

2007-07-04T10:30:00.000+10:00

WEEP

2007-07-03T10:55:00.000+10:00

On many occasions, the Lord has led his leaders to a place where they could sit, and view their city. This may be from a mountain, or raised area, where the physical landscape is visible. The view could also be from the leader’s favourite place for prayer, as a result of understanding the patterns and mosaics of society that building a picture, or spiritual map.

Lord, lead us to the place where we can weep in your presence! Amen.

HELP LORD

2007-07-02T22:00:00.000+10:00

Joel 2:17 Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? (Message)

The Lord is requiring the leadership in The Church, to stand together before the Lord in common prayer for the people. This is the time for the whole Church to stand united, before the Lord. Seeking to follow the Lord with a unity of spirit, and purpose, dispelling all aspects of dysfunctional worldliness. Moving forward together, under the Holy leadership of the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings.

The Nation is largely unaware of The Church, only seeing isolated pockets, in denominational frameworks and structures. These frameworks, are identified by the world, rather than the glory and the majesty of the Lord.

Who in their right mind would live in an house, where only the framework has been assembled? Suffering in the elements, without a roof, floor, and walls, to shelter and protect. The world is ruling God's people, rather than God's people leading, and influencing the world to stand in awe of the Lord.

Lord, forgive our isolationist disunity. Reveal your plan to your Church, and heal the disease of disunity. Lord let your Glory shine!! Amen.

Prophets

2007-07-02T10:17:00.000+10:00

Numbers 11:29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them! (KJV)