Weapons

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

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

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

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

‘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

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!

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.