Contemporary Is Relative

Let's make it clear right from the beginning ~ I'm not wanting to get into a "Worship War". I simply want to offer personal comment on the relativity of worship.
I often get quite concerned (even disturbed!) at the use of worship labels that are assigned to various (age) groups of believers, especially when fellow officers express their personal view that the members of my congregation are nothing more than "dead wood". In the past, I've been guilty of both using and assigning worship labels myself, but have recently been convicted to put these aside based on the understanding that worship is not so much about styles as it is about an attitude of the heart. After all, aren't we all one Body of Christ worshipping a God of unconditional love and acceptance?

This thought leads me to raise a personal concern about the term 'contemporary' as used in reference to worship. I've noticed this used on numerous posters recently advertising SA worship events and can't help but feel it is wrong and unhelpful in contributing to overall Christian spiritual unity. By definition, 'contemporary' simply means "current or modern", and surely this is relative to the needs of the present congregation or "church target group". For instance, as officer-in-charge of Inala Chapel, 'contemporary' means providing a worship experience that is relative to, and meets the current needs of, my "modern" 50+ age congregation ~ whatever form that may take.

I wholeheartedly agree with the comments that Stephen M Newman (author of Experiencing Worship) makes in his online article "Contemporary Worship?" ~
"So what is contemporary worship? Simply the same as it has been since Jesus walked here on earth. It is giving honor and praise to his Father in heaven. It is living lives in obedience to His word and His call on your life. It is showing His worth to all because He is worthy. Let us not confuse worship with music. Worship doesn’t change.
In the future I hope that we will begin to do away with labels on worship styles. There is only one style of worship…that which honors God and pleases Him."

http://www.experiencingworship.com/articles/general/2002-6-Contemporary-Worship-.html

AMEN ~ So be it.

Let's purpose to quit with the style labels and simply focus on the "heart of worship"!

Faith Matters Most

It's totally amazing when God surprises us in unexpected ways! Today, while sharing fellowship and light refreshment with staff and fellow residents following the funeral of an Inala resident, "Pop" ~ an octagenarian man of few words ~ surprised all present by sharing his personal memories in paying personal tribute to his dear friend. And in that beautiful moment, his valuable pearls of wisdom just seemed to flow out and bring joyful praise to our hearts.
One of Pop's classic, quotable quotes went like this ~ "If you don't have it, then you might as well jump in the lake". The crux of his message being that "Faith Matters Most".

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I’d rather be His than have riches untold;

I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;

I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.

Than to be the king of a vast domain,

Or be held in sin’s dread sway;

I’d rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

(Words by George Beverley Shea)

Drought Appeal

Following yesterday's Love Offering, I am pleased to report that members of the Inala Chapel contributed $1520.00 toward our territory's Drought Appeal ~ again proving that 'faith in action', regardless of our age and stage in life, is vital in delighting the very heart of God to pour out His bountiful blessings on others.
But wait, there's more to come!

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV) ~ "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."

A Call To Our Nation

2 Chronicles 7:14 (The Message)
"If my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health."

God's Prescription for Revival contains:

• A Call to Preparation ~ "by humbling themselves..."
• A Call to Prayer ~ "...praying..."
• A Call to Passion ~ "...seeking my presence..."
• A Call to Purity ~ "turning their backs on their wicked lives..."

Lord, make us a “prepared, prayerful, passionate and pure people” that we would see revival in our lives, our families, our chapel community and our nation. Revive Your world through us!

"With Christ our head and cornerstone, we'll build our nation's might. / Whose way and truth and light alone can guide our path aright. / Our lives, a sacrifice of love, reflect our Master's care. / With faces turned to heaven above, Advance Australia fair. / In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia fair."

(Anthem approved for use on religious occasions)

Australia Day

Today was a national public holiday to celebrate Australia Day, marking the arrival of the First Fleet in Port Jackson in 1788 and the settlement of the first European colony in Sydney Cove. All Australians are encouraged to "come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future."

I like that purpose statement, because it's positive, all-inclusive and invites an attitude of acceptance and respect for all fellow Australians. Our national day is an opportunity to celebrate our great country ~ its diverse people and cultures, our rich indigenous history and the enduring values of freedom, democracy, mateship and a fair opportinity for all.

In my personal devotions this morning, God gave me the words of this benediction prayer.

"Lord, through this worship time,

We've been inspired by thy blessings divine.

Make us your servants true, in all we say and do,

Daily to glorify you our whole lives through."

[Sung to the tune "God save the Queen"]

Another great reason to celebrate!

No Sorrow In God's Tomorrow

Promoted to Glory

Lieut-Colonel Hedley Preston

29/03/1913 - 20/01/2007

This afternoon I privileged to both attend and participate in the service of thanksgiving that honoured the life, ministry and service of another of God's gems. Colonel Preston's own influence in my life goes all the way back to my childhood and teenage years growing up at the Box Hill Corps, where he was a constant source of encouragement to not only me, but people of all ages. Always interested and caring, he role-modelled what it meant to live a life of strong faith to God's glory and the blessing of others.

His grandson, Jayson, gave a heart-warming and worthy tribute that impacted me greatly and concluded with the paraphrased words of Dwight L Moody:

"Some day you will read in the papers that [Lieut-Colonel Hedley Preston] is dead. Don't you believe a word of it. At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now. I shall have simply gone [Home]."

I love the Salvation Army's term for 'death' ~ Promoted to Glory ~ for it truly conveys the victorious, confident hope Salvationists have in their belief of eternal life and Heaven. It resonates loudly with the fact that death is not the end, but rather the 'doorway to eternity' marking the beginning of a new and glorious experience for all who, by faith, claim the redeeming power of Jesus to restore, renew and revitalize.

"Servant of God, well done!"

Let The Sun Shine In

I classify myself as a keen observer. You know, the type of person who loves to sit in a shopping mall and simply look at who and what is happening around about. Well, today I observed a sight that could only be described as "weird" and left me questioning: "Is she really serious?" Pulling up a set of lights, I found myself next to a lady in a red convertible with the roof completely open. Next thing I saw was the lady reaching for the window button and winding it down. (And, no she wasn't a blonde!) I can only suppose she wanted to really feel the breeze in all its fullness.
This hilarious scene reminded me of a chorus. "Let the sun shine in. Face it with a grin. Smilers never lose and frowners never win. So let the sun shine in. Face it with a grin. Open up your heart and let the sun shine in."
May we always open wide the window of our hearts to God and allow the wind of His Spirit to empower us to be a blessing to others ~ fresh winds of Sonshine!

Game, Set and Match

Deuce, advantage, deuce, advantage, game....I have to admit that I got hooked ~ on tennis! For those of you who know me well, this is quite a confession. You see, I headed off to bed at 2.00am this morning after being glued to the match between Spain's Rafael Nadal and Scotland's Andy Murray. And, yes, I was cheering for the underdog! As disappointed as I was to hear the words "Game, set and match Nadal", I revelled in the physical stamina shown by both players in their almost four hour on court battle.
Deuce ~ it's a frustrating part of the match for any spectator, especially when the advantage point is lost and keeps being refought. This made me ponder that life always has its 'deuce' moments of challenge. And during these times we often need to display our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual stamina to experience daily victories.
Love ~ another tennis term, though one with a negative outcome. What is the origin of 'love' meaning 'nil' in tennis scoring? One Oxford Dictionary commentator answers: "It seems to have been adapted from the phrase 'to play for love (of the game)', that is, to play for nothing. Although the theory is often heard that it represents the French word l'oeuf an 'egg' (from the resembance between an egg and a nought) this seems unlikely." Interesting! But I'm so glad that the real (spiritual) definition of love is positive and influential.
Game, set and match ~ the victor's war cry! The battle's won and the reward is now to be claimed. Today marked the "Game, set and match" for Nigel Steadman, a Salvationist acquaintance of mine who claimed his heavenly reward at the age of 48 years.
At the Thanksgiving Service this afternoon there was alot of referencing to the word 'Love' in describing Nigel's on-going influence in the lives of those he maintained relationships with, but also in connection to God's impact upon our own personal lives as He seeks us to live in relationship with Him.
The words of this chorus came prayerfully to mind ~ "Let there be love shared among us, let there be love in our eyes. May now Your love sweep this nation, cause us, O Lord, to arise. Give us a fresh understanding of brotherly love that is real. Let there be love shared among us, let there be love."
Yes ~ a real, positive, influential, eternal and relational love flowing from God through us!

No Better Place To Be

Two and a half hours of car travel affords one the opportunity to talk at some length and depth. This was our privilege today as we drove Major Florence Badenhop (97 years young) to Warragul and back. Our conversation centred around her family life and ministry as a Salvation Army Officer over 28 years ~ after having entered College as a cadet of the Steadfast session at 32 years of age! Praise God, her faith story proved that Major Flo was also steadfast in spiritual nature through her many corps, training college and most interesting outback ministry appointments, where she was in charge of the Army's rural mobile unit in the Northern Territory.
A comment Major Flo made as we neared home summed up her steadfast spirit of faith: "When we are in God's will, He will always guide and provide!" I echoed a hearty AMEN to that! Yes, Lord, make us steadfast in spirit and service. There's no better place we'd rather be.

This Is The God We Adore

Worship this morning was awesome! None the less, because we were privileged to sit under the preaching ministry of one of our dear chapel members, Sister Noreen Webster. Looking resplendent wearing her new summer uniform, our beloved Noreen put into practice all the skills she had learned through 25 years as Corps Cadet Guardian and a faithful Corps Sergeant Major (CSM), dutifully leading meetings and preaching sermons in the absence of her blessed Corps Officers of years gone by.
We are grateful for Noreen's timely reminder from Psalm 19 verse 1 ~ "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands". Yes, this is the God we adore ~ One who is truly great in His Creative ability, Holiness and Love. Yet, at the same time, One who is personal in His care and concern for each of us.
We believe that the sharing of one's platform definitely results in shared blessings for all. Ministry is never "one-sided" but always best accomplished working with and alongside others!

Tim The Toolman

Believe it or not, I really was in tradesman mode yesterday ~ all in the name of assembling a personal computer work station. However, it should be more aptly titled "Tim The Toolman Assists Dad The Doer". Breaking code with the normal rule of manhood, we found ourselves constantly referencing the written instructions for assembly, which often ended in frustrating confusion. On more than one occasion we found ourselves questioning "Why is it that one needs to have an engineering degree simply to read most instruction manuals nowadays?"

In the end, as life reminds us all too often ~ persistence always pays off!

Here is the result:

Food For Thought

Here are a couple of quotations that have been Food For Thought to inspire and challenge us today.

"The spiritual meaning of love is measured by what it can do. Love is meant to heal. Love is meant to renew. Love is meant to bring us closer to God. "

Deepak Chopra ~ sourced from www.boogle.com

"We have loved our local churches too much. They will come and go, rise and fall, grow and die. What endures is the mission of God. God calls your church to mission. God calls your church not to be the center of people’s lives, but rather to be in the center of their lives."

Kennon Callahan ~ sourced from Westlink (Western Australia Divisonal newsletter)

Amusing Signs

You've probably all seen amusing signs or read of quirky quotes on noticeboards that leave you with a grin and somehow lighten up your day with a serious smile! Well, while paying a parking fee today outside the PR Department in Box Hill, I was confronted with a sign that made me smile ~ "Insert Coins Slowly". I knew what it meant, but then laughed as the 'slowly-inserted' coin fell fast with a loud crash into the machine deposit box, causing me to realize that the speed of the fall is really beyond one's control.
Here is a photo of a church sign I came across that was taken last May in Sydney while a local businessman was on lunch.And, here is another ~ this one was an amusing plaque attached to a bench seat that I snapped personally while on holiday in New Zealand recently. Obviously, you really need to be aware of the "history behind the local legend" to fully appreciate it. Wouldn't you agree?

Plugged Into Constant Power

Picture this scene ~ it's 4.00pm and I stop off at our local supermarket to collect a few household items. With basket in hand, I peruse the frozen food aisle in search of our regular vegetable mix purchase, reach for the door, slowly pull it open and ~ BANG! ~ off goes the electricity supply throughout the whole store. Emergency lights light up the aisle like those on an aircraft pointing the way to the nearest exit. In my case, the express aisle. I had to get out as quick as possible, embarassed that I had somehow tripped the store's power supply the moment I opened the freezer door. On my return trip home, I suddenly realized that all the other stores in the street were blacked out too ~ obviously from lack of power. WOW! Did I really cause this problem? Tuning into the radio the announcer declared: "We have a state-wide blackout!" No way, it couldn't be! Well, you can imagine my relief to discover that bush fires in Benalla had tripped the main line of the electricity supply shared between Victoria and New South Wales that resulted in the two-hour blackout.
With a 41oC temperature outside, we really missed the air-conditioner, phone access, computer access, TV, radio, etc. that awaited us upon our arrival at home. How dependent we have become upon power utilities in our high-tech society! This knowledge caused us to rejoice that when we are plugged into the true 'Power Source of Life' ~ Jesus Christ ~ there are certainly no Blackouts. For God's supply is constantly-empowering.
"We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work." (2 Timothy 1:8, The Message)

Look Up And Smile!

While driving our Grandad home this evening, we stopped at a set of lights on Springvale Road and spied a bright, colourful sign bearing the message: "Look Up And Smile". A quick glance at the rest of the sign revealed that it was advertising an event in connection with upcoming Australia Day celebrations.
Further investigation led us to discover that the organizers are commissioning high tech planes to fly over 3 specific locations in Australia and take photos of Australia’s most celebrated day of the year. Now you see why they’ve called it Look up and Smile!
Check out the details ~ http://www.lookupandsmile.com.au/

"Look Up And Smile" ~ As Christians we do that in faith everyday. We look up to God who is our joy and strength, assured that, as He guides us, we can smile at life's opportunities.
The Psalmist makes wise reference to God's interest in our world when he writes in Psalm 33 verses 12-14:

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth...

Inspiring Worship And Wedding Bells

What a day of blessing we've enjoyed! This morning at our Inala Chapel worship service we were privileged to sense a special measure of God's encouragement. Much of the worship centred on Paul's confidence in God's ability to inspire us to be all He desires us to be. The impromptu choir message, "Standing on the promises of God", moved freely into a time of spontaneous, personal testimony recalling God's promises given to individuals through grace moments in their lives. And, believe me, that's awe-inspiring!
Later on, we were privileged to witness the marriage of Matthew and Debra O'Brien (son of our choir leader, Anita, and her husband, Alan). We've never been to a Sunday afternoon wedding before, and again, sensed the encouragement of God as these two young, committed Christians pledged their lives to love one other centred around their own relationship with Jesus Christ. Part of their personal vows to each other declared, "I promise to pray with you and make God the centre of our marriage...giving you the freedom to be who He wants you to be". Now, how inspirational is that? Committing to God-centred (married) lives, while at the same time, acknowledging the need to give each other the freedom and respect to fully develop their individuality in Christ.
Praise be to God for His personal encouragement and blessing through inspirational worship and wedding bells!

Appreciation Goes A Long Way

It's nice to be appreciated! Sadly, people today often fail to appreciate those they love and value. The busyness of life can leave little or no time to stop and express a little appreciation along the way.
Having commenced our twelth year of ministry recently, we are pleased to be able to say that we have always made it a priority to express appreciation to those who share alongside us in leadership support roles. Our experience has always shown that the impact of providing a word of encouragement and praise is like a stone being thrown into the water ~ the ripples of personal and corporate spiritual effect are both wide and far-reaching. And, more often than not, the rewards of appreciating others have a habit of returning to bless the giver.
Is there someone you need to really express your appreciation to? Someone who would benefit from a word of personal encouragement and praise? I'm sure there is. Don't wait ~ simply appreciate!

No Laughing Matter

A breaking news headline on the radio today caused us to laugh until, that is, we discovered the seriousness of the situation. The focussed newsreader announced:
"Three sex offenders are on the run after escaping from a Melbourne psychiatric hospital. The trio escaped from the hospital which provides psychiatric treatment for criminals. Victorian Health Minister said the men jumped over a wall at the Statewide Forensic Services secure facility..."
Secure facility? Sounds quite ironic ~ even laughable! Yet following through on the development of this news this evening led us to become aware that the current law renders the lawkeepers powerless to act in arresting these escapees until a warrant is issued ~ all because they have been ordered under the care of a goverment department. Again, that is no laughing matter!
We prayed that these escapees might be found quickly and safely without others being hurt in the process. so that they can successfully complete their rehabilitative treatment.
Praise God for answered prayer! Just as I write these words, a report has come to hand that these men have been located and returned to the facility from which they fled.
This all proves that, though we often feel powerless when put in situations beyond our control, we can always know the strength of God within to experience personal victory every time. And that's seriously both helpful and hopeful!

Romans 5:6 and 8:3 (NIV)
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly...For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering."

When Life Doesn't Seem Fair

The majority of our days spent in aged care chaplaincy ministry are pleasant and rewarding. However, occasionally there come moments within a day that bring only frustration and challenge causing us to reason that "Life just doesn't seem fair!" Today was one such day!
While visiting one of our seniors this morning, we were confronted again with the very 'painful' realities of the aging process ~ the feelings of isolation, uselessness and despair ~ that are often associated with the loss of one's physical faculties affecting their sense of independence. Praise God, when the physical body fails us, the spiritual body proves reliable for God is always standing by ready with His moment of grace!
This experience brought to our minds the confronting words of the Servant Song.
"We are pilgrims on a journey. We are brothers on the road. We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you in the night time of your fear. I will hold my hand out to you; speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping. When you laugh, I'll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through."
Now that's what fulfilling chaplaincy is all about!

I Want To Be Where You Are

Last night while sharing in a family meal, my 2 year old nephew, Jesse, watched me take my nominated seat at the other end of the table and promptly remarked, "Timma, I can't see you there. Come up here!" Well, that was a special moment for me ~ my presence was appreciated and valued. So, dutifully and willingly, I sat myself down next to him.
Likewise, as Christians, we desire the presence of God in and through our lives. Our spirits long to be always in God's presence. While serving in Malaysia, we were privileged to share in worship and personal fellowship with international worship leader, Don Moen. It was a great inspiration to be in the presence of a man of God with a real worshipful heart.
Reflecting on these moments brings to mind this prayerful desire for the presence of God.
"I want to be where You are dwelling in Your presence.
Feasting at Your table, surrounded by Your glory.
In Your presence, that's where I always want to be.
I just want to be,
I just want to be with You."
May we always have a heartfelt desire to live and experience the presence of God each day.

Psalm 27:4
"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple."

You Raise Me Up

My reflections today are a bit sentimental. Mothers are special people ~ especially mine (pictured right) who, by the way, recently turned...21 again! And today we met over lunch to celebrate her.
While driving to the buffet restaurant, I was listening to a favourite hit song, You Raise Me Up, that reminded me of how grateful we each are for all that Mum continues to mean to us.
Here are the lyrics of the chorus:
"You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up, to more than I can be."
Mum's ongoing dedication to providing us with loving nurture and a listening ear (together with her wisdom!) is invaluable, and has certainly encouraged us to be the best that we can be.
So, congratulations Mum for all you do to "raise us up" in life, faith and love! We look forward to many more enjoyable years to celebrate together. WE LOVE YOU HEAPS!!

Child's Play

"Toot, toot, chugga, chugga, big red car..." ~ such was our afternoon at Amber's Playhouse with our 2 year old nephew, Jesse. Scurring from one activity to the next, we let our hair down and really enjoyed the moment. Numerous times "Uncle Tim" was encouraged to get involved, but unfortunately he was too old for the slide, bouncing castle and car racing!
All things considered, our true joy was seeing Jesse having the time of his life as he whizzed around exploring this fun adventure time.
For us adults, life can often become very complex and serious that we forget to have fun and simply enjoy the moment. So take time out to live life to the full and simply enjoy!

Don't Let Love Leak Out

The writings of Samuel Logan Brengle are treasures. Even today his words still ring out loud with truth and challenge. Consider this message from his book, Ancient Prophets, originally published in April 1929.

"1. If the future of The Salvation Army is to be spiritually radiant and all conquering, we must not simply endure the cross, but glory in it. This will arrest the world, disarm Hell, and gladden the heart of our Lord.
2. We must 'by love serve one another.' We are following Him who 'came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many.' We, too, must give our lives for others, shrinking from no service, holding ourselves ever ready to wash the feet of the lowliest disciple.
3. We must still prove our discipleship by our love one for the other. It is not enough to wear the uniform, to profess loyalty to Army leaders and principles, to give our goods to feed the poor and our bodies to be burned. We must love one another. We must make this the badge of our discipleship. We must wrestle and pray and hold fast that we do not lose this.
The Army is so thoroughly organized and disciplined, so wrought into the life of nations, so fortified with valuable properties, and on such a sound financial basis, that it is not likely to perish as an organization, but it will become a spiritually dead thing if love leaks out. Love is the life of The Army. 'If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.' But if love leaks out we shall lose our crown, we shall have a name to live and yet be dead. We may still house the homeless, dole out food to the hungry, punctiliously perform our routine work, but the mighty ministry of the Spirit will no longer be our glory. Our musicians will play meticulously, our Songsters will revel in the artistry of song that tickles the ear, but leaves the heart cold and hard. Our Officers will make broad their phylacteries and hob-nob with mayors and councilmen and be greeted in the market-place, but God will not be among us. We shall still recruit our ranks and supply our Training Garrisons with Cadets from among our own Young People, but we shall cease to be saviors of the lost sheep that have no shepherd.
If the future of The Salvation Army is to still be glorious, we must heed the exhortation: 'Let brotherly love continue.'"

Amen to that! Be mindful not to 'let love leak out' of all your words and actions, for love truly is the core of genuine Salvationism.

[Perhaps you might want to check out some of Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle's treasures using the following link]

http://www.raptureready.com/resource/brengle/brengle.html

Proactive Penguins

Toe-tapping tunes, creative choreography and amusing animations with a modern moral message. These were our thoughts as we finished watching the recently-released movie, Happy Feet. Despite being aimed at children, it certainly has confronting messages for all adults with issues ranging from the external environment to our own internal self-image.
These proactive Emperor Penguins teach us lessons that need to be heard the world over. The one that encouraged us the most is that which is deeply personal ~ Be yourself. It is okay to be an individual ~ different from the rest. Live life proud of who you were created to be.
A similar message is found in Psalm 139:14 ~ "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
Doesn't that message set your toes a-tapping to the real rhythm of life?

Auto Pilot Mode

Have you ever been out driving and arrived at a destination only to realize that the place where you ended up is not where you intended to be? Well, this has happened to us within the last week ~ not once but twice! For some reason, the car seemed to be in Auto Pilot mode and had a mind of its own. Recollecting these events now causes us to laugh out loud, though at the time it was anything but funny (especially when the driving error necessitated a change of plans!).
As a direct result of all this, we have been reminded again of the need to 'be alert' and 'stay focussed'. Not a bad thought to bear in mind at the commencement of a New Year, is it? So remember, keep focussed on the things that matter most and don't allow yourselves to get side-tracked!
With confidence, we echo an assurance of our faith ~ "I have a Pilot who guides me night and day". Praise God, His will for us is not Auto Pilot mode, but a purposeful, personal plan!

Hebrews 12:2 (The Message)
"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in... because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God."

Rain On Us, Please!

The weather for today (in the middle of summer) states "Few showers. Possible thunderstorms. Max 29oC" Yes, rain on us, please! Ironically, retired General John Gowans wrote in one of his many compositions, "You can't stop rain from falling down". Problem is, we here in Australia can't seem to start it falling! [Having said that, Christmas Day was a really wet one and an answer to prayer for rain. Thank you, Lord!]
As we experience yet another summer of drought, our local Herald Sun newspaper has just reported the possibility of introducing Stage 4 water restrictions very soon. Nature is crying out for sustenance ~ lawns and gardens everywhere look pretty much drab, as evidenced in this recent photo of our 'dry' front lawn. Thank goodness it can still look tidy though!

What an encouragment it is to know that, even in the midst of physical drought, we who live lives of faith in Jesus Christ can continue to experience the satisfaction of 'well-watered' spirits ~ for He is truly the Water of Life!
Consider the truth of these words by another former General, Albert Orsborn:

Life is a journey; long is the road,

And when the noontide is high

Souls that are weary faint 'neath their load,

Long for the waters, and cry:

The well is deep and I require

A draught of the water of life,

But none can quench my soul's desire

For a draught of the water of life;

Till one draws near who the cry will heed,

Helper of men in their time of need,

And I, believing, find indeed

That Christ is the water of life.

Life is a seeking, life is a quest,

Eager and longing desire;

Unto the true things, unto the best,

Godward our spirits aspire.

Life is a finding; vain wand'rings cease

When from the Saviour we claim

All we have longed for, solace and peace,

And we have life in his name.

Our prayer this New Year ~ "Lord, rain on us, please! Continue to saturate our experiences with Your showers of blessing that flood our souls with eternal joy. Amen."

Back to words of John Gowans ~ "You can't stop God from loving you, His love is new each morning." Now that's refreshing. Hallelujah!