Ferntree Gully Fellowship

The early bird gets a nice hot cooked brekky. Well, that was true for us this morning anyway!

Dabak and I were privileged to share fellowship with folk from Ferntree Gully Corps in their monthly Saturday morning breakfast.
Together we shared something of the joys and blessings of ministry as an Anointed Partnership based on the promise of Jeremiah 29:11.

The scenic surroundings certainly added extra value to an enjoyable morning. Full marks to Major Arthur Owen and team for their kind hospitality!

Philippians 1:4-6 (NIV) ~ "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

A Timely Thought

Are you guilty of wishing that there were more hours to the day? Have you ever used the common expressions "I don't have time" or "I'm too busy"? Knowing how time can often get the better of us, I can't blame people for using these. But have you ever thought that at the heart of these expressions is an evaluation of priorities? By saying "I don't have time ~ I'm too busy" we make value judgements when we push aside that which is less of a priority for us due to the limited time we have. We often make an instant value judgement without giving the thought to it that God might like us to give.

Think of it in terms of ministry. When we say, directly or indirectly, to someone "I'm too busy, I don't have time" what message does that convey to the individual/s concerned? Ministry is time consuming and we do need to allow ourselves opportunities of personal refreshment, it's true. But valuing people is surely a vital part of the effectiveness of ministry. Let's make sure that we don't only make time for that which we "want to" do in preference to that which we "need to do", less the end result leads to a devaluing of those to whom we are called to serve.

Lord, help us wisely manage the times you appoint!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (MSG) ~ "There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth."

Male Voice Excellence

When it comes to choral singing, it is hard to beat a well-rehearsed Male Voice Choir. Dabak and I attended the rehearsal night of the Cantorion Cymreig Victoria Welsh Choir this evening and left with our spirits uplifted and a song in our hearts. Music does that! It strikes a chord within us that resonates joy and praise. Isn't that why a vital part of our church worship is in song?

But, wait there's more! God Himself rejoices over us. Zephaniah reflects on the fact that God takes great delight in us and gladly sings his praise of us. Now that's a nice thought! Your life and mine put a song on the Father's lips and a note of gladness in His remembrance of us.

What is it that caused Him to "rejoice over you with singing" today?

Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV) ~ "The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Group Study Exchange

No, I'm not talking about our weekly Bible study (though we did have another good discussion today!) As an active Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Box Hill, I'm referring to our district's Group Study Exchange programme designed to enable an outbound Aussie team and inbound overseas team to more fully appreciate each other's countries and cultures.

So it was certainly an enjoyable and informative meeting as we heard from the GSE team members representing Sweden and Latvia, hosted by the Rotary Club of Ringwood. Topics ranged from general country statistics to personal biographies to wider issues of national and international concern. As a result of their sharing our international perspectives were widened and our appreciation of our international visitors deepened.

It just goes to show that worldwide fellowship isn't only a unique feature of The Salvation Army, but a rich and intricate aspect of Rotary International.

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV) ~ "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

In The Driver's Seat

Yesterday afternoon was an historic moment!

At 12.30pm, my wife, Dabak, for the very first time in her life got behind the wheel of a manual sedan and, following an intensive half hour lesson, drove me 2 laps around the Sandown Motor Racing Circuit. This was made possible thanks to her fantastic driving instructor, Rowan White, and the Lions Club of Warrandyte who organize this annual event for blind and visually-impaired people.

Oh, by the way...Zarena was trembling in the back with me!

Dabak in the driver's seat at Sandown Circuit

Dabak riding pillion with biker John

Congratulations Dabak ...now hand me the keys, please!

Matthew 16:24 (MSG) ~ "Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how."

Rollercoaster Faith

Life is like a rollercoaster with its mind-blowing highs and death-defying lows. Then there are the times when we seem to be getting nowhere 'looping the loop'. No matter what our experience at the moment, we can be certain of one thing ~ we are safe when we ride the tracks of faith God lays out for us. That was the focus of our worship today!

And here's the words of a 'golden oldie' chorus we sang.

Faith is the evidence of things now not seen
Hope is the vict'ry where defeat may have been
Love brought my Saviour down my soul to redeem
"But the greatest of these is Love."

In The Midst Of A Miracle

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you witness a miracle in progress?

Recently I've been aware of this on a number of occasions, both personally and in relation to my present appointment. For example, God opened the door in a wonderful way to enable me to share with a close friend on a deeper spiritual level like we had never communicated before. I could never have orchestrated it better!

And then, today, as we were in the middle of a pastoral visit, God silently worked a miracle before our eyes in enabling the person to talk openly about a very personal experience in their life ~ all without any prompting on our part!

God's greatest miracle in progress is a transformed life. So, too, is the faith of a believer in action and the evidence of answered prayer.

Joshua 3:5 (MSG) ~ "Tomorrow God will work miracle-wonders among you."

Aged Care Master Plan Revealed

This morning we gathered with residents at Inala Village to hear about Retirement Care Australia's (RCA) future property plans. After 18 months comprehensive review, RCA announced that it would roll out a $100 million redevelopment programme affecting its Inala, Bethany and Weerona sites to achieve compliance by 2010.

Here's a brief summary:

• Inala to undergo minor internal upgrade works to all facilities and community areas with minimal disruption. External improvement of overall environment of the village for all residents through landscaping, painting, roof and gutter works, signage, lifts and windows.
• Bethany (due to structural challenges) in Camberwell will close, effective 7 Dec 2007, for total redevelopment over an 18 month period. Construction will incorporate Extra Services aged care facility and independent living units (ILU). Bethany residents are being encouraged to relocate to Inala at the expense of RCA.
• Weeroona in Malvern will undergo staged redevelopments of a new residential facility for high/low care and dementia residents, conversion of existing nursing home to Extra Services facility and redevelopment of its ILU. Some relocations may be necessary.

I commend the RCA management on a well developed structural review and considerate implementation plan. We'll certainly be praying for redevelopment and refurbishment success!

In a spiritual sense, we are all part of the Master's Plan from the word go. His Plan is spiritual, not structural. It is accomplished by living out faith and love, not by giving out dollars and cents. Hallelujah!

Colossians 1:1 (MSG) ~ "I ... have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God's master plan. ... May everything good from God our Father be yours!

I'll Stand For Christ

One of our valued chapel members recently shared this illustration.

"A minister dreamed that he died and stood before the throne of God. The questions was asked, "Have you always been good?" "No," he replied. "Have you always been just?" "No," he replied. "Have you always been pure?" "No," he replied, and bowed his head for the condemnation he was sure he was going to get. Then he saw a bright light shining around and about him and he looked up into the face of Jesus. Jesus put his arm around him, looked up at the Father and said, "Father, I know that he hasn't always been good, and he hasn't always been just, and he hasn't always been pure. But down there on earth he has always stood for me, and I will stand for him up here."

John 6:40 (MSG) ~ "This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time."

Refreshing Word

Our weekly Bible study today was refreshing. Under the leadership of Major Lawrence Coleman, we considered Book One of Psalms (chapters 1-41). Why do we love the Psalms? Perhaps because they are an expression of real human emotions in a variety of real human experiences that we identify can with ~ eg. trust, confusion, gratitude, sadness, joy depression, elation, to name but a few.

How refreshing then, to hear others in the group review their allocated psalms and identify and explain verses of encouragement or special meaning to them personally. This time of sharing was evidence that God's Word certainly brings refreshment to the lives of those who seek its truth.

Isaiah 55:11 (MSG) ~ "Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don't go back until they've watered the earth, doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, so will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them."

Ministry Is Rewarding

With regards aged care chaplaincy, God often reveals the rewards of ministry in some very unique ways. Take for instance the case of a blind lady who claims that she is not blind, but simply "dim of sight due to glaucoma". At 95 years of age, she tends to sit quietly alone in a corner recliner during our weekly devotions. The moment the piano strikes up a hymn tune, she looks up and sings along heartily as though she were holding a hymnbook before her.
Now that's a joyful reward of ministry!

So, too, is the retired officer who, suffering from acute dementia, is totally dependent on the care of others. Normally, little response is evident and our greetings are often met with a blank stare and awkward silence. Yet, at special God-ordained moments, there are beautiful evidences of mental awareness. Like today, when my wife offered a genuine "God bless you, ___!" and there came a spontaneous "Thank you" reply.

Yes, ministry is most rewarding when we make connections with people in their moment of need. We don't always see the results on the spot, but we can always be assured that God is at work within, regardless of the circumstances. And that in itself is rewarding!

Ruth 2:12 (NIV) ~ "May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

This Is Now...

"Reaping A Harvest Of Thanks" was the theme for our Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration. The music ministry of Classic Brass (from Box Hill Corps) added a real note of praise to the day. 110 worshippers were delighted by the visual display and opportunities for corporate thanksgiving, which included the presentation of their 'non-perishable' food offerings in support of Chelsea Corps' welfare programme. A special highlight was the male voice item, Christ in me.
Eighty people then attended the 'harvest-style' fellowship luncheon following and enjoyed the delicious pasties, variety of salads, fruit salad, ice-cream and cream that was further evidence of God's super-abundant provision toward us.

In considering 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, we rediscovered that God is a God of abundance not scarcity. He gives bountifully that we may share generously (v8) and experience His righteousness displayed (v9). When we give generously, God blesses us bountifully (v10). When we give generously, others are blessed bountifully (v11). When we give generously, God Himself is blessed bountifully (v12).

A modern paraphrase of Song 935 was shared and appreciated by all.

"We plough and sow with tractors and bale the new-mown hay;

We reap the fields with combines to bring our harvest day;

But all the powers of science, the life of root and seed,

The air and earth and water are gifts to meet our need.

See his gifts within us around us and above?

Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord For all his love."

Hallelujah!

That Was Then...

Harvest Thanksgiving was once a regular inclusion in all corps calendars, as the pictures above show. To be honest I can't remember the year that we last celebrated Harvest in our territory, but would guess the practice faded out during the late 1970s/early 1980s.

I was interested to note that our territory's website contains the following information about The Salvation Army.
"Festivals and Ceremonies
As well as the great commemorations of the Church ~ Easter, Christmas and Whitsunday ~ and observances such as harvest festivals and young people's anniversaries and picnics, The Salvation Army has particular events that give a sense of rhythm and order throughout the worshipping year..."

In addition, our online Guidelines for Salvationists (Part B) state the following
"THE THREE BASIC AREAS OF GIVING REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN THE MISSION OF THE ARMY ARE:
1. REGULAR COMMITMENT...
2. ANNUAL APPEALS
To meet specific needs which may be outside the local corps situation, eg. Harvest Thanksgiving, Missionary Appeals, Red Shield Appeal.
3. ONE-OFF OFFERINGS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS OR PROJECTS ..."

Yes! We want to keep "a sense of rhythm and order throughout the worshipping year" and "sustain the mission of the Army" as we give honour and glory to God through our Harvest focus this year.

Over The Counter ATM Service

I wonder, as consumers, are we asking too much of the staff in expecting a little friendly, personal type service? This week I did an "over the counter" bank transaction and was left feeling as though I may as well have been standing outside at the 'hole in the wall'. The teller spoke to me three times; once to announce "Next please!" and then twice in answer to general questions that I had asked simply to avoid the awkward silence. Oooh, and to her credit, there was an echo of my "thank you" as I left.

I am convinced that a friendly, personal, pastoral ministry is what works best. Life experience proves that when people feel valued and respected in personal relationships then that fosters trust and respect. And this is true in faith community relationships too. When people really belong, spiritual growth is evidenced as they daily put their trust in God and learn to respect their special place in His Kingdom of Love.

1 Peter 5:7 (Phillips) ~ "You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern”

No Room For Confusion

A devotional thought on peace shared by a friend today was a jolting reminder of the need for all Christians to practice the presence of God. Part of a quote she read from Oswald Chambers said: "Are you looking to Jesus now?.... if you try to worry your problems out by yourself, you obliterate His presence in your life."

How true! When we experience personal concerns and problems, the first reaction for most of us is to try and focus on resolving the issue, instead of focussing our energies on considering God's ability to guide us through victoriously. And we wonder why we get anxious and stressed! When we seek Jesus in the midst of such times, the confusion goes, because in Him there is no confusion. It is then that we realize that our only real concern is to abide in Him.

Our friend's devotional thoughts reminded us of words spoken during an officer's fellowship in 2000 by a former divisional leader, Lieut-Colonel Judith Jeffrey. These words are now inscribed on the inside cover of my Bible ~ "We need to look for the presence of God, not the absence of God". Now there's a personal challenge!

John 15:5 (ESV) ~ [Jesus said,] "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Out Of The Mouth Of Babes

I couldn't resist publishing this fabulously cute yet sincere "get well" greeting for Dabak from our friend's daughter, Taylor. It certainly says it all!

By the way, I learnt that the phrase "Out of the mouth of babes..." actually originates from the Bible, as mentioned in Psalm 8:2 (KJV). How cool is that!

Exodus 15:26 (MSG) ~ "I am God your healer"

Boundless Bounty

In our age of information and knowledge, it is perhaps considered by most people narrow and limited to express the view that God is the only One who can fully equip us. Nowadays there is so much we can do to skill ourselves in life. But let's face it, most of our self-skilling relates to "head-knowledge" (temporal) and what I'm referring to here is "heart-knowledge" (eternal). While man is finite, God is infinite.

An anonymous someone once quoted these words that are now familiar sermon material:
"God doesn't always call the equipped, but He always equips the called".
How does that thought sit with you?

I'm certainly encouraged to know that, even when I reach the limit of my own resources, God is there waiting to empower and strengthen me with the inspirational resource of His boundless grace. Hallelujah!

SASB 579 (verse 3) ~

"When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father's full giving is only begun."

words by: Annie Johnson Flint

Incredible Plate Diet

A friend of ours, Jennei, with whom we have shared special moments such as her marriage and dedication of her children, featured tonight in a TV appearance on Channel Nine's A Current Affair.

Click on the link below to share in this good news story of her personal weight loss achievement.

http://ninemsn.video.msn.com/v/en-au/v.htm?g=70E54456-9CE4-43B5-AFC7-6060D484BDAE&f=&fg=email

Congratulations Jennei! You're an inspiration.
And, by the way, pass me the plate...

Eternally Empowered

In giving further consideration to Paul's writings from Ephesians 1, we look at his pastoral prayer in verses 15-23. Read them for yourself sometime and see just how fitting they are in acknowledging that we are all eternally empowered to live blessed lives.

This positive passage is imperative to all Christian believers and makes it quite clear that we are all EQUIPPED BY GOD, STRENGTHENED IN JESUS and SUSTAINED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT ~ not only for the present, but for the future hope of our inheritance!

Ephesians 1:17-18 (MSG) ~ "I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory, to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him ~ endless energy, boundless strength!"

Here's To IT!

Custom shows, hyperlinking and nudging... these are just some of the Information Technology (IT) terms we explored today at the Powerpoint Intermediate course conducted by John Beverin (IT Trainer) at THQ. Sounds technical, but it was really quite skillful.

Whether we are up with technology or not, we come across it everyday and, more often than not, benefit from its use. Take for instance, the use of the data projector during church services to aid us in our experience of worship. Each week at Inala Chapel, we are grateful for its ability to communicate visually what is not always understood audibly.

By the way, spiritually-speaking, always remember that JESUS CTRL+Ss ('saves')!

Leaving Behind A Legacy

The following poem was referred to today as I conducted the funeral service for a former resident of Inala Village, with whom we had associations through our chaplaincy ministry.

"You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on."

I was reminded that the way people respond to grief is purely individual. Despite our sympathetic words or kind actions, we ultimately don't have any control over their emotions or responses. We can only control what happens to ourselves. So, I was challenged to consider what kind of legacy I am leaving behind. Is it an influential and positive one that inspires others?

It was the great evangelist, Billy Graham, who once stated: “Our days are numbered. One of the primary goals in our lives should be to prepare for our last day. The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. What preparations should we be making now? The greatest waste in all of our earth, which cannot be recycled or reclaimed, is our waste of the time that God has given us each day.”

The legacy we leave behind is a combination of the individual choices we make and the character we allow God to cultivate within us. Let's make it the best it can possibly be!

The Centre of God's Attention

From the moment we are born we find ourselves vying for the attention of others. Many like to be the centre of attention, while others long to be valued and appreciated from "behind the scenes". Either way, humans long to be acknowledged no matter what at age or stage of life we might be.

It's great to know with real certainty that we are the centre of God's loving attention. The psalmist declares in Psalm 139 that God has lovingly searched us and knows us ~ inside and out. Jude shares a similar thought in verse 21 of his short epistle exhorting us to "stay right at the centre of God's love". God's unconditional love covers all circumstances and situations. We are His personal concern. The centre of His loving, redemptive attention. Doesn't that make you feel valued and worthy in God's eyes? It does it for me!

Jude 21 (MSG) ~ "...stay right at the centre of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!"

Harvest Thanksgiving

We're excited about reintroducing Harvest Thanksgiving at Inala Chapel. The Bible exhorts believers to give thanks to God always for everything. And that's exactly what we plan to do on Sunday 18 March with Classic Brass (Brass and Male Voice ensemble from Box Hill Corps) as the guest musicians for our Harvest Thanksgiving Service. A special offering of non-perishable food donations will be taken up in support of the Chelsea Corps welfare programme. Decorating the hall with fruit, vegetables, flowers and sharing in a 'harvest-stlye' fellowship luncheon following will each bring added enjoyment to our thanksgiving celebrations.

How great it would be if all corps in our territory would revive the celebration of Harvest Thanksgiving! In a constantly changing and critical world, we need more opportunities for looking heavenward and giving thanks to our great Provider God ~ Jehovah Jireh.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 (MSG) ~ "Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God's Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy."

WMF Hosts ALTC Delegates

The Salvation Army loves using acronyms! But what does it mean? Simply this...the World Mission Fellowship (WMF) was pleased to host the Administrative Leadership Training Course (ALTC) delegates for a fellowship dinner with members of the Executive, followed by their participation in our monthly public meeting.

Each year we're blessed to welcome international leaders from around the Army world to share their personal experiences of God's grace. And God, in His grace, keeps sending a fine group of leaders to inspire us in our faith and prayer for the worldwide Army. This year's delegates represented Brazil, Kenya, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, India Northern and Zimbabwe.

Above all, they each represented Christ and His passionate, unconditional love for the world. What an encouragement to realize that The Salvation Army is in good hands with such folk being prepared for future international leadership. Hallelujah!

2 Corinthians 5:16 (MSG) ~ "We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you."

Blessed By Choice

The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 1 of the power that all believers have to live blessed lives. As we reflected on this encouraging truth this morning in our worship time, we were reminded that we are Chosen By God, Redeemed by Jesus and Sealed by the Holy Spirit.

The Master's Plan was always that you and I would live in relationship with Him, empowered daily by His Spirit's presence, for we were God's choicest blessings from the very beginning.
The basic reality is this ~ It is our choice to be God's choicest blessing!

Ephesians 1:13-14 (MSG) ~ "It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free — signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life."

Celebrating 100 Years!

Congratulations to Florence Lewis on reaching her milestone century. This beautiful, gentle and humble Salvationist (No 1. on the Northcote Corps roll!) gathered with family and friends at Inala Village this afternoon to celebrate her significant achievement.

Our local MP for Forest Hill, Kirstie Marshall [pictured below with Flo], was present to read honorary letters from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, PM John Howard and Governor-General Major General Michael Jeffery. In addition, I was privileged to read Flo a congratulatory message from our Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Knaggs.

For this momentous celebration occasion, we give all honour and glory to God!

World Day Of Prayer

Thanks to the Christian Women of Paraguay for an insightful and prayerful liturgy for the needs of their beautiful country.

Our gathering certainly matched the chosen theme of the day "United Under God's Tent".

The hymns, Bible readings, reflective prayers of thanksgiving, confession and intercession all weaved perfectly to "bind us together with love".

May God continue to bless all Paraguayan Christians and Churches as they fulfil their incarnational ministries!

Exodus 40:34 (MSG) ~ "The Cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Glory of God filled The Dwelling."

Identification Issues

We needed to shop for a new DVD player with surround sound capability and multizone functionality. Sounds technical, doesn't it? Each branded product displayed labels and symbols on their boxes identifying their special features that seemed to require prior specialist knowledge. Some features, though, were not clearly identified and left to the purchaser's risk. We took the risk and it paid off.

Spiritually-speaking, we too display labels of Christlikeness that identify who we are in God's love. Do our labels match our actions? Are the symbols of our living positively helpful to others in identifying our relationship with Christ? Faith is taking the risk of obediently trusting come what may as we identify daily with the unconditional love, grace and mercy of God.

1 Corinthians 12:13-14 (MSG) ~ "The old labels we once used to identify ourselves... are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive. I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less."