Invitations

It's exciting to receive a personal invitation, especially when it's to attend a party or celebration. To know that you've been kindly thought of and specifically chosen is certainly a delight. What, then, of the invitations God offers us in Christ? Healing, wholeness, holiness, forgiveness and the hope of eternity. Jesus' personal invitation from the gospels, "Come to Me", is our reason to really celebrate life! For He is always true to His word; in fact, He is the Word.

Accept God's invitation in Christ and really celebrate. He'll make you glad you did!

Acts 2:38-39 (MSG) ~ "Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites."

Teach Me

In May 1993, while four months into my officer training, I was inspired by God to write these words which became a personal prayer for me then.

In these days of fruitful learning
May I always ready be;
All my heart and mind attuning
To Your Spirit constantly.
Gracious Lord, please find me willing
All my time to You resign.
I will walk forever faithful
That Your life through mine would shine.

Lord, I pray that through my living
Strength and wisdom I would gain.
Always understanding people
In their joy and in their pain.
Help me love with tender heart, Lord,
Give me faith to follow on.
May I grow into Your likeness.
Build me up and make me strong!

And now, 14 years later, these words continue to be my heartfelt prayer. God-inspired ideas are never outdated and useless ~ hallelujah!

Deeper And Wider

With the 24/7 Prayer Intiative well under way, God will be sure to pour out His deep and wide blessings upon our territory as we, in the words of Commissioner James Knaggss, "commit ourselves to deepen our faith and widen our spiritual influence through intentional prayer". It's truly exciting what God will do!

Retired General John Gowans expressed it well when he wrote:

It's as high as the sky and it's as deep as the sea

And it's as wide as the world, God's love for you and for me.

We can't escape His love or take ourselves out of his care.

Where can we hide from His love? His love is everywhere.

Allow the boundless love of God to flow deeper and wider through your life today.

Job 7:8-9 (MSG) ~ "God is far higher than you can imagine, far deeper than you can comprehend, stretching farther than earth's horizons, far wider than the endless ocean."

Amazing Grace

The newly-released movie "Amazing Grace" was inspirational viewing. Did the movie meet my expectations? No, it exceeded them! Its promotion of Christian values, faith in action and social justice were commendable.

Favourite quote ~ "I'm a great sinner, but God's a great Saviour!" (John Newton to Wilbur Wilberforce)
Personal lesson ~ An integral part of Christian faith is following through on our convictions.
Surprise moment ~ When the cinema audience spontaneously applaused at the conclusion of the movie.

Movie Tip: Don't forget your tissues, they'll come in handy!

Philippians 4:23 (MSG) ~ "Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves."

Temple On Prayer

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple, when challenged that "answered prayer was mere coincidence" made a God-inspired comment to his mocking critics.

"When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don't pray, they don't."

What a truthful comment! What non-Christians call "mere coincidences" we know to be "God incidences", for there is no coincidence as far as God is concerned. His actions towards us are always intentional, designed and deliberate.

Isaiah 25:1 (MSG) ~ "O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago."

Praise Looks Good On You

Psalm 33:1 (NASB) ~ "Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright."

In 1997, while appointed to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, one of our ministry highlights was the opportunity to organize the first Christian Exhibition and Rally and meet international worship leader, singer, songwriter and producer of Christian worship music, Don Moen. Following the rally on the final night, we shared with Don Moen and his worship team in a fellowship meal. It was an inspiring weekend of genuine praise moments.

A special memory was when Don Moen quoted Psalm 33:1, pointed out an Indian lady in her 80s who was worshipping toward the front and said "Praise looks good on you." This, of course, was a fitting introduction to his chorus of God's response to our praise moments.

When you lift Your hands up high

And you sing a song of praise to Me

It brings Me great delight

Such a lovely sight

And yes it is true

Praise looks good on You

Morning night and noon

Your praise ascends to heaven

Like the smell sweet perfume

Filling every room

And yes it is true

Praise looks good on You

You bring your sacrifices

And you offer up your praise

You lift your voice with singing

But your heart seems far away

More than a sacrifice

I am looking for your life

Holy and acceptable

And pleasing in my sight

So offer up your lives

Holy and acceptable

A willing sacrifice

Precious in my sight

But in all that you do

Remember all I want is You

So lift your hands up high

And worship Him before the altar

Consecrate your life

A willing sacrifice

But in all that you do

Remember all He wants is You

And yes it is true

Praise looks good on you

Aging With Faith

Today was an emotionally charged one, as we placed our grandfather in high level nursing care. Knowing that 'aging in place' was not an option for him, I reflected on the reality of him aging with faith. For "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" ~ NOW.

“Aging In Place” is growing old without the need to move.
Now that sounds real ideal, Lord, but life isn’t always smooth.
And where we imagine we’d like to be we often find we’re not.
Confused, disoriented some and needing help alot.

No matter where we might end up, our faith gives us the hope
To know with utter certainty You’ll be there to help us cope.
Your provisions for us over the years have always been by grace
Sufficient, always reliable, whatever our physical place.

With this in mind, we claim Your lead as each stage of life goes on
Lord, make us ever conscious that with You we can’t go wrong.
We may use frames and forget some names, but Lord, we always know
Loving smiles and supportive hands, each day You will bestow!

Non-stop Prayer

The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory is partnering with the international 24/7 prayer movement and committing ourselves to a year of non-stop prayer right across the territory. Our 24/7 Prayer vision is "to be an Army of people seeking God's heart; listening to His voice (above every other); experiencing God's grace; obeying His commands; reflecting His glory; and bearing fruit for His kingdom."

What a great spiritual and faith challenge! The Inala Chapel has taken a step of faith and claimed 17 to 20 January 2008 as our prayer commitment.

Have you caught the vision splendid? If so, click here to visit the 24/7 prayer website and register now. Do your part and then watch God do His yet again!

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) ~ "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Hey Jude

We all get letters from time to time. Frankly, there are some letters that we enjoy receiving and then there are those that we would just rather not open. Jude’s letter is one of the former. One that is enjoyable to read ~ in summary, ‘short and sweet’.

His opening greeting is all-encompassing. “To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: …Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.”

Then, after offering some wise warnings, Jude goes on to write words of affirmation and encouragement to his readers ~ 20But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Not a bad letter to receive, is it? But wait…there’s more! Jude’s concluding words reveal just how awesome and abundant God is and clearly motivates ‘those who are called; loved by God and kept by Jesus’ to go on living faith-confident lives. So, here’s the more!

24(Now) to him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

These final 25 words give us a real assurance that God is abundantly able.

Now (that's the present)
to him (that’s the person of God)
who is able (that’s His power)
to keep you (that’s His protection)
from falling (that’s to make you perfect),
and to present you faultless (that’s to make you pure)
before the presence of his glory (that’s His prestige)
with exceeding joy (that’s our pleasure).

Wonder-working Power

God's power always has wonder-working outcomes. Consider the life of Peter. The Peter we meet in the gospels is remarkably different to the Peter we meet a little later on in the book of Acts. Same person, but different personality. Once an insignificant, failure-prone follower of Jesus hiding behind his human limitations, God's power at work changed him into a significant, Spirit-obedient messenger who became the promised Rock of the Church.

Seeing God's power at work in the lives of His people is evidence enough that God longs to interact personally with us. A changed life is a powerful testimony of God's ability and a tangible reward of ministry.

What will God's wonder-working Power do through you? He alone knows.

2 Peter 1:3 (CEV) ~ "We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God's own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness."

Perseverance

While watching the Tour de France recently, my mind went to a series of inspirational art and motivational sayings that I enjoy.

The wording for the Perseverance picture reads "It is to the one who endures that the final victory comes." Don't you love it?

When the world says "Give up!", Christian faith and hope echo "Give it another go!"

Perseverance might be a challenging principle to uphold in the everyday, but be assured that it always pays off in the end.

Luke 11:9-10 (NLT) ~ "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Visions Splendid

Here is a meditation that was recited by my mum's uncle, Major John Cross (Rtd), during his visit to Australia in the 1980s. I remember dictating the words as a teenager and being blessed by his dramatic retelling of this personal testimony in his broad Scottish accent.

You say you have read your Bible from Genesis right the way through.
Then you’ll quite understand the pictures I’m going to paint for you.
Six scenes are here presented, which speak of Love Divine,
And in each the central figure is personal Friend of mine.
JESUS ~ MY LORD

The first scene is a stable with cattle lying around.
Bare rafters low above them and straw upon the ground.
I saw a wooden manger and there was laid one night
A God-sent little stranger who came to give us light.
JESUS ~ THE SAVIOUR

And now I see one leaning against a workshop door.
A carpenter, his tools I see, and shavings upon the floor.
He looks both sad and weary, the toil has been hard today.
And now that his workers leave him, He reverently kneels to pray.
JESUS ~ THE WORKER

A crowd collect around Him ~ the blind, the halt, the lame,
They gathered in the hope of being made fit and well again.
And now I see the worker, a carpenter no more,
Healing them all with His words or touch on the banks of the Jordan shore.
JESUS ~ THE HEALER

Behold, I see a prison, the flash of soldiers’ spears,
And Jesus, my Redeemer, is greeted now with jeers.
But, never a word of anguish does He answer to their cries:
“Away with this impostor! Crucify Him, let Him die!”
JESUS ~ THE PRISONER

And so they hanged my Saviour upon a cruel tree.
In agony He suffered for love of you and me.
The earth was dark with sorrow; I bowed my head in shame.
It seemed a bright tomorrow would never dawn again.
JESUS ~ THE CRUCIFIED

But, He rose; you know the story how the stone was rolled away
And how in all His glory He is coming back one day.
And, softly, through the stillness there come His words to you:
“All this I did for you, my child, for me what wilt thou do?”
JESUS ~ THE RISEN ONE

O weary, helpless, wandering soul who knoweth not my Lord.
Come now to Him, rely on Him and trust upon His Word.
He’ll ease your care, your burdens share, o listen to His call.

And you will prove this joyful news that Christ is all in all.

Claiming Victory

What do you do when worries, concerns and fears take hold of you? Do you ride the emotional rollercoaster? Ignore the issues perhaps? One of our congregation told us today that she tells the Devil to go back to hell and asks Christ to come in with His perfect peace!

Faith in Christ strengthens us to claim the victory in all circumstances and experiences of life.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG) ~ "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track."

Act on this advice sooner rather than later. You'll be pleasantly surprised at just what God has in store for you.

Book Of Salvationist Prayers

While surfing the IHQ website today, I sourced the following prayer from "A Little Book Of Salvationist Prayers" that reflects my thoughts from yesterday's post.

Dear Lord,
Help me not to be so caught up in religious activity that I am sadly unaware of the needs of others. Help me not to be so engrossed in helping others that I fail to keep company with you. Keep me separate in nature, but involved in love, so that I may be like Jesus.

June 26, Daily Prayers

Not sure who wrote it or how to obtain a reference copy, but I'm interested to keep researching. If you know, be sure to let me know.

Sensitivity

Some lessons in life are taught to us by the most unusual of circumstances. Having recently been laid low by the gastro/flu, we noticed the immense sensitivity of our intelligent guide dog, Zarena. Here's the scenario ~ in the early stages, while my unaffected spouse was lovingly caring for me, Zarena was staying close to my bedside providing her 'loving' support. Then, when my wife succumbed to it, not knowing whose side to stay by, Zarena jumped up and laid down inbetween us.

It was a clear reminder to us that, as Zarena was sensitive to our need, so we need to be constantly aware of our sensitivity to the needs of others. It's quite easy, and often convenient sometimes, in this day and age to notice a need but not follow through on it for whatever reason.

At times like these, we need to pray the words of Albert E Mingay (SASB 209).

Come, Holy Spirit, thy guidance we crave;

Speak out thy will we pray;

We would be sensitive to thy control;

Speak to our hearts today.

Galatians 5:25 (NLT) ~ "Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives."

The Angel Of Amsterdam

The Netherlands Territory recently farwelled 94 year old Lieut-Colonel Alida Bosshardt (known as 'Major Bosshardt') to her heavenly reward. A well-known Christian social activist and Salvation Army officer, Alida Bosshardt ministered for over 50 years in Amsterdam's famed Red Light District, where she established a Goodwill centre that eventually became a place where a wide range of troubled people came for shelter and social services: prostitutes and their children, the homeless and drug addicts.

As I read reports of her Promotion to Glory, I was encouraged by the legacy she left behind not only for the Army as a Christian organization, but on her own nation and for the Lord she faithfully loved and served.

Here's some challenging and noteworthy remarks that others have made about her life and ministry.

The Mayor of Amsterdam ~ publicly called her 'The Angel of Amsterdam'

Commissioner Wim van der Harst ~ saluted 'this true and faithful soldier of God, whose weapon was the love of Christ and armour was her Salvation Army uniform'

Commissioner Reinder Schurink ~ testified that 'she followed in Jesus' footsteps'

General Shaw Clifton ~ in a tribute honoured her 'deep devotion to the cause of Christ, selflessness in serving others, example of Christlikeness, and the wonderful inspiration of her discipleship'

Sydney Morning Herald headline ~ 'She worked for the salvation of others'

Of herself, Alida Bosshardt said: "To serve God is to serve people and to serve people is to serve God'; I'm in God's service to serve people. All honour goes to Him, not me."

General Clifton concluded his tribute with this pertinent challenge: "Where are those who will now step forward, inspired by her example, to continue the sacred work for which she was renowned? The world is waiting for you!"

The Mathematics Of Grace

Let me set it straight from the very beginning, God doesn't operate in the realm of predictable and convenient formulas. As I was sharing on the topic of God's grace in our one of our weekday church services this morning, God gave me an inspired thought on the mathematics of His grace.
While singing Annie Johnson Flint's hymn, He giveth more grace, that I've sung on numerous occasions in the course of my aged care chaplaincy ministry, my thoughts were focussed on the last two lines of verse 1.

To added afflictions, he addeth his mercy,

To multiplied trials, He multiplies peace.

My primary prepared message was based on Paul's words from Romans 5, "God's grace...overflows to the many" (v15). Sounds to me like a boundless provision freely available to all and not limited to any formula. So why the mathematics of grace? He addeth his mercy and multiplies peace.

Praise God, there is no mention of subtraction or division, only addition and multiplication. The real truth is that when we trust God implicitly, we are never short-changed or cheated ~ only abundantly blessed!

Romans 5:15b (NIV) ~ "...God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!"

Mountaintop Moments

For anyone who loves God, there can be no higher ambition than a face to face conversation with Him. This was Moses' experience during one of his mountaintop moments. Desiring a little more personal certainty, Moses pleads with God, "Now, show me your glory". As a result God compromises with Moses and agrees to let His goodness pass before him, proclaim his name with his own voice, but prevent Moses from seeing His face. Instead God will let him see his back.

In reflecting on this awesome account, I realize that "seeing God's back" doesn't mean that God is turning his back on his people, but rather it is another assurance of His promised presence. He is there with Moses ~ listening and responding to him as friend to friend. We also know for sure that it means that God is moving ahead of the people ~ leading them. That’s something Moses needed to know. And it is something we need to know too. We need these two things in our weapon store for living. We need to know that God is there, listening and responding ~ to be assured that God is out there in charge, leading the way.

But wait, there's more... another powerful truth this odd and haunting story of seeing God’s back tells us is that we sometimes see where God has been by looking back. Not by seeing God’s face, but by seeing where He has been ~ where the glory of God has passed by.

We pray sincerely the words of chorus 98:

Show us thy glory, Christ of the mount. Thou art of light and wisdom the fount. We would adore thee, make known thy power. Stay with thy people, hallow this hour.

Exodus 33:22-23 (NKJV) ~ "So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen."

Finishing Well

Finishing well is the right way for Christians to close the final chapter of life's earthly book. It testifies to the reality of our faith. It leaves for those who remain a legacy of inspiring memories. People are deeply impressed when they see a godly believer finish life well ~ marked by calmness, confidence, dignity and grace.

No level-headed person wants to leave this world on a bad note. No one wants to be remembered as living life carelessly without thought for the future. So here's a message for both the young and old alike ~ realize that finishing well can only be guaranteed by the choices of today.

No matter where you are on life's journey, now is the time to live well so that you can finish well.

Ezekiel 18:5 (MSG) ~ "(The) person who lives upright and well shall live a full and true life. Decree of God, the Master."

When Disaster Strikes

Ever had a disaster day when one thing goes wrong after another? Despite our good intentions and desires, daily plans can sometimes go awry. Well, we had one of those days recently.

We were hoping for a smooth transition of vehicles. The car detailer was scheduled and, later the same day, rescheduled only to not turn up at all. So with half an hour to go before changeover, I did a quick self-detailed vacuum and clean in the car port. This done, I pushed the vacuum aside, jumped in the car and headed for the car wash. But not before I ran over the vacuum rod and squashed it to a pulp. Argh! With a rising blood-pressure, I pulled into the car wash and relaxed as I awaited its completion. Halfway through, I turned toward the back for a final inspection and...oh no!...the multi-coloured soap suds were layering the back seat accompanied by a constant stream of water. Aarrgghh! While vacuuming the back seat I had obviously knocked the window handle and lowered it ever so slightly to allow for a rear seat clean too!

They say "All's well that ends well"...and in hindsight I now agree. At the time, it was no laughing matter. Later on, it was all I could do.

Praise God he delivers us and gives grace for all occasions!

Job 5:17 (MSG) ~ "From one disaster after another he delivers you; no matter what the calamity, the evil can't touch you—"

Limiting The Load

1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) ~ "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it."

What a personal and spiritual encouragement these words are when considering temptation! Then there's Paul's testimony of Philippians 4:7 ~ "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Guarded by God ~ just what we each need! Temptation is Satan's way of attacking the basic virtues of Christian living ~ faith, hope and love.

Consider this ~
Satan questioned the Father's love when he tempted Jesus to turn the stones into bread.
Satan questioned God's hope when he offered Jesus the world's kingdoms this side of the Cross.
Satan questioned the Father's faithfulness when he asked Jesus to jump from the temple and prove that the Father would keep His promise.

Andrew Bonar, a Scottish preacher of the 19th century, offered us some sound advice when he stated, "Let us be as watchful after the victory as before the battle." And while keeping this in mind, remember God knows your load limit and limits your load.

Though we may be tempted from time to time, we will always be triumphant if we face each challenge in the strength of Jesus and the power of God's Holy Spirit.

Worship And Service

In our weekly Bible study group we have been considering the gospel accounts of the temptation of Jesus in a study entitled "Tempted, Yet Triumphant". It's been a spiritually refreshing and faith reassuring time spent together in God's Word.

As we considered Jesus' reply ~ "For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only" ~ it was interesting to note the link between worship and service. In the mind of Jesus He knew the connection between the two, dual aspects of the same attitude. To worship is to serve. Christ's answer reveals the fact that to worship him would be to serve him. This was always Satan's main desire, for he challenged Jesus, "...worship me!" not "serve me". As the father of lies, Satan always leaves the obvious unsaid as he subtlely refrains from giving the complete picture.

Worship and service are synonymous and go hand in hand. Jesus knew that whatever we worship we will serve. Service to the Lord is true freedom, but service to Satan is terrible bondage. God's pattern is to start with suffering and end with glory, while Satan's pattern is to start with glory and to end with suffering.

Worship and service...I know where my loyalty lies. Do you?

1 Peter 5:10 (NIV) ~ "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

Beginnings

Today was a celebration of beginnings for a number of significant reasons.

Following a stirring rendition of "Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?", we were privileged to welcome Commissioners Wesley and Margaret Harris to the Inala Chapel as the special guest leaders for our worship service in recognition of Founders' Day, as we celebrated the passion and zeal of our Army founders. Basing his message on Isaiah 51:2 ~ "Look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was but one, and I blessed him and made him many" ~ the commissioner spoke about "A tale of two loves" comparing the lives of Abraham and Sarah with William and Catherine Booth. The great challenge echoed loud and long ~ "No matter what age or stage of life we find ourselves, we are all useful to God." Hallelujah!

In addition, we were delighted to welcome to worship Captains Stephen Court and Danielle Strickland, who, together with their son, arrived in Australia on Friday to commence their respective THQ leadership appointments. We pray God's blessing upon them for a smooth transition into Australian life and ministry.

Finally, on a personal note, today marked our 12th wedding anniversary. O happy day!