Dabak's Delicious Delights

They say that you enjoy a meal more when you don't have to cook it yourself. Well, such was the case today. With detailed instructions and the purchase of a slow cooker, my wife donned the apron and chef's hat in an all time first to cook a delicious meal of homemade beef & vegetable soup. But wait, there's more! Dabak also made a delightful trifle that would have won a culinary award for Top Tasting Tucker. On both counts, the food prepared was shared. The soup was enjoyed by some hard-working tradesmen and the trifle was dished out for our extended family.

That's the way it should be! And, no, I don't mean my wife doing all the cooking. I'm referring to the importance of sharing what God has been preparing spiritually in our hearts and lives. Ours is the challenge to share the nourishment of God's love, peace and joy that offers life-transforming hope to those who are seeking eternal nourishment.

Proverbs 31:15b (MSG) ~ "...she provides food for her family..."

90 Not Out

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY

GRANDAD JOE!

Psalm 145:7 (MSG) ~ "They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness."

Heart And Soul

I've been meditating today on Proverbs 13:19 (MSG) that suggests "Souls who follow their hearts thrive; fools bent on evil despise matters of soul." It occurs to me that Solomon accepted it as a given that faith in God was the true heart motivation for a thriving soul! Spirit-directed souls are always assured of a thriving eternal reward. No one who trusts with their heart and soul are ever disappointed. That's why Jesus confidently answered the Pharisee's question with an emphasis on being whole-hearted rather than half-hearted ~ "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

I believe John Gowans hit the nail on the head too when he wrote these words:

You don't have to be clever, though it may well help

You don't have to be handsome, praise God, praise God!

You don't have to be wealthy, or for that matter healthy

If your heart's all right, you'll do, you'll do.

If your heart's all right, you'll do.

(Sing For Joy ~ No 223)

Retirement

The longer I engage with seniors and retirees, the more evident it is that retirement is merely a reference the fact that one has reached the qualifying age to formally cease full-time paid employment. It is by no means an indication that one ceases to be useful or effective, as some may think. The Bible does not include any retirement plan or make mention of people ever being passed their "use by" date. Our God of wonders is able to bless and use the lives of all, no matter what age or stage of life we might find ourselves.

How blessed we are to have resourceful, dedicated and faithful officer/soldier retirees within the ranks of The Salvation Army who minister effectively to the glory of God and the betterment of God's Kingdom. Their heart devotion is Love in motion. Hallelujah!

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) ~ "...we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Be Filled

Psalm 72:19 (NIV)~ "Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen."

Musical Salvationist

Under the leadership of Commissioner Wesley Harris, the Historical Society put on a tribute evening to acknowledge the past influence and future potential of Salvation Army music to reach out with soul-saving results. TSA composers Major Howard Davies, Noel Jones and Brian Hogg formed a guest panel to promote discussion on the subject. Mindful that early Salvationists wrote Christian lyrics to secular tunes of the day in order to present the gospel to others in a meaningful way, so too we were reminded that SA music groups today need to make sure that they are open enough to be inclusive in membership and relevant in their ministry.

I thoroughly enjoyed the phrase mentioned by Brian Hogg and left with it ringing in my ears and embedded on my mind ~ "BELONG TO BELIEVE or BELIEVE TO BELONG."
It was very clear that SA music groups today need to assess whether they value the concept 'BELONG TO BELIEVE' (open group) or 'BELIEVE TO BELONG' (closed group). Their answer will reveal the degree of effectiveness with regards both membership and spiritual success.

Now that's not only food for thought but, hopefully, active digestion.

Cluster Group

When I think of clusters, I picture bigger-than-bite-size chunks of chocolate bursting with nuts and raisins. Hmmm... so when I was informed by the Divisional Commander that I was to join a new cluster group, I was hesitant to say the least. It wasn't my ideal cluster! Nothing to do with the composition of the group by any means, but rather the fact that my previous experiences with clusters resulted in some less than favourable memories.

Praise God that He has the supreme ability to turn our sorrow into joy, our mourning into dancing and our anxieties into calmness. The very real miracle of faith that is beyond all comprehension is the knowledge that God supercedes all our human expectations with the reality of His Divine Presence.

Thanks to members of the Cluster Group, I'm now looking forward with expectation to our frequent gatherings and the opportunities to grow together in His grace. Bless you!

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) ~ "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

One Size Fits All?

Generally speaking, I'm not a supporter of the "one size fits all" concept. Personal life and ministry experience over the years has been instrumental in teaching that when it comes to clothing, ideas, values, strategies, opinions and the like, "one size rarely fits all". Despite being a rather convenient label, "one size fits all" doesn't take into consideration the diversity that exists in many forms of life. It is simply not practical to try to apply a blanket approach in our dealings with others when we consider the diversity that exists. Doing so, may result in many feeling excluded rather than included.

On the other hand, I am convinced that God certainly knew what He was doing when He created us with our diverse uniqueness. And He certainly knew what He was doing when He sent Jesus to demonstrate His all-inclusive Love to the world. Spiritually speaking, the "one size fits all" concept of God's Love sits well with me. I have every confidence that God has the ability to meet everyone's needs in all circumstances of life on the condition that we exercise our free wills to choose faith in Christ, trust in His promises and continue to pursue His will.

2 Corinthians 5:14 (MSG) ~ "Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own."

Fresh Faith

Recently I was given a copy of Pastor Jim Cymbala's book, Fresh Faith. As I read the blurb and flicked through its pages in preview, I was impressed by its content and inspired to begin reading it in depth. The subtitle on the front cover caught my attention ~ "What happens when real faith ignites God's people." In responsive thought, I suggest that the possibilities are only limited by God Himself.

A daily fresh experience of faith in Christ is surely God's heart desire for everyone. Unguarded and irregular faith eventually becomes stale and lifeless. As such, it is vital that the Christian's faith experience is both deep rooted and well nourished everyday.

We would do well to sincerely pray General Albert Orsborn's words ~ "Give us faith, o Lord, we pray. Faith for greater things."
Now, I've got to read on...

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) ~ "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Give Thanks

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so..." (Psalm 107:1-2)
This was the biblical challenge presented to us by Majors Raymond and Aylene Finger as they capably led us in our worship service this morning at Inala Chapel.

God always comes to us in our need with His enduring mercy and grace. He longs that we always come before Him in worship with an attitude of gratitude. Thanksgiving is an attitude of life that recognizes that everything is a gift; and all good gifts come from God. It's also an attitude that has to be taught. Complaining comes naturally; we have to learn to be grateful.

"Give thanks with a grateful heart."
Yes Lord, give us grateful thoughts and thankful actions!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) ~ "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Wonderful Grace

When considering GRACE, I often refer to a commonly used acronym ~ God's Riches At Christ's Expense. It seems to sum up in a nutshell the unmerited favour of God that is freely shown toward us through Christ. In his article, What you don't deserve, Dr Jeff Kaplan writes "Grace emphasizes at one end the helpless poverty of people, and at the other end the limitless kindness of God."

GRACE ~ it's God's awesome and wonderful Gift available to all who profess personal faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour. It's the opportunity for each of us to prove the providence of God and "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8a).

Here's the words of my favourite chorus on this glorious subject.

Wonderful grace that gives what I don't deserve
Pays me what Christ has earned then lets me go free.
Wonderful grace that gives me the time to change
Washes away the stains that once covered me
And all that I have I lay at the feet
Of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.

Wonderful grace that held in the face of death
Breathed in its latest breath forgiveness for me
Wonderful love whose power can break every chain
Giving us life again setting us free
And all that I have I lay at the feet
Of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.

Detours

Detours are an unexpected challenge. We encounter them at a moment's notice regardless of how detailed our journey preparations might have been. While detours are necessary they are also, more often than not, inconvenient. On the other hand, detours are best to be observed rather than ignored.

I enjoy Eugene Peterson's parphrase of Solomon's wise advice in Proverbs 4:10 ~ "Dear friend, take my advice; it will add years to your life. I'm writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I'm drawing a map to Righteous Road. I don't want you ending up in blind alleys, or wasting time making wrong turns ... Don't take Wicked Bypass; don't so much as set foot on that road. Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth. Make a detour and be on your way."

Personal faith experience proves that God's Detours are always purposeful and result in awesome outcomes. Wisdom Way and Righteous Road are best pursued by getting grace in gear and accelerating with obedient action.

East Meets West

At 7am this morning the arrival hall of the Tullamarine Airport was reflective of John Gowan's words, "They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west". There was an air of expectation and excitement as a great reunion of races was happening right in front of our very eyes. We were there to warmly welcome some Malaysian friends to the best part of Australia, accompanied by the symphonic sounds of wind and rain.

Now imagine how spectacular it will be to be a part of the Great Heavenly Reunion when people from all races and cultures shall gather around the eternal throne proclaiming "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty" and confessing Jesus as Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Oh yeah, bring it on Lord!

Luke 13:29 (NIV) ~ "People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God."

Divine Appointment

After praying a couple of days ago, "Lord, fill my day with Divine Appointments and Blessed Intersections!", not surprisingly He did just that. Quite unexpectedly, while lunching at a cafe in Morwell today, God led us to a Blessed Intersection, where we met a lady who came to us seeking support following her recent diagnosis with a rare eye disease that will send her blind within a matter of months. She came seeking encouragement and God left us blessed in the process. There's no doubt about it, He is truly an awesome, all-knowing God of love!

When you have a moment. offer a prayer for Kathy as she continues to come to terms with her impending visually impairment and for faith to conquer. I was blind, but now I see!

Proverbs 10:22 (MSG) ~ "God's blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God."

23rd Psalm For Busy People

The Lord is my pacesetter, I shall not rush.

He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.

He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.

He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind,

And His guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day

I will not fret, for His presence is here.

His timelessness, His all importance will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility.

My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours,

For I shall walk in the peace of my Lord, and dwell in His house forever.

Toki Miyashina

Reprinted from The Canadian War Cry

Thank God You're Here

I was interested to read the following statement from Major Brian Pratt's reflection in the Melbourne Central divisional newsletter of 1 August.

People with urgent needs seldom intersect our lives at convenient times. Life is rarely simple. Our days are filled with interruptions. One of my mentors taught me some years ago to pray at the beginning of the day for 'Divine Appointments' ~ that God would send across my path His interruptions.

These words reminded me of the many instances when others whom we have been privileged to minister to, and indeed ourselves as recipients of another's 'timely' ministry, have echoed appreciatively the phrase: "Thank God you're here!" It's occasions like these when we are assured beyond doubt that, when we are obedient to God's leading, He always equips us to bring great blessing to others in their moment of need, while at the same time being blessed ourselves in the process.

Why not pray this faith-filled personal prayer and see where God takes you? "Lord, fill my days with Divine Appointments and Blessed Intersections!"

Genesis 30:27 (MSG) ~ "I have learned through divine inquiry that God has blessed me because of you."

Joy Moments

Major Joy Coleman, one of our valuable chapel members, is a gifted and inspired poet. Here is Joy's latest composition [of 5 August 2007] based on Jeremiah 23 verse 29 for your reading inspiration.

"Is not My word like as a fire?" saith the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" (NKJV)

The workman hammered in the earth, which place

Was hard, but it was worth the drilling, for

The Rock had future purpose not revealed ~

Some treasure hid, which now lay firmly sealed.

The first blows yielded nought.

It was much harder than he thought.

The sweat fell from the workman's brow

Endurance was required, no matter how

Much time it took the task to then fulfil,

Two blows, ten more were

Hammered on the hill!

With hope near gone he laboured on

With drill, could be that even after

Forty blows he still could barely see

The purpose of his labour?

Should he down tools and cease his toil,

Or try once more to gain this spoil?

He tried again, and lo! The rock split wide

The treasure within view was safe inside.

Was it the final blow precipitated fall?

No! not the last, but constancy

Which well endures All!

Have you been praying for a loved one, very dear

Whose Spirit-longings yet to you unclear?

Keep praying if the going may seem hard

Prevailing prayer will bring its own reward.

The fervent Prayer, we read, obtains so much

The hardest "rock" yields to the Master's touch.

Lieut-Colonels Ian and Sonja Southwell

Guest speakers at tonight's World Mission Fellowship meeting were Lieut-Colonels Ian and Sonja Southwell. Together they have served 20 years overseas on the mission field in countries such as Hong Kong, Korea, The Philippines and Zambia, recently returning from service at Interational Headquarters. Their wide international service experience prepared them well for traveling the Army world as part of their recent appointments as Secretaries for International Training and Leader Development. What an inspiration to hear of the many and varied opportunities afforded them in their roles of training and educating officer and soldier leaders. How we praise God for His equipping through their giftedness!

I shouted out a hearty Amen to their appointment vision statement ~ "Every Salvationist leader learning life-long to be more competent, confident and Christlike."

Now, we pray that Lieut-Colonels Ian and Sonja might continue to enjoy the ministry opportunities afforded to them in their retirement. Whatever they do and wherever they may be in Christ's name, we are confident that God will competently lead the way as He has done many times before.

2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (NIV) ~ "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."

Your Testimony Counts

Peter's confession, "You are the Christ", was the basis for our inspired time of worship this morning. We were encouraged to be mindful of the testimony we live everyday, for our public witness counts. The words we speak, the way we act, the deeds we do ~ all contribute to the profession of our faith and its influence for Christ or otherwise.

There is nothing more powerful than a transformed life lived to the honour and glory of God as an expression of Christ's love experienced deep within. So this week, make your testimony count!

1 John 5:11-12 (MSG) ~ "This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life."

Households of Faith

As a teenager I visited Germany and purchased a decorative gift for my grandparents, which has recently come back into my possession. The Christian plaque bears the words (in German), "God holds faithful watch over this house day and night by grace". This statement was reflective of their own household of faith, just as it is in the lives of all believers.

While sharing a fellowship meal in the home of some friends today, I was reminded of Carol Cymbala's song, "He's Been Faithful".

In my loneliness and fear, through every pain, every tear
There's a God who's been faithful to me
When my strength was all gone, when my heart had no song
Still my God has been faithful to me
Every word He promised is true
What I thought was impossible I've seen my God do
He's been faithful, faithful to me
Just looking back His love and mercy I see
When in my heart I have questioned and failed to believe
He's been faithful, faithful to me

Households of faith always have a special, welcoming atmosphere. For the faithfulness of God is always inviting!

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV) ~ "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you..."

New Chief Secretary Appointed

Today saw the announcement that General Shaw Clifton has appointed Major Raymond Finger as Chief Secretary and Major Aylene Finger as Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministry, with promotions to the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
Effective 1 December 2007, the Fingers succeed Lieut-Colonels John and Judith Jeffrey who will retire from active service.

To quote the words of Commissioner James Knaggs (TC) ~ "We congratulate Majors Raymond and Aylene Finger upon this appointment and promotion in rank and pray that God will bless them with His abundance now and for the days to follow."

Let it be made known: the finger of God is upon our territory. Hallelujah!

Acts 12:24 (MSG) ~ "Meanwhile, the ministry of God's Word grew by leaps and bounds."