Calls To Prayer

It was the songwriter, James Montgomery, who penned the words:

"Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, unuttered or expressed...

Prayer is the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear

The upward glancing of an eye, when none but God is near."

Salvationists around the world are answering calls to prayer for a variety of international situations where social and spiritual injustices seem to be prevalent. I am confident that these calls to prayer are being used of God to strengthen the prayer life of Salvationists around the world to be intentional intercessors; to urge us to be more fully reliant on our great God; to "share the burden and double the blessing".

A friend gave me this 5th century prayer today. But be assured, though it is an ancient prayer of the church, it has lost none of its relevance when directed sincerely to the heart of God.

Bless all who worship you,
From the rising of the sun
Unto the going down of the same.
Of your goodness, give us;
With your love, inspire us;
By your Spirit, guide us;
By your power, protect us;
In your mercy, receive us,
Now and always.

1 Kings 8:28 (MSG) ~ "I'm bold to ask: Pay attention to these my prayers, both intercessory and personal, O God, my God. Listen to my prayers, energetic and devout, that I'm setting before you right now."

Territorial Leader In Pakistan Murdered

The following news report was sourced from The Salvation Army's IHQ website.

Colonel Bo Brekke , Territorial Commander of the Pakistan Territory, was shot and killed yesterday, Thursday 27 September. The incident occurred in the THQ compound in Lahore in the early hours of the evening. Information to date points to an individual act of criminality. There is nothing to suggest that this is related in any way to terrorism. It is reported that a man has been arrested on possibly related charges.

The incident occurred at about 6.30pm local time while Colonel Brekke was working alone in his office. The colonel's wife, Colonel Birgitte Brekke, was in London at the time, attending meetings at The Salvation Army's International Headquarters.

A Norwegian by birth, Bo Brekke, who was 50, was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in May 1980 and appointed in charge of the Army's work in Brevik, Norway. The following year he transferred to local Salvation Army leadership in Denmark, the homeland of his wife. After two years in Denmark, Bo and Birgitte returned to Norway and served there until transfer to Sri Lanka at the beginning of 1987. They returned to Norway in 1993, serving there for the next two years.

Having developed a deep love for South Asia and its people, Bo and Birgitte Brekke in August 1995 were appointed as regional leaders to Bangladesh. Under their leadership the work of The Salvation Army flourished there and in 1997 the then Major Bo Brekke was appointed as Officer Commanding, with Birgitte serving alongside him as Command President of Women's Ministries and Command Youth Officer.

The late summer of 2002 saw a further change of culture and working environment as Bo and Birgitte were appointed as divisional leaders of the North Scotland Division in the United Kingdom Territory, followed by service respectively as Chief Secretary and Secretary for Mission Development in the Eastern Europe Territory. It was from there that, almost exactly one year ago (15 September 2006) Colonel Bo Brekke was appointed as Territorial Commander of the Pakistan Territory.

At the time of her husband's death, Colonel Birgitte Brekke was attending meetings at International Headquarters. She immediately flew to Norway to be with her two sons, Benjamin and Bo Christoffer, and other family members. She was accompanied by her sister who had come to London to see Birgitte while she was visiting IHQ.

General Shaw Clifton, world leader of The Salvation Army, said: "Colonel Bo Brekke was a Salvation Army leader of unusual and distinctive talents. Both he and his wife, Colonel Birgitte Brekke, were known for their hearts of compassion towards the marginalised. Their service together in many lands has been marked by creativity and imagination in order to reach out to the poor, giving them dignity, and also to share their personal faith as Salvationists in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. I have known the Brekkes for many years and have always admired them greatly. Bo Brekke was my friend. I feel blessed to have known him and to have witnessed first hand how he and Birgitte have faithfully served the needs of others."

General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton, World President of Women's Ministries, will in due course conduct the colonel's funeral in Oslo, Norway.

Please join with me in sincerely praying that the fullest measure of God's peace and comfort might rest upon the Brekke family as they come to terms with their unexpected loss.

Isaiah 26:2 (KJV) ~ "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

December Boys

Michael Noonan's classic novel, "December Boys", is brought to life in this scenic and stirring movie. It tells the story of four orphan teenagers growing up behind the closed doors of a catholic convent in outback Australia during the 1960s. As the boys watch younger kids get adopted by loving families, they begin to realize that as they get older, their turn may never come. When the convent sends the boys to visit the seaside one summer, they finally have something to look forward to. While there, the boys meet a young couple unable to have children, who would make the perfect parents. Competing to be the most adoptable, the boys severely test their friendships as deep, personal feelings of rejection explode to the surface. The bonds of friendship eventually overcome the rivalries, sealing forever the strong ties that bind the December boys as they learn the real meaning behind friendship, family and love.

Watching this movie reminded us of the great spiritual parallel that, no matter what, we are each the central focus of God's love ~ a love that invites us to claim his life-changing assurance that we are valued children of God.

Ephesians 1:3-5 (MSG) ~ "How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ."

Expectancy

Whether it be at home in private devotionals or in coming to corporate worship, Christians benefit most when they come to God with a spirit of expectancy. Like the lame man outside the Gate Beautiful, we need to expect something of God ~ something new, something exciting, something fresh in our lives. When we do, we can be assured that we won’t leave worship like we came in Jesus’ Name". The lame man expected something, and he got far more than he ever expected (including a forced change of livelihood and all that involved!).

I have no doubt that God wants us to come to Him with believing hearts, faith-filled hearts ~ EXPECTANT hearts! The Bible calls us to have an expectancy in God that allows Him to be God! He will always do what is best for our eternal well-being, and what is most honouring to Him. The best we can do is trust Him. We need to live with a full expectancy of seeing the hand of God in our lives everyday.

Acts 3:4-5 (NIV) ~ "Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them."

Approval

We've heard alot recently about approval ratings, particularly with regard to the leaders of our political parties, not to mention the football commentators' opinions regarding who might be a more worthy winner of this year's preliminary finals. Then again there are the many times we try, consciously or unconsciously, to do our best to meet the approval of others.

When it comes to the crunch, the only approval that really counts is God's. Toward the end of his life King Hezekiah turned from Isaiah and faced God, praying: "Remember, O God, who I am, what I've done! I've lived an honest life before you, My heart's been true and steady, I've lived to please you; lived for your approval." (2 Kings 20:2, MSG)

One of our inspirational residents, who has earned God's stamp of approval, is quoted as saying: "Life is a gift from God, lived for God. For all the love and acceptance I was given, I was given courage with a fighting spirit of faith and strength."

Living for God's approval is far more valuable than striving to meet man's approval.

Serenity Prayer

The beautiful Serenity Prayer by theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr, has inspired countless people seeking peace and strength in times of struggle, despair, and uncertainty since it was first written. Research suggests that Niebuhr wrote the prayer as part of a sermon he was giving.

God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

But it doesn't end there, for I learned today that Niebuhr's original version of the prayer contains a more personal affirmation and heart plea.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

The intention of the Serenity Prayer is to bring peace, faith, and certainty to the mind and heart of those seeking God's support.

Pray it sincerely and wait to see what God will do through you!

Random Recall

One of the many "God moments" in aged care chaplaincy ministry is being present to celebrate the random moments of memory recall that occur from time to time as we seek to connect on both a personal and spiritual level with our dementia residents.

Today it was our personal privilege to share again in one such grace-filled, heart-inspiring and soul-rewarding occasion. It was as though a light had suddenly been switched on in a dark and lonely room and for a brief but beautiful period, the mind was alert and active and the heart burst out in vocal praise to God with recall of hymns sung years ago. The very presence of God Himself was evident in every harmonious note of praise, in addition to being written on the faces of all who looked on with joyful delight.

Moments such as these inspire and motivate God's servants, like none other, to continue ministering faithfully and foster a deep assurance of hope and purpose when the daily routines seem predictable and mundane. For it's then that we are caused to recall the greatness and graciousness of God in making us all "more than conquerors through Christ who loves us" (Rom 8:37). Hallelujah!

2 Timothy 1:5 (MSG) ~ "That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith ~ and what a rich faith it is..."

Discipleship Displayed

Retired Australian minister of the Uniting Church and author, Bruce D Prewer, writes candidly about Christian discipleship.

Setting a cross on top of a church may be fine
but it is not discipleship.
Putting a cross on the altar is a worthy sign
but it is not discipleship.
Wearing one on a chain might seem enough
but it is not discipleship.
Getting it tattooed over one’s heart might be tough
but it is not discipleship.
Singing about the old rugged cross may feel okay
but it is not discipleship.
Preaching about the cross can point the way,
but it is not discipleship.
Weeping on Good Friday may seem devout,
but it is not discipleship.
Whipping your own back till blood flows out
is not discipleship.
Following the Christ, not counting the cost,
old bridges burning, listening and learning,
setting your face, trusting sheer grace,
on the steep track, not looking back,
loving and forgiving, dying while living:
that is discipleship.

Challenging, isn't it? The world today needs to see Christians visibly living out their faith both in word and deed. Not just "talking the talking" but "walking the walking". It's important that there is no compromise when it comes to our Christian discipleship.

Lord, may we daily display Your love and walk in Your way!

If I... You Are

Celebrating the grace of God is always inspiring because we are forced to acknowledge our own limited humanness and not only contemplate the bountiful Divine, but experience it personally.

Church of Christ minister, Reverend Anne Spoelder, reminded us this morning during our ecumenical communion service that God is personal and powerful. Using the psalmist's experience, we explored the security we have in Christ. During the reading of Psalm 139, I found myself focusing on the repeated words "If I... You are". David said, "If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there."
No matter what our experience or situation might be, God is present and personally concerned. No matter where we are or how we feel, God is present and personally concerned.

This theme was carried on in our informal evening worship time, as Lieut-Colonels Rusty and Elizabeth Adams led us in celebrating the matchless name of Jesus. Together we sang John Newton's, How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, when Colonel Adams mentioned the words, "Dear Name, the rock on which I build, my Shield and Hiding Place!", commenting on how great it was to know that we have a secure, welcoming and sufficient place in which to find refreshing refuge.

Thank you, Lord, for Your personal concern and providing a refreshing Refuge.

Miracles on Middleborough Rd

In Daniel 6, King Darius published an awesome proclamation to every race, color and creed on earth. And today my heart rejoices in echoing these same words of praise in honour of the glory of God at work in the lives of those we minister to.

Peace to you! Abundant peace!
God shall be worshipped and feared...
He is the living God, world without end.
His kingdom never falls.
His rule continues eternally.
He is a savior and rescuer.
He performs astonishing miracles in heaven and on earth.

Miracles in the making are exciting at the best of times. But to witness these first-hand during the course of one's day is absolutely phenomenal.

At Inala today, I have seen our great, miracle-working God lift a heavy burden of sorrow and replace it with an evident, reassuring peace and joy; I've counselled a troubled soul who concluded our time together by testifying of her deep personal sense of immediate restoration through God's grace; and I've witnessed answered prayer as a concerned spouse was seeking the healing touch of God for the life of her husband.

Praise God, for miracles are in the making everyday, everywhere!

[Oh, and by the way, GO PIES!!]

Inspiration

It's no surprise. 200 blog entries later, we're still praising God and giving Him the glory! And that, too, is no real surprise, for God's daily presence and equipping is always a welcomed inspiration to us and leaves us brimming with praise at the end of each day.

Leslie Brandt, author of Psalms Now, commences his paraphrase of Psalm 95 with these words, "Let us begin this day with singing, whether we feel like it or not" and ends with the phrase, "Then we may end this day with praises, because we know ~ and may even feel ~ that we shall forever be the objects of God's concern and the children of His love."

Yes! How true it was today and will be for every tomorrow. As we have the opportunity to daily share the Word of God in various corporate and personal ministry situations, we always find that Scripture never fails to provide encouragement, confirmation, healing and hope in the lives of those we minister to. Though it's a delight to know that God continues to work in and through us, we recognize that we are only all we need to be because of Him. It's all about Jesus! Our God-given potential is only reached through Christ-inspiration.

2 Timothy 3:16 (AB) ~ "Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action)..."

You Know You're An Officer's Kid When...

• It's not "home", it's "The Quarters"
• You learn at a very young age how to play a brass instrument.
• You get asked a million times "The Salvation Army is a...CHURCH?"followed by:"Yeah...but what do your parents DO?"
• By the fourth year you've been in one place you get nervous around move time.
• You have friends in at least five different area codes and think nothing of it.
• You find yourself drawn to the clearence racks when you walk into a store.
• Your parents have an endless supply of Hallmark in storage somewhere.
• Most of your parents friends have the initals: DC, DYS, CO, DS.
• "Family meetings" usually mean you're moving.
• You can't imagine how someone could live in one place their entire life.
• At age 16 you go on your first date using the 15 passenger van.
• Your parents show up in full uniform to any parent teacher conference.

Acknowledgment to Melissa Heatwole (Facebook).

Doing Your Best

This sermon illustration from yesterday still comes to mind.
So here it is for your consideration...

Cathy Rigby was a member of the US Women’s Gymnastics Team during the 1972 Olympics held in Munich, Germany. As the reigning champion she had only one goal in mind ~ to win a gold medal. Prior to the Olympics she had trained longer and harder than she ever had before. On the day the competition began, she prayed for the strength to control her emotions so that she could get through her routine without making mistakes. She was tense with determination not to let herself or her country down.

She performed well, but when it was all over and the winners were announced, her name was not among them. Cathy was crushed. Afterward, she joined her parents in the stands all set for a good cry. As she sat down, she could barely manage to say, “I’m sorry. I did my best.” To which her mother said, “You know that, and I know that, and I’m sure God knows that too.”

Then, she heard her mother say 10 words that have impacted her life like none other: “Doing your best is more important than being the best.”

Galatians 6:4 (MSG) ~ "Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

Pleasant Sunday Afternoon

The Surrey Hills Chamber Orchestra provided an hour long concert of classics from Beethoven, Greig, Tchaikovsky and Wagner for the benefit of Inala residents and it was certainly a very Pleasant Sunday Afternoon.

There is a saying, "Music is a window to the soul". This being true, we were all thoroughly enriched to the depths. Observing those in attendance, it was evident the music was making a connection in more ways than one.

God, however, touches our souls like none other. When we allow Christ to take the lead as conductor of our lives, we experience the most perfect symphony of grace. His baton brings love, healing, restoration and forgiveness. Hallelujah!

Psalm 81:1-2 (NIV) ~ "Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre."

Murmurs In The Ranks

Focussing on David, the courageous shepherd-boy cum Goliath-slayer, we were encouraged by God's Word today that to live an accomplished life means maintaining a courageous, confident and committed faith.

In her Bible message, Dabak shared these thoughts:

• David is doing something that no one else on that battlefield was doing—displaying a strong confidence in the Lord.
• We need to be more like David than like Eliab. Eliab could only see how big Goliath was, while David could only see how big God is. When we fail to display great confidence in the ability of God, we are missing out on some of life’s great opportunities.
• David didn’t just talk—he acted on his convictions.

There must have been a tremendous amount of talking going on in the Isralite army that day. But it took a courageous, God-confident, committed boy to step up the task and prove to the rest that all the time God had a victory plan in mind.

Lord, help us to not simply talk about faith, but rather live out our convictions!

Addio Maestro

Luciano Pavarotti

1935~2007

With the death of Pavarotti yesterday, the world has lost one of its finest tenor voices. His voice was pure, pitch perfect and powerful. On a news report today was a clip of Pavarotti stating confidently during a media interview, "I make people happy. I know God has done something special for me. He kissed my vocal cords, and that I know."

Lord, it is my prayer that all Your people would know deep down that You've done something special for us. That we might sense the kiss of Your favour on us personally and use our voices to praise You. May our lives reflect purity of heart, "pitch perfect" character and model the power of Your love.

So be it...

Psalm 63:5 (NIV) ~ "My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you."

M07

Inspiring worship, great music and Spirit-filled divisional leaders, Majors Ron and Robyn Clinch, made the M07 Rally tonight a time of spiritual encouragement. We were reminded again that God's forever-promised Presence with us is more than sufficient to equip us to be mobilized for mission. We were encouraged to dream big for God and then make sure that we do all we can to give the dream legs of action.

State of the Division... Healthy ~ growing, with a need to make the most of the momentum for Kingdom growth.
State of the Divisionalites... Faithful ~ enthusiastic with a need to be more fully reliant on God for what He can and will do through us.

2 Corinthians 1:1 (MSG) ~ "I... have been sent on a special mission by the Messiah, Jesus, planned by God himself."

Take Nothing For Granted

Here's a challenging reminder to really appreciate every spiritual blessing that comes our way and make the most of what we have here and now.

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.' I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world. Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them.' I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth. Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. 'How is it that? There's no work going on here?, I asked. 'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments. 'How does one acknowledge God's blessings?', I asked. 'Simple,' the angel answered. 'Just say, 'Thank you, God.' 'What blessings should they acknowledge?' I asked.

My angel friend replied:

'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity. Also, if you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 700 million people in the world. If you can attend a prayer meeting without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world. If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.'

Ecclesiastes 7:14 (MSG) ~ "On a good day, enjoy yourself; on a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days, so that we won't take anything for granted."

No Such Luck

It was suggested to me today that there is no such thing as luck. With God in control, nothing is ever a matter of chance or luck, but rather a result of the outworking of God's grace.
When people say "Good Luck!" to us, we as Christians ought to respond along these lines ~ "I'm so sorry but I take offence with your statement "Good Luck". Events in my life are God-incidences and I'd rather you said, "God's grace be with you!"

Well, what a challenging thought to act on! Personally, I try to avoid (as much as possible) using the phrase "good luck", usually replacing it with a verbal "All the best!" or written "Every blessing!"

Here's another thought to ponder.

GOD'S GRACE

It offers a 'Delete' button for the past

and a 'New Page' for the future.

It heals yesterday's hurts

and fuels tomorrow's hope.

Lyn Hunter

Indigenous Ministries

Often we have the mindset that missionary work is that which takes place outside of Australia, in foreign lands and different cultures. However, the multicultural composition of Australian society today means that we have missionary opportunities in our very own backyard.

At tonight's World Mission Fellowship meeting, Lieut-Colonels John and Judith Jeffrey spoke of the wonderful work and outreach ministries that are taking place across our territory with Aboriginal and Indigenous peoples. SAMIAC (Salvation Army Multicultural and Indigenous Australia Council) exists to:

• bring about conciliation between indigenous, minority, ethnic and non-indigenous peoples through the demonstrated love of Jesus Christ.


• sow the seeds of Christian faith in indigenous communities without losing relevance to the cultural and ceremonial significance of Aboriginality.


• present holistic and evangelical theology that is faithful to Scripture and relevant to varied situations in Indigenous and ethnic communities, and


• empower Indigenous and ethnic people to become independent and self-supporting through enterprise and self-worth.

How inspiring it was to see The Salvation Army providing relevant and inspiring worship for indigenous people in their respective Aboriginal dialects, and hear of some of the great local ministries that are taking place to reach out with the life-transforming love of God.

Lord, open our eyes, ears and hearts to be sensitive and responsive to your Spirit's leading.

Father Love

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

We certainly had great time today celebrating the Father Love of God. Our morning worship and evening sing-along both focussed on this important theme. Major Laurie Coleman shared thoughts based on the Lord's Prayer, reminding us of the blessings that are ours to claim in His love and the challenges presented us to in living out His love in worship.

Consider some of these descriptions of God's Father Love.
F ~ Faithful, Forgiving, Full
A ~ Approachable, Almighty, Assuring
T ~ Trustworthy, True, Tender
H ~ Holy, Honest, Healing
E ~ Eternal, Equipping, Embracing
R ~ Rich, Redeeming, Rest

Where would we be without God's Father Love?