Graced Enough

A recent conversation with a Christian friend echoed the insecure feelings so many have when it comes to issues of faith. In sharing her Christian journey, she told how God gave her a sign of her need of salvation when she spotted a cross necklace lying on the footpath on a day when all seemed hopeless. The discovery spoke a heart message to her that provided the hope she longed for. However, in picking it up she remembered saying, "I'll wear this one day when I'm good enough to wear it."

The fact is, on our own merits we will never ever be "good enough". Faith is all about accepting the love of God through Christ's merit and being assured that we are "graced enough" to stand in His presence.

Our poet General, Albert Orsborn, wrote this God-inspired testimony.

I have no claim on grace;

I have no right to plead;

I stand before my maker's face

Condemned in thought and deed.

But since there died a Lamb

Who, guiltless, my guilt bore,

I lay fast hold on Jesus' name,

And sin is mine no more.

Years later, Major Howard Davies, contributed this spiritual gem to the Army world.

When I came to Jesus with my sin and shame

And to him confessed my deepest need,

When by faith I trusted fully in his name,

God's rich grace was granted me indeed.

The truth is plain and simple ~ it's not about what we have done or ever could do, but it's all about what God has done and continues to do for us through Christ. By faith, we are "graced enough" to be the people God wants us to be.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
The Salvation Army's expansion into new countries such as Burundi, Greece and Poland

Knowledge vs Experience

As my wife was preaching this week from Genesis 47 about the unexpected blessing that Jacob and his sons received when Joseph presented them before Pharaoh, I was reminded of the old adage ~ "It's not what you know, but who you know".

I'm convinced that the blessing that Pharoah gave the family to resettle in fertile and bountiful Goshen, with the added bonus of job security, was only made possible because of their personal relationship with Joseph, the 'ruler of all Egypt'.

Christian faith operates in the same way. "It's not what you know..." (theoretical knowledge or a mindset of spiritual passion), but rather "Who you know..." (heart experience that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ) that makes all the difference.

It's not so important that you know alot about God, but that you have a personal faith in Him through Jesus Christ that is the key. Faith experience reveals the grace of God.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
All IHQ International Secretaries ~ zonal and departmental

Filing Find

While in the menial process of archiving choir music, I discovered many God-gems. This, of course, meant that the filing took longer than it needed to be, but with each exploration I was increasingly inspired. One such God-gem was a 1981 composition of one of Australia's gifted composer, Major Howard Davies, entitled God can do the impossible. Verse 2 especially caught my mind's (and heart's) eye.

My God can do the most impossible thing: new hope He can bring!

My God heals the sin-sick soul, makes the broken heart to sing.

He knows your name, your pride, your shame, your joys, your sorrows too;

He can see your best desire when you longingly aspire to find the God you never knew.

My God isn't far away, I know He is near, your prayer He will hear;

And in love He is waiting to do the same for you,

For my God, the impossible can do!

Do you believe it? I do.
See, it pays to file and archive!
So why not give it a go and be inspired in the process? You never know what you'll find.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Applicants being processed for international service

Celebrating Progress

Today was an awesome day for us as we met up with friends we have not seen in a long time. Why awesome you ask? Because in renewing our friendship we were able to celebrate with them in the progress they are making and give thanks to God for all He continues to do in and through their lives.

It was German poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who penned this truth ~ "A joy shared is a joy doubled". Admittedly, their progress was the result of much prayer, however, it certainly provided us with a BOOST ~ both physically and spiritually. Hallelujah!

2 Corinthians 13:5 (MSG) ~ "We're rooting for the truth to win out in you. We couldn't possibly do otherwise. We don't just put up with our limitations; we celebrate them, and then go on to celebrate every strength, every triumph of the truth in you."

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Peter and Emma Weymouth (with baby Samuel) ~ serving faithfully in appointments in Zambia

Passport Principles

My Australian passport is a visible reminder that I am a citizen of Australia and, as such, have an obligation to contribute positively to the wellbeing and progress of our Great Southland. The passport is vital and valuable in giving me an identity and opening the door for me to travel the world and reach specific “pre-planned earthly destinations”, while it is valid that is.

In a similar fashion, our faith relationship with God through Jesus needs to be a vital part of our everyday living; we need to value the spiritual blessings that are ours daily by God's grace; and we need to make sure our faith is valid and relevant. The moment we claim Christ by faith is the moment we are given a God-guaranteed assurance that He will guide us all the way to our spiritual destination ~ life eternal in His presence.

Olive Holbrook summed it up well in her song when she wrote ~

“This is the lamp to pilgrim given
This is my passport into Heaven
Portent of immortality
That God, through Jesus, dwells in me.”

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Emma Currie ~ living in Kenya with her missionary parents.

Celebrating Australia

Australia Day is a time to celebrate what's great about Australia. It is an occasion, more than any other, when we express our national pride in our distinctive landscape, our diverse society and our unique lifestyle.

Each year on 26 January, we are reminded of what it means to be Australian, sharing a sense of community, a mood of optimism and a commitment to the fair go. In this spirit, we extend a warm welcome to our new citizens who will pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people in 2008.

This is also a time to recognise outstanding contributions to the life of the nation. Through the Australian of the Year Awards, we spotlight the extraordinary achievements of ordinary Australians.

On Australia Day 2008, we have cause for celebration and time for reflection. I encourage all Australians, across the country and around the world, to consider the contribution each of us can make to this great nation of ours.

The Honourable Kevin Rudd MP
Prime Minister of Australia

"Lord, I praise You for the privilege of being an Australian citizen, but more than this, I'm ever so grateful that I'm a citizen of Heaven through my relationship with Jesus Christ!"

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Captain Debbie Messenger who serves as administrator of the Joyville Children's Home in The Philippines.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Overseas Personnel Officer, Lieut-Colonel Julie Spiller as she provides an administation and pastoral care ministry to those serving in other territories through the Overseas Personnel Office, THQ.

Triumph Tsonga

Ezekiel 21:25 (MSG) ~ No more "business as usual." The underdog will be promoted and the top dog will be demoted.

This was certainly true this evening as France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Spain's #2 Rafael Nadal in excitement-packed straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

Those of you who know me well will note two things here ~ one unusual and the other predictable.

• First, as a self-proclaimed 'sports ignoramus', I'm thoroughly enjoying watching the Australian Open (in fact, I'm hooked!).
• Second, I'm once again rooting for the underdog.

There is always an air of excitement and triumph when I hear stories and witness the progress of people who are crippled by life's circumstances; who struggle to live up to societal expectations and who are bound by the personal opinions of others, yet prove themselves worthy and rise victoriously despite their experiences.

Spiritually-speaking, we all reach our spiritual potential in Christ. Faith in Christ alone enables us to be who and what God created us to be and drives us to live life to the full. And as we do, God says to us, "No more business as usual" ~ for we become a vital part of His Divine team.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Khelsi Webb ~ living and study in Pakistan, where her parents are serving.

Comfort In Tragedy

This morning Australia woke to the tragic news that actor Heath Ledger had died in the prime of his life and acting career, aged only 28. Then this afternoon, we learned that our dear friends' daughter, who is currently hospitalized and courageously battling a cancer with a bleak future, will undergo a further fragile operation tonight in the hope that it may bring some much-needed personal relief.

These events caused me to reflect on the fact that when tragedy knocks on the doors of our hearts, it's always comforting to be reminded of the assurance of God's powerful promises to graciously come alongside us and offer a measure of personal support and spiritual encouragement that will give us hope when everything seems hopeless.

Deuternonomy 33:27 contains one such powerful promise for the present ~

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Tim Currie ~ experiencing life and education in Kenya

Creation Photos

With digital technology, it's possible to capture some great shots, and the ones you don't like can be easily deleted at the push of a button. Below are two photos ~ the first one I took after worship on Sunday morning (thanks to the keen eye of one of our observant ladies!) and the second is one I received via email. Enjoy!

Photo #1 ~ RAINDROP SPIDER WEB

Photo #2 ~ SMILE FROM GOD!

Who says God is not evident in creation??

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Jim and Marion Weymouth ~ serving God faithfully in Hong Kong

Empowered By His Presence

Lord, I come into Your presence

To receive from You just as I am.

No pretence, no barriers, only simplicity and honesty.

As I pray the focus shifts from me to You,

Sensing the reality of Your grace,

Sufficient, all-encompassing and sure.

In the quietness of my heart, reveal who You are,

And in the chaos of this world, set me right.

Make the light of Heaven and Your Holiness

Shine through me ~ flowing freely to all I meet.

Now I arise more ready to give,

For I go out with refreshed soul and renewed spirit

To be Christ ~ His hands, His feet, His voice.

You have filled me with Your grace.

So that I will reflect Your glory everyday.

~ Timothy D Lynn ~
19 January 2008

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Meg Currie ~ living and studying in Kenya, where her parents are serving as missionaries.

Honorable Intentions

There's no doubt about it, the POWERHOUSE prayer room has certainly been a much-needed refuge for all who have met together in quietness, confidence and reflective solitude to seek God's heart, listen to His voice, experience His grace, obey His commands, reflect His glory and bear fruit for His Kingdom.

In considering the prayer of Jabez (1 Chron 4:10), we are mindful that it's now up to us to continue to be intentional in our prayer life so that the enemy doesn't stand a chance.

Our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in "muchness" and "manyness," he will rest satisfied.

~ Richard J Foster ~

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Samuel Weymouth ~ infant son of Peter and Emma Weymouth serving in Zambia.

God Is Greater Still

Just when we thought that we had been "abundantly blessed" enough, God ups the anti and proves that He is "exceedingly abundant and more than able".

Another 10 prayer warriors gathered for our corporate session this evening, further stretching our faith to enable us to grow in His grace. Spirit-directed prayer focussed on Self and Others ~ the 'in and out' of our spiritual experience. so to speak.

It was delightful to hear prayers voiced in languages other than English, reminding us that although we may converse in various languages and dialects all Christian share a common language ~ the language of God's Love.

"Lord, make us more proficient in the language of Your love".

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Daryl and Sandy Crowden ~ Mt Albert Corps, New Zealand

Special Touch Of Paradise

This title might remind you of John Farnham's familiar song lyrics, but it more accurately describes the experience of many who have gathered in our 24/3 POWERHOUSE Prayer Room and enjoyed the responsibility for intercession that comes with the privilege of prayer.

A touch of God...a refuge encountered...a prayer answered...the hope of our faithfulness evident.
Jesus prayed, "Your will be done in earth as it is in Heaven".
Paul suggested that we are 'jars of clay' through which the blessings of God are experienced and shared.

Yes, Lord, we're still believing..."Your will be done in earth (us) as it is in heaven."

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Marshall & Vicki Currie ~ serving in social service and community development appointments in Kenya

24/3 "Powerhouse" Prayer Room

THURSDAY 17 UNTIL SUNDAY 20 JANUARY

Open daily from 8am until midnight (concluding Sunday 7pm)

for personal prayer, private reflection and corporate intercession

Corporate prayer sessions ~ Friday and Saturday, 7.00 to 8.00pm

PRAYER WARRIORS MOST WELCOME!

Exceeding Expectations

At 7pm tonight, we took over the baton of 'non-stop' prayer. Twenty-one prayer warriors gathered for the opening corporate session in our "Powerhouse" Prayer Room at Inala Chapel.

The power of God's awesome Presence was certainly very real and the heart-felt, believing petitions were filled with desire to seek God's grace and empowerment through our commitment to prayer over the next couple of days.

Two folk prayed praising God for the "privilege of prayer" acknowledging that with this privilege comes responsibility. A corporate Amen was echo to the prayer, "Lord, make us responsible in the faithfulness of our prayer commitments".

Everyone left the "Powerhouse" boldly claiming God's promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14 (MSG) ~

"If my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health. From now on I'm alert day and night to the prayers offered at this place."

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Lyle Ruthven ~ living and studying in Papua New Guinea (where his parents are serving)

A Common Dialect

Colossians 1:3 (MSG) ~ "Our prayers for you are always spilling over into thanksgivings. We can't quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you!"

Over the past couple of days I have sat and enjoyed listening to my wife conversing with her childhood friend in their Hokkien dialect. It has been a huge benefit to experience the delight of renewed friendships and shared journeys, though I understood little of what they were saying.

As I pondered this personal situation, it occurred to me that as Christian believers we experience and share a common language everyday ~ the language of Love. And the dialect that has been common to our sharing together over these last couple of days is the Thanksgiving dialect.

How often do you use the Thanksgiving dialect?

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Captain Kirsty McKenzie ~ appointed to Bolivia in divisional leadership support role

Bible In A Nutshell

Here's an attempt at the Bible in 50 Words that I received recently!

God made

Adam bit

Noah arked

Abraham split

Joseph ruled

Jacob fooled

Bush talked

Moses balked

Pharaoh plagued

People walked

Sea divided

Tablets guided

Promise landed

Saul freaked

David peeked

Prophets warned

Jesus born

God Walked

Love talked

Anger crucified

Hope died

Love rose

Spirit flamed

Word spread

God remained.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Ian & Vivien Callander ~ Divisional leaders in Moldova, Eastern Europe

The Value Of Ministry

With the arrival of our friend, LiKuen, in Melbourne it was a great opportunity for a reunion meal with former officers and layworkers who served in Kuching and Singapore. The fellowship was inspirational and the "pot bless" meal was enjoyable. We discussed common personal experiences and personalities that not only brought back pleasant memories, but prompted us to moments of intercession for those who we encountered in the course of our ministries.

How we praise God for all we experienced while serving overseas, but most of all the beautiful God-people who made our formative years of ministry the valuable experience it was.

2 Timothy 1:3 (MSG) ~ "I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion."

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors David & Christine Watson ~ serving in educational institution in Zambia

Growing Through Prayer

As we at Inala Chapel are preparing to commence our 24/3 "Powerhouse" Prayer Room experience this week, we considered another part of the Jabez prayer ~ "...enlarge my territory..."

We were reminded that Jabez's heart longed for nothing greater than to find favor in God’s eyes by his faithful use of God’s blessings. This is the pinnacle of mankind’s existence and it was the goal of his life. Jabez simply desired more so that he could be found faithful and honorable in all he did.

God read his heart, examined his intentions, and then and only then, did He give Jabez all that he requested. Surely God was convinced that Jabez desired a ‘wider influence’ for the right reasons.

Jabez prayed with a seeking heart, “Lord bless me and enlarge my territory!” And if we pray this sincerely during the coming week, I am hopeful that God too will grant our request by the gift of His boundless grace.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Ross and Agnes Hailes ~ serving as COs in Canada.

Praying Scripture

When my human words fail, I turn to the Word of God and pray scripture. Below is a prayer resource we included in our 24/3 "Powerhouse" prayer guide. Why not pray it for yourself?

“Hi, it’s me again Lord.
It is my joy to stand again in Your presence in the name of Jesus today, as I come to be clothes in Your spiritual armour.
I now put on the Helmet of Salvation and cover my mind, my will and my intellect with your helmet. I bring every thought into captivity and place myself under the covering of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ ~ whose I am and whom I serve.
I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness. Your righteousness that covers my heart and my spirit.
I put on the Belt of Truth and pull it tight. Father, let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be absolutely acceptable in Your sight, o Lord ~ for You are my Strength and my Redeemer.
I encase my feet in the Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace and I determine that wherever I tread today, I will leave a trail of Your peace.
I hold in my right hand Your Shield of Faith, by which Your Word says I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Now dear Father, I stand clothed in Your armour. I stand in Your might.
I plead the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ over me and my family this day and I thank you for covering me.”

AMEN

~ based on Ephesians 6:10-20

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Andrew Lee ~ recently relocated to Pakistan to serve in a finance role.

Family Reunion

Twelve years after their last face to face contact, Dabak and her childhood friend, LiKuen, renewed their friendship in a reunion that took place in Wangaratta today.

LiKuen (pictured on right) is visiting Australia with her beautiful 2 year old daughter, Amy, who is an absolute joy and delight.

Having grown up together as orphans in the Kuching Children's Home and not seen each other in quite a while, there was certainly alot to talk of and reminisce about, even if they did converse in their lcoal Hokkien dialect so that I had to try and guess what they were discussing.

Fortunately, this family reunion will continue when LiKuen and her daughter travel to Melbourne to stay with us for a few days before their return to West Malaysia, and have another unique opportunity of meeting up with folk who served them in Singapore/Malaysia in years gone by.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Those God is calling to consider and prepare themselves for future international service opportunities

Scorched Australians

Greetings from humid Singapore...(no only joking) scorching Melbourne! As Dabak and I ventured out this evening we really felt as though we were strolling the streets "back home" in Singapore.

Well, today has been a 'scorcher' to say the least, and it's days like this when I'm so grateful for my Thursday administration mornings, where I can hibernate inside by the air-con. A morning that somehow conveniently extended itself into the early afternoon. But it wasn't 'time-wasting' effort, for all that I achieved needed my attention...and DHQ will no doubt be pleased it was a 'scorcher'.

I must say, though, I do prefer scorched almonds...

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors John & Anne Farquharson ~ personnel on short-term international service in Zambia

My Never Again List

One of our valued Inala residents passed this onto me recently. Consider it for yourself!

1. Never again will I confess "I can't", for I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13).
2. Never again will I confess lack, for my God shall supply all of my need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).
3. Never again will I confess fear, for God hath not given me the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).
4. Never again will I confess doubt and lack of faith, for God hath given to every man the measure of faith (Rom. 12:3).
5. Never again will I confess weakness, for the Lord is the strength of my life (Ps. 27:1) and the people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits (Dan. 11:32).
6. Never again will I confess supremacy of Satan over my life, for greater is he that is within me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
7. Never again will I confess defeat, for God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 2:14).
8. Never again will I confess lack of wisdom, for Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God (1 Cor. 1:30).
9. Never again will I confess sickness, for with his stripes I am healed (Isa. 53:5) and Jesus Himself took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses (Matt. 8:17).
10. Never again will I confess worries and frustrations, for I am casting all my cares upon Him who careth for me (1 Pet. 5:7). In Christ I am "carefree."
11. Never again will I confess bondage, for where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Cor. 3:17). My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
12. Never again will I confess condemnation, for there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). I am in Christ; therefore, I am free from condemnation.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Alexis Crowden ~ living and studying in New Zealand, where her parents are COs.

Mistaken Identity

While Dabak and I were making a pastoral visit to Box Hill Hospital this afternoon, a relative from the private room opposite called us in and requested that we pray a prayer for her mother's healing. After willingly doing this, the daughter thanked us appreciatively for taking the time to share a prayer before commenting that "the family are praying believingly for Betty's healing and recovery."

It was a case of mistaken identity for the daughter thought we were official hospital chaplains. But, praise God, it turned out to be a both a comforting and rewarding experience for all.

Matthew 21: 22 (NIV) says "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

When was the last time you prayed a genuine, believing prayer?

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Geoff and Kalie Webb ~ serving in educational and training roles in Pakistan

Challenging Quote

"God desires to be loved by men, although He needs them not; and men refuse to love God, though they need Him in an infinite degree."

~ Plaintes Du Sauveur

Why not check out some more challenging Christian quotes ~ http://christianquotes.org/ ?

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Commissioners Victor & Roslyn Poke ~ leading the Army's work in Sweden & Latvia

When Hope Hurts

"Life isn't always fair, but God is always good" (Pastor Mark Conner)

I was reminded of this truth today as we met with some dear friends who have been wounded by their personal experience of "church". I can't for the life of me understand why the very place where hope, healing and encouragement should be most evident offers only disappointment and hurts as a result of 'churchgoers' who are intent on stifling Christian growth and discipleship through their own self-centred agendas that contradict all that God purposes.
On further thought, perhaps in that very sentence lies the answer itself ~ for when SELF is on the throne, GOD doesn't reign supreme.

This is my heart plea ~ "LORD, help me to be an encourager and beacon of Christlike character to all I meet day by day that they may freely grow in Your grace and truth."

Psalm 118 (MSG) ~ "God's my strong champion...far better to take refuge in God than trust in people ... God's my strength, he's also my song, and now he's my salvation."

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Gail and Ritchie Watson ~ soon to commence appointments in Papua New Guinea

Celebrating Life

Psalm 2:7 (MSG) ~ "...today is your birthday. What do you want? Name it."

This afternoon we met to honour our beautiful Mum, who celebrates her 60th birthday today.

Oops, I mean 21st birthday with 39 years experience!

To complement The Cuckoo's live entertainment, scrumptious food and great company, Mum gave a final word of appreciation that showed just how well she appreciates life and those who supported her in celebrating it. It was evident that the best presents are often the intangible gifts of God ~ genuine friendship, love of family and personal encouragement.

Congratulations, Mum! We all love you heaps.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS

Major Dieu Quang On ~ serving in Hong Kong

No "Optional Extra"

In their article, Spiritual care and ageing in a secular society [Medical Journal of Australia, 21 May 2007 supplement], Elizabeth MacKinlay and Corinne Trevitt come to a noteworthy conclusion.

Although we live in a largely secular society, spiritual care should not be seen as an “optional extra” for older people. The search for meaning in later life becomes more real for many older people, and this search is essentially a spiritual search, with questions of meaning, transcendence and hope becoming important. Thus, one important view of ageing is of a spiritual journey. The spiritual quest does not cease with the onset of frailty or with the diagnosis of dementia. Older people often need support and spiritual care that will include journeying with them in their search for meaning and grappling with the issues that arise when life itself seems threatened.

The longer we serve in aged chapaincy ministry, the more convinced we are that this is a valuable and viable mission field. In a world where the elderly are often forgotten or overlooked, it is a wonderful privilege for us to provide a specific, much-needed focus in offering spiritual healing and hope. Our ministry is not an "optional extra" ~ it's a must.

Reference article: http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/186_10_210507/mac11050_fm.html

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton ~ World Leaders, The Salvation Army

Value Life

Ever heard the story of the Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups Of Coffee? If not, read on and enjoy!

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle and when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas around the gold balls. He then asked the students if it was full and they said “yes”.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course the sand filled up everything else. He again asked if it was full and the students again responded with a yes.

He then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognise that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things – your family – your children – your health – your friends and your favourite passions – and if everything else failed and they remained your life would still be full. The sand is everything else – the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your life and energy on the small stuff you will never have time for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

One of the students raised her hands and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and said “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show that no mater how full your life may seem, there’s always time for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

Value life. Value others. Value God. Value eternity.

Ezekiel 18:9 (MSG) ~ "This person who lives upright and well shall live a full and true life. Decree of God, the Master."

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Drew and Leanne Ruthven ~ ministering in Papua New Guinea

Intentional Investments

Ecclesiastes 11:1 (MSG) advises "Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns."

Now when it comes to investments, I'm no skilled financialist. However, years of ministry experiences has taught me this ~ it definitely pays to invest in the lives of God's people. Rewarding ministry is about sharing the spiritual journey with people from all walks of life, and when we intentionally invest our time and talents into their lives, God gives the increase all the time.

Are you investing into the lives of others that God might give the spiritual increase?

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Major Winsome Mason ~ serving God in the United Kingdom

Happy New Year

2008...new year... new opportunities...new blog layout!

While bringing in the New Year with close friends, discussion arose about New Year's resolutions. Now I'm not an 'agenda and action plan'-type person, however, I did awake this morning with a new year's resolution on my heart and mind.

So here it is...

Less of me and more of Christ

A new me ~ spiritually and physically ~ I'm going to pursue it whole-heartedly!

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS

Lieutenant Kevin Meredith and Captain Sugunama ~ serving in Myanmar