Indonesian Baptist Congregation

Dabak and I were privileged to take part in worship at the Indonesian Baptist Congregation in Balwyn this afternoon at the invitation of the pastor via one of our Indonesian residents.

Dabak shared a message on forgiveness from the Word of God using the life of Joseph as a role-model, together with her own powerful life-application experiences. It was well-delivered and well-received. However, the highlight for many was our duet, My Jesus, I love thee, that followed.

It was inspirational time of praise and worship with our Indonesian brothers and sisters in Christ. My closing benedictory remarks affirmed that God's grace is always trustworthy and reliable.
Tuhan Yesus tidak berubah selamalamanya! The Lord Jesus never changes forever and ever!
Hallelujah!

Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV) ~ "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

"God is passionate about salvation!"

In our final message in the series Journeying With Jonah, we discover a pitiful, pouting prophet Jonah. Here's a brief overview of his rollercoaster experience.
Chapter 1— Jonah Running From God.
Chapter 2— Jonah Running to God.
Chapter 3— Jonah Running for God.
And finally, here in chapter 4 — Jonah Is Trying to Run God.

Somehow Jonah failed to understand the grace of God. He didn’t want to realize that God operates in ways that supersede our human feelings and logic. Reflecting on the recent Ninevite revival, Jonah failed to tap into the “heart and mind” knowledge that God’s grace is sufficient! Rather than trusting God whole-heartedly and opting to rejoice in the revival and outpouring of gracious salvation that had just taken place, Jonah tried to manipulate God to change his mind and ruin them to destruction. In Jonah’s mind, God’s gracious intervention should have brought about their punishment. And that's when God steps in to remind Jonah that obedient faith is not about our OWN SELF, but HIS SALVATION.

Sadly, the book of Jonah ends very abruptly. There don't seem to be any neat endings with this Biblical book that clearly speaks about the unconditional love and grace of God.

However, let's be sure of this ~ God’s Redeeming Plan is always about passionately offering life-transforming salvation that brings about personal renewal and eternal hope through His most gracious love for mankind.

If God is passionate about salvation, then so, too, should we be.

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 love, 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 and setting us free.

And all that I have I lay at the feet

Of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.

Yernga Friendship Group

We recommenced Companion Club today with our "Yernga Friendship Group" ~ where fun and faith meet!

This social group for over 50s men and women that meets fortnightly on Friday mornings from 10am to 12noon in the Community Hall at the Yernga Retirement Village (32-34 Larch Crescent, Mt Waverley).

Interestingly, the word Yernga means "looking forward", and this was certainly descriptive of the 13 folk who met this morning looking forward to this new beginning and the prospects of welcoming new friends as we journey in companionship together.

Yernga Retirement Village ~ 32-34 Larch Crs, Mt Waverley

JULY MEETINGS ~ Friday 11 & Friday 27

For more info, contact: Noreen Webster ~ 9802 9124

"A friendly welcome awaits you!"

Stolen Goods

This afternoon, while in the process of carrying out a regular duty of mine, I absent-mindedly exhibited a most uncharacteristic behaviour.

The scene: A local pharmacy.
The regular duty: Filling a prescription for my wife.
The uncharacteristic behaviour: I left the shop with goods and realized a little later on that I had failed to pay for them.
The response: I took my wife back to the pharmacy, admitted the error of my ways and then paid up for the 'stolen goods'.

Fortunately for me, I wasn't picked up as I left the store. In fact, it wasn't until I ventured back some 20mins later with a rather heavy conscience to the cashier that they even realized that I had left without making payment.

While I could try to rationalize why I did this from many logical perspectives, the fact remains that I was the one at fault all along. The pharmacy staff could have rightly hurled me over the coals and made me face up to the consequences of my actions. However, they chose to reward me by thanking me for my honesty in coming forward to return to them what was rightly theirs ~ the $5!

Grace is a powerful tool ~ especially when we it is undeserved. It was truly an unplanned reminder to me of the unmerited faviour of God and how truly blessed we are to experience it!

Exodus 22:3 (NIV) ~ "A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen."

Working Toward A Better Outcome

"Heart to God, Hand to man" (The Salvation Army)
"Service Above Self" (Rotary International)

Two mottos from two organizations who are both working toward a better society. Though one motto is spiritual and the other is secular, both express well what each of the respective community organizations are trying to do.

Even reading through the history of their respective annual themes/sessions are descriptive of the heart of their mission. Consider these!

The Salvation Army

• "Heralds Of Hope" 1981-83
• "Crusaders For Christ" 1993-95
• "Ambassadors Of Grace" 1999-2001

Rotary International

• "Rotary Brings Hope" 1986-87
• "Service With Love, Work For Peace" 1995-96
• "Mankind Is Our Business" 2001-02

I'm proud to be both a Salvo and a Rotarian and make my personal contribution toward a better outcome in the lives of people I meet!

The Salvation Army in Poland

My heart rejoiced to read in the June edition of Heilsarmee-Forum (SA Forum) that General Shaw Clifton has decided that the Army's work in Poland will be oversighted by the Germany & Lithuania Territory, with effect from 1 July 2008. As such, the territory will be redesignated the Germany, Lithuania and Poland Territory (Territorium Deutschland, Litauen und Polen).

A regional administrative office will be operate out of Dresden, Germany and Major James Garrington (currently CO, Dresden) has been appointed as Regional Officer, Poland. He will lead the team of officers [Majors Joseph and Marcia Pawlowski (from USA) and Major Denise McGarvey (from UK)], who are currently serving God well in Warsaw and Starachowice ~ together with the valuable efforts of faithful lay personnel.

Join with me in praying for the success of ongoing local ministries and an innovative vision for the future development of The Salvation Army's spiritual and social services in Poland.

God bless The Salvation Army!

"God loves to give you a second chance!"

Poet Louise Tarkington wrote a composition entitled “The Land of Beginning”. Here's an extract ~

I wish that there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches
And all of our selfish grief
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat by the door
And never be put on again...

I wish that there were some wonderful place

Called The Land Of Beginning Again.

(website reference ~ http://www.poeticexpressions.co.uk/life.htm)

As we continued Journeying With Jonah today through chapter 3, we discovered that Jonah’s 'deep-sea' experiences remind us that there is such a place of forgiveness, and that the God we love and serve longs to use repentant lives for His honour and glory.

Upon being returned to 'dry land' Jonah found out three important truths about God's forgiving nature…

1. God loves to give us 'second chances' to serve Him well ~ "...the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time..." (3:1)
2. God always has a plan for our lives and our failings don't prevent its unfolding ~ "...arise and go..." (3:2) ~ I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you...and give you a future with hope!
3. God goes great things with our obedience ~ "The Ninevites believed God. ...everyone called urgently on God [and] gave up their evil ways and their violence" (3:5,8) ~ Because of Jonah’s obedience God’s power moved a whole city to repentance.

God, in His limitles grace, treats us in the same way as Jonah ~ providing we are truly repentant and obedient!

Inala Chapel

Inala Chapel is a "refuge of God's grace" that offers a welcoming fellowship and inspiring worship!
This age-specific worshipping community targeted to senior citizens (55+) is a fulfilling and uplifting place of effective Christian ministry.

My wife and I are privileged to lead this unique group of God-blessed and Christ-empowered people, who are keen to live out their days to the honour and glory of our great God!

Our website has recently been updated and now includes copies of our monthly Chapel Courier newsletter. Why not visit us sometime?

To paraphrase the words of one of our inspired chapel attendees ~

May your days be well spent in the Master's Service!

Attitudes To Aging

I took this photo of a sign that was displayed in the lounge area at a retirement village I visited some time ago. It's a checklist to ascertain whether or not you can be classified as a 'Senior Citizen'!

Well, how did you go?

When it comes to aging, we all face it sooner or later. What matters most is how we choose to approach it.

Laugh or cry, the choice is ours!

Isaiah 46:4 (NIV) ~ "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

New Website ~ www.boxhillrotary.com.au

Click on the above picture to access our club's newly-created, animated website.

It's well worth a visit!

Faith versus Trust

Jean Francois Gravelet, “The Great Blondin”, was famous for his death-defying tightrope acts. In 1859, he was the first person to walk the 1,100 feet (335 meters) across Niagara Falls. Being a showman, he performed the walk several different times, adding variety by walking the tightrope blindfolded, with his manager on his back, with his hands and feet manacled, while balancing on stilts and while on a bicycle. He even once cooked and ate an omelet in the centre of the rope.

On one occasion, he asked the crowd, “How many of you believe that I, The Great Blondin, can walk across this tightrope to the other side?” Unanimously they responded, “We believe! We believe!”

So he walked across the tightrope and came back again. Then he asked them, “How many of you believe that I, The Great Blondin, can not only walk back across that tightrope, but this time do it while I push a wheelbarrow?” “We believe! We believe!”

Then he asked, “How many of you really believe it?” “Oh, we really believe it!” they shouted back. The Great Blondin then responded with a challenge, “If you really believe, then get in the wheelbarrow.”

The audience stood unresponsive, in utter silence.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The difference between what we say we believe and what we really believe will always show up in our actions.

"When you hit rock bottom, look up!"

Today's continuation of Journeying with Jonah was not without its dramas. Much like the dramatic literary style of Jonah, the sermon itself was full of 'unplanned' humourous events (especially at the whale's expense!)

Jonah’s prayer in chapter 2 has all the elements of a sincere confession. Jonah admits his fault and claims God’s forgiveness. But it doesn’t end there! Jonah does something very beautiful, which prompted God, in His great mercy and grace, to command the fish to vomit him up and save him. Jonah made a personal promise to God.

Verse 9 reads ~ ”But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD."

Jonah finally recognizes his true ‘Resource’ ~ Salvation comes from the LORD. This prayer of confession changed Jonah’s destination from the DETRIMENT OF DISOBEDIENCE to the OBLATION OF OBEDIENCE.

Words of Retired General John Gowans (song 378) sum up well Jonah's experience.

Out of my darkness God called me,
Out of the depth of my night,
Out of the shadows of sorrow,
Into the life of his light.

Out of my darkness he called me,
Out of my doubt, my despair,
Out of the wastes of my winter,
Into the spring of his care.

Out of my darkness he called me
Into his sun-shining day,
Out of my gloom to his glory;
What could I do but obey?

...and then go on to leave us with a personal reminder of our own.

When you find yourself in moments of despair, look up to God for salvation from your situation and promise Him your devotion. “When you hit rock bottom, look up!”
Better yet, try trusting God without reserve and live in the confidence of His intimate intervention, everyday!

Out of your darkness he calls you,
Out of your doubt, your despair,
Out of the wastes of your winter,
Into the spring of his care.

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Not having ever read the CS Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia series, I've been very intrigued to watch the movie versions of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and most recently today, Prince Caspian.

The main encouragement I took away from the viewing was the fact that Aslan allowed Peter to go through the journey so that he could discover some valuable life lessons. My spiritual parallel was that God, too, is like that with us. He allows us to make our personal faith journeys knowing that we will discover so much about His character and love as we learn from our personal 'battles'.

In a sense, God conceals things from us for a specific purpose ~ He knows that we learn best through personal discovery. Having studied primary school teaching, I am acutely aware that the 'discovery learning' method seems to make the most personal impact on individuals, as opposed to rote or instructional learning.

Peter's journey is one of faith. Likewise, so is ours. God conceals spiritual blessings in the circumstances of our lives.

What are you discovering about God?

Are you actively seeking to discover the realities of His love and grace that are your supreme privilege?

Proverbs 25:2 (NLT) ~ "It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them."

3WBC 94.1FM

An interview on the Rotary and Community Services programme of 3WBC (hosted by Rotarian Brian Bloomer, standing above) was a great way to end the day, especially when it concerned promoting our Rotary Club's financial support of some of the City of Whitehorse's local community groups.

Featured in the interview were Michael Crichton (pictured seated left) representing the Bennettswood Neighbourhood House and Meaghan Adams (pictured seated right) represeting the Alkira Centre.

Listen to the podcast ~ http://www.canterburyrotary.org/radio_3WBC/20080613BoxHillRotaryWeb.mp3

"SERVICE ABOVE SELF" is always a rewarding experience!

Philippians 2:4 (MSG) ~ Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Fort Knox

I had reason to visit a Christian office building today and was greatly disappointed by the impersonal and cold reception I was afforded (and that's no reflection on the weather either!).

What I assumed would have been a personal welcome and helpful experience, turned out to be most unwelcoming and devaluing. I don't blame the people behind the reception desk, for I fear they are only doing what they have been told to do. However, the company are widely known for their high standard of Christian care and this was certainly not the case when I walked through their doors today. Some weeks ago now, I visited Parliament House when they were sitting and, in comparison, my experience of gaining 'secular' entrance by clearing their security check was much more welcoming.

I came away greatly disappointed, yet greatly challenged to make sure that the welcome I afford others is indicative of the Lord I love and serve. My consolation was to remind myself that, regardless of my rather earthly reception, God assures us an unconditional welcome. But more than this, through Christ, direct access to the very spiritual blessings of God.

This is how it always should be, and will be one day in Glory when we are truly bid a "welcome home".

"We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise." (Romans 5:2, MSG)

His Eyes Is On The Sparrow

I shared this story today while conducting the Companion Club at Waverley Temple.

Early in the spring of 1905, Civilla Martin, together with her husband, was sojouring in Elmira, New York. They con­tract­ed a deep friend­ship for a cou­ple by the name of Mr and Mrs Doo­lit­tle — true saints of God.

Mrs Doo­lit­tle had been bed­rid­den for nigh twen­ty years. Her hus­band was an in­cur­a­ble crip­ple who had to pro­pel him­self to and from his bus­i­ness in a wheel chair. De­spite their af­flict­ions, they lived hap­py Christ­ian lives, bring­ing in­spir­a­tion and com­fort to all who knew them.

One day while the Martins were vi­sit­ing with the Doo­lit­tles, Mr Martin com­ment­ed on their bright hope­ful­ness and asked them for the se­cret of it. Mrs Doo­lit­tle’s re­ply was sim­ple (and went on to become a well known gospel song):

“His eye is on the spar­row, and I know He watch­es me.”

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;

Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Matthew 10:31 (NLT) ~ "So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows."

"You can run, but you can't hide!"

Today we commenced a sermon series entitled Journeying With Jonah, and we had a 'whale of a time' in worship reflecting on the soveriegnty of God's love.

The key idea portrayed in this first message is that we may do all that we can try to run away from what God is asking us to do, only to find that He always catches up with us in the end. God's will is sovereign and His way is always the best.

We, like Jonah, often run from God in pursuit of our own agendas until we realize that God is lovingly pursuing us that we might follow His agenda. Praise God, His love keeps following us!

Perhaps you recall the words of this old Sunday school chorus.

Now listen to my tale of Jonah and the whale
Way down in the middle of the ocean.
How did he get there?
Whatever did he wear?
Way down in the middle of the ocean
Preaching he should be at Nineveh, you see -
He disobeyed - O what a foolish notion!
But God forgave his sin, salvation entered in
Way down in the middle of the ocean.

BOOST!

Under the inspired leadership of our divisional leaders, Majors Ron and Robyn Clinch, we met together this past week with colleague officers at our annual BOOST! fellowship experience.

It was a real time of blessing all round, as evidenced by the following organized events.

• INTELLECTUAL BOOST ~ bizarre trivia evening...
• MISSION BOOST ~ guest speaker/OASIS director, Captain Paul Moulds...
• DEVOTIONAL BOOST ~ worshipful reflection sessions led by various officers...
• PHYSICAL BOOST ~ guest speaker/nutritionist, Karen Inge...
• PERSONAL BOOST ~ lots of free time to relax and fellowship together...
• FUTURE BOOST ~ introduction of new officer allowance structure...

I'm glad that we were there to share in the many God-moments!

Hebrews 12:14 (MSG) ~ "Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity."