Water Of Life

More often than not new tunes to old hymns results in fresh perspective and greater appeal.

In listening to my recently purchased copy of the Melbourne Staff Songsters' Every Breath CD, I was inspired by Richard Squibb's arrangement of General Albert Orsborn's song, entitled "Water Of Life". I was blessed deep in my soul with a personal assurance that the refreshment I need for today is always available when I come seeking God's grace and, in faith, believe that He will work in and through my circumstances. And true to His word, He did!

For your reflection, here are the words of the chorus. Better still, get a copy of the CD and listen to Track 6. You're sure to be blessed!

The well is deep and I require a draught of the water of life,

But none can quench my soul's desire for a draught of the water of life;

Till one draws near who the cry will heed,

Helper of men in their time of need,

And I, believing, find indeed that Christ is the water of life.

(Salvation Army Song Book #351)

Timely Word

We all need sources of personal encouragement to renew and refresh our spirits. As a Christian, the Bible often provides us with the encouraging word that we need to kick start our weariness and inspire us to focus on the future with confidence and hope.

This morning as I entered my blogspot, I was immediately encouraged by the promise of Isaiah 26:3 displayed in Verse Of The Day. With all that my wife and I have been facing in recent days, it was certainly a 'timely word'.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

When you find yourself weary in body, mind and spirit, know that God provides the recharge we need when we need it the most. Be encouraged by God's Word to you!

Nun's Beauty Contest

Well...I never ceased to be amazed!

From correspondents in Rome
August 24, 2008 11:59pm

THE first beauty pageant for nuns debuts next month with the advent of Miss Sister Italy aimed at erasing a stereotype of nuns as being old and sad, a newspaper has reported today.
"Nuns are above all women and beauty is a gift from God,'' priest Antonio Rungi of the southern Italian diocese of Modragone told the daily Corriere della Sera.
"This contest will be a way to show there isn't just the beauty we see on television but also a more discrete charm,'' he said.

Nuns wishing to participate in the contest should send their picture to Rungi, who will publish it on his blog. Internet surfers can then vote for their favourite nun online.

The idea of organising a beauty pageant had been pushed by the nuns themselves, he said.
About 1000 were expeted to enter.

1 Samuel 16:7 (MSG) ~ "Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart."

Kept By God's Love

This morning we reflected on the fact that God provides for us in ways we may not at first recognize, for we are kept by God's love.

In her book The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom tells of difficult times in Holland during the German invasion. One night Corrie tossed restlessly in her bed as warplanes roared overhead, shattering the blackness with fiery artillery. Hearing her sister downstairs in the kitchen, and unable to sleep, she went downstairs for a cup of tea. She and her sister talked until the night was quiet again and the sound of the fighter planes had died away. Explosions had ripped nearby, but now all was quiet.

Groping through the darkness to her room, Corrie reached out her hand to pat her pillow before lying down. Suddenly she felt something sharp cutting her hand. It was a jagged piece of metal ten inches long - a piece of shrapnel from an exploded bomb.Corrie said to her sister, “Betsy, if I had not heard you in the kitchen...” To which her sister replied, “Don’t say it, Corrie! There are no IFs in God’s world. The centre of his will is our safety.”

Perhaps with eyes of faith you might look back on some experience of your own to see that God was at work providing for your needs. Maybe you did not recognize it at first, but looking at it now you can only say, “It was the hand of God, and I didn’t know it then!”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) ~ "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

Google Closing Ceremony

Google Sports

Google Martial Arts

Google Baseball

Google High Jump

SAOs Appointed To Kuwait

International Headquarters announces that The Salvation Army has appointed officers to the Arabic Gulf State of Kuwait.

This decision was reached following intensive research and visits to the country by the General’s Representative for Global Evangelisation (Colonel Dick Krommenhoek) and the International Secretary for South Asia (Commissioner Lalkiamlova) in 2007.

Majors Michael and Teresa Hawley, officers of the USA Southern Territory, have been selected by the General to lead the Army in this bold step of faith.

Within Kuwait, the authorities officially recognise three principal churches, Protestant, Roman Catholic and Coptic, and provide three separate compounds for these churches to conduct worship, teach and to preach. The Army will be located in the Protestant compound which is officially known as the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait. In this compound, the Army has been allocated suitable accommodation for meetings, administration and residence for the officers, hosted by the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait.

It is anticipated that among the large immigrant population, there could be up to 350 Salvationists from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

The leaders of the Protestant compound believe The Salvation Army can add an important dimension to the development of the Church in Kuwait.

All Salvationists are encouraged to pray for this new venture within the '10/40 Window'.

Pray for Majors Michael and Teresa Hawley and other officers who may join them in the future.

Google Track and Field

Primitive Methods

With the ever-increasing developments in technology come our ever-increasing reliance on, and personal expectations of, better outcomes. I was rather embarrassed today (though on reflection quite amused!) when seeking a second opinion on an orthotic assessment technique. I was explaining to the specialist my experience of a recent assessment and mentioned that the technique used was "rather primitive". To which he replied, "Yes, I'm afraid that the initial assessment method is quite crude. It seems to me that a correct assessment was made initially. The trouble is that we as a society have become too advanced in our expectations."

The reminder was clear ~ often it pays to get "back to basics" and not rely solely on what is newer, better or more ideal. Proven practices are most often more effective, because they are tried and true. In "getting back to basics", Jesus summed up the Commandments in a nutshell: "The most important one is this: ...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Not bad advice for us to follow. Primitive methods do pay off.

Google Swimming

Google PingPong

In His Presence...

When the world seems out of control and life experiences seem tough, we can always find the shelter, peace and refuge we need in God alone. It is during the difficulties of life that we experience most the comfort of living in God’s presence and knowing the benefits of His hand upon our lives and our circumstances ~ comforted because we are innately aware of God’s guiding presence and His loving empowerment.

When we long for times of personal renewal and refreshment, sensing the presence of the Lord brings an undeniable sense of comfort to us in our need.

In God's Presence we find...REST, RENEWAL and REFRESHMENT.

Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT) ~ “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I will trust him."

Google Rowing

Google Soccer

At first glance I thought this was Equestrian! (lol)

Still Small Voice

Rushing home this afternoon, somewhat weary from the day's ministry, I stopped at the traffic lights and looked across at an all too familiar hospital located on the adjacent corner. While waiting for the signal to go, I suddenly remembered that one of our chapel members had been admitted the day before. Should I visit? No, yes, no...after all, I'm too tired and just need to recuperate a little. On the other hand, it might be nice to pop in for a while. Perhaps not! The lights have changed in my favour.

Well, I crossed the intersection and felt that God was somehow behind the wheel, for next thing I knew I had turned into the carpark driveway even though my mind said "C'mon, drive on!" Resigning myself to a hospital visit, I made my way through the ward and arrived at the patient's bedside only to find her in a state of utter despair and frustration. And immediately I knew that God had directed me there ~ my presence was needed in that very room. Without a doubt, this was a "God moment" for me and a "Grace moment" for my dear friend.

As we shared together, the hymn verses composed centuries ago by John G Whittier came alive and inspired me in my own weariness.

Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace.

Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm;
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm!

It always pays to listen to the 'still, small voice' within and be guided in the ways of God!

1 Kings 19:11-12 (MSG) ~ "God will pass by... but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper."

Google Badminton

Google Basketball

Love Changes Lives

While conducting the private funeral service for a most gracious woman of God and delightful Inala resident this afternoon, I sensed the very positive influence of her unconditional love as I shared with the bereaved family members.

A simple comment from one of the relatives caused me to recall Don Black and Charles Hart's lyrics of the well-loved Andrew Lloyd-Webber composition, Love Changes Everything, as I drove home.
The comment: "Mum's love always inspired me and will continue to guide me. Reflecting today on her love and influence impacts me greatly. Thank you!"
The Lloyd-Webber musical phrase: "Love will never ever let you be the same."

Here's a further thought that came to my mind. Reflect on it!

Faith moves mountains, but Love changes lives.

1 Cor 13:7-8a (MSG) ~ "Love...trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies."

Google Rings

Salvo site identified as Olympic venue, London 2012

I was excited to read of The Salvation Army's link with London's 2012 Olympic Games.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) confirmed yesterday that, subject to final contract negotiations, the venue for the Mountain Biking events will be at The Salvation Army's Hadleigh Farm, Essex.

The venue covers a 550 acre site situated close to the village of Hadleigh and encompasses the outstandingly beautiful grassland and woodland of Hadleigh Farm, land owned by The Salvation Army, and the surrounding countryside of Hadleigh Castle Country Park.

Major David Hinton, Secretary for Business Administration of The Salvation Army UK and the Republic of Ireland said; 'The Salvation Army is delighted to be working with Essex County Council to create the 2012 Games Mountain Biking venue at Hadleigh Farm. Beyond meeting the technical requirements for the event, we are committed to working in partnership with Essex County Council, the London 2012 Organising Committee and the local community to ensure not only a great event in 2012 but also long lasting benefits for the community and the county as a whole after the Games. We look forward to being part of this exciting initiative.'

What an exciting partnership opportunity!

For more detailed info, visit The Salvation Army UK website, http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk

Google Rhythmic Gymnastics

Hmmm....a rhythmic gymnast pig. How bizarre!

Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

As a high school student I remember reading Aesop's fable, The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, thoroughly enjoying the story and revelling in the knowledge that the wolf (fraud/liar) was eventually discovered and got what was coming to him. However, it's a different matter when the fable suddenly comes to life and we find ourselves in the middle of a similar situation. A 'wolf' is prowling around seeking to destroy all that we value and hold dear. Our first impressions are misleading and, as time goes by, we begin to sense the real intent of others to spoil the good foundations that have been laid.

The Apostle Peter sums it up this way: "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) When we experience such 'trying times', we would do well to focus on Peter's advice in the preceding verse 7 ~ confident in the knowledge that God will have the victory, eventually.

1 Peter 5:7 ~ "Cast all your care on him (God) because he cares for you."

Google Diving

Champions For Christ

In keeping with the Olympics, this morning's worship was themed "Praise on the podium". We reflected on the Apostle Paul's writings from 1 Corinthians and 2 Timothy that contain athletic/sporting imagery.

2 Timothy 2:5 ~ "…if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ~ “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8 ~ “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,…will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

The Bible message compared an athletes' "heart, mind and will" dedication to winning their respective races with that of Christians running the Faith Race. Believers intent on finishing well need to run the race with a "heart, mind and will" faith, focussed on living to the praise of God's glory.

At the conclusion of the service each member of the congregation was presented with a "Champion for Christ" gold medal inscribed with the words, "Fight the fight, Run the race, Keep the faith" - an inspirational reminder to pursue their holy calling to live Christlike lives.

The choir sang Major Howard Davies composition, Praise God For Everything, with its timely reminder:

"Set your sights on things above, know He loves you still

Praise Him with gratitude of heart, mind and will"

Google Weightlifting

Google Olympics

I love these Olympic-themed graphics being featured by Google. Can't wait to add to the collection!

Opening Ceremony

Cycling

Exceeding Expectations

I must say I am pleasantly surprised with the Opening Ceremony. Having lived in an Asian country and experienced Chinese culture, I was expecting something very traditional and predictable. However, the wide variety of performance styles and rich fabric of cultural expression was truly a delight to experience.

Well done, Beijing! You certainly exceeded my personal expectations and showed the world that culture and creativity can indeed be friends. Beijing's Olympic theme, "One World - One Dream", was fulfilled as the athletes proudly marched in and united together to make the Opening Ceremony the success it was.

I'm reminded too that God continues to exceed our own expectations time and time again...if only we have place our faith in Him. Halllelujah!

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) ~ "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

When All Else Fails...

When all else failed, God lovingly came to us with His invitation of Saving Grace.
Jesus Himself gave us a similar invitation..."Come to Me...and I will give you..."

Often life's experiences and circumstances simply overwhelm us and cause to feel isolated, challenged and uncertain. It's during these I.C.U. moments that we most need to personally know and experience the sustaining grace of One who is greater than our greatest need.

Remember, when all else fails...confidently trust God's grace and rely on the richness of His resources.

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) ~ "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."

Four-Way Test

During a business crisis in 1932, US Rotarian Herbert J Taylor wrote the "Four-Way Test", which was formally adopted by Rotary International in January 1943. To this day, it is used widely as a self-analysis tool.

Though subjective in form and bearing in mind that truth is, of course, relative, I'm convinced that the "Four-Way Test" has the ability to make a positive impact on business and personal ethics today.

Of the things we think, say or do:

• Is it the TRUTH?
• Is it FAIR to all concerned?
• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

When faced with decision-making, why not give it a try? It could make the world of difference for you and others!

Isaiah 11:3 (MSG) ~ "...judge the needy by what is right, render decisions on earth's poor with justice."

Missionaries Matter!

I understand that in the truest sense of the word, one doesn't need to leave their homeland to be a 'missionary'. However, the main focus of our territory's World Mission Fellowship is to support, both prayerfully and practically, our Australia Southern personnel who relocate overseas in order to fulfil their God-given mission.

Last night we were privileged to hear first-hand mission updates from Commissioners Vic & Ros Poke (Sweden & Latvia) and Majors Geoff and Kalie Webb (Pakistan) with their daughter, Khelsi. They are each enjoying homeland furlough and inspired us through their respective reports to be continue in the faithful intercession ministry which is the foundation of our fellowship.

Meeting for the first time in the Inala Chapel was beneficial and afforded us the luxuries of comfortable seating, good audio/visual facilities and great acoustics for corporate singing. Though what a contrast to the 'simple' meeting places we heard about throughout Latvia and Pakistan. One point of agreement ~ Missionaries Matter!

Why not join me in praying for them?

Majors Ian & Vivien Callander (Moldova, Eastern Europe)

Majors Ron & Lyn Cochrane (Moscow, Eastern Europe) from September '08

Majors Mike & Annette Coleman (Taiwan)

Majors Daryl & Sandy Crowden with Alexis (New Zealand)

Marshall & Vicki Currie with Emma, Meg & Tim (Kenya)

Majors John & Anne Farquharson (Zambia)

Majors Ross & Agnes Hailes (Canada)

Major Winsome Mason (United Kingdom)

Captain Kirsty McKenzie (Ecuador)

Cadet Kevin & Capt Sugu Meredith with Naomi (Myanmar)

Captain Debbie Messenger (The Philippines)

Major On Dieu Quang (Hong Kong & Macau ~ based in China)

Commissioners Vic & Ros Poke (Sweden & Latvia)

Majors Drew & Leanne Ruthven with Lyle (Papua New Guinea)

Majors David & Christine Watson (Tanzania)

Majors Ritche & Gail Watson (Papua New Guinea)

Majors Geoff & Kalie Webb with Khelsi (Pakistan)

Majors Jim & Marion Weymouth (Hong Kong)

Peter & Emma Weymouth with Samuel & Jude (Zambia)

Envoys John & Kaye Williamson (Jamaica, Caribbean)

Navigating Faith

Learning to trust God completely is a daily process, but it starts with personal surrender.

In Genesis 12, when God called Abram at 75 years of age to leave his comfort zone and go on a mission to an undisclosed location, he trusted God whole-heartedly to navigate the way.

From the wisdom of Solomon, we too are encouraged to allow God to be our Navigator. In Proverbs 3:5-6 we read, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths".

Here's the key to navigating faith ~ "When we cannot see our way, let us trust and still obey. He who bids us forward go, cannot fail the way to show" (Song 772, verse 1)

How much more blessed we are when we daily trust in God as our Navigator!