Inspired By History

Yesterday morning I had the privilege to officiate at the interment service for Major Jean Parker. Members of the family and close friends gathered at the grave of Mrs Adjutant Mary Jane Cottle (Jean's mother), where Major Parker was interred, to give glory to God for Jean's faithful Christian service and witness and dedicate themselves to be God afresh for future days.

Mrs Adjutant Cottle was promoted to Glory in January 1938 (aged 54 years) and had given many years of dedicated service to God through the Army's social services in both the UK and Australia. An officer who served alongside then Ensign Twaddle at Hope House in 1919 spoke of her "cheerful disposition, practical sympathy, and faith in the ability of God to help the worst", in a War Cry tribute to her life and service appropriately titled, Fragrant with Holy Service [included here for your reading interest!]

The featured article concludes with Jean's father, Adjutant Robert Cottle, recalling how he received comfort from a man he had not previously met who, at the open grave (where we were standing!), remarked to him: "Remember, your sheet-anchor is to trust in God."

Now that's a word for us all from the annals of Army history!

Lord, create in me a firm faith in the ability of God to help the worst; make me a servant 'fragrant with holy service'; and guide me to anchor myself daily in your trustworthiness.

Humility in Leadership

When most people think of leadership, they picture a military officer giving out orders, a king lording it over his subjects or an employer closely supervising his employees, making sure all the work gets done. These aspects can be part of leadership, but they are not the essence of spiritual leadership. Spiritual leadership is the opposite of what most people think.

Spiritual leadership is primarily servant leadership. Jesus Christ Himself taught us, "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Jesus was most definitely a leader. He was the leader of the twelve disciples, as well as a greater group of followers (Luke 10:1-17). Jesus did not lead by giving out orders or by supervising. Jesus led by being a servant and serving alongside of His followers.

Spiritual leadership involves humility - humbling oneself in order to do the tasks that no one else wants to do. In Jesus' time, the act of washing feet was to be assigned to the lowest of servants. However, at the last supper, Jesus humbled Himself and washed the disciples' feet. Afterwards he declared, "Do you understand what I have done for you? ... You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:12-17).

Genuine spiritual leadership, characterized by a spirit of humility and service, will cause people to follow you because they want to, not because they have to. Genuine humility in spiritual leadership is attractive. People want to follow a person who serves alongside them and sets an example for them. Perhaps the Apostle Paul sums it up best, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Spiritual leadership insists on humility - the attitude of putting others ahead of yourself, and considering others more important than yourself. Thinking too highly of yourself prevents you from genuinely caring for others. Humility enables leaders to serve others wholeheartedly and, in doing so, set an example that others will follow.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of spiritual leadership. Let's not be swayed by popular opinion or a desire to popular. Let's follow Christ's example only!

Living In The Presence Of God

Of all the resolutions we might make at the beginning of each new year, none is more important than dedicating ourselves afresh to God, and committing wholeheartedly to ‘live in His guiding presence’ day by day.

As I read and contemplate the words of Isaiah 43, I sense that the deep desire of God is that His people ‘live in His presence’ so that the ‘witness of our lives’ will bring glory and honour to His name. Through the prophet Isaiah, God offers us the assurance of His presence ~ “Do not be afraid, I have called you by name, you are mine… I will be with you… I am the Lord your God who saves you.”

God then continues to affirm His loving faithfulness to us in the most intimate of language: “You are precious to me…I love you…and give you honour.Do not be afraid – I AM WITH YOU.”

Such words inspire me to live my life each day in God's Presence with certainty and expectation. How about you?

Song 727 (verse 4)

"I am trusting thee to guide me; Thou alone shalt lead.
Every day and hour supplying all my need.

Prize Catch

Today is an historic day! My wife went on her first ever Fishing Trip and pulled in this 6.6kg (13lbs) Altlantic Salmon. Later in the day, she remarked to me: "I had the privilege to catch it, and you had the privilege of paying for it!"

Here's my own paraphrase of Habakkuk 1:14 (MSG) ~ "She pulls in a good catch...— a good day of fishing! She's happy... and she's going to eat well tonight!"

I can't let this opportunity go by without a reminder that, when we respond obediently to the love of God, we are His "prize catch"! He paid the ultimate price for us ~ such is His love!

Preacher's Pledge

The Bible as the Word of God is central to Christian faith and practice. As a minister of the Gospel, it is certainly a central part of my personal devotions, pastoral visitations and preaching ministry as I serve the Lord in aged care chaplaincy.

I came across the following pledge as I was perusing the Sermon Central website today and decided to join thousands of other preachers/pastors in this vital committment.

I will make the Bible my primary resource in sermon preparation and preaching.
I may use other resources such as commentaries and web sites to enhance, not replace, my personal interaction with Scripture.
As I study I will strive to accurately understand and honestly apply God's Word, allowing Him to uniquely proclaim His truth in a relevant way through me.

Will you take The Pledge to keep the Word of God pre-eminent in your life and ministry?

Best Wishes

I continue to be amused by an SMS greeting received late New Year's Day from a dear friend of ours overseas.

May peace break into your home
May thieves steal your debts
May your pockets become magnets of $100 bills
And may your clothes smell of success
May love barricade you
May laughter assault your lips
May happiness hit you like a tsunami
May your tears be those of joy
And may good health linger always on your path
But most of all, may the problems you had forget your home address!

While not overly realistic perhaps, the sentiments of the wish were truly heartfelt.

How we praise God for a realistic Christian faith that reminds us to live in the abiding love of God, and in doing so, know the "fullness of life"!

Reflect on these words from the Apostle Paul taken from Philippians 4:10-13 (MSG):

I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me... Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

Epiphany Sunday

Epiphany (Greek for "to manifest" or "to show"), is a Christian feast day which celebrates the "shining forth" or revelation of God in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. The Feast of the Epiphany falls on January 6, and is always celebrated on the nearest Sunday.

The focus of this day is twofold: Western Christians commemorate the visitation of the Magi, or "Wise Men", to the child Jesus on this day (ie. his manifestation to the Gentiles). Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, his manifestation as the Son of God to the world.

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you...

even though nations are still in darkness...
on you the light of God will shine...

the brightness of God's presence will be with you.

Based on Isaiah 60:1-2

Lord, like the worshipful Wise Men, we offer you the gift of our very lives ~ the gold of our obedience and the incense of our lowliness. May the faith we live each day be a fragrant perfume that glorifies Your name and inspires others to find their hope in Christ ~ the true Light of the world.

Southbank Solitude

We all need moments of relaxation and opportunities to recharge our energy levels. Following the 'hustle and bustle' of the Advent and Christmas seasons and 'get up and go' of welcoming in the New Year, today offered us the much-needed chance to simply slow down somewhat and enjoy some solitude together.

Throwing caution to the wind, I made a rash yet rare decision to travel on public transport to the city with my wife for what was a most enjoyable evening 'down by the riverside'.

Southbank is a 'scenic solace' offering fine cuisine, relaxed riverside routes and a re-energizing environment. It was certainly a great way to start 2009!

Giving ourselves permission to enjoy moments of solitude is vital to one and all. Personal recharge opportunities compliment spiritual ministry more than we can imagine.

Job 11:13 (MSG) ~ "Full of hope, you'll relax, confident again; you'll look around, sit back, and take it easy. Expansive, without a care in the world, you'll be hunted out by many for your blessing."