High Council Reflections

I've just finished reading Retired General John Gowans' autobiography, "There's a boy here..." - all in a day!

I particularly enjoyed his personal reflection on the High Council and include a noteworthy excerpt here for your reflection.

"The High Council of The Salvation Army is unique. Comparisons with the papal election would be ridiculous. Our council is not seeking to elect an infallible leader, nor even hoping for one. Sixteen Generals have occupied the office and none of them has been perfect!

Members of the High Council might usefully pray that the Holy Spirit will help them select the person who will be his best possible collaborator; the one who will do the least harm and achieve the most good; the one who, when he or she cannot for some reason discern God's will, will do nothing to prevent it.

The trust which is laid upon the shoulders of a leader of The Salvation Army is a massive opportunity to do good, and a terrible treasure. Generals, and those who salute them, need to be reminded that they have this treasure in earthen vessels."

I'm earnestly echoing these words of General Gowans as I pray daily for members of the 17th High Council!

2 Corinthians 4:7

"If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us." (MSG)

High Council 2011

As I write, The Salvation Army's 17th High Council has now convened for the sacred task of electing our next International Leader - the Army's 19th General.

This is an historic gathering for two reasons:

1. There are be 109 members present - the largest ever gathering of its kind!

2. Composed of 57 women and 52 men - the first time that women outnumber men at such an event!

As I commit myself to a focussed time of intercessory prayer for this most sacred task that is theirs to fulfill, I sincerely seek God's empowerment upon each of the High Council members claiming this scriptural promise from Numbers 16:7, "... The (wo)man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy..."

GOD BLESS THE SALVATION ARMY!

What If Our Bible Were Just As Important As Our Mobile Phone?

I was greatly challenged by a video clip that Major Brian Pratt used during his sermon this morning based on the theme "How To Get The Most Out Of Life: Equipment List - The Bible!"

WHAT IF OUR BIBLE WERE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS OUR CELL PHONE?

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if when we forgot it, we went back to get it?
What if we had lots of gadgets to keep us connected to it?
What if we always had it close by in case of an emergency?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we checked it throughout the day for new messages?
What if we were constantly going over our minutes every month?
What if we made sure our battery never ran low?

Hmmm, and... "What if we used to it to get messages from the text?"
Imagine how powerfully the grace of God could be at work through each of us!

WHAT IF?... Well, this year I've made a personal commitment to complete a Daily Bible Reading Plan of the entire Bible in a year - to really READ, STUDY, MEDITATE and LIVE OUT THE WORD OF THE GOD?

How about you?

Here's a link to the video clip - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw45_wh05Wg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

CHECK IT OUT!

Godly Insights

Job 33:29-30 (MSG)

"This is the way God works.
Over and over again He pulls our souls back from certain destruction
so we'll see the light - and live in the light!"