Pursuing A Christian Mind

I’m sure you've heard the saying, or perhaps even used the phrase, “You’re out of your mind!”. Though this often used as a critical comment, it could perhaps be viewed as a Christian compliment. Let me explain. When Christians follow God’s will for their lives, it could be said that we are “out of our [human] minds” as we seek to be obedient to the mind of Christ.

Here’s another saying ~ “Out of sight, out of mind”. This represents the idea that something is easily forgotten or dismissed as unimportant if it is not in our direct view. But how is this understood from a Christian perspective? The Bible teaches in 2 Corinthians 4:18 ~ “..we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Consider then, that if “out of sight’ means ‘unseen’ and therefore, eternal in concept, then it could possibly be said that Christians focus on the ‘out of sight’ ~ unseen and eternal ~ in order to experience the ‘mind of Christ’. In this sense, we are theoretically, ‘out of (human) mind’ as we focus on the spiritual hope we possess in Christ.

Lord, fill us with Your Spirit as we seek to pursue a Christlike mind that reflects Christlike actions.

Philippians 2:5a (NKJV) ~ "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."

Positive, Supportive Influence

Aged care chaplaincy ministry is delightful and rewarding, yet it can also be challenging and confronting. Dealing with loss is an intergenerational experience, but one that seems to be more pronounced as one approaches their senior citizen years. I'm not simply talking about loss associated with death. There's also the loss of personal autonomy and physical independence associated with the aging process, to name but a few.

Experience is a great teacher and I've come to realize that what matters most is not what happens to us, but how we are supported through those times. Often we can't change a person's circumstances, but we do have the ability to affect their outlook of the situation and assist them to find hope in the process.

What are you doing to influence others? More importantly, what is God asking you to do as you seek to be a positive, supportive influence where He has placed you?

Leviticus 19:32 (MSG) ~ "Show respect to the aged; honor the presence of an elder; fear your God. I am God."

Words Of Life

Retired General John Gowans is the new author of The Salvation Army's devotional publication, Words of Life.

As expected, his daily messages have been outstanding ~ jam-packed full of encouragement and practical inspiration. John Gowans has a unique gift of being able to express Divine thoughts in a "down-to-earth" manner, enabling his readers to personally relate infinite and eternal spiritual truths to our human finite and often imperfect ways.

Why not get a copy and immerse yourself in God's "life-giving, life-nourishing" words? You'll be glad you did!

Isaiah 55:1 (MSG) ~ "Pay attention, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words. I'm making a lasting covenant commitment with you, the same that I made with David: sure, solid, enduring love."

Consider Him

Prior to leaving my office today, I focussed on a wall plaque bearing the words of Hebrews 12:3 from the King James version.

"Consider him...lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

This scriptural exhortation was valuable many times throughout the day today. It brought a reassuring peace when comfort was needed. A renewing spiritual energy when moments of ministry seemed to be an uphill battle. More than this, it proved to be a sure personal encouragement when hope was not on the horizon.

Try it and you'll see. Consider God...and experience His boundless grace. Consider
Jesus...and be blessed. Consider the Holy Spirit...and be empowered for the everyday!

SASB 579 (verse 2) ~

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed e'er the day is half done.

When we've reached the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Annie Johnson Flint

Age Is No Barrier To Inspiration

92 year old, Clarice Artis ~ started swimming at 75 ~ Australian swimming champion ~ swims 32 laps daily. I'm sure you can imagine the inspiration we received as Clarice shared with us about her personal experiences of overcoming the odds and "giving it a go" without letting the excuses get in the way.

Physical fitness is necessary for optimal physical well being, just as spiritual fitness benefits the soul. The Bible, too, acknowledges that while physical exercise is important, spiritual exercise is more valuable. How's your daily exercise routine? What type of workout do you need to do?

Remember, "Don't put off until tomorrow, what can be done today."
Now I'm heading off for a walk...

1 Timothy 4:6 (MSG) ~ "Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart."

World Mission Fellowship

Having previously served in appointments overseas, we learned first-hand the valuable support offered by the World Mission Fellowship (WMF). Now, as financial WMF members, we consider it a real joy to be able to offer that same valued support to others abroad. In addition, it is a wonderful privilege to serve as Secretary to the WMF. This wonderful fellowship exists to support our territory's overseas personnel, both prayerfully and practically ~ and does it well!

Membership is open to all Salvationist and friends. Annual subscription is only $10. Meetings are held on the first Monday of every month @ 6.30pm in the Inala Auditorium (220 Middleborough Rd, Blackburn South) and feature an invited guest speaker. as well as specific prayer focus for our overseas personnel.

If you would like to join the fellowship and receive our monthly newsletter [via print or e-mail], send us notification (together with your subscription) to:
Email ~ timothy.lynn@aus.salvationarmy.org or
Post to WMF Secretary, Locked Bag 1, Mont Albert VIC 3127

Pray for my fellow Executive colleagues as we seek to keep the WMF mission-focussed.

• Lieut-Colonel Lyndon Spiller ~ Chairperson
• Major Alan R Laurens ~ President
• Sister Elva Davies ~ Treasurer
• Lieut-Colonel Betty Spikin ~ Prayer Coordinator

Matthew 24:13 (MSG) ~ "...the good news—the Message of the kingdom—will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country."

A Force To Be Reckoned With

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Britain. More than 200 years ago a central figure in the push to end the slave trade was a Christian named William Wilberforce. Wilberforce worked tirelessly and suffered much opposition, but it was he who introduced the bill that finally heralded the demise of Britain’s organized trade in human beings.
Wilberforce was obedient to God’s call on his life and used his skill and his vocation to help to bring about an end to the horrors of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.The challenge for the Church to be salt and light in the world, and to live out the Biblical injunction to act justly and love our neighbours, is just as strong today as it was in Wilberforce’s day. There is a great need for Christians to take up the challenge to speak up for those people who are vulnerable, poor and exploited.

Pray earnestly that God will use the Stop The Traffik campaign launched last month on 25 March to put an end to the worldwide evils of human trafficking in operation today.