Celebrating Australia

Australia Day is a time to celebrate what's great about Australia. It is an occasion, more than any other, when we express our national pride in our distinctive landscape, our diverse society and our unique lifestyle.

Each year on 26 January, we are reminded of what it means to be Australian, sharing a sense of community, a mood of optimism and a commitment to the fair go. In this spirit, we extend a warm welcome to our new citizens who will pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people in 2008.

This is also a time to recognise outstanding contributions to the life of the nation. Through the Australian of the Year Awards, we spotlight the extraordinary achievements of ordinary Australians.

On Australia Day 2008, we have cause for celebration and time for reflection. I encourage all Australians, across the country and around the world, to consider the contribution each of us can make to this great nation of ours.

The Honourable Kevin Rudd MP
Prime Minister of Australia

"Lord, I praise You for the privilege of being an Australian citizen, but more than this, I'm ever so grateful that I'm a citizen of Heaven through my relationship with Jesus Christ!"

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Captain Debbie Messenger who serves as administrator of the Joyville Children's Home in The Philippines.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Overseas Personnel Officer, Lieut-Colonel Julie Spiller as she provides an administation and pastoral care ministry to those serving in other territories through the Overseas Personnel Office, THQ.

Triumph Tsonga

Ezekiel 21:25 (MSG) ~ No more "business as usual." The underdog will be promoted and the top dog will be demoted.

This was certainly true this evening as France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Spain's #2 Rafael Nadal in excitement-packed straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

Those of you who know me well will note two things here ~ one unusual and the other predictable.

• First, as a self-proclaimed 'sports ignoramus', I'm thoroughly enjoying watching the Australian Open (in fact, I'm hooked!).
• Second, I'm once again rooting for the underdog.

There is always an air of excitement and triumph when I hear stories and witness the progress of people who are crippled by life's circumstances; who struggle to live up to societal expectations and who are bound by the personal opinions of others, yet prove themselves worthy and rise victoriously despite their experiences.

Spiritually-speaking, we all reach our spiritual potential in Christ. Faith in Christ alone enables us to be who and what God created us to be and drives us to live life to the full. And as we do, God says to us, "No more business as usual" ~ for we become a vital part of His Divine team.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Khelsi Webb ~ living and study in Pakistan, where her parents are serving.

Comfort In Tragedy

This morning Australia woke to the tragic news that actor Heath Ledger had died in the prime of his life and acting career, aged only 28. Then this afternoon, we learned that our dear friends' daughter, who is currently hospitalized and courageously battling a cancer with a bleak future, will undergo a further fragile operation tonight in the hope that it may bring some much-needed personal relief.

These events caused me to reflect on the fact that when tragedy knocks on the doors of our hearts, it's always comforting to be reminded of the assurance of God's powerful promises to graciously come alongside us and offer a measure of personal support and spiritual encouragement that will give us hope when everything seems hopeless.

Deuternonomy 33:27 contains one such powerful promise for the present ~

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Tim Currie ~ experiencing life and education in Kenya

Creation Photos

With digital technology, it's possible to capture some great shots, and the ones you don't like can be easily deleted at the push of a button. Below are two photos ~ the first one I took after worship on Sunday morning (thanks to the keen eye of one of our observant ladies!) and the second is one I received via email. Enjoy!

Photo #1 ~ RAINDROP SPIDER WEB

Photo #2 ~ SMILE FROM GOD!

Who says God is not evident in creation??

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Jim and Marion Weymouth ~ serving God faithfully in Hong Kong

Empowered By His Presence

Lord, I come into Your presence

To receive from You just as I am.

No pretence, no barriers, only simplicity and honesty.

As I pray the focus shifts from me to You,

Sensing the reality of Your grace,

Sufficient, all-encompassing and sure.

In the quietness of my heart, reveal who You are,

And in the chaos of this world, set me right.

Make the light of Heaven and Your Holiness

Shine through me ~ flowing freely to all I meet.

Now I arise more ready to give,

For I go out with refreshed soul and renewed spirit

To be Christ ~ His hands, His feet, His voice.

You have filled me with Your grace.

So that I will reflect Your glory everyday.

~ Timothy D Lynn ~
19 January 2008

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Meg Currie ~ living and studying in Kenya, where her parents are serving as missionaries.

Honorable Intentions

There's no doubt about it, the POWERHOUSE prayer room has certainly been a much-needed refuge for all who have met together in quietness, confidence and reflective solitude to seek God's heart, listen to His voice, experience His grace, obey His commands, reflect His glory and bear fruit for His Kingdom.

In considering the prayer of Jabez (1 Chron 4:10), we are mindful that it's now up to us to continue to be intentional in our prayer life so that the enemy doesn't stand a chance.

Our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in "muchness" and "manyness," he will rest satisfied.

~ Richard J Foster ~

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Samuel Weymouth ~ infant son of Peter and Emma Weymouth serving in Zambia.