The Greatest Of These

Faith is the evidence of things now not seen

Hope gives the victory where defeat may have been

Love brought my Saviour down my soul to redeem

And the greatest of these is LOVE.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (MSG) ~ "But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love."

Mighty Wind

The storm force winds around Victoria and beyond today caused widespread chaos. Moments before I was to officiate a resident funeral, we found ourselves in a blackout situation. The lack of power meant that I had to use my "open air voice" and relocate the organist to the piano. Fortunately, both of us were adaptable to the circumstances! On exiting, we discovered that a huge tree had come crashing down behind the chapel, narrowly missing one of the attendees' parked car and the chapel toilet block.

Amidst the chaos, I recalled my training college days when our training principal, Lieut-Colonel Lucille Turfrey, gave a memorable series on the Holy Spirit. She spoke on the Hebrew word for Spirit, ruach (meaning "breath, air, wind"), commenting that the "wind of God" comes to us with fullness of life-changing power through His gentle, consistent pleading.

Edwin Hatch's words are worthy of our prayerful consideration.

Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure,

Until with Thee I will one will, to do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God, blend all my soul with Thine,

Until this earthly part of me glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God, so shall I never die,

But live with Thee the perfect life of Thine eternity.

Storm The Courts Of Heaven

Over the past couple of days (...and coming days), I've found that my chaplaincy ministry requires me to be available to others who are finding themselves in 'grief support mode'! Don't get me wrong, it is both an immense personal privilege and spiritually-sensitive opportunity to journey with, and reach out to, others in their time of deep personal need.

An email received this afternoon from an officer friend in New Zealand included the following urgent request for prayer support concerning Commissioner Hillmon Buckingham.

Our dear friend, Commissioner Hillmon Buckingham, is in intensive care in the public hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. He is 2 weeks post-op from major cancer surgery and has had complications. He is at the end of his "hoarded resources", exhausted and weak, and I assured his wife, Lorraine, that we would "storm the courts of heaven" on his behalf.
Those of you who know him know that he is truly one of God's saints and since his retirement has had fragile health.
Please pray for his healing, for added strength, and for wisdom onthe part of those caring for him. Also pray for his wife and family who are on this rollercoaster ride with him.”

Will you join me in "storming the courts of Heaven"?

2 Corinthians 9:14 (MSG) ~ Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they'll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need.

With Hope On The Horizon

Reading the scriptural account of the Emmaus Road experience (Luke 24:13-35) we are mindful that, in a very real sense, Cleopas and his unnamed friend made more than a physical journey that day. For their journey was also an emotionally-uplifting and spiritually-encouraging one! When they departed Jerusalem there was only hopelessness in their voices and a certain heaviness in their steps. But as they neared reached destination, having encountered Jesus, their hopelessness was turned into hopefulness ~ for Jesus put HOPE on their HORIZON.

Whatever form the conversation took as they walked, the truth remains that the Living Word came to them in their discouragement and renewed their hope. He came to them in their time of need, met with them, walked with them, talked with them, and then left them brimming with hope. The Word ~ the Living Word ~ always comes alongside His people in their time of need.

And that’s what the world wants to see from the church ~ a life-changing presence and power that is out of this world. To realize that Jesus is alive and journeys with people today, just like He did back then. To truly experience in their present moment that 'because He lives, I can face tomorrow'.

Have you ever considered what the most powerful proof of the resurrection is? It’s "resurrected disciples"!
We can face life confidently because Jesus is alive and we will live through Him.

And I'm confident of this. During this morning's worship, as folk walked forward to bring their love offerings toward this year’s Self Denial Appeal, another modern-day Emmaus road miracle took place; for Jesus journeyed with them in their steps. The generous faith contributions offered were blessed to the international social and spiritual ministry of The Salvation Army, so as to put ‘hope on the horizon’ for many.

In hope that sends a shining ray

Far down the future's broadening way

In peace that only thou canst give

For thee, o Master, let me live.

SASB 519, verse 4

TIM'S THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
There is no such thing as a pessimistic Christian; for by nature of our Christian faith we are eternal optimists.

Public Praise

The official opening and dedication of our Territorial Headquarters building in Railway Road, Blackburn, officiated by Commissioner Barry Pobjie (International Secretary, South Pacific and East Asia Zone), was marked by sincere praise ~ from beginning to end.

To the curbside musical strains of the Melbourne Staff Band and Melbourne Staff Songsters folk gathered on the road outside the new building to share corporately in joyous praise to God for the completion of this major relocation project, concluding with the confident declaration ~ "Thy praise and glory shall not fail throughout eternity".

The new lease property has been designed specifically to meet the purposes of The Salvation Army's administrative requirements and demands for continuity of care to the community through our social and spiritual ministries. This was made clear very clear by the wording on the unveiled plaque:

THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA SOUTHERN TERRITORY

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS

WAS OPENED TO THE GLORY OF GOD

AND THE SALVATION OF THE LOST.

May all who work in and enter this new facility never forget this sacred purpose!

Psalm 147:1 (MSG) ~ "Hallelujah! It's a good thing to sing praise to our God; praise is beautiful, praise is fitting."

Envoys

Though we haven't had any official correspondence to date, it is evident that our territory has decided to give our 'non-commissioned' ministry personnel the rank of 'envoy'. Yes, it is true! History does has a habit of repeating itself. Don't get me wrong ~ this, in itself, is not a bad move. I have many fond memories of envoys who served faithfully and made a real spiritual impact, not only on myself personally, but in the lives of countless others as well.

Our Army needs men and women who are called of God to make themselves available for ministry and service, whether for a short-term, long-term or with the future possibility of entering full-time service as officers.

Envoy = Messenger or Agent

Pray for those who have offered, and will offer, themselves to become 'messengers' within our territory, bringing a much-needed spiritual message of hope and healing as a worthy 'agent of God'.

Proverbs 13:17 (NIV)
"A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing."

Family @ Fairfield

Our family outing this morning consisted of a delicious brunch, a nice long leisurely walk and a fun-packed time at the children's playground. It was a great way to spend quality time together as a family on this beautiful public holiday, prior to the 'Sydneysider Lynns' returning home following their Easter weekend visit.



The surroundings were stunning and very relaxing, complete with a spirited rendition of songs from different musicals by a group of senior citizens picknicking nearby. Appreciating God's beauty and creation is enjoyable...Dabak and I should do it more often!

Psalm 145:10 (MSG) ~ "Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you."