In Luke 15 there is a trilogy of parables concerning the lost ~ the Lost Coin, the Lost Sheep and the Lost Son. There is no doubt that Jesus' emphasis in each of these was to challenge us about our own attitudes toward and response to “the lost, the hurting, the disadvantaged and marginalized”. Every time Jesus spoke in parables, He left his hearers with a message of spiritual challenge to effect a deep, personal change in their lives.
One of our Bible discussion members reminded us of Ira Sankey's song, The Ninety and the Nine. I later discovered that Sankey came across these words in a British newspaper while he was conducting an evangelical campaign in Scotland with Dwight L Moody. He tore the poem from the paper, put it in his pocket, and forgot about it. Later that day, at the end of their service in Edinburgh, Moody asked Sankey for a closing song. Ira was caught by surprise, but at that very moment the Holy Spirit reminded him of the poem by Elizabeth Clephane that was in his pocket. He brought it out, said a prayer, then composed the tune as he sang.
There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away, far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare. Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.
"Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine; are they not enough for Thee?”
But the Shepherd made answer: “This of Mine has wandered away from Me;
And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find My sheep.”
But none of the ransomed ever knew how deep were the waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through 'ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry, sick and helpless and ready to die.
And all through the mountains, thunder riven and up from the rocky steep
There arose a glad cry to the gate of Heaven, “Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”
And the angels echoed around the throne, “Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!”
Lord, keep me passionate about the 'lost' and focussed on doing my part to 'bring them home' to You!
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Duo Celebration Day
"Happy Birthday Church!" were the words that echoed around the hall as we commenced worship today to mark the duo celebration of Pentecost and Mother's Day.Aptly themed 'The Power of Love', our celebration worship service gave good focus to both these special events and featured balloons and Bibles, carnations and chocolates, memorials and ministry, Spirit singing and Scriptures.
One of our godly mothers, Noreen Webster, gave an inspirational message based on John 19:25a ~ "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother..." ~ that highlighted the power of a mother's love and the need to live in God's power.
At the door folk testified to personal experiences of inner healing, inspiration, refreshment and divine confirmation. All proof that God's Holy Spirit is actively at work.
To top off the day, Dabak and I also shared the day together with the 'world's best mum' ~ mine (biased I know!). A delicious Chinese lunch and relaxing afternoon brought the day's wonderful celebrations to a close.
================
These following verses (sung to 'How great thou art!') were written by our choir leader, Anita O'Brien, and included in today's Pentecost/Mother's Day service.
Spirit of God, come now in all your fullness
To fill our hearts with love so pure and deep,
Then may we know the beauty of Your presence
Your mercy sweet and grace in time of need.
To fill our hearts with love so pure and deep,
Then may we know the beauty of Your presence
Your mercy sweet and grace in time of need.
Heaven rejoiced, the Father's love created
A mother's heart that imitates His care
Creator God, Your perfect love reflected
In the hearts of mothers everywhere.
Saturday, 10 May 2008
SAPPHIRE
I'm not referring to the precious gemstone, but a group of 'precious gems' who commit their finances to assisting others in need. The Salvation Army Box Hill's SAPPHIRE group stands for Salvation Army People Providing Help In Real Emergencies, and is under the inspired leadership of James and Jan Allen.
Tonight we attended the SAPPHIRE Trivia Night. The event was full of fun, interesting facts and good fellowship. We weren't on the winning team, however, we did contribute toward enabling SAPPHIRE to achieve their aim of raising much-needed funds for their current project that provides opportunities for disadvantaged women from Congo (Kinshasa) to make positive life changes.
We're always winners when we invest in the lives of others!
Proverbs 11:25 (MSG) ~ "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped."
Tonight we attended the SAPPHIRE Trivia Night. The event was full of fun, interesting facts and good fellowship. We weren't on the winning team, however, we did contribute toward enabling SAPPHIRE to achieve their aim of raising much-needed funds for their current project that provides opportunities for disadvantaged women from Congo (Kinshasa) to make positive life changes.
We're always winners when we invest in the lives of others!
Proverbs 11:25 (MSG) ~ "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped."
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
P.U.S.H.
Pray
Until
Something
Happens
It's a timely word considering the events happening within our world at large.
It's a biblical principle shared by the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians (5:17), no matter what translation you use.
It's a spiritual command that should be 'non-negotiable' in the life of all Spirit-filled Christians.
It's a viable option accessible to everyone and worth putting into practice.
P.U.S.H. the boundaries of God's resources and you will experience a great blessing!
When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.
Until
Something
Happens
It's a timely word considering the events happening within our world at large.
It's a biblical principle shared by the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians (5:17), no matter what translation you use.
"pray continually" (NIV)
"never stop praying" (CEV/NLT)
"pray all the time" (MSG)
"pray without ceasing" (NKJV)
It's a spiritual command that should be 'non-negotiable' in the life of all Spirit-filled Christians.
It's a viable option accessible to everyone and worth putting into practice.
P.U.S.H. the boundaries of God's resources and you will experience a great blessing!
When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.
Monday, 5 May 2008
Myanmar ~ Urgent Prayer!
The Salvation Army Singapore, Malaysia & Myanmar
Territorial Headquarters
Dear friends
Many of you will be aware from news reports over the weekend about the devastating cyclone which has struck a large part of the country of Myanmar. We have been concerned about the destruction of property and the loss of life and the large numbers of people who have been made homeless as a result of this severe storm. It is unusual for such storms to affect Myanmar and many of the houses and buildings are not built to withstand such forceful winds etc.
I have been unable to contact our Regional Headquarters due to the fact that most phone lines are down. However this morning, Major James Aaron, the Regional Officer was able to make a telephone call to me from an outside call box. The major reports some damage to Salvation Army properties in Yangon. The roof of the RHQ and Central Corps building has been completely removed by the force of the wind. This means that there has been significant water damage inside the RHQ and the Central Corps which is located on the ground floor below. As a result of this, equipment and furniture is being relocated to the new Yangon Boys Home and RHQ is setting up operations in some of the new classrooms in this building. The officers quarters building at RHQ which adjoins the corps and office building has not been damaged and so this means that the officers can remain in their present accommodation.
Major James also reports that some roof sheeting on the new Yangon Boys Home has been removed though most of the home remains secure. At the Yangon Girls Home, the main damage has been to the roof of the food storage area which is meant that many bags of rice in storage have been affected by rainwater. In typical Salvation Army fashion, our comrades in Yangon are going to immediately to use this rice to cook meals and distribute these to needy families.
At present, Major James is unable to contact most officers in the central Myanmar area which will have been affected to some degree by this storm. It is likely that some of the towns where The Salvation Army operates have been affected although they are not in the most seriously affected area.
It is uncertain at this stage as to what relief work The Salvation Army will be able to be engaged in as in the country of Myanmar, it is difficult to move in to areas without the permission of the government. Major James and his team are assessing the situation and will be providing me with regular update reports and any request for assistance that might be appropriate.
I know that you will all want to keep the people of Myanmar and our Salvationist comrades in your prayers at this time. We are saddened that many have lost their lives and that others now find that what little they have has been totally destroyed.
I will update you on the situation should any more information come to hand which would help us to keep informed about this matter.
Blessings.
David Bringans
Commissioner
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
Territorial Headquarters
Dear friends
Many of you will be aware from news reports over the weekend about the devastating cyclone which has struck a large part of the country of Myanmar. We have been concerned about the destruction of property and the loss of life and the large numbers of people who have been made homeless as a result of this severe storm. It is unusual for such storms to affect Myanmar and many of the houses and buildings are not built to withstand such forceful winds etc.
I have been unable to contact our Regional Headquarters due to the fact that most phone lines are down. However this morning, Major James Aaron, the Regional Officer was able to make a telephone call to me from an outside call box. The major reports some damage to Salvation Army properties in Yangon. The roof of the RHQ and Central Corps building has been completely removed by the force of the wind. This means that there has been significant water damage inside the RHQ and the Central Corps which is located on the ground floor below. As a result of this, equipment and furniture is being relocated to the new Yangon Boys Home and RHQ is setting up operations in some of the new classrooms in this building. The officers quarters building at RHQ which adjoins the corps and office building has not been damaged and so this means that the officers can remain in their present accommodation.
Major James also reports that some roof sheeting on the new Yangon Boys Home has been removed though most of the home remains secure. At the Yangon Girls Home, the main damage has been to the roof of the food storage area which is meant that many bags of rice in storage have been affected by rainwater. In typical Salvation Army fashion, our comrades in Yangon are going to immediately to use this rice to cook meals and distribute these to needy families.
At present, Major James is unable to contact most officers in the central Myanmar area which will have been affected to some degree by this storm. It is likely that some of the towns where The Salvation Army operates have been affected although they are not in the most seriously affected area.
It is uncertain at this stage as to what relief work The Salvation Army will be able to be engaged in as in the country of Myanmar, it is difficult to move in to areas without the permission of the government. Major James and his team are assessing the situation and will be providing me with regular update reports and any request for assistance that might be appropriate.
I know that you will all want to keep the people of Myanmar and our Salvationist comrades in your prayers at this time. We are saddened that many have lost their lives and that others now find that what little they have has been totally destroyed.
I will update you on the situation should any more information come to hand which would help us to keep informed about this matter.
Blessings.
David Bringans
Commissioner
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
- Please pray for Myanmar ~ that the government will allow foreign aid to come in and provide much-needed relief and reconstruction programmes.
- Pray for our officers, salvationists and people of Myanmar as they struggle to cope with what has happened.
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Singing Seniors
Psalm 30:4 (MSG)
All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! Thank him to his face!
There is great reward in corporate Christian worship. We get inspired, enthused and motivated to love God more dearly, serve him to the best of our ability and rely on him more fully. At least that's the benefit I receive in my aged-specific ministry to seniors.
The rich theology and strong doctrine of the hymns and worship choruses we sing, speak a challenging message to our souls and provide us with a means of responding spiritually to the personal love of God. A senior with a song on their lips stemming from a devoted heart is priceless and inspirational.
Today I sincerely echoed the words of Don Moen within my heart ~"Praise looks good on you!"
All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! Thank him to his face!
There is great reward in corporate Christian worship. We get inspired, enthused and motivated to love God more dearly, serve him to the best of our ability and rely on him more fully. At least that's the benefit I receive in my aged-specific ministry to seniors.
The rich theology and strong doctrine of the hymns and worship choruses we sing, speak a challenging message to our souls and provide us with a means of responding spiritually to the personal love of God. A senior with a song on their lips stemming from a devoted heart is priceless and inspirational.
Today I sincerely echoed the words of Don Moen within my heart ~"Praise looks good on you!"
Saturday, 3 May 2008
No Barriers To Inspiration
After 13 years of marriage to my wife, Dabak, who was born blind, I am in a position to confidently affirm that her 'vision-impairment' is no barrier or limitation to what she can achieve. Yes, there is always a different way of accomplishing everyday tasks that might seem tedious to us 'sighted' folk, but in the end, jobs still get done. Personal experience has taught me that no one person is 'disabled', but rather 'differently-abled'.
A Christian friend of ours who works with the Singapore Association for the Visually-handicapped (unfortunate name really!) sent us an inspiring clip of a gifted 5 year old Korean girl who is 'vision-impaired' pianist.
When you get a moment, take a look at this inspiring clip. Watch until the end and let God touch your heart through this gifted girl. Click the link below to be inspired. You'll be glad you did!
A Christian friend of ours who works with the Singapore Association for the Visually-handicapped (unfortunate name really!) sent us an inspiring clip of a gifted 5 year old Korean girl who is 'vision-impaired' pianist.
When you get a moment, take a look at this inspiring clip. Watch until the end and let God touch your heart through this gifted girl. Click the link below to be inspired. You'll be glad you did!
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