"Amazing God-Man"

This morning we commenced our Easter series, "Jesus Is Amazing!"
A main feature in our worship was a drama presentation entitled "Disturber of the Peace" ~ written by one of our chapel members (Major Win Barker) ~ a modern setting of Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin.

We then considered Jesus’ statement from Matthew 10:34 ~ “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword”. This verse actually had a direct fulfillment in the fact that He did not come to this earth to physically deliver the nation of Israel nor any other nation from oppression, slavery and bondage of another nation.
Jesus’ statement merely reflected the mission of His earthly ministry ~ the spiritual deliverance of all people to new life with God (“...ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven”). His intention was never to bring peace 'on earth' but rather to bring peace 'in earth' ~ through you and I!
Jesus' statement also reflected the nature of His own relationship with God as the Promised Messiah and Amazing Incarnate (“God-man”). An old SA chorus says it well.

He’s the Christ of the human road
And He offers to carry your load
He is walking your way
Every night, every day
This Christ of the human road
He is human and yet so divine
And he knows your heart’s sorrow and mine
In all times of need, He’s a true Friend indeed

This Christ of the human road.

Now that's something amazing to celebrate!

Ferntree Gully Fellowship

The early bird gets a nice hot cooked brekky. Well, that was true for us this morning anyway!

Dabak and I were privileged to share fellowship with folk from Ferntree Gully Corps in their monthly Saturday morning breakfast.
Together we shared something of the joys and blessings of ministry as an Anointed Partnership based on the promise of Jeremiah 29:11.

The scenic surroundings certainly added extra value to an enjoyable morning. Full marks to Major Arthur Owen and team for their kind hospitality!

Philippians 1:4-6 (NIV) ~ "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

A Timely Thought

Are you guilty of wishing that there were more hours to the day? Have you ever used the common expressions "I don't have time" or "I'm too busy"? Knowing how time can often get the better of us, I can't blame people for using these. But have you ever thought that at the heart of these expressions is an evaluation of priorities? By saying "I don't have time ~ I'm too busy" we make value judgements when we push aside that which is less of a priority for us due to the limited time we have. We often make an instant value judgement without giving the thought to it that God might like us to give.

Think of it in terms of ministry. When we say, directly or indirectly, to someone "I'm too busy, I don't have time" what message does that convey to the individual/s concerned? Ministry is time consuming and we do need to allow ourselves opportunities of personal refreshment, it's true. But valuing people is surely a vital part of the effectiveness of ministry. Let's make sure that we don't only make time for that which we "want to" do in preference to that which we "need to do", less the end result leads to a devaluing of those to whom we are called to serve.

Lord, help us wisely manage the times you appoint!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (MSG) ~ "There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth."

Male Voice Excellence

When it comes to choral singing, it is hard to beat a well-rehearsed Male Voice Choir. Dabak and I attended the rehearsal night of the Cantorion Cymreig Victoria Welsh Choir this evening and left with our spirits uplifted and a song in our hearts. Music does that! It strikes a chord within us that resonates joy and praise. Isn't that why a vital part of our church worship is in song?

But, wait there's more! God Himself rejoices over us. Zephaniah reflects on the fact that God takes great delight in us and gladly sings his praise of us. Now that's a nice thought! Your life and mine put a song on the Father's lips and a note of gladness in His remembrance of us.

What is it that caused Him to "rejoice over you with singing" today?

Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV) ~ "The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Group Study Exchange

No, I'm not talking about our weekly Bible study (though we did have another good discussion today!) As an active Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Box Hill, I'm referring to our district's Group Study Exchange programme designed to enable an outbound Aussie team and inbound overseas team to more fully appreciate each other's countries and cultures.

So it was certainly an enjoyable and informative meeting as we heard from the GSE team members representing Sweden and Latvia, hosted by the Rotary Club of Ringwood. Topics ranged from general country statistics to personal biographies to wider issues of national and international concern. As a result of their sharing our international perspectives were widened and our appreciation of our international visitors deepened.

It just goes to show that worldwide fellowship isn't only a unique feature of The Salvation Army, but a rich and intricate aspect of Rotary International.

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV) ~ "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

In The Driver's Seat

Yesterday afternoon was an historic moment!

At 12.30pm, my wife, Dabak, for the very first time in her life got behind the wheel of a manual sedan and, following an intensive half hour lesson, drove me 2 laps around the Sandown Motor Racing Circuit. This was made possible thanks to her fantastic driving instructor, Rowan White, and the Lions Club of Warrandyte who organize this annual event for blind and visually-impaired people.

Oh, by the way...Zarena was trembling in the back with me!

Dabak in the driver's seat at Sandown Circuit

Dabak riding pillion with biker John

Congratulations Dabak ...now hand me the keys, please!

Matthew 16:24 (MSG) ~ "Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how."

Rollercoaster Faith

Life is like a rollercoaster with its mind-blowing highs and death-defying lows. Then there are the times when we seem to be getting nowhere 'looping the loop'. No matter what our experience at the moment, we can be certain of one thing ~ we are safe when we ride the tracks of faith God lays out for us. That was the focus of our worship today!

And here's the words of a 'golden oldie' chorus we sang.

Faith is the evidence of things now not seen
Hope is the vict'ry where defeat may have been
Love brought my Saviour down my soul to redeem
"But the greatest of these is Love."