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."
Saturday, 10 May 2008
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!
Friday, 2 May 2008
Looking Fear In The Face
I'm feeling very apprehensive. I need to attend Parliament House tomorrow for a youth function...and I've come to the conclusion (thanks to my wife!) that it would be better to take the train in rather than drive. Truth is, I haven't used public transport for over 10 years and am loathing the very thought.
Comfort zones are just that ~ comfortable! When we face our fears head on, it can be quite an ordeal albeit a necessary one for personal growth. Most personal fears stem from one's preconceived thoughts about feeling uncomfortable. I'm aware of this, but it doesn't seem to make the decision any easier.
Well, life is a journey...and it's time that I looked my fear in the face and try the train ride, complete with an optimistic attitude. So here goes....
Genesis 26:19 (MSG) ~ "That very night God appeared to him and said, ... don't fear a thing because I'm with you."
POSTSCRIPT...
In my state of nervousness, I accidentally 'saved' this post last night instead of publishing it.
So I can report back here now that everything went well on the train today; no wrong trains or platforms, no delays. Overall, no need to fear public transport!
Comfort zones are just that ~ comfortable! When we face our fears head on, it can be quite an ordeal albeit a necessary one for personal growth. Most personal fears stem from one's preconceived thoughts about feeling uncomfortable. I'm aware of this, but it doesn't seem to make the decision any easier.
Well, life is a journey...and it's time that I looked my fear in the face and try the train ride, complete with an optimistic attitude. So here goes....
Genesis 26:19 (MSG) ~ "That very night God appeared to him and said, ... don't fear a thing because I'm with you."
POSTSCRIPT...
In my state of nervousness, I accidentally 'saved' this post last night instead of publishing it.
So I can report back here now that everything went well on the train today; no wrong trains or platforms, no delays. Overall, no need to fear public transport!
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Parables
Today our Bible Discussion Group commenced a new series entitled "Hiding The Truth", based on parables in the Bible. It was a most interesting and informative hour spent in the Word together that fostered lots of helpful discussion points.
A parable:
Yes, there is truth in the saying, "You learn something new everyday!"
A parable:
- is a word-picture, which uses an image or story to illustrate a truth or lesson
- defines the unknown by using the known
- helps the listener to discover the deeper meaning and underlying truth of the reality being portrayed
- can be a figure of speech or comparison, such as "the kingdom of God...is like a mustard seed" (Luke 13:19)
- is a short story told to bring out a lesson or moral.
- is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning (spiritual truth).
Yes, there is truth in the saying, "You learn something new everyday!"
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