Art Appreciation

Impressionist...contemporary...portrait...abstract...landscapes...
"A picture tells a thousand words!"

With over 750 art exhibits, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the diverse range of artistic creations. Some designs are more likeable than others, however, it is really a matter of personal opinion. In the last couple of days I've come to learn that the best way to view such an art exhibition is by means of 'open appreciation' ~ being mindful that each work of art has a unique creator who has done their best to express themselves through artistic design.

But what of Faith Appreciation?

Psalm 107:42b (MSG) ~ "...it's time you appreciated God's deep love."

Majors Jim and Marion Weymouth

Members of the World Mission Fellowship were privileged to welcome Majors Jim and Marion Weymouth as our guest speakers.

Sharing enthusiastically about their three year term of service in the Hong Kong & Macau Command, we rejoiced with them in the many opportunities that they have been blessed to experience in their educational ministry roles.

As I reflected on their visual presentation I was reminded that the Greek word for 'enthuse' (en theos) literally means "in God". And I was encouraged that the Weymouths' dedicated service to different cultures is evidence that they have a deep desire to be Christ in the communities where they serve as they are graced "in God" with all they need.

Pray for Jim and Marion as they prepare to conclude their service in Hong Kong and commence new training college appointments in Zambia from 1 October.

Let This Mind Be In You

Philippians 2:5a (NKJV) ~ "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus..."

Our time of worship today focussed on this verse as we corporately praised God with thanksgiving for the inspired lives and devoted service of the Army's Founders, William and Catherine Booth.

As Christians, we each need to have a deep desire to pursue a Christlike mind. Taking the example of the Booths as a role model to the Apostle Paul's personal invitation we explored these holiness statements.

Let this surrendered mind be in me!
Let this sanctified mind be in me!
Let this worshipping mind be in me!
Let this loving, caring mind be in me!
Let this obedient and humble mind be in me!
Let this victorious mind be in me!

The choir's message, I want to be like Jesus, composed by Major Howard Davies complimented these holiness thoughts well.

When I think about the purity of Jesus
In this fallen world His beauty stands alone
No one else in all the ages was as good as He
How I want to be like Jesus in my heart!

How I mourn the sinful weakness of my nature
How I long He would more godliness impart
His the grace that causes me to come with childlike faith
Makes me want to be like Jesus in my heart!

Then at last the day will come when I shall see Him
All complete the work in me His grace did start
Just to contemplate His glory makes me plead once more
Yes, I want to be like Jesus in my heart!

O! I want to be like Jesus in my heart!
O! I want to be like Jesus in my heart!
In my heart,
In my heart,
O! I want to be like Jesus in my heart!

Celebrating Love and Grace

Love and grace were celebrated today. Two different expressions but both contained rich personal and spiritual blessings!

The first was a hospital visit with a beautiful woman of God who is celebrating the abundant love and daily grace of God in her life, despite facing a poor prognosis. Our time of sharing and prayer was a real Grace moment, where the presence of God was evidenced by all.

The second was at lunchtime, when I took Dabak out to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary. We shared an intimate meal together to celebrate our shared love and the gift of God's grace upon our marriage and ministry.

Celebrate God's gift of love and grace in life! It's a sure prescription for contentedness.

Colossians 2:7 (NLT) ~ "Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."

Indonesian Baptist Congregation

Dabak and I were privileged to take part in worship at the Indonesian Baptist Congregation in Balwyn this afternoon at the invitation of the pastor via one of our Indonesian residents.

Dabak shared a message on forgiveness from the Word of God using the life of Joseph as a role-model, together with her own powerful life-application experiences. It was well-delivered and well-received. However, the highlight for many was our duet, My Jesus, I love thee, that followed.

It was inspirational time of praise and worship with our Indonesian brothers and sisters in Christ. My closing benedictory remarks affirmed that God's grace is always trustworthy and reliable.
Tuhan Yesus tidak berubah selamalamanya! The Lord Jesus never changes forever and ever!
Hallelujah!

Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV) ~ "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

"God is passionate about salvation!"

In our final message in the series Journeying With Jonah, we discover a pitiful, pouting prophet Jonah. Here's a brief overview of his rollercoaster experience.
Chapter 1— Jonah Running From God.
Chapter 2— Jonah Running to God.
Chapter 3— Jonah Running for God.
And finally, here in chapter 4 — Jonah Is Trying to Run God.

Somehow Jonah failed to understand the grace of God. He didn’t want to realize that God operates in ways that supersede our human feelings and logic. Reflecting on the recent Ninevite revival, Jonah failed to tap into the “heart and mind” knowledge that God’s grace is sufficient! Rather than trusting God whole-heartedly and opting to rejoice in the revival and outpouring of gracious salvation that had just taken place, Jonah tried to manipulate God to change his mind and ruin them to destruction. In Jonah’s mind, God’s gracious intervention should have brought about their punishment. And that's when God steps in to remind Jonah that obedient faith is not about our OWN SELF, but HIS SALVATION.

Sadly, the book of Jonah ends very abruptly. There don't seem to be any neat endings with this Biblical book that clearly speaks about the unconditional love and grace of God.

However, let's be sure of this ~ God’s Redeeming Plan is always about passionately offering life-transforming salvation that brings about personal renewal and eternal hope through His most gracious love for mankind.

If God is passionate about salvation, then so, too, should we be.

Wonderful grace, that gives what I don’t deserve,
Pays me what Christ has earned, then lets me go free.
Wonderful grace, that gives me the time to change,
Washes away the stains that once covered me.
And all that I have I lay at the feet
Of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.

Wonderful love, that held in the face of death,
Breathed in its latest breath forgiveness for me.
Wonderful love, whose power can break every chain,

Giving us life again and setting us free.

And all that I have I lay at the feet

Of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.

Yernga Friendship Group

We recommenced Companion Club today with our "Yernga Friendship Group" ~ where fun and faith meet!

This social group for over 50s men and women that meets fortnightly on Friday mornings from 10am to 12noon in the Community Hall at the Yernga Retirement Village (32-34 Larch Crescent, Mt Waverley).

Interestingly, the word Yernga means "looking forward", and this was certainly descriptive of the 13 folk who met this morning looking forward to this new beginning and the prospects of welcoming new friends as we journey in companionship together.

Yernga Retirement Village ~ 32-34 Larch Crs, Mt Waverley

JULY MEETINGS ~ Friday 11 & Friday 27

For more info, contact: Noreen Webster ~ 9802 9124

"A friendly welcome awaits you!"