Well Done!

Today was the celebration of the life of a special lady. Linda Joy Froud: 10/10/1927 ~ 24/05/2007. A gathering of 170 people filled our hall. Family, Friends, Senior Citizen's Choir, RSL Members, and Corps Family. Captain Joy Cassidy(previous CO), returned to conduct the Celebration of Joy's life.



Matthew 25:21 His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' (Message)

The WORD

I have a favourite copy of the Bible. It is a paperback copy of the NIV translation. To look at the outside, it has little appeal. Stuck together with tape, cracked and torn front, and back covers. The inside, is underlined, and notes written in it.

This is the Bible that the Holy Spirit and me, read together. A period of growth, understanding, and development.

Luke 24:27 Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him. (Message)

Push or Pull

When you move things around, you learn some stuff that is very helpful. Particularly if your moving a trolley, with an urn on it. Things are OK whilst on an even surface, but when moving from a tiled area onto a carpeted area, there is usually a bump to navigate over. Such a simple thing really, however, the size of the trolley wheels, do have a dramatic impact on the obstacles size. Another major effect, is whether you are pushing, or pulling, the trolley at the time of impact. Note to self: always pull the trolley!!!!!!!!!!

A bit like ministry really! Best not to push people, just drag them, mmmm...

Learn from the Disciples, who were called to fish for men!!!!

John 21:8 The other disciples came in by boat for they weren't far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. (Message)

Cheerful Heart

Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired. (Message)

Many years ago, in a Sheltered Workshop setting, I used this verse for our morning-tea devotions. Encouraging everyone to look on the bright side of life. About a month later, I was walking through the workshop, and a young man in the paint-shop, enquired of me. What's wrong Captain? Your not smiling!!

He had remembered my words, and was looking for the genuine expression of them. Also, observing a contrast from the normal, was concerned for my well-being.

Thank you Lord, for your treasures!!!

Covenant

See Blog ~ Pray ~ Saturday, May 12th.

This week's Corps Newsletter, contained a call to prayer for the Canadian Cadet's Commissioning. It contained a list of the Cadet's Names, and Appointments, to assist our people to be specific, in their pray for each Cadet.

I have been thinking about their Commissioning, Dedication, Covenant Ceremony, and how it will impact their lives.

Ezekiel 37:26 I'll make a covenant of peace with them that will hold everything together, an everlasting covenant. I'll make them secure and place my holy place of worship at the center of their lives forever. (Message)

APPLY

Today I used a slightly different approach in the delivery of the Pentecost Address. The main thrust was, Empowered to share. Following the meeting, a Salvationist said, I felt like you were talking directly to me. Well, after a little discussion on who was talking to who, encouragement was given to apply what was heard.

I will now, be looking for the blossom, and then the fruit to develop.

James 1:22 Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! (Message)

Right Idea, Wrong Way!

2 Samuel 6:1-8 David mustered the pick of the troops of Israel—thirty divisions of them. Together with his soldiers, David headed for Baalah to recover the Chest of God, which was called by the Name God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who was enthroned over the pair of angels on the Chest. They placed the Chest of God on a brand-new oxcart and removed it from Abinadab's house on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab's sons, were driving the new cart loaded with the Chest of God, Ahio in the lead and Uzzah alongside the Chest. David and the whole company of Israel were in the parade, singing at the top of their lungs and playing mandolins, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals. When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, so Uzzah reached out and grabbed the Chest of God. God blazed in anger against Uzzah and struck him hard because he had profaned the Chest. Uzzah died on the spot, right alongside the Chest. Then David got angry because of God's deadly outburst against Uzzah. That place is still called Perez Uzzah (The-Explosion-Against-Uzzah). (Message)

The Ark seems to have had it's transport arrangements, made by a committee. As they placed it on the brand-new cart. Seems quite logical. Moving a precious thing on a brand-new cart. When there was a bump in the road, the impact of their decision making process, was revealed with grave consequences. What went wrong? What could they have done better? Where was God in their decision making?

They simply forgot to follow God's instructions, that had previously been given.

1 Chron. 15:15 The Levites carried the Chest of God exactly as Moses, instructed by God, commanded—carried it with poles on their shoulders, careful not to touch it with their hands.
(Message)

How often do we think, and act, as though we know best?

Single, Poor, Pensioner.

Here we go again!!! Petrol pricing is about to explode!!!


RACV Petrol Watch ~ Latrobe Valley
Product Cost 69.2 cents
Federal Tax 37.7 cents
GST 12.0 cents
Freight 1.3 cents
Shell & Retailer 12.2 cents

Retail Price 132.4 cents per litre.

One has to ask, with further expenses, how will the single pensioners cope? Those who are already struggling, to maintain a house, and motor vehicle. Why should the widows/widowers, be punished with insufficient income, just because their life partner has died? Is this, justice?

I realise that there has been a poll in the media, which gained an overwhelming public response, of an expectation that the Government should ease the fuel tax burden. Will it make a difference, as this is an election year?

Zech. 7:9-10 Well, the message hasn't changed. God-of-the-Angel-Armies said then and says now: " 'Treat one another justly. Love your neighbors. Be compassionate with each other. Don't take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor. Don't plot and scheme against one another—that's evil.' (Message)

Consider this!!

Vision may come in many forms, and I'm not sure if the form of vision is based on your personality, or understanding, or anything else. For myself, it is largely based on the fulfillment of the Scriptures that God has revealed to me.

We live in a multicultural society, so I believe that the passage in Zechariah is of particular importance.

Let's just consider the possibility!!!!

Zech. 8:20-23 A Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies: "People and their leaders will come from all over to see what's going on. The leaders will confer with one another: 'Shouldn't we try to get in on this? Get in on God's blessings? Pray to God-of-the-Angel-Armies? What's keeping us? Let's go!' "Lots of people, powerful nations—they'll come to Jerusalem looking for what they can get from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, looking to get a blessing from God." A Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies: "At that time, ten men speaking a variety of languages will grab the sleeve of one Jew, hold tight, and say, 'Let us go with you. We've heard that God is with you.' " (Message)

Meditation

2 Chron. 16:9a. God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. (Message)

Think.

Forgive us

Luke 23:34 Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing." Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. (Message)

I did not think I would write this blog. Particularly as I have blogged today. Some say that history has a way of repeating itself. I pray that this is not the case in The Salvation Army.

I am one of the 1978-1980 Joyful Evangelists Session. I was at that time, very naive, regarding what can effect Ministry in particular. The blocks, short circuits, strongholds, and evil forces.

I had written an extensive blog, and deleted the majority of it before publishing. Perhaps this is not the place, or the time, to share my absolute anger, at an historical decision which will take effect on 1st June.

Father, forgive us, for we know not what we do!

Thank you!!

Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!

I cannot count how many times that 'Thank you!!', has been expressed this last week. It is not hard to say.

Sometimes the response was, 'The Salvos helped me, so I'm helping them!!'.

When I look back over my life thus far, there have been some amazing people. Many of whom, may not know how, they have been an influence on my life. Which by the way, is still a work in progress.

The support of a praying people, is so amazing. Those who quietly say, I'm praying for you. Without anyone else knowing, they are fulfilling the Lord's call on their lives. For Cities to be turned around, peoples' lives changed, these praying people are the HEROES, forging the way forward.

Thank you Lord, for your people, who freely give, and give, and give. Just because they love you, Lord.

Matthew 10:8 Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously. (Message)

Service

Been off doing the Red Shield Appeal, thing-o. Well, learned how to play chicken, with cars. Me being the chicken - self-preservation to the fore. Apart from sore feet, knees, and back, all is well.

I have learnt some valuable information for next years appeal.

Between people working, being sick, family situations, etc., we were about 50% under staffed this year. I must salute, the willing personnel who fulfilled an extra level of service, to assist in the deficit.

Rev. 2:19 "I see everything you're doing for me. Impressive! The love and the faith, the service and persistence. Yes, very impressive! You get better at it every day. (Message)

Agreement

Today, we had a coffee meeting with the Ministers. 5 Fellowships were represented. It was a great time. We shared around some of the ministry aspirations that each had for the Valley. There was an overwhelming sense that we each shared similar desires. There was also an agreement, of ministry to the base needs of the community. Best of all, there was a genuine desire to have a change in the spiritual climate, of the Valley.

What a great start to the day!!!!

Then the opposition started (not from the Ministers). It did not take long.

Now we have confirmation, that our adversary is worried.

Matthew 18:19 When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. (Message)

Compassion

When we look at the world around us what do we see?

What do we feel?

Matthew 9:35-38 Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!" (Message)

Transformed!

I spent the day at a Shopping Centre, for the Red Shield Appeal. Mondays are usually quiet in the shopping centres. The 10am to 3pm time slot had the most passing traffic, and people in the centre itself. There were about 5 good chats with people. The rest of the time was filled with, prayer, and reading.

I can recommend the book; Transformed! by Alistair P. Petrie (10 Principles for sustaining Genuine Revival) ~ Chosen Books.

Isaiah 57:14-15 Someone says: "Build, build! Make a road! Clear the way, remove the rocks from the road my people will travel." A Message from the high and towering God, who lives in Eternity, whose name is Holy: "I live in the high and holy places, but also with the low-spirited, the spirit-crushed, and what I do is put new spirit in them, get them up and on their feet again. (Message)

Good Days

Tish was home, for a couple of nights. For some reason her Mum has a big smile. These good friends, and mates, spent some special time together, which was most of Saturday. A pleasing sight!!

Acts 17:28 We live and move in him, can't get away from him! One of your poets said it well: 'We're the God-created.' (Message)

Pray

Canadian Officer Commissioning ~ Saturday 16th June 2007.

If you have read Bungay's Blog, then you will realise that Sheldon & Ashley Bungay, along with their sessional mates will be Commissioned on the above date.

May I ask you to support these people in prayer, as they are Commissioned and move to their respective appointments.

This is an important event in your life. After 27 years, the events and emotions of my Commissioning, are still fresh in my memory, and seared in my spirit.

1 Thes. 5:25 Friends, keep up your prayers for us. (Message)

Thanks Mum

It is coming up to Mother's Day. For some this will be a great time with mothers, children, family and friends. For others, this will be a time of sadness, depression, and distress.

I am one of those interesting people, who have had two mums in the one person. There was the pre-bipola mum, and then the post-bipola mum. Even so, I only get to celebrate one mother. Then again, now she is with the Lord, I could have two parties, she won't know!!! Good idea for you party animals!!! Thanks Mum!!!

Proverbs 6:20 Good friend, follow your father's good advice; don't wander off from your mother's teachings.

Which team?

After reading James Blog 'Wholly Holy', I was doing some wondering. Not about Port Power, as they defeated Melbourne. Yes that's right, every Footy Season, it's the same spiritual battle, being a CHRISTIAN and barracking for the Dee's also. Where was I? That's right, wondering, if Jesus was a Port Power supporter, then who would Ehud play for? You know, that left handed guy in Judges 3. As I observe many athletes today. There are a lot more left handed people playing, Tennis, Cricket, and Football, etc. Well, this Ehud guy, he was a force to be reckoned with, and sneaky. Taking a weapon into the sporting arena, is not recommended. Would he be picked up in the draught, or... Elgon the King, was not fit to play with anyone!

Judges 3:20-22 Ehud approached him—the king was now quite alone in his cool rooftop room—and said, "I have a word of God for you." Eglon stood up from his throne. Ehud reached with his left hand and took his sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king's big belly. Not only the blade but the hilt went in. The fat closed in over it so he couldn't pull it out. (Message)

RECORD

One of the interesting aspects of moving appointments, is that just after you arrive, people are under the impression that you know everything. How the appointment operates, who everyone is, and where things are. A lot depends on the appropriate records being left, and in a format that is understandable (to me). Even when these records are superb, it does not change the value of personal knowledge.

Even in the Quarters, the light switches are in different places. Your own stuff is in different places, and you remember where they were in the last place.

When you drive on major roads, what is the best lane to be in?

Just the other day I was in a building for the first time. The staff were helpful, and ushered me into the waiting area. When the appointment time came, a senior staff member arrived and said to come in. When I picked up my diary and turned around, there was nobody in sight. I walked to a corridor, and still nobody. I felt totally lost, and abandoned.

I am so glad that in God's family, the records, or testimony, are complete.

1 John 5:10-11 Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God's testimony. Whoever refuses to believe in effect calls God a liar, refusing to believe God's own testimony regarding his Son. This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. (Message)

Kids Club

Kids Club was frantic tonight. Cooking biscuits for their Mothers Day Gifts. Not only was it a cooking experience, it was also a time to teach good hygiene. Their hands were washed so many times, they almost wore a path to the wash basins. The natural reaction was to lick the tasty stuff off their fingers, or wipe sticky hands on their clothes.

As a big kid as well, I have always enjoyed scraping out the mixing bowls, and eating the uncooked, yummy mixture.

Psalm 34:8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see- how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. (Message)

Home Safe

Bill, who is a few months older than me, went to the West Indies to be part of the Cricket World Cup Event. At this stage, all I know is that it was good. For myself, I am pleased that he has arrived home safe, and well. He has been my Captain on the Cricket field, and we have shared a few chats together in the Club rooms (previous club).

Maybe, he will drop a note to share about his adventures, if he has time. That would be good.

In the parts of World Cup matches that I saw, Australia played some good cricket, and were a well balanced team.

That's a good challenge for the Ministry of the Church. Heading into any spiritual battle, with a well balanced team.

2 Chron. 20:27 Jehoshaphat then led all the men of Judah and Jerusalem back to Jerusalem—an exuberant parade. God had given them joyful relief from their enemies! (Message)

Wedding Anniversary

Today is the anniversary of the marriage of Brian & Gwyn. On a sunny day in 1973, with mentors Uncle Ol and Auntie Glad(now in God's presence) standing by our side, vows were exchanged, and a new journey began. How good it is to have gracious godly people to share and support you in momentous times and events.

Matthew 19:5 And because of this, a man leaves father and mother and is firmly bonded to his wife, becoming one flesh—no longer two bodies but one. (Message)

Jump, Hop, and Wiggle your hips.

This weeks mainly music was fantastic. I just watched with a sense of celebration, as one of the mum's smiled, and chuckled, as her son endeavoured to, jump, hop, and wiggle his hips. Well the co-ordination may not be there yet, but it won't be long. These moments are priceless.

We all want to grow and mature. I wonder if we celebrate spiritual growth, and development, the same way a mother does with her child?

2 Peter 3:18 Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes! (Message)

Privilege

What a privilege it is when people share their innermost thoughts, and feelings. Whether it is in hotel ministry, or visiting people from the local fellowship of believers. To hear the sense of trust, and respect, that they have in you. This is not something to be taken lightly. To be welcomed into their world.

The other day I was listening to two mates, as they both shared about their lives. Only to hear one say, I didn't realise that was your situation!

In another conversation, the sharer said that they had not spoken of the particular matter before.

A case worker shared how one of the clients, simply wept, when confronted with the enormity of the burdens, that they were carrying.

The Salvation Army has been involved in Court and Prison Ministry for a long time. Through this forum, I want to acknowledge their important, and valuable work. I would also like to acknowledge the Salvationists, who take Christian values, morals, and responsibilities, into their work places.

The world is a big place, and we have a big job to do!

May we not miss opportunities!

Matthew 15:32 But Jesus wasn't finished with them. He called his disciples and said, "I hurt for these people. For three days now they've been with me, and now they have nothing to eat. I can't send them away without a meal—they'd probably collapse on the road." (Message)