It Is Well With My Soul

Thursday night we joined with Warragul Corps Band for a rehearsal with Colonel Robert Redhead. It was a great rehearsal that concluded with the Eric Ball’s piece “Serenity” featuring the theme It Is Well With My Soul. Throughout the rehearsal our worship was always to the fore.
Thank you, Colonel.

I remember a few years ago, hearing the Norwood City Band playing their Competition Hymn Tune arrangement “It Is Well With My Soul” written for them by Bill Broughton. It is an amazing piece, and it was played with excellence. I do wonder what it would sound like when played by a band of players who live the experience.


Psalms 146:1-10 (NIV)

Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-- the LORD, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.

Be A Winner

The Athlete has years of dedication, to win an Olympic event.

The Christian has years of dedication, and all win eternal life.


John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Character

A Prophet must in tune with God, first and foremost in life and ministry.
Character strengths of the Prophet will include the following; -will not trust in riches, -will not create hype, -will not exaggerate, -will minister, as the Spirit pleases, not methodology, -will not use mystique, -will consider other more highly, -will not be competitive in ministry.


1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV)
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

God Glorifying

It has been a busy time over the past week. The efforts of fund raising are not in my gifting area, so it is emotionally and energy draining for me. We have however, had a good time at the Corps and there are many people with a lovely God glorifying spirit.

The truly amazing to be with people who see Jesus, and revel in a personal relationship with Him.


Luke 18:42-43 (NIV)
Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

Open Door Policy

Wednesday the Elders moved to an open-door policy. I believe that this is a strategic move in the life and ministry of the Corps. It means that a couple of doors within the Corps building will not be locked. The best part is that it did not come from the Officers, even though we have wanted it that way for all our time here. At the right time God moves his people. Thursday I had a great prayer time throughout the building, saying to God we have our doors open.


Matthew 27:51 (NIV)
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.

Elders

We had a beautiful meeting tonight with the elders of the Corps (Church). Frank discussions, and open sharing about their concerns.

I reaffirmed that as elders, I expect that they will challenge any non-biblical teaching if it ever occurred.

Praise God, for His people.

Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

I Will Stand!

The last fortnight has been quite a difficult time for me. The destructive forces of our adversary have been working overtime. For me it has been a time to reflect and see if I am willing to stand and be the Lord’s messenger through the battle.
In Hebrew terms, the current reflections are on counting the Omer, and reflecting on the Torah. It is also in this historical period following Passover that the Nation of Israel has had significant destructive forces in open hostility against them.
The Omer is representative of the supply of grown food and God’s promises, and leads to the celebration of the Torah God’s gift.

I am reminded of God’s gifts;
The first fruits ~ Jesus.
The Holy Spirit.

Yes Lord, I will stand.

Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

Servant

We have many privileges as the Lord’s servants. Today was one of those special occasions. Sharing with family and friends in the funeral service of a lady who completed 91 years. It was a shock to her daughter to find out that her mother had in her funeral plan that The Salvation Army Officer was to lead the service. It is obvious to me that the daughter’s strength and Salvationism had an impact that could possibly reach to eternity. Especially through the compassionate care of sitting with her mother each day through the final days.

Lord, help me share your word in ways the people can hear. Amen.


Psalms 103:13-17 (NIV)
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--

Home Soon!

Just two more sleeps!

Betty has been in Hospital following surgery to repair a broken hip. On Friday she will be returning home. The adjustments to the house are complete, Betty has her walking frame licence to go solo, and confidence is building. Somehow I think there will be a little celebration on Friday afternoon.




Acts 14:8-10 (NIV)
In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

Shut Door

It is difficult to arrive at a door that has been shut tight and a large notice placed on it screaming out at you “DO NOT ENTER”.
From here all available access, is solely at the discretion of the occupant. A situation that Jesus understands, but in love, waits for an opening.



Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Ministry Burden

Over the past few months I have been burdened with the amount of opposition in the spiritual realm against our Church Community. In the past it seemed that it was sufficient to mainly attack the Church Leaders and reduce their effectiveness, through ill-health. This has gone to another level as the Word of God is being received into peoples’ lives, and their faith is growing. The latest onslaught is to have the laity suffering with all manner of physical problems. Whilst in the short term we may feel that we are loosing ground, in the long term we will be victorious in the grace of our master Jesus. These setbacks are only short-term obstacles that will only serve to build a deeper faith in His people.


Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Holy Spirit

Today has been a wonderful day of acknowledging Mother’s and also the gift of the Holy Spirit.
An important point to remember in relation to the Holy Spirit and His gifts, is work within in the area of gifting He has appointed for you.




Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Spend time with God, and pay attention!

No Jumper or Coat

For most of the year I simply wear short sleeve shirts. It has an amazing reaction on people who are rugged up to the eyeballs with fleecy clothing. Well, it has an impact anyway!
When we were stationed in Kadina, in South Australia, Bob, the manager of one of the Hotels said that I had got him in trouble. When I asked how? He informed me that on visiting a business across the road from his hotel the owner asked if he had joined the Salvos, as he was not wearing a jumper? One thing about a country community, everything you do is noticed.
Two of our Home League ladies, who work in the jumble shed, are starting to become accustomed to my dress code. The other day it was quite overcast and brisk, and they said that I was still working on my suntan.
What amazes me is the staff in businesses such as the bank wear heavy clothes in the winter, and light clothes in the summer, but the temperature in the bank is the same 22 degrees all year round.
In the end, I guess that I’m just different!


1 Peter 2:9 (MSG)
But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—

35 Years Ago.

What do you write when you look at your wedding photo that was taken 35 years ago? Well for one thing I was 16 Kg’s lighter.

Some of the highlights of that day were to see my wife to be, arrive. It was enough to take my breath away. To accept each other as Husband and Wife in a unity of spirit and became one together.
To have Uncle Ol and Untie Glad (Dec) to be our Best Man and Maid of Honour was of supreme importance to us both. These two people have been influential in the lives of many young people, even though they were without any children of their own. Our union supported by People of grace, in the Lord.
It was a sunny day, and we shared lunch together with our families and friends, following the exchanging of vows. I cannot remember what we had for lunch, or even who was on the list of guests were. Through the years I have forgotten many, many things, and on the evidence to hand, I will forget a lot more. However my feelings of that day are etched deep, and I believe that they will never fade.

I can recommend the film “The Notebook”.



Matthew 19:4-6 (Msg.)
He answered, "Haven't you read in your Bible that the Creator originally made man and woman for each other, male and female? 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. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart."

Wedding Photo

Check out the wedding photo!
http://houseofrowelty.blogspot.com/

My aim in retirement ~ will be to regrow the hair!

24/7 Prayer Cont....

Confession at the Cross, write in sand and erase.

Prayer Wall for Prodigals.

Prayer Wall for other Prayers.

35 Years

WOW! Time passes quickly.
Today we are celebrating 35 years of marriage.

24/7 Prayer Cont...

24/7 Prayer continued.
We finished as we began, reflecting on our heritage. Fernandez de Quiros the Portuguese Explorer, on the day of Pentecost 1606 not only named Australia “South Land of the Holy Spirit” but also claimed it in the name of Jesus and for the proclamation of the gospel.
Other notable believers in our heritage are as follows: Captain James Cook, Captain Charles Sturt, Edward John Eyre, Ludwig Leichardt, and Flynn of the inland.



Psalm 119:111 (KJV)
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

24/7 Prayer

Tonight our Corps commenced our twenty-four hours of prayer, for the Territories 24/7 365 prayer. We commenced by reflecting on the Heritage of our Nation ~ the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit, as first claimed by the Portuguese Explorer, then by Captain Cook. This was followed by bring the Prodigals Home payer. Through the early morning hours, individuals have time slots at home.


Psalm 84:8 (KJV)
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob.

Prayer is Great

Wednesday we left work and travelled to Melbourne for the Melbourne Staff Band in Concert, conducted by Colonel Robert Redhead. It was a very enjoyable night with great music. Also supporting the evening were Philip Smith (Principle Trumpet, New York Philharmonic Orchestra) and Sheila Smith (Vocal).
We stayed over night, did some shopping, met some retired Officers in the Shopping Centre, we then went to Divisional Headquarters for our Corps & Community Support Service budget discussions. I think that we got a gold star?
Back home for rehearsals, and opened our emails. There were two particular emails that were great to receive. Communication is a great support, and assists our prayer life.

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.