Faith

God wants us with the Amen that never knows anything else than Amen - an inward Amen, a mighty moving Amen, a God-likeness Amen. That which says, "It is, because God has spoken. It cannot be otherwise. It is impossible to be otherwise."

Smith Wigglesworth

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1. (NIV)

St Marys

Yesterday we drove up into the clouds and over the mountain to St Marys. On this route we had some dirt road over the mountain top before regaining the bitumen into St Marys. Amazingly, the damp on our side of the mountain, disappeared on the other side of the peak. A most enjoyable drive, as the road surface was firm for most of the dirt section.

Once at St Marys we shared a wonderful afternoon arranged for the young people and families by Envoy Melanie. Beginning with a sausage sizzle, and a bouncing castle, and squirt the clown making things out of balloons for the children, the afternoon concluded with an indoor spectacular, with illusions performed by the ‘Amazing’, the ‘Wonderful’, the ‘Athletic’, ‘Squirt the Clown’.

The children’s faces told a story of amazement, and enjoyment, as the interacted with Squirt. A great afternoon!


Psalms 16:11 (NIV)
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Store and Staff

Recently in a Worship Service, we recognised the valuable staff and the support given to the Community through the ministry of the Scottsdale Salvation Army Store. This store has a great position in the main street of Scottsdale. It is well managed, with an amazing group of volunteers. The community enjoy the spacious interior, and also, the often heard laughter from the staff as they go about their duties.

This is definitely a place to shop with high quality stock at good prices for the thrifty shopper. The weekly window displays, give a first impression of the clothing quality available on the spacious racks throughout the store.

Psalms 126:2-3 (NIV)
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Gum Boots

Having spent many years in arid environments through-out Australia, it is quite a contrast to be in the moist environment of Tasmania. Although it was relatively dry during the summer and autumn months, there has been sufficient rain to catch up and exceed the average rain fall for the year thus far.

Walking through wet grass is quite a novel experience, along with frosts that only clear where the sunlight reaches with a warming ray. As my garden boots had cracked soles they have finally been discarded to the rubbish bin, and replaced with a good pair of Gum Boots. It is now possible to stand in deep wet stuff and still have dry feet.

Preparations for the vegetable garden are progressing well, with the weeds now under control. In the next few weeks the earth will be turned over again. The possibilities of a good harvest from this small patch should become a reality with good foundational work done.

We are becoming known in the area, and are looking forward to our work and ministry expanding. There are many opportunities presenting with the establishment of the 'Doorways Programme' (Welfare Support) and also further developments as Employment Plus consolidates their work in the Corps Building.

Matthew 3:11-12 (NIV)

"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Toadstools

All that looks appealing is not profitable for your soul.

Be on the alert for deceptions!



1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Palm Sunday @ Scottsdale

For worship this week, we opened up the hall area by moving out most of the seats. This was to give the feeling of being out-door, after-all, Palm Sunday was an out door event. There were clothes on the floor leading to the Cross.



John 12:12-15 (NIV)
The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."

What a privilege!

On Sunday last, I met the Anglican Priest who travels to Scottsdale from St. Helens each fortnight to conduct the worship service. In the few moments we had together, we shared a common love of our calling to the Lord’s work. It is a very precious ministry as we share in the lives of the Lord’s people.

Max, who is a senior member of the Scottsdale Corps, has mentioned to his wife Dawn over the past two months, that it may not be long before he is called home to be with the Lord. The day is drawing nearer as he has been in Hospital for the last two weeks. This once strong independent man is resting with little movement. Yesterday we got a big smile, and today he was sleeping, exhausted from his bath.

Each visit we share in a Psalm and a prayer. The normal response is that it was either a ‘good’, or a ‘great’ Psalm. Today as Max was sleeping, we read Ephesians 1:3-14 beside his bed, along with Dawn, and prayed together.

What a privilege!




Ephesians 1:11-14 (NIV)
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale, a great place to be!

The Corps has a building that is more than adequate for the present ministries. The people have a wonderful spirit, and are encourager’s to whom-ever they meet.

The Thrift Shop is well organized, with excellent stock, and is welcoming as you step into it’s spacious interior. The Staff are also a great advertisement for The Salvation Army.



John 15:12 (NIV)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.