A call to Officership

I don't think I have long left to live!

Let me explain;

I was thinking yesterday about Officership and how we need to deny ourselves and follow Jesus. We need to die to ourselves and let Jesus live through us.

I've been getting tired of living in this world, not giving up everything in my life to Jesus. I go to work, have to answer to my earthly boss, do earthly things and I feel trapped, but worse, I feel like Jesus is in handcuffs in my life.

Yesterday I was seeing things ideally again, and I saw everyone who enters into Officership is no longer themselves, but a Jesus clone. Once we enter College, we start dying and Jesus starts living and by the time we leave college (if not earlier) Jesus is all that exists. Ideally this should happen for every Soldier of the Salvation Army - but is essential for full time ministry - ie, Officership.

The song "it's no longer I that liveth, but Christ that liveth in me" won't leave my head!

Then last night, my devotional that I read spelt it out so well what I had been thinking all day, so I'll include it since it says it better than I could....

With the clothing upon of the Spirit, human depravity is covered, and everything that contrary to the mind of God is destroyed. God must have bodies for Himself, perfectly prepared by the Holy Spirit, for the day of the Lord. "For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from Heaven" (2 Corinth 5:2)

The Spirit has to breathe into us a new occupancy, a new order. The Holy Spirit came to give the vision of a life in which Jesus is perfected. It is Christ "who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace" (2 Tim. 1:9)

We who are saved have been called with a holy calling, called to be saints - to be pure, holy, and Godlike; to be sons with power. It is a long time now since it was settled and death was abolished. Death has no more power. This was made know through the Gospel, which brought in immortality. Mortality is a hindrance. Sin has no more dominion over you. You reign in Christ, and you make rightful use of His finished work. Don't grown and travail for a week.

"Awake, you who sleep" (Eph 5:14); put on light, and open your eyes. "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God" (Col 3:1).

Stir yourselves up!! Where are you? I am risen with Christ, planted in Him. It was a beautiful planting. I am seated with Him. God gives me the credit, and I believe Him. Why should I doubt?

Dare to believe until the life of Jesus is implanted within your soul. "The righteous will hold to his way" (Job 17:9). God has reserved him who is godly for Himself (Ps. 4:3). Therefore, lift up your heads.

(Smith Wigglesworth)

Are you unhappy with the dull, boring, incomplete, morbid life that you are living? Jesus has called you to more - believe it - He wants you holy and sanctified - He wants you to be a vessel wholly available for His perfect purpose for your life - invite Him in and give Him your all!

What are you doing with your life, with the talents He has given to you??

Have you said 'yes' to Officership -if 'no' WHY NOT????? Give into the wrestling that you're doing with God in your soul, just let it go.

Pray about it now - seriously - "give up your SMALL ambitions for your own life and come change the world"!!!! Mark 8:34-35

Part 2 - Christmas Carols, does the world know what it's singing?

On this eve of the celebration of the birth of the Saviour of the world, I'd like to point out some more lines of some of the carols we love so much!

Away in a manger

V3 Be near me Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever and love me I pray

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care

And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there

If someone says to you they don't know how to pray - there's one they'll know right there!!

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

V3 Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings

Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

I love the words of Charles Wesley such great truths from the Gospel that used to teach the illiterate members of society through songs - I pray that continues this year to the spiritually illiterate members of society!

Another favourite of mine this year for it's words;

O Little Town of Bethlehem

v1b Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting light

The hopes and dreams of all the years

Are met in Thee tonight

v3b But in this world of sin

Where meek souls will receive Him still

The dear Christ enters in.

v4 O Holy Child of Bethlehem,

Descend o us we pray

Cast out our sin and enter in

What a great selection of words found in this carol also!! Such gems that go mostly un-noticed.

Take note of these words and others in the songs we sing in this years 'Birthday' celebration and point them out to everyone that will listen!!

Have a great and safe Christmas and have a great New Year if you don't visit again 'till then!

God bless!

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord"

Luke 2:11

Christmas Carols, does the world know what it's singing?

Watching the carols on TV, I wonder if people take any notice of the words they actually sing.

I thought over the next few day, I'd type out some of the great words and truths we sing about in these songs about the most significant birthday in all of Earths history.

I'll start with some lines from my favourite carol - Joy to the world

V1. Joy to the world! The Lord has come

Let Earth receive her King,

Let every heart prepare Him room

& Heaven and nature sing

Joy!! I wonder where our joy is sometimes, especially in worship services!! Bring it back.

Let earth receive her King - how many people sing this at Christmas time but still don't realise we're singing about Jesus!! Heaven and nature sing - It reminds me of the verse - if we don't sing praises to Jesus, the rocks will!!! (Luke 19:40)

V2. Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns,

Let men their songs employ

While fields and floods, rocks hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy

V3. He rules the world with truth and grace

and makes the nations prove

the glory of His righteousness

And wonders of His love

He rules the world - Hallelujah!! Even if men don't recognise it - He does! Did you notice it just didn't stop there - He rules with truth and grace - top that!! But wait, there's more.... and makes the nations prove the glory of His righteousness - good stuff. And wonders of His love - what an amazing truth there, reminds me a bit like Song 52 in the Salvation Army Song Book, the Wonders of His grace!

Think about all the words in the Carols we sing this Christmas season, don't worry about the meaningless carols like Jingle Bells or Rudolf, but the weighty ones that tell the great truths about our Lord AND Saviour - JESUS!!

Praise Him and worship him with JOY this Christmas - He deserves it!

Back with more soon....

"and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn"

Luke 2:7

12 Days to go!

12 Days until I leave for Rwanda!!

Please be praying for our trip, that God will be glorified and many will come to know Him and grow in a relationship with Him!

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth"

Acts 1:8

http://missionteam.salvos.org.au/p18/project18rwanda.php

Can Christians be slaves to Satan??

I was just reading an email from Pastor Bob Larson. Many of you may have heard of him from John Safran's series called 'John Safran vs God'.

Bob was talking about a new series he is blessed to be a part of where he will have his own TV series showing many people coming to Christ and being set free from demons.

One thing he talked about different Pastors preaching that Christians can't be possessed and then goes on to tell of a story about a 'Christian' father who raped his own daughter, and a few other stories like that. This father even though claimed to be a 'Christian', he clearly was still influenced by the forces of darkness - don't underestimate them!

If you are a Christian - you CAN be possessed by Satan!! Only Holy-Christians cannot be possessed!

Are you Holy?? Are you without sin??

Only then are you free from Satan's grip - many 'Christians' these days don't even know about Holiness and are still living as puppets of Satan and making God look bad.

Holiness people! Find out what it is and live it - we can overcome sin and live in all of God's promises today!!

Hallelujah!

"But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you"

Matthew 12:28

The 12 days of Christmas??

Something for the Christmas season!

Enjoy

Almost there!

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"

Galatians 6:9

Times get hard, but we generally hold on and keep going. The longer the hard times continue, the more we want to give up.

How disappointing would it be if we fight to hold on, but just before the end we then give up just before the finish line. I have a saying - the longer we wait... the more impatient we get, the less impatient we need to be, whatever we are waiting for is now almost here!!

Warriors, keep going, never tire, never give up - Go in the strength of the Lord! The end is ever drawing closer.

All things are possible!

For many years now God has been putting on my heart that He is wanting to show His power and authority in this world. He wants it be seen in supernatural ways. It is being reported that it is being seen in many countries, but it hasn't really been seen here in Australia.

I know many people believe that it is all a hoax and want evidence or won't believe it otherwise.

I've watched a few home videos of things like people being raised from the dead in Jesus Name, and God has been putting this specifically on my heart for quite a while now, that I would be witness to this myself.

Here is one of those supposedly 'dodgy' video's, but I know that God can do all things in Jesus Name if we believe He can and we can be witness to this if we claim He can.



I'm going to Rwanda in 2 weeks time. I'm really looking forward to seeing these guys worship God in such a simple way, trusting God with everything in their lives, just to get by every day - something we don't do here with so many comforts and trust in ourselves.

Please pray for my trip to Rwanda and that I can bring back a simple faith to our country of such self-importance and lack of trust in Jesus. I hope to bring back many great stories also of things that God is doing in these countries that love and depend on Him in everything.

I'm planning on blogging as much as I can once I'm back to share this experience - but for now can I ask you to pray that God will be glorified through this mission trip and pray for us to allow Him to use us in all that we do.

See http://missionteam.salvos.org.au/p18/ for more information of the trip and other trips that are happening.

"As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts"

Matthew 10:7-9

What do you think - 2

Do you think you're a good person? Why?

Are you doing your bit? How do you weight it all up? How do you justify your beliefs?

You might just be the nicest person in hell? What is the deciding factor between being the nicest person in hell and the worst person in heaven?

What are you're thoughts??

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved"

Acts 2:21

What do you think?

I'm just after other people's thought on a particular question.

If you read the Bible or the Koran or another religious book of guidelines, but you found the more you read, it keeps contradicting itself or kept saying that the previous part is now being updated, so forget about the last chapter.

How would you know what part to follow and when it was actually finalised, especially if the writer dies before it is complete and he/she claims to be the only enlightened one or prophet?

I would find that 'religion' to be way too confusing and would be uncomfortable with it. My soul would still be longing for something to fill it's emptiness.

Jesus claims to be the only way, to have the complete truth, and able to give genuine life.

In my experience, there is a sense of total completion once I received the Holy Spirit, as Jesus also told us. A sense of true purpose that my soul confirms.

Have you experience this true happiness? Only you can answer this honestly to yourself?

If your answer is 'NO' then why not seek after Jesus, give it a go, it wouldn't hurt would it?

How would you rather live your life - as though God doesn't exist to find He really does, or live as though God does exist to find He doesn't???

I know my answer! Do you know yours?

"I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony."

John 3:11

Have a read of this!

As I have been reading parts of the Koran to understand our fellow Muslims I came across this interesting portion that I'll share with you....

From the book of the 'Imrans,
Chapter 3 verses 45-46

The angels said to Mary: 'God bids you rejoice in a Word from Him. His name is the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary. He shall be noble in this world an in the world to come, and shall be one of those who are favoured. He shall preach to men in his cradle and in the prime of manhood, and shall lead a righteous life'

Is it just me or does the Koran actually say that Jesus is the Messiah?! Jesus has a lot of emphasis taken off His importance as compared to the Christian faith, but it still calls Him the Messiah.

Interesting in this re-told watered down version of the original truth, the very important fact of Jesus being the 'Son of God' and not just the 'Son of Mary' has been lost.

I wonder how many Muslims have actually read this themselves, I have a feeling most Muslims only know what their Mufti's tell them. Please tell me if I'm wrong, I would love to be proven wrong - and if I am wrong - please tell me your thoughts on this passage.

Praise to God that we have the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and not just a re-told version of it passed down the generations with parts being lost or being changed.

"I warn everyone who hears the words o the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."

Revelation 22:18-09

Yes, Lord, I love You!

I just want to share with you something I read the other night;

John 21:15-25

Have you ever felt a shame and sense of despair so deep that you wondered if you would ever be free? If you have you'll know something of what Peter was feeling. I meet people quite often when who wonder if God could ever look on them with love again. They feel a terrible separation from God because of something they have done - or something that has been done to them at the hands of others. Their grief is enormous. I'm sure God grieves too when we don't realise how generous His love is.

Just a few days before Peter had strongly, emphatically and repeatedly denied any connection with Jesus. What could be more terrible than that? Reflect for a moment on anything you feel has caused separation between you and Jesus. Could anything be more serious than an outright denial? I don't think so! Now join Peter in finding out the generosity of Jesus' love. Jesus sought Peter out for a walk along the beach. There were no words of reproach or disappointment. Instead Jesus gave Peter an opportunity to reaffirm his love (vs 15-17). A rather chastened Peter was not boastful in his affirmation. He know his frailty now. This probably equipped him to be better able to take care of the lambs and sheep of God's flock. Peter was not just forgiven, he was appointed to partnership in the work of Jesus!!

Hallelujah!!

I'll fight!

We sing some really nice songs in church, don't we! Some great theological truths that help us remember what's in the Bible, and some newer songs with just good tunes.

I love some Salvo song's 'cos of the lyrics, so much depth, truth and meat! They also can fuel our mission.

Here's one with some good words in parts (cheesy in others), but how seriously do you listen to the words - and most importantly, how close does your life reflect the words you sing (this reflects words you sing on general radio songs also!)

Something for you to enjoy, but also to think about.

"Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.")
He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.'

Mark 7:18-20

Do you believe Jesus?

Do we believe all that Jesus said??

Is there something that stands out in your mind that you don't agree with what Jesus said?

NO!

Good - he was a smart guy - he was God actually!!

In Matthew 10 Jesus sends out His 12 disciples and gave them authority to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons" v8a. Do we believe that Jesus had the power to give out this authority??

I hope your answer is yes - he has told us before He went back to Heaven that we could do all these things and more - do we believe it??? Then why are we not seeing it then?

I'm hearing bits from here and there that some of this is happening, but I have the feeling we're not giving God all of us to control nor the glory. Are you holding any of yourself or your life from God?

Here in Melbourne Central Division, there are some of us driving out demons and healing the sick and others saving souls - I want to see this in flood loads!! I'm still praying to see God's power in bringing someone back from the dead! I have been prophesied over that my hands are released into healing, but I'm too afraid to use it in case it God doesn't turn up and I'm left standing there looking stupid - STOP there!!

It's not about us!! Give God the glory through all we do and say - leave it up to Him, be willing and let God do the rest. Fear is from im-perfect love. Do you know God well enough to trust Him fully? Jesus is enough (hey Marney!)

Step out in faith this week and believe God will be there!!

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

John 14:12-14

So you think you can preach, huh?!

Last night Macleod corps had their last youth meeting and the theme was "So you think you can preach".

The night was covered in prayer and there was quite a bit of Spiritual warfare leading up to it too, so I should have seen through Satan's lies - all week the enemy was trying to make me not go!!

There were 5 'preachers' with topics and are reviewed on Jo's blog which can be read on Revolution Army.

Alana preached for the first time and was given the topic of the trinity and did an impressive job - well done Alana.

Pete Brookshaw was given the topic on Salvation and of course did a good job along with Jo on the topic of worship!! These guys are gifted - Gods going to use them so keep praying for these guys as they go into their second year of training college next year.

James was given his favourite topic - (rigged!!)- and got everyone pumped up as usual!!!

Last was Tish on choices and went down the line of wisdom in your choices - another gifted speaker - watch out training college for all the guys from tonight - train them well - they will be coming your way, if not already!!

God took control of the night and led us into a great time of worship to complete the night!!

Are you a gifted preacher? Do you have a passion to see people come to know Jesus as their saviour AND Lord? Have you considered giving God your life in service?? How bout Officership?? If so, pray about it and let me know if you don't know who to contact!

"The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." "

1 Samuel 3:10

Connections 07 Debrief

Wow, what a weekend!!

The focus of our weekend here in the Southern Territory of the Salvation Army in Australia was being connected. We focused on the scripture of John 15:4 which says "Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you".

There were many different electives to attend during Friday and Saturday morning which allowed us to look at maybe what we should be doing and a chance to look at what we have been doing. How do they line up - are we doing what we should be doing? Something for us to think about as we go forward.

We had some non-Salvo's as special guests to give us an outside view of the Army's work and some views/comments made us think!

Saturday afternoon we had a rally through the streets of Melbourne, where many of the streets were closed off for us, and there were thousands of Salvo's flooding the streets. It was quite a sight - God's Army of Salvation.

The destination of the rally was Federation Square where we had a public 'announcement' time where the Commissioner and a few others, like our Territorial Justice Leader - Danielle Strickland, had a chance to talk to Melbourne.

We were told officially we weren't allowed to hand out evangelistic tracts or anything, but the Spirit led me to a guy. I saw this guy smoking early on and the Spirit pointed him out, but it wasn't until later that I actually talked to him.

This guy was born into a Hindu family but quickly became an atheist. When I started talking to him he didn't want to know a God or anything to do with it, but once we got talking, the Spirit took over!!

This guy connected with Jesus, felt the need for Him. He didn't want to commit anything in that moment because he still wanted to know more about Jesus first, but he was in love with Him - he really was!! I think if he came face to face with Jesus that night, I believe he would have been saved. He had repented of his sins with me and loved the concept of all Jesus stood for. So before I left this guy, I prayed with him and asked the Holy Spirit to guide him further into the truth and love of Jesus.

During all the afternoon at Fed Square, there were many bands playing and bringing glory to God in the midst of the streets of Melbourne - Hallelujah!!

Sunday, we had 29 Captains commissioned and sent out into the world to make disciples of all nations. What a time of worshipping our God - even if the sound wasn't there the whole time!

So much happened over these few days - this is just a scratch of the surface of the weekend. Possibly more will be blogged about soon.

Connections 07 was amazing - so much organisation - but so worth it!! Congratulations to Commissioner Knaggs and all the army of people behind the organising of this great event.

"But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice,
and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness"
Isaiah 5:16

Connections 07

Connections has finally arrived!! The event of the century! The special time where we send out our new Officers (ministers) after their 2 years of training. This year it has been turned into a weekend celebration... if you are going to be near Melbourne Friday, Saturday or Sunday, the 23rd - 25th of November feel welcome to drop in!

For more info see http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/SALV:STANDARD::pc=PC_61776

Saturday afternoon we will be having our parade which will take us into the heart of Melbourne to Federation Square.

Please, as you are reading this, specifically pray that the Army will take the word to the streets and into the hearts of everyone we come across and that these people will call upon the Name of the Lord.... and hence be saved!!! Please pray this will be done, pray that the Holy Spirit will possess us and it is Jesus talking straight into the heart of Melbourne.

If you are in the neighbourhood, why not come and join in - we'll be @ Federation Square from 3pm Saturday 24th of November 2007. See the link above for the itinerary for the rest of the weekend.

Why not come and join the Army - join the battle!!

Give up your small ambitions - and COME, CHANGE THE WORLD

(Mark 8:34-35)

To God be the glory!

Empowerment through the Holy Spirit - say no to Satan!

I will be responsive to the Holy Spirit’s work and obedient to His leading in my life, growing in grace through worship, prayer, service and the reading of the Bible.

This is the first part of a soldiers covenant that we agree to uphold when signing our lives to serve God in the Salvation Army.

I was just watching a show which involved psychics to solve crimes, people are attracted to this, it is attractive - why?!

I believe people think it is something that makes you different - it gives you a supernatural power and people notice you if you are psychic.

This is something I don't like to talk about often, but I was once psychic, I was a medium!

I was once attracted to this when I was younger and basically wanted to have this special ability - I thought it would be cool and I would stand out of the crowd and I would become the centre of attention - somehow I started to develop the ability!

I didn't realise at the time, but I said yes to Satan!

It wasn't relaxing or as glamorous as it is made out to be. I couldn't rest, my heart was becoming strained - if I didn't pass on a 'message' from the 'dead person' they would make my heart strain Anytime during the night 'they' would wake you and keep bugging you. It freaked out all my work mates and it was always negative or scary stuff.

It came to the point I had to do something. One of my mates, Pete (see blog roll) prayed with me and discerned that it was demonic and we prayed through it for many hours until I was free from it - I was then baptised into the Holy Spirit which I then developed the Spiritual gift of Spiritual Discernment and it became very obvious to me that what I 'saw' as 'dead people' were really demons deceiving me through a demon oppressing me.

Always remember this... Satan's biggest lie - he doesn't exist!!

If Satan exists, God exists - so he and all his fallen angels pretend to be something else that diverts our attention from God!!

What do we want to see?... our dead relatives to say that one last goodbye we didn't get.... we need to learn to use every minute we have in the hear and now!!

So, back to the first statement - we as Soldiers need to be responsive to the Holy Spirit's work!! If we are, we find we get word's of prophecy - that is a million times better than a word of a psychic!!!!!!! We find we can receive the gift of Discernment of the spirits - a helpful gift - Satan can appear as an angel of light!!! Hence - psychics are evil, they are empowered by demons... they might be nice people, but read 2 Corinthians 11:14 which says;

"And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."

Let the Holy Spirit reign freely in your life for the glory of God!! Why go through the demons when you can go through God!! Do you want to follow the 'real thing' or an imitation?!

Psychics (demons) or God (Holy Spirit)??

Jesus or Hell??

Work on Holiness, it is quite obviously the answer to everything!! (Thanks Stephen!!) You won't find any psychics with the baptism of the Holy Spirit - wonder why?! We have the power of the Holy Spirit, so why don't we use it like psychics 'flaunt' their abilities?? Satan is much pushier I suppose, God leaves it up to us, so let's step it up Soldiers of Holiness!!

Praise God, be responsive to the Holy Spirit, 'preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season' (2 Timothy 4:2), bring all the glory to God He deserves!! Praise you Jesus, the Name above every name!!

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy"

1 Corinthians 14:1

"For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy"

Revelation 19:10 d

Pray it through!!

I'm a fan of Smith Wigglesworth, for those of you who know who he is. One of my daily devotionals is by him. I was about to go to bed ('cos it's getting late!) but I felt I had to write this blog for someone who was about to read it!

Here's some of the text from the past few days from Smith Wigglesworth - I'll entitle this selection - 'Pray it through';

"I was called at 10 o'clock one night to pray for a young person who was dying of tuberculosis and whom the doctor had given up on. As I looked, I saw that unless God intervened, it would be impossible for her to live...

...Then the fight came. It seemed as though the heavens were brass. I prayed from 11pm to 3:30am. I saw the glimmering light on the face of the sufferer and saw her pass away. The Devil said ' Now you are done for. You have come from Bradford and the girl has died on your hands'.

I said 'It can't be....This is a time to change strength'. I remembered the passage that said 'Men always ought to pray and not loose heart' (Luke 18:1) Death had taken place, but I knew that my God as all-powerful and that He who had split the Red Sea is just the same today. It was a time when I would not accept 'No', and God said 'Yes'

I looked at the window, and at that moment, the face of Jesus appeared. It seemed as though a million rays of light were coming from His face. As He looked at the one who had just passed away, the color came back to her face. She rolled over and fell asleep."

Then today Smith added,

"We need to wake up and strive to believe God. Before God could bring me to this place, He broke me a thousand times. I have wept; I have groaned. I have travailed many a night until God broke me. We will never have the gifts of healing and the working of miracles in operation unless we stand believing God and 'having done all' (Eph 6:31), we still stand believing"

The main message I feel I need to say is; pray through the problem that is facing you!!

Be determined to keep praying until whatever is opposing you is gone, God is bigger and stronger - keep praying until it is destroyed or until your the problem is gone! If that means praying for 4 hours straight - DO IT!! If it means you don't eat for 12 hours and using that time to pray instead - DO IT!!

Pray it through - and give God the glory!

Hallelujah!

"By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see."

Acts 3:15-17

Renewal

I've been going through one of those dark times the past few days - coming off a high from being empowered for my trip to Rwanda etc, then as I expected, the enemy tired to bring me down.

Tonight we had our Songsters and Band practices, nothing particularly special, but I walked away tonight praising God in my spirit, and feeling so much freedom, and that the effects of the enemy had no footing on me.

I think about the times the disciples were beaten and thrown into gaol, etc, they just praised God through it all and they always found themselves close to God, and God drew closer to them also.

When you find yourself in a situation or a place you're not comfortable with - just remember to praise God - you'll find yourself "soar(ing) on wings like eagles" (Isiah 40:31). Try it out!

To God be the glory! Hallelujah!

"Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

Worship the Lord with gladness.

Come before him, singing with joy.

Acknowledge that the Lord is God!

He made us, and we are his.

We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

go into his courts with praise.

Give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good.

His unfailing love continues forever,

and his faithfulness continues to each generation."

Psalm 100

Listen!

How well do you hear God's voice?

Do you sometimes hear it but want more confirmation?

Do we trust our Spiritual leaders to hear and confirm our call? Should they be prophetic?

Are you being responsive to God's call whatever the support level you get from your leaders/peers?

Keep our leaders in our prayers so they hear God's voice above all the ringing phones and above all the emails requiring responses.

May Jesus be first in all our lives! Remember your first love!

"Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."

Revelation 2:5

Spiritual Authority

I was just reading yesterday from 2 Kings 2 when Elijah is about to be taken up to Heaven.

Elisha knew it was his last day with his teacher, leader and mentor. This was confirmed through other prophets in the towns they were going through, and no matter how often he was told to stay where he was by Elijah, Elisha refused to leave him.

It made me think how different we are today in many ways. We aren't great followers of God's appointed leaders. We prefer to put down our leaders and think of ourselves as a better leader ourselves. Elisha knew Elijah had the power of God on him - Spiritual leadership, something we really don't respect well today.

Since I have the gift of Spiritual discernment it is much more obvious to me how important, and real, Spiritual authority is! Pray your eyes will be opened to this also, it will enhance your leadership - being submissive under your Spiritual leaders - try it!

Pray for our Spiritual leaders - their placement and their future decisions.

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

1 Corinthians 1:27

And now, a word from our sponsor....

Isn't getting a word spoken into your life directly from the Creator an amazingly great thing!!

The past few weeks I've been getting a bit run down and discouraged. It's funny how even fellow brothers and sisters in Christ can even discourage you by being competitive about being the most 'righteous' or even the most 'anointed'.

Others look down on you because they have been lucky enough to have had some theological training, so that makes them better than me who is 'trapped' in a work place, even though I use every spare minute I have serving God, and every holiday I earn not for 'me' time, but for things that will benefit the Kingdom.

Last Saturday night we had an Acts 1:8 night for equipping and empowering through the Holy Spirit so we could prepare for our time in Rwanda in January. During this time one of the guy's that were there went around speaking a word from God into each of our lives. One of the points he said to me from God was "you are worthy to serve Him - don't listen to the other voices".

God speaks right into our hearts and answers us right when we need to hear Him! Our God is a god of love and encouragement! I'm glad I serve the living God!

God has given us His Spirit and along with that, the gift of prophecy - those who have been entrusted with this gift, let God speak through you as was done to me on Saturday - build up the church! Speak God's words into peoples lives - and even if God gives you a word for people on the street who don't yet know God - don't hold back!!!

Another word I was given from God was that I was going to come across decisions that I will need to lean on Him soon...

All glory to God - thank you for Your words!

"The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught."

Isaiah 50:4

What a weekend!!

What a weekend!!!

I've just arrived home from warm, sunny, humid Brisbane!

Our team that is going to Rwanda in January had our training this weekend which was amazing!

The team is amazing - it is hand picked by God. Totally different personalities in each team member. There is a couple of introverts, a few P's (un-structured people), a couple of 'fun lovers', a couple of.... you get the picture - a great team that makes up the body of Christ that is specifically made up to go to Rwanda.

Many of us don't know why God has put as on the team, but we have just obeyed and are going. Saturday night we had the Acts 1:8 night (look it up to know why), and many words from God were spoken. One was, 5 of us on the team complete the jigsaw to put it all together. Doesn't make sense to you - we're waiting to see what it means too!!

Please pray for our time in Rwanda in January, and that lives will be changed, directly and indirectly.

I'll have to blog more of about it in the next few days - I need sleep - sooo much info and planning in such little time.

"but he who stands firm to the end will be saved"

Matthew 24:13

Spiritual Warfare

Tonight JT (James) and myself gave a bit of an introduction to Spiritual warfare to the youth of Macleod.

We covered all the important basics, but I think in summary the main things to remember is that God has the ultimate authority - agree?!! Hallelujah! Secondly, don't give the demons a reason to control you - live a holy life!! And thirdly, wear the armor of salvation - look it up in Ephesians 6 if you don't know it - its critical in your discipleship if you want to survive and serve God well!

The group of young guys are amazing over at Macleod - Sarah and the guy's over there are blessed and should be proud of your efforts for the Kingdom - a group of young warriors - as James said in his blog - all the demons should be having a crisis meeting in the morning when those guys wake up in the morning!!

" However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven"

Luke 10:20

Calling

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called

Ephesians 4:1-4

Humility, unity and love between brothers and sisters is not often seen in the world today (especially in the church) - they are as rare as eclipses, but they have been spotted.

I think we're lucky here in the Salvation Army's Southern Territory with some loving & humble leaders at the top end which God is using and blessing - and bringing so much encouragement to other Officers and Soldiers of God's Army.

Once we realise that God is god, He is in control and we're not, we can start bringing true glory to Jesus and truly change the world. Early Salvation Army, the soldiers and Officers gave their whole life and being to the use of God and we are here today because of that.

What would the future of the Salvation Army look like if it were totally based on you and your actions as a Soldier/Officer?

Are you being true to the calling on your life? The Army is needing more leaders - Officers - but also Soldiers - have you been called to Officership? Are you called to join the ranks as a Soldier to join in the battle?

If so - are you living out that calling? God is needing more from us - remember - what God commands, He enables!

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"

Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

1 Samuel 3:10

Holiness, a recommendation!

He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.

1 John 3:8

I've been reading Stephen Court's & Olivia Munns book 'The Uprising - A Holy Revolution' and I've been really challenged about my pursuit of Holiness!

Jesus came and died so we don't have to sin anymore!! Hallelujah!

I hate sinning and have really been pursuing holiness for quite a while now - even though I keep finding I'm not perfect, trying to live like Jesus is such a better life than what anyone else in this world could offer - it gives me an absolute peace and calmness from my soul to my outwards part - I love it!!

I recommend holiness to everyone!

Get a hand on a copy of 'The Uprising'. A tip from Stephen - what God requires, He enables!! (What does He require...)

"I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy."

Leviticus 11:44a

I'll Fight!

Come and join in the battle! Join the Salvation Army!

Lt. Colonel Brian & Elaine Hood

I would just like to take this time to point out a couple of very special people to me.

The past few years, my Corps @ Glenroy, have been without Officers and has been a difficult and trying time, but this year a couple of very, very busy Godly people from Territorial Headquarters gave up 33 Sundays to nurture a struggling part of the Body of Christ!

Lt. Colonel's Brian & Elaine Hood have been such a blessing to us this year and will never really understand the amount of blessing they have brought me (& the Glenroy Corps). They offered to lead our Sunday morning meetings, which is amazing for the work load & responsibilities these two had. It shows us all how much more we can actually achieve - if we want to!!

These two people are all that 'Christians' should aspire to be, such generous, encouraging, humble, Godly people that have just brought such a light into an area where the light was starting to dwindle. These guy's are a great model of Jesus that we should aim to achieve.

Unfortunately the Southern Territory are loosing the Hoods at the end of 2007, they are going back to Queensland as Corps officers for the next part of their journey. Blessings to you Eastern Territory!!

I'd just like to publicly say that I thank God for your service, your encouragement and your leadership and we will miss you so much!

Now that we are loosing such great people, who will take their place? Who will take a stand and rise up and stand for Jesus, as Brian & Elaine have? You can't make a stand while your sitting in the seat of a spectator! Be a participator - become a saint, change the world in Jesus Name!

Other Officers will do their 'work', but no one will take their place!

Thank you Brian & Elaine!! God bless you both!

"I thank my God every time I remember you"

Philippians 1:3

How much longer??

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire,and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?

You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat."

2 Peter 3:10-12

Have you made your decision? Is it Jesus or Hell?? I ask you this out of love, not to put fear into you, but the peace of eternity!

Times running out - don't leave this blog without knowing where you stand - there is no fence sitting!

Old Testament Salvation?

Even though I'm tired and my brain isn't functioning at 100%, or even close, I thought I'd throw out this question.

It says;

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

in John 14:6 and that is the way to salvation.

So all the people in history that lived before the point of Jesus, no matter how good and holy they were, did they get to the Father? I'm sure I've heard an answer to this a long time ago, but could someone refresh my memory.

The Ten Commandments

A new movie is on it's way - a cartoon of 'The Ten Commandments' staring actors such as Christian Slater as Moses and Sir Ben Kingsley as the narrator.

Do you know the 10 commandments?
Have a look at this;

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In case you can't 'remember' the 10 commandments from God - an easy way to remember them is;

I dolitary

A dltery - Don't worship idols
M urder - Don't commit murder

T ake - Don't steal
H onour - obey your parents
E nvy - Don't be jealous

L ie - Don't ever lie
O ne - Only one God to worship
R est - On the sabbath
D isrespect - Don't use God's name in vain

Exodus 20 has the commandments that God told us to follow if you want to look them up for yourself!

"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name"
Exodus 20:7

How well have you tamed your tongue?

Vision

God just reminded me of the blog that basically started off the year for me!

God said this would be the year of Salvation, but a few things had to happen first!

How have you worked towards Holiness this year? How have you been going getting all the crap our of your life? How much more discipline have you put into your time and devotion into getting to know Jesus better through prayer and study of His word?? (You can't be like Him if you don't know Him!)

You might like to re-read my blog from January (http://discipleinthemodernworld.blogspot.com/2007/01/year-of-salvation.html) now that the end of the year is starting to approach, and re-visit what God wanted us to set out and achieve in 2007? How has your 'new years resolutions' been going - if you made any?

We should regularly re-visit 'mission statements' or the vision we have for projects etc often to make sure we keep true to what we are doing. Soldiers - we should often re-visit our 'Articles of War' and make sure we are keeping to our life covenant. It is so easy to loose track and loose vision with all the distractions that are placed on our path.

William Booth set out a list of things he dedicate himself to, like read no less than 4 chapters of the Bible a day, avoid babbling and idling talk, etc, but most importantly read over his resolutions everyday or at least twice a week - why, so he didn't forget the commitment he made.

If you find yourself wondering why you are doing what you are doing - go back to the start and remember the call and passion of what you were called to do, if you never had the passion or don't know why you're doing what you do - then ask God where you should be!

“Look!” he said. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!

Genesis 11:5-7

'Go for souls' debrief

Well on the weekend we had the "Go for souls" conference to equip and empower solders to go out and spread the word about Jesus.

We had some great sessions and training electives and then put it all into practice and hit the streets. The total tally was 10 people saved and 2 sanctification's!! Amazing, and all due to James Thompson's vision that we need more evangelism but first more training!!

You might like to see other wrap ups of the conference - see James' blog, Stephen's and Xander's - all on the right hand column of blogs.

Read James' blog today bout the election too! Amazing insight from Jason from Catch the Fire ministries on Saturday - might get you thinking about the election on November 24th!

Remember the great commission - go out and make disciples of all race, country and political background!

"Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”"

Matt 28:18-20

'Go for Souls' conference

Hi all,

Just in case you haven't heard, or had and need a reminder, the 'Go for Souls' conference is on this weekend - Friday 12th and Saturday the 13th of October at Plenty Valley Salvation Army.

You realise as a Christian you have been given the great commission but don't know how to go about it or where to start?? You think you're not good enough and no one will listen to you??? You think it's not your gift, so you'll leave it up to those 'evangelists'??!!

Come along to the 'Go for Souls' conference - you'll unleash a part of yourself you didn't realise you had. There's going to be some amazing guests/speakers - you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Check out http://www.goforsouls.blogspot.com/ for schedules and other info.

It's going to be great!! Catch you there!

Action and Re-Action

"However do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven"

Luke 10:20

I remember in high school learning in Physics about laws of motion and stuff like that. One of the things I remember was Newton's third law of motion which says basically, when one object places a force onto a second object, the second object places an equal, but opposite force back onto the first object. How was that basic summary? Action and re-action!

Thinking about 'action and re-action' when I read this passage in Luke today (above), I thought of God's 'action' of love and grace and my/our re-action and how we re-act to it.

How do you react to the love God has shown you, all the prayers He answers, that way out he showed you in a desperate time, His Son that stepped into your shoes and took away your debts, His grace?

There should be a re-action to God's action - Matt 28 from verse 16 tells us our re-action should be to go and tell the world all He has done for us.

Think about how your life is showing a re-action of God's action today.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

1 John 4:18-20

Uniform

I found this on Blood and Fire (see right column) (and photo from thewarcollege.com) and thought it was a great excerpt of why the Salvation Army have our unique uniform wearing approach to salvation, being an obvious presence and how it opens up so many doors and opportunities.

Why a uniform?

Although uniform wearing is not compulsory for Salvation Army Soldiers, most soldiers still chose to be identified by the clothes that they wear to church. Elijah Cadman an early pioneer of the Salvation Army was the first Salvationist to don a uniform. He did it because he wanted the devil to know that he meant to "fight to the death".

The uniform has changed over the years to reflect modern trends and undoubtedly will change in the future. However, many Salvationists could not envisage carrying out their distinct mission without one. The uniform has made Salvationists vulnerable to approach from the needy. When worn by a soldier with an on-fire testimony it becomes a passport to countless opportunities for service.

Salvationists continue to ensure that their uniforms to link them with the unsaved and do not serve as a barrier between us and those we long to serve. Military soldiers have different uniforms for different types of combat. Salvationists too need to know when to keep uniforms on and when to take them off.

One thing that was mentioned at ACC was human trafficking along with sex trafficking and talking about going into brothels and places connected with them, and our uniform was a great 'door opener' where if we had no uniform it would be a totally awkward situation if we wanted to go in to make a network and get our 'foot in the door' if you understand what I mean!

Sure uniform takes many different forms these days, but still whether it's a shirt with a red shield on it or a high neck uniform, it still is the symbol of SALVATION and a great reminder we're ultimately after leading a person into a relationship with Jesus!!

Join the war, become a soldier!

I have a dream....the Salvation Army

We've just had a great week at ACC (Aggressive Christianity Conference) with so many great things for us to challenge us, to think of and to expand us, now we just have to take it with us and put it all into action.

Many within this great Army of God had lost our vision, but what I'll post below is a solution to that.


Our TC (Territorial Commander) has a dream, that one day...

...The Salvation Army will in its entirety, be what God wants it to be

…that every soldier, young and old would be sanctified through and through

…and out of the passion of their love in Christ, would be an undeniable force for God’s love in the
world

.…that this love would be seen between each soldier to demonstrate that God has sent His Son into the world not to condemn it, but that the world through Him might be saved

…and by this would all people know that we are His followers and represent Him

.…that our love would be seen through intentional and overt acts of mercy and justice, all the while in humility before God, not needing to publish our works, only doing them to glorify God

.…that our mission would have such integrity that every expression of our ministry would be marked not so much by a red shield or even a crest, but by the love of God for people

.…that every corps would embrace the gospel for everyone in their community, not discriminating by culture, language, social status, or age

…and that the helping ministries would be woven into the fabric so that even under a nuclear microscope we could not distinguish between spiritual and social

.…that every social programme would be inviting to any one in need to be helped towards eternal affect, still maintaining our resolve to dispense such love indiscriminately and unconditionally

…and that their connections with the corps ministries become seamless to the point that they would become a type of corps in their own right

.…that we would have effective ministries to eradicate homelessness, human trafficking, prostitution and other indecencies currently common in our society

.…that our social programme strategy will be based upon the needs of people in the context of Biblical mandate, not necessarily the offerings of government contracts

.…that headquarters support units would be understood as such, not diminishing their purposes for accountability, but wholly in the context of authentic support and encouragement

.…that programmes such as Salvo Stores and Employment plus would also become saving stations for the lost and fully integrated into the mission of the territory

.…that Salvo Stores and the Trade become responsible outlets for Fair Trade goods

.…that our commercial department at THQ become a resource and focal point for facilitating our increasing efforts in Fair Trade

.…that the Family Tracing Service be expanded to find those souls who have been lost to the Army, assisting in bringing them home, where they belong

.…that we would never have another day in our existence where someone was not brought to Christ

…that our soldiers roll would only be an increasing reality as would our worship and discipleship meetings

.…that the proliferation of new ministry openings would be so common and normal that we would have to appoint personnel just to keep track of it, most often after the fact

.…that those gifted with creative ministry gifts would have every opportunity to employ these very skills in the work of the Army

.…that our worship would be filled with creative means to celebrate God’s provisions and presence among us

…that our 24/7 Prayer Initiatives will be adopted by individual corps throughout the territory all the time

…that we would establish Lighthouses of Prayer to cover our neighbourhoods with grace

…that we would have numerous prayer destinations where people could go for prayer retreats, learning opportunities and resources

.…that our systems would be less restrictive and more imaginative to accommodate the new things God wants to do among us

.…that as a movement, we would be marked by holiness in corporate and individual praxis

…that there would be such an out pouring of the Spirit upon us that we would be courageous and effective witnesses in our families, communities, cities, Australia and the world

.…that our compassion would be large enough to be understood as authentically global throughout what we do at home and abroad

.…that our people would be quick to respond to the voice of God for whatever He calls them to

…that our officer training programmes would be taxed by the unusual response of the called to serve as officers in TSA

…that our local officers would be so empowered to understand their foundational role in the corps ministries and fully embrace the priesthood of all believers

.…that our women would have appointments and responsibilities commensurate with their gifts, abilities and experience

.…that our young people would be filled with the Spirit and recognised as contributors in the fight

…that our children would be welcomed as authentic soldiers with proper opportunities to celebrate the presence of Christ in their lives and in their environments

.…that an extraordinary forgiveness and healing of past sins and hurts would prevail upon all people victimised by our practises or inattention

.…that God would see that we love Him supremely through Christ and that our reliance on the Holy Spirit completes His hope in us that God would see that we love Him absolutely and are expressing our love for Him by our active love for others.


So after reading all that.... watch out - we'll be hitting a town like yours soon. Also, watch out if you've been buying sex and supporting things like sex trafficking or Human trafficking. There is an Army of Holiness sweeping through this land with the Sword of God in hand.

What gets you up in the morning - what gives you passion?

A new saying in the Army - 'Mother of a Pharisee'!

Something to remember - WHAT GOD COMMANDS - GOD ENABLES!!

Learn to be like Jesus - serve others!

In one word what the week was about - OTHERS

A final thought to think about;

"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord"

Hebrews 12:14

The Great Omission?

Before Jesus' ascension, His last command to us was to "make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19). Are we making 'Christians' these days instead of 'Disciples' so are we turning the 'Great Commission' into the great omission??

So what is a disciple? The definition says;

• One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.
• An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.
• (So my Salvation Army paraphrase - an active Soldier/Officer, believes in our doctrines and assists in spreading the word of Jesus)

Are we spreading the good news? How many people are we telling about Jesus? We need to be following Jesus and using him as our role model - the model of Holiness. Did you notice the word active? How many 'Christians' are actually active in spreading the Word??

Are we walking in Jesus' footsteps. The fruits we bear will show whether we are or not. Jesus said; "... even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." John 10:38

What fruits are you producing? Does the Holy Spirit have free reign in your life today?

Follow!

"After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come', He said. 'The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!'

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake for they were fishermen. 'Come follow me' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'

At once they left their nets and followed Him"

Mark 1:14-18

Is Jesus telling you to leave your nets today and to follow Him?

Walking the world in white - the Transfiguration

Mark 9:2-13

"His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them."

Mark 9:3

I was just thinking yesterday about the transfiguration of Jesus and how if the colour of our clothes reflected our walk of purity - what colour would our clothes be?

Also we read in Exodus 34:29-35, when Moses spent time with God on Mount Sinai, he came down so 'radiant' that he had to wear a veil! How much more light could we be shining in the world if we spent more time in God's presence.

I just read a comment today on James' blog (see right column) by Xander - in the early church, they spent 10 days in God's presence (in prayer), 10 minutes preaching and saved 3000 people!! Holiness - it's a pre-requisite to changing the world - touching Heaven, changing earth.

One of our well loved songs in the Salvation Army written by our founder, Send the Fire, has a great line that says, for power to walk this world in white, that's what we need to be working towards. Send the Fire!

A couple of weeks ago, we had the young adults retreat. We had a silent retreat for a couple of hours looking at different aspects of Psalm 27 with different coloured tables representing these aspects. One of them was a white table representing Holiness. It was so attractive, a clean, white table just in front of me. It was spiritually attractive - that's what I wanted!

Holiness - purity, nothing standing in between us and God. Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb - ironic, but the blood price paid for our impurities, it's so amazingly refreshing.

God needs an army of pure soldiers at His disposal. How can He call on us for His pure purpose and plan if we can't be used. We are lucky God doesn't wait for a perfect person, but uses us anyway - He deserves the glory don't you think!!

God created us in His image - let's return the favour - become Holy!

Salvation...

Yesterday morning my brother had a phone call @ 530am from a friend who said he had something attacking him and wouldn't get off him and that we had to get around there now!

We got there, he thought there was a demon possessing him, but my discernment told me there was nothing spiritual about it. He did 'manifest' a couple of times but it confused me quite a bit!

Just incase my discernment wasn't working properly since I was still half asleep @ 6am and my hair was still undone, we went through the steps of deliverance and had a huge time of confession and repentance. This still didn't seem to get us anywhere, and he was sweating in amazing volumes and struggling with physical 'distortions' that weren't quite normal.

We ended taking him through the salvation prayer after all was right before God and he was still struggling with whatever was effecting him. We found out a bit earlier, that he hasn't slept for 4 days because he was on ICE!

So the main thing that was going through my mind afterwards was even though he was effected by ICE and it most likely wasn't a spiritual battle, did he still enter into God's grace by praying the prayer of Salvation!? My thought's tell me he is now saved even though he has now been transferred into a 'psych' ward for observations for 3 days!!

It was an interesting day yesterday, and I was quite sick afterwards suggesting to me there could have been some spiritual warfare in it after all.

I still feel God was given the glory through this all since our mate committed his life to Jesus and said he would re-commit himself attending church much more regularly.

Halelujah!

"He said to them .....

'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not belive will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in My Name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well"

Mark 16:15-18

Did Paul capture all the gifts?

Spiritual gifts - what are they and how do we classify them??

We seem to have depended a lot on what Paul wrote on Spiritual gifts to what we teach about these days. On many Spiritual gifts tests there are some 'gifts' such as artistic creativity and musical ability which many people say are not spiritual gifts, more natural talents people use for God, maybe mostly because Paul didn't mention them as 'gifts'. So did Paul capture all the gifts and do we depend on his 'list' of them too much?

Looking at the old testament it seems to me that gift's such as musical talent and artistic creativity can be 'Spiritual' gifts and here's why...

Exodus 31:1 - 4 "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the SPIRIT OF GOD, with SKILL, ABILITY and KNOWLEDGE in all kinds of CRAFTS - to make ARTISTIC DESIGNS for work in gold, silver and bronze....".

There is one example of the Spirit of God giving the gift of Artistic creativity!

As a slight side note - we as humans love to put things in nice boxes and call everything in clear cut gifts - but we must remember it's the one Spirit which enables all these gifts, therefore many of the gifts can and will blur into each other and may not be perfectly put into a 'category'.


In reference to musical ability through the Spirit, even Paul in Ephesisans 5:18-20 talks about being filled with the Spirit and sing spiritual songs to God but doesn't spell out that it is a 'gift' of the Spirit, but I know personally I've sung out of the Spirit enhancing my musical ability - the only time I've spoken in tongues was when I sung in the Spirit!

The old testament has a few references to enhanced singing and praising through the Spirit. One example is when David played his harp for Saul, the 'evil' spirit left Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23) which didn't specifically say was through the Spirit of God, but must have been due the Spirit of God enhancing David's playing! (What do you think?)

I think I'll leave this blog here - end of part 1 - I'll possibly add a part 2 in the not too distant future! Something for you to think about for now!

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks"

John 4:23