Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

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!"

Worlds biggest worship service

Tonight the world comes together for the largest worship service of the year!

Calling all Christians; the night of the 24 of December gather with your family and friends to worship the baby that changed the world - the Son of God - the Saviour of the World, Jesus.

I love watching Carols by Candlelight every year seeing millions of people singing praise to Jesus at the Melbourne Myer Music bowl, but also knowing millions more are sitting in their living rooms at home singing praise to Jesus also!

Let's take this opportunity to worship Jesus for all the world to see, and make it obvious that the worlds we're singing actually are meaningful and not just for the sake of singing -

"Joy to the world the Lord is come

let Earth receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room"

Money

PASTORAL LETTER ELEVEN

MONEY

Dear Fellow Salvationists,

This Pastoral Letter comes to you close to the time when Christians everywhere are rejoicing in the birth of the Saviour.

With my wife, Commissioner Helen Clifton, I send you warmest good wishes and Christmas greetings. May the miracle of the coming of Jesus into the world fill us all with new wonder and new love as we go on witnessing to, and serving, others in his sacred name.

It may seem strange to use the title 'Money' for a Christmas Pastoral Letter. Let me explain. Our news bulletins and newspapers are filled these days with reports of a global financial crisis.

We hear about the worldwide 'credit crunch', caused by lenders failing to be self-restrained when lending to over-keen borrowers who could not afford the repayments. We hear about governments, who often refuse to spend a few millions on good causes or human need, suddenly being able to spend billions to prop up failing financial institutions and large businesses.

For most of us it is all baffling, but also deeply disturbing. Ordinary people are losing their jobs, and some are in danger of losing their homes. Despite this, we do not hear of many financial or political leaders accepting personal blame or apologising or offering to withdraw from public life because their economic policies have led to global recession and hardship for countless millions of people. Of course, it would take very great personal honour to shoulder the responsibility in this gracious way.

When Jesus entered the world he had nothing. His parents were not rich. His father, Joseph, worked with his hands, with wood and nails. When Jesus died he still had nothing. He was not at all interested in materialism, and yet he was immensely wealthy for he knew the meaning of true wealth. He told us that it is incredibly hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and he held up, as a shining example for us, the widow who gave all she had, a tiny coin, for the work of God.

During the recent presidential elections in the United States of America, both candidates were interviewed by Pastor Rick Warren and were asked to 'Define rich'. Despite offering sincere responses, neither really got it right, completely missing the point that true and lasting riches have nothing whatsoever to do with cash. Neither mentioned that the Lord Jesus Christ has told us to store up riches in Heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt and where thieves do not break in and steal. There is no 'credit crisis' there!

This Christmas, let us not go deeper into personal debt. Let us be restrained in our spending. Let us remember that in the 117 countries where the Army has been called to serve most people are poor and that there is absolutely nothing glamorous or sentimental about poverty.

This Christmas, let us remember that we follow in the steps of a matchless Saviour who came into and who left the world penniless.

This Christmas, as we anticipate an upsurge in the number of those seeking and needing the Army's help, let us remember that even a cup of cold water given in his name is given as unto him, and that we are going to have many, many more opportunities to share Christ with others as they turn to faith, abandoning the false god of material security.

This Christmas, let us rediscover true riches: forgiveness in Christ, a sanctified life in the power of the Holy Spirit, obedience to the will of God, and our days spent in living for others.

You remain always in my prayers.

May 2009 be filled with blessings from God for you and all whom you love. May you be fruitful for the Kingdom of God.

I commit you to the perfect love of Christ.

God bless you.

Shaw Clifton

General

Sceptic's guide to God

The other day I got mail as I usually do from Koorong book stores. In the package was a small pamphlet with few quotes from a book called "Sceptic's guide to God" and so I thought I'd share those couple of quotes with you;

"If you believe the information content in living systems to be the result of chance, then you believe that a tornado can go though a junk yard and assemble a Jumbo Jet!" Prof Hoyle

&

"The goal of Heaven is worthy of greater advanced planning than we would give to any other journey - yet some people spend more time preparing for a trip to Disney World" Randy Alcorn

I thought I'd just share those thoughts with you today.

How is your preparation going for eternity - leave me a comment firstly if you love Jesus, but secondly if you want to know more bout God if you don't already. Will be the best decision you will ever make to follow Jesus!

Bless ya!

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6:20

On Fire!

This is a new thing 4 me, blogging from my mobile phone!

Today marks the start of Commissioning 2008 which is being called On Fire. I have a few great mates preparing 2 b sent out 2 their 1st appointments tomorrow & I know have been waiting 4 this day a long time!! Bless u guys.

From 3pm today there will actually b a segment on blogging which I'll a part of the panel so come along 4 a time of discussion, not like what we have here on the actual blogs! Lol

Its going 2 b a great time this weekend, so come along 2 the John Batman theatre 4 some great fellowship, discussions & worship.

Cost of following Jesus

18When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.

19Then a teacher of the law came to him and said,

"Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."

20Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

21Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."

22But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

Mathew 8:18-22

Go for souls, and Generation final - my weekend

We'll haven't blogged for a few days and so much to blog about!!

Starting with the weekend - 'Go for Souls' went off as I knew it would, there was so much spiritual stuff around it trying to get us sick or unable to attend. James and I lost our voices - strange - our weapons, and a few others got sick in the lead up also.

Anyway, we pushed through had some amazing worship times, even being a part of the band I really found myself in the Throne room of God! Was awesome!

Outreach on the Saturday was fun, my group of kicked out of the shopping center, the group on the trains were threatened with bottles and rocks and the other guys, I don't' know, they probably just went well! lol

All up I heard 13 souls were saved and became a part of the Kingdom of Heaven - I pray God will reveal Himself to many more that were engaged with also that came so close.

Sunday night, I had my final Generation meeting at Glenroy so I had my 'Famous Last Words' sorta approach to the night. Was a sad event but I'll survive ;)

After the meeting, we had some prayer for healing in a friend, but God had other plans for the first steps to holiness and had some deliverance from a demonic stronghold instead - the rest to come later still, but God is awesome and always wins the battle.

Commissioning this weekend - also looking forward to that, and also my friend and session mate, Kathleen is flying in tomorrow for the weekend, so should be awesome to have quite a few of our future session mates at the same place at the same time before college.

Blessings to you all

I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

1 Corinthians 9:23

Overcomers

The other night I was at a practice for an upcoming event and there was a whole heap of spiritual warfare around the place. God showed me what was going on and so I started praying against it.

It was fairly strong stuff, but I know God is bigger and His power is limitless so I prayed through it with God on my side and had a few others praying outside on the land and we broke through and claimed the land back for God.

I got a bit sick the next couple of days due to it but God still has the victory and if you are in Melbourne this weekend you might want to come to Go for Souls conference at Plenty Valley Salvation Army from Friday night till Saturday night cos God is going to turn up and bless the conference. We need passion to save the lost, to come along to learn how to reach out and go for souls!!

Check it out @ http://goforsouls.blogspot.com/

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Luke 10:19

Prayer - Noosa Youth

On the weekend I was invited up to the youth camp of the Noosa Corps in Queensland to do a bit of teaching on prayer

What a privilege to talk about prayer - talking to our creator.

Firstly, I got to preach with no shoes on, that was cool!

Secondly, talked about our relationship with God and the power of prayer and what actually happens in the spiritual realm - we really have no idea of all that actually happens. During the second session, I got us to think back to the worship time we just had and we all remember hearing more people than were actually there - there was only around 25 of us, but we all remember hearing a huge army worshipping God!! Were we surrounded by angels? Over the weekend, our eyes were opened to many new things. (have a look at 2 Kings 6:15-18)

During the last session we had some practical teaching on prayer and we had been praying for the Holy Spirit to be free to do His work and for the guys to actually experience God. Many of the youngsters had never really experienced God in a tangible way, and by the end of this last session all the kids were prophesying over each other - hearing accurate messages and visions from God while praying for each other!!! How awesome is God!! It knocked my socks off (yeah I know I didn't have shoes on, but metaphorically speaking [Jordan!! lol])

It didn't just stop there, that night, Sunday night, we went back to Noosa for their youth meeting - Undefeated - also very cool. This night was also, unplanned, was on being undefeated through prayer. This meeting went for 3 hours, we ended up breaking up into groups for more prayer (couldn't get enough) and more ministry was seen, prophecies, salvation, deliverance etc. One of the guys said at the end, 'What we learned this afternoon was exactly what we needed for tonight'. God is good, He knows exactly what we need and when - God's timing is perfect.

I think we all had one of the best weekends of our lives. They are some of the best guys/girls I have ever met, love them so much and am surprisingly missing them a heap too.

For the next 30 days (28 now) we also committed to praying for revival in Noosa, so you might like to join us in that!! Bring it on God - they're ready for You

"'Father,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins,

for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation."

Luke 11:2-4

TACO Trivia

I'm about to head up to Brisbane for the weekend for a youth camp with Noosa Corps, so if you have a second, could you just pray for us that God will really turn up and change lives!!

There you just had a second - hope you prayed!! ;)

I want to mention that I've just added a link on the side bar under 'other sites of interest' a link to TACO Trivia - please check it out. We need to be supporting people overseas, especially the ones who are being obedient to God's call on their lives and in turn impacting the world.

Check it out and see what you can do to help those less fortunate than us in this way.

Praise God, He deserves all our praise!

"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said:

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it."

Mark 8:34-35

Abortion or 'choice'

For you created my inmost being;

You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from You

when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me

were written in Your book

before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13-16

General's Pastoral Letter - Number Ten - Kindness

PASTORAL LETTER TEN

KINDNESS

Dear Fellow-Salvationists,

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

The Army is filled with kind people. I meet them in person everywhere I go. I receive a steady stream of letters and cards from them. Kindness is a wonderful thing. It blesses the recipient in simple but profound ways, and it pleases the Lord who smiles upon the kindness of the giver.

So this Pastoral Letter is a small but heartfelt celebration of kindness and of kind Salvation Army folk right around the world.

God is closely interested in kindness. We know this because the Bible tells us that kindness is a fruit that grows when the Holy Spirit implants it into our personalities. Galatians 5:22, 23 lists nine fruits of the Spirit, with kindness named as the fifth in this list. It comes in the middle of the list, as though it is the hinge on which the other eight balance.

However, even though kindness is central to the list, it cannot outshine the fruit of love which is mentioned first before all the other fruits. Love (the love shown to us by Christ and gifted to us by him) is the fertile soil from which all the other fruits grow. In 1 Corinthians 13:4 we read that love is kind. Love and kindness are inextricably linked in the teaching of the Scriptures. One Christian writer, the great Dr Sangster, has said that Christian kindness is 'love in its smaller manifestations'.

Pause to think of the small but effective acts of kindness that have come your way recently. Think of the people who have performed these actions and take time to thank God for each person, perhaps adding a prayer that you also will receive the grace to go on being a kind person too.

Kindness is not about indulging other folk and giving them all they want. Rather it is an attitude that leads to practical actions that meet another's needs. It is often a hidden thing, done in secret and not f or self-glorification. God sees it all and that is sufficient.

The Bible is full of statements about the kindness found in the heart of God. Let me list some of the references and encourage you to look them up for yourself: Luke 6:35 ('he is kind'); Nehemiah 9:17, Joel 2:13, and Jonah 4:2 (all King James Version: 'slow to anger, and of great kindness'); Psalm 117:2 (KJV: 'merciful kindness'). This divine kindness is seen at its fullest in the nature and character of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was full of love and this often expressed itself in acts and words of kindness. The same happens when we too are filled more and more with the love of Jesus.Because God is kind, the Bible exhorts us also to be kind. Romans 12:10 speaks about being devoted to one another and about brotherly love. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be 'kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you.' Actions and words of forgiveness a re a very great kindness. In his letter to the Colossian Christians (3:12) Paul reminds them that they are 'God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved' and therefore they should 'clothe' themselves with kindness. This image of being dressed all over in kindness is a very powerful one. Paul here also links kindness with its close cousins - compassion, humility, gentleness and patience. I know many Salvationists, and those beyond our ranks too, who exemplify these qualities. They are foundational to the holy life and result from the blessing of a clean heart.

Finally, we note that in 2 Peter 1:7 the Bible sees a close intimacy between godliness, kindness and love. True godliness results in kindness, and this draws upon divine love for its very survival as an attribute in our redeemed personalities.

Because of all this I rejoice and celebrate with each of you God's pouring out upon us of a measure of the Holy Spirit fruit of kindness. May this blossom, bud and grow into ripe and mature fruit in each of our lives.

I thank God for you all, keeping you daily in my prayers, as does Commissioner Helen Clifton. Thank you for the kindness of your hearts and the kindness of your actions day by day. Let the whole Army flow over and over with holy, Christlike kindness.

I commit you to the perfect love of Christ.

Shaw CliftonGeneral

Islamic Leaders son finds Jesus

The son of a very influential Islamic leader has found Jesus and has left Islam. He has run to the USA for his safety and is trying to point the rest of Islam including his family to the truth about Jesus.

The son has been very vocal on telling those who are still followers of Islam the truth about God and their wrong teachings. Jesus is the way to eternal life, without Jesus hell will be your destination.

You might like to read about it further;

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080804/top-hamas-leader-s-son-converts-to-christianity.htm

God is good, if you search for the truth, He will not hide it from you! Hallelujah.

We can lead people to Jesus, but only He can save them!!

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

Luke 19:10

It's Jesus or Hell - your choice

Halloween

Happy Halloween for all those who it actually matters too!

What a day, if your a demon, you'd probably love it, the one day of the year people actually celebrate evil and probably the day of the year when most people pick up a demon of their own for a small cost - spiritual freedom.

Jesus came to give us spiritual freedom - forget about things like Halloween which gives focus to the darkness and worship the light - the creator of all things - Jesus

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 8:12

Those of us who walk in His victory have the upper hand over darkness and find Satan under our feet. Be victorious on this Halloween night - cover yourself in the Armour of Salvation (Ephesians 6:10-20) and also the Blood of Jesus and you will be able to stand no matter what comes your way.

Hallelujah

Healing Part 2

So we've had a good discussion on the previous post.

Recently I heard someone preach about how great it was that Jesus gave sight to the blind, made the lame to walk, etc, etc, BUT they're all dead now - what use was the miracles??

As discussed below, it's more about what goes with the miracles, not the actual miracle themselves. The best sort of healing ministry I've been a part of is the emotional healing - that is the stuff that I live for. There have been a few people that God has brought healing to in this way recently in my life- these are amazing stories - the deepest, most personal and the most powerful.

So, if there's nothing that will change in the persons life for the better with the miracle, then I'm sure God will not allow it to happen, it will just be a clanging sound - it happens, people hear it but that's it. There has to be some deep change behind the miracle - I thought about the story of the lepers that Jesus cleansed - only one came back to thank Jesus - he experienced a change in his life - what do you think it was??

I think in my previous comments I explained myself badly - faith has a large part in healing, for example in Matthew 9:29 it says;

Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you";

and also in Matthew 15:28;

Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

and so on.

It's not the miracles we should focus on, but the power of God and the change He makes in our lives.

More for you to think about - Your thoughts?

Healing

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:1-2

We know God can heal everything and anything, I've seen it many times, after all He created the universe, but when does God choose not to heal?

If someone brought an injury upon themself, for example, if they broke their hand or foot or anything else for that matter, would God allow it to be healed miraculously?

Someone else I know that has the gift of healing said to me the other day, that sometimes Satan can throw a spanner into the works too with the gift of healing - so I was after a few thoughts on this.

So can I get some readers thoughts. What are a few times and examples of when God has healed someone or hasn't healed someone and what wisdom or insight have you had?

Four Minutes

Was listening to Madonna's and Justin Timberlake's song the other day on the radio and a few things jumped out at me.

The first thing is how cool would it be if all disciples of Jesus joined in together for a global four minutes to save the world campaign - synchronise watches and go carry out the great commission. I know we should be doing this all the time anyway, but how bout a one off 4 minute hit on the world, all women, children and men evangelise at the same time, wonder what would happen?

The other thing was a couple of lines;

"The road to Hell is paved with good intentions"

How many people have good intentions but never actually do something about them. Many people thing they're a good person, will help save the environment or sponsor a child someday or will repent of their wrong doings at a later date - good intentions will never give you an 'out of Hell free pass' - today is the day of salvation - don't wait till tomorrow - call on Jesus today, right now actually!!

Another line is;

"But if I die tonight, at least I can say I did what I wanted to do"

If you look at a time line of all eternity which our immortal souls will live for, find your life span on that timeline - tell me is it really worth it, doing what you want to do or do what you should do.. eternity is a long time - weigh it up!

So find Jesus' plan for your life today, good intentions will never get you anywhere, and doing what you want to do is selfish, there's a bigger world out there, a bigger Kingdom out there that you are invited to be a part of.

Take the opportunity today; wanna know more email me or comment me - don't miss out on the ride of your life - life the life you were born to live - find out how - ask your Creator!!

Bless ya

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Romans 10:12-13

I'm in His hands

732 SASB

1. I shall not fear though darkened clouds may gather round me;

The God I serve is one who cares and understands.

Although the storms I face would threaten to confound me,

Of this I am assured:

I'm in his hands.

Chorus

I'm in his hands,

I'm in his hands;

Whate'er the future holds

I'm in his hands,

The days I cannot see

Have all been planned for me;

His way is best, you see;

I'm in his hands.

2.What though I cannot know the way that lies before me?

I still can trust and freely follow his commands;

My faith is firm since it is he that watches o'er me;

Of this I'm confident:

I'm in his hands.

3.In days gone by my Lord has always proved sufficient,

When I have yielded to the law of love's demands;

Why should I doubt that he would evermore be present

To make his will my own?

I'm in his hands!

Stanley E. Ditmer

Resurrection

From Wednesday to Friday this last week I attended ACC at Box Hill, Melbourne. ACC is Aggressive Christianity Conference based on Catherine Booths book.

The last night, Friday night, Russell Rook talked to us and gave us a powerful message from Luke 24 on learning to raise the dead - a title that captured me from the start.

When we meet the disciples after the Crucifixion, we find them hiding in fear and without hope since Jesus, who they had been following and learning everything from for the past 3 years is now gone. They felt they were under threat from the rest of the Jews and were living in fear of their lives.

Then Jesus comes on the scene, just appears from no where and says 'Peace'. That's nice! This means everything to these guys, from living in fear of their lives to knowing they're standing in the presence of the One who gives life!! No need to fear anymore, if the Jews or anyone else does kill them for preaching the good news - IT'S NOT THE END - the resurrection is the final word - Jesus is the Alpha and OMEGA - the beginning and the END - He has the final say!

From here on, the disciples took the gospel FEARLESSLY to the ends of the earth. No need to fear death or what any man could do to them, the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

We don't believe the story ends with death - it ends with resurrection!

Hallelujah

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,"

Philippians 3:10

Extremists - again

After my previous post, my brother told me that he had just been reading some speeches for his studies on Martin Luther King Jr and how they had been along similar lines to what I blogged and have been thinking about.

I thought I'd just add a few of his quotes in, firstly because they are along similar lines to my previous blog, and also because they are inspirational.

"Was not Jesus an extremist in love - 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.' Was not Amos an extremist for justice - 'Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an mighty stream.' Was not Paul an extremist for the gospel of Jesus Christ - 'I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.' Was not Martin Luther an extremist - 'Here I stand; I can do none other so help me God.' Was not John Bunyan an extremist - 'I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a butchery of my conscience.' Was not Abraham Lincoln an extremist - 'This nation cannot survive half slave and half free'. Was not Thomas Jefferson and extremist - 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' So the question is not whether we will be extremist but what kind of extremist will we be . Will be extremist for the preservation for hate or will be extremists for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice - or will we be extremists for the cause of justice?"

What a spokes person! There are so many other brilliant quotes here from Martin Luther King Jr, but I may break it up into smaller, bite size blogs.

I'm about to go into a technological blackout until late Monday. This weekend a few of us are involved in the International Weekend of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sexual Trafficking so one of the things I will be fasting is technology. You may also like to join us in prayer and fasting as a starting point to fight against this evil so please do this weekend.

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners"
Isaiah 61:1

'Extremists'

Here in Australia, we seem to have what I seem to call, the 'Tall Poppy Syndrome".

When someone either stands out or does something significant and makes some sort of impact, where other cultures would most likely congratulate them, possibly give them a medal or an acknowledgement, we here in Oz rip them down instead.

Good huh! I'm sure I'm to blame also.

Within the Salvation Army, I heard someone the other day give someone else the title as an 'extremist'. This person who received this title is someone who does amazing work and stands unwavering for what he believes and is making a huge impact on the world. He has also received an unbelievable amount of opposition from people he fights alongside, who you would think would be supporting him, since they are on the 'same side'.

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. (Mark 3:24)

How can the Salvation Army go forward if we do not support the people in the battle alongside us. If we turn on each other - the enemy has already one.

We mostly hear the term 'extremist' in this present days talking about the 'Muslim extremists' or some other people who are doing things that are shaking the planet in negative ways. I'll tell you now, soon a day is coming when you will be wanting more of these extremists within the Salvation Army! The extremists that we have now that we are tearing down will be the ones you will be counting on, they will be the people that you will be hiding behind when all the extremists go head to head - and I believe our 'extremist/s' that we have within the Salvation Army will make us proud in this situation even if it happened today.

We need to be in the business of producing and training 'extremists' for Jesus, people/soldiers/nutcases that really, truly have a relationship with the Saviour of every soul in the universe and will stand for what they believe no matter if they are standing in a pub/club getting pressured into drinking poison or kneeling with a gun to their head being told to deny the only truth that really matters.

We need a Salvation Army extremist leading the battle training up future extremists - the battle is stirring - I want to be ready - I want to be on the winning side (that's why I'm with Jesus!) - I want to be fighting next to a legion of extremists - I want a session of extremists that will not compromise.

Maybe we are entering into this era as we speak (or as you read)... will you stand up and join us?

We need you! Which side are you fighting on?

"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

Revelation 22:12-14

The General's health update

Just some other news also if you havn't heard - sounds like the General is going well. According to a good source - his son - sound's like he's basically back to normal and has resumed international travel.

Keep praying for the General of the Salvation Army as God has asked us to pray for our leaders.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus....”

1 Timothy 2:1-6

Spiritual Attacks

Has it just been me, or have the spiritual attacks been stepping up?

The past few weeks, God has really been looking after me with attacks coming from all angles, even from close friends being used by the enemy. Close friends effecting other friendships that mean a lot to me, attacks at work - big attacks, attacks within teams at church, all over the place.

God continually reminds me to repent daily, wash myself in His blood, and protect myself with the armor of Salvation - this is a daily thing, not just a thing when you get attacked or every few months when ever you feel you need to get yourself right with God - DAILY! It's a great feeling, first thing in the morning getting right with God - it always, OK, mostly gets me in a right place before God to face the day.

Today I was a bit down, mostly because I've been cut off from a friend presently, but I couldn't get into a right place spiritually. A few weeks ago, I actually forced myself to ask God for something that felt selfish, the gift of tongues - and received it! This is the best spiritual gift for strengthening yourself with God - I love it! Today this gift helped me and strenghten me - God is great!

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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

Ephesians 6:11-12

Freedom

I've been a bit slack blogging lately, slightly busy, but mostly slack I suppose.

Anyway, the weekend in Brisbane at the Unlimited conference was awesome!! Such great worship and the speakers were amazing, God's presence was felt. The highlight would have been the final session where Unlimited youth joined the 'older' guys in Unlimited and a representative from each group apologised to the other for things we may have done or held against the other to heal hurts and to bind generations together - there was not a dry eye in the house!!! Powerful and God honouring!

Tonight, we had our youth Bible study and what a night we had there too. We spoke about taming the tongue and was based on James 3.

We ended just talking about different stuff over supper and one of our African friends started telling us about some dreams she's been having that have been alarming her, so we prayed over her and did some demon kicking - it's been a while for me but she has started clearing some of these African spirits/curses, more powerful stuff. God is good!!

Freedom in the Name of Jesus, its amazing how powerful that Name is. As we covered her in the Blood of Jesus, things changed, she shook and peace came over her in a huge sigh.

Freedom, if you don't have it, ask for it now in Jesus Name, do you need healing - physically/mentally/emotionally - ask for it now in Jesus Name!! Try it, it won't let you down.

"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 14:13-14

God is good

What a great few weeks it's been, God is good!!

I've been reading heaps more of God's word, I have to admit my motivation was more in competition to some teenage girls who were reading more than I was - I was very embarrassed! I've been trying to read at least 5 chapters a night and it's been awesome - God's word really brings life!!

My devotional reading the other night was great too - I'll share some of it with you;

"Many people who are called miss the call because they are dull of hearing. There is something in the call, 'Many are called, but few are chosen' (Matt 22:14) And how will the choice be made? The choice is always your choice first. You will find that the gifts are your choice first. You will find that salvation is your choice. God has made it all, but you have to choose. God wants you to make an inward call, to be in a great intercessory condition of imploring the Holy One to prepare you for that wonderful spiritual body."

"If you want to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the grace and in the grace of God, get hungry enough to be fed; get thirsty enough to cry out; be broken enough that you do not want anything in the world unless He comes Himself"

I'm heading upto Brisbane for the weekend for the Unlimited Conference if anyone is up that way, will be a great weekend. I'm meeting up with most of my team I went to Rwanda with there. I've finally finished editing the DVD set of our documentary from Rwanda also, if anyone is interested in watching it, feel free to contact me - it's turned out really well actually.

Pray for next years college session world wide - the Ambassadors of Holiness! Don't forget to pray for the General, Officers and present Cadets also!!

"And they were all amazed at the greatness of God."

Luke 9:43

Accepted!

I've officially been accepted as an Ambassador of Holiness for 2009.

For those who don't follow Army jargon, that means I've been accepted for training as an Officer (minister) within the Salvation Army.

Thanks for everyone who has supported and prayed for me over this journey. Please continue to pray for the session of Ambassadors, it will be so rewarding, but very challenging at the same time!!

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23

D-Day

Tomorrow is my D Day - the Territorial Board for Candidates. Last time for my Divisional board I didn't request prayer, but this time I am - not for the decision as such, but everything else surrounding it!

Since the Divisional board until now, there has been much spiritual warfare and the enemy causing much confusion in the camp presently which is causing some chaos - confusion not in ministry and calling, but in general life 'stuff', so if I can request prayer, please pray about everything surrounding the Ambassadors of Holiness session from now on, it's going to be an amazing session and hence a lot of opposition and attack from the enemy.

Thanks for everyone's support so far and it would be great if it could continue over the coming weeks for the rest of the session in their travels on the road to college also.

I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.

Galatians 5:10

Good relationships

Sunday night I gave this message at the youth meeting at Macleod Salvation Army.

The night was captured on video and has been youtube-d, so I've put them below so you can watch the message yourself.

This is an important topic that isn't covered much, and needs to be. It hit some of the youth quite hard. Feel free to watch and pass on for your youth to see also.

[The video had to be broken into 3 parts for youtube acceptance (length of video)]

General's Pastoral Letter - Number Nine - Salvation

PASTORAL LETTER NINE

SALVATION

Warm Salvationist greetings from London!

The theme of this ninth Pastoral Letter is that of salvation, a theme so basic and central to the whole gospel, and therefore a theme that goes right to the heart of Salvationism and of what it means to be a Salvationist in today's world.

I find myself often seeking to grasp afresh all that God has done for me in his plan of salvation. I ask myself if I have truly plumbed the depths of it all, if I have fully understood. Sometimes God's actions, in gifting to us a Saviour, seem so astounding that they take on an appearance of impossibility. Even the great hymn writers felt the need to express this, such as Charles Wesley:

'And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Saviour's blood?'

Wesley goes on in that same verse to press home similar questions:

'Died he for me...

how can it be...?'

I can identify so strongly with Wesley's words. Can you?

How is it possible that Almighty God has looked upon us with deep compassion, with mercy so powerful that he sent Jesus? How is it possible that Jesus, so pure and divine, became a mere man for my sake and for yours? How is it possible that he suffered death for me and you (Hebrews 2:9)? How is it possible that he rose from the grave to defeat death for ever and to guarantee for us eternal life through faith in him?

Even the great apostle, Paul, recognised the outrageous nature of Christian belief. He described his message - our message still today - as 'foolishness' (1 Corinthians 1:21), and as a 'stumbling block' (1:23). He knew that according to mere human logic the claims of Christ make no sense at all, but that God's 'foolishness' is 'wiser than man's wisdom' and that the 'weakness' of God is 'stronger than man's strength' (1:25).

So by mortal standards salvation makes no sense at all. Yet it was all God's idea, God's amazing initiative, all because he is pure love and will not let us go without a fight. We end up lost in wonder, love and praise! What a miracle! What wonderful, wonderful love!

All this is one outstanding reason why I am in the Army, with its marvellous name: The Salvation Army, a name given by God to our sanctified forebears and signalling the most important events, the most miraculous truths, and the most astounding claims the world has ever witnessed. Yet we must never allow our name, and its frequent use or its close familiarity, to soften or blur for us the keen cutting edge of the deep spiritual meaning of the word, salvation. It is a word denoting the very nature of the heart of the Creator.

Therefore you and I, as Salvationists, are called of God to live saved lives. We are intended by him, as are all believers, to show to the world what a saved life looks like, to make - by his grace within us - a daily reality o f the effects of salvation. Am I living like that? Are you living like that?

Because he has set us free from the shackles of sin we have become servants of divine and righteous planning (Romans 6:18). Let us serve well.

There is of course one thing that above all else can prevent us from serving well and that is sin. I am thinking now of personal sin. Being saved is no guarantee of freedom from temptation or of exemption from falling. That is why it is so vitally important for a believer to press onward into the blessing of a clean heart and a hatred of all sin whatever form it takes, large or small.

Also the Army, as an organisation for Christ, must be on guard against sin creeping in. Sometimes it seems there is sin in the camp (Hebrews 13:11-14) - such as back-biting, horrible gossip, self-seeking, boasting, dishonesty with money, unholy ambition, lack of Christlike love. When this happens we become weak and ineffective for the gospel. We see decline. Instead we want the Lord to walk among us because he finds us to be a saved and holy people, beneficiaries and exemplars of his salvation, so that his matchless, divine protection remains with us and we can be abundantly fruitful for him (Deuteronomy 23:14).

Fellow Salvationists, I am on my knees with you to pray for his constant presence, asking that the Father's plan of salvation will not be in vain in my life or in the Army.

You are all constantly in my prayers, and again I commit you to the perfect love of Christ.

Shaw Clifton General

http://www1.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_ihq_general.nsf/vw-local/pastoral-letters

Jesus has authority

VERSE:

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority,and not as their teachers of the law.

Matthew 7:28-29

THOUGHT:
Unlike the teachers of his day, Jesus didn't have to shore uphis teaching with obscure quotes from past teachers. Jesus, theWord of God, spoke the very words of God. He did and said what the Father willed. His life and his words had ring of authenticity and an awareness of power that extend through the ages and beckon us to His truth. This Jesus, our Teacher and Lord, is different. His words are powerful. His teachings are true. So his will must be our passion!

The Trinity

The past few days, I've had a few discussions based around the Trinity.

My brother was having a discussion with some guys at his college and some people have the view that you should come and follow their 'god' because it is simple and easy to understand. It's easier to follow their 'gods' teaching and you don't have to put a lot of effort in to follow him/it/she.

My God is not simple, I agree, do I want Him to be - no. My God created the universe, that's not simple! My God loves everyone - that's not simple. My God paid the price for everyone's entry into Heaven - that's not easy either, but He did it all.

Many people cannot understand the concept of the Trinity, it's not simple! At the same time I don't want to follow a god that is simple because of 2 main reasons, 1- either it's the easy way to follow something or 2 -that he's man made.

The God that I follow is bigger than I will ever comprehend while I am on this earth - that's why I follow the God that didn't just sit on some throne in Heaven and look at us from a distance, but actually sent a part of Himself down, placed Himself in our shoes (or sandals) and walked our walk and learnt how it actually is to live the life He gave us - then loved us so much paid our way to be able to live with Him once the 'test' or our life is over.

This life is for us to decide what we will do with our eternity - what's your decision? Make it now or you will have it decided for you and you may not like it.

"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."

Jude 1:20-22

Role models, are you proud of yourself?

You reap what you sow




Do what you say. Integrity, speaks louder than words

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."

Galatians 6:7

Sounds of Hell - WARNING - DISTURBING!

I found this video on you tube the other day.

I know many readers won't believe it and will say it's a hoax, but whether or not it is - we know Hell exists and even if it is a hoax, thinking it could be even similar or as simple as something we could make up, it's freaky. It will be worse than something we could ever imagine with a human brain!!

WARNING - This video might be disturbing to many viewers

Are you saved - Ask Jesus today to save you - it's free! The choice is yours.

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

Acts 2:21

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

John 14:6

Board

For those readers that are within the Salvation Army, I have my meeting with the Divisional Board on Friday for college acceptance.

I would usually ask for some prayer support, but I don't think I need earthly support on this one, God has called, I respond and that's that - this is where I'm supposed to be and it's by Divine appointment this day is occurring.

In saying that, if you'd like to pray for God's will to be done for Friday - please do!! :) Please BE praying for the College and all the Cadets and the Candidates too - there are many struggles occurring in many of our lives, so support on that field is always appreciated.

The Salvation Army needs Soldiers and we also need Officers.

" Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!""

Isaiah 6:8

Catch the Fire update

For all of those reading looking for updates from Catch the Fire Ministries, here is the latest update today from the revival meetings over in Hallam;

DAY 29 - Revival Fire continues to fall in Melbourne- As local motels fill up

Dear Family and Friends in Christ,

God is indeed glorified night after night as the Fire of the Holy Ghost continues to fall in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs. People from interstate and country Victoria are coming in the kinds of numbers that mean local motels are being filled with guests visiting the Hallam Revival meetings. This report has meant our Catch The Fire office has needed to direct people to the local caravan park instead. This is exciting news!

So many people are desperate to receive the goodness and power of our amazing God that they travel from as far away as Darwin, Northern Territory to receive all God has for them, and to take the Fire back to their own area. We are so blessed to see so many people including pastors from Sydney (NSW), Adelaide (SA), Darwin (NT), Parks (NSW), Bendigo (VIC), Geelong (VIC), Bellaraine Peninsula (VIC) and many other places who’ve come to drink from God’s refreshing River of life, flowing directly from His Throne room!

Pastors continue to flow in night after night with their families, many of them being mightily impacted by the Holy Spirit as Pastor Danny prays and releases specific words from the mind and heart of God regarding their church or ministries.

It is reality church to see almost every night many encouraged and built up, as God releases words through the gift of prophecy and/or word of knowledge, with many responding as Pastor Danny calls them out of the crowd. This of course expresses the Father’s Love to His children and to hear your name called out, and to know it is from God, builds such faith in His precious sons and daughters.

People soak in a worship filled atmosphere for hours, causing their hearts to be fully prepared to receive their miracle, as our Bridegroom God meets with His beloved Bride. This can manifest beautifully by dancing, weeping, laughing, laying in quiet reflection or rejoicing in abandonment, as this new found freedom and Kingdom reality takes them to blessing the Lord with thanksgiving.

Many born again Christians have testified, “We have been in church for years, but this is the first time we have found complete freedom to worship the Lord.” These ones dear to God’s heart are at the altar every night until they ‘glow’ with His radiant joy and mighty presence!

Many continue to get healed, delivered and set free by the power of God. What’s most exciting is people are beginning to share their faith with others in workplaces, not troubled by external expressions; they are boldly speaking the gospel message and are praying for their friends. The Kingdom is advancing! The King is being honored and the work of the Kingdom is being established.

A teacher from a public school testified, “Following impartation prayer, I became much bolder and felt empowered under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, so that in the next 2 weeks I led 20-25 teenagers (from my school) to the Lord. If we are ready, God will use us... many more are seeing God’s power and knowing His presence and being drawn to the cross of Jesus.”

Another man testified, “By attending the meetings often I have received so much of God’s Fire inside me, that I laid hands on a Hindu man, who was paralyzed down one side due to a stroke. He experienced God’s goodness and was healed instantly! This man’s wife was a Muslim. God showed her who He is, compassionate and slow to anger, loving and kind and willing to meet their needs. This brought both to their knees in surrender to Jesus, as they began their journey to make Jesus Lord and Savior of their lives.”

The Lord of the Harvest has desired to grow His Bride and spiritual impartation has been strong the last few nights, to enable the works of God through supernatural healings, signs, and wonders to be released through the Body of Christ. We are now hearing these testimonies and giving all glory to the Lord!

Through obedience to the Lord, Pastor Danny lays hands on those who come to the altar and anoints them with oil and prays for them individually. This happens most nights, resulting in many taking in mighty impartation from our gracious God.

Having “walked through death” experiences twice (should have been killed) and known persecution for Christ in both Australia and overseas, Pastor Danny understands what it is like to walk through fiery turbulence and still see many miracles, signs and wonders follow his ministry. His one desire has been, “Lord let the people ‘catch the Fire, take the Fire and set a Fire’ for Jesus!

We all desire to see this nation of Australia catch the Fire, revive, and encounter Jesus as the Body of Christ is market place effective, and the end-time harvest is reaped for the Kingdom of Heaven!

Bring your family, friends, neighbors, pastors, leaders, and members of your church to the Healing Revival continuing week nights on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.30pm with Saturday at 6.30pm. Check our website tomorrow (11.07.08) www.catchthefire.com.au for new update with recent photos, including the leaflet for printing & distribution. The venue is Christian Community Church, 30 Star Crescent, in Hallam.

Blessings,

Dianne Johnson
Catch the Fire Ministries
PO Box 7427
Dandenong VIC 3175 Australia
Tel (613) 9794 8211
Fax (613) 9794 9311
www.catchthefire.com.au

Chocolate companies break promise

On July 1st, people all across our town will be going out of their way to buy more chocolate—a chocoholic’s dream, but it will be fairly-traded chocolate. This is the best way and the only way to eat your chocolate slave free.

July 1st is a very important day around the world.

It’s the day when the chocolate industry promised to make sure that no children were being used as slaves on cocoa farms.

It’s the day when we could eat a bar of our favourite chocolate such as a Mars, Kit Kat or Dairy Milk knowing that no child has been used in the harvesting of the cocoa beans that went to make the chocolate we love to eat.

Sadly there will be no celebrations on July 1st.

Industry has failed to keep its original promises.

Today, children as young as 12 are still being used as slaves on cocoa plantations. Here are the words of one child after being rescued from a farm. “I will tell you how I lost my arm. I tried to escape, but I could not. They caught me and tied me to a papaya tree and they beat me and broke my arm. I used to dream horrible dreams that they were beating me and about many other things: the hard work, my family …I still have these dreams today”.

Although the majority of farmers would not treat children in this way, there are some who do, and there are an estimated 12,000 children trafficked onto cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast into a life of slavery.

In our community, thousands of people are buying chocolate without knowing that these children are suffering for our sweet tooth to make fat profits for an industry that hasn’t delivered on its promises.

In 2001 they said they would certify that farms were slave free. Now they are saying that they are gathering data on some of the areas where cocoa is harvested.

This is not what they promised.

This is not good enough after 7 years of waiting for the freedom, safety and protection of these children.

We have to choose which chocolate bar to buy, at little cost to us when our chocolate is costing some children their lives.

We have to choose which chocolate bar to buy, little cost to us when our chocolate is costing some children their lives.

Promotion

When I finally become an Officer of the Salvation Army, I'm sure I'll receive a few 'promotions'.

Firstly commissioned as a Lieutenant, then after a few years 'promoted' to Captain, possibly eventually a 'promotion' to Major and so on. Who knows where I'll end up; rank and continent.

Who cares really!

The main thing is - I don't want to even think about retirement until I'm 'promoted' to glory! There's too much work still to be done for the Kingdom. The Bible never talks about retirement, but the great men and women of God keep going until they're called Home, let's join their ranks!

'The last enemy to be destroyed is death.'

1 Corinthians 15:26

What are we doing?

There is quite a lot of discussion happening on the Salvo blogs lately. There was one comment on Marney Turners blog by an 'anon' which said;

"Do you see church as something passive, that you go to observe? or something in which you participate?

Is Christianity something you do or are?

Where is "the church" Mon thru Sat?

If baptism is by water can it not be by the Living Water and by the Holy Spirit?

Can a uniform not be a statement of commitment?

Can items of clothing be a constant reminder to the person wearing them of meeting a certain standard of behaviour?

As a friend of mine once said "I wont put a "fish" on my car because then I'd have to drive like a Christian" "

Some good questions to think about. Sure the 'church' has deviated from it's purpose many times, and still in many ways today, but is it really the church or people within the church? Yes, the people within the church are the church, but then I suppose then it can go into questioning whether the 'denomination' if it is correct or not, but that's another topic all together.

There are way too many people that call themselves 'Christians' but don't even know what God requires of them. Who would become a part of, or assosiate themselves with something they have no idea about, like becoming a lion tamer or a Free Mason for example without knowing what they actually do or what it actually means.

Christianity has much to answer for, or is it really people in the church that have much to answer for!? Back before the reformation of the church, the Catholic church became an entity that was all about controlling people in the name of 'God' which really was nothing like what God requires from His people - my God is a God of justice - that means people are liberated spiritually and even physically, not so you can do what you want sinfully, but so you are free from oppression and any form of slavery, etc.

I like the part of the above statement about a uniform being a statement of commitment. Many 'Soldiers' of the Salvation Army these days don't do more than observe 'church' and it just is a passive thing - uniform to them is something they just wear to just be a part of the 'club' and not for anything outside of the four walls of the church where it's true purpose lies; its funny that these people are slowly just wearing casual civilian clothes to worship, even footy club clothing I've noticed rather than their uniform.

Why did Salvationists wear uniform in the first place - because they wanted to show they were apart of the fight, were committed and wanted to be associated with this Army God had raised up, not just for it's Soldiers to club meetings to make themselves feel good and pat each other on the back saying 'you're doing a good job' but actually get out there save the dying and clothe the naked and snatch people out of the clutches of damnation on many levels.

What happened to that?? We lost the vision of eternal damnation. I'm sure forgot to study the Word and therefore the requirements of Salvation, became comfortable thinking that sitting in 'church' occasionally would give them a free pass into 'heaven'. I've had a few small envisions of hell and that 'encourages' me strongly to actually partake in our calling to save the lost! If you've lost your passion or your enthusiasm, read the Word more, pray more, ask God for a renewed passion for the lost, and even a vision of hell yourself - but as a warning - be ready for what you ask!!!

Arise Soldiers - enough is enough! - are you giving reason for God's enemies to blaspheme His Holy Name?? If so, stop calling yourself a Christian and associating yourself with God - you are doing the most damage to the Kingdom of God.

"I can't stand your religious meetings.

I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions.

I want nothing to do with your religion projects,

your pretentious slogans and goals.

I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes,

your public relations and image making.

I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.

When was the last time you sang to me?

Do you know what I want?

I want justice—oceans of it.

I want fairness—rivers of it.

That's what I want. That's all I want. "

Amos 5:21-24

Focus determines your reality

I had a good conversation a couple of days ago now with a good friend about how leprosy colonies still exist today and it changed my view on the verse where Jesus says to "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons". Previously I wasn't aware of many people still in the world that had leprosy, so I wasn't sure how relevant that part of the verse was, but God keeps reminding me His word is eternal.

We got onto the healing topic that seems to keep coming up around the Salvationist circles a lot lately. I'm guilty of focusing on God's healing power more than His saving power and my good friend, a respected leader of the Army, was saying to us that the best healing God gives is the healing of hearts! How good is that! I love it. He also went onto say that if we could hear God on the healing topic is that He might say, you wouldn't worry so much about my signs and wonders if you really knew what was coming!

My Spiritual giftings are in healing, discernment etc, more the 'supernatural' gifts - everyone seems to focus on whats around them the most.

So it got me thinking about what's our primary focus as Salvationist in the Salvation Army - well we know we're not a metaphor, so I guess it's salvation!! We focus primarily on peoples souls! We want them to see, as we see, the love of God.

Then what? Secondly, then is it the physical, which to me, it looks like in the past few decades the Army has put into first place. (This covers both the feeding and clothing etc and also the healing topic). Even today I heard some Officers were unhappy with a good friend of mine, who is a leading Officer of the Army, because he is "too focused on social justice and evangelism" and here I'd like to state IS the basis of the Salvation Army - how ironic!!!

So, in my personal opinion, the Army in the past few decades, started loosing it's vision, started taking it's eyes off 'the ball', and now we're trying to get back on the of the purpose of the movement, why God raised us specifically - there will be much opposition, especially from within, from the 'not-so-right' teachings of the mediocre army, and we're seeing this opposition already! (God have your way with Your Army in Jesus Name)

Here comes some healing again I think - many people have been badly hurt from this 'army' when we started diverting from our 'mission'. Since we 'represent' God, we may have to have some healing first so these hurt by the 'organisation' can see God clearly again, not the blurred vision they see of God through the Army.

So I suppose what I'm saying in summary is, put God's saving power first - He ultimately wants us to spend eternity in His Kingdom, then worry about their physical self as a close second(!?) What's your thoughts?

If focus determines your reality - what is the reality of the Salvation Army at present? Thanks to Commissioner Knaggs for his vision - its very timely!!

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28

I'm no longer a Salvo

I've realised there are becoming more and more people that are calling themselves 'Salvo's'.

Many people that attend The Salvation Army once a year for Christmas or Easter or a dedication etc are calling themselves 'Salvo's', people that work in Salvo's stores or Employment Plus, or even people that just have family members who are connected with the Salvation Army in some form, or possibly just be fed by the soup van's are now saying they are Salvo's.

The name 'Salvo' is getting watered down so much and is loosing it's power and it's true intended purpose, so I am no longer a 'Salvo'!

These people are watering down what the Salvation Army is all about - so I don't want to be associated with an organisation that is becoming a club that is no more than a name that has a good reputation that makes me look good in return.

I now am going to start calling myself a SALVATIONIST! Why - because I am signed up, paid up, committed and actually in the fight. I'm not happy just even attending 'church' on Sunday, but without exception, or excuse, will obey God's plan for my life - everyday of my life, whether a public holiday, RDO or my birthday. Enough is enough of people who talk it up and in reality do nothing - I will not talk up myself or my actions, but only talk up the awesomeness of God and Jesus alone.

I am a soldier, a prayer warrior, of the Army of my God.

The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.

The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.

Faith, Prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare.

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this Army, and I am enlisted for eternity.

I will either retire in this army at the Rapture or die in this Army;

but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out.

I am faithful, capable, and dependable.

If my God needs me, I am there.

I am a soldier, a prayer warrior. I am not a baby.

I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up.

I am a soldier, a prayer warrior.

No one else has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me.

I am a soldier, a prayer warrior, I am not a wimp.

I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His Name and building His Kingdom!

I am a soldier, a prayer warrior.

No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts.

I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to.

I am committed.

I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around.

I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.

I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into His Army, I had nothing

If I end up with nothing I will still come out ahead,

For I am more than a conqueror.

The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me.

Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me.

Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me.

And Hell cannot handle me

I AM A SOLDIER

Even death cannot destroy me.

For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield

He will promote me to glory and there I will rejoice in His presence.

I am a soldier in God's Army and I'm marching claiming victory.

I will not give up, not turn around.

Here I stand.... a soldier!

(author unknown)

Are you signed up and fully committed? Why not - would you prefer to watch TV or sleep in??

"Give up you small ambitions and come, change the world!"

Mark 8:34-35

Catch the Fire!

Went to Catch the Fire's meeting on Thursday night with James.

If you haven't heard - God has arrived in Melbourne! Yes God is omnipresent (He is everywhere!), but His blessings are raining down more than I've ever seen before here in Melboune.

How awesome is God! Just standing there, God's presence was so strong. As I stood there worshipping God, the Spirit just fell upon us and the feeling of love that came over me was so powerful. I almost fell like I couldn't stand in His presence, I found myself bowing on the ground just soaking up God's presence.

Opportunities arose where anyone could go forward to receive prayer, it was like everyone just wanted to go down to be prayed for, why wouldn't you?! There was a time for breaking addictions and healing etc. These guys at Catch the Fire, just worship God and are continually in prayer with Him, and God is there as a result of there devotion to Him. Pastor Danny (now known as the controversial Pastor! lol) spoke with such authority through the Spirit with words of prophecy and also with healing. [Please remember - Jesus is the healer - no one here claims to heal themselves, but only through the authority of Jesus]

There was a huge crowd wanting to receive healing from God, it started with a deaf mans ears opened, then continued with what started out as a simple pain in a shoulder turned into deliverance of 8 demons, then a lady in a wheel chair who previously couldn't walk due to cancer walking around the hall, to a lady released from depression, to a 14 year old girl less than a meter away from me healed from deafness since birth in her left ear (and limited hearing in her right ear). God can do all things. Hallelujah!!

Revival is on it's way to Melbourne. I don't really like the world revival since in the past it has been waved around loosely by people every time something good happened, but when God's revival comes it will be world wide! Praise God!! The ocean is coming, not just a trickle or river, but an ocean.

Pastor Danny realised that there was a significant amount of deaf ears opened and so he prayed about it and God responded that it is representational of His people not listening to His word but now God is opening their ears - the deaf to hear.

In the 'cousin revival' that's occuring in Florida there have been more progressions, it started off big, now is exploding, people are not even staying dead!! As many of you know, I've been praying that I'll see the dead raised here in Melbourne by the end of this year so God can be glorified and for all those need proof that God is sovereign will be without doubt - now God is doing His 'thing' here in Melbourne, so I think I know what is coming.... (Matt 10:8 fulfilment!! Bring it on God!!)

Check out the reports at http://catchthefire.com.au/blog/ for daily reports. If you're anywhere near Melbourne, you need to drop in every night except for Wednesday nights - weeknights @ 7:30 and weekends at 6:30 - 30 Star Crescent Hallam

Are you ready for God?

Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee

I picked up a pamphlet tonight about McDonald's new coffee they're promoting.

On these pamphlets it says

"Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee is produced within a sustainable system developed to protect the environment, wildlife an improve coffee farmers' quality of life."

Buying this Rainforest Alliance coffee makes me feel like I want to go and chain myself to a tree to stop it getting mistreated. Knowing about it's 'competition' Fairtrade coffee, it seems a bit weak really.

If I had a tree and a human in front of me, and had to choose which one to save, I think I value human life much higher in the scheme of things, so I'd choose the human. I'd rather completely support a product that totally guaranteed to stop slavery and also supports the farmers that were struggling than a product that contained only around 30% mixture that is friendly to the environment and its frogs. They also mention that they support improving coffee farmers quality of life, but it seems just a bit of a tag on at the end and not as the main focus of the product.

I know I need to lighten up but it's not enough to talk up how good you are if you're not going to be totally committed to really making a difference on what is really important. My work has just started up a community benefit program also which also contains a 'caring for the environment' component, which I feel is just to win brownie points with the community. Does it really care? Does McDonald's really care, or do they just want to be known as 'good people' that are doing a 'good deed'? If something is worth doing, it's worth doing completely and with commitment - do you agree?

Ok, off my soap box now... Human life and the opportunity of having a quality life is much more of a concern to me, and I'm sure God for that matter, than a forest and it's wildlife. Yes we need to be caring for them, but if they become a priority over human life, then there is something a bit wrong.

'But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,

what God is looking for in men and women.It's quite simple:

Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,

be compassionate and loyal in your love,

And don't take yourself too seriously—

take God seriously.'

Micah 6:8 (The Message)

Genocide of Rwanda

I've been finding heaps of good stuff on you tube at the moment, but I just wanted to add one more that is close to home for me.

When I visited Rwanda back in January, I got to visit the Genocide museum and saw some horrific sites and vision of what actually happened back in 1994 during the genocide of Rwanda. The second week we stayed in Kyenzi where a huge amount of Tutsi's were murdered, and funny enough, most of the team I went with couldn't sleep and when we did, had unpleasant dreams, and we didn't even know about the history of Kyenzi until after we left.

So here's a short video, and yes, is it too late to apologise...

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Mark 11:25

The most dangerous person alive?

If you were the most watched and therefore the most influential person on TV, would you stand up for what you believed to be true, or would you be blown around in the wind (James 1:6-8) to please people to make money (1 Timothy 6:10) - if worst comes to worst please don't deny Jesus!!

Watch some of these video's -



or these also



and this one explains the situation well in some detail from a Biblical view;





I think this is one great example of a false prophet the Bible warns us about - after all, Oprah claims she is a 'Christian' yet denies Jesus as the only way, teaches all the new age methods and has started up her own church.

Let's either pray for her, or pray her false teachings will now fail and people's eye's will be opened to the truth of Jesus.

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

Matthew 7:15

Outreach

Today I'm taking my Corps out into the community to the new 'Salvo's Store' in Glenroy, around the corner from where my Corps is.

We're aiming to be a very visible & audible presence there with a few band members to be heard, we have face painting there and also some CD music for a bit of variety.

We're there to support the rest of the Salvation Army's work, but also to let people know that just around the corner is the 'church' side of things too, where you can come and be fed the living word and fulfil your destiny by joining us in living out our part in the Body of Christ.

Please pray that people will hear the most important message that resounds in this world as we speak to them today - Jesus wants to give you life through his death - but He is alive!! Confusing, no, awesome!

Come on, let's change the world, make it a world where everyone can live a happy and free life, free from fear and bondage.

Live as if it depends on you, and use the unlimited power of Jesus to do it!!

"He upholds the cause of the oppressed

and gives food to the hungry.

The LORD sets prisoners free"

Psalm 146:7

Back from the dead!

I was talking to a good mate at my youth Bible study the other night and we got onto a story about his Grandmothers death.

A few years ago, when he was back in New Zealand, he was at his Grandparent's house with his cousins with his sick Grandmother. His Grandfather went out to the local shops, and just after he left, his Grandmother died.

Fifteen minutes later, his Grandfather returned and they were all mourning, praying for her, etc when suddenly the Grandmother came back to life apparently as a 'gift' from God to be able to say goodbye to the family properly. She told them that God resurrected her for a short time just to say goodbye.

Who knows why God would have given her this chance that hardly anyone gets a chance to do, but my mate said that from witnessing this event first hand, he KNOWS that God can bring the dead back to life - NO DOUBTS! From the experience and other things she said, he knows the absolute power of God.

'Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;'

John 11:25

Holiness

Something I found in Henry Blackaby's book called "Holiness" p49-50;

It is much more serious for a leader to sin than for an average person, because they influence so many. when a leader sins, many times God does not hide it, but He announces it from the housetops. "So David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord'. And Nathan said to David, 'The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die' [David, your sin gave an occasion for all of My enemies to blaspheme My Name]" (2 Sam. 12:13-14)

When I read that, I wept and wept, "Oh, God, I love You with all of my heart."

But God would say, "Then deal with sin, because there are enemies of Mine who are just waiting to find some of my children who are going to sin. And when they see you sin, or a church sin, it is going to give them great occasion to blaspheme My Name"

I replied, "Oh, Lord, I did not know it was that serious."

"I know you did not" He answered "or you wouldn't keep on sinning the way you do"

Something for us to think about today!!

Victory

"All our victories are won before we go into the fight"

Smith Wigglesworth