What are you controlled by?

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit"

Ephesians 5:18

What a contrast between riotous living and righteous living


But if a man or woman can be controlled by alcohol, how much more can the Holy Spirit control a man or woman?

Benny Hinn - 'Good Morning Holy Spirit' p92

It's always good to stop and re-evaluate and look at where we are in life. We can't really intentionally go forward unless we look at where we are. Of course life does go on whether we do or don't, but to intentionally shape the direction of our life we need to.

To direct my life for tomorrow, I need the Holy Spirit to direct where that is actually going, otherwise I'm just directing it on my own wisdom, which I admit, can sometimes be not so great!
I'd much rather depend upon the all wise, all knowing God who has a perfect plan for my life - will I choose to follow it or not, is up to me.


What are you going to choose to be controlled by today - the choice is completely up to you.


May God bless your journey today, and tomorrow!

End times?

There is so much going on in the world at the moment, it's almost like the world is ready to end and many people are actually worried it almost is!

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus tells us;

".. you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come."

Yes, as many are currently saying, the signs are pointing to it being the end, but as Jesus said, it's only the start and I believe it has been starting for a long time.

We have hope in Jesus, He has given us eternal life which takes away any fear of the end in my heart.

No one knows the date or time the world will end, not even Jesus, so when people tell you the world will end in 2012 or any other time, I wonder how they know, unless they are God.

Find hope in Jesus as I have, I can sleep well knowing that I'm saved here and now thanks to the sacrifice Jesus gave for me. Whether the world ends tonight or in 1,000 years, I'm going to Heaven where there is no fear or pain.

This is only the start, if it truly is the birth pains of 'the end'. Live life everyday like it's your last. Choose to love and live a good life. Life's too short to live in fear or to leave anything till tomorrow (unless you're trying to balance the budget..)

Spread the news of God's love rather than spreading fear of 'end times'.

Be blessed, and live under the wing of God's salvation through the Blood of Jesus!

Which star are you following?

I've noticed how often people love to read their stars - are you one of those people?

Have you noticed how much of a pull that they can have on you - when you're turning through the newspaper and find the page with the star signs on it, you can't help but be pulled into it - why is that!?

One thing that annoys me a bit is when Christians have to read them to enjoy the day... well that is if it is a good reading for the day! Why do we as Christians look for positive words and find hope in something someone reads from an interpretation of what they think the positions of the stars in the sky are saying to them?

Why do we listen to the creation rather than going straight to the Creator?

I might tell you a secret - the creation can't tell you anything as accurate as their Creator - God is all knowing and placed the stars in their place, find hope in Him rather than in someones interpretation of God's art. The stars are there for our awe of their Creator - it points us to God and how amazing He is!

I've been led to think that around 2,000 years ago there was a few wise men who also were led by the stars - one in particular actually.

These wise men followed this star and were actually led to a Saviour.

In saying this, I pray that you are also a wise man/woman and follow the correct star and also find your Saviour instead of fuzzy, generalised predicitons that cover everyone who was born during that month that you have been born and find a special, personalised word of hope for you; specifically from God the Father of all creation.

Which are you going to follow today, the stars or singular - a star that leads to your salvation through Jesus.

Hope all is well in your part of the world, and remember to pray for the families affected by the Christchurch earthquakes and current upsets in the Middle East.

Blessings

Salvation

I've been thinking a bit recently about the true depth of salvation. We've looked into it a bit in an online study of Luke and it goes much deeper than what we generally just look at it to mean.

We traditionally in the 'church' we narrowly think of salvation in terms of eternal life, but back in Jesus day, we see Jesus saving people from all kinds of things. Things such as loss of sight, being outcast, sickness, demonic opression or possession and forgivness of sins to name a few.

Jesus came to give us life, and life to the full, not just for eternity but for here and now also. Is there anything you need saving from today? Jesus is good to help - try Him and see. He loves to the point of dying so He can live with you forever.

If you need saving from something like drugs, obsession, impure thoughts, gambling, depression, etc - take it to Jesus now, ask Him to help you and save you from it. Leave me a message or email me at mapleback_simon@hotmail.com if you are wanting this salvation and having trouble claiming it!

Live victoriously and free, in Jesus Name!

Bless ya

"God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way."

1 Corinthians 2:10b

Saved or un-saved?

We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency but, by their disobedience, they lost their purity and happiness; and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God

(Article 5 - Salvation Army doctrines)

Every man is regarded now as a sinner in need of salvation. Romans 3:23 says "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". Since Adam and Eve disobeyed God (Genesis 3), man was destined to be separated from God. Disobedience to God separates us from Him, eternally not just here while we live on Earth.

Sin is more than the breaking of particular commands; it is inward opposition to the will of God. In so doing the sinner separates himself from God, the source of all true life [Handbook of Doctrine pg85 section VI]

If we haven't gone to God for forgiveness for this wrong we've done against Him, we will be punished by eternal separation from God, eternal damnation. If you want to be saved from this I'll explain how;

Everything has to be paid for, old school you had to bring something of great worth, so back before my day, that mostly was in the form of the best from your flock, ie, the best lamb without imperfections and sacrificed it in your place, otherwise you would pay by death - your life - eternal death.

Now this has been made redundant by one human sacrifice, one for all

"We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has, by His suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world, so that whosoever may be saved"

(Article 6 - Salvation Army Doctrine)

It is God's will that all should be saved (1 Tim. 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 4:14) All men need the gospel and have a right to hear it.

It is my duty to take it to you!

All you have to do, is realise you have separated yourself from God, ask Him for forgiveness through His Son's sacrifice of dying in your place, and change your ways. God has made it that easy!

Once you've realised this rebellion from God, admit it to yourself, ask God for forgiveness from it, know you need to change your lifestyle and make the improvements based on God's Guidelines to Living a Full Life (better know as the Bible) and you will then be SAVED!

We use the term saved in a broad term, it means salvation from a range of things like sin itself, eternal punishment (Hell), spiritual oppression, and other things that sin or rebellion causes.

If you know you need to change some things in your life but not sure where to start, leave me a comment or email me at mapleback_simon@hotmail.com. Even if you have just changed your way and lined your life up with God, also please let me know.

Bless ya

"For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

Romans 10:10

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

Mourning

Those you know of Smith Wigglesworth, you would know he was a powerful man in God's authority, especially over sickness and death.

I get a daily blessing from reading his work in my devotional time.

The other day I read a portion based on Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"

Smith went on to say we have the wrong idea on mourning. He tells the story;

"My wife once said to me, 'Watch me when I'm preaching. I get so near to Heaven when I'm preaching that someday I'll be off.' One night she was preaching, and when she had finished, off she went.

As I was leaving the house, the doctor and policeman met me at the door and told me that she [his wife] had fallen dead at the church door. I knew she had gotten what she wanted. I could not weep, but I was in tongues, praising the Lord.

I went up to her lifeless corpse and commanded death to give her up, and she came back to me for a moment. Then God said to me, 'She is Mine, Her work is done here'. I knew what He meant.

When you believe God, you will say 'Whatever it is, it is all right. If You want to take the one I love, it is all right, Lord."

What a huge statement, are you in a place with God where you are able to say that? I'd like to think I am... God is good, we know He is in control and knows what He is doing.

My Dad's cousin died last week, he was only 46 and was unsaved. I would have loved to have the boldness of Smith Wigglesworth to command death to give him up, but the family didn't allow us to even approach him and didn't even want a religious ceremony - but I could have prayed for him from a distance, but failed!

If you are saved, you are at peace in your spirit, I thank God He sent His son, so I can have life!

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Purpose in life

What gets you out of bed in the morning? What do you live for?

I thank God that I'm a Christian, I would have no purpose otherwise! God has given me a hope for a purpose driven life, and a life that I know will last for an eternity in a great place with God.

Is your purpose from God or are you just making it up as you go along? If you're not sure why you were born, who better to ask than the One who made you - I don't mean your parents - I'm talking about God.

Pray, He won't leave you hanging. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, don't just talk, but listen for God's voice too!!

"But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

Exodus 9:16

Raising the dead

Have a read of this!

http://www.raised-from-the-dead.org.uk/accounts/m/mccormack-ian-s1-all.php

Please join me in praying that by the end of the year we will see God's fullfilment of His word;

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.
Matthew 10:7-8

Salvation - more than you think!

On Sunday 16th of March at 6pm there is an enrolment of a Senior Soldier at Macleod Salvation Army Corps in Melbourne of 18 year old girl. If you're around, feel free to drop in.

I just stopped to think back to the time I joined the fight with the Salvation Army. I had grown up in the Salvation Army so it was the natural next thing to do - but that's not what it was about for me, I remember saying in my testimony - "I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD"!

Once my life is over, I don't necessarily want to be remembered, but I want to have left the world better than when I entered into it. By declaring that I'm in the fight by becoming a Soldier put me in a position where I could do that. How you might say?

The Salvation Army was raised by the hand of God to hit the world like a meteor and leave a crater - make an impact. That is in the form of hitting peoples hearts by the lead of the Holy Spirit so they will see that they can live a life of freedom in Jesus and hence live an eternally beautiful life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

It goes deeper than that, that's just the tip of the iceberg. You might think that once we have received Jesus' salvation that's all we need - really? Your not living much of a life then are you!!

Once we receive this salvation, and are baptised into the Holy Spirit we take on the great commission, step into a role that changes the world, a role that can set the captive free - physically but also spiritually, heal the sick, breathe life into dry bones by bringing words of life or prophecy into someones life that may be dry or without hope.

We can approach and fight injustice, people are all loved by God the same, how can one person suffer while another sits in a lovely million dollar house and get served by a servant, even a child getting bullied in a school yard by a group of other kids, that must break that kids spirit and it doesn't just stop there, the parents by their natural protective spirit must break their hearts.

We can stop sinning and live a sanctified life - believe it? Don't believe you can experience living a life just as you would in Heaven while still on Earth? Move further into the Spirit.

This could become a very long entry, so I'll stop here - you get the picture.

Heart to God, hand to man. We need to make a difference, stop worrying about yourself, there are people that you can lift up and encourage today, maybe even give them the gift of salvation!

"My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm."

Isaiah 51:5

Jesus is still mighty to save!

Last night we had our first 'Generation' youth meeting for 2008. It was a powerful night where God put many messages into the night through everyone who participated and it all came together amazingly.

After the meeting, we had supper and I felt I had to catch up with one of the younger guys who wants to become a Junior Soldier. I started asking him what it meant to him to be a Junior Solder and it all went from there...

It came to my attention during our conversation that he had 'bashed' his Mum last Friday and from there he broke down and said that he couldn't do this by himself anymore, he needs God to take his anger from him and help him with his problems at school and his family situation, and his list of problems went on.

It was a beautiful moment when this 13 year old confessed all his sins and also confessed his need for Jesus.

I helped him through the salvation prayer and he became a new creation in Christ. Can I ask for you to please pray for this youngster, he has a very hard life, in his family situation but also at school and a few other big issues in his life.

Jesus is might to save - Hallelujah!! It was an privilege to be there and lead this youngster to Jesus.

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

Acts 2:21

Mid Week Commissioning

Last night we had a mid week commissioning! How awesome is that! Another 4 Captains were added to the 29 from last year's session and I believe there are another 2 possibly this Sunday.

The hall at Thornbury was packed with easily over 100 people in attendance for this historical occassion. It was an encouraging night with many passionate Officers and Solders in attendance.

I was honoured to meet Captain Stephen Courts parents who were also attending, and I was also blown away when Mrs Court said that she is a regular reader of this blog, so I send out a big hello!! I didn't get a chance to say goodbye, so I'll take this opportunity to say 'goodbye' also and that it was an honour to meet you both!

The night finished with a great celebration over supper with great company, with an amazing network of great Salvationists. I wish we could have more mid week meetings like this, with a mirrored attendance also - why not make it a monthly thing and we can move it around from Corps to Corps to host it?! Something for the Territory/Division to think about.

God bless the newest 4 Captains and may he send you out to change the world in Jesus' Name.

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.""

Matthew 28:18-20

A stolen generation?!

"Honor your father and your mother,

so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
"You shall not murder.
"You shall not commit adultery.

Exodus 20:12-14

Is it coincidence that these 3 laws occur in this order?

I was just trying to have some prayer time in the shower - instead God led me onto abortion, figure that!

I was just wondering if there was some direct correlation between the rise of abortion with the rise of infertility?

I wonder if God allows a certain number of souls to come to earth at once.

Then I wonder if those who are missusing God's gift of intercourse for selfish purposes outside it's intended use, and then happen to fall pregnant, then having an abortion are robbing those women who truly want to have children of them? I wonder?

Let's fight for this unborn generation, there are many ladies, and their husbands, who would give anything to have a family, but unfortunatally can't, pray for them today.

We are quick to blame God for things but when we look at things, maybe they're our fault! We live outside God's guidelines, and turn our back on Him, but then we quickly jump back to blame Him, don't we!?

Imagine we all obeyed, how things would go correctly that way! Imagine playing a game of football outside the rules - it wouldn't work! It would quickly fall apart, and is no where near as enjoyable - it's exactly the same with the world, 'play' within the 'rules' - it's all for our enjoyment!

Try living our intended way today....

"He...established the law in Israel,

which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children,

so the next generation would know them,

even the children yet to be born,

and they in turn would tell their children.

Then they would put their trust in God

and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands"

Psalm 78:5-7

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

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

Glenroy Salvation Army's 50th Anniversary

This Sunday morning @ 10am Glenroy Salvation Army is celebrating it's 50 years of service in the the Glenroy community. Many, many people have come through our doors over the years, and many of them are returning this weekend for a celebration of what God has done for us and through us - but also in prayer for what God is still to do through us!!

There is a celebration church service looking over the past 50 years followed by a lunch and a power point presentation with almost hundreds of photo's collected from many people connected with the Corps over the years.

If you're in the area, or were a part of the Glenroy Corps in some way and would like to come along anyway - it will be a great time to celebrate with us!

Starting at 10am Sunday 16th September at 134 Cardinal Road Glenroy

Feel free to join us in our celebration!

Lifehouse - Everything

Have a look at this - how well does this portray spiritual life!

Lifehouse Everything

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Prayer Day @ The Salvation Army Glenroy

Hi all,

This Friday/Saturday 29/30th June, the Glenroy Corps is having its day of prayer as requested personally by God Himself.

There are many different blocks of interest (see poster - above) and if you feel you'd like to drop in, feel free to come along at any time during those 3 hours and join in. We will structure it so people can drop in and leave whenever you require to.

I believe God has been calling many Salvation Army Corps, and even the Southern Territory as a whole, to draw closer to Himself, so lets respond and take the next step in strengthening our relationship with Him and in getting Holy!

'Now we're saved, let's get serious!!'

If you'd like to come along, but don't know what to come to - I strongly suggest GAPS (Growth and Personal Spirituality) starting at 8pm on Friday night. It is a study we have every Friday night, but this study is specially tailored for this 24 hours of prayer - come along, please!

All events are at 134 Cardinal Road, Glenroy - Melbourne from 7pm Friday 29th - 7pm Saturday 30th June 2007.

“But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness”
Matthew 6:33a

Why should you?

If a time came again, just like when Noah was alive, when God decided to wipe out a huge part of the world because they were self indulging and sinful, but this time instead of drowning them, He'd ask them all a single question, and depending on your answer you be permitted to live or to being sent straight to Hell....

If the question God asks was "What benefit have you been to My Kingdom" or "If I keep you on Earth how will you bring glory to Me". How would you answer and would it be good enough to convince God to keep your life, living in this world.

How you live today depends on not just your eternity, but thousands of others. How are you benefiting Heaven today, are you giving people the key to a room in Heaven by giving them Jesus and His love, or are you being selfish and just keeping the greatest love to yourself?

Share Jesus with the world today

"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on the earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven"

Matthew 18:18

Christmas

Well, Christmas day has arrived once again, praise God that all these years later, the world is still celebrating the birth of Jesus. Today marks the start of the rest of our lives, through Jesus' birth we have the hope of eternal life. Before He came, humanity was doomed through our imperfections - God asked us to follow His 10 commandments and now today most people couldn't even tell you 4 of them, let alone obey ALL of them - we're doomed!

Hope came and knocked on our door today - "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord" (Luke 2:11) because of His birth our imperfections became insignificant - we have hope of eternal life!! Praise God.

As I was leading the carol 'Joy to the world' in our Christmas Day service this morning, as I read the opening line - Joy to the world, the Lord has come - I remembered something I heard a while ago, 'The world is wanting a Saviour, but not a Lord'. It's true, we want to be so in control of our lifes, we dont give into Him and live a strangled/limited life - we have no true freedom. Give your life to Jesus today if you havn't before and find true freedom that we, the disciples of Jesus, talk about often! Life out the life you were born to live - Jesus is 'the way the truth and the life, no one can come to the Father except through' Him as it says in John 14:6.

I pray that this Christmas you find something special in this baby that you've never seen before - the baby that changed the world.

God bless

Simon.