Permission to be free...

The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace— a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory. They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They’ll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new. You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields, But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,” honored as ministers of our God. You’ll feast on the bounty of nations, you’ll bask in their glory. Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever. “Because I, God, love fair dealing and hate thievery and crime, I’ll pay your wages on time and in full, and establish my eternal covenant with you. Your descendants will become well-known all over. Your children in foreign countries Will be recognized at once as the people I have blessed.” I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara. For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations. (Isaiah 61:1-11 MSG)

I got to thinking today that freedom is costly.

You may be criticized for it, some may even be killed for it. Jesus was.

And yet, freedom is taken for granted.... Freedom is sought after by some. Abused by others.

The prophet Isaiah! reminds us....( above ) that freedom is announced. Proclaimed even.

Imagine you are in jail, for something you even deserved to be there for. And out of the blue someone arrives and says...you, my friend are free to go. The doors are open, the way ahead is unclear, but you are as free as a bird, all you have to do, is just walk on out of the cell.

How stupid would you be, if you decided to stay in the cell ?

When freedom was awaiting.

Some in the church, most churches, are choosing to stay locked up and closed to the things of God, the freedom He gives. Stay locked down in "rut religion". Instead of a free relationship with His Son.
There are a few key verses in Isaiah 61. Key for me. Maybe key for you !

Let me show you.... Take it as your own promise, live it as a servant for Jesus. He loves you more than you will ever know....


The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace— a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory. They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They’ll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new. You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields, But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,” honored as ministers of our God. You’ll feast on the bounty of nations, you’ll bask in their glory. Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever. “Because I, God, love fair dealing and hate thievery and crime, I’ll pay your wages on time and in full, and establish my eternal covenant with you. Your descendants will become well-known all over. Your children in foreign countries Will be recognized at once as the people I have blessed.” I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara. For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations. (Isaiah 61:1-11 MSG)

Everyone proclaims something.

 It's either God and his love, or the rut of a religious spirit locked in a jail cell of powerlessness.

I want freedom, I choose freedom, I proclaim freedom, I announce it to all my readers....

If you want it ..... It's yours.

(Btw....if you want to stay locked up, bound by the traditions of man, powerless, weak and insipid, that is also yours to choose ...choose well. )

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Persecution, Prayer, Passion, Purpose

During this past week, I heard of some churches around the world, in some pretty hairy places where God is moving in mighty ways. These churches are characterized by strong prayer.... Not just once a week but daily and for huge chunks of time at a time.....prayer.

They are also churches where it is dangerous to be a Christian, in other words you can be put to death for speaking the name of Christ. But these people are passionate fired up Christ followers living their lives with purpose and intention. And God is powerfully evident in their gatherings, and their churches are huge, and growing stronger daily. In places and countries you wouldn't even believe it.

We also heard that they are praying for the church in the west. US.

Whilst we pray that they won't be persecuted, they are praying that we will be. For it is in the persecution that something amazing seems to happen in their prayers and faith.

They see the western church as weak and powerless..... You will need to decide if they are correct or not.

But they are growing. And miracles are common place, so is salvation.

 

In one country alone, where you wouldn't believe it....so I am not going to name it.... For their own safety....But 4000 Christians pray 24/7 all the time, for their fellow "locals" to be saved, and that church is growing daily, in a predominantly Muslim country. You can be shot and will be for taking the name of Jesus.

 

So...what does persecution look like there, and what does it look like here ?

 

A nasty comment is made, a criticisism verbalised, anger riles up over a song choice, or style of worship, and I wonder...is this persecution ? Or is it stupidity ?

Why would we criticize a style of worship , when people are being executed for believing in Jesus ? I ask you, seriously, ? What in the dickens is that about ?

 

Persecution for them means death, or imprisonment at the very least.

Persecution for us means feeling uncomfortable with a difference of opinion.

 

Something doesnt add up does it ?

 

Today our church marched forwards in the history books in embracing into our family, a church from another culture. A church persecuted in its native land, but perhaps the largest expression of faith at all is in this country itself. Underground, hidden, persecuted, but passionate, prayer warriors changing the landscape of their time. Perhaps over a billion of them.

 

And us.... What are we doing ?

 

Well.... I still choose to believe that God has got an army at his disposal. And if we will armour ourselves up, and ready ourselves on our knees in submission and intercession we can expect 2 things to happen.

 

And they are starting to.

 

1. Persecution will start to rise up against us. And it is.

2. We will take our nation for our lord! and lives, souls..... in their droves will be changed.

And it must happen. !!!!!!!!!

 

It's not about getting your own way, it's about doing things the Masters way.

It's not about us...its about those who don't yet know Jesus.

It's not about our style of doing things, but rather Allowing us to be used by the Holy Spirit in how he wants to do things.

 

When an Army fights from its knees in battle , you can be sure the enemy will quake and do all he can to retaliate.

 

I am in.... Did you hear me ?

 

I AM IN !!!!!

 

Persecution, passion, prayer, purpose....... Bring it ...

 

We're going to fill fill the world with glory, we're going to smile and not frown

We're going to sing out the old story( in relevant modern ways) we're going to turn this world upside down.

 

Anyone interested in some persecution with your prayer ? It will change everything.

 

 

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Never, Never, Ever !!!!!!!!!!!

As the year speeds on, I can barely believe we are nearly into the 3rd month already. I am well aware of the huge issues facing our lives. Not just mine, but most likely yours also.

For all of us, these issues can affect our faith, as well as our hope.

Not sure what you are facing, but I am hugely aware of my own impending challenges.

Don't misunderstand me, I trust God totally.... It's just that I want and need answers now. I just need to know that all will be well, that we will make it through.

 

You ever feel like that ?

 

Let me unpack it for you .... (maybe I am just unpacking it for me....) who knows, need to get it off my chest and out of my mind somehow....

 

Currently we are leading a huge growing church that is starting to find a renewed sense of release and God activity has turned up the heat. New ministries. New challenges. Positions to fill. Facilities not big enough. Changing culture. ....... And some same old issues with those who will not be moved.

So ministry wise, there are quite a few challenges...

 

And personally. There are as well..

 

One wonders at times, how we will manage...

 

Daughter number 2 to be married in August.

And then... Daughter number 1 to be married in October.

And then...a required trip to India to honour Daughter 1's husbands family celebration in Delhi.

And then... ICO (London) in January 2015

And maybe then... A holiday with my beautiful Jules after that. ( a big huge maybe at this stage )

 

To say its not a tad overwhelming, would be an understatement .... Not really sure how we will manage our way through all of it.

 

I have never felt ever that in my life I am not provided for and blessed, I have so much going for me, God has been incredibly good, even when I haven't been.

Humanly speaking though, sometimes when you look at the circumstances of your situation, you can easily be overwhelmed and intimidated by a variety of needs and shortfalls and "seemingly" impossibilities.

It's then, and so for me, it's now... That one must put their faith into action and just say, I will trust God to get us through. To do what I can't do. To be what I am not.

 

Its faith, when you are certain of something that can't yet be seen.

 

Someone said to me the other night, as they rubbed their fingers together... Saying to me, "you will be broke !!!!!! How will you manage ?"

Yeah, probably..... We have to get there first.. (And I am not really sure yet how we will manage)

But with God on my side! I am always blessed! always provided for! always loved! always cared for!

Never alone, never abandoned, never, never, ever,

I don't know what your circumstances are, or your situation.... I know what mine are.

But as I remind you, I remind myself.

Trust God with your circumstances and situation.

Trust Him with your needs and issues. He is faithful. He is just, He knows what He is doing, He is never failing, and always reliable.

I am trying to do that, and as each day passes and we gather momentum towards our milestones this year, we will do our best to honour Him in all we do, to please Him, to serve Him.

What else could we do ?

May He bless you today in your situation... And in your circumstances. As I pray He does for mine.

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Where do you come from ?

The other day I met someone for the first time, and I found myself asking them, where do you come from ?
Now this person was from South Korea, so in some ways its fair enough, but it got me thinking about where we all come from ?
I come from Perth, Western Australia, I was born in Busselton, a beautiful place.... But we all come from somewhere, but when you think about it, isn't it a weird question ?
I think a possible better question may be, where are you heading ?
We are all heading some place, even if we are not really sure where that is, or how to get there.

Is it offensive to ask someone where they came from ?
Is it offensive to ask someone where they are going ?

In a country like Australia where there are loads of people who have come from loads of various places, it's not uncommon to ask the question. Sometimes we are surprised by the answer and a real dialogue of conversation commences.

But with the other question, a whole pile of opportunity also exists.

I wonder how many of us Christians these days care about where others are heading .
Whether we care enough to even ask the question in the first place .
Whether we are equipped to help others think about a different destiny .

Monday night at our church we are commencing a new series called "Towards Belief ", it is an intentional and strategic discussion series that intends on helping people think through the hard issues of life and consider the Christian worldview.

Maybe you might come along and join in on the deliberate idea of helping one another be more equipped to ask the question...

Where are you heading ?
What will happen to your life if you continue with the current stuff you are doing in your life ?

Would you consider trusting Jesus Christ with your life. ?

Come along...join in.

I will try and not ask you where you came from ......

For more information...
www.towardsbelief.org.au
Or ring Ringwood Salvos .....during normal business hours.
Even if we have started , you can still come along.

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What are you looking for ?

Am I Looking To God?

Do we expect God to come to us with His blessings and save us? He says, “Look to Me, and be saved . . . .” The greatest difficulty spiritually is to concentrate on God, and His blessings are what make it so difficult. Troubles almost always make us look to God, but His blessings tend to divert our attention elsewhere. The basic lesson of the Sermon on the Mount is to narrow all your interests until your mind, heart, and body are focused on Jesus Christ. “Look to Me . . ..”

Many of us have a mental picture of what a Christian should be, and looking at this image in other Christians’ lives becomes a hindrance to our focusing on God. This is not salvation—it is not simple enough. He says, in effect, “Look to Me and you are saved,” not “You will be saved someday.” We will find what we are looking for if we will concentrate on Him. We get distracted from God and irritable with Him while He continues to say to us, “Look to Me, and be saved . . . .” Our difficulties, our trials, and our worries about tomorrow all vanish when we look to God.

Wake yourself up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter how many things seem to be pressing in on you, be determined to push them aside and look to Him. “Look to Me . . . .” Salvation is yours the moment you look.

(This reading was in my quiet time devotional from YouVersion today)




It was really a great reminder... We all need reminding, in my opinion, everyday, to keep focussed upon Jesus. In this world which dishes up many other things to focus upon, its a timely reminder that our salvation is found in Jesus Christ.
I got to thinking today of all the fuss around the place, people crying and begging to get on a train so they can get home after a hot day.
People hitting one another out of frustration at the heat.
One person said, why complain or carry on, you can't change the temperature. Its true.
We complain when it's too hot, and we complain when it's too cold, when it's too dry or too wet.... Is there any pleasing us ?
Something doesn't go our way in the church and we complain.
Something doesn't look how we think it should look and we whinge and carry on, we get carried away sometimes, all of us.... And then a precious saint of the church dies and goes to heaven ...and for me, things gain clearer perspective.


Life isn't about my rights or yours, it's about Jesus and doing all we can to ensure our path to heaven. And helping others to get to heaven........
To be godly people!
to be holy!
to be pure ....
Somehow in a world where holiness is considered outdated and irrelevant, untrendy if you like....
Where being pure is challenged, everywhere you look, with impurity always there to distract and try to destroy, and the call to just conform to the pattern of the world and fit in. Be normal.
Jesus never called us to be normal and fit in to this world.
In fact the Word says don't conform to the pattern of this world.
What does that really mean, when you consider what the world dishes up these days ?
So then Isaiah 45 comes and speaks to us once again, the prophet of old.... With a message still relevant to us each today...
Look to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22 AMP)


One of our big deals these days on the earth is the difference of opinion over human rights type matters, ....... dare I speak it ?
Abortion, homosexuality, asylum seeking, human trafficking, violence against women/men.....abuse, ( and yeah I know they are not all in the same category)


These are all issues where we form an opinion that is based on our worldview.
Anyone who speaks out against our particular world view on these issues is considered offensive and labelled at times with various tags.
And we find ourselves unable to agree.
Is this how it will all end ?
The church fighting within itself ?
Confused by what is right or not right ?
Worldviews conflicting against each other ?
Begging for a seat in train and hitting each other just to make sure we get our seat ?


My humble opinion is.... That God is looking for something in us...
A stand, not based on human rights, but based on Godly direction, based on God himself. God attributes. God likeness. Godliness.


If people, can't agree with interpretation about the bible, then, as difficult as that is, then we are in need of being in the hands of a God himself.
To throw ourselves at His mercy and trust Him to do what is best.
My friend who lost her mum this week, said to me... The old song kept coming into her mind...
I'm in His hands, the days have all been planned for me, His way is best you see, I'm in His hands. ( something like that)

Seek Him and be Saved.

There is no other way.

.......

Friends, I have copped it before, for my stand and thoughts on things.... And if I have offended you by my blog, I apologise...however as much as you are entitled to your opinion, I too am as well. We may never agree this side of heaven, and that must surely displease our Heavenly Father, however.... Instead of arguing or trying to win the other over, let's just point people to Jesus,( all of us) if we made our churches about that and not anything else, then maybe we might all be heading in the direction Christ would have us go. And perspective might just be clearer.

Bless you,

I pray that Jesus will be very evident in your life today. ( and mine )

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Optimistic...my pondering of the last few days.

I am feeling unwell today. Not sure why. But it has caused me to rest a heap and stop and just ponder life.

The last couple of days have been interesting. I posted this link on Facebook from Dr Ravi Zacharias, one of the great men of a God of our era, and all I did was post the words, "interesting and helpful" And boy, did I not half cop it after that. It intrigues me, that one is not entitled to believe certain things without fear of condemnation from others. ( and yes it does go both ways, and btw, I wasn't condemning anyone, I just said that it was interesting and helpful for me )

The fact is that I have studied my bible, and studied the translations of the main key verse, that supports my worldview, and ....it is readily available to all people in the church, yet some in the church, cannot seem to see it. Or are choosing to reject it. ( if you wish to know the key verse, PM me)

Now I am generally ok with that, except for one main thing.... If you are a Christian, then the bible is the bottom line. Now some won't agree, but I am unsure what else you can fall back on, if not God's Word. I don't have the right to change what God said, and neither does anyone else.

The bible will make some people feel uncomfortable and hurt, but it will never make you feel cushy with a lie or untruth.

The truth is the truth. The bible is the bible. Bottom line for me at least.

It doesn't mean we don't do our best to love others, no matter what is going on in their lives. What it does say though is that you must " be " and " do " what the bible tells you to, if you choose to be a Christian at least.

Blaming or accusing all and sundry who stand on the Word,if it doesn't agree with your worldview, is not the answer.... Seeking God is.

Anyway, all that to say, I felt a little rattled by the comments flowing thick and fast, in these past couple of days, that's one of the problems with social media these days.

On the flip side, though is this gentle sense within me, that God is at work amongst us... Gently probing, and prodding and helping us to glean truth and apply it to our lives and our churches.

He is coming back for an uncompromised church, that is shining brightly in a dark world. I hope to be ready when that day comes, I also know, that I must do all I can to lead the church where He placed me, to be ready also.

My optimism is based on this very quiet sense of God working in me.

That our church will grow.

That we will just get it right ...not in judgement of, or condemnation of others, but rather embracing others and gently teaching biblical truth.

Discipling and nurturing people in the ways of God. His ways. Not, our ways.

I see Ringwood Salvos standing tall, not everyone's cup of tea, but nevertheless a growing church that is making a difference in our community.

It looks like next year, only a few days away now, that we will have 4 worshipping congregations every week. That in itself will cause growth.

We are attracting some huge interest in our children's pastor position with some highly qualified and experienced applicants putting their hands up.

That tells me, that God has huge plans for us. We start interviewing next week.

We also have some highly experienced people applying for the youth pastor position.

So, yes I am optimistic, and even though I also am feeling a little fragile today.

So...

As I type this, I am reminded of the words of a song we used to sing.... Some of us still do. I may have blogged about this before.

(Gowans and Larson)

If crosses come, if it should cost me dearly,

To be the servant of my Servant Lord,

If darkness falls around the path of duty.

And men despise the Saviour I've adored.

I'll not turn back, whatever it may cost,

I'm called to live, to love and save the lost,

I'll not turn back, whatever it may cost,.

I'm called to live, to love and save the lost.

If doors should close then other doors will open,

The word of God can never be contained.

His love cannot be finally frustrated,

By narrow minds or prison bars restrained.

If tears should fall, if I am called to suffer,

If all I love men should deface, defame,

I'll not deny the One that I have followed,

Nor be ashamed to bear my Master's name.

 

Someone once said, one day, that it is often easier to die for God, than to live for him. I am unsure of that, but one thing I do know, that you don't ever get anywhere by compromising the truth of the bible and the commands of Christ. To live your life as a minister of the gospel means to stand up, even be ridiculed, when you know that there is a truth in the Word which must be defended. My optimism comes form this gentle peace in my heart, that says ....

 

If I will stand up for Him, then He will stand up for me.

 

Ringwood church is where God placed me..... I believe that.

I also believe very strongly, that the only way this church, or any church, can gain the blessing and anointing of Father God upon us, is by being obedient and surrendered and totally committed to His Word,and His Ways.

I will do my level best to lead in that way in 2014.

 

 

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2014 approaches !!!

Do you remember the time when we wondered what would happen when the year 2000 rolled over ?

I remember it well, there were all these concerns about the millennium bug and what would happen if infrastructure just shut down.... If Planes dropped out of the sky....all sorts of worries back then. I was called in to a serious community local council meeting in Tassie, that we could form some kind of preliminary strategy in readiness...just in case.

That was 14 years ago.

Nothing happened, but we were ready anyway.

And now we approach another new year.

For many, a sad year. Approaching it with deep sadness in their lives, over loss and pain. For those people I feel such love and compassion and prayer, I hope that they ( maybe you) will start sensing peace, and a lessening of the pain. I wish I could help you in that.

 

 

Others will approach the year making all kinds of New Years resolutions and setting goals and optimistically believing That this new year will just be better than our last.

Its good to set goals, and have plans and hopes and dreams.... If you plan for nothing, that's exactly what you will achieve.

If you plan and set a goal for something you will achieve something.

 

I have some hopes for my own life.... Lose the weight I have put on, get some balance back into my personal life, read more, rest more, walk more, laugh more....

Dream more...!!!!!!

 

Whatever your thoughts are for 2014, I pray that God will feature in there some where, central to your life.

 

When it comes to my ministry, I am always excited about the potential of a new year, the fact that new things can be attempted. And we are setting some pretty big goals for Ringwood .... Some very strategic and "out there" kinds of ministry effort.... Some very clear plans are being laid out now for new ministries and hopefully for wider exposure of our ministry as a Christian church. It is very exciting.

We are interviewing for a new youth pastor and a children's pastor on January 8th.... And believing that we will get that right, appointing Gods annointed .....

 

I have 2 weddings in 2014, with both daughters marrying, leaving us as "empty nesters" .....that will be different. This will mean a trip to India! for one of the weddings.... And that is also huge.

And then early into 2015 other huge things will happen in my life, just 12 months away, which also excites me and challenges me(More about that later next year).

And so we ready ourselves for a brand new clear slate of opportunity and potential.

I encourage you to think it through, plan it well, set some goals, strategies, that might bring honour unto The Lord Jesus Christ.

If you are in ministry, write them down. Set some monthly mini goals. Gather your team together and pray often.

And 2014 will speed past us all very fast, but we will at least achieve something in amongst it.

Bless you, stay safe over the next few days.

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