2022…. Lessons Learned.

During this past year I have been on an incredible journey of transformation and new understandings.

It came to a head for me last night in church, when I recommitted my heart to the cause of Jesus … some who may read this blog will not completely understand that, and thats ok, for it is a deeply personal thing for me.

 Others however, will get it completely and may even say “amen” in their heart and mind.

Living for something or someone is a high calling, many live for themselves and themselves alone. 

Some in this world have committed their lives to a whole gamut of causes and beliefs.  

A very good friend of mine at work says …its “ Brain Washing ”…my response to my dear respected friend is, there are a whole pile of people who could do with some washing of their brains.

We joke of course…but there is an element of truth in that…both ways …right ?

So …what have I learned this year ?  7 things amongst many other things unmentioned.

1. Gods ways may end up being very different to my ways and how I thought things would go for my life.

2. Some people push buttons in your life. I have learned a whole stack about that, and about myself.

3. People may abandon you, when you make a different choice for your life, than what they thought you   should be doing.

4. Character speaks louder than words. Behavior is just as loud.

5. You might not agree with what happens around you and how things are done, and at that point you will need to make a choice. Lead, Follow, or get out of the way. (Blogged about that before ) But its so true for me, - and for me, I made some good decisions in 2021/2022 around this very truth.

6. Hard things are asked at times ….God has proven enough for me in all of that. Sometimes its incredibly lonely. 

7. Caring for people is so important… even if they are not the same as me or don’t believe the same things as I do.  God wants me to care for people, and to create environments of care. Regardless of faith, belief, gender or sexuality.

There have been times over 2022 when I have needed to face some incredible trying times. 

Have I handled it perfectly ? Nope !!!   

Have I found my way through it ?  Yep !!!

Observing people and their behaviors ….. noticing when words match action, has been a huge thing for me to watch.  

When some have accepted my role, and others have not.

Being affirmed and applauded is good for the mind, isnt it ? 

We all want to feel like we belong and are valued….yet the  truth for me in 2022 is I have felt both,  and a very real sense that in some ways I don't actually belong anywhere right now. 

My faith journey this year has also taught me that for most of my life my identity has been found in  my title or my work. What I wear even forms a part of that.  

That isn’t really good thing.  

So throughout this year as I have endeavored to re discover who I really am,  I have sat…unnoticed ….not affirmed…hardly known by anyone, not recognized, at times a sense of feeling unvalued…. 

And there have been times of deep pain in my soul as I have gone through these times. 

Yet it was needed for me to find myself.  

Why I do what I do. 

Why I think like I do. 

And How and why I behave like I behave.

Some will never see the value in us, (me)  ….. some will wish we were not here, (you might even think that about me…lol) sorry… however on my journey of re discovery…..I have found again that God is my foundation and He is not finished with me just yet.  

He sees value in me.  He sees value in you also.

He knows what I am capable of, and has positioned me for His purposes…even if a vast load of people cant see that.

There have been times of double guessing myself… leaning towards the negative rather than the positive. 

And then there has been some absolutely outstanding moments, that have changed me forever.

So apart from all my ramblings, here is what I want to say to you…. 

It is so easy to fall for the trap that “we are” what other people say “we are” . That is not the whole truth, maybe in some ways a part of it is… But I think its also true that, I am who I say I am.  

What God says about me. !!!!

When you feel unvalued and unknown, that is not how God sees you or thinks about you.

Often times we base our whole being on what others think about us.  And unless you are hanging around with perfect people ( by the way there is no such thing ) then you  are most likely going to get hurt in this world, and for me, finding answers to those hurts…is one of the absolute keys to life itself.

I work with some amazing people who deeply care about the well being of their colleagues and the wider community in general.    They have taught me much about life, about having a laugh, and also having a cry.  I love the people I work with. They are real. What you see is what you get !

I love it that God has positioned me amongst them.  

I am looking forward to 2023…. And I am certain it will have just as many challenges as what 2022 has had.

I will keep praying ….. and believing for the best outcomes for those around me. And for myself and for my own family. 

What will 2023 bring for you ? 

I pray you find yourself …your own identity. 

The very intimate truth of your inner being, created with the finger print of almighty God Himself stamped upon you.

Losing Faith !!!

Yesterday I was directed to a podcast about an Australian senior chaplain who had lost his faith. I won't go into the details here, as it is his story not mine. Suffice to say, it was an interesting story to listen to and one that made me feel both sad as well as heightened around my own personal faith.

The need to protect myself from the battles that rage against my soul. The battles that rage against my beliefs and experiences in my spiritual life so far.

I noticed I haven't blogged much at all since starting on my new career path, could be because I have been incredibly busy getting myself into the role. Could be because I am learning so much I haven't had time to write it all down.

So tonight as I write these thoughts, I do so with  honest intent and with integrity of heart, that I will not cause others to stumble or question or feel threatened by my thinking.

My personal worldview has been challenged hugely since leaving TSA and joining AV. 

It's not a bad thing, it's a very good thing.  

I don't think it does anyone any harm for themselves, to take stock of their beliefs and habits and ideals and to determine ...

Actually  - who am I ?  

What do I really believe ?  

Have I had it wrong ? 

or Have I had it right all the way along so far ?  

To test the waters, to see if my life measures up to what I say I believe, or am I living a lie or living out the truth. My truth. Or someone else's truth ?

For me I did get to to a point a year or so back when I was checking out whether I was walking on the track that God would have me personally walk.  

I mean really, can His plans for our lives change over time ?  or is it just one thing forever and thats it ? 

I used to say things like:

"If I am wrong, about God, at least I have lived a reasonably good life and haven't hurt anyone along the way"

but I also used to say.... "What if I am right ? about God... and all this God talk has been right all the time ? "

I am not prepared to say that anymore,  each of us need to make up our minds about what it is we believe or don't believe then take the courage to live our lives based on those beliefs.  

            We really do see that all around us anyway don't we ?      The Ukraine situation tells us that.

So taking the words of  STING....

You could say I lost my faith in science and progress

You could say I lost my belief in the holy Church

You could say I lost my sense of direction

You could say all of this and worse, but

If I ever lose my faith in you

There'd be nothing left for me to do

Some would say I was a lost man in a lost world

You could say I lost my faith in the people on TV

You could say I'd lost my belief in our politicians

They all seemed like game show hosts to me

If I ever lose my faith in you

There'd be nothing left for me to do

I could be lost inside their lies without a trace

But every time I close my eyes I see your face

I never saw no miracle of science

That didn't go from a blessing to a curse

I never saw no military solution

That didn't always end up as something worse, 

but

Let me say this first

If I ever lose my faith in you

There'd be nothing left for me to do

(check it out here on YouTube .. https://youtu.be/7km4EHgkQiw

Now I don't really know if Sting was singing about God when he sings these words, however for me it kinds of sums up where I am at.

If I ever lost my faith In God I wouldn't know what to do.  truly I wouldn't .......

So the truth is, I don't intend on losing my faith.... there are plenty of things that distract and divide and confuse, however for me, there is a deep sense of truth way settled in my heart and soul that has been settled a very long time ago.

My intention is to nurture it.  To strengthen it. To develop it. To fuel the inner fire of my soul.

It is. not my intention to convince you that its my way or the highway...

No, you need to work it out for yourself and if you want to talk to me about my way... then I am more than happy to talk with you as well, but it won't be to try and convince you that I am right and that someone else is wrong. 

That's one of the things I have learned in this past 6 months ....

Faith can be defined in a number of ways...let me give you a few definitions:

complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

 strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof.

a particular religion

 Strong belief or trust  - I have faith in our leaders. 2 : belief in God. 3 : a system of religious beliefs : religion people of all faiths. 4 : loyalty to duty or to a person or thing The team's true fans keep the faith.

so whatever Faith you have..... don't lose it.  Keep your eyes high. Your heart pure, Your motives honest.

I will not ever turn my back on my God. 

I am convinced and persuaded and have been for a very long time. Whilst I have not always been victorious in living my life out as I think He wants for me, nevertheless, He has my heart and thats all there is to it.

I live a very different life these days and I love what I do and how I get to walk along side people and be a friend, to be a hope carrier...to be a listening ear and to walk with people through some pretty dark days. I can only do that because  I carry a light in my heart, called "faith".

(Faith in almighty God). If I ever lost it.. I would have no idea what I would do.

Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way

I notice as I searched google this morning for this quote, that a lot of people have claimed ownership of this one. I used to have a little desk sign that stated this, around 30 something years ago when I started in youth ministry.

However its true isnt it ? Either lead the way …or follow those who are leading the way, or just simply get out of the way.

I never started 2021 thinking that at the end of the year I would be in the situation I am currently in, retiring as an active TSA officer. In fact so much has happened in 2021 that none in my family would have envisaged. I decided to retire, rather than resign, as I felt it was more honorable for me and for TSA at this time.(my choice)

For me I found myself in the situation where I needed to get out of the way.  I was very discontent and felt like I could certainly not follow where those above me were leading…. And that caused me to struggle with my own leadership and the massive divide between expectations from above and my own personal values and hopes.

So get out of the way it was….  And for me this has bought deep contentment and satisfaction as I have discovered another group of people that actually value my strengths and abilities.

I decided a while ago I would not go out in a mash of hurtful words and expressing my feelings, however there still is a big part of me that just wants “something”…not sure what, whether it’s justice or to be heard, or to be able to express myself…not sure.  

Certainly if you don't agree with something, then you need to speak up or shut up, or get out of the picture, and there comes a time, for all of us at some point, when the boundaries will be pushed, stretched and maybe even broken.  It is when that happens, that each of us need to decide what our next move will be.

Lead ….  Follow ….. or get out of the way.

Am I bitter and twisted ?  I dont think so… I think I am just super disappointed, that what I thought was to be, for me…. actually wasnt.  And that decision was made by just one or 2 people who I perceive, had not sensed much value in me. (Certainly I am aware of many who did value me …please know that )

…………………….

And so… my new world is here, and its pretty good.  It is challenging and confronting after my first 3 weeks, but I am also sensing my place and the hand of God upon me as I start lifting my ministry profile in my new environment.

I have been totally gobsmacked by the process of God in my life on this new journey, and also totally blown away by the unending “divine coincidences” coming my way, with almost everyone I meet and now work with.

In amongst this is the deep peace in my heart, that its actually ok.  I am ok. The people around me and that I have left behind will be ok. 

However out of all of my struggle, I think that has been the biggest, friends and colleagues who may or may not have looked up to me, who I may have had ministry influence with, I have needed to start to distance myself from, so that whoever comes behind me, will have a free run at leading as an Area Officer in this space.

And then there are some incredibly faithful friends who simply wont let me walk away… I am ever so blessed by colleagues who have stood with me on this journey and who have accepted my decision even if they did not understand it.  I think these people are true friends.. thankyou to them.

And of course  my new life is different.  I will start wearing a very different uniform very soon, when it arrives…  labeled very clearly.

And so, as I start my week 4 of this new role on Monday…. And rest this weekend, I do so content and at peace within myself.

I pray that you will find your peace with Jesus at some point also.

We must remember, always… a few very important things about human life in the Kingdom of God on planet earth.

1. God calls and equips. 

2. His plans are not always the same as our plans.

3. There are more ways to serve Him than one single organization.

4. If you find yourself at odds with human decisions, you might need to get out of the way.

5. It’s all about Jesus.  It always was. It is. AND it always will be. 

When its all over, and Jesus comes again…. What will He find when He gets here ? What will he find in you ? What will you be doing for Him ? Will He find us faithful and obedient ? Will He find us divided and living in worldly ways ?  Will we be controlled by the worlds directions or by His ?  Will we be more satisfied with being the church or doing church ?  Will He find us bold ? Or silent ? Will He find us conforming to the patterns of this world ? Or to the values of the Kingdom of God, even if it means persecution and pain ?

Oh these are big questions, that require big answers.

I hope you know your way ….  Your truth….. your life…… your hope….. and I pray its Jesus !

Angry ! Frustrated ! Discouraged ! Annoyed ! Fed up !

The other night, I was challenged by a comment made to me about who is going to step up and sort things out. Almost like, why don't you speak up about what's going on around you, as if I hadn't already done that, multiple times.

I am not going to go into the bits and pieces about this, but its hard to step up and stand up for what you really believe in, when every time you do ... you are either cut down at the knees or ignored completely. 

If I was honest, I am tired of not being heard, being ignored and passed off as being irrelevant. And I have observed some of my friends being treated this way as well.

The other day I threw a challenge and invitation out to a large group of people and only one person responded. It's depressing when you know the answer and folks keep rejecting you.

I guess that's why people vote with their feet.

The question/s that was asked of us: 

Who will step up ? Who is going to rise up and make the changes ? Why wont you speak up ? Why wont you do something about it !!!

Well its easy to fire those questions out when you are not in the middle of the mess, its easy to ask the tough questions when you are not in a position to do anything about the so called "skin on a rice custard".(so to speak) (don't know if that even makes sense)

I think it was John the Baptist who spoke of being " a voice in the wilderness" about preparing the way for Jesus. 

I reckon John may have felt a bit like that, a lonely voice.... a freaky voice, trying to get people ready for something that they had never seen before, someone they had never seen before.

And maybe that's where we are at... finding it hard to recognize the John's around us.... even criticizing them, but will we be one of them ?  will we be that voice crying out in the wilderness ?

the other day in my quiet time, I read and shared 2 quotes on FB..

1. If Vision is where we are going, then culture is how we will get there.

   & the second quote.....

2. Bad culture eats good vision for breakfast.

You can have the best dreams, the best glimpse ahead of you ...better than we have ever seen ever before, but if our culture is sick then we will fail every single day and never move forwards at all.

Until we start changing our culture back to being who we are supposed to be, and who we were birthed to be.

What is a Jesus Culture ? and I am not talking about the Christian worship group... I am talking about a healthy Jesus centred  / focussed culture that will lead us to our vision of changing the world with His love ?

Here is my view...my opinion....

When we have a culture that is focused on praying together, worshipping God together and putting Him first  in our daily lives. When we have determined that above all other things, we will prioritize The Kingdom of God, first... 

when we put the other human things second to that....the admin, and laws of govt, the compliance and corporate stuff.... the strategies and  policies. 

Not rejecting them, but allowing them to speak at a secondary level and Jesus at our primary.... then and only then will we start to change our culture and we may start to see spiritual fruit, which is our fundamental DNA and goal.

Who will do that ? that's the big question for me.   I know God has asked me to be a person who does that, and believe me I have tried and still try, and am ignored most of the time.  After all who the heck am I anyway.... a lonely voice in the wilderness. ( it feels)

Yeah I get angry about it, and frustrated, discouraged, annoyed and fed up and many many times just wonder why I keep getting back up after being knocked back down so many times.

Let me tell you why I keep getting back up...It's because I love Jesus and I believe He has not finished with us yet, He has not finished with me yet. He has not finished with you yet. 

Here's the thing.... some reading this now, will be annoyed at me for speaking my mind. Others will agree. Some will class me as a raging lunatic and others may see me as someone to be ignored. 

However.... Here's my rationale if you like...

Are we doing better than we have ever done ?  

Are we winning and kicking huge goals for the Kingdom of heaven ? 

Are we seeing people radically saved in their droves ? 

Are we losing more than we are gaining ?  

Are our prayer meetings swamped by people hungry to speak with Jesus and to hear His voice ? 

Is it more popular/easy to please the world than what it is to please God ?

Well cut me down at my knees if you like.... but the moment we swing the worlds way, and seemingly disregard the Lords way.... we have sick culture.

And that also makes me angry !  

I never joined up for that.

SO......

here are my solutions....

Encourage each other to gather together for prayer groups, triplets or prayer pairs or anything...  make this the priority each and every week. This can easily be done online, for 10, 15, 20, 30 or even 60 minutes. it isn't difficult. If you don't know how, then email me, ring me... I will show you and lead you  and help you.

If you already pray with others...excellent, then multiply and invite others in. All of us, doing that.

Can we ever pray enough ?  This one change alone, will turn things on its ear !!!!!

Still do the compliance stuff absolutely, but only ever secondary to the Jesus focus.

Speak more loudly about Jesus than we do the "other stuff ".

Instead of a concert, make it a worship event.  Focus on Jesus.

(I love how the TSA Big Band is doing this).

If you think you are making it about Jesus already, well done...so take it up a notch and get a few around you to do the same. Lets lift Jesus Higher than we ever have before.

Make disciples for Jesus.  Make Disciples who will in turn make disciples. This was what Jesus asked us to do on the earth.  It doesn't mean we cant do the other things we all love doing...it just means we have a discipling flavor and intention on everything we do.     

and lets pray for Spiritual renewal and revival in our nation, 

starting inside us, ME,  & you...first.

Just my rambling thoughts on this yucky Sunday afternoon in lockdown no 5.

Risky Challenge... here goes nothing !!! Or maybe something !!! ( I am not scared at all ) hmmmm

This blog post has a few risks about it: nevertheless I feel compelled to write it and to share it as widely as I know how.

How is your appetite ?  Not for food, but for spiritual things ? For Jesus ?

I remember a day when I wanted to be so close to Jesus that I would have done anything, in fact I did...I became a Salvo Officer...I chose to walk away from so many comfortable things and to follow Him and do my level best to try and help others find Him.

I have discovered along the way that sometimes that devotion seems to have gone luke warm... that I am not as hungry as I once was, and also,  I look around me and others are seemingly walking away from Jesus as well.

When I ask the question about how hungry you are for Jesus, what goes through your mind ?

I invite people to pray together, and have done for 20 plus years... and its not ever an easy pick up...people don't want to pray together it seems.  There is always some excuse or reason not to. I think I have heard them all...

I don’t like to pray that way... I don't like the way others pray...I like to pray silently....I am too busy...the time of the prayer meeting is inconvenient... etc etc etc.

It’s not new is it ? Jesus asked His closest disciples to stay and pray while He went away and prayed alone, and they just fell asleep.

Why is it such a big ask to get Christians praying together ??   Why wont the church pray together ? One of the biggest mystery’s of life for me is this very question. 

This isn't new, I have observed it all my life, even when my dad was leading prayer meetings back at Perth Fortress years and years ago. 

Prayer meetings are simply not popular.  Concerts on the other hand .... ?

Now before I throw my challenge out to you...my reader.... and before you get angry at me for even daring to ask the question... I am not assuming for one minute that I have it all together in this, and that I am the expert on this subject.... 

I just want Christians to pray together and am perplexed why people who say they love Jesus and give their lives to Him, are not willing to gather for one hour and pray with like minded people who want to do the same ?  

Why we cant find a spare hour for this ?

Don’t call me judgmental, or criticize me for the question...  I am trying not to judge anyone myself, but just ask the question....

answer it for yourself.. 

Just how hungry are you for Jesus and His Kingdom and His people rising to be all that God desires of us to be ?

They are the real questions here.  Were you ever more spiritually alive than you are today ? Have you heard Gods voice in your life before ? But now are just going through some motions ?

There were some times in my life when the supernatural presence of God was so tangible in my room that it was unmistakable.... maybe thats why I am like a stuck record on this. I dunno..... I just have this inner urge and constant compelling to call people to pray together.

So....

Here’s the call:

I am seeking people, Salvos, Christians, Pastors, Officers, anyone who loves Jesus... to join me in praying together.

People who are hungry for the things of God, and are willing to pray together regularly for it to be spilled out in our world. (When I say regularly, I mean fortnightly for one hour, at anytime which is best for the majority)(even in person or online  or both)

People who believe in the Bible.

People who love to worship God with others.

People who are fed up with the status quo, and want to ask God together for the supernatural to be poured out on us all.

People who know that deep down in your heart, that there must be something more than this ...and you want to ask God for that.

People who will pray for others.

People who will not give up until something happens that can only be attributed to God.

Is there anyone like that left on the planet ?

If that’s you... I don't care where you live, or who you are...I want to pray with you...I don't care what position you hold on the earth, neither does God for that matter,  this is all about unity, hunger and desire for the Kingdom of God to shape the earth.

Already there is a small group of us doing this on Tuesday nights...But I am willing to change the times and dates and locations to accommodate more...

My proposal is that when it  is appropriate we gather at a venue and pray and worship together and stream to those who can’t meet at that venue...

Is there anyone that would do this ? Anyone at all ?

It all comes down to hunger... hunger for Jesus. ( not so much the denomination )

Email me: (if you are keen) 

gary.grant@salvationarmy.org.au  

Or

garygrant@me.com

The Critics !!!!!

A few years back I was the senior minister (Corps Officer) of a great corps (church for those non salvos).

I started well I think and was true to my calling and identity and character in who God had shaped me to be.  It’s often like that as a Pastor, we do start well usually, its a blank canvas and the story is yet to be written.

As there are in every church or group of people, there were those who loved me, and certainly there were people who did not.  I call them the critics and every church has them.  

They are the ones who don't agree with you and your strategies, don't like your style of preaching...or simply just don't like you.  Dont think you are any more special than the next guy, we all have had these people in our ministries, even when things were going well.  They are still there.  They always are.   Even if they are not so vocal to your face.

Jesus had them.  They killed him.  

At times, I confess I also have been one of them and so have you.  We all have. You might be right now as you read this blog...lol.

Well there was this one person, who I am pretty sure hated me... never to my face mind you...but in the car park after the meeting, pulling me apart, behind my back, for whatever it was I got doctrinally wrong in the Bible message, or whatever... 

I always heard about it, and I must admit never really handled it that well.  It hurts if we are honest, that not everyone loves us... or thinks we are just like Jesus ...ha. I am a long way off that I know it.

I used to fear this person and the temptation was to look for ways to gain their approval.  

But I quickly learned that was impossible.... for no matter what I did, I was going to lose and in the opinion of that critic in those days, I lost every single weekend.

It’s not easy, facing your critics, and its also impossible to have every one on the same page as you in every situation. So how do you deal with it ? Wouldn’t it just be a dreamy world if we could be loved and accepted by everyone ????

Humanity is a fickle thing, however we are pretty much all tarred with a similar brush.... we gravitate to like minded people  and we do look for leaders who will inspire and shape us and help  us on our journey to Jesus.  But when a loud mouthed critic stands up and speaks out against us.... it can be demoralizing and very hurtful.

I am still working on this in my own life....

I do know that it is impossible to please everyone.

I do know that if I try to please one group, I will by default displease the other.

I do know that I am not perfect, I do know that some don't always recognize that about “others”.

For me, when being critical, we need to establish why we are like that. If the leader is negligent, or criminal or unrighteous, if they are immoral, unethical or lazy.... if they are not preaching Jesus and are preaching some other kind of message...then maybe its time for a new church ? 

But its best in my mind to not add to the situation by getting into someone else’s ear behind their back and cause a cancerous stream in others.   Perhaps it’s best to approach that leader in grace and chat face to face first. 

Criticism is such a tough thing and not many of us like it. However there is usually an element of truth in it somewhere and we can learn from it as well.

In my quiet time today, I was reminded about being content in every circumstance. To pray about everything all the time.  To keep my eyes on Jesus.  It’s good advice.

In my life I desire to be a part of the solution and not add to the problem, I have always desired to see our churches in TSA to become large and thriving for Jesus. And if not large, at least healthy.....To be relevant and inspiring and solid in action and not just in word. To not live in the past. Honour the past, absolutely, but not live there.

To be a leader who draws people to think about Jesus and to give their heart to Him. I have always wanted my preaching to be the kind of preaching that lifts Jesus higher.  I am not a theologian or teacher...I am a spokesperson for Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.  

Now if I am to be criticized for that, so be it I suppose.

I have dreams...

I have hopes...

I have ideas...           

 SO DO YOU !!!

I want to see TSA to be  what it was designed to be... the ARMY of SALVATION, where people get saved, stay saved and bring hope to everyone around us. In every way. 

I will always agitate for what God placed in my heart. And that opens me up pretty easily to the critics.

There will always be those who say “AMEN”,                                                                                             and there will always be those who say something other than amen.

It then boils down to who I am here to please ?  Man ? Or God ?

Bottom line.... and each of us need to determine that for ourselves, who it is we will serve and what cost we are prepared to live with that at that level.

I have felt for many years that I have been called for a purpose for Jesus. To speak out His name with as much oomph as I have within me every time I preach. Even if there are those who don’t like my particular style.

To help lift spiritual life...to encourage people to pray.... to form small groups for bible discussion and worship....to worship hard.... and to be a move of God that is founded on Him first. To look for the champions and work with them and together spread Holy Spirit fire around us everywhere.

Lord use me like that I pray.

And in closing my thoughts today...

I quote William Booth our founder..

“ I am not waiting for a move of God, I am a move of God “

That is my prayer for my life...

Even if my critics hate me for it.

And... finally... If you are an Officer, Pastor, Leader in the church... and the critics are getting under your skin..

Can I ask you to do a couple of things... answer these questions for yourself.

1. Is your life about Jesus ?

2. Are you preaching the word of God, the Bible, as you are directed by Jesus in “Prayer” first ?

3. Look for some truth in the criticism and work on it... and pray about it, even with the critic if needed.    (Be brave and humble at the same time)

4. NOW... Get on with what God has called you to be and do.

#itsallaboutJesus 

My Past... gratitude for the folks who invested in me.

Holidays are a good time to rest and reflect and reconsider a number of things in your life. It is interesting to me that after one week I feel my mind unclogging and relaxing and it is also interesting to me that in some ways as this is happening, I am becoming a little more optimistic about the future and my future.

This morning in my quiet time I was reflecting on people in my life who have molded and shaped me in one way or the other..I am going to list them here, and I want them to know, so if you know them and can the message to them, will you do that for me please ?

In my mind you give honour where honour is due.

Sooooooooo, in no exact order, here are the names of people who have influenced my life over the past 60 something years....( apologise if I miss your name, there are so many)

Richard Gilchrist, my first YP Band leader.     A great encourager ...thanks Richard for doing this journey with a bunch of children back then. For teaching us music and for me to how to play a cornet.

Neale Garnaut , my second YP Band leader and Bandmaster of PF Band, a great encourager. Neale, your influence and friendship is so special. Thankyou for kindness to my dad and in my life also.

Irwin Palmer, and Margaret Palmer you guys influenced me so much in my early years and in our marriage, I will never forget the small group of young marrieds that used to gather in your home mid week. I think the fact that we are now approaching our 40th wedding anniversary is partly due to the truth you taught us way back then.

Harvey Reynolds, man what man of God you were to me.... a true gentleman... praying with me at the mercy seat so many years ago as I committed my life to Jesus in deeper ways.

Pam Gilchrist, my corps cadet leader.... you were such a great woman of God in my life back then Pam.

Tony McCubbin, my challenging Customs Teacher who prayed for me and prophesied into my life so many years ago... I am not sure I really believed it all back then.  But gosh so much has happened since those days in Fremantle.

Rodney & Jenny Barnard, our CO’s you were such trusted friends and leaders to us, to me, and still are... I thankyou for the influence and challenge you set for me (us) and were our CO’s sending us into Officer Training. And then becoming our DC’s when we were at Craigieburn, helping us to get our own building.

Gordon and Lyn Jones... you were both and still are so precious in my life as I found out deep spiritual truth for myself.

Wayne Pittaway, man...you were huge as a mentor for me ...thankyou. I miss those coffees and chats.

Shane Baxter, senior pastor of Enjoy Church, another mentor who challenged me to my very core in the early days of Craigieburn Salvos Ministry.

Ian Hamilton (Lt Col) my first DC as an Officer who believed in me and encouraged us to think outside of the box, thanks Ian. And you gave us a go at Planting Craigieburn... wow.you truly did believe in me.

Bram Cassidy: more recently Bram you have journeyed with me and I am grateful for you. I respect you and trust you and think that you are one of the most amazing TSA Officers I have seen. I love working alongside you and have enjoyed the way you have shaped my thinking over the past 5 years or so.

Other shout outs to :

John Anderson, Kev & Jude Lumb, Bruce & Deb Stevens, Jordan & Sarah Innes, Dave & Claire Jones, Val Atkins, Lisa Butler, Craig Caple.   So many its tough this..... Andy & Shirl,  G1 !!!!

My current small home fellowship group....Deb & John, Lorna & Ian, Julie & Bruce, 

Brian & Ev Golding, (mum and dad in law) who also encouraged us along our journey. I really miss you dad and your wisdom. And those special little chats when everyone else had left the room. 

My siblings: Kevin, Pete and Pat...we have so many memories, some not so good, and some amazing, we grew up together and now feel apart...but I guess that is life isnt it.  I choose to remember the good things and celebrate them with you guys. Thankyou.

My own Mum and Dad, who gave me a legacy that no one else could give. the example set in prayer,  I didn't always agree with them...lol, but gosh I miss them like nothing on this earth, and would so love to sit with them and chat.... ahhhhh one day in heaven we will.

Chelsea and Melissa, when you both arrived in our lives, you were both miracles...and I could not ever express the changes you bought to my heart...in those very early years I was ever so proud of the fact that I was your daddy.  And even today I am still proud to be your dad. You might not think it, but you both have changed my life in so many ways. I love you dearly. Thankyou for your love for me, warts and all.

Ankit.... wow, who would have thought that Christmas wrapping for TSA in Broadmeadows would bring me a son in law like you and a grandson like Aari.  Thanks Ankit for your friendship and care of me.

So many people have influenced me...I am grateful for each and everyone of you. TRULY I AM.

And now Julie....

There were girlfriends before you, but none ever measured up to you... when you entered into my life, I changed forever. You loved me and I think you still do, (lol) in ways that no one has ever loved me, putting up with many mistakes and failures, and loving me still, believing in me when no one else seemed to do that ... walking with me, crying with me, laughing with me... holding me when I couldn’t stand, I will ever love you Julesy, you are a legend and I look forward to growing old (older) with you. Ministry with you is like being in sync with myself, we think alike and have a common aim, and we work well together...life without you would be ridiculous to even think about.  Thanks Jules.

..........................................

I dont think I am dying, but it kind if sounds like it hey ??  (Sorry)

Well I am having the Covid Jab soon...so who knows..... God knows.

The reason for the shout outs in this.... is because I simply don't think we do that enough for each other. We do find ourselves critical of each other more easily than we do in being encouragers. I think God has spoken to my heart around this, in loving our neighbors and saying Thankyou.

Thankyou to everyone who has journeyed with me in one way or the other throughout my life. Leaving a God mark in my heart.

My life is what it is today because of your influence and impact in me at one stage of my life or the other.

Thankyou.

And if I missed your name I am sorry......there is simply so many.