the BIG “R’s”..... hmmmm ..... What is going on in us ?

“When Asa heard this message from Azariah the prophet, he took courage and removed all the detestable idols from the land of Judah and Benjamin and in the towns he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. And he repaired the altar of the Lord, which stood in front of the entry room of the Lord’s Temple.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭15:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As I read this passage of scripture, and specifically this verse the words just about jumped off the page for me...   “And Asa repaired the altar of the Lord”

The thought immediately came to my mind that we need to repair some altars of the Lord in our lives also.

When reading the whole chapter and getting context we also see other actions by Asa... not only did he repair the Lords Altar, but he also removed detestable idols..he took courage ....

I don’t know about you, but that speaks deeply to me today... maybe its the bit about taking courage, or maybe its the bit about getting the Altar of the Lord back in its rightful place in our lives, or maybe its the bit about removing the detestable idols...not 100% sure, maybe its all of it....   what stands out for me are the “R” words...

    Remove & Repair....   =   Repent & Revive....

                       (also some rebelling against the world and its ways)

It occurs to me that in this modern world, 2020... we could also do with some removing and repairing.... some  repenting and reviving... and maybe some rebelling against the ways of this world and its compromise and watering down of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, some of which has creeped into our churches.

Insidious deception that has blind sided so many.

So....what else occurred to me, was do we really know in 2020 what is detestable to the Lord ?                  Have we made up our own rules about this ?

We would all say, most likely, that sin is detestable to the Lord... so then that begs the question..     how do we define sin ?

Sadly a lot of us make up our own rules about that one as well....

one of the best definitions I have heard about sin, is 

“missing the mark or target”

I know there are countless times in my own life where I have missed the mark, most likely you also...  and so that’s why the repentance and rebuilding of the altar in our lives and in our churches is so critical.

Sin is a barrier to our relationship with God... it is an idol that must be removed, it is a thing that God asks us to do.....many of us are slow at this, we find every excuse and reason under the sun for our inaction in this.

We compromise scriptural truth by making it work for us...bending and twisting it so that it fits with a worldly view, that makes us feel good about ourselves, but all the while, I am not sure whether we even think about the fact that our actions and inactions may in fact be detestable to God.

 Do we even care about that anymore ?  Now that’s a tough question isnt it ?

I mean do we really truly care if we are pleasing God or just pleasing ourselves these days ?

I find that statement challenging to myself, you may not...you may be living life way better than me, but it doesn't change the truth, for me at least...

God calls me, and maybe you also to remove and repair.... to repent and revive.

Asa’s life, was most likely not perfect either....

But we still see him remove the detestable idols and repair the altar of the Lord and maybe, just maybe, there is some symbolism for our personal lives and our churches these days. Perhaps this is a metaphor for us also.

Is God pleased with our worship services ? Is He pleased with our prayer life, both personal and corporate ? What about our study of the Bible, is it changing us, or are we changing it ?

I think when we fiddle with the Bible, are changing it so to speak, that this would be most likely detestable to Him. (Just a thought)

And what about those commandments....

Love God with all we have, and all we are....

Love others like we love ourselves...

Go into the world and make disciples ...

Are we in fact hurting God by our inaction and careless handling of these commands ?

Well for me today, I have found that one verse in 2 Chronicles 15(vs8) really challenging and I want the altar of my Lord, in good condition in my own heart and life. I want some things in my life removed, just in case they are offending my God and He finds it detestable in me.

This worship service at Ringwood Corps... when we were CO's there...(pictured above) was one of the best Salvo Traditional ones I have been in..... it isn't about the style of song or music, its about who we are worshipping and why .

Worship on Sunday morning or whenever it is for you...is not about you, the choice of songs  and their style is not about you, the worship is all about Him and us gathering together in unity to exalt HIM, to magnify HIM, to make HIM look good and to listen out for His voice as He speaks our name.

The next time you find yourself critical of a song or style of music, whether its contemporary or traditional.... just ask yourself why you are being critical.... we don’t sing our songs in church to you, we sing them to HIM. And for HIM.  

It’s really important to remember this.

It's about repairing the altar in our hearts, getting ourselves off it, and placing God back on it.  It's about removing things from our lives that may be detestable to HIM.

When its all over, when it is all said and done...

What really matters is that God is glorified and served and honoured by us, however we do that, we just must make sure that’s what we are in fact doing.

#itsallaboutJesus.

Do you remember the thrill ......"That Day"

Yesterday when preaching at Pakenham Salvos I was reminded of the absolute certainty of my calling.

It was a Sunday afternoon I think... the venue was Perth Modern School and I was sitting with Jules, my fairly new wife in those days... (we have been married 39 years this year)

Eva Burrows was the preacher, she was the TC back then.... and I heard God call my name....

I felt like I must have run to the altar that day to say Yes to God for His call upon my life into ministry...  it was a very long time ago, I am thinking around ...

most likely 36 years ago... or close to that.

God changed my life forever that day... and the days leading up to "that day".

Its a pretty long story, so I wont bore you with all the details, but my heart rate quickened, my mind raced....and I remember sweating heavily as I attempted to say Yes to My God that day. 

Do you remember when you first heard God call your name ?  

Did you run to Him or did you run away from Him ?

Did it change your life like it did mine ?  

For me... when that happened,   My habits changed...  my desires changed, my life choices changed, and future planning for my life changed.

I was 6 months out from obtaining my licence to practice as a Customs Agent...and all of that didn't matter anymore to me. 

I just wanted to serve and please God, which affected Julie in a huge way also, as she didn't want to go to Officership at that stage. 

In fact I waited 8 years for Jules to come to that point, and in the meantime I became a Youth Pastor at my church...Perth Fortress.

Amazing times in my life....I have never been the same since then.

Some folks I have met along the way in the past 30 something years of ministry have also run to the Father and their lives were changed as well.  AND of course there have been stacks who have also run away from the Father, and I reckon their lives have also been changed in some pretty significant ways.

There is no mistaking Gods call , when He speaks your name...

butterflies in your belly start a rumbling,  your mind races, fears and doubts creep in, you worry about what those around you will think of you... 

but deep within your being, you know...that a response is required and when you get up out of your seat and stand and "run" to the Father, He awaits you and the most amazing peace floods your spirit and soul when the answer to HIM is Yes Lord Here I am ...you can have my life...it is yours.

That day, is the day that changes you forever.... there will be other days that come along that try to distract you and drag you back to your old way of life, but God holds us and loves us and His love will never let us go.

(well His love has never let me go at least - even when I have stuffed things up pretty badly)

I think it is important to recapture the thrill of that day...to remember what God started in us He will finish in us also...

Christianity and church for many has become a ritual and an obligation or duty and it was never meant to be like that...it is a living vibrant active relationship with God and me (us)  and as such should always be fresh and alive and if we pay our part in that relationship He will certainly do His part in that relationship also.

If you are bored by church..... walking away from God and His people, can I remind you and encourage you  to revisit in your mind that day you first believed and accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

Can I suggest that it might be time to revitalize your own commitment to Him while He awaits you, ready to fill you afresh today, right now even.

and if you have never actually Run to the Father before...what a great time to get up out if your seat, and take that first step today...

If you want some help with that Private Message me....I can chat our way through that.

Jesus...what a Saviour.

Jesus ...My redeemer..

Jesus ...my best mate...

Jesus... HOPE OF THE WORLD.

take a listen to this amazing song as you consider these words and get up and run to him...again ....

            ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....... Bless YOU !

                                                He is calling your name.

The General Scheme of things !!!

There are a lot of things that matter to a lot of people in this world.

We all know it, and know it even more the moment we upset someone’s apple cart.

But I wonder if you have thought about what really matters at the very core of your being !?

I got to thinking about this tonight, and I guess, the older I get the more  I think through some of these things at a different level than I have before.

I do turn 60 in a few weeks... I know its impossible to believe right ? I dont look a day over 40... 😳 

Yeah puzzling I know !!!!!!!

Anyway... what are the things that really matter in life ... it’s not the shirt I wear, the footy team I follow, or the job I have, the car I drive or the color of that car, it isn’t about whether I feel like I have been treated unfairly or forgotten...its not about the friends I have or don’t have...  it isnt even really about my family, as precious as they are to me...

No when everything is stripped away in the general scheme of things, all that matters really.,.... is my relationship with God. 

He created me, the Bible says, He knit me together in my mothers womb... and it is He who  I  will one day return to when I die.

So...for me, in trying to keep things real, even if only in my own mind... 

when I consider the events of this new year, and let’s face it, none of us expected 2020 to start the way it has for us all...

bushfires, floods, cyclones, crazy diseases, volcanoes and every other crazy thing going on... I am carried by a hope that when all is said and done,  its all about Jesus.  

My hope is that I will live with Him for eternity....joining my parents and others who have already entered that place.

Today when at the local shopping centre, I noticed people wearing masks, living in fear and panic.... it is normal for people to feel like this, and causes you to consider your own safety.... we must all do what we can do to protect ourselves and others...

But...In the General Scheme of Things..on this earth, I don’t live only for this earth, I have been called by Jesus to live for Jesus and do what I can to help others do that also.

The earth can be a frightening place at times...but Jesus told us to take heart for He has already overcome the world.

Being connected to Him allows me a divine inheritance that can only be provided by Him.

Why anyone wouldn’t choose that I dont know why ...

So, turning 60 soon makes me realize I have around 7 years of active Salvation Army Officership remaining (God willing).... and I want to use those years to make a difference  on the earth for the sake of heaven.

To do my bit to bring influence for Jesus...to help others  find Him in deeper ways...for us all to pray a little more fervently, to live lives of worship and to Praise God with the way we behave .....and in our churches.

It is my desire to live out the rest of my life for Jesus like I have tried to for the past umpteen years.

Just my thoughts on this balmy February night in Melbourne.

A controversial post ? Doubt it !

The Guilt of leaving a crisis...

The other day I needed to leave Bairnsdale and the relief centre for the fires..and I left behind a group of people still serving. 

I felt guilty about that.

I also noticed others going through similar feelings of needing to be present and active amongst the trauma situations.

I am guessing at times we all feel like that. 

I could have, should have, would have....

But none of us are super human and if we go too hard for too long we will all crumble and then others have to pick it up anyway.

Why is it we cant live balanced lives ? 

Why is it that we live with this guilt and almost a savior complex ?

Like the situation will be better if we are there ?

I think deep down inside of us each we want to help others.

I think its because we want, deep down, to be a part of the solution and not add to the problem.

(Just my thoughts no expert advice here)

The problem is, if we work too hard for too long, we get grumpy and careless and start damaging the very ones we were trying to help in the first place.  I have observed that first hand.

I reckon there will be countless times in our lives where we get opportunity to serve and care for others, and there will also be countless times when we will need someone to do that for us as well.

The true wisdom comes in knowing when to back off, and allow others to step up, and relieve us. Knowing when to be served by allowing others to serve and assist us in the situation we find ourselves in.

Over the past couple of weeks I have also observed some pretty crazy caring folks.... people sacrificing holidays to serve others, to help... to be a part of the solution somehow...doing what they can.. these people are hero’s in my book.  

But even they know that the human body can only take so much before it in fact crumbles under stress and strain.  

So ministry, and service and caring requires balance and wisdom and most of us will take our whole lives to work that out.

Is it so controversial to also say that in the middle of these situations we find jealousy arise ? Where we find some folks saying and doing things that are a bit mystifying ?  

It’s not your job, get out of the way, etc etc.

Humanity is an interesting thing isn’t it ? Brings out the best, and brings out the worst in people just like me, and maybe just like you.

When you walk with people through their crisis you find often, that an honest and true relationship forms. Folks share their lives with you and its a privilege beyond belief to be a listening ear and a caring voice. 

To do what you can when not much can be done.

To pat their dogs, give them a drink, cry and laugh with them... walk with them for a bit, find a bed for them, help look after their pets, get them some food, and be the hands and feet of Jesus ... its not a cliche, its the truth of Christianity.

In the good and the bad and the ugly, its nice to see true care. Thankyou to my friends in the The Salvation Army who have served in these past weeks and will continue to serve in the coming weeks.

But also thankyou to those others who have served who are not Christian.  

Life will go on for most of us and its up to each of us how we live it out.

I encourage balance and rest in the middle of the stress.

Yes there is work to be done.... and we will do it better together than trying to do it alone. The situation in Australia right now with these fires is very hard for any of us to understand, but when we stand together, work together, allow each other’s gifts and strengths to be utilized, then we will make a difference to our world, that will make sense. It’s how God created us.

Let’s learn from this, let’s keep praying through this, and Let us never forget, that ultimately everyone of us, no matter what title we have, or label placed upon us, no matter what role we work in presently, we are each and everyone a child and servant of the Most High God,  and He is the key reason why we do what we do.

We are The Salvation Army... The Army of Salvation, a group of people committed to see people saved and set free for Jesus Christ and that is the main thing.

Bless you today as You serve Him.

2020... Day 1.

I start this new year 2020, January 1... with some positive hopes and dreams..

I want my life to win, to be optimistic and positive.

I want to defeat some inner challenges and to try and combat the ways I handle things around me.

I have a good wife, an amazing family, we each have some huge challenges ...
but it (the challenges)doesn’t need to stay that way, we can all win and I seriously hope for 2020 that in fact that is the case. Wins for each of us.

One of my plans for 2020 is to record a daily journal of thoughts and observations. 365 days of opportunity. A blank canvas. Waiting to be written each and every day. It is up to me how I live it and what I do with my own 365 days.

It’s up to us each .

We all have exactly the same amount of hours and days to live out, and until we are called home... it is up to each of us in how we will live out those days.

2019, and even 2018 were incredibly challenging ministry years for me (us) but one of the brilliant things about a brand new year is to face it with optimism and hope.
And thats what I am doing today. Dreaming for a good year.

A year where my calling, and the deep, very deep desire I have to please my God, is fulfilled in crazy amazing ways in my ministry role.

I want this year to lift my game in some ways.... To stretch my spiritual tent pegs.... to be more disciplined in some personal ways, and also to live out with integrity my call.

I actually believe that God is calling us each to specific ministry tasks as His kids... and we say, we are not called...but actually we are all called to something somewhere...if its being a plumber or pastor or professor... or politician.... do it for His purposes.

I dont know if people still do it these days, setting resolutions or goals for the year ahead... but I like to.

I think its in our nature to hope for better days. To dream of better times. To see opportunity and possibilities.

Some try to dash those dreams, to pour cold water over our hopes.

Can I encourage you as I do to myself also... take each day as it comes, we only really have this day..today... we can’t change yesterday.. or last week or month or even year... But we can choose that this day will be a positive one.

I am hopeful, very very hopeful that the desire that God has placed in my heart..that really only He and Me know about... will find its way to the surface and be used by Him for His glory. and His glory alone.

When I was commissioned as an Officer in The Salvation Army, I was trained under the banner of being a “Messenger of Hope”, I still pray these 24 years on... that this is still the case for my life.

Gosh who would want to be a messenger of the opposite.

Have a great day and a great year. And remember..

Please remember...

#itsallaboutJesus.

Always has been and always will be.

The Eagle....and God ..... and Me.

Today on my way home from church, there were 2 Wedge Tail Eagles catching the thermals above our car...

It is always special to me, and I have written about it before.... But this is important in my life...it started for me some 24 years ago in our first appointment in Tasmania and it has never stopped.

Whenever God wants to get my attention, remind me of His close presence... or reassure me that He is about to do something around me.... there is always an eagle close by. (I will get to that in a minute)

I have kind of gone off blogging  a bit, as Facebook allows you to write long posts that satisfy my desire to share my thoughts online...  we are all allowed to do that.... we are all permitted to have our own opinions on matters in this world.... and I guess from time to time some of our opinions upset those around us. 

That is not my intent.

My intent has always been to try and get my readers to ponder the truth of Jesus Christ for their own lives... I was gob samcked the other day when I checked in on my blog to see it had had...over 60,000 hits... So I guess I feel like its time to blog again.....

So let me give you a glimpse of my world over these past months....

I have become an Area Officer in The Salvation Army and as such have worked closely with a group of churches (Corps) and mission expressions in TSA in South East Victoria. This is a privilege and blessing most of the time, but for some of the time over the past months it has been an incredible challenge. It has stretched me, threatened me, hurt me... caused me sleepless nights and worry, and it has strengthened my prayer life.  (that's good right ?)

When news comes to my attention that things have gotten a bit more challenging... these are times when I try to help where I can, and I pray harder... but I also am on the lookout for answers from my prayers, and that's where the eagles usually arrive, like they did today.  

Now don't be confused, I don't go looking for them, it's like they come looking for me. 

AND that is super special.

These majestic creatures, remind me of a spiritual truth, that is about soaring through life, rising above the storms, facing them head on even... having crystal clear eagle vision about what is ahead, and allowing the thermals of God's Spirit to carry me higher and higher....

God sends me these birds..... at pivotal times in my life and when I need them.

It is not a regular occurrence lest I get too familiar with them. It is rare, I like it this way.

Today, after, a challenging week, 2 majestic Wedge Tails.... just popped into my vision.  

God is close by , He is my rock and I rely upon Him alone.... and love it when He and I communicate through  His created vessel of an eagle.

A number of years ago Hillsong church released this beautiful song... (check out a version of it on youtube.. here...https://youtu.be/vP6YR81wPZE  if you want to)

the words go like this...

Here I am waiting, abide in me, I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love, bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more

Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle's wings
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle's wings

Here I am waiting, abide in me, I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love, bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more

Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle's wings
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle's wings

My desire in life is to rise above the things that disturb and distract me and to keep rising, In HIM...for HIM, by HIM....

I have not always been successful in this, and those that know me the best, my closest friends and family know how far I can fall flat on my face from time to time...  I hate that about myself, just saying.... but then there are days like today when I am reminded that God has not finished with me just yet.   

That I have been called for purpose..... and whilst my life has crazy ups and downs, I am chosen by the King of Kings for HIS plan for my life.

I think the eagles come to remind me of this.

I am not looking for comments or praise, for affirmation or anything, but this is my life and whilst I don't always seem to get it right for everyone around me, it is  my hope and prayer that I will rise high enough in JESUS that one day my influence in other peoples lives will draw them to ponder the love of Jesus and His Plan for their lives also. to trust Him with every ounce of their being also.

It's a good plan.

In my life, so far.... Ministry has thrown us challenges that ..if I was to be truthful, some of which I wish I hadn't had to face...  we Spent 5 years in Tasmania, then 12 years planting an amazing church in Melbourne, and then 3 years at Ringwood, and then a few one year stints leading us to this role we serve in presently.

In every role, and in every situation along those 24 years....God has sent me an eagle promise for ministry, life, family, challenges and victories.

I love it that His forever, is my forever, and that it has no limits.... 

His love is unlimited and not defined by my falling flat on my face or rising hugely into the sky.... 

His love for me, "forever" is never ending and because of that love I am compelled to keep serving Him with the best that I have got.

Even when I am questioning, doubtful, discouraged and dissillusioned....  its often in these very times that the eagle arrives and reminds me...

Gary Grant...  God says....  I called you....  I have a purpose for your life..... I know about your failures and weakness, and Love you anyway.

Go do...  Go be  who I called you to be.

An Eagle Christ  Follower.

Maybe, just Maybe He is saying the same thing to you today.

Just my thoughts for this winter night in June 2019.

Church ..What exactly is it ? A short thought !!!!

Over these past years I have visited many churches. I have led church, I have been a local pastor and now I am regional pastor..if you like to call it that.

Recently as I have  been visiting some churches, I have found myself a bit lost.  Hardly anyone talks to you, and when they do in the non Army settings, its just hello... really, no meaningful engagement at all.

When I visit Corps ( Army churches ) they do speak to me sometimes, but really because they know who I am.

here is what I think...

When you turn up in a church, you should expect to encounter Jesus Christ. You should expect that if you bring a pre saved friend with you, that they are going to hear about Jesus and His love for them and everyone else also.

AND...most importantly of all...be given an opportunity to meet Jesus and be saved....right there.

If that isn’t happening in your church, then I seriously question what your church is about.

Many churches have become places of performance and self congratulation.

It has to be done well, or people wont come....  my take on that is ... yes it has to be done well, but the key issue is the presentation of Jesus Christ in every single service, the opportunity to respond in every service, in any way you choose...but at least an opportunity given.

The preaching, the greeters, the ushers, the car park attendants, the very church congregation itself.... everyone.... every time.... always.

How incredibly sad, that if a person visits a church for the first time...and the one and only time, that the church misses the mark in presenting Jesus to that person and it was their last opportunity to hear about HIM.

It’s incredibly urgent.
It’s incredibly important.

If it isn’t about Jesus, in every service.... what is it actually about ?

It isn’t about the music and how well we play it.... it isn’t about our uniforms and how neatly they have been ironed. It isn’t about our eloquence of voice when we sing, or even preach.... it isn’t about a history lesson or even a theological debate. It is about Jesus and having a relationship with HIM.

Now I know some will say that our churches are actually all about Jesus and I truly believe that most churches do their level best to present Him.... but I also contend, that in some places I have seen, that whilst Jesus is preached, little follow up is done after the service, people in the church are not speaking about Jesus in their everyday conversation and as a result of that, it seems... (and I say it seems) is that all we have become is a great big social club, where if you look the part and turn up, then you are in.

We (the modern church) seem to have lost our urgency and passion for the gospel, evidenced by our casual attitude towards prayer and the battle that must be waged in the heavenly realms.

If you think I may be over generalizing this... do a self check for your church.

Are new people turning up ? What do you do with them when they turn up ? Will they hear a clear concise message about Jesus at your church ? Will they leave at the end of the service thinking they have been in a concert ? Will they hear about the importance of praying together ? Will they be saved at your church ? Will  that happen by intention or by accident ?

Well these are just my thoughts ....

seriously folks, when it is all said and done ... it is still all about Jesus and His claim upon our lives.

If there is a hole in your soul, it can only be filled with the love and mercy and grace of Jesus Christ.

That’s what it is truly all about.  And if it isn’t ...then it should be.