Storm the Forts

The Salvation Army is a movement known around the world for its music.  Our music is powerful and it enhances our theology.  The past few weeks for me have been extremely difficult as the devil has continued his attacks not only on me, but also on my family.  As Claire and I prepared for this weeks meeting these attacks have become more and more frequent. The multimedia system continues to let me down and it frustrates me how the enemy tries and tries to thwart the work of God and how he constantly tries to block the truth being told. 

This Sunday is the national day for prayer and fasting.  Hundreds of Christians from around the country are meeting in Canberra this Sunday February 10th to pray for those things in our world known as the cultural death.  Suicide, murder, mental illness and abortion are just a few things that will be brought in prayer.  These issues literally suck the life and joy out of the lives of people.  These negative images used by the devil day in and day out to desensitize us to the demonic issues in the world.

In John 10:10 Jesus tells us:

  
'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

 As I have reflected on these things over the past week a song came to mind in recent days.  "Storm the forts of darkness bring them down bring them down."

As Christians we have already won.  In the name of Jesus and by His blood we are victorious.  Why then do so many of us fail to receive the joy and fullness of life that Christ talks about in John 10.  The answer, very often we believe the lies that the enemy spreads.  When we are tired the devil infiltrates our thoughts, he knows our weaknesses and he uses them to lie, deceive and steer us away from Jesus. 

Friends, whether we like it or not and whether you believe it or not, we are in a spiritual battle.  But in Christ we have already won.  God calls us to storm the forts of darkness.  To say no to the devil.  He calls us to plunder hell and populate heaven.  Too many have already been lost because the church has failed to act and to take this spiritual attack seriously. Jesus has equipped us already to take a stand for Christ.  It's time to take back the ground already lost and to claim it in Jesus name.  Prayer, worship, fasting and a refusal to believe the lies of the enemy are starting points to changing our world and the influences that our enemy can have upon our lives.

You want to see change?  You want to live life to the full? 

Then stay close to Jesus.  Read the word, pray and worship the one true living God and don't let the devil get a foot hold in your life.  This war is real but thankfully we are on the winning side.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (Jesus) - John 10:10

Rejoice in the Lord Always

"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice."

As I reflect on Philippians four I can't help but be encouraged by Paul's words.  Here is a man locked up in prison for simply sharing the good news about Jesus and yet, in the midst of this trial he remains passionate for Jesus with a spirit of joy.  How can a man who has gone through so many trials continue to be joyful in spite of his circumstance?  The answer is quite simple really.  As he learned from the master himself (Jesus) our joy does not come from circumstance.  Joy, real joy does not come as an emotion or from pleasure.  Real joy, the joy in which only the Spirit can give, comes from a strong relationship with the author of joy, peace and stability.  Paul understood that when his God relationship is good and an individual focuses in on the things that matter (Jesus) and less about the things that don't matter (circumstance), the result is undeniable joy.

This week has been a difficult one for me and has presented many challenges.  I have been reminded again however that our circumstance should not dictate our attitude or our actions.  Rather, as we focus on the things of God and of the Kingdom of Heaven, there are victories in our circumstance.  Paul understood that the Holy Spirit is the power house that creates joy, He is the one that can bring real joy, heavenly joy, the joy that Jesus knew.

Paul said: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Phil 4:6-8)

God knows and understands the antidote for stress, anxiety and those things that cause a lack of joy.  That is why we are reminded by Paul to pray, praise and focus on the things of God.  Dwell on the good things and reject the things that are not of God.

This world is not as it was originally created.  God calls us to find those things that are good and to meditate on those things.  If you are lacking joy in your life I want to encourage you to focus in on God.  Prayer, worship and delving into the word of God are just three simple and God ordained ways to increase your joy.  If you want more joy and peace in your life then you quite simply seek out more of God.  I dare you, give it a crack today and see and know that the Lord is good.

"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice."  

Don't let the devil steal your joy this week.

It can happen very quickly

So here we are.  It has been almost two weeks since we have arrived at our new home in Port Augusta South Australia.  It is hard to believe that the past two years of study has gone so quickly and now here we are in full time ministry.

The past two months has been chaos as we have prepared for commissioning, packed the house, moved to another state and finally unpacked the house.  For the past three days Claire and I have been in the office attempting to find out what the Corps is all about and familiarize ourselves with the church and our surroundings.  All this to say that the past three days alone have been crazy.  As I reflect on all that we have been doing in the past weeks it has occurred to me that in all this busyness I have actually neglected my time with God.  It has also been a reality check for me in that, if in a matter of days and weeks I have become so busy that my God time has diminished, how easy would it and could it be over a prolonged period of time for God to be pushed out completely?  This is a scary thought especially as Claire and I prepare to be installed as full time ministers and begin our full time ministry.

This morning (Saturday January 19th) I was out with the family on the foreshore simply enjoying Gods beautiful creation.  It was a moment in time where I could briefly stop, look around and enjoy those things I have been blessed with.  Psalm 46 tells us to stop, be still and know that I am God.  Very wise words I do say.  As Christians we have to, no we MUST guard our time that we spend with God.  Things can get so busy and so out of hand very quickly and if we are not careful we could very well be so busy doing the stuff we think is for God, that we will actually push God out of the equation all together.  Busyness and chaos is a trap that so many of us fall into regularly.  For me, I have been given a wake up call this week.  For me I have to be so careful that I don't get caught up in the stuff.  Yes it is important and it has to be done but the reality is my God time is critical if I am to run this race well.  God is more important than anything else I could possibly need or want to do.

For all my officer friends out there, especially those in their first appointments and for those in college, I urge you please don't get so busy that God is forgotten.  It is an easy trap to fall into.

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

⁷ The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

⁸ Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

¹¹ The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46

The End Of The World

As I read through an article in the Herald Sun about the predicted end of the world on December 20th 2012, it got me thinking about the world and the arrogance of our very own culture.  It got me thinking and asking the question: what if it was correct?  What if today really was the last day of existence as we know it?

Within the texts of the bible there are several references that warn us that the end will come quickly, no one will know the time that Jesus will return.  2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 3:3 and Revelation 16:15 are but a few verses that remind us of his return.  As I look around at the reaction of the world, the media, and dare I say it, even the church in some circumstances, it appears that we do not take this warning seriously.  The response to the current Mayan predictions is one of a joke as people play off the idea that it will be an actual event.  This response just reinforces the arrogant, self-assured and 'she'll be right' attitude that we westerners seem to have.  It seems to me that it is perfectly legitimate to promote Santa Claus and his immenant return each year but to suggest that Jesus will return soon only promotes mocking as we are told that he does not exist, and that Christians live in a fairy world.

As  I listen to the responses of people to this Mayan prediction it breaks my heart and causes much frustration.  The role of the church is to share the good news of Jesus and it tells of a time in which all things will be restored.  The violence and sin of this world will be removed and those who have received Christ and who have believed his message (the whole message and not just the bits that make us feel good) will be forever in his presence and living in a time of Love, peace and restoration.

What if the Mayan prediction is right?  What if today everything changes?  Where will you go?  Do you know Jesus?  Have you believed his message?  Have you allowed it to truly transform your life?
There are plenty of what if's we could be asking about this stuff.  The reality is that the end will come one day.  Will we be ready? Are we taking it seriously or are we treating it as a joke just as we are now with the Mayan prediction?  I don't know about you but I want to take every claim seriously (to a point).  We need to remain alert and ready for what WILL happen.  One day, our mocking and self-assurance and arrogance will backfire and we will each ultimately be responsible for our preparation for it.  When we stand before God we won't be able to pass the buck and blame someone else for our lack of preparation and our failure to take seriously the things He has been telling us for centuries.  Today I ask the question:  What if today was your last day here on this earth, would you be ready?

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.  Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 3:3

Time Flies

It's hard to believe that as I write this both Claire and myself, as well as many others are literally counting down till our commissioning as Proclaimers of the Resurrection.  As of today we are 50 days from being commissioned as Salvation Army officers (ministers.)  Other than receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour this is probably the biggest committment I will ever make.  I would be lying if I said I wasnt unsure and even terrified at times of what the future holds.

As I think over the past two years of my life I am in awe  of what God has done in my life and the lives of many around me.  The college experience is one that has taken me well out of my comfort zone on most days, and has been an experience that has not only been a challenge but also on many occasions a painful journey.  But God never said that pruning, shaping and growing would be easy.  I am of the opinion that if it doesn't hurt, it doesn't cost or it doesn't take you out of your comfort zone then it is highly likely that it is not of God.

If someone was to tell me 4 or 5 years ago that I was going to enter into training for full time ministry I probably would have laughed and certainly would have denied any sense of calling.  God however does have a sense of humour and although for years I have been running away from the innevitable here I am, right where God wants me.  It is amazing the journey that God will take you on if you only let him.  Am I up to officership?  I don't know.  A question that has been asked of all of us about to be commissioned is:  Do you feel ready for officership?  I think for me the answer is no.  If I was to be honest I dont ever want to be ready (or should I say feel ready.)  I don't think God ever wants me to feel ready, rather He wants me to feel assured that this is what He has called me to, and that it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that I will be equipped and ready to serve.  As a very good and special friend reminded me today,  God doesnt call the qualified, he qualifies the called.

As I enter into a new chapter of my life, and I anticipate the amazing things that God is about to do, I feel excited.  God said that we would not even believe the things He is about to do even if He were to show us (Habakkuk 1:5, Acts 13:41.)  That is exciting.  My prayer for all people is that when God calls, listen.  Notice I didnt say IF, I said WHEN.  The reality is God is always calling, always seeking out those who are willing to do what He has planned for them.  For me, I am glad that I have committed to what I have.  My natural response is to run, to flee from the stuff that is difficult.  I guess though if I had done that, I wouldnt be where I am now and I would have missed out on the blessings that God has poured out on me over the past two years.

To all my fellow Proclaimers, my mentors, friends and family I love you all and thank you for the endless support and prayers.  My prayer is that God will bless you all in the days, months and years ahead.

Where God asks you to go for Him He is also willing to equip.

Distractions

It has been sometime since I have written a blog.  There have been many reasons for that really which to be honest have been most frustrating.  I guess the main reason really is just shear lack of motivation.  Only 104 days until commissioning and I must admit I am feeling extremely overwhelmed and not for the reasons one would think.  Its hard to believe that in just a matter of days it is going to be September and for many in this building the excitement of commissioning and what next year will hold is just too much.

 For me however, I am finding this time extremely frustrating, tiring, anxiety generating and many other words that I could throw into the mix.  To be honest I havent even thought about commissioning or next year.  At the moment my thoughts are focussed on now and all the assessments that need to be done over the next month.  As expected I have even been questioning my calling and reconfirming in my heart that yes I have heard correctly from God.  As I wrestle with all that is going on inside of this head of mine I am reminded that what I am feeling is real, and that these thoughts and doubts are natural responses to what is goingto soon be a life changing experience.

As I think about what can only be explained as spiritual attacks over the past few weeks, I have come to realise, and I have been reminded on many an occasion that whenever we take a stand for Jesus the devil gets worried.  When I think about going in to ministry within the next few months it makes sense that the enemy would be quaking in his boots.  Why?  Well it's got nothing to do with my ability and my talents that is for sure, rather it is to do with the message I take with me.  The message and hope of Jesus and the free gift of salvation that He offers.  Now that is a message the devil should be scared of.  Why?  Because when people hear the good news and receive it the enemy loses ground.  The deception of this world loses its power and people are released and receive a freedom that this world can never offer or fulfil.

This emotional rollercoaster, this lonliness that I have been feeling over the past few months is nothing more than a distraction.  A distraction that has been trying for a long time to derail me from the path that my God has planned for me.  I can only imagine that full time ministry will not get any easier and that these attacks will increase.  I know that this is not just a thorn in my side but rather a message of encouragement as God reminds me that I am certainly on the right track.

May God's grace and favour continue to keep me in good stride.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

Lean not on your own understanding

But in ALL your ways acknowledge Him

And He WILL make your paths straight.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

inclusively exclusive.

In my varied dvd collection I have a movie called Time Changer.  It's about a writer who tries to get his book published and he feels that in order to receive more credit he seeks the approval of his seminary professors.  All pass the book but one who questions the authority of the book.  You see the writer writes about life, how we should live etc.  However, within the writings he forgets the most important thing of all, the acknowledgement of God as the ultimate authority.  He struggles with this issue and tries to persuade his peers that the book is sound.  The man who objected (who is also an inventor) invites him to his house where he has a time machine.  The writer is sent one hundred years into the future to see what will happen if what is written in his book occurs without the authority of God.  In one of the scenes later in the film the writer is ordering a hot dog.  He puts it on a bench while he settles himself and a young girl steals his food and runs off.  When he eventually catches her he tells her off and asks her if she knows that stealing is wrong to which she responds "who says?" 

So why do I share about this movie?  Well other than poor acting this film contains a very serious message that we can actually see being played out in todays world.  In a world of political correctness and the doctrine of inclusiveness we find that God is being removed from everything we do.  We wonder why the world is going mad and why people seem to have a total disregard for the law of the land and the church.  Many tell us that the church is no longer relevant and that we live in an era of Post Christendom where the church is no longer the centre of society.  I think what this really means is that God is not considered the center of society, we then wonder why crime, violence and societal and relational issues are on the increase.  Like the writer mentioned above as soon as we take the authority out of society (God) people will do what they like.    They will do what bests suits them and they will do what they believe hurts no one else and exercises their rights.  Interestingly people want lots of rights they just dont want the responsibility. We say that things are wrong but we don't say why they are wrong.  We want to be so inclusive that we are afraid of telling it the way it is.  Was Jesus inclusive?? I don't know.  I don't think he was.  He loved all people (as we are all called to do) but He certainly did not accept everything.  He challenged the status quo and certainly did not accept the issues on the grounds that He may offend someone.

As Christians we are called to preach the good news, we are called to preach Jesus.  We are called to stand up and represent God acknowledging His authority in all things.  This for the most part will certainly be counter cultural and will generate much opposition.  It may even generate words like exclusion and intolerance.  The reality is however, that pretty much all of the laws of the land come from Christian influence and have been in place (placed by God) for thousands of years.  Maybe we should abolish our entire legal system so as to be more inclusive??

The reality is regardless of what the world says (and a majority is not always right) that God is the ultimate authority and it is to Him that we are all accountable.  How do I know this? because the bible says so.