"Opinions are like armpits, everyone has them and some of them stink." - Corey Turner

Whilst at a conference this weekend I heard a quote that has really caught my interest.  The quote is this:  "Opinions are like armpits, every one has them and most of them stink."  What a great quote that was given in the context of hearing the voice of God.  Interestingly the message being given was exactly the same message I was sharing with my own congregation today.

This being the case I believe there is a real message from God in this.  Over the past few weeks I have been hearing of, and experiencing first hand the criticism of others about how we do ministry.  As I have reflected on the idea of hearing Gods voice it has occurred to me that both flattery and criticism often comes from the same spirit.  Both are usually given in order to distract us from hearing Gods voice in an attempt to benefit the needs and desires of another.

In today’s world we are told that there is no absolute truth and that truth is relative to our circumstance and who we are. People all over the world crave the guidance of friends, spiritualists and clairvoyants in an attempt to find answers to their circumstance rather than seeking out God and asking him. There are so many voices in this world telling us what we should or should not do that we actually get distracted and lose the ability to hear Gods voice. There are many false prophets and teachers out there who will try and talk you into something that is not of God.

Criticism in ministry is certainly going to come.  To be honest if we are not being criticised by somebody, then we probably should be asking ourselves whether we are hearing Gods voice correctly.  I am quickly discovering that the devil will always find others to do his dirty work.  Sometimes, he even uses those closest to us or those who really should know better.

Friends, we are living in dangerous times and the devil is getting nervous because he knows his time is short. If you are a Christian reading this today I want to tell you that the devil fears you because he knows that if we are focused on God; spending time in worship, praying and reading his word, it is more difficult for him to distract and use us. Satan’s main job is to distract us and prevent us from hearing the voice of God and engaging in his mission. It is so important that we get this right if we are to not only walk the path that God has planned for us but also to strengthen our faith and grow on our spiritual journey.

Spend good quality time not only in prayer but also in the reading and application of his word.  1 John 4:1 tells us “…do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Never ever accept anything at face value, always compare it to the word of God and if there is any difference then challenge it. Hearing Gods voice is important and it is critical to our journey with him. When we do this, we are told that we are protected by the Shepherd; that is Jesus. John 10:27-29 gives us an amazing promise when Jesus says: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” God protects his sheep and he knows who they are. 

I guess after all this I have come to the conclusion that criticism can be a blessing.  Why? Because it simply reinforces the fact that we are on the right track.

^"7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you..." 

James 4:7-8

I just dont get it.

After an extremely busy week of worship services I have seen a lot off people in many different services this week.  The Easter period is certainly busy but in the middle of it all it is also an awesome time.  For the Christian it is probably the most important time within the Christian calendar, a time when we can celebrate and share the good news of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In saying all this however, it continues to frustrate me as to how many Christians choose to not be in church over this period.  Why do we do it?? Why does the church shrink over this period that quite frankly, is the time when we should be filling our churches???  Yes it is a long weekend, yes it is a time when visitors come and visit.  Shouldn't this be the very time though when we should be encouraging our friends and family to come to church??

As I look at the world (and even some of our churches and church members) I begin to wonder where our priorities and loyalties actually lie.  We say we are onfire for Jesus, we say we care about his church, we say we care about the people we minister to, and then we don't even bother do go to church.  We find excuses for not being there and make other things a priority.

Maybe I am being over sensitive to this, maybe I am the one with the issue, I don't know.  When I gave my life to the service of God and I decided to follow him faithfully and serve the church under the title of leader, I was basically saying that God is my priority.  Yes family and friends are important but the reality is they won't save me.  When I die, the question will be, why didn't you do what you said you would do?  Why wasn't I your priority?  I think these days it is to convenient to just pull God out when we need him.  I wonder sometimes if for many, God really is the priority.
As Christians we need to be more than just head knowledge Christians.  We need to be true followers, true believers,  Christianity is not a part time faith, it's not something that we can choose to do only when it is convenient.  If God chose to operate this way then the world would be in serious trouble.

For me, I choose to give my all for Jesus and he is my priority.  If others choose something else that is ok, that is their choice but don't get disappointed if God chooses not to show up when we need him.  For those in a position of leadership, it's more than just a title.  As leaders we need to lead by example.  We cannot and should not expect others to commit 100% if we cannot be bothered ourselves.

Oh Lord, may we never put other STUFF ahead of You.  Lord may you always be our focus, may you always be at the center of everything we do.  May we always give the first of our time, our everything to you for your service and your glory.

It's not about the bunny!

The season of Easter is probably one of the busiest times in the Christian calendar and it is also a time which generates many different emotions.  Holy week commences with Palm Sunday when we are reminded of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are more solemn times as each of us reflects on and are reminded of the final hours of Jesus as he shared in the last supper with the disciples and then finally the ultimate sacrifice made by Christ for each and every person on the cross.  This time may bring much sadness as well as a sense of thanks giving to God for His sacrifice.  For me however, I find Easter Sunday to be the day that excites me.

The Easter season is a time of hope and new beginnings.  What is this hope?  What is the new beginning?  When Jesus gave his life he became the final sacrifice for the world.  Through his death, our sin; the very thing that for so long has separated us from God was erased and the cross became a bridge that restored our relationship with God.  It is the resurrection however; the very thing that we celebrate on Easter Sunday that brings us hope and a new beginning.  

In a poem called “He Was One OF Us” by a well known Christian writer called Helen Steiner Rice she writes:

He was born as little children are and lives as children do,

So remember that the Saviour was once a child like you,

And remember that He lived on earth in the midst of sinful men,

And the problems of the present existed even then;

HE was ridiculed and laughed at in the same heartbreaking way

That we who fight for justice are ridiculed today;

He was tempted… he was hungry… he was lonely…he was sad…

There’s no sorrowful experience that the Saviour has not had;

And in the end He was betrayed and even crucified,

For He was truly “One Of Us” –

He lived on earth and died;

So do not heed the skeptics who are often heard to say:

“What does God up in heaven know of things we face today”…

For, our Father up in heaven is very much aware of our failures and shortcomings

And the burdens that we bear; So whenever you are troubled

put your problems in God’s Hand

For He has faced all problems and He will understand.

 (Helen Steiner Rice)

This poem is a great reminder to us that God knows everything about us.  He knows where we have been and where we are and yet he still chose to give his life for each of us.  The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that the old is finished and through Jesus resurrection we are given the gift of a new start, a new beginning.  God does not require anything of us to receive this gift of a new beginning other than to say to him that we wish to receive it.

We live in a broken world, a world that desperately needs Jesus.  People living in poverty, and in a world of violence and corruption.  There are people we know, people we have done life with that have never been told of the love that God has for each of us, for the pain and sacrifice he placed upon himself so that we may each be set free and the relationship with God restored.  

 The Easter season reminds us that there is hope, and that hope is in Jesus.  The gospel of John tells us that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whosover believes in him shall not perish but will receive eternal life." (Jn 3:16)  This hope and new beginning is available to each of us today.  If you do not know Jesus or how to receive his gift then please head to your local church this weekend and hear God’s message to you.  I am sure there are many there who would be able to answer your questions.  

Hope and new beginnings are only found in Jesus Christ.  May God bless you all this Easter.

 

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