I've been thinking about the concept of sacrifice lately. I guess that's not so surprising when you think that we've had the Self Denial Appeal, Easter, Anzac Day and a Planned Giving Program all within a month.
I've preached on Sacrificial giving and the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus for our salvation. I participated in a local Anzac Day service where we reflected on the sacrifice of young Australians that has seen then unborn generations living in freedom in this great country.
Emotion flows readily from me at most times, but I find it hard to hold in when I think of the sacrifices that people make for me and even more for the Kingdom of God. Many of the people of the corps have pledged sacrificially so that the mission of their corps might be enhanced. By doing so they are investing in the Kingdom of God.
I think of my parents and others who made sacrifices for me to be educated and in my parents' case the daily sacrifice they make by having their only child and only grandchildren living over 700 kilometres away. Family occasions see empty chairs for them. But we have been released to serve where God requires.
Then there is the verse from Romans 12 which reminds me of my responsibility for daily sacrificial living. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." (NIV)
What about living sacrificially for the Kingdom of God?
Saturday 28 April 2007
Wednesday 11 April 2007
Conversations that lead to conversions
Today it was my turn to lead Home League. It was to be the spiritual meeting for Easter. I chose to focus on the Resurrection appearances recorded in John 20-21. The ladies were asked to think about what Jesus might have said to them. One chose to identify with Thomas and another began a lovely conversation about her own service.
After the meeting was over this lovely salvationist chose to tell me of her conversion some years before. She had been on the staff of the Senior Citizen's Residence in which she now resides. One of the officers had led her to Jesus and she had committed herself fully to the corps she had been attending. It is quite amazing what stories will be told when people are conversing. This lady had been greatly influenced by the officers she had worked with.
Conversations about almost any topic can be turned to talking about faith by people who are astute listeners and are willing to be led by The Holy Spirit. Indeed I often find that non-Christians are the ones who turn the conversation to matters of faith and this can allow me to talk about Jesus.
May God help us to grasp the opportunities He provides to talk about Him.
After the meeting was over this lovely salvationist chose to tell me of her conversion some years before. She had been on the staff of the Senior Citizen's Residence in which she now resides. One of the officers had led her to Jesus and she had committed herself fully to the corps she had been attending. It is quite amazing what stories will be told when people are conversing. This lady had been greatly influenced by the officers she had worked with.
Conversations about almost any topic can be turned to talking about faith by people who are astute listeners and are willing to be led by The Holy Spirit. Indeed I often find that non-Christians are the ones who turn the conversation to matters of faith and this can allow me to talk about Jesus.
May God help us to grasp the opportunities He provides to talk about Him.
Monday 9 April 2007
Another "F" word
A few posts ago I mused about words beginning with the letter F. I want to add another one to the list. Fellowship is a key factor in the Christian life. It would be really easy for me to avoid meeting people often. I cherish the time that is just for me and my family. Public holidays are normally mine and they are untouchable, barring emergencies, funerals etc.
Today we held the first Doncaster Corps Family Picnic for years. You can gather from the first paragraph that the idea wasn't mine. But what a good idea it was! God blessed us with beautiful weather and a happy crowd of people including one of the new families and a family that have been on the verge of dropping out.
It was great to sense the caring that was happening. It is a highlight of our current appointment that good things happen when people work and fellowship together. Pity about those who missed out! The rest of us were blessed.
Looks like becoming an annual event!!! I'll just have to work out when I can reclaim that time off.
Today we held the first Doncaster Corps Family Picnic for years. You can gather from the first paragraph that the idea wasn't mine. But what a good idea it was! God blessed us with beautiful weather and a happy crowd of people including one of the new families and a family that have been on the verge of dropping out.
It was great to sense the caring that was happening. It is a highlight of our current appointment that good things happen when people work and fellowship together. Pity about those who missed out! The rest of us were blessed.
Looks like becoming an annual event!!! I'll just have to work out when I can reclaim that time off.
Saturday 7 April 2007
He lives!
My Lord lives!!!
What a great reality, that Jesus who died to save me (and the whole world) is alive.
On Thursday night we gathered to recall the events in the life of Jesus. On Friday we thought again about the cross and the death of our Lord. These were both precious occasions, poorly attended, but special events for those who were present.
This morning at dawn we gathered with members from 2 local churches to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. Then Jennifer reminded us that Jesus is alive. There was a great feeling in this morning's meeting. Not one of deep contemplation but of true celebration.
The question "Why look for the living among the dead?" is still relevant. There was a vibrancy in worship this morning that isn't always there. The living Lord Jesus was present with us! Nothing dead or dying today!
What a great reality, that Jesus who died to save me (and the whole world) is alive.
On Thursday night we gathered to recall the events in the life of Jesus. On Friday we thought again about the cross and the death of our Lord. These were both precious occasions, poorly attended, but special events for those who were present.
This morning at dawn we gathered with members from 2 local churches to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. Then Jennifer reminded us that Jesus is alive. There was a great feeling in this morning's meeting. Not one of deep contemplation but of true celebration.
The question "Why look for the living among the dead?" is still relevant. There was a vibrancy in worship this morning that isn't always there. The living Lord Jesus was present with us! Nothing dead or dying today!
Wednesday 4 April 2007
Priorities, priorities!
Busy, busy,busy - Christmas and Easter!!!! Why are they so busy? Why is it that so many other things crowd in to steal time at these two important times of the year?
So here I am tonight sitting in the office preparing for Good Friday instead of getting out a list of welfare clients for my wife to phone tomorrow to collect Easter eggs. Well now I'm writing this blog instead of preparing for Good Friday, which I was doing instead of getting out the list which I was doing instead of ... I'm sure you understand. We all live busy lives!
One of the blessings of working tonight is that the Melbourne Staff Band are rehearsing in our hall and I have the joy of listening to them. That almost makes the busyness worth it.
Well the sense of priorities is starting to say enough blogging for now. It is amazing how much blessing one can receive from reading blogs. I'm hoping to share some more blogs with you which are worth a regular read,soon
So here I am tonight sitting in the office preparing for Good Friday instead of getting out a list of welfare clients for my wife to phone tomorrow to collect Easter eggs. Well now I'm writing this blog instead of preparing for Good Friday, which I was doing instead of getting out the list which I was doing instead of ... I'm sure you understand. We all live busy lives!
One of the blessings of working tonight is that the Melbourne Staff Band are rehearsing in our hall and I have the joy of listening to them. That almost makes the busyness worth it.
Well the sense of priorities is starting to say enough blogging for now. It is amazing how much blessing one can receive from reading blogs. I'm hoping to share some more blogs with you which are worth a regular read,soon
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