Sacrificial giving or is that living

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?

A day in the life of an australian corps officer

Today can't be described as an every week Tuesday but it has certainly been interesting. We are currently having a Planned Giving survey. Last night our corps council met to vote on whether we would ask the Public Relations Department to conduct a new program or not. Thank God they chose to vote yes. Otherwise , yours truly would have spent today planning months of extra work. Instead I only had to make one telephone call and sit in on a meeting with the great soldier who is going to chair the program. After the corps council meeting I was able to spend an encouraging 20 minutes with 2 of my local officers about Sunday School. God is bringing his plan about for this section. There are great opportunities opening up. Home to bed but I didn't sleep well and woke up way too early.

Off to the office to check the answering machine and emails and spend time with God. Then Jennifer arrived and we were able to do some administrative type work before the people for the Planned Giving meeting arrived. Made my phone call and received a positive response. God is good!!!

Then it was time to go to the local Primary school for our Kid's Hope mentoring session. This is a great program that a few of our corps folk are engaged in. Today I spent time with a grade 1 boy drawing pictures about the seasons. http://www.worldvision.com.au/getinvolved/kha/ will give you an idea of this great incarnational ministry.

Home for lunch and more admin. A quick trip to DHQ to arrange some financial business and then time to pick Catherine up from school. Home for a coffee and getting ready for Songster and Band Practice tonight.

Only God knows what He has in store for tonight.