Wounded in action!

In about two hours time I am going into hospital for major gastric surgery. This procedure is to correct/modernise a procedure I had done about 15 years ago. It isn't a 'quantity of life' issue but it is a 'quality of life' issue and to ensure that it doesn't become the former it has to be done. It is unpleasant surgery and I probably wont be properly concious again until Friday. The surgery requires a two week stay in hospital and then a four week convalescent period.

To say that this is frustrating right at the start of our tour of duty in Dartford is an understatement! However, we have always found that God's timing is perefect and I woke up this morning with the band piece 'constant trust' playing in my head - 'Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus', 'The cross is not greater than his grace' etc.

Uncharacteristically, I am quite scared about this procedure (maybe because I have undergone similar surgery before) but my faith is strong.

My CSM said to me last night on the phone - 'You're a good man and definitely destined for glory but not yet - please Lord' - I heartily hope so (on both counts!)

Obviously I will be absent from blog land for a few weeks!

Thank you in adavance for your prayers.

Yours set apart by Christ

A

Soldier rouse thee!

A week today we will lead the forces of good stationed at Dartford against the forces of darkness in that area. We go with absolute confidence because :–

“though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

We go with confidence because I am absolutely convinced and deeply moved within my heart that a revival is about to hit the western territories of TSA with a holy vengeance never experienced before – something even greater than 1865-1880!

I don’t need any encouragement because I am already like a dog chomping at the bit however Richard Munn’s call to ‘neglect not the fight’ has increased my eagerness to engage in battle – listen to his call to arms here Innocence & shrewdness.

Soldier, rouse thee! War is raging,

God and fiends are battle waging—

Every ransomed pow’r engaging,

Break the tempter’s spell.

Dare ye still lie fondly dreaming,

Wrapt in ease and worldly scheming,

While the multitudes are streaming

Downwards into hell?

Through the world resounding,

Let the gospel sounding,

Summon all, at Jesus’ call

His glorious cross surrounding.

Sons of God, earth’s trifles leaving,

Be not faithless but believing,

To your conquering Captain cleaving,

Forward in the fight.

Lord, we come, and from Thee never

Self nor earth our hearts shall sever;

Thine entirely, Thine forever,

We will fight and die.

To a world of rebels dying,

Heav’n and hell and God defying,

Everywhere we’ll still be crying,

“Will ye perish—why?”

Hark! I hear the warriors shouting,

Now the hosts of hell we’re routing;

Courage! Onward! Never doubting,

We shall win the day.

See the foe before us falling,

Sinners on the Saviour calling,

Throwing off the bondage galling—

Join our glad array.

Yours set apart by Christ, in the Army, for the lost

A

Millions will consider Jesus next year ...

Millions will consider Jesus next year …

The BBC plan to show peak time half hour episodes of the whole passion narrative after EastEnders throughout Holy Week in 2008.

The intention is to be as accurate as possible to the Biblical narratives and include the Resurrection and appearances on Easter day. The purpose will be to retell the great story as it has been written, so many will ask questions.

Now is the time when the church can pray for the production team headed by Nigel Stafford-Clark, and provide a positive voice for the BBC. It will also be a major evangelistic opportunity that needs some careful thought, prayer and planning. What an opportunity for millions to consider Jesus. How can we respond?

Do pass around your networks so as many people as possible know that this is on the horizon. I understand the pod cast of the session will be on http://www.churchesmediacouncil.org.uk/ sometime next week.

Love and prayers

A

Spot the difference?

158 years ago yesterday (July 6th) George Scott Railton was born. 46 years ago, yesterday, I was born. I must admit that I like having the same birthday as the founder of primitive Salvationism.

However, sadly, we have little else in common. The main difference between us is that Railton lived out the beliefs that I (at present) merely aspire to.

I had some great cards yesterday, but perhaps the most memorable had the following words on the front – “Don’t count your years. Make your years count.’

Is the world ready for another Railton? Ready or not the world and The Salvation Army both desperately need another Railton.

What if in addition to sharing the same birthday and the same aspirations we could share the same lifestyle?

The intent is there; indeed the intent get’s stronger every day. I pray that as we get closer to taking up our appointment at Dartford God the holy spirit realises the intent in a glorious Pentecostal-powered life that tells for God, rescues the lost, liberates the enslaved – gives everything until – eventually, it ‘falls at its post’.

I pray that God the Holy Spirit gives me not only a portion of Railton’s spirit but that he gives me a ‘double portion’.

In the words of Jean Luc Picard – ‘Make it so number one!’

A