Devotions @ Band (Preston Brass)

This week was my turn to provide devotions at our band practise.

We (at The Salvation Army Preston) have been addressing some very important issues in the Salvation Army world - 1 "oldie" and 2 new ones.


OWSOMS - One Weeks Salary On Missionary Service

This has been a 6 week program to assist us to understand that sacrificial giving can be a huge financial support to communities in developing countries where the basics (i.e. food, clothing, medicine, schools etc. ) are in very short supply.

I "face booked" previously that my $1.50 each Sunday to buy a Coke Zero could possible be a weekly wage to someone in these countries.

This year (after 40 years of OWSOMS material) has been one that has hit home the most - even thought I have no full time employment and thing were/are "tough"(?), I enjoy many things here in Australia and I (we) take for granted some many other things that people in others countries can only dream of.


STAMP - Social Training And Mission Preparation

This is new to us and I have been blessed, moved, challenged and possibly even convicted that there is more to the Salvation Army and it's work in the community.

We have had some great "sessions" from people connected to the social programs in the Salvation Army and I am looking forward to hearing more about STAMP in the coming weeks.


Salvos Out There
(From the Web Site)
If you’re a Salvo ready to get out of your comfort zone, to meet and connect with your neighbours and community, and to better know and honour God, I urge you to get involved with Salvos Out There!

This week is week 3 - I am looking forward to see what else is in store for us.


We in the Salvation Army have some great resources to assist us in worship and I often refer to song and hymns that have inspired me.

Last week I conducted the band with the words that have "stuck" in my head since the commencement of these programs.

SASB Song 518 / SATB Tune 20 - Harton Lea

O Lord, whose human hands were quick
To feed the hungry, heal the sick.
Who love by loving deed expressed
Help me to comfort the distressed.

What is divine about my creed
If I am blind to human need?
For you have said they serve you best,
Who serve the helpless and oppressed.

Lord may your love translucent shine
Through every loving deed of mine.
That men may see the works I do
And give the glory all to you.


Through my daily devotions and through watching some online sessions put on by iSalvos (http://www.isalvos.net/), I have read and listened to the following scripture passages

Micah 6:8 (The Message)
But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbour, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously - take God seriously.

Galatians 6:2 (The Message)
Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens and do complete Christ's law.

Proverbs 31:8-9 (The Message)
Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute.


In my daily devotions I read the following:

Christian, It takes our effort alongside a BIG God to advance the Kingdom. If you are living on the sideline waiting to get in the game, or waiting on God to show you, STOP IT !
Get in the game.

All Christians are called to be ministers. If we wait until the how, or just continue to perfect ourselves, the enemy has won.
God will direct you as you start somewhere in ministry.
Men (Women) it is time we put the remote down and do something with our faith.

James 2:26
Anyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!NO BREATH - NO LIFE, NO ACTION - NO FAITH.


WOW James hits you right between the eyes. SO GET IN THE GAME!!!!!