Saturday, September 6, 2008

How deep the Father's love for us!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!!

It's been awhile since I have blogged, so here goes!

Life is amazing! Everyday I wake I count it such a privilege to serve God with my life. I'm still enjoying college, am loving the study and am just absolutely excited about what God is doing in my life, and in the lives of those around me. God is giving me a great vision for The Salvation Army South Barwon and it's which a heart full of praise that I proclaim that God is the LORD of ALL!

Last night I was at a friends 21st birthday party. It was a great night, and the party went on for a long time which was great. I was able to catch up with some old friends, teachers and school friends. It was wonderful. I was able to share about how God created us, and loves us etc to some friends of mine. It was great, and I was able to hear what they believed. I am thankful that God gives me these times to share my story and to hear other peoples stories.

I'm preaching tomorrow at South Barwon, and the title of my message is 'How deep the Father's love for us' and it is based on Romans 5:1-11. I believe that this is a message for the people who will be in attendance at the meeting tomorrow. Prepare their hearts Lord!

It's almost my 21st birthday! WOOHOO! I'm really excited! I can't wait to see my family and friends, and look forward to celebrating with them!

Tomorrow is Father's day! Happy Father's day to all the Dad's out there. Have a wonderful day of sharing with with your family and friends. I am thankful to God for my Dad! He is second to none! I love you Dad!

I want to testify that God is changing my heart. He is making me more like Him. I'm spending more time with Him in prayer, reading more of His Word and sharing more with His people. We worship a loving God. A God who created all things and who, in love sent His Son, Jesus to die on a cross, so that we might be reconciled with the Father. That we might be able to be in a loving relationship with Him. That our sins would be forgive and that we would be set free from the things that entangle us.

Go to the multitudes and tell them of this great love! Hallelujah!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

MSS & SSS!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

I had THE most amazing weekend this weekend!

It was the 21st birthday of the Melbourne Staff Songsters, and to help them celebrate, their friends the Sydney Staff Songsters came down to Melbourne for the weekend to share in God-glorifying worship that stirred, encouraged and motivated the troops!!

Saturday night there was a concert at the Waverley Temple Corps! It was amazing! At one stage there was the MSS, SSS and past members of the MSB singing and it was the fullest songster brigade sound I have ever heard.

Songs included 'I am not ashamed', 'For the beauty of the earth', 'You are not alone', 'I'm gonna rise (when the Son comes down)', 'How great is our God', 'The Hallelujah Chorus' and many, many more!

Graeme Press (Sydney Staff Songster leader) mentioned a number of times that singing to God is their love language. Can I say that, that really resonated with me. I believe that singing is my love language. It's one of the ways I worship, and one of the ways I hear God. He inspires me through it, and He challenges and encourages me through singing!

I love You Lord,
And I lift my voice.
To worship You,
O my soul, rejoice.
Take joy my King,
In what You hear.
May I be a sweet, sweet sound.
In Your ear!

The prayer of my heart!

Friday, June 27, 2008

YHWH is KING!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

So many things have happened since I last blogged. Apologies for my lack of blogging, it's been a bit hectic being back at College. Let me fill you in...

I came back to Melbourne and it was great to see my family and friends. I got back on the Friday, spent Sat with family and then Sunday we had College commitments. Since then I've done a two-week intensive on Social Mission and today was the final day in a week of Salvo Distinctives. The distinctives have included presentations from the Corps Programme Dept, Planned Giving, The Appointment Process, the Role and function of DHQ and a visit to The Salvation Heritage Centre.

I also had my 'Welcome & Induction' meeting at South Barwon. It was a beautiful time of worship, and right at the very start people from the Corps surrounded me at the Mercy Seat and prayed as we all sang "We are standing on Holy Ground" Major David Eldridge preached on a verse that I believe God spoke very deeply into my life, and told me that this is my calling. This is what He created me to do. It's Isaiah 61. Major Eldridge got me to lead the final song, which just happened to be my favourite song - STORM THE FORTS OF DARKNESS! There were flags flying, band playing, voices singing and people worshipping the LORD! There was also a 'HALLELUJAH Wind-up' Where one of the Corps folk got the Corps Falg and marched around the hall while singing 'Storm the Forts'. The Spirit of God was moving in an extremely powerful way! I had a strong feeling of peace and just felt that at that very moment in time I was where God wanted me to be. God Bless South Barwon! I started there 3 days a week in mid-July, which is very exciting.

On the 23rd of June, my Dad and Step-Mum celebrated their first year anniversary of Marriage! God continues to pour out His blessing and anointing on my wonderful parents and family! Hallelujah!

I start 2 weeks of furlough (holidays)tomorrow, and I am really looking forward to it. I'm staying in Victoria, but am staying in the country with some family and friends. This is significant for me, because I am very well known for not taking a 'break' and normally filling my holiday's with lots of things, where I'm not relaxed, and certainly not taking a break!

I love the Lord Jesus, and asl that by His Holy Spirit that He would continue to reveal to me, areas of my life that I need to alter. God is Abundantly able to do great things.

All praise, glory and honour to the Lamp who sits on the throne! Hallelujah!

I did an assignment on the Old Testament - Here's a thought from that... "We don't need earthly kings - we have YHWH! He is our King!" WOOHOO Praise YHWH!!!

Blessings Abundant to you all!!!!

Monday, June 9, 2008

Rockingham to Melbourne!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

This last week and a half have been a bit crazy! Now, don't get me wrong, I love crazy, I'm a crazy kinda guy. But this has been a bit of an emotional crazy! Let me explain...

Last Sunday was my final Sunday at The Salvation Army, Rockingham Corps. We had a combined meeting, and it was fantastic. The Spirit was moving, and hearts were open to hearing God's Word. We had a lunch after church and this was a 'farewell lunch' for me. So, people got up and gave speeches, and I shared, I got some gifts, and we were shedding tears. I was really sad to be leaving. I had this really bizarre feeling, because I was really looking forward to coming back to Melbourne and seeing my family and friends, but I was really sad to be leaving my new friends in Rockingham, as we had formed some really great relationships.

Monday morning about 43 people gathered for a 'farewell breakfast' down at a local cafe' on the foreshore, just down from my house! Then we went out sailing and fishing. I'm very pleased to report that I caught 23 fish!

There were some other farewells during the week, with the fianl one being at the airport, and that was fairly emotional. Had some lovely folk come to say farewell, it was really special.

I arrived in Melb (finally, crazy delayed flight) and Dibbie picked me up, it was SOO good to see her. After I spent a bit of time at the college, I went to see my family. That was really, really good to see them! Also spent the day on Saturday with them. We had an 'In-Sunday' at College today in the morning and then at night, I went to my old Corps. That was great as well.

I start at South Barwon on Sunday, which is very exciting! God is so good! I am so thankful and full of praise to God for my experiences in Perth.

I look forward to the blessings, challenges and experiences that God has in store for my!

Can you believe there is only 6 months of college to go!!?? Where has the time gone?

All of God's Abundant Blessings!!

He's alive! Hallelujah!

P.S - This is a special note to a wonderful friend of mine - Linda! You're amazing, and I can't wait until we catch up! Blessings Galore! xoxox

Thursday, May 29, 2008

My last week!!!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Life has been pretty busy lately!

The Red Shield Appeal has come and gone. There have been college (in Melbourne) assignments, College (In Perth) assignments. Sermons, meeting leads etc... But I've loved it all!

Here in Rockingham we raised in excess of $36,000 for the Red Shield Appeal, which is phenominal! The people are so generous and God is so good!

This has been my last week at the Rockingham Corps of The Salvation Army. It's been sad doing things at the corps for the 'last time'. It's been an immense blessing to serve here for these last 2 months.

This coming Sunday is my last at the corps. I'm preaching and leading. I'm preaching on Psalm 139. There's gonna be lots of people coming who are Pre-Christians. Pray that God would speak to and challenge their hearts.

It's gonna be a packed meeting, and there's gonna be a HUGE lunch afterwards!

I'm really excited to be heading back to Melb, But I am also incredibly sad to be leaving Rockingham. I have made some friends here that will be friends for life.

I'll blog more about my final Sunday after it happens!

8 more sleeps 'til I'm back....are you ready? HAHA!

Blessings Abundant!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Mum

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Today we remember the life of a dearly loved wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunty, nana, cousin, friend and fellow Christian. My Mum - Rhonda Stobie.

It's hard to believe that it's been four years since Mum passed away. It's gone so quickly. She suffered for a number of years with cancer, until God called her home to glory on the 16th of May, 2004.

She was a beautiful woman who loved the Lord and her family dearly. She was, and continues to be an inspiration to many. Her passion for God was contagious. You couldn't help but become passionate because of her.

She was very brave right through her illness and continued to rely on our God for strength. She was a mighty prayer warrior who prayed for absolutely everything. I miss her dearly. We were very close, more than just a mother and son, but best friends and she was amazingly instrumental in my journey with God.

I have very fond memories of my Mum, memories that I will cherish forever. I'm thankful for the time I got to have her for and I look forward to the day when we will be reunited in glory with our great God.

I love you Mum! Miss you heaps! xoxox

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

15th of May 1990

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

The 15th of May is a very special day in the Stobie calender!

It's a date we celebrate each year, and a time of great celebration and joy!

Let me tell you why....

On the 15th of May, 1990 (18 years ago), in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray, a wonderful event happened..... My baby brother, Ronald George Morris Stobie was born!!!!!

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY RONNIE!!

Today we celebrate the coming of age of a fine young man who loves the Lord with all his heart. Ronnie, along with his wonderful girlfriend, Amy soldier at the Wyndham City Corps of The Salvation Army (formally known as Werribee). They are a wonderful asset to the family at Wyndham City and seek to serve God with all they have. They are inspirational and gifted in all they do. They are a wonderful team, a powerful team for God, and I suspect that one day, they may enter into full-time ministry! Hallelujah!

Ronald, You are amazing! I admire your ability to connect with people and care for them. You are loving and genuine, and you're an awesome listener. You are there when your friends and family need you, and you have such a servant heart. God bless you heaps!

Thanks for all the wonderful memories of growing up together. Memories, I will never forget.

You're an inspiration, and I love you heaps!

If you see Ron, give him a hug, say happy birhtday and thank him for dedication to God and to others!

All of God's blessings be yours on this special day Ron!!

xoxoxox

Monday, May 5, 2008

Balga Songsters

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

We had a wonderful time of worship yesterday at The Rockingham Corps! We were blessed and challenged by our guest leaders, the Ba;ga Songsters.

It was a time where the Holy Spirit convicted the hearts of those in attendance! Glory to God!

After the meeting, we had a shared lunch and that was a wonderful time of fellowship. Then from there, the band, timbrels and other corps members went to the home of one of our soldiers who has been unwell and we had an Open Air/Street Party on her front lawn! It was fantastic!

We took the emergency services trailor, had tea, coffee, cake, War Cry, Kidzone, Brass band, timbrels and lots of singing. People were shouting out Gospel Shots and giving Testimonies! Praise the Lord!

I had dinner with one of the corps families, which was wonderful. And then, I went fishing. I didn't catch anything this tiem, but felt really connected with God as I relaxed and rested in Him.

This past week has been pretty busy, we're getting closer and closer to The Red Shield Appeal, so there's lots to do. Only four more weeks to go until I head back to Melb. I'm feeling mixed emotions about it. I'm sure you could imagine!

It's less than a month now until my Appointment as the Assistant Corps Officer @ The South Barwon Corps becomes effective! VERY exciting!

I've been really encouraged and challenged by the words of Isaiah this last week. "We are oaks of righteousness, made for the display of His splendour..." Amazing!

May all of our Great God's richest blessings be yours today!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Will you jump?

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

We had an amazing time of worship at The Rockingham Corps this morning. The Spirit was moving in a powerful way. I thank God for His ministry to us all today.

I put together the lead for the meeting and was preaching. The theme of the service was 'A Soldier bound for glory', so we had a lot of Warfare/Soldier songs which really stirred and challenged the troops.

One of my roles, since starting at Rockingham is that of Acting Bandmaster, which I am enjoying immensley and am learning heaps from.

We started off the service with the band playing the prelude, which was Storm the forts of darkness. It was different to how we normally play it. I wrote a 4 bar fanfare to begin the song and each band member were standing around the worship hall. The congregation had no idea what was happening, but when they realised they started singing and praising God. It was amazing!

In the message, I spoke about being strong and courageous warriors! I used Scripture found in Joshua and I also spoke about the Founders vision of the lost. For the Altar call I felt a strong sense to do a call for Soldiers to re-commit and re-dedicate their lives to God. This also included a call for Soldiership and Adherency. There was a Soldier's Re-dedication certificate thing that we made up, with our doctrines and some other pledges on it that are found on the articles of war. I asked to Soldiers if they would 'Jump into the water' and save the multitudes that are perishing.

The Holy Spirit was moving in a powerful way! We celebrate God's presences!
We had 25 public responses made. 21 of those were Soldiers saying 'Yes, we will jump in again and again and we desire to re-dedicate ourselves to God Almighty'. 3 were members of the congregation saying 'We want to be Soldiers... We will jump and save the multitudes perishing'. And there was another guy who came up asking for prayer.

All glory to our Great, Holy and Living God! I trust you are rejoicing with me in this great victory!

Ohhh...How could I forget...I lead an Army Chorus time and asked for testimony's in between each chorus. People were sharing their testimony's and one guy said "I need to share a miracle that happend!!" Hallelujah!!!!

Glory, Honour, praise and power to our Great God!

Fire a volley!!! Hallelujah!!!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

A Soldier Bound for Glory!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

I want to start off this blog by shouting three words....

are you ready?

Here goes.....I LOVE JESUS!

Would you shout it out load wherever you are?

God has been pouring the blessings on me during ministry at the Rockingham Corps in Western Australia! God is working in a powerful way and people's lives are being changed!

I preached and led last week in 2 different services and I'm preaching again this week. The the whole meeting is called 'A Soldier bound for glory' and there will be a call for new soldiers as well as a call for present soldiers to renew and re-dedicate themselves to the LORD! I believe that it is going to be an incredibly powerful meeting where we will see people stand and say 'I'll stand for Christ'. Soldiers it's time to arise and march on to battle!!

Would you please pray for the meeting, pray that people's hearts will be open and that the Spirit of God will move in an incredibly powerful way! God is ABLE! Yes!!!

Will write another blog in the next day or so!

Blessings Abundant!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

A continual Conversation!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

What a fabulous week I've had serving the Lord! What a privilege, what a blessing, what an honour it is to serve our Great King.

I love the Lord Jesus Christ and I absolutely love to serve Him. This week has been my first week at Rockingham and I am so, so blessed by the amazingly faithful work that is carried out here.

I've been able to serve God in the kitchen, serve God through the playing of instruments, serve God by cleaning, serve God by working welfare, serve God by doing stats/finances/admin work. And there is so much more!

You see friends, We have the amazing opportunity to serve God with whatever we are doing. Last year Major Daniels leant me a devotional book based on 'The Practise of the presence of God' by Brother Lawrence. The concept of this book is quite an amazing thing to grasp. Brother Lawrence talks about a CONTINUAL CONVERSATION with God. AMAZING! We believe that we're always in His presence, and He tells us in Joshua that He'll NEVER leave us, nor forsake us. So, doesn't it make sense to be always in conversation with Him? Continually! It means we can converse with God whether we are in Corporate worship, or private worship, whether we're gardening or cleaning or serving others. We can be in continaul conversation with God. What a HUGE privilege!

I love to serve God and I look forward to all He has in store for me, here in Rockingham. May I serve Him faithfully, in every situation and at every time. My God is so BIG, so STRONG and so MIGHTY and He is able! Hallelujah!

I'm praying that God would anoint me afresh with His mighty Holy Spirit, that I may bo totally, wholly and wholeheartedly focused on Him. Yes Lord, let it be so!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Amazing Rockingham!!!!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Rockingham is amazing! I had my first experience on Sunday of how church is done here. We have 2 services on a Sunday. A traditional one a 9am and then a cafe style church called 24/7 at 10:30. Both of these are wonderful expressions of Salvationism.

The people here are very welcoming and very open to the Spirit's leading. Tonight we have a Boundaries course starting up, and I'll definatetly be there for that. Boundaries is certainly something that I need to work on, for my own benefit and for the benefit of others. It's my desire to have strong and clear boundaries. It's essential for good, effective leadership.

I'm enjoying having my own unit! I've been cooking for myself which has been great. I've enjoyed going for walks along the beach at night and just being in complete awe of God's beautiful creation.

I went out for breakfast yesterday with Anne & Lance, and some friends and we walked along the pier and were blessed to see about 7 dolphins. Absolutely breathtaking! Lance is gonna take me out on his boat, and we might even manage to make some time for a bit of fishing and crabbing! Bless the Lord O my soul!

I love Jesus! And I rejoice in His great victory and I'm living in His victory! What a wonderful Lord He is. He loves us, cares for us, guides us, shows us great compassion and He sees all that we can be. I long to be who Jesus wants me to be, what He created me to be! Mould me Lord, to be more like you!!! Hallelujah!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Hello Rockingham!!!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

I'm in Rockingham and it is an absolutely beautiful place. My unit that I'm staying at is right on the beach, and on Monday I'll start having my morning devos on the beach - Bless the Lord O my soul!

Captains Lance and Anne Jeffrey are the Corps Officers here, and it really is an honour to be serving under then at Rockingham. They have a heart for the community and for God. It's amazing to see all that God is doing through them. Please pray for God's Spirit to continue to move in a powerful way in Rockingham.

I don't have a phone in my unit, so my main communication with be internet (when I'm at the hall) and my mobile phone. So give me a call sometime!

This weekend we have a huge mussel festival on the foreshores. So you know where I'll be going after church on Sunday. haha - My Dad LOVES mussels....I'll try not to tease him about it!

Yesterday was my first day in Rockingham and it was a jam-packed day! The Salvos here were involved in helping a man from the community by doing a garden make-over. They did this with a substantial amount of help from Bunnings Warehouse. They went to Bunnings and started the ball rolling and Bunnings then ran the project. It was a great experience...Do you need grass laid? Give me a call...

Then we had about 30 kids at Kids Club in the afternoon. Most of you know that I LOVE kids ministry, so this was really exciting to see all that is going on with the kids in Rockingham. Then Lance, Mavis and I went collecting at 6 pubs. It was wonderful!

And I finished the night, sitting down with Lance watching the Doggies vs. the Saints. And the Bulldogs were victorious!! I'm an avid Bulldogs supporter!!! Go the Doggies!!!

I'm really excited about what God is doing and I'm getting a growing sense that it's really only the beginning! Lord, use us to do Your will! Hallelujah!

Hope you're all doing well and going strong in the Lord!!

All of God's abundant blessings to you!!!

Shalom!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Farewell Harry Hunter!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Well, here I am on the eve of my last day at the Harry Hunter Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation centre. There are many thoughts going through my head as I reflect on my time here.

I have witnessed first-hand the amazing power of God as He is the strength of many who enter and go through the program. I have seen the shackles of drug and alcohol addiction be completely abliterated by the power of God. I have people's lives changed by the Gospel of Christ. I have seen people making positive decisions in their recovery. I have seen people become more Christ-like. I have seen people saved and seen them hand over their whole lives completely to God! Hallelujah!

I have seen some people be dismissed from the program for various reasons. I have seen people decide to leave, again for various reasons. I've seen people move on to greater things, to continue in their recovery.

I've seen people graduate the program! I have seen people who have completed the program moving on and doing great things. I have built relationships with people. I have shared Jesus with people. I've been involved in the lives of those doing the program, and have had them be a significant part of my life.

I have learnt so much. I've grown so much in my awareness of addictions. I've learnt about the program. I've learnt more about God. I've learnt more about myself.

Saying goodbye is always going to be hard. Especially because I love people and have built such great relationships with those here, so it will be sad to say goodbye. However, with every goodbye, is a hello, and in a matter of days I will be saying hello to my new family in Rockingham. God is good!

God is able! He is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine! My prayer for the whole of my time in WA has been that God would 'exceed my expectations'. My expectations have been very high and God has well and truly exceeded them, and I believe He'll continue to exceed them. He is faithful!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Facebook

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

I spend time catching up with people via FACEBOOK. It's a great way to communicate when you're not close to loved ones and it's a great way to re-connect with people. I've got people on my friends list whom I went to primary school with, lost contact with and the re-connected with them via FACEBOOK. It's an interesting thing..

This is FACEBOOK's marketing slogan: "Facebook is a social utility that connects you with the people around you.."

Does that sound familiar to you? Perhaps your familiarity isn't word for word, but the concept and main theme/idea of FACEBOOK definately sounds familiar to me.

Scripture tells us that we are broken people. We are sinners. The Hebrew word for sin is 'Hamartia' and that means 'to miss the target' or to 'fall short'. So our target is to be more and more like our Holy God and we miss that target and fall short of it. Because of this it can be easy to become 'disconnected' with God.

However, God sent His only Son Jesus to re-connect us with God. He sent Jesus to be that bridge, that connection between us and God. Because of what Jesus did on the cross we can be connected and be in a relationship with God. Hallelujah!

Perhaps a slogan for Jesus could be.....

Jesus is a loving, supernatural man who by His sacrificial death on the cross and miraculous resurrection makes it possible for us to connect and be in a relationship with a holy and perfect God.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Day - Night!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

I had a great discussion with my lecturer recently and we were talking about creation, and the main part of our discussion was based on Genesis 1.

Now my lecturer is an incredible man of God. He has been studying Scripture for many years and is a very experienced Senior Pastor and lecturer.

We were talking about how God created light and darkness and how He called light; day and darkness: night. Now this is where the absolutely mind-blowing part comes in. Picture yourself standing and to the left is light and to the right was dark. It's suggested that the Biblical Hebrew translation of this suggests that God turned to the light and literally called out "DAY" and to the dark, He literally called out "NIGHT".....Isn't that amazing!? I was absolutely blown away to imagine God calling out to light and dark.

It got me thinking about how God calls out to us. He does it through people. He does it through His Word. He does it through prayer. He does it when we least expect it, and sometimes when we do expect it. I believe that God is continually calling out to us. However, I feel that, at times we miss that call because of things that are blocking our connection to Him.

What is it in your life that is blocking you from stepping into a fuller and closer relationship with God? What is it in your life that is blocking your ears, eyes and heart, so that you don't hear God calling?

What is it in your life that you have to hand over to God?

Do it today! He'll give you the strength! He promises it!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Good Friday!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Yesterday was a powerful day!

We had Chapel yesterday morning at Harry Hunter and it was an incredibly moving time. At the entrance of tha chapel we had a huge Cross that you couldn't walk in without noticing, infact you had to walk around it to get it.

I then shared the journey of Jesus from praying in Gethsemane to Jesus' crucifixion. We sang here I am to worship and Above all. Leanne did a monologue called 'The Ragman' and at the end of that I went down the back, picked up the big cross and proceeded to the front. As the cross passed people by the Spirit of God began to really speak to to everyone and convict their hearts, He was doing this all along, but I believe that everyone at chapel was starting to respond.

I laid the cross down at the front of the chapel and invited all present to close their eyes and reflect what the cross meant to them. After about 30 seconds with everyone's eyes still closed I began to hit the cross with a hammer, as if I was nailing Jesus to the cross myself. It was a loud sound, a brutal sound. This startled people, it moved people, it made people uncomfortable, but most of all, it made it real to people.

Ken then shared a powerful message about how Jesus did what He did out of love. God was speaking powerfully through Ken, and Ken was listening very intently to the Spirit's lead.

Ken challenged all present asking "What are YOU bringing to the cross?". We had the opportunity to write down what we were bringing to the cross on some paper and then nail it to the cross. I had lots of thoughts going through my head with each nail I heard being hit into the cross. I was thinking how it was our sins that nailed Jesus to the cross and I was thinking that with each bang, it was the sound of victory.

Everyone at chapel was moved, challenged and convicted. It was a truly powerful time. Ken, Leanne and I prayed afterwards, and we were brought to tears when we reflected on and thanked God for moving so powerfully, we also asked that He would contine to move in a powerful way and that He would continue to exceed our expectations.

Later that day I had one of the clients come and ask me for a Bible. Hallelujah! She told me she wanted to read it to better understand it, because she is a Muslim. God continue to move in a powerful way! HALLELUJAH!!!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Jesus!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Would you believe me if I said that Jesus died for you? Would you say 'Yes, I believe Jesus died for me'. Or would you say 'Don't start that again Stobes, you know I don't believe in that rubbish'. Or maybe you would say something different. Think about it!

God freely sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world. Not just for me, not just for Christians but for every person in the whole entire world. He sent Jesus so that we might be able to have a personal and meaningful relationship with Him.

God watched on as Jesus was brutally whipped, as the shreds of skins were ripped off His body. He watched as they mocked Jesus. God watched as they made Jesus carry a heavy wooden cross on a journey that He knew would lead to His crucifixion. He watched as the nails pierced His skin, as the nails were driven through the Saviour's hands. As He cried out in agony and unexplainable pain, God watched. God watched His one and only Son die. How it must have absolutely and completely broken His heart.

Some of you could possibly be thinking 'I would never ever allow that to happen to my children'. God sacrificed His Son, Jesus so that we might have life. That we might be free from bondage and opression. That we might choose to have a relationship with Him. He sacrificed His Son, so that our sins could be washed away and so we could be made new in Christ, And so that we could live with Him in eternity!

God showed us this divine love through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. He did it for you. He did it for me. Come to Jesus. He loves you. Nothing you have done, or could ever do, could ever separate you from the love of God (Romans 8). Speak to God, even right now, where you are. Confess your sins to Him. Tell Him you are sorry. Tell Him that you believe that Jesus died for your sins. Tell Him you want to live a life devoted to Him. That you want to honour Him with your life. Ask Him for His help and guidance. Tell Him you want the Holy Spirit to dwell within you. Ask Him for it - He is faithful. Ask Him to provide good, Christian people around you, who will be positive influences on you. Hallelujah!

Jesus would rather go to hell for you, than Heaven without you!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Wednesday Night Chapel!!!!

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Shalom!

I'm really excited about tonight! I'm bouncing all over the place - you can all just imagine it can't you?

Every Wednesday night at Harry Hunter is Chapel night. We all meet together to share in worship and praise to our Great God. We hear from the Word, sing songs to God and share together in fellowship.

I'm excited because tonight I am preaching a message that I believe the Lord has strongly laid pon my heart. The message is titled 'Where have you come from, and where are you going?'. It's based on Genesis 19, the story of Lot and Sodom & Gommorah. I'm really excited because I feel that God has given me these words to give to all the people who will be in attendance at chapel tonight.

Tonight we have three clients graduations from the program. They have each completed 13 weeks at Harry Hunter, which has included counselling, therapy, classes and other activities. This is an exciting part of the program and is something that really is worth celebrating. Would you pray for all the clients here? That God would give them strength and wisdom to make the right choices and healthy decisions.

I thank God for all the transformation that takes place in the lives of the clients here at Harry Hunter. It's amazing to see God working through the people here. It's a daily thing. Hallelujah!

May you experience all of our Great God's abundant blessings!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

South Barwon!!!

Greetings in the name of the Lord!

It became official yesterday that as of the 3rd of June, 2008, I will take up an appointment as the Assistant Corps Officer, South Barwon Corps. Western Victoria Division.

I will still live at college and will continue in my study.

I am INCREDIBLY excited about this appointment and have been completely blown away by it at the same time. I had absolutely no idea that it would happen, so it's taken my by surprise.

I had a phone call today from Major Gloria Eldridge, the Corps Officer @ South Barwon. She rang to welcome me to the team and to South Barwon. I've known since last Friday and had to keep it confidential until I got confirmation from Major Frank Daniels.

Please pray for all involved in this appointment, the Corps Officer, the Corps folk, the college community, my family and friends and for me. That God would continue to guide and show Himself to us all.

On another note, I just got a call from my Dad, telling me that our family pet dog, Rocky had died. It's very sad. We've had Rocky since we came back from New Zealand, many years ago now. Pray that God would comfort my family.

God is constantly amazing me and surprising me. It's a wonderful relationship! Would love to hear from you guys! Keep going strong in the Lord!

Loads of Love, Prayers & Blessings Abundant!!

Cadet Stobielicious!!! XOXOXOXOXOX