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Book of God's Work in My Life
"I am the light of the world." (John 8:12)
This is a diary of what God has done in my life. Now, I started this on 5th January 2002, so the only entries relating to events prior to that date are from memory. I am still not adept at recognising everything that perhaps ought to go in this record, but hope to improve as time goes by.
The idea came from a page in the day-by-day guide to living called Our Daily Bread, a quarterly diary-style free booklet produced by RBC Ministries, where RBC stands for Radio Bible Class. There is an on-line version of Our Daily Bread, as well as the booklet form.
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Friday 28th June 2002
A chance to "sow seeds" with a friend, which I hope will one day bring that friend closer to the Lord.
Sunday 23rd June 2002
An interesting evening meeting at the Army, divided into five sections: praise, worship, sharing, prayer and >fellowship.
Sunday 16th June 2002
Songsters Centenary Celebration Weekend: a wonderful series of events, od which I was able to attend the normal Sunday morning and evening meetings. The whole weekend of four events (including Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon) was led by Ray and Joy Steadman-Allen, no less, and we were all truly blessed by all that they and Sonsgters past and present brought to the weekend.
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Sunday 5th May 2002
The start of another illuminating Bible study series at both morning and evening meetings, this time on the Book of Galatians (Paul's letter to the Galatian churches), focusing on Chapter 1 verses 1–9. Not only the study itself, but the meaning of much of its content in today's world, has already been a blesing as it helped me (and others, no doubt) understand even more of God's message to us.
Wednesday 1st May 2002
A great final formal Alpha session, in which we discovered (in some cases re-discovered) that we are the church of Christ. We also saw how a properly-functioning church involves everyone and this can be seen and experienced even by newcomers.
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Sunday 14th April 2002
A truly blessed day at the Salvation Army's meetings: in the morning many of the youngsters renewed their existing commitment to God, or made a new one as appropriate, as well as several giving their testimony.
In the evening there was much to think about as a result of both the sermon and the period of sharing that preceded it. We in the Chatham Corps do a lot of sharing of our experiences and giving of our witness and our thanks to God.
Sunday 7th April 2002
At the Salvation Army morning meeting a couple of those who had been to the previous day's Alpha "Day Away" told of what the day had meant to them, and thus of God's work in their lives through the Holy Spirit.
In the evening we had the dedication of a child, baby Mia: this entails the giving back to God of the young life entrusted to the parents, and their promises to be good Christian examples to the child and to teach her the truths of the gospel at a suitable age, among other commitments.
Saturday 6th April 2002
The Alpha "Day Away": a greatly blessed day as these events usually are, exploring the Holy Spirit—who is He, what does He do, and how can we be filled with the Holy Spirit (as I already have been).
As always, the final session of the day was powerfully moving, and there are few experiences as profound as witnessing a number of those you have come to know during the first weeks of an Alpha course being filled with the Spirit themselves.
A genuinely special time.
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Wednesday 27th March 2002
Alpha: guidance in praying and another good discussion group. As usual we could feel God's presence during the session.
Sunday 24th March 2002
Palm Sunday: blessings from sharing by members of the congregation in the evening; and insightful sermons at both meetings. It all helped me to focus more closely on the meaning of this special time of year.
Saturday 23rd March 2002
I caught an Iranian film, of all things, from the start. This concerned a blind boy and reminded the viewer of the tactile and aural world of someone in that situation, as well as numerous references to God and His works. I know I was intended to see this film, titled "The Colour of Paradise", complete with subtitles: recommended viewing.
Friday 22nd March 2002
A prayer request from the USA helped me (with our Major's assistance) focus on what to pray for in this case, which was useful generally.
Wednesday 20th March 2002
Another good session at Alpha, with statements by group members of the effect reading the Bible has had on them.
Sunday 17th March 2002
Blessings from the young people of the Corps in particular, especially a solo by one of the Singing Company that stayed in my mind all week.
Wednesday 13th March 2002
This session of the current Alpha course produced a number of blessings, especially where group members were able to speak of their experiences—often for the first time.
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Sunday 24th February 2002
At the evening meeting of the Salvatio Army, Chatham, several members of the congregation told of the numerous blessings they had received during the past week. I also had the message reinforced that each of us has individual talents and can use those just by being ourselves in the service of God
Wednesday 20th February 2002
The first session of the new Alpha course at Chatham Citadel, the fifth Alpha course held there. It is always exciting to meet a new group of people, and to feel—even in the first session—God at work among us. This is especially true when people one has never met before open their hearts to the group and feel release from burdens they have been carrying.
There are many aspects to and benefits stemming from Alpha courses, especially for those who would not consider themselves to be particularly religious or church-goers. I have experienced myself, and seen in other participants, so much of this during previous courses/Awaydays.
Tuesday 19th February 2002
Major and I re-recorded the 2 Peter tape, here at my home this time (where I became an audience of one!), and it came out much better. The feeling now is this could make a difference in the scope of this aspect of our taped ministry.
Saturday 16th February 2002
Following some positive feedback on the announcements I now make on the tapes of the Corps' meetings, our Major asked me to add announcements to his long-awaited first taped Bible study (2 Peter). Overall, the taped ministry is helping to spread God's word and understanding of the scriptures into ever-new areas, as is the email-based prayer circle.
Sunday 10th February 2002
On the minibus I was able to sway a wavering person to come to the Alpha course that starts later this month. I just know it'll be worthwhile for her!
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Sunday 27th January 2002
Again I was trusted to help a new minibus driver learn the ropes of the Sunday evening run, while crewing for him. We shared some fellowship in the parts of the journey when there was no-one else on board.
Saturday 26th January 2002
The Walk Thru the Bible Old Testament, second session: just as good as the first session.
Friday 25th January 2002
The Walk Thru the Bible Old Testament, first session: a wonderful way to learn the overall picture of the Old Testament, using a range of memory aids.
Sunday 20th January 2002
The International Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army were guests at Chatham Citadel, and their ministry (including personal testimonies) was inspiring.
I was also able to help a new minibus driver learn the ropes of the Sunday evening run; and I also started work in the Corps' Tape Ministry which, including some technical problems, gave me a challenge that I successfully met.
Monday 14th January 2002
I was inspired to make a suggestion that might help with the Corps' upcoming need to do something about the Citadel: move or refurbish the premises. This will cost a lot. With God's help I was able to prepare something that could help with this, either directly or indirectly.
Sunday 13th January 2002
Commitment Sunday: because of my recently-changed work situation, I was able to commit to additional activities within the Corps. This was clearly God's purpose all along, which helps explain the timing of my change of employment situation.
Monday 7th January 2002
With God's help I was able to begin work on a project I have had in mind for a while: I have started to write a Christmas carol and a song specifically for the Salvation Army. Although they are obviously not yet complete, it is already clear that they are a lot better than my first "experimental" attempt to write something musical last year.
Sunday 6th January 2002
Another excellent service at the Citadel, with God's work very much in evidence. As we approach Commitment Sunday (next week) today's meeting reminded me of my need to re-prioritise my time and other resources in order to achieve more of the Lord's work this coming year; and indeed I was able to make moves in that direction this evening.
Saturday 5th January 2002
I read in this day's Our Daily Bread entry about someone's Book of Blessings and how it came to light (after years of being lost) at a time when his faith was flagging, and how it revived his faith when he read of all the good works that God had done in his life years before.
As suggested, I have today created this on-line Book of Blessings, not only to help me through any similar periods that might occur in the future, but—by making it public in this way—in the hope of encouraging others who visit my website to start their own records, though obviously not necessarily making them public!
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Easter 2001
At the Army's Easter service in the Central Theatre, Chatham, I was interviewed by our Major and gave my testimony on stage. Again, this was God preparing me for my future work as a witness for Him, as well as using my witness to help bring others in the theatre into His family.
Sunday 8th July 2001
I became an Adherent of the Salvation Army's Chatham Corps.
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Sunday 18th June 2000
My first Bible reading at the Salvation Army, Chatham Citadel. This was God's way of showing me that I can read His holy Word reasonably well; and this has also helped me with my own testimony.
Sunday 2nd April 2000
My firat time at the Salvation Army's Chatham Citadel. I was made most welcome, and I could feel the presence of God and in particular the Holy Spirit in that place.
Sunday 26th March 2000
The local (Chatham) Corps of the Salvation Army conducted a service in the Community Centre on the estate. I went (partly in my capacity as Secretary of the organisation that owned the place, and partly because I wanted to do so anyway) and found out that they have a minibus that already serves this estate. From then on I was in! It is so obvious that this was the "biggie".: the single most important reason I had to be in the right place at the right time; and this had of course started from at least as far back as the day I found out I was to be made redundant from the DTI, more than three years earlier.
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August 1999
The threat to close Rochester Airport came to light, and thus began the local residents' campaign—spearheaded by the Residents' Association—to ensure that this did not happen. My facilities and abilities really came to the fore during this campaign, and it is clear with hindsight that this was one of the reasons God made sure I was living here on the estate and was by this time the Secretary of the Residents' Association.
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25th June 1997
At the Annual General Meeting of this estate's Residents Association I joined the committee. Although I did not realise this at the time, this was a move God had planned in readiness for important events still to come...
20th January 1997
We (Scooter and I) moved into our beautiful new home. Again, I could not fail to be aware of how God had guided me to this place, even though I still had no idea why it would turn out to be so important.
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5th October 1996
I travelled to Chatham on a sunny Saturday morning, and was guided to my new house, which I decided to buy on the spot. I can never thank the Lord enough for this wonderful blessing.
31st July 1996
I left my employment at the DTI with a large redundancy pay-off. I am convinced this was all arranged by God, who knew what lay up ahead for me.
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