tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86256476198720741162024-03-14T15:32:27.334+11:00Captain ColloJust a thought...Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.comBlogger720125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-21340492720427117232010-01-16T23:15:00.003+11:002010-01-16T23:43:16.870+11:00The EndMy mother said things always happen in threes. Well today INSANE 2010 came to an end. It was a fabulous event, the venue, the leaders and the delegates were all amazing and God did some sensational things in the lives of us all. Today also was the end of my term as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">TYS</span> and INSANE was a great way to wrap up my 3 years at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">helm</span>.<br /><br />My third end is that I've decided to put Captain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Collo</span> to rest. After stepping into the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogosphere</span> 2 and half years ago I have found the spiritual discipline of everyday blogging very <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">beneficial</span>, and it has connected me with so many others along the way. I have really enjoyed the debates, the humour and most of all just a place to journal what God is speaking to me about. So as my 867<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> and final post I'd just like to thank you for reading and encourage you all to keep dreaming no matter where you are. My final words are simply my favourite quote from our co-founder Catherine Booth "If we are to better the future we must disturb the present."<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-10424471829146776662010-01-15T16:28:00.004+11:002010-01-15T17:02:57.693+11:00INSANE Day 5<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />As far as I am concerned. God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20)</div><div><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />God's way to bring people to spiritual health is the church body. (p182)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426841492499286290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S1ADlbTFSRI/AAAAAAAAB6U/UmDECY1ugLo/s400/November2009.jpg" border="0" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />The night rallies have certainly been a highlight again at INSANE this year. Tonight will be a sensational evening to watch online @ <a href="http://www.isalvos.com/">http://www.isalvos.com/</a> The night will start with live worship which we are recording and will give as a DVD to all the campers this week. We are also giving the car pictured above away free to a guy who has come a long way with his life. This car was renovated and detailed at INSANE in the "Car Reno" elective. Along with that we have choir & dance performances along with amazing games in the arena. Our new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TYS</span> Captain Rowan Castle will be giving a message on "Love without Stopping". Please pray for us as we meet together here at Mountain Valley and as we encourage the youth of this territory to be Brave & True.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-81638589178371124382010-01-14T00:18:00.004+11:002010-01-14T01:33:41.360+11:00INSANE Day 4<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and then they began talking freely with him. (Genesis 45:15)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />The value of discipleship in a group context is that it protects you from the biases and limitations of the one <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">discipling</span> you. (p181)<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426228555957328370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S03WH0vq2fI/AAAAAAAAB6M/-T76eV9gHNw/s400/wed.bmp" border="0" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />INSANE continues to being an outstanding event. The quality of the programs and diversity of activities is amazing. A huge thanks to the team my amazing wife Kylie, Aaron Mills, Cate Shanks & Miriam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pho</span> without you guys as well as many many others this would not be at all possible!<br />Last night Major Sandy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Crowden</span> preached on Give it all You've Got and reminded us that although we may be ordinary people we can be extraordinary with God. She read the William Booth quote when asked for the secret of his success:<br /><br /><em>I will tell you the secret. God has had all there was of me. There have been men with greater brains than I, men with greater opportunities. But from the day I got the poor of London on my heart and caught a vision of all Jesus Christ could do with them, on that day I made up my mind that God would have all of William Booth there was. And if there is anything of power in the Salvation Army today, it is because God has had all the adoration of my heart, all the power of my will, and all the influence of my life.</em><br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-32464700502581682842010-01-13T00:03:00.005+11:002010-01-13T00:48:14.191+11:00INSANE Day 3<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />He took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king's prisoners were held. But the Lord was with Joseph there, too, and he granted Joseph favour with the chief j<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ailer</span>. (Genesis 39:20-21)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Paul understood a divided church hinders everyone in it from hearing clearly from God. (p180)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425845700643187810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S0x56tjq7GI/AAAAAAAAB6E/lz1Ko_2DJIA/s400/bubbles.bmp" border="0" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />Yesterday was another great day with temperatures dropping 20 degrees from Day 1 to Day 2. Delegates attended Bible Study, Active, Think Workshop, Fun Elective and the evening session. As we explored the theme of "Hold Tight to your Convictions" Rowan shared a great message and many responded to the call to be Brave & True. One of the highlights was the foam pit at the Insane arena where those involved in the game had to find fruit in the foam and make a fruit salad. Tonight we have Major Sandy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Crowden</span> coming to share with us on "Give it all you've got" and we believe again for another great day as we have fun and experience community together. <br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-65730148155525158472010-01-12T00:35:00.004+11:002010-01-12T01:17:06.188+11:00INSANE 2010 begins<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is dawn." But Jacob panted, "i will not let you go unless you bless me". (Genesis 32:26)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />When Christ communicates with his church, he speaks words of truth that ultimately unify the church rather than tear it apart. (p174)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425482551469489346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S0svopdrPMI/AAAAAAAAB58/vX_w1NNVmKc/s400/si8v.jpg" border="0" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />We have had a great opening day at INSANE 2010. Despite temperatures up to 44 degrees <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Celsius</span> we still managed to keep 392 people safe & enjoy the events of the day. Last night Commissioner Carolyn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Knaggs</span> spoke on "Keep Your Eyes Open" with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nath</span> Casey & the team from SA leading worship. The campsite looks amazing as we have 16 marquees set up for guys & girls from each division. If you want to experience our INSANE nights live visit <a href="http://www.isalvos.com/">www.isalvos.com</a> Tonight we have Captain Rowan Castle preaching on "Hold Tight to Your Convictions". Hope you can join us online and please pray for all the delegates here as they learn about God and experience community together. <br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-7972846247927969292010-01-11T00:38:00.003+11:002010-01-11T01:35:50.580+11:00Amanda Vaarzon-Morel<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Once again she became pregnant and had a son. She named him Judah, for she said, "Now I will praise the Lord!" (Genesis 29:35)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />When you are actively involved in a church body, all the members have an opportunity to observe God's activity in your life. (p1690<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425107927369475602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S0na6p8DZhI/AAAAAAAAB50/QXXVgULDxhg/s400/VIC_StKilda_LentilAsAnythin.jpg" border="0" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />Yesterday our family had the pleasure of attending Amanda's farewell get together in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Abbotsford</span>. It was a beautiful afternoon and my first time I'd eaten at Lentil as Anything. The experience was well worth it and anyone who is yet to eat at this pay by donation and ethically sound eatery I encourage you to do so. Lieutenant Amanda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Vaarzon</span>-Morel is a quality person who we met over 3 years ago. I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">privileged</span> to conduct her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">soldiership</span> classes while stationed at Box Hill and always found her passion for God and heart for others so genuine and warm. To be part of her journey through to officership has been a real pleasure. As she heads to the NT this week to take her appointment as Assistant CO at Alice Springs I pray that God will inspire and strengthen her as she continues to devote her life to Christ 100%.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-46438930447143467832010-01-10T08:57:00.004+11:002010-01-10T09:29:56.829+11:00Brave & True<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />What's more, I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. I will someday bring you safely back to this land. I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you everything I have promised. (Genesis 28:15)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Christ alone is the head of the church, and he sets the agenda for the body. (p164)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424870356373818210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S0kC2NA1S2I/AAAAAAAAB5s/07VGOgWiWFg/s400/insane.bmp" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />The theme that our 301 delegates coming to INSANE 2010 will encounter this week is "Brave & True." The guiding scripture is 1 Corinthians 16:13 (The Message);<br /><br />“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ve</span> got, be resolute, love without stopping.”<br /><br />1- KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN<br />At this point we begin the journey by challenging the delegates to examine their own life. This wake up call captures the attention of the delegates and introduces our key concepts.<br /><br />2- HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR CONVICTIONS<br />We hold no pretense that young peoples’ attendance at this conference is indicative of a committed Christian faith. </div><br /><div></div><div>3- GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT<br />At this point of the journey we clarify one of our key concept that To be Brave is to live a life of action for Jesus. Brave in that despite, fears and failures, low expectations and apathy, the delegates would pursue all that God has for them, the world and for eternity.<br /><br />4- BE RESOLUTE<br />At this next step in the journey we clarify another of our key concepts that To be True is to stay totally loyal to Jesus. True in that despite ongoing temptations, societal pressures, and all the voices of compromise, they would continue to live a life that models monogamy with Jesus. </div><br /><div>5- LOVE WITHOUT STOPPING<br />This final step in the Brave and True Journey is to reiterate the main points of the scripture and to again invite delegates to live a life Brave and True for Jesus out in the world. A life lived Brave and True for Jesus is bigger and better than any other. It is a life of action and freedom.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-45120959010924479942010-01-09T06:43:00.005+11:002010-01-09T08:19:06.206+11:00Gen Y Leadership<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Then I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of y master, Abraham, because he had led me along the right path to find a wife from the family of my master's relatives. (Genesis 24:8)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />There are no educational, age, or gender prerequisites to be a spokesperson for God. Christ can use any person he chooses to be his messenger. (p161)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424481347402158642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S0ehC5qjUjI/AAAAAAAAB5k/YksSHjn9i6A/s400/GenY_Self.jpg" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong> from The Age<br />GENERATION Y finally means business. They are far better educated and more globally aware and technologically savvy than any generation before them, and they are about to turn 30 this year. The oldest members of this privileged generation are poised to grab the management reins and revolutionise the workplace to suit themselves.<br />They have emerged from the global financial crisis - their first mild experience of an economic downturn - more relieved than bruised, and now they are brimming with optimism.<br />The baby boomers love them - after all, they were the doting parents that raised them. And as the boomers' extended reign in the workplace draws to an end, social and economic forecasters predict they are more likely to anoint gen <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yers</span> as their chosen successors over the unfortunate generation <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xers</span> who have been politely waiting their turn.<br />They call it the Prince Charles syndrome and it's nothing personal about generation X, just that generation Y has continued its knack of being in the right place at the right time when opportunity or prosperity arrives.<br />''The gen <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yers</span> really do offer a compelling case to take over the leadership,'' says social researcher Mark <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">McCrindle</span>, author of generational tome The ABC of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">XYZ</span>. ''They are well<br />equipped to understand the 21st century ways and their leadership style and work-life balance approach is very suited for these times.<br />''They get on very well with the boomers as they stay at home longer and are connected with their parents' age group, and they understand the changing ways with technology.''<br />Charmed as their childhood might have been, they copped their share of bad press growing up. Inter-generational sniping has labelled them as overindulged children who emerged into the workforce as disloyal, high-maintenance employees not prepared to work long hours to get ahead and unable to cope with their first taste of criticism.<br />But perhaps they have just been misunderstood. They might have their priorities straight in demanding a healthy work-life balance, suggesting that putting in a 60-hour work week should not be a marker for competence.<br />''The concept of the work-life balance for us moving into management-type roles is going to be a given,'' says 29-year-old Kathleen Walker, a corporate sustainability manager.<br />''The general consensus among anyone I speak to is if you are there until 7pm or working ridiculously long hours, there is something wrong and it's not an indication of how important or busy you are.''</div><div><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-62129804399449645052010-01-08T07:06:00.005+11:002010-01-08T07:27:28.828+11:00Goodbye Blackberry<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Take your son, your only son - yes, Isaac, whom you love so much - and go to the land of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Moriah</span>. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will point out to you. (Genesis 22:2)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Circumstances provide God with an opportunity to speak powerfully to us. (p157)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 154px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 154px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424095482237756018" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S0ZCGl6VInI/AAAAAAAAB5c/Vffgjl4OZgE/s400/crackberry_addiction.gif" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />Today I hand my Blackberry back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">THQ</span>. Many people warned me before I got this amazing device that I would become addicted to it. Well after a couple of years I think they are proven correct. Even though I have come to love it and can't imagine living without it I think it will be good for me to break the addiction! As handy as it is to access your emails 24/7 I also realise my family are fed up with it and quite often Noah sadly asks me to leave it home when I take him out so he can have my full attention. So today I am now officially an iPhone user and with email no longer on tap life should be simpler. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get my 500 contacts off my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">inotes</span> onto my new phone!<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-57814232756909289082010-01-07T09:30:00.003+11:002010-01-07T09:56:49.183+11:00One Minute Bible for Students<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Abraham approached him and said, "Will you destroy both innocent and guilty alike?" (Genesis 18:23)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Jesus taught his disciples that they didn't know the truth of a situation until they heard from God. (p154)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423764407130065682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S0UU_fBlCxI/AAAAAAAAB5U/2Xsp72kZVzg/s400/one.bmp" border="0" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />You’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> committed yourself to more Bible reading plans than you care to admit and you’re 187 chapters behind in your latest attempt. If this sounds familiar, then the One Minute Bible for Students is what you need to get back and stay on track. Do the math. There are 1400 minutes in a day. It will take you One Minute to read a passage of Scripture. “Hey, that’s doable!” Additionally, veteran youth pastor Doug Fields has contributed some great insights to help you apply these short, one minute Scripture readings to your every day life. Special one minute features include: devotionals, commentary, theological words defined in simple terms, personality profiles, unique, weird, and humorous facts . . . all designed to help you discover and fall in love with God’s love letter to you.</div><br /><div></div><div>The great thing about the One Minute Bible for Students is that you will never again get stuck in Leviticus for forty years. The One Minute Bible for Students moves you through the entire Bible—from Creation to the return of Jesus—in just ONE YEAR! The One Minute Bible for Students won’t replace your Bible. It will inspire you to take side trips into your Bible to see what came before and what comes after the passage you just read. These bite-size servings of Scripture are sure to increase your appetite for God’s Word.<br /><a href="http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/resources-small-groups-one-minute-bible-for-students-by-the-case.html">http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/resources-small-groups-one-minute-bible-for-students-by-the-case.html</a></div><div><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-17965687818425501942010-01-06T08:03:00.006+11:002010-01-06T08:54:50.981+11:005 sleeps till INSANE<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Hagar referred to the Lord, who had spoken to her, as "the God who sees me," for she said, "I have seen the One who sees me!" (Genesis 16:13)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />When we are in the midst of bewildering circumstances, that is not the time to make conclusions about what God is like. We should have already reached our conclusions before we entered the difficult experience. (p153)<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423375511833089138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S0OzSzJdFHI/AAAAAAAAB5M/KH2_Wer0jzQ/s400/IMG00266-20100106-0840.jpg" border="0" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />As INSANE 2010 fast approaches everyone is making a huge effort to make this an outstanding youth event. We now have over 380 people coming for the 5 days at Mountain Valley. The goal of Insane 2010: Brave and True is to empower high-school age young people to live a life brave and true for Jesus. As a result we aim to move out of conference as corporate program and foster an event of spiritual transformation.<br /><br />Within this event we aim to generate a culture and message that challenges young people in relevant ways. According to poll research, the largest influences on high-school age teen culture are peer bonding and multi-media entertainment. The two things teens love the most are their friends and their music.<br /><br />As a result, Brave and True is not a polite Church service, a regimented conference or a conventional youth camp, but marries elements from all to offer young people what they value most. Brave and True aims to be a unique event that offers young people close community, peer workshops, scriptural teaching, multi-media communication and a lot of loud music. It is a new beast for a new generation.<br /><br />The guiding scripture for Brave and True is 1 Corinthians 16:13 (The Message);<br /><br />“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> got, be resolute, love without stopping.”<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-41482064883806953302010-01-05T06:26:00.004+11:002010-01-05T21:52:10.331+11:00Sustainable Youth Ministry<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has helped you conquer your enemies. (Genesis 14:19-20)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />The key to understanding our circumstances is to focus on Christ rather than on our circumstances. (p152)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423206539847618434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S0MZnVcxT4I/AAAAAAAAB5E/iIXZm7GIDCg/s400/sustainable2.jpg" border="0" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />What is going wrong? What would it take to build a ministry that withstands the roller coaster ride that has become so much a part of “normal” youth ministry?<br />Based on his own experience as a youth pastor and his hands-on consulting work with scores of churches, Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DeVries</span> pinpoints the problems that cause division and burnout. He then provides the practical tools and strategies needed to lay a strong foundation for your church’s youth ministry—one that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">isn</span>’t built solely on a person or a program. In these pages he offers <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">indispensable</span> guidance for </div><div></div><br /><div>1. Understanding why most churches stay chronically stuck in very predictable (and solvable) problems in their youth ministries<br />2. Moving toward a systemic approach to youth ministry by tending first to the climate and structures <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">under girding</span> the ministry<br />3. Helping senior pastors and search committees avoid the common pitfalls made in hiring youth staff<br />4. Equipping youth pastors to build strong volunteer teams and navigate the turbulent waters of church politics<br />5. Giving youth pastors creative tools for lasting in youth ministry for the long haul.<br /></div><br /><div>Building a sustainable youth ministry is not easy, and it’s not quick. But with commitment to the process, hard work and the guidance found in Sustainable, your church can put together a healthy youth ministry—one that fits your church and lasts for the long haul. Youth ministry can last.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-19917649364976992332010-01-04T06:47:00.003+11:002010-01-04T07:14:00.066+11:00John Maclean<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Let's build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies - a monument to our greatness! (Genesis 11:4)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />When God allows one door to close, it may be because he is preparing to open a more effective door of service to you somewhere else. (p147)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422609151245136882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/S0D6Sve_s_I/AAAAAAAAB48/MaIHYh7dqVI/s400/john_maclean.jpg" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />One thing I really enjoy is reading <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">autobiographies</span> especially of athletes and their rise to success. So on my Christmas list was once again books, such as the story of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cadel</span> Evans, Lance Armstrong but the last one one was slightly different - John <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maclean</span>. (<a href="http://www.johnmaclean.com.au/">http://www.johnmaclean.com.au/</a>) I met John while competing at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Busselton</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span> in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">December</span> where he was competing in about his tenth <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span>. John was an in a different category to me though as he was racing in a wheelchair. When I saw him get carried into the water early on that Saturday morning in December to begin the 3.8km swim I knew this man was special. I really enjoyed the autobiography and learnt how he was knocked off his bike in Sydney while training for a triathlon in 1988. He was very lucky to survive but since that time has just overcome so many adversities and competed in hundreds of events around the world. But the one thing that will stay in my mind is that he realised his life was never better than when he started doing things for others. He has set up the John <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maclean</span> foundation which raises money to help young wheelchair victims get their lives back on track. So if you want a good book to read give "Full Circle" a go.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-30468248774432137132010-01-03T07:43:00.004+11:002010-01-03T07:58:48.566+11:007 Contemporary Sins of Youth<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will be seen in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with everything that lives. (Genesis 9:13-15)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Even the most dramatic circumstances will have no meaning for unless you are sensitized to hear what God says. (p142)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422249662623253554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/Sz-zVwAkBDI/AAAAAAAAB40/Uewmk47Cq5M/s400/7-deadly-sins.jpg" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />A group of 100 European youth (young adults) were asked to collaboratively write a new list of the 7 deadly sins. This was not a “christian” study, nor was the faith of the participants part of the selection process.<br />This list is interesting and telling. I think this exercise would be very interesting to go through with a class at school or youth group. Here’s the list the European youth came up with:</div><div></div><br /><div>1. Racism</div><br /><div>2. Dishonesty</div><br /><div>3. Bullying</div><br /><div>4. Greed</div><br /><div>5. Adultery</div><br /><div>6. Anger</div><br /><div>7. Envy<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-1435414005731618412010-01-02T07:57:00.003+11:002010-01-02T08:37:40.141+11:0017 Years<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />The Lord accepted Abel and his offering, but he did not accept Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and dejected. (Genesis 4:4-5)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Once God speaks to us, we cannot remain the same. God's word always requires adjustments on our part. (p137)<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421883725636581810" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/Sz5mhagKObI/AAAAAAAAB4s/Fp6wJyx1Ii4/s400/wedding.jpg" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />It was 17 years to the day, 10am at the Box Hill Salvation Army that I married my beautiful wife Kylie. It has been an amazing journey and we have been through so many experiences together. I never once regretted marrying young and have always enjoyed living life with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sensational</span> Kylie. Our first years were in Halls Gap which were just magnificent, then 3 houses in Melbourne and now we find ourselves living in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grovedale</span>. Along the way we have had two children, become Lieutenants and now Captains committed to life long service to God through The Salvation Army. I met Kylie at a Divisional Youth Crush on Sunday 11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> September 1988 at the Preston Salvos. I was immediately <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">attracted</span> to her and am grateful for all that she has taught me about life and ministry. I look forward to this next chapter of our lives together knowing our love for God and each other only <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">continues</span> to grow.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-61910294953315451072010-01-01T12:10:00.003+11:002010-01-01T20:59:51.726+11:00The Ten Commandments of Youth<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. (Genesis 1:31)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Prayer is not a preparation for work, it is the work. Prayer is not a preparation for the battle, it is the battle. (p135)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421708747996783906" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/Sz3HYX_55SI/AAAAAAAAB4k/c-LrN_IM0x8/s400/10_Comm.gif" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />A fascinating post over on <a href="http://www.ypulse.com/wordpress/wordpress/mtv-sticky-the-ten-commandments-of-european-youth" modo="false"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ypulse</span></a> the other day, culled from an <a href="http://www.mtvsticky.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">mtv</span> sticky</a> report called <a href="http://www.mtvsticky.com/2009/11/%E2%80%9Cwelcome-to-youthtopia-have-a-nice-day%E2%80%9D/#&article=58017&page=1" modo="false"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">youthtopia</span> (a study of hopes and dreams)</a>. the study describes itself this way: “In the first-ever effort to understand the values, hopes and dreams of young people in Europe, MTV asked over 7,000 youths to imagine their ideal world and to consider brands as people and whether those ‘people’ would be welcome in their world –‘<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Youthtopia</span>’.” One aspect of the study involved asking 100 European youth to re-write the 10 commandments to reflect their values. The results paint more than a flattering self-portrait of this generation as an aspirational model for society — one that tellingly promotes accountability, positivity and passion above all else.</div><div></div><br /><div>The Ten Commandments of Youth</div><br /><div>1. Have faith in yourself.</div><br /><div>2. Respect your parents.</div><br /><div>3. Be honest.</div><br /><div>4. Take responsibility for your own life.</div><br /><div>5. Live life to the fullest and be passionate.</div><br /><div>6. Keep your promises.</div><br /><div>7. Work hard to succeed but not to the detriment of others.</div><br /><div>8. Be tolerant of others’ differences.</div><br /><div>9. Be happy and optimistic, even in adversity.</div><br /><div>10. Create, don’t destroy.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-38508503036562853262009-12-31T07:13:00.004+11:002009-12-31T07:44:22.489+11:002010 Goals<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:12-13)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Those who pay attention will discover God is far more involved in their daily lives than they ever imagined. (p133)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421132076954145426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/Szu65s9T0pI/AAAAAAAAB4c/zx-XehhxxGQ/s400/goals.gif" /><strong>a Dave thought...<br /></strong>I am a person who likes to write down yearly goals. The last few years I have used categories and then write 3 goals in each one. I believe unless you are aiming for something in life you will end up anywhere and just waste a lot of years in the process. Here are my categories for 2010 with a description of the types of things I will set three goals in...<br /></div><br /><div>1. Spiritual - praying, reading, learning such as conferences</div><br /><div>2. Physical - exercise, diet, gym, sporting events</div><br /><div>3. Family - holidays, time together, new ventures, devotions </div><br /><div>4. Relationships - extended family, meet neighbours, others we are yet to meet</div><br /><div>5. Financial - tithing 10%, saving 10%, live off 80%, sponsor children, pay off debt</div><br /><div>6. Educational - enroll in a course, read a book, attend a seminar</div><br /><div>7. Home - improve, invite people over, create a new space</div><br /><div>8. Ministry - look where you will put your time, start something new, evaluate current areas</div><br /><div></div><div>As I have 24 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">specific</span> goals (8 x 3) which are measurable I then email them to a few friends who I ask to keep me accountable. If you have never tried this before I encourage you to seek God, set goals and enjoy a fruitful 2010.</div><div><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-57079473216022523772009-12-30T07:56:00.003+11:002009-12-30T10:26:26.518+11:00Major Philip Wise<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />"Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. (Rev 15:3-4)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />God never acts prematurely, and he is never late. God's timing never leaves things unfinished, and it always produces the maximum effect. (p128)<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420803381179228818" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/SzqP9FxsopI/AAAAAAAAB4U/yM2R_Uv1E_U/s400/Philip.bmp" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong> a sad email I received last week.<br /><br />Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,<br /><div></div><br /><div>Many of you may be aware but for those who are not, A Salvation Army corps officer was murdered on Christmas Eve in Little Rock, Arkansas. </div><div></div><br /><div>Major Philip Wise, 40 years old, was returning to the corps building with his three young children after taking bell ringers home. Two armed men approached him and demanded money. They then shot him in front of his children. His wife Cindy was in the building and called 911. Major Wise was a devoted officer, father and husband beloved by many in the community. He and his family were preparing for a trip to West Virginia to spend time with extended family for Christmas. Please uphold Cindy and these three precious children in prayer as well as the extended family and the corps family and community.<br /><br />Please pray.</div><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-38032113457035752812009-12-29T07:22:00.003+11:002009-12-29T07:58:33.449+11:00Youth Ministry 3.0<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Rev 11:15)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />The greatest mark of maturity in faith is the ability and willingness to reverently accept God's answer, no matter what it is. (p126)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420390857233539314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/SzkYxCUuIPI/AAAAAAAAB4M/mEMNpvRhKT4/s400/YM3.0.jpg" /><strong>a Dave thought...by <a href="http://kleinbeck.blogspot.com/2009/04/por-fin-ym-30.html" modo="false"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alaina</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kleinbeck</span></a>,</strong></div><div>Mark <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Oestreicher</span>’s Youth Ministry 3.0 embodies the conversation model of ministry books. His book is revolutionary not only in content, but also in style. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Oestreicher</span> runs a blog (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ysmarko</span>.com) that he used as a sounding board for his thoughts and ideas for this book. Blog readers who commented on his inquisitive posts shaped and affirmed his writing and he then included their commentary throughout the book. This type of book would not have been possible ten years ago. It represents a major shift in the way youth ministry is resourced–from top-down publishing house and denominational presses informing the parish worker to youth ministers creating and contributing material from their local ministry to share en <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">masse</span>. The resourcing shift <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">isn</span>’t surprising considering the parallel decentralization in almost every other avenue of communication in the 21st century. Yet <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marko</span>’s book is of the first printed books in the youth ministry field to widely embrace social media as a means of resourcing. Social media addicts everywhere are rejoicing.</div><br /><div>Youth Ministry 3.0 finds its purpose early within its pages. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marko</span> says, “I’m hoping to describe what I’m seeing and experiencing and feeling about where we need to go so we can continue being true to our calling” (p. 26). He’s in the position to hear the voices of thousands of youth workers, and so his thoughts on the future are valuable and weighty. Before speaking of the future, he walks the reader through a history of youth culture with a simple framework. He looks at the three tasks of adolescence–identity formation, autonomy, and affinity–and traces the emphases that youth culture (and thus, youth ministry) has placed on different tasks. He skillfully honors the past and fuels a fire for change.</div><br /><div></div><div>A short read, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">YM</span>3.0 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">isn</span>’t the end of the story. It <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesn</span>’t purport to have all of the answers, but encourages a process of discernment to find them. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marko</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesn</span>’t propose a model that works in every situation, but gives permission for a potpourri of youth ministry models. He invites the reader to engage in the conversation.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-70055620952958029152009-12-28T07:23:00.003+11:002009-12-28T07:47:38.687+11:00New Year's Resolutions<p><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!" (Revelation 7:11-12)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Prayer is not designed as a means for us to change God. It is a time for God to change us. (p121)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 359px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420020233395620306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/SzfHr475ydI/AAAAAAAAB4E/bo9WkGbXb1s/s400/ny.bmp" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />Author, innovation consultant, and speaker Stephen Shapiro offers the following interesting statistics concerning New Year's resolutions:<br />Forty-five percent usually set New Year's Resolutions; seventeen percent infrequently set resolutions; thirty-eight percent never set resolutions<br />Eight percent are always successful in achieving their resolutions; nineteen percent achieve their resolutions every other year; forty-nine percent have infrequent success; twenty-four percent (one in four) never succeed and have failed on every resolution every year.<br />Forty-seven percent set resolutions related to self-improvement or education<br />Thirty-eight percent set resolutions related to weight<br />Thirty-four percent set resolutions related to money<br />Thirty-one percent set resolutions related to relationships<br />The younger you are, the more likely you are to achieve your resolutions (thirty-nine percent of those in their twenties achieve their resolutions every year or every other year, while less than fifteen percent of those over fifty achieve their resolutions every year or every other year)<br />The less happy you are, the more likely you are to set New Year's resolutions (this is especially true for those who set money-related resolutions: forty-one percent are not happy; thirty-four percent are moderately happy; twenty-five percent are happy)<br />There is actually no correlation between happiness and resolution setting/success (people who achieve their resolutions every year are no happier than those who do not set resolutions or who are unsuccessful in achieving them)<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></p>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-56121822791231703762009-12-27T09:13:00.004+11:002009-12-27T09:38:43.900+11:00Tex the Turtle<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. (Revelation 3:7)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Jesus set the pattern for our praying. He did not determine his own agenda, then ask his Father to bless it. Rather, whatever the Father told Jesus to do, that became Jesus' course of action. (p118)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419676548949091570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/SzaPG0mgJPI/AAAAAAAAB38/ph3a00pYsbk/s400/Baby_Macquarie_Short_Neck_Turtle.jpg" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />After a few days of discussion we finally convinced our 7 year old he was too young for an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">iPod</span> touch! So the night before Christmas he decided he wanted a turtle instead from Santa. This resulted in a last minute email at 9pm Christmas eve to Santa. Noah was fortunate that Santa took last minute requests so a letter was left under the tree on Christmas day. It explained that Santa does not carry live pets on the sleigh but if he passes this letter on to his mum and dad that they can arrange a pet turtle. The result after a busy Boxing Day is that we now have have two pets in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Collinson</span> household, Tex the turtle has joined Rex the rabbit. Noah <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">continued</span> to ask if Santa is just made up and without lying I managed to just make it to Christmas with some mystery. Somehow I think it will be the last Christmas Santa will come to Noah, but it sure was fun while it lasted.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-10208999417752314002009-12-25T22:32:00.004+11:002009-12-25T22:59:48.582+11:00Did Jesus make us fat and greedy?<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />That's why we pray, not necessarily to obtain what we want but to know God more intimately. (p115)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419140378819544242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/SzSndnODxLI/AAAAAAAAB30/EMyUloc-NK0/s400/jesus.jpg" border="0" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong> </div><div>Although this is not a real positive article from The Age it is worth reading how many in our culture are thinking about Christianity today...</div><br /><div><em>Christianity, some say, caused the crash. Not traditional Christianity, in which next-life success depends on this-life frugality, but the new so-called prosperity gospel, whose spirituality comes wrapped in worldly expectations like prunes in bacon. Devils, you might say, on apocalyptic horseback. Prosperity churches offer credit facilities for the offertory, require tithing as an investment strategy (promising huge returns) and see usury not as sin but as sacrament.<br />"We love the money in Jesus Christ's name!" shouts Pastor Fernando <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Garay</span> from his pulpit in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Charlottesville</span>, Virginia, promising a $10,000 return on a $100 offering. "The rich," he explains to his mostly Latino congregation, "are closer to God."<br />But it's not just America. At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hillsong</span> Church, not more than five minutes from where I live and a conspicuous presence on the Block, pastor Brian Houston whips his audience into a ''giving'' frenzy while religiously pointing out the credit facilities in the foyer. In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Garay's</span> words, "Jesus loved money, too!"<br />So in view of the over-consumption monster now blocking humanity's path - with its three snarling heads of climate crisis, financial crisis and obesity crisis, all with their big googly eyes right on us - it is worth asking: how much does Jesus have to answer for?<br />Consider the manger. We've always taken this straw-filled washtub to signify the infant's outsider status, his fringe cred, his underdog appeal. But perhaps - manger being, after all, the verb ''to eat'', as in munch - it is really about consumption. Like the wafer thing, you know: eat the body, drink the blood . . . it has to make you wonder. </em><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/did-jesus-make-us-fat-and-greedy-20091223-ldc7.html">http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/did-jesus-make-us-fat-and-greedy-20091223-ldc7.html</a> for the complete article.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-82259268347853296672009-12-24T07:56:00.003+11:002009-12-24T08:16:50.650+11:00Technology Addiction<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />What God has to say to us is infinitely more important than what we have to say to him, yet we generally monopolize the conversation. (p113)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418542611960547858" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/SzKHzAI5yhI/AAAAAAAAB3s/k4nc9DJdW9Q/s400/lily-allen.jpg" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong> from The Herald Sun<br />LILY Allen, who became a star when millions found her quirky pop tunes on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">MySpace</span>, is taking two years off to beat her addiction to . . . technology.<br />Allen has recorded frequently on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span>, Twitter and her blog.<br />But, after releasing her second album -It's Not Me, It's You - the 24-year-old ditched Twitter with a final message: "I am a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">neo</span>-Luddite, goodbye."<br />She said: "I just had this revelation that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span>, blogging, all those things were becoming a total addiction.<br />"I'd be with my boyfriend or my Mum and they'd have just got half of me.<br />"So I put my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">BlackBerry</span>, my laptop, my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">iPod</span> in a box and that's the end.<br />"I won't use email. I play records on vinyl. I don't blog. I've got more time, more privacy. We've ended up in this world of unreal communication and I don't want that. I want real life back."<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-61913638418626519702009-12-23T07:09:00.003+11:002009-12-23T07:28:07.072+11:00A Baby Refugee<div><strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.<br />(1 Peter 2:16-17)<br /></div><br /><div><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Th best way to hear God speak to you is to spend regular time reading, studying, and meditating on his Word. (p110)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418159806619576802" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WaFr7S6AIHg/SzErozHb6eI/AAAAAAAAB3k/N3NGpYZ8mzU/s400/origami_jesus.jpg" /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />This Christmas greeting from the Surrender team is a great reminder of how amazing the whole Christmas story is...</div><div></div><br /><div>Incredible when you think about it, God's great tactic to reconcile the world to himself is through a baby born in a backwater town as a refugee! What a great consolation this Christmas as Shane Claiborne says 'We have a God who enters the world through smallness—as a baby refugee. We have a God who values the little offerings of a single coin from a widow over the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">megacharity</span> of a millionaire. We have a God who speaks through little people—a stuttering spokesman named Moses; the stubborn donkey of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Balaam</span>; a lying brothel owner named <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rahab</span>; an adulterous king named David; a ragtag bunch of disciples who betrayed, doubted and denied; and a converted terrorist named Paul'<br /></div><br /><div>Lets continue to pray for this kind of radical, upside down, peace-loving Kingdom, this Good News to break out in the most unlikely places this Christmas.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong></div>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8625647619872074116.post-41548253423560518002009-12-22T06:46:00.004+11:002009-12-22T22:18:24.192+11:00Commissioning 09<strong>a Biblical thought...</strong><br />Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10)<br /><br /><strong>a Book thought...</strong><br />Meditation means staying with a passage of Scripture until the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding to its meaning and its application. (p107)<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9wjYLO7sAEo&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9wjYLO7sAEo&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>a Dave thought...</strong><br />It was great to be a part of the Commissioning celebrations in November this year. Those of us who live in Melbourne tend to take this weekend for granted but we are very <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">privileged</span> to be able to attend and get a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">glimpse</span> of what God is doing across this territory. For those that were not present you will get a glimpse of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">variety</span> and depth of the weekend by viewing this 10 minute clip. Enjoy and be challenged.<br /><br /><strong>Just a thought.</strong>Captain Collohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923647122224271086noreply@blogger.com0