a Jesus thought...
Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. "I'll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (John 10:6-10)
a Godly thought...
Only he who believes is obedient, and only who is obedient believes. (p54 Bonhoeffer)
a leading thought...
Knowledge can be memorised but wisdom must think things through. (p59 Newman)
Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. "I'll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (John 10:6-10)
a Godly thought...
Only he who believes is obedient, and only who is obedient believes. (p54 Bonhoeffer)
a leading thought...
Knowledge can be memorised but wisdom must think things through. (p59 Newman)
a Dave thought...Well it has been a week quite like no other. After being approached about the possibility of being commissioned several months ago life has seemed to have gotten a whole lot busier. This culminated in the past week with 5 significant occasions - Covenant Day, Valedictory Evening, Fellowship of the Silver Star Lunch, Commissioning and Ordination, and yesterday afternoon we concluded with our Sending Out celebration service.
Many have asked if I have had a good week or if I have enjoyed the experience. As literally hundreds of Salvationists have congratulated me on making the step to commissioned officership I have appreciated their good wishes as they acknowledge the life time commitment we are making to God and the Salvos.
Perhaps for me though making the step to Lieutenancy 5 years ago when only a few congratulated me and there was only one small ceremony was the biggest step in my life. These last 5 occasions in 5 days were very significant and public and have further enhanced that first major decision 5 years ago.
So let me say out of the 6 occasions I have had on my journey to commissioned officership, the first was the biggest step even though there was only a hundred there on that night in Ringwood in January 2003. Some may find that unusual but it is often the decisions and commitments you make in life when few are watching and the fanfares are small that are often the hardest in life.
Just a thought.
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4 comments:
Hey Captain Collo! I just wanted to affirm your comments about the sometimes overlooked commitment of Lieutenancy. Whilst I enjoyed the past weekend greatly, the significance of the shift to commissioned officership has been somewhat elusive. It felt to me a bit like we had finally past a rather long probation period and thus in some ways it was more about a change on The Salvation Army's behalf than on our own. This in itself, of course, is significant and worth celebrating.
A final hat tip, though, to all of those Lieutenants who are still out there. I still strongly believe that you are doing some of the finest officer work in the country. Despite some international shifts in name, it seems that local leadership are still behind the system and for this I am extremely grateful. Though the new stars on my shoulders denote that I am now a Captain, there remains a strong sense of collegiality between us.
Some interesting points there!! Many of the most important decisions of people's lives go un-noticed by the majority! It's quite sad.
Congratulations on your new blog also, Captain!!
I want to affirm you for entering into ministry as a lieutenant and now a commissioned officer. As an officer I greatly appreciate that you have responded to God's call. I believe that lieutenancy has offered this territory a fantastic opportunity. There are many people who have given their lives to God and are involved in fantastic ministries - often very quietly and unnoticed - praise God for faithful servants of Jesus.
Congratulations (again) Captain Collo! What an honour it was to watch you & Kylie, Rowan & Rachel, Jason & Michelle, our own Phill & Catherine and the other Lieutenants commissioned on Sunday.
I praise God for each of you who, as Rowan stated in his Valedictory night speech, had responded to a specific need and found your place as Officers in our Salvation Army. I praise God when any Salvationist does likewise - and will continue to pray for you, the Heralds of the Good News, and the Lieutenants out there who were not (yet) commissioned!
Blessings,
Sare
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