Reflect

a Jesus thought...
Don't let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father'; you have only one Father, and he's in heaven. And don't let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them—Christ. (Matthew 23:8-10)

a Godly thought...
If we would bear the image of his glory, we must first bear the image of his shame. (p272 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Jesus did not want his disciples to be leaders first; he wanted them to become servants first. (p171 Blanchard)

a Dave thought...
Sociologist Tony Campolo told about a study in which fifty people over the age of 90 were asked to reflect upon their lives. “If you had it to do over again,” they were asked, “what would you do differently?” Though there were many answers, three responses dominated. Here they are:First, many respondents answered, “I would reflect more.” Do you ever feel that too much time is spent in “doing” and not enough spent thinking about what you are doing and why you are doing it?
Second, they said, “I would risk more.” Do you think that important opportunities either have been or might be forfeited because of your fear to take a necessary risk?
Finally, they said, “I would do more things that would live on after I died.” Do you feel that you are immersed in something bigger and more enduring than your own existence?


So as we REFLECT on 2007 ask yourself...

• What was the greatest thing God did in your life in 07?
• What are some new relationships you made this year?
• What was the biggest challenge you faced this year?
• What was our greatest personal achievement?
• What was the biggest surprise of the year?
• What was the biggest risk you took?
• If you could live 2007 over again what would you do differently?

So as you enter 2008...

Reflect more. Risk more. Leave a legacy.

Just a thought.

The Aussie Bible

a Jesus thought...
"'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." (Matthew 22:37-40)

a Godly thought...
Discipline in a congregation is a servant of the precious grace of God. (p260 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought... Leadership by the Book by Blanchard, Hybels & Hodges
True leadership starts on the inside with a servant heart, then moves outward to serve others. (p171)

a Dave thought...

Written by Aussie author and journalist Kel Richards, The Aussie Bible is a re-telling of the story of Jesus' life from His birth to resurrection in the Australian vernacular. The 90 page book is aimed at those who may not normally pick up a New Testament or a Bible.

Last Sunday at Box Hill during an internationally flavoured service I heard the scripture for the Aussie Bible for the first time. It was refreshing so here is part of the reading from Luke...

The angel said to her, 'G'day Mary. You are a pretty special sheila. God has his eye on you.'
Mary went weak at the knees, and wondered what was going on.
But the angel said to her, 'Don't panic, don't chuck a wobbly. God thinks you're okay. You're about to become pregnant, and you'll have a son, and you're to call him Jesus. He will be a very big wheel, and will be called the Son of God Most High. God will give him the throne of his father, your ancestor, King David, and he will be in charge of the whole show forever.'

Sure not everyone is going to appreciate it or understand it but every new attempt in getting the scriptures to those to whom it makes no sense is truly worth it. So well done Kel in spreading the word of God in a fresh way.

Just a thought.

Cycling

a Jesus thought...
"Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don't doubt God, you'll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you'll tell, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God." (Matthew 21:21-22)

a Godly thought...
The church can never tolerate any limits set to the love and service of the brethren. (p232 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
A leader must lead by example, this takes dedication, stamina, courage, fairness, honesty, patience, and persistence. (p185 Barber)
a Dave thought...

This week I have taken up an invite by Dave Barker (Camberwell Salvos) to join some cycling groups. The first group I went with is called the Mailing Room Ride they leave at 6am Tuesdays & Thursdays & the second group the Red Rooster Ride leaves at 7am on Saturdays they are both named by the starting points on Canterbury Road.

After completing the two 30km+ rides I realise once again the value of training in community. As we chat along the way we not only learn heaps about bike gear, technique, and training tips but we also get a glimpse of each others lives.

I'm sure JC did the whole discipleship thing with 12 for this very purpose not only for learning and supporting but when things go bad or you get a flat tyre at the back of the pack you are not left alone.

Just a thought.

Traditions

a Jesus thought...
"Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first." (Matthew 20:17)

a Godly thought...
Church order is divine both in origin and character, though of course it is meant to serve and not to rule. (p227 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
While an intimate knowledge of ourselves is indispensable to sound leadership, so is a thorough knowledge of those with whom we work. (p183 Barber)

a Dave thought...
Last night we spent the evening at Southbank with Kylie's extended family. Over the last 15 years this has become one of our favourite places to visit as we walk, chat, drink coffee or eat ice creams together. This tradition began when we were dating and then extended to a place where we took our friends as married couples and now it has become a favourite hang out for our son Noah. So although our time together at Southbank looks different now with more picnics and bikes the place we visit is still the same.
This tradition is something we enjoy as it has been with us for a generation and as we pass on the experiences we value to our children they too associate the time at Southbank with relaxation, fun and food. Tradition is often seen as a negative thing in the church but like all experiences if we pass on our positive activities together and modify them to suit the next generation I'm sure they will last the test of time.

Just a thought.

Goals

a Jesus thought...
"Why do you question me about what's good? God is the One who is good. If you want to enter the life of God, just do what he tells you." (Matthew 19:7)

a Godly thought...
The Word moves of its own accord, and all the preacher has to do is to assist that movement and try to put no obstacles in its path. (p225 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
A leader whose dedication to the task at hand is balanced by his concern for others, will be able to view the whole situation with proper discernment. (p180 Barber)

a Dave thought...

Yesterday I played golf with Major Winton Knop my corps officer. We have playing golf together weekly now for over 5 years and know each others games pretty well. As he has a handicap of 11 he hits the ball very well and often scores around 80. Well yesterday he hit his best score ever - 71! Winton's goal for the year was to have a single-figure handicap and as a result of his round yesterday his new handicap is 9.4 so he did it with 5 days to spare. For him to achieve this goal was huge and he was absolutely rapt!
I am a big one for setting goals and so as we are about to approach the new year I write 3 goals in these 8 different categories...

• spiritual
• physical
• educational
• family
• home
• financial
• relational
• ministry

Sure you don't always achieve them all but I like to have direction in my life and have something to aim at. For those that find this way too programmed just make sure you achieve something along the way.

Just a thought.

RSA

a Jesus thought...
I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me. (Matthew 18:3-5)

a Godly thought...
The temple is the place where the glorious presence of God condescends to dwell among men, and also the place where God receives his people. (p222 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Great leaders who have turned the tide of national and spiritual decline have likewise been men who could be aroused to anger at the social and moral injustices that were current in their day. (p175 Barber)

a Dave thought...from The Age
According to the 2006 census, Australia has 8 million Catholics and Anglicans alone, but on any given Sunday only a million or so are in church. That changes at Easter, which is Christianity's holiest day, and even more at Christmas, its best loved.
There are more than 1500 churches in Melbourne, and many began early with family services on Christmas Eve, designed particularly for children.
St Francis' in Lonsdale Street in the city is Australia's busiest church, with more than 13,000 at its services every week. Yesterday was busier still: the Catholic church had a video screen in the foyer to cope with the overflow, plus a tent with a giant video screen in the car park.

It is interesting to note that only about 12% of Catholics and Anglicans attend church any given Sunday. Although some of us Salvos have thrived ourselves on being a church of action and service we somehow seem to becoming similar in our attendances. I remember an old man once saying 'there are no spectators in the Army' and that was one of our strengths. Well maybe we are becoming like many other churches as we seem to have many who now come occasionally and then we are happy to spectate rather than participate. Maybe like the RSL it is time to launch the RSA the Retired Services Army, a place where you can just turn up whenever you want and hang out and enjoy each others company with those that used to fight.

Just a thought.

JC's Birthday

Dave thought...

I know this sounds shallow but one of the best things about Christmas for me is the food! My wife is a wonderful cook & being a wonderful eater myself, we make a great combination.

As we have attended numerous family celebrations and parties to over these last few weeks I am thankful for all great people we have around us and relationships that help us through life.

Unfortunately after chatting with a policeman friend he said that Christmas night is one of the busiest in the calender for them. He went on to explain that there are so many domestic abuse and violent altercations at homes on this night as broken families try and put the past behind them and spend time together. What normally results is as the alcohol kicks in family members start saying what they really think and the disputes begin. It is ironic really as the reason we get together is to party for the man who brought peace on earth, but for many it ends us being just the opposite.

Just a thought.

Carols Service

a Jesus thought...
"Because you're not yet taking God seriously," said Jesus. "The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move!' and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn't be able to tackle." (Matthew 17:20-21)

a Godly thought...
The Scriptures do not present us with a series of Christian types to be imitated according to choice: they preach to us in every situation the one Jesus Christ. (p204 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
The principles Nehemiah used including that of sound democratic regulation should be employed by all corporations and church groups to govern the people. (p155 Barber)
a Dave thought...

Last night was our Carols service at Box Hill, where we sing ten of the most popular Christmas Carols and have the scriptures read to us. As like the last five or so years the hall was packed with over 400 present and up to 100 in the foyer. It is one of the few events we have at our church that attracts people of all ages across our four congregations.

Carols like no other music style bring unity and for whatever reason everyone is happy to tolerate a traditional Christmas gathering. It seems that music style is always the determining factor on who will sit or come to a particular service but all the personal preferences are forgotten as we get ready for Jesus' birthday.

So yeah it would be great to gather all ages, cultures & classes of our community together every week together for worship but unless we sing carols all year round for some reason we won't all attend. Anyway we have enough carols now with 116 in the book so maybe we just add the weekly carols service every week to the Sunday schedule & it will solve our unity problem, and the bonus is everyone will understand what we're singing about. Who's in?

Just a thought.

Alcohol

a Jesus thought...
Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. (Matthew 16:24)

a Godly thought...
He who offers a cup of cold water to the weakest and poorest who bears no honourable name has ministered to Christ himself, and Jesus Christ will be his reward. (p197 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
When we forget God's absolutes, we lack the discernment we need to face different kinds of situations. (p127 Barber)

a Dave thought...from the Baptist Standard
Wade Burleson, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, Okla., recently wrote on his blog a satirical list of 10 reasons why tea and coffee drinkers should be excluded from Southern Baptist leadership and missions service.
Burleson—whose earlier blog postings nearly led to his removal as an International Mission Board trustee—poked fun at many of the arguments traditionally used to promote total abstinence from alcohol by applying them to the use of tea and coffee.
“Drinking tea leads a person to addition to caffeine,” he wrote. “There might be some who allege that drinking just one or two glasses of tea does not lead to caffeine addiction. This is technically true, but unfortunately, not all Christians who partake in moderate tea drinking can stop with just a couple of glasses.
“It is not uncommon for Christian men and women to progress from tea, to coffee, to 64-ounce colas or Mountain Dews. Where does it stop? How does one know when the line of addiction has been crossed? If caffeine is addictive, then why play with fire?”
Knowing how to take a firm stand against something destructive without making it into “forbidden fruit” that seems irresistibly attractive can be challenging, Broyles noted. Even so, he hopes Baptists don’t water down their views on alcohol consumption too much.
“I’d hate to think we’re softening our stand on this issue when it’s causing such untold problems in families—when it’s at the root of so much physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse,” he said.

It is interesting to note that the baptists continue to debate alcohol consumption. Although I have many young adults who still believe our stance is too extreme, I believe having high standards of personal discipline is better than lowering the bar. We can lower the bar of how we do church, but we must raise the bar of what it means to be a disciple of Christ and then we will raise the standard of what church truly is.

Just a thought.

Candidates

a Jesus thought...
He then called the crowd together and said, "Listen, and take this to heart. It's not what you swallow that pollutes your life, but what you vomit up." (Matthew 15:10-11)

a Godly thought...
How difficult it is to draw the line with certainty between spiritual wisdom and worldly astuteness! (191 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Our future survival survival depends upon the success of our programs in leadership development. (p118 Barber)

a Dave thought...
Kylie & I had a great conversation the other night with a young lady considering officership. She couldn't believe how good it all sounded - live in community for 2 years while studying God's word, having a life time ministry focused towards the marginalised, and having all your lifestyle requirements looked after so you can live lightly and never have to buy any assets or get into debt. She shared about the opportunity to serve God in many varied opportunities and locations, including overseas, as this also suits the way young people want to do ministry.
Although she is new to the Salvos she has a great heart and her look at this full time calling is refreshing.
Why is it that we seem to have to try and talk people into this amazing opportunity for ministry, surely there is no better way to do ministry in today's world.

God is still calling quality young people today to officership and the future is looking good.

Just a thought.

Healesville

a Jesus thought...
As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. (Matthew 14:22-23)

a Godly thought...
They must heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead and drive out devils. The message becomes an event, and the event confirms the message. (p185 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
A man has not more character than he can command in a crisis. (p110 Barber)

a Dave thought...
Healesville is a beautiful place. Yesterday I spent a few hours their with Graeme Mawson the new CO who begins his work their in early 2008. It was great to pray and and dream as we visited the corps, the "care & wear" shop, the E+ centre and the centre of town itself. Graeme as he was sharing his passion and ideas with me yesterday in a way was writing his Darkest England and the Way Out. As this book by Booth had 76 pages describing the problems of the country and 200 pages for the solutions.
Graeme has had a unique journey which is the opposite to most as he started in THQ in admin, moved to DHQ and was then appointed as a Lieutenant in Youth & Children's work and is going to the front line to head up the work in Healesville. I thank God for Graeme and know that God will continue to use him in fresh ways to extend His kingdom, and even though he will be stretched it is well worth the promotion from DHQ to ministry on the field.

Just a thought.

Raffles

a Jesus thought...
"God's kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic—what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field. (Matthew 13:44)

a Godly thought...
No power in the world could have united these men for a common task, save the call of Jesus. (p183 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Nehemiah's prayer life was important. It linked him with the world of reality. (p102 Barber)

a Dave thought...
Last night was the Christmas Carols Night at our son's primary school. As the school was attempting to raise some funds it got all students to raise money through selling raffle tickets. As my wife is such a Salvo but also generous instead of not taking part in selling tickets she just gave $10 to the school and handed the tickets back in. As the tickets had Noah's name on them and no one else had 10 tickets the odds were then stacked in his favour.
So he won not only first prize but also third prize!! I was there playing in the Salvo band with Box Hill and with the CO present it was interesting to note the various reactions amongst the Salvos present.

In relation to raffles etc I think of our covenant I will abstain from alcoholic drink, tobacco, the non-medical use of addictive drugs, gambling, pornography, the occult and all else that could enslave the body or spirit.

Well we probably didn't get it quite right last night but it is sometimes hard to find balance with rules, showing generosity and being involved in community, well technically Noah was the participant not Kylie but what is most important for me is that we are part of the school environment and support this great community.

Just a thought.

Nealson

a Jesus thought...
"There is far more at stake here than religion. If you had any idea what this Scripture meant—'I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual'—you wouldn't be nitpicking like this. The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath; he's in charge." (Matthew 12:6-8)

a Godly thought...
Jesus is looking for help, for he cannot do the work alone. (p181 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Without singleness of purpose, there can be no adequate leadership. (p93 Barber)

a Dave thought...

Nealson Munn is a man worth getting to know. I have just had the privilege in working with Nealson on our book INSANE. He arrived in Australia where I picked him up from Melbourne airport three months ago to the day, and it seems everyday since we have been discussing elements of our literary project.

At 12.30am this morning we just had our farewell supper for him at Stokers.

In these three months Nealson has not only managed to write a 200 page book but also befriend many people and have a profound influence on so many of us by his polite and engaging manner. The research and writing he has done for the book is so thorough and as he is a true perfectionist, the quality of his work is outstanding.

So you can do yourself a favour and get a copy of this riveting piece of literature or better still meet the man behind the book as he is well and truly a quality guy.

Thanks Nealson for the this fast paced three month journey, I'm sure you agree its been worth it, and a time we will look back on with great memories.

Just a thought.

Come or Go?

a Jesus thought...
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (John 11:28-30)

a Godly thought...
Jesus knows only one possibility: simply surrender and obedience, not interpreting it or applying it, but doing and obeying it. (p175 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Nehemiah evaluated the problem in the light of the Word of God and called upon the leaders to conform to His revealed will. (p83 Barber)
a Dave thought...

As I was in City Temple twice in the last week I could not help but notice the verse on the wall in massive letters, Come to me, all ye who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 28:11) As I was considering the relevance of the verse to Melbourne 614 it makes total sense as Brendan Nottle and his team are continually working and serving around the clock 24/7 to help spread the gospel across the inner city.

I also imagined when the verse was originally painted on the wall as a large backdrop for the platform, we as army were engaged in full on mission constantly on the front line. As guys like Herbert Booth (1862-1926) led the Australasian Territory they were continually innovating, travelling and doing anything possible to bring others to Jesus. Worship meetings make a lot more sense when we are engaged in active mission then when we take time out to connect with God - it is empowering and does rest our soul. If we never engage in mission and only turn up on Sundays we would more likely need a verse such as ''Go into all the world".

So if you are turning up on Sundays and the worship service doesn't do it for you, try ministering to others in need 24/7 and it will somehow make a lot more sense. You see the mission should be our focus and the Sunday meeting was a chance to rest the weary soul, but somehow we seem to have made the meeting the focus and we now rest during the week.

Just a thought.

Worship

a Jesus thought...
"Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.” (Matthew 10:6-8)

a Godly thought...
To be called to a life of extraordinary quality, to live up to it, and yet to be unconscious of it is indeed a narrow way. (p170 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
We should expect pressure. Learning how to handle it without losing our emotional balance, however, takes time. (p67 Barber)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday was full of meetings and events and opportunities to worship. In the morning I attended the 614 worship service where two soldiers were enrolled and their eight order graduates were acknowledged. I also was part of the 6pm worship service at Box Hill and then followed that by playing in ‘Come Celebrate’ a large carol gathering of over 5000 people in Nunawading.

But perhaps the act of worship yesterday that had the most significance was taking Scottish Dave down to Patterson Lakes to see his 11 year-old son, Callum on an access visit. As Dave (who has a brain injury) has not seen him for over six months it was quite a deal and although there was no music, lights, or even a stage God was still there and somehow I think He liked what He saw.

Just a thought.

Time Mag honours Bell

a Jesus thought...
Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: 'I'm after mercy, not religion.' I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders." (Matthew 9:12-13)

a Godly thought...
Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. (p165 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
A leader must have an infectious optimism, and the determination to persevere in the face of difficulties. (p64 Barber)
a Dave thought... from TIME magazine

Evangelicalism worries chronically about its youth. Polling by the evangelically oriented Barna research group shows that at least half of regular churchgoers ages 16 to 29 think their church is too judgmental, too political and too negative about homosexuality. Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow describes today's young adults as spiritual "tinkerers."
Bell, 37, is guilty of none of the negatives. He is largely apolitical, thinks that only those with gay friends are positioned to judge homosexuality--and he tinkers marvelously. At 28, he founded a megachurch that threw out the conventional sermon-and-worship service and instantly drew thousands of attendees. He has sold hundreds of thousands of books with titles like Velvet Elvis and Sex God that find the sacred in the profane. And he has created a form of video message he calls Nooma (phonetic Greek for spirit or breath) that may make him to YouTube what Graham was to the arena. "He could be one of the most important 21st century Christian leaders," says Bible professor and evangelical blogger Ben Witherington. He and several other thinkers feel that in a "post-Christian America," whose basic assumptions are increasingly secular, the faith needs someone who can defend its tenets in the argot of the day. Bell does this effortlessly. The question now is whether he can sell his approach to the rest of Evangelicalism or whether, as Christianity Today editor Andy Crouch puts it, he will "remain more of a singular rock star in the church world."

Watching Bell there, I found it easy to see his appeal to the young. He delivers stand-up-style monologues, not three-point sermons. Comic riffs alternate with seemingly naive questions--Letterman crossed with NPR'S Ira Glass--until Bell tightens the rhetorical noose and produces tears or thoughtful silence. His stagecraft is legendary. To illustrate a passage from Leviticus on sacrifice, Bell brought on a live goat, which he released--underlining Jesus' role as the last and greatest sin offering--intoning, "The goat has left the building."

I am one who finds Rob Bell refreshing and the way he has come on to the scene with a message of hope that understands the culture of today is what people find so attractive. He now has 11,000 attend Mars Hill weekly & has sold 1.2 million Nooma DVDs, interesting though he never wanted to be a pastor of a mega church, but somehow still ended up there.

Just a thought.

Noah & Josiah

a Jesus thought...
"First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life." (Matthew 8:22)

a Godly thought...
Kindness starts from the heart and ends with extended hands. -Jose B. Cabajar

a leading thought...
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."
— Abraham Lincoln

a Dave thought...
Last night I had an INSANE evening working on our new book with Perri & Nealson till 2.30am. It is looking awesome as the research and descriptive writing that Nealson has done is amazing and along with the very creative typesetting that Perri is doing this book will be a treat but most importantly super inspiring!

As I slept in today Noah is blogging and he writes...
I go under the chair with a blanket and am a monster and then Josiah pulls it off and I say boo. To make him smile I pull a smile at him then he pulls a smile at me.

Just a thought.

The Revolution of Grace

a Jesus thought...
"But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards." (Matthew 7:26-27)

a Godly thought...
The life of discipleship can only be maintained so long as nothing is allowed to come between Christ and ourselves. (p154 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Nehemiah was able to function both as a task specialist and a socio-emotional expert, and leaders today also need to play both these roles to be highly effective. (p57 Barber)

a Dave thought...
Last night I attended the Order 614 graduation dinner. As the remaining eight members received their certificates it was fascinating to hear some of the stories and experiences they have been through this year.

During the evening Dr Reverend David Wilson gave an address title the Revolution of Grace, which was based on Matthew 9,10 & 11. He highlighted verses from the message translation about "going to the lost confused people right here in the neighbourhood'' and encouraged the order graduates on how they were fulfilling scripture by the way they had ministered 24/7 in the the city of Melbourne. He concluded with the thought that if you keep company with God you'll learn to live freely & lightly and to help one person at a time is all that Jesus requires from us. David shared with us that all Jesus required of us is to give a glass of water to a person that is thirsty, so lets live simply so others can simply live.

Just a thought.

Usmas

a Jesus thought...
When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. (Matthew 6:4)

a Godly thought...

Jesus bids his disciples to persevere in the practices of humiliation, but not to force them on other people as a rule or regulation. (p153 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
When once a person or a group begins to do something for God's glory, opposition is only a stone's throw away. (p42 Barber)
a Dave thought...

Last night I was part of Carol Service at Inala Village. Box Hill band & singing company along with Waverley timbrels were part of a concert that featured a very religious Santa Claus. My son Noah, commented about how good it was to meet the real Santa and said before he had only met his helpers.

Well as much as Christmas is a fun, but busy month of the year it seems to create a lot of selfishness too. As my son keeps adjusting his Christmas list and telling us another thing he wants, I have to acknowledge Christmas is way more about us than the birthday we are preparing for, so we have somehow put the us back into usmas.

Anyway it is sad that we have to spend so much money and turn the biggest birthday of the year into a spend fest but if we didn't unfortunately few would join in.

Just a thought.

RE

a Jesus thought...
"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.” (Matthew 5:8)

a Godly thought...
Prayer does not aim at any direct effect on the world; it is addressed to God alone, and is therefore the perfect example of undemonstrative action. (p146 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Good questions help to clarify situations as well as dispel doubt and suspicion. (p34 Barber)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday I attended my son’s Religious Education concert at Birralee primary school. It was good to see the message of Christmas shared and what I was particularly impressed with was the gift of a bible to every grade 6 student as they graduate to high school in the new year.
Although the ladies did their best I had to admit having bad memories of very boring RE classes when I attended school. It makes me ask the question are we best to have RE in all primary schools regardless of how boring or irrelevant it is taught or are we doing Christianity a disservice?
Why is it that only older ladies volunteer to do RE and even though they do their best use very old material, ancient songs and sometimes leave primary school students so bored with their lack of creativity? Well the challenge is to us younger guys to make ourselves available or help provide those that kindly volunteer with fresh material otherwise PS children across Australia may continue thinking God as old, obsolete and not worth having a relationship with.

Just a thought.

RAW Leaders

a Jesus thought...
From there he went all over Galilee. He used synagogues for meeting places and taught people the truth of God. God's kingdom was his theme—that beginning right now they were under God's government, a good government! (Matthew 4:23)

a Godly thought...
Our activity must be visible, but never be done for the sake of making it visible. (p141 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought... (Nehemiah and the dynamics of effective leadership by Cyril J.Barber)
The force of prayer is greater than any possible combination of man-controlled powers, because prayer is man's greatest means of tapping the infinite resources of God. (p25 Barber)

a Dave thought...
Last night it was my privilege to take the RAW leaders (Box Hill Youth) out to say thanks for all their work & commitment. When I decided to take on the youth ministry 6 months ago to fill a hole that had been left, I asked the leaders to sign a covenant that included soldiership and these 12 committed themselves to heavy program and to high personal standards.
So as I tried to be creative I thought I would take them on a mystery bus tour which was actually a 3 stop dessert extravaganza. Winton & June Knop treated us with crepes at 8pm, Sonia & Scott Jeffrey followed this up with mini pavlovas at 9pm & we concluded at 10pm in Collingwood with fruit kebabs with Heather, Danielle & Shaun. It was a sweet night:)
So thanks to Perri, Miriam, Steve, Dustin, Andy, Ryan, Amanda, Kirsten, Phoebe, Kat, Rachel & Dave. Youth ministry is not always easy but without leaders who are willing to commit and learn through the good and tough times it is not even possible.

Just a thought.

Bankrupt Teens

a Jesus thought...
"I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama—compared to him I'm a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He's going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he'll put out with the trash to be burned." (Matthew 3:11-12)

a Godly thought...
Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemies hatred, the greater his need of love. (p133 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Like it or not, leadership is dealing with people. If you refuse to develop the necessary skills to work with people you will never be a leader. (p147 Newman)
a Dave thought...

KATE'S phone is running hot with calls from debt collectors keen to reclaim their share of the $25,000 she has borrowed but is unable — or unwilling — to pay back. Now Kate will join the more than 2000 young people a year who declare themselves bankrupt.
The 19-year-old's problems started when she borrowed $18,000 for a new Holden Barina and signed a $150-a-month mobile phone plan.
Despite having no assets and doing only casual work in a city call centre, Kate was approved for finance for both the car and phone, bills she struggled to pay from the start.
Just six months after using credit she clearly could not afford, Kate consolidated her debts with a major bank but despite early attempts to pay the $240 a fortnight owing, she quickly fell behind.
A night out drinking ended with her crashing her car into a pole, invalidating her insurance.
The prospect of being denied credit for at least seven years scares her, but she sees it as the only option.

The trend of teenage debt is at an all time high and although many just accept it and say it something we just have to learn to live with I think it is setting young people up badly for life. Teenagers not only get credit card debts, but also mobile phone bills, then we add on that HECS sometimes just because they think they need to go to Uni even if they never use the degree and they are off to a life bound by obligations to financial institutions that end up owning them.

One of the great things about my recent move to commissioned officership is it allowed me to sell my house and car and live debt free for the first time in 13 years. Some have commented and suggested it must be scary not owning anything of significance but I have actually found it very freeing to not owe anyone any money whatsoever. Maybe that verse about not having two masters is in the bible for a reason?

I still remember listening to a preach on this by Michael Collins (Canada) at ACC04 on how he chose to rent and how he really felt that God is only able to direct our lives fully when we are debt free and not bound to obligations placed on us by others. I was challenged by this sermon at the time and never forgot the words Michael spoke that day, and now it is a reality for me it makes even more sense.

Just a thought.

Paul & Sara's Wedding

a Jesus thought...
Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, "Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I'll join you at once in your worship." (Matthew 2:7-8)

a Godly thought...
The cross is the only power in the world which proves that suffering love can avenge and vanquish evil. (p130 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
High-performing leaders exhibit exceptional determination in pursuing their objectives, they never let up until they succeed. (p145 Newman)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday was the wedding of my brother-in-law Paul Hamilton to Sara Shearer it was a beautiful service and followed by a lavish reception. The picturesque couple above is my son Noah, with Eva Hamilton, his cousin and the flower girl.
Your wedding day is one of those occasions in your life which you never forget and the start of a life time covenant you make towards each other. Unfortunately in our country the average marriage lasts only seven years and as many couples choose to now live together for many years instead of taking the option to get married as there seems to be less and less interest in life long covenants.
I actually love being married & I'm sure Paul & Sara will also find the coming years together as the best in their lives.

Just a thought.

WWJB?

a Jesus thought...
While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—'God saves'—because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20-22)

a Godly thought...
We cannot follow Christ unless we live in revealed truth before God and man. (p125 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Just as the body is what the body is fed, in the same way the mind is what the mind is fed. (p138 Newman)
a Dave thought...

What Would Jesus Buy? follows Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir as they go on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse: the end of mankind from consumerism, over-consumption and the fires of eternal debt!
From producer Morgan Spurlock (SUPER SIZE ME) and director Rob VanAlkemade comes a serious docu-comedy about the commercialization of Christmas. Bill Talen (aka Reverend Billy) was a lost idealist who hitchhiked to New York City only to find that Times Square was becoming a mall. Spurred on by the loss of his neighborhood and inspired by the sidewalk preachers around him, Bill bought a collar to match his white caterer’s jacket, bleached his hair and became the Reverend Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping. Since 1999, Reverend Billy has gone from being a lone preacher with a portable pulpit preaching on subways, to the leader of a congregation and a movement whose numbers are well into the thousands.
Through retail interventions, corporate exorcisms, and some good old-fashioned preaching, Reverend Billy reminds us that we have lost the true meaning of Christmas. What Would Jesus Buy? is a journey into the heart of America – from exorcising the demons at the Wal-Mart headquarters to taking over the center stage at the Mall of America and then ultimately heading to the Promised Land … Disneyland.
Will we be led like Sheeple to the Christmas slaughter, or will we find a new way to give a gift this Christmas? What Would Jesus Buy? may just be the divine intervention we’ve all been searching for.

This movie was released yesterday in the states & grabs my attention by the sheer fact that we are so caught up in consumerism throughout the year, but especially at Christmas. I have no idea about the quality of the movie or how much it is mocking the American Evangelical church but if it gets a few more of us to think about how much more money we spend at the shops just because it is JC's birthday maybe it is a good thing.

Just a thought.

Funerals

a Jesus thought...
15After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." (John 21:15)

a Godly thought...
If we despise our brother our worship is unreal, and it forfeits every divine promise. (p116 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Innovation creates opportunity, quality creates demand, but it takes team work to make it happen. (p123 Newman)

a Dave thought...
This picture above captures the enormity of William Booth's funeral in August 1912. It is reported that 150,000 mourners filled the streets that day and all the leading figures in the world sent their messages of sympathy.

King George wrote: Only in the future shall we realize the good wrought by him for his fellow creatures. Today there is universal mourning for him. I join in it.
Queen Alexandra, the Queen Mother, who also sent a wreath of flowers from the royal gardens at Sandringham, wrote: Thank God, his work will live for ever.
The Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany explicitly commanded that a wreath should be placed on the coffin by Baron von Bulow. A wreath was also received from King George and Queen Mary. King Christian of Denmark sent a message, as did President Taft of the U.S.A.

A few years ago I conducted my first funeral and it was the result of a methadone overdose by a mother (33yo) and daughter (15yo) it was an incredibly sad story of wasted lives and a lot of rejection, there were 12 people in attendance that day.

Funerals in a small way lets the world know what impact a life has had on a community. William Booth did have a massive impact and it has a lot to do with his words at age 15 that he prayed and lived out consistently... God shall have all there is of William Booth.

Just a thought.

The Turnaround Uniform

a Jesus thought...
"So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing." (John 20:29)

a Godly thought...
It is not enough to teach the law of Christ, it must be done, otherwise it is no better than the old law. (p114 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Leadership not only involves knowing where you are going but also how to effectively work with people. (p115 Newman)

a Dave thought...

After travelling to Perth on the weekend and being congratulated on being a Salvo and people wanting to chat with me I have been thinking of the movements early days in the 1880's and the history I have read. It seems to me that instead of Salvationists being applauded and offered money that they were booed and heckled. The stories go so far as they were often pelted with eggs and tomatoes and the ladies wore bonnets for protection fom missiles.

So should we proud that we have turned our public appreciation around in 129 years and now we are one of the biggest money attracting charities in the world, or would we rather be out and about disturbing the status quo and upsetting the masses with a radical gospel? Obviously it would be great to do both but somehow it seems to get hard when we serve two masters.

Just a thought.

INSANE

a Jesus thought...
11Jesus said, "You haven't a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. That's why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault." (John 19:11)

a Godly thought...
A community of Jesus which seeks to hide itself has ceased to follow him. (p106 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Don't lead your team with a whip, give them a dream and help them reach it. (p113 Newman)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday I spent some quality time working on our new book INSANE: the stories of crazy Salvos who changed the world. The idea of the book is to educate young people on 10 innovation stories of The Salvation Army & then inspire them to apply the principles of these innovations and be innovative Salvos today. We are hoping to launch the book at Make Change in NZ in January 08.
Nealson Munn from the USA, has been doing a fabulous job with the research and the majority of the writing for the book and it is progressing very well. The book has been supported by so many people and we especially appreciate the support of Lindsay Cox who is in charge of the Archives t the back of 69 Bourke Street.
I personally am fascinated by the history of our movement and love discovering amazing facts about the early salvos who would risk their lives and reputations to engage in the mission. But what I am even more excited about is the potential of our young Salvos, who when they understand what we are about and connect with God, get fired up and start taking risks that will change the world today.

Just a thought.

Basketball

a Jesus thought...
Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice. (John 18:37)

a Godly thought...
The followers of Jesus have been called to peace. When Jesus called them they found their peace, for He is their peace. (p102 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
As a leader, develop close friends. (p108 Newman)
a Dave thought...
Last night it was great to be a part of the Salvation Army Basketball Association Victoria's end of year dinner. As 37 teams & over 300 people are involved every Monday night Lt. Graeme Mawson has done an awesome job keeping the competition running so smooth over the last 3 & a half years.
Sports ministry is an area we are really yet to make the most of in Australia. Melbourne itself is known as the sporting capital of the world and as our culture is saturated with sporting teams & competitions I often wonder how we can make the most of this area. Stories of marginalised young people who find value and acceptance by just being part of a sporting team are always great to hear, and something I'm sure we need to continue to provide.
In Melbourne as we welcomed more people into the church in the 60's churches would build tennis courts next to their buildings, then in the 80's it seemed basketball courts were all the go. Now in the 21st century cafes are being built next to or as part of our establishments, but from basketball for teens we now have moved to cafes for the twenty-somethings and older. I love cafes and have even been a part of the creation of Cafe Salvo but wonder why we continue to market the church away from young people today.
We build beautiful halls that often only get used for 1 or 2 hours a week but maybe we are building for ourselves and being a little selfish. Maybe the best option is to bring back the basketball court & then add a cafe at least those spaces would get used everyday and by all ages. As you can't play basketball in the sanctuary but you can always do church on the court.

Just a thought.

Balga

a Jesus thought...
In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I'm consecrating myself for their sakes, so they'll be truth-consecrated in their mission. (John 17:19)

a Godly thought...
Through the call of Jesus people become individuals. Every person is called separately, and must follow alone. (p84 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
When you control your time you accomplish important goals, and have more time for family and friends. Better planning of your time enables you to give yourself more to others. (p96 Newman)
a Dave thought...

It was a great privilege last night to share at the Balga Youth Service. The worship team did a sensational job with Joel leading us & the behind the scenes work in the setting up & cooking by Megan etc was just as impressive! Liz, the youth worker at Balga has an amazing heart and as the leadership team sat around and ate pasta for supper late into the night, her passion to see young people saved and discipled was so evident.

As Liz, at age 50 is the oldest paid youth worker we have in this territory it was a reminder once again that age has very little to do with success in youth ministry, but having the right heart and passion is everything. History tells us we employ most youth workers at 21yo and they last for an average of 18 months, and although it is often not their fault the journey is often bumpy and short.

So maybe the lesson to be learnt is no matter how cool our workers look if they haven't got heart we are probably just setting them up to fail. A wise man once said "man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart", maybe he worked it out right back then and we are just slow to learn.

Just a thought.

WA Youth

a Jesus thought...
I still have many things to tell you, but you can't handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won't draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I've said, 'He takes from me and delivers to you.' (John 16:13-15)

a Godly thought...
The cross is laid on every Christian. The first Christ-suffering which every man must experience is the call to abandon the attachments of this world. (p79 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
Disciplined focus is what distinguishes those who make things happen from those who watch things happen. (p93 Newman)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday it was a privilege to be involved with the graduation of 8 trainees here in WA. Shahe & Darrell (DYs) do a fabulous job in training and equipping youth leaders from across the division. They also encourage them to complete a certificate III or IV in youth work which yesterday was focused on honouring.
It was a great day as we then proceeded to the beach with the young adults from the division and concluded the evening at Cafe 130. Through many insightful one on one conversations with these guys it made me realise the young Salvos coming through are perhaps even more passionate & educated than those of us who have gone before them. So let us continue to resource and believe in our youth today, they are our future and deserve our attention.

Just a thought.

We Love You Guys!

a Jesus thought...
I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. (John 15:5)

a Godly thought...
Only when we have become completely oblivious to self are we ready to bear the cross for his sake. (p78 Bonhoeffer)

a leading thought...
A leader is a person of action and to be a person of action you must master the art of decision-making. (p91 Newman)
a Dave thought...

Yesterday I travelled across here to Perth and as I was wearing my Salvo shirt (epaulets & insignia) the air host (male) spotted me in the plane & yelled out "WE LOVE YOU GUYS". I was actually really stoked as he then went on to explain how the Salvos do such a fantastic job and our country would be a mess without us. I also ended up having a deep conversation with Catriona an air hostess who recognised me as her past teacher in the mid-nineties, and then there was Peter, a young father who works in Melbourne 5 days a week but flies home to his family on weekends.

I've noticed how when I travel with my uniform on I get a lot less work done as everyone seems to want to have a conversation with me. It is like you immediately become the airplane chaplain, then again maybe that is the real work I should be engaged in and should just leave my laptop in the overhead baggage.

Just a thought.