5 hours & 14 minutes

a Biblical thought...
Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the LORD your God. (Lev 25:17)

a Book thought...
Spiritual leaders exercise a significant stewardship in their response to culture. Through their choices, they instruct those they lead. (p74)

a Dave thought...
At the generosity of a good friend I ended up having a great seat at The Australian Open Tennis last night at Melbourne Park. The semi-final between the two Spaniards Nadal & Verdasco was something very special to watch.

It was, simply, the best match of the tournament, played on that sublime plane where desperation and inspiration bid each other up to improbable and then impossible heights, played to a physical, technical and emotional standstill, spoiled only marginally by the anti-climactic finish, Verdasco's weary double fault. It was 1.10am when they were at last done, and still no-one at Rod Laver arena wanted to go home.

As all Aussie crowds do the underdog Verdasco had nearly everyones support and just fell agonisingly short. As much as I love sport it was the first time I had watched a 5 hour & 14 minute tennis match, and it happened to be the longest match in the history of the tournament. Normally I'd find it hard to sit and concentrate for that long but somehow when a contest grabs your attention you could stay there all night.

Just a thought.

Clubbing

a Biblical thought...
Keep my commands and follow them. I am the LORD. Do not profane my holy name. I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the LORD, who makes you holy and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD. (Lev 22:31-33)

a Book thought...
Jesus was not spared the heart-shaping work that God intends for all his leaders. (p69)

a Dave thought...
At cell this week we watched a DVD featuring Major Ivan Bezzant from NZ speaking about kingdom leadership. It was a really refreshing look at leadership and I would recommend this 6 part series if you can get a hold of it.

One of the concepts that stayed with me was the need to get away from a club mentality at church. Ivan suggested that the four things we look for of people that come to church are the same as any community group…

1. attend meetings
2. pay our fees
3. obey the rules
4. become a member

Ivan challenges us that we need to take on a kingdom mentality instead which involves us measuring discipleship by two things, how we are becoming more like Jesus and the people we choose to associate with.

Just a thought.

Atheist Foundation Stopped

a Biblical thought...
You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD. (Lev 18:4-5)

a Book thought...
Not only did Jesus shape that early community, but he also was shaped by them. (p60)

a Dave thought... from The Age
THE Atheist Foundation of Australia has lodged complaints of religious discrimination in Melbourne and Hobart after being refused permission to put atheist advertising on buses.
The AFA raised $16,000 from donations to put signs on buses around the country saying "Atheism — celebrate reason". This followed a London campaign, backed by anti-religion campaigner Richard Dawkins, with signs on buses reading, "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life".
But APN Outdoor, which handles bus advertising in all metropolitan cities except Hobart and Darwin, declined the advertising and refused to give any reason, AFA president David Nicholls said yesterday. Nor would Metro Tasmania in Hobart accept the ads, he said.
A complaint was lodged with the Anti-Discrimination Commission of Tasmania late last year. In Melbourne, AFA member John Perkins emailed a complaint to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission on Tuesday.
"Legally atheism counts as a religion, though we say we're not one," Dr Perkins said.
Mr Nicholls said it was an issue of freedom of expression.
APN's general manager of marketing, Paul McBeth, said public buses were owned by state governments, who stipulated in agreements with APN that any advertisement that might offend the community was not permitted on public buses.

It is interesting the mixed messages people are given everyday of their lives. As some groups like the Salvos attempt to share the hope and love of Jesus with everyone we come in contact with, we have other organisations like the AFA who totally want people to dismiss the idea that there is a God at all. Sad but true.

Just a thought.

Kev's Youth Army

a Biblical thought...
I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. (Lev 11:44)

a Book thought...
Leaders must learn what they can say no to as part of maturing in ordering their life to the voice of God. (p59)

a Dave thought...
PM KEVIN Rudd wants to recruit an army of young volunteers to help the elderly, feed the homeless, and clean up the environment.
In exchange for giving up their time, members of the new Community Corps would get discounts on their university HECS debts. The proposal could attract tens of thousands of volunteers from the 1.3 million Australians with a higher education debt.
The average ex-student has a $12,000 HECS debt, which typically takes more than seven years to pay off.
The scheme could wipe out students' debts as they accumulate hours of community service.
The plan, backed by top business minds and embraced by community and welfare groups, emerged from the Prime Minister's 2020 summit.

This sounds like the PM believes in the young people of this nation, he believes in armies & corps, and in helping the marginalised. I like the guy!

Just a thought.

Australia Day

a Biblical thought...
Moses and Aaron then went into the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. (Leviticus 9:23-24)

a Book thought...
God could have sent a full-blown adult to be the saviour of the world. Instead, the Son of God entered history inside a tiny human frame bound by time, space, and a baby's survival needs. (p55)
a Dave thought...
I must admit to unashamedly loving Australia. I am a huge fan of nearly everything about our great country. I love the diversity in landscape, people, sport, food & the fact that we Aussies love life to the max. We enjoy leisure and the outdoors more than most and always love gathering for an occasion. Yesterday was Australia Day & I had a very Australian day. It began with a bike ride from Moriac down to Torquay (23km) which was just superb with no cars and country landscape. Then at 9am my wider family met at Cosy Corner beach, Mum & Dad, brother John, sister Lyn & 8 kids in total for a BBQ breakfast. After a swim out in the ocean and lots of fun in the waves we headed back to my sisters house to watch the tennis and cricket on TV. We then travelled home via a Richmond Korean restaurant where I attended a 30th party of a Korean friend. Later as I headed home friends dropped over for a drink to welcome Phil Laeger, another international who thinks Australia is a country worth living in. Yes I'm Australian and proud of it.

Just a thought.

Stobie's Installation

a Biblical thought...
Moses did as the LORD commanded him, and the assembly gathered at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. (Leviticus 8:4)

a Book thought...
God uses the commonplace to build character, to expand the leader's heart by layering experience and learning that must be available to the leader for larger assignments. (p45)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday morning at South Barwon Corps it was great to be present at the installation of Lieutenant Aaron Stobie as Assistant Corps Officer. Aaron is the youngest officer in the territory at age 21 but displays amazing confidence and maturity for his age. As he preached with an 'L' Plate on there was no doubt in my mind that Aaron is a real learner and God is working through this young man already. As he concluded his sermon Aaron asked the congregation to gather and pray with him to dedicate themselves and the corps to God. It was evident that God was present as over 50 people from the congregation gathered down at the front for prayer and to support Aaron as begins the journey of officership.

Just a thought.

Slumdog Millionaire

a Biblical thought...
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:34-35)

a Book thought...
When the going gets tough, when doubts crowd in, when fear and uncertainty threaten, the called return to the experience of their call. (p41)
a Dave thought...

This week I went to the cinema to see Slumdog Millionaire and was not disappointed. Although at times this movie is disturbing it is so much more than a couple of hours of entertainment & as you will read below it is inspiring the young living in the slums of India. Take the time to go and see this amazing movie, the images will stay with you for a long time.

Slumdog Millionaire, which won four Golden Globe awards and ten nominations for the Oscar, has probably been the most talked about movie in recent weeks. Not just for its India-centric storyline but also its music composer AR Rahman, who after having won a Golden Globe, now has three Oscar nominations
to his credit.

He used the Slumdog Millionaire anecdote in this context, canvassing for more funds to promote entrepreneurship among the poor. "A slum like Dharavi in Mumbai is humming with business ideas and innovation, so we have to reach out to these people. Formal education does not necessarily measure success. Men and women are innovative and are willing to take the risk of starting a business venture," he said. Besides the movie example, Chidambaram also cited instance of a girl in a Delhi slum who started a beauty salon with a government loan. He said such efforts from the government helped in creating in more self-employment amongst the slum dwellers.

Just a thought.

Obama changes IT policy on arrival

a Biblical thought...
The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them. (Exodus 39:42-43)

a Book thought...

The cauldron of conflict shapes the heart of the leader. Each instance forces a redefinition of the leader's mission, values, and actions. (p29)

a Dave thought... from The Age
Obama, who has long expressed his desire to stay connected with people and ideas outside of his inner circle of advisors, almost had to give up his BlackBerry to satisfy strict security regulations.
The dilemma was almost solved earlier this month when Obama accidentally dropped his beloved device on an airport tarmac in Washington, prompting a Secret Service agent to hustle to pick it up.
But today, the White House said Obama would be allowed to use the BlackBerry but only in a limited way and the device would be upgraded with enhanced security software.
"The President has a BlackBerry through a compromise that allows him to stay in touch with senior staff and a small group of personal friends in a way that use will be limited," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.
Obama was glued to his BlackBerry while on the campaign trail but feared he would have to give it up once taking office as all presidential emails - even personal ones - are considered public records and therefore subject to disclosure once the president leaves office.

Just a thought.

Start Missional

a Biblical thought...
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. (Exodus 34:29)

a Book thought...
Leaders who are gripped by a call from God do well to remember that they serve the call. The call is not given to serve them. The initiative and substance of the call belong to God. (p27)

a Dave thought... from Alan Hirsch
In a remark ascribed to Gordon Cosby, the pioneering leader of that remarkable community, Church of the Savior in Washington. DC, he noted that in over 60 years of significant ministry, he had observed that no groups that came together around a non-missional purpose (i.e. prayer, worship, study, etc.) ever ended up becoming missional. That it was only those groups that set out to be missional in the first place (while embracing prayer, worship, study, etc. in the process) that actually got to doing it. This observation fits with all the research done by Carl George and others that indicate that the vast majority of church activities and groups, even in a healthy church, are aimed at the insiders and fail to address the missional issues facing the church in any situation.

An organizing principle is that which an organization structures its life and activities around. It’s hard to imagine a sports team surviving long if it forgets its primary mission to compete and win each game and eventually to win the grand final context in its league. Winning the prized cup, medal, or award, keeps the team focused and integrated. It’s mission is its organizing principle, comradeship takes place along the way. The team experiences communitas as it engages in its core task—when it faces physical challenge and risks failure in order to succeed.

Just a thought.

Glenferrie Outreach

a Biblical thought...
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. (Exodus 31:12)

a Book thought...
Future ministry models will increasingly return to a renewed emphasis on models that value heart integrity and spiritual presence for those who lead spiritual communities. (p23)
a Dave thought...
Last night was an inauguration service not only for Barak Obama but also for Majors Peter & Lyn Lindstrom as the Planting Officers of the Glenferrie Outreach. As we met appropriately in a cafe in Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn it was fitting that the DC Major Ron Clinch conducted the prolonged service. This dream of opening a corps focused on meeting the needs of Swinburne University students in Hawthorn has finally arrived and as we chatted and dreamed a little more, we have no doubt that this will only bear fruit if we hand it all over to God and grow in Him as a new community of people.

Just a thought.

A Prayer

a Biblical thought...
They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God. (Exodus 29:46)

a Book thought...
You may think you have lost your position, or platform, or power, but if you pursue your call, you can still be a player. (p9)

a Dave thought... Rick Warren's Prayer at the Inauguration of Obama

Almighty God, our father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists because of you alone. It all comes form you, it all belongs to you, it all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us, ‘Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one’ and you are the compassionate and merciful one and you are loving to everyone you have made.
Now today we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 43rd time, we celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African American president of the united states. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where a a son of an African Immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.
Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet and every one of our freely elected leaders.
Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans. United not by race or religion or by blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us.
When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. when we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ.
Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all. May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day, all nations, all people will stand accountable before You. We now commit our new president and his wife Michelle and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.
I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life—Yeshua, Esa, Jesus, Jesus—who taught us to pray:
Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name. They kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

You can also watch it @ http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=TeRyC8QJrLI

Just a thought.

Fruit

a Biblical thought...
Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor. 3 Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. (Exodus 28:2-3)

a Book thought...
Moses experienced what all leaders ultimately fear - rejection by the people they are called to lead. (p7)

a Dave thought...
It has been interesting reading through the feedback forms after INSANE. As we had 282 completed it was encouraging that 252 of those indicated they would come to INSANE 2010 if we chose to run it again. We sometimes as leaders tend to over analyse the operations of the event without just asking the average teen what they thought. But the real measure of an event I believe is the fruit that it bears and we will know over the coming months just how much impact these 168 hours really had in the lives of our youth across the territory.

Just a thought.

INSANE a success!

a Biblical thought... Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, "We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey." (Exodus 24:7)

a Book thought... The potential you possess and the authority under which you serve are both gifts from God. (p170)

a Dave thought... INSANE 09 is over and after receiving a lot of feedback and comments I must say it was a success. Sure there were some challenges along the way, especially in the first 48 hours but overall God came through and many young people were impacted by the gospel message. To see so many new relationships formed, to watch teenagers learn about the messages of Jesus and observe them discover more about The Salvation Army was well worth the effort from the 2Love team. As many are now wondering whether there will be an INSANE in 2010 I'm not sure yet but lets continue to encourage our young people no matter the what the future holds.

Just a thought.

General Eva

a Biblical thought...
'You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites. (Exodus 19:4-6)

a Book thought...
A true second chair leader is personally motivated and has a genuine desire for the organisation to succeed. (p167)
a Dave thought...
General Eva Burrows was a guest at INSANE yestrday and like always still manages to grab the attention of our youth. As it was day 7 camp is now coming close to an end and many new friendships have been made across divisions and everyone is into the swing of the event.

Last night was again a powerful time of worship and response. It began with INSANE Live with guest Harry O'Brien who is a christian footballer and plays for Collingwood. Later on Captain Danielle preached and many came forward with 63 responses to soldiership and 24 enquiries for officership. God has been awesome and we thank Him for moving and inspiring so many young people this week.

Just a thought.

Youth Tick Walk

a Biblical thought...
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. (Exodus 15:2)

a Book thought...
If you are committed to personal and spiritual growth, you will leave as a better leader. (p160)
a Dave thought...
Tonight INSANE took part in the Youth Tick Walk through the CBD and finished at Federation Square. When we arrived we were greeted by live bands as well as other guests and artists. We celebrated the fact that the city is a safe place for young people and we all acknowledged we need to do our best to keep it that way.

Just a thought.

Alisa Camplin

a Biblical thought...
By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. (Exodus 13:21-22)

a Book thought...
Some of the dreams in the second chair have to be closely aligned with those of the first chair because of the organisation wide impact. (p146)

a Dave thought...
Alisa Camplin OAM (born 10 November 1974 in Melbourne, Victoria) is an Australian aerial skier who won gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics. At the 2006 Winter Olympics, Camplin finished third, a bronze medal. She is the first Australian to win medals at consecutive Winter Olympics. Alisa competed at the Olympics against doctors' advice – she had injured herself after being caught by a headwind in training a few weeks before. At the time, she was told she had bone bruising, it wasn’t until she was examined by doctors in Salt Lake that she discovered both her ankles were fractured. The doctors were amazed that she was walking, let alone planning to jump.

It has been another great day with all delegates going on day trips and having heaps of fun. Tonight at INSANE Live it was pleasure to have Alisa join us as well as Ex-Collingwood footballer Paul Licuria and Physcologist Michael Carr-Gregg they all added some great thoughts on how to reach your dreams and improve your life.

Just a thought.

103 Decisions at INSANE

a Biblical thought...
But Moses said, "You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the LORD our God. Our livestock too must go with us; not a hoof is to be left behind. We have to use some of them in worshiping the LORD our God, and until we get there we will not know what we are to use to worship the LORD." (Exodus 10:25-26)

a Book thought...
You never know all that God is preparing you for, so take every lesson seriously. (p142)

a Dave thought...
We have just passed half way of our INSANE youth event and already we have seen God do some amazing things through the 84 hours so far. We have raised over $7000 through the pigs that we sent to the delegates to raise money for mission. We are allocating half this money to local mission and the other half to overseas mission

Tonight we had our second worship night of the event with Captain Rowan Castle preaching. It was an amazing night and we thank God for the 103 young people that came forward to give their hearts to Jesus. Today all delegates are going on a day trip ranging from Luna Park, DFO, Great Ocean Road or even the Skate Park. Then later on we are having an open night so if you live around Melbourne and you want to drop in between the hours of 6 till 8.30pm it would be great to see you.

Just a thought.

Thankyou Water

a Biblical thought...
Aaron told them everything the LORD had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. (Exodus 4:30-31)

a Book thought...
As with any gift that God gives us, we should be good stewards of the dreams our Maker has planted in our hearts. (p138)
a Dave thought...

Tonight at INSANE Live we had a chat with the guys from Thankyou Water...

Thankyou Water is a team of young people taking a stand for something most of us take for granted every single day; water. To be a catalyst for change in the bottled water industry, funding solutions to the developing world’s water crisis and in turn reaching out to those who cannot reach out to those who cannot reach out to themselves.

Thankyou Water gives 100% of profits towards water projects in developing nations.Aussies spend approximately $600 million in one year on bottled water. In that same year, over 2 million people die, mostly kids, because they have no access to clean water. Thankyou Water unites these two extremes to give you the opportunity to bridge the gap. To make things right.The purchase of a single bottle of Thankyou Water gives at least one month worth of water for someone in need. This is achieved by funding wells and other water sanitation projects. If you want to get involved, you can help the cause by getting Thankyou Water into more stores. We’ve made this easy to do, simply jump on http://www.thankyouwater.org click “Get Involved”, and we’ll send you out some more information.

Just a thought.

Freedom Walk

a Biblical thought...
God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. (Exodus 2:24-25)

a Book thought...
God made the human heart to dream, and the dream that is most fulfilling of all is the one He has put into your heart. (p136)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday afternoon over 600 of us took part in a Stop The Traffik Freedom Walk from South Yarra to Federation Square. With Steve Chalk the founder of STT leading the way we all grabbed a piece of the 200 metre long rope and dressed in black complete with gags and bar codes on our backs made the 3km trek. When we reached the CBD we obviously drew a lot of attention as we all gathered and prayed and read a declaration that showed our passion to help the victims of human trafficking. It was a really moving time and I felt in union with God Himself as we made a stand for those that cannot stand themselves.

Just a thought.

INSANE Live!

a Biblical thought...
"I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes." (Genesis 46:3-4)

a Book thought...
Your identity in Christ should be your greatest source of contentment. (p130)

a Dave thought...
Although it was full on getting over 600 people registered, some food and a space to sleep we had a great opening day at INSANE. Our feature tonight was INSANE Live, a show based on the ROVE format. It featured Commissioners James & Carolyn Knaggs and Ruth Durnley the Stop The Traffik representative from the UK. Our main concern now is making sure our portable showers are delivered at 6.30am tomorrow as promised. Must get some sleep now as we have boot camp at 7am.

Just a thought.

INSANE starts today!

a Biblical thought...
The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon. (Genesis 41:32)

a Book thought...
Mountain climbers know that the path appearing to be shortest is not always the best or safest route. They know the ascent takes time and planning. (p123)
a Dave thought...
It is now only 8 hours till the start of the biggest territorial youth event we have ever held here in Melbourne - INSANE. Many have worked hard over so many days, weeks & months and I believe it is going to be an amazing 168 hours with 619 fabulous people.

Yesterday had its challenges with the Fire Brigade gracing us with their presence after the production team tested the haze machine, but overall everything is going well. Today 300 interstate delegates fly in and get bussed to Melbourne High School including 19 delegates from New Zealand. Please pray that these 168 hours will be some of the best hours that our young people have ever experienced and that God will do something INSANEly special.

Just a thought.

Melbourne High School

a Biblical thought...
The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. (Genesis 39:2-4)

a Book thought...
Contentment requires a long-term view that grows out of a strong spiritual foundation and continuous pursuit of God's vision for yourself and your organisation. (p121)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday we spent the day setting up Melbourne High School for INSANE. It was fun at times and it is certainly good to see the final picture of the event coming together. MHS is a heritage listed site and has had some prominent people study there over the years. None more than Lindsay Fox the billionaire trucking magnate, who uses the MHS oval as his helipad. So yesterday while we were setting up it was good to have a couple of visits from the man himself and we're hoping he will be a willing volunteer at INSANE.

Just a thought.

Youth Tick Walk

a Biblical thought...
Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel. (Genesis 35:14-15)

a Book thought...
The gap between vision and current reality is a source of creative energy. If there was no gap, there would be no need for any action to move toward the vision. We call this gap creative tension. (p119)
a Dave thought...

One of the events our 619 delegates will be taking part in this week at INSANE is the Youth Tick Walk...

On Friday 16 January the Salvation Army is hosting the “Youth Tick Walk” to celebrate the city and the youth of Melbourne. The Walk was created as a response to the negative publicity that the city and young people have received in recent times. Some of the negative coverage has been warranted, but it’s important to remember that the vast majority of young people are great and deserve to be celebrated. The Youth Tick Walk will commence at 8 pm from the State Library (corner of Swanston St and La Trobe St). Walkers can begin to congregate at 7:15 pm. The route is from Swanston Street to Federation Square, with entertainment along the way. The Walk will be led by the Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle. The finish area at Federation Square will host a concert from 9 pm until 11.30pm. The concert will feature ‘Jahrukus’, ‘Black Dogs’ and ‘Gary Pinto & Band’. Collingwood’s VFL Manager, Paul Licuria, will also be leading a dance competition with great giveaways. The Walk and concert is aimed at the youth, but parents and grandparents are welcome to join. Walkers are encouraged to wear yellow. Yellow is about energy and enthusiasm, and that’s what is celebrated in the youth. There will be prizes for the best dressed walker!

Just a thought.

3 sleeps to go!

a Biblical thought...
Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children. So do whatever God has told you. (Genesis 31:16)

a Book thought...
Being a second chair leader requires you to be a pulse taker, vision amplifier, leader multiplier, and a gap filler. (p100)
a Dave thought...
It is now less than 100 hours till INSANE starts. As we have 590 delegates coming from across the territory, Sydney & NZ & we are looking forward to an incredible week. The event goes for 168 hours to be precise with boot camp, bible studies, active, electives, workshops, carnival, INSANE Live, Uplate as well as a day out and a Stop the Traffic walk. We also are doing performances at Federation Square and Queesnsbridge Square. It will be an amazing time so please pray for everyone involved & that the fruit that comes out of this event will be lasting & most of all from Him.

Just a thought.

Rivalry

Biblical thought...
That night the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham." (Genesis 26:24)

a Book thought...

Any second chair can be a better leader by developing a “how can I help you?” attitude. (p97)
a Dave thought... from christianitytoday.com
We men, in particular, are fond of glibly citing Proverbs 27:17 concerning the way in which "iron sharpens iron" when two strong personalities pursue their differences in a truly Christian context. But too often we flee that ancient wisdom when the sparks from the grating iron begin to fly. There is no evidence of such a costly retreat in the New Testament, all of its unity pleas notwithstanding. Paul and the earliest Judaizers—Christians, all—went at each other hammer and tongs, a fact that neither Paul nor the early church fathers tried to keep under literary wraps even when Paul's anger extended to Peter and James.

Doris Kearns Goodwin concluded that Lincoln's "unprecedented decision to incorporate his eminent rivals into his political family, the cabinet, was evidence of a profound self-confidence and a first indication of what would prove to others a most unexpected greatness." The decision was neither a sign of weakness nor cowardice, but rather of strength and hope. In the end, Lincoln's adversaries were some of his greatest disciples. Seward became one of his closest personal friends and advisors, and Goodwin states that the irascible and always composed Stanton would weep uncontrollably at the mention of Lincoln's name after the assassination. So, too, for Jesus' disciples, men who only hours before his arrest and crucifixion engaged in a juvenile argument over who was to be the greatest among them, but who three days later became a singular, world-changing force. Rivalry and unity, it seems, are cut from the same cloth.

Just a thought.

John Who?

a Biblical thought...
"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." (Genesis 22:12)

a Book thought...

Real teams do not emerge unless the individuals on them take risks involving conflict, trust, interdependence, and hard work. (p87)

a Dave thought...
John Van Wisse was a name I had heard of but when I met him last week at Half Moon Bay I was not aware of his achievements. Well when I got home I decided to google his name and came across this list of achievements…

Australian Record - Portarlington to Frankston Marathon Swim, 40km, 1993
Winner of Manhattan Island 48km Marathon Swim, USA 2000
Australian Record - Fastest Australian to swim the English Channel, 1994
World Record - First ever brother & sister team to swim the English Channel, 1994
Victorian Lifesaver of the Year 1997
Winner of Brighton Baths 5km swim, 1995, 96, 97, 99, 2000, 01, 02
Winner of Brighton Baths Winter Mile swim, (7 deg Celsius, no wetsuit) 1993, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Winner of Victorian State 8km Championships 1995 & 1996
Winner of San Remo Channel Challenge, Phillip Island, 1992, 93, 95 & 97
Royal Lifesaving State Champion Ironman/swim wade/belt race 1995, 96, 97, 98, 99 2000, 2001
Winner Dover to Folkstone 16km swim race (England) 1994

It’s funny how we treat someone normally till we find out that they’ve achieved something amazing in life and then for some reason we idolise them. So last night I headed down to Half Moon Bay this time with my wetsuit and joined in his $6 open water swimming session. It was a lot of fun and I got to meet some great people & although I’m not sure what the $6 was for it was certainly memorable to go swimming with John Van Wisse.

Just a thought.

One Thing

a Biblical thought...
Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife and his slave girls so they could have children again, 18 for the LORD had closed up every womb in Abimelech's household because of Abraham's wife Sarah. (Genesis 20:17)

a Book thought...

The true second chair leader must think organisation first, specific ministry assignment second. (p82)

a Dave thought...
June Knop gave her last sermon at Box Hill yesterday and preached on Philippians 3. Her challenge to each of us as we begin 2009 is to…

Get to Know Jesus
Live like Jesus
Listen to Jesus

As we need to keep our focus on one thing, make it Jesus and our lives will only be the better for it.

Just a thought.

Jesus Bread

a Biblical thought...
He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:5-6)

a Book thought...
Systems thinking helps you understand that a change in one aspect of the congregation ripples through the rest of the body. It is not possible to make one isolated adjustment and maintain the status quo everywhere else. (p77) a Dave thought...
New Zealander is auctioning off a piece of toasted pita bread which looks like Jesus Christ.
The TradeMe online auction shows a photo of the pita bread, which broke into pieces after being put in the oven. One piece, the seller says, resembled the face of Jesus.
"I was tempted to eat it but for some reason I didn't," the seller says in their auction listing.
"I guess what you all want to know is whether it's a coincidence or real apparition. I'm not really sure."
The pita bread piece which measures about 4cm x 3.5cm has no reserve price. The auction ends January 8.

The leading bid is now standing at $NZ215 and if you get time to read some of the comments and questions they are just hilarious. I don't think I will make a bid but it is amazing how anything to do with Jesus still manages to make the news. He surely is an amazing man who the world still is fascinated by.

Just a thought.

Weddings

a Biblical thought...
So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there. (Genesis 12:4-5)

a Book thought...
You cannot be an effective second chair leader, and your ministry will not excel, if you spend all your time trapped inside your silo. (p75)

a Dave thought...
Kylie & I had a really special day yesterday, firstly because we were a part of Kris & Katie's wedding and secondly because we were celebrating our own 16th wedding anniversary. Witnessing a beautiful wedding of two friends & neighbours we have seen grown together and who have a real love for each other was great. The fact that it was also our wedding day many years ago made it even more memorable.

As I read that the national average for the length of a marriage is seven years Kylie and I have done really well comparatively with 16 and my parents are well above average having just reached 45 years. I must admit that I do love being married and love Kylie very much and I'm glad we are committed to each other for life. I pray that as others such as Kris & Katie sign up for better or for worse that they too will have a life-long relationship that will be everything God has in store for them both.

Just a thought.

High School Musical

a Biblical thought...
Noah found favour in the eyes of the LORD. This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. (Genesis 6:8-9)

a Book thought...

Trusting leaders give people the freedom to innovate and take risks. (P63)

a Dave thought...
My six-year-old son Noah has got a new obsession – High School Musical. Over two months ago Noah watched the first of these movies while on a plane. Little did I know that after that first taste he would go on to own the original DVD, the sequel - High Musical 2 and also go to the cinemas to watch High School Musical 3.

It is amazing how quickly children grow up, it was only a couple of years ago that we were watching the Wiggles everyday, we then progressed to Hi-5 along with movies such as Cars, Finding Nemo & Monsters Inc. Well my little boy is now watching High School Musical with real characters and story lines about a dancing, singing sporty guy called Troy. I haven’t seen all three movies as yet but as Noah continues to mimic him as an athlete and vocalist I’m glad he looks like a decent role model so far.

Just a thought.

Old & New

a Biblical thought...
Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD. (Genesis 4:26)

a Book thought...
Having a difference of opinion with your senior pastor is not crossing the line; telling others in the congregation about the disagreement is. (p55)
a Dave thought...
There is something about the New Year that I always love. I think it is the fact that is the start of something new. My wife enjoys normality and would be quite content not to have any change in her life from year to year, on the other hand I really enjoy change and new beginnings. So as we enter 2009 I look forward to the small changes in the year ahead. Kylie starts a new appointment, Noah will be in a new class at school & Josiah will hopefully walk. So I pray 2009 will be a great year and that you will enjoy the new as well as still appreciating the old.

Just a thought.