unChristian

a Biblical thought...
Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet. (2 Kings 13:21)

a Book thought...
Jesus represents truth plus grace. Embracing truth without holding grace in tension leads to harsh legalism, just as grace without truth devolves to compromise. (p36)



a Dave thought...
Welcome to the conversation around the "unchristian: What a New Generation Thinks About Christianity and Why it Matters" By David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. Groundbreaking research into the perceptions of 16 to 29-year-old non-Christians reveals that Christians have taken several giant steps backward in one of their most important assignments. Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. But according to the latest report card, something has gone terribly wrong. Using descriptions like "hypocritical," "insensitive," and "judgmental," young Americans share an impression of Christians that's nothing short of...unChristian.

I have just started reading this book and am finding it fascinating and although it is based on American Gen Y research I believe there is heaps we can learn from the authors findings. If you are unable to purchase and read the book take some time to check out the website, YouTubes and free downloads, you will certainly learn something. http://www.unchristian.com/

Just a thought.

Hospital

a Biblical thought...
Jehu greeted him and said, "Are you in accord with me, as I am with you?" "I am," Jehonadab answered. "If so," said Jehu, "give me your hand." So he did, and Jehu helped him up into the chariot. Jehu said, "Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD." Then he had him ride along in his chariot. (2 Kings 10:15-16)

a Book thought...
Christians are primarily perceived for what we stand against, we have become famous for what we oppose, rather than who we are for. (p26)
a Dave thought...
On Friday I was admitted to hospital for a minor leg operation on a varicose vein, which I had planned to have done for a few months. I am thankful all went well throughout the day and for the great staff at Epworth Eastern Hospital. Amazingly all three staff that I had significant conversations with over the course of the day were Christians. As they each asked me what I did as an occupation I responded by letting them know I was a Salvation Army officer. This then lead to a conversation where they mentioned a Salvationist they had known or the name of their pastor which I knew. It reminded me that I do live in the bible belt and that there are a lot of churches over this side of town. Perhaps next time I should have had my op in a hospital in the western suburbs.

Just a thought.

AFL Chipz

a Biblical thought...
When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD. Then he got on the bed and lay upon the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out upon him, the boy's body grew warm. Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out upon him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. (2 Kings 4:32-35)

a Book thought...
The church desperately needs more people who facilitate a deeper, more authentic vision of the Christian faith in our pluralistic, sophisticated culture. (p17)

a Dave thought...
On Thursday night I ventured into the MCG to see Judd v Cousins with my soon to be 7 year old son. As Noah is very keen on football he asked me to buy a footy Record which I did for $4. As we exchanged money with the seller he then reached into the box and handed over ten packets of what looked like footy cards and handed them to Noah. We put them in our bag and proceeded to the gates amidst the 86,000 people present for the season's opener. After finding our seats Noah was keen to open the packets in which we discovered were two Chipz in each packet, and we now were the owners of 20 imitation gambling tokens! I have since discovered that this had already reached the Age newspaper this week...

Reverend Tim Costello said this week: "The power of sporting heroes introducing kids to an industry that destroys many lives is unacceptable. What is the AFL thinking?"
Mr Costello said the gaming industry relied on problem gamblers for 53 cents in every dollar. "To remain sustainable it has to always cultivate a new generation of problem gamblers, obviously children. To have their work done by the AFL is both unethical and completely unacceptable."

So I have run into this dilemma first hand and have an opportunity to respond on two fronts. Firstly as a parent having a child who has had this put into his hands is just wrong, and secondly I work for an organisation that fights against injustice and having met and helped problem gamblers personally I believe this is something that's worth fighting. I'll keep you posted on how I go.

Just a thought.

Joining Twitter

a Biblical thought...
"If I am a man of God," Elijah replied, "may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!" Then the fire of God fell from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men. (2 Kings 1:12)

a Book thought...
William Booth's statement to Salvationists announcing our discontinuation of the Lord's Supper was not intended to stand for all time. (p94)

a Dave thought...
David Gallant was getting ready to leave university for the working world. Excited about his future employment, he started applying for jobs on established job classified sites Craigslist and Monster. Nothing happened. He looked at tech-specific job sites Dice and Indeed. He got two phone calls with job agencies, but nothing else.
While he waited for jobs to come in, he set up a blog, wrote about his DJ hobbies, and joined Twitter. He started chatting to people in blogging and web development - the industry he wanted to work in. One day, he saw a retweet (a forwarded message) about a job and applied for it. His potential employers checked his blog and Twitter page, and not long after, he was hired - just two weeks after graduating from university.
David Gallant's experience isn't unique. He's one of a growing number of people who have found the adage "It's not what you know but who you know" taking on new meaning.

Well last night I too like David Gallant joined twitter. Not that I'm looking for a new job but it is certainly a good way to stay up to speed with everything happening around the globe.

Just a thought.

Church Online

a Biblical thought...
Then the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is the truth." (1 Kings 17:24)

a Book thought...
Family life not only educates in general, but its quality ultimately determines the individual's capacity to love. (p79)

a Dave thought...
I came across Church Online recently and as you can read below the amount of visitors they are getting is quite amazing. Check it out for yourself at http://internet.lifechurch.tv/

The estimated reach of Church Online is over 120,000 people. Now that is pretty cool, and that happens only because of a group of people are excited about something. As much as many of us geek out about the numbers and stats, it is a good time to remember where those numbers continue to lead each week. Did you know we had over 100 people respond to Christ for the first time through church online. Did you know we had over 300 respond to Christ at all of our LifeChurch.tv campuses. Sometimes it is good for us to be reminded why we get so excited about these online stats and tools.

Surely it won't be long till we set up a Salvos Online where we can interact in weekly gatherings online as Salvationists and the great thing is you can invite visitors 24/7 and you don't need to worry about finding a park or if anyone is going to offend them.

Just a thought.

Student Research

a Biblical thought...
Then the king said to the man of God, "Intercede with the LORD your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored." So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king's hand was restored and became as it was before. (1 Kings 13:6)

a Book thought...
We are not sent to minister to a congregation and be content if we keep things going. We are sent to make war. (p70)
a Dave thought...
It was great to meet with Luke yesterday as we discussed some ideas on how we set up Glenferrie Outreach. Luke is a Swinburne Social Research student who in his honours year has chosen to do his thesis in partnership with the Salvation Army. So for two days a week throughout this year he will be surveying current regional students studying at the Hawthorn campus at Swinburne University. Luke endeavours to discover what are some of the struggles of moving to the city and through this research recommend some ways we can help these students. He will also question them as Australian Gen Y's about their views on our organisation so we can discover first hand what students in Hawthorn think of our 128 year-old brand. I'm sure we will get some interesting results but what better way is there to help us plan ahead than with the views of the people we aim to connect with.

Just a thought.

Pentatonic Leadership

a Biblical thought...
Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness." (1 Kings 10:9)


a Book thought...
Holiness demands that we get our hands dirty while asking God to keep our hearts clean. (p67)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I shared with the Mark'd students (a one year youth leaders training course) at the Training College some fundamentals on leadership. These five areas are what I believe the best leaders in our movement have a grasp of...

1. The Bible - we understand God's word and can quote it and therefore understand the nature of God and what He wants this world to be like.


2. The Salvation Army - we need to have a good grasp of why we came into existence and our unique calling as a movement and the way we are structured for ministry.


3. Culture - we read the newspaper and understand the needs and issues going on in the local community and join with them in clubs or events in our society.


4. People - we need to understand how God has made everyone uniquely and not to expect everyone to be like yourself but be able to work in a team with a diversity of personalities.


5. Yourself - having a thorough understanding of your giftedness, your personality type, your APEST, your passions will help you confirm your strengths and weaknesses.

I have seen many people who have potential to lead within our movement but because they lack in one of these areas they don't become the effective leader they have potential to be. So try ranking these areas from 1 to 5 and ask a mentor or leader to do the same for you. Then if you want to be a great leader in The Salvation Army I would encourage you to read and study in those five areas starting with your weakest and see what opportunities God will open up for you.
Just a thought.

Children's Body Shapes

a Biblical thought...
May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day's need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other. (1 Kings 8:57-60)

a Book thought...
Intellectual laziness has nothing to commend it, yet the very busyness of Christian service can sometimes appear to encourage it. (p61)
a Dave thought...

This picture shows the way children’s body shapes have changed over the last 50 years in Australia. Here are what some of the experts are saying about the growing dilemma of child obesity.

Fifty years ago we didn't have fast food and we didn't have the range of high-fat packaged foods that you see on supermarket shelves today. Children are eating too much of the high-calorie foods. The average school lunch box is basically a party and parents and the community have to realise that it's not being nice to give children so many treats. It's setting them up for major health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. (Clare Collins)

The culprit is the late 20th century and early 21st century. We live in a world where the default mode is to sit passively and overconsume food. We have to choose to be active and we have to choose to make healthy decisions regarding our diets. In previous generations, we didn't have those choices. We ate what was available and we weren't all driving around in cars. (Louise Baur)

After agreeing to take my six year old son to Macca’s if he came to Church with me on Sunday night I realise I’m certainly not helping the situation. But for me healthy parents results in healthy kids, so whatever I choose to model is also a choice of how I want my children to value exercise and diet. Let's hope I get it right.

Just a thought.

Disturb Me?

a Biblical thought...
I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. (1 Kings 3:12)

a Book thought...
Service is a practical ministry. It is not only reaching into the body of believers with the heart of a servant, it is also a reaching out into a desperate and dying world with love in action. (p56)

a Dave thought...
Last night at Box Hill Major Greg Morgan challenged us to go deeper with God and as part of this asked us each to pray this well known prayer written by Sir Francis Drake in 1577.

Disturb us, Lord, when We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst For the waters of life; Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery; Where losing sight of land,We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future In strength, courage, hope, and love.

Sadly Francis Drake along with his uncle John Hawkins made their fortunes trafficking thousands of African captives into slavery in Spanish plantations. As this prayer was written by Francis Drake the human trafficker I still find it disturbing but now for other reasons.

Just a thought.

Parties

a Biblical thought...
So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses. (1 Kings 2:2)

a Book thought...
Challenge is the antidote to complacency, both personally and corporately. Christians who avoid it are avoiding living the Christian life. (p50)
a Dave thought...
Above is a picture of Noah's 7th Birthday party, we held it yesterday at the local indoor sports centre and it was a lot of fun, mainly for Noah but that was the idea! I also was present at Scottish Dave's 50th birthday later on for tea, so it was certainly a day for celebrations. If you look closely above you will be able to admire the amazing cake my wife prepared. This has become somewhat of a tradition for every party in our family and as we met in a very public space today many others also got to see her great work of art. It confirmed to me that many things I take for granted like celebrating life and great cakes are not regular occurrences for many. So I thank God for all that I have and experience in this life but at the same time ask Him to keep me grounded in what happens in others lives around the world.

Just a thought.

Sassafras

a Biblical thought...
But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." (2 Sam 24:24)

a Book thought...
The strength and spiritual vitality of The Salvation Army is in direct proportion to the commitment of its officers and soldiers to personal devotions and private prayer, and to applying God’s words in our daily walk. (p41)
a Dave thought...
Have you ever had something that you’ve wanted to do for years but could never find the time or the courage to give it a go? For me it was a 7km bike ride called the “1 in 20” this world famous ride rises 1m in altitude every 20 metres of riding. I have had numerous invites over the years to ride up this mountain to Sassafras but have never taken the challenge. Well yesterday was the day and as I took the plunge and finally made the effort to do the ride in 26:25 (the pros do it in sub 14min!) I felt somewhat proud. Not just for making it up this mountain but for finally achieiving something I’ve dreamt of doing for years but always having an excuse why I couldn't.

Just a thought.

The General Staff

a Biblical thought...
"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God? (2 Sam 22:31-32)

a Book thought...
You do not become a soldier to be anonymous. You do not become a disciple to have an easy life, and soldiership should only begin if the conversion experience is real and if the person concerned is empowered by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. (p37)
a Dave thought...
At our DYS conference last week John Cleary shared with some of us over coffee the concept and brilliance of The General Staff.

The General Staff was a full-time body at the head of the Prussian and later, German Army, responsible for the continuous study of all aspects of war, and for drawing up and reviewing plans for mobilization or campaign. It existed unofficially from 1806, and was formally established by law in 1814, the first General Staff in existence.

The General Staff was distinguished by the formal selection of its officers by intelligence and proven merit rather than patronage or wealth, and the exhaustive and rigorously structured training which staff officers undertook. This training was designed not only to weed out the less motivated or able candidates, but also to produce a body of professional military experts with common methods and outlook, and an almost monastic dedication to their profession.

John Cleary went on to describe that many Military Units over the years have had an advantage at war because of the recruitment and use of this strategic group. We then discussed if The Salvation Army would benefit from such a body and if we should look at establishing such a body in every territory. Personally I think if there are any structural modifications or additions that empower our officers to use their unique gifts to help us be more strategic, then lets give it a go.

Just a thought.

Rocket Park

a Biblical thought...
My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever pleases you. All my grandfather's descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table. (2 Sam 19:28)

a Book thought...
Underlying the Call to celebrate Christ's real presence at all our meals and in all our meetings is the belief that his presence can be enjoyed anywhere, at any time, by anyone. (p26)
a Dave thought...
It has now been 2 months since the Glenferrie Outreach began, and after weekly gatherings indoors where we have been praying and reading God's word it was time to move outdoors. So last night 21 of us met at the rocket park in Hawthorn for a BBQ followed by some prayer and sharing. It was great just to be able to meet in such a vibrant community space, as families, students, and other locals walked past, played on the playground or just stopped for a chat. We had some great conversations and I'm sure there is still no better place for the Salvos to gather than outdoors. The Salvation Army began in Australia in a park in Adelaide back on September 5 in 1880 and I believe it is still the best place to go public 128 years later.

Just a thought.

Stats

a Biblical thought...
Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel's advice. (2 Sam 16:23)

a Book thought...
For Salvationists the mercy seat symbolises God's unremitting call to his people to meet with him. It is a reminder. It is an opportunity. It is a privilege. (p230
a Dave thought...
I recently received these stats from Rob Isaachsen and the Transforming Melbourne Team...

3,600,00 people live in Melbourne

300,000 at church weekly - 150,000 of these attend Catholic Churches
65,000 of all attenders are aged over 75 (163,000 are over 55)
68,000 church attenders are under 34 years!!
Churches report about 5,000 come to faith each year
There is a net loss of 4,800 from the church each year

As the church continues to struggle to stay relevant and engage people it brings me back to a wise saying I learnt many years ago: "Stupidity is doing the same things and expecting different results."

Just a thought.

Okay Friday

a Biblical thought...
"Don't be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table." (2 Sam 9:7)

a Book thought...
Our corps were called preaching stations in The Christian Mission, giving evidence of the importance of preaching in our history. (p16)
a Dave thought...
PUNTERS will be able to bet with the TAB on Good Friday this year for the first time.
Tabcorp told the Herald Sun it would open its doors for Victorian and NSW punters.
There are no races in Victoria on Good Friday, which falls on April 10 this year, but punters will be able to bet on races in Singapore and South Africa, two NRL games and international sports that fall into the time frame.

Mr Nason said Good Friday should not be sacrosanct in a multicultural society.
"People have a choice as to what they do on the day and how they wish to spend it," he said.
"We are a multicultural society. People have a whole range of religious beliefs and Good Friday isn't as big in some religions as in others. "We appreciate and respect that so we are just looking at the opportunity of inviting those that want to partake to do that." Mr Nason said Tabcorp did not need approval from the federal or state governments to operate on Good Friday. "We don't need approval. We can wager on any day we want to," he said. "Race clubs need to get approval to race, but (we don't) because we're dealing with international events." As well as agencies and pub TABs, Tabcorp's call centre will also be operating.

This is another sign that we now live in a post-Christendom society. For many of us Good Friday is a day we have kept sacred, a day passed on to us by previous generations to be kept holy. Sadly many no longer believe in putting a day aside to reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus. It is amazing with only 7% of Australians attending church regularly that our Christian calender still dominates many of the public holidays in our year. This seems to be somewhat of a contradiction as only some Australians love Jesus, but then again I'm certain all Australians love Public Holidays.

Just a thought.

Corps Cadets has begun!

a Biblical thought...
David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals. (2 Sam 6:5)

a Book thought...
If we neglect our own commitment, our own contribution, our own relationship with Christ, the meeting will do very little for us. (p12)

a Dave thought...
Above is a picture of the VCE girls Corps Cadet class I dropped in to see yesterday. Box Hill is one of the corps that has already started the new curriculum with 40 teenagers here taking up the challenge of learning more about the Word and The Salvation Army. It was great to see six months of work from the 2Love team writing and designing these new books finally hit the the young people they were made for. As this refreshing resource continues to be bought and implemented across the territory I pray that this will not only help our youth fall in love with God and The Salvation Army, but also propel them into action. http://www.corpscadets.salvationarmy.org.au/

Just a thought.

APEST

a Biblical thought...
In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.' (2 Sam 5:2)

a Book thought...

The vitality of our spiritual life as a Movement will be seen and tested in our turning to the world in evangelism and service, but the springs of our spiritual life are to be found in our turning to God. (p7)

a Dave thought...
Many years ago now I discovered by accident that I was an apostle. Although I’d had a few leaders suggest this to me across many denominations as I was growing up in the church, it wasn’t until I read and studied further that I realised what an apostle was.

APOSTLES extend the gospel. As the “sent ones,” they ensure that the faith is transmitted from one context to another and from one generation to the next. They are always thinking about the future, bridging barriers, establishing the church in new contexts, developing leaders, networking trans-locally. Yes, if you focus solely on initiating new ideas and rapid expansion, you can leave people and organizations wounded. The shepherding and teaching functions are needed to ensure people are cared for rather than simply used.

I have very much appreciated the work of Alan Hirsch over the years and his thoughts on Ephesians 4. I also have found that by understanding my ministry style that I also have a better grasp of my strengths and weaknesses. So if you can ($10 USD) I encourage you to do the APEST test mine reads…

APETS Apostolic 45 Prophetic 30 Evangelistic 24 Teaching 17 Shepherding 3

It is the only online, professionally designed and researched, profiling instrument designed to assist you to find your ministry style in relation to the fivefold ministry of Ephesians 4 (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, Teachers). www.apest.org

Just a thought.

Hansie

a Biblical thought...
The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. (2 Sam 2:6)

a Book thought...
Ask God to ruin you. Let him break your heart. Let God crush you with a burden. (p180)
a Dave thought...
Last night I got view a copy of the Hansie Cronje Movie on DVD. This story of the South African cricket captain & confessed Christian has had much press over the years and I'm sure will be watched by many sporting lovers across the globe. Being a cricket fan and meeting Pastor Ray McCauley many years ago I was very interested to see how this story of redemption would be portrayed. Hansie was no doubt a charismatic and talented leader who admitted he had a love of money. This proved to be his downfall and cost him dearly, but thank God for grace, like Hansie we all have fallen at times in our life and we all have the opportunity to be redeemed through Christ.

Just a thought.

Soldiership

a Biblical thought...
David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. (1 Sam 30:6)

a Book thought...
Let God stretch you. Attempt what others say can't be done. (p179)
a Dave thought...
After John Cleary spoke with the DYs this week he passed on an article to us where he addressed his concerns on soldiership. Here is a couple of paragraphs to wet your appetite...

We have to find a way of reviving soldiership.

Perhaps one way towards this is to formally recognise what de-facto has been the case for almost a century. We are a distinct denomination and need to accommodate the needs of a far wider group of communicant members than a concept like Soldiership does. Soldiership will be killed if it continues to be tied to membership. Why? Because you will be forced to hold your reasonable demands on soldiers to that of the lowest common denominator of your members. Similarly membership will continue to decline if it is pegged as soldiership because less people will see soldiership as necessary to the living of an ordinary Christian life. Both of these propositions are unarguable, they are happening before our eyes and will continue to do so unless the position is changed.

Would it not be great if a C.O. could know of her soldiers at the start of the year, that she had a committed portion of their time given in stewardship to the Army? That the soldiers had said from the beginning of the year ‘my spiritual work and worship will be in and through the Salvation Army and to that end I will commit to the Army X hours a week. That’s giving soldiership meaning, that’s giving the corps officer a real force, that’s giving a movement back the ability to wage war.

Just a thought.

CO Appointments

a Biblical thought...
Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.' " Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. (1 Sam 20:42)

a Book thought...
When you become comfortable in your relationship with God, you’ll lose it as comfort is an enemy of faith. (p176)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday was the beginning of our DYs conference which involves 20 of us from around 8 divisions. It was a great day with Phil Laeger leading us in worship and a challenging word from Sandy Crowden on the dangers of leadership. She asked us to consider if we were leading people towards Christ or if we were leading young people to follow us personally.

Later in the day John Cleary shared with us on the topic “The History of The Salvation Army’s YP Work”. We were inspired by the early intentions of our leaders to deliberately lead people towards active participation as soldiers in the movement. This was done through Junior Soldiers and Corps Cadets. It was also interesting to hear how many CO’s were appointed for periods as short as 6 months at a corps. As the corps was lead by the laity the CSM had a prominent role and the success of the corps wasn’t based on the charismatic personality or giftedness of the officer. This emphasised the fact that we were not a congregational church but a missional movement with a global agenda. Maybe short term corps officer appointments, although against current Church Growth trends, will bring us back to a healthier mode of operation.

Just a thought.

Jesus Wants to Save Christians

a Biblical thought...
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Sam 16:7)

a Book thought...
In ministry, sometimes we try to increase by our own efforts, not realising that we’re dialing down the influence of Christ. (p165)

a Dave thought...
I’m a big fan of Rob Bell author of Velvet Elvis, here is the teaser for his latest book “Jesus Wants to Save Christians”.

Jesus wants to save us from making the good news about another world and not this one. Jesus wants to save us from preaching a Gospel that is only about individuals and not about the systems that enslave them. Jesus wants to save us from shrinking the Gospel down to a transaction about the removal of sin and not about every single particle of creation being reconciled to its maker. Jesus wants to save us from religiously sanctioned despair, the kind that doesn't believe the world can be made better, the kind that either blatantly or subtly teaches people to just be quiet and behave and wait for something big to happen 'someday.'

You can read or listen to the first few chapters free online here @ http://www.jesuswantstosavechristians.com/

Just a thought.

A Comfortable Picture

a Biblical thought...
"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. (1 Sam 15:22)

a Book thought...
A kingdom-minded ministry is more about what God is doing everywhere than what God is doing in your own ministry. (p145)

a Dave thought...
I found this picture on the Frontier Youth Trust website @ http://www.fyt.org.uk/ It is one of those pictures that I find amusing but then when I think some more about it, sadly it also resembles some truth. As young people continue to abandon the Church in the western world it is not always their desire to leave. There are many comfortable congregations that continue to avoid change and as they do this they also sometimes unintentionally become more irrelevant for the emerging generations. I pray that those of us involved in the church will do our best to make sure the door is not closed shut for the youth today. Rather I’d love to see us invite this generation inside to help us renovate and give the church a face lift so more of their mates may want to come and check it out.

Just a thought.

Torquay Salvos

a Biblical thought...
"You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command." (1 Sam 13:14)

a Book thought...
What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal. (p143) a Dave thought...
It was good to have the opportunity to worship at Torquay Salvos yesterday with our friends & session mates Captains Phil & Catherine Abram. This corps plant on the surfcoast has grown considerably over the last few years and to see it in action was inspiring. This church offers so much for the community with Kids church being held in two different age groups, there was also a creche, as well as a morning tea and chat for all the adults at the end of the service. Phil was really personable as he shared the word and challenged us all to deny ourselves, his story of fasting coffee for lent and as part of his sacrifice towards OWSOMS was inspiring but made addicts like me feel guilty. But on reflection perhaps it is good to feel guilty sometimes.

Just a thought.

True Community

a Biblical thought...
The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you. (1 Samuel 10:6-7)

a Book thought...
When we love deeply, love makes us do things we wouldn’t otherwise do. (p139)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I led an elective on Acts 2:42-47 at the Box Hill Youth Camp in Anglesea. It was interesting to look at what made these early Christian communities so amazing after Pentecost. We then tried to fast forward these characteristics to Australia 2000 years later and see how we could also have a community that valued prayer, fellowship, and the sharing of possessions. It is often challenging to make the scriptures relevant to our westernised 21st century culture, but I thank God for the wisdom it still brings and the fact that the Holy Spirit is here today for each of us to embrace and help us through life.

Just a thought.

Cadbury goes Fairtrade

a Biblical thought...
There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2)

a Book thought...
If you’re not failing, you’ve stopped dreaming. You’ll eventually stop learning. And you will stop growing. (p122)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday it was announced that Cadbury's Dairy Milk Chocolate in the UK will go Fairtrade this Summer! Amazing stuff. This is after a 2 year campaign from Stop the Traffik - including The Salvation Army - to put pressure on the Chocolate Industry to clean up their act and guarantee that no slaves are used in harvesting the cocoa that they use in their chocolate. 43% of the worlds cocoa comes from the Ivory Coast in West Africa where there are more than 12,000 child slaves used to harvest Cocoa.

Many of us have been involved in the campaign in Australia to pressure our chocolate manufacturers to also give the same guarantee. Yesterday Paul Mergard contacted Cadburys in Australia and as yet, they are not prepared to go Fairtrade. So I encourage you to keep up the pressure on Cadburys Australia. Let's continue to encourage them to follow the UK's lead and make ALL of their chocolate fairtrade - and give a guarantee that there is NO slavery used in the production of their chocolate. Christians across the UK have pressured them for over 2 years and they have won a significant victory. If you would like to send Cadbury's Australia a message, click on this link which will take you to their website and you can shoot them an email http://www.cadbury.com.au/Feedback.aspx

Just a thought.

Bible Bowl

a Biblical thought...
"As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there. (1 Samuel 1:27-28)


a Book thought...
If you’re not failing every now and again, it’s a sure sign you’re not trying anything very innovative. (p114)
a Dave thought...
Just when I thought I’d heard of most of the innovative discipleship ideas for youth, yesterday over lunch I was made aware by our very own TC’s of a USA initiative called Bible Bowl.

Bible Bowl is a ministry for youth in grades 6 to 12 which combines Bible study with Christian competition and fellowship. The purpose is to give youth a firm foundation for their faith through the systematic study, memorization, and application of Scripture. Each season, a designated portion of Scripture is chosen as the study text. Weekly practices consist of learning and applying the designated text, devotions, quizzing, plus lots of fun and fellowship. From October to May, local competition is held monthly. Teams of 3 to 6 players compete against teams from other churches, Christian schools, or home-schooling associations. The season culminates with the National Bible Bowl Youth Conference held in late June or early July. http://www.biblebowl.net/AboutWelcome.aspx

Just a thought.

The Connection

a Biblical thought...
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! (Ruth 4:13-14)

a Book thought...
All it takes is one idea to solve an impossible problem. (p104)
a Dave thought...
As we continue to pray and plan a way forward for Glenferrie Outreach the word connection continues to come up. As Lyn Lindstrom introduced us to The Connection this week we were inspired to hear their story…

The Connection at St Martin’s helps homeless by providing specialist services - including a day and night centre, outreach for rough sleepers, skills training and career advice, activity programmes and specialist support for complex needs – to 200 people in central London every day. We offer advice, care and support in a welcoming and friendly environment. By encouraging each person to address the issues which caused their homelessness, we help them to gain the skills and confidence to make lasting changes in their lives. http://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/

Connection with God, connection with people & connection with Glenferrie. We want to be about relationships not programs, and we acknowledge that it is God that will build His Church in Glenferrie. We pray it will be so.

Just a thought.

Sexy Justice

a Biblical thought...
But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." (Ruth 1:16-17)

a Book thought...
Most of the greatest spiritual innovators throughout history were people who broke the rules. (p82) a Dave thought...
Sexy Justice is a little thing that Kevin and Nathan Moulds from Sydney created 2 months ago and apart from being a provocative name which catches peoples attention the purpose of Sexy Justice is to bridge the gap between the passion for justice that young people have and their application of that passion into actual justice-doing . Sexy Justice will attempt to do this in 3 ways , through a blog-roll style thought sharing process, promotion of missional communities where justice and neighbourliness is being practiced, and promotion of missional training opportunities where young people can be equipped and get involved in domestic mission. For a full spiel on what Sexy Justice is all about check it here: http://sexyjustice.com.au/about/

Just a thought.

Mid-forties leadership

a Biblical thought...
Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD. And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (Judges 20:26-27)

a Book thought...
With-it ministries are filled with people so passionate, they’re driven to become innovative. (p93)
a Dave thought...
Mr Overland was today named the state's new police chief commissioner, following Christine Nixon's resignation to head the bushfire reconstruction authority. At age 46 it is a sign of the times that a man of his age has been chosen to take over this senior role. Simon Overland is not the only person in recent months to take over the most senior position in his field in his mid-forties the other being Barack Obama. At age 47 Barack was also seen as the best leader for these times.

So how do we as a Salvation Army with most of our officers over the age of 50 also take lead from a younger generation? Do we just wait for the young leaders to mature and appoint them to senior roles as they approach retirement or is there a smarter way forward? Sure there is maturity and experience that come in serving over 40 years as an officer, but then again surely we also need the risk taking and energy from our younger officers to keep progressing in this fast moving world.

Just a thought.

Salvo Saints

a Biblical thought...
Then the woman went to her husband and told him, "A man of God came to me. He looked like an angel of God, very awesome. I didn't ask him where he came from, and he didn't tell me his name. 7 But he said to me, 'You will conceive and give birth to a son. Now then, drink no wine or other fermented drink and do not eat anything unclean, because the boy will be a Nazirite of God from birth until the day of his death.' " (Judges 13:6-7)

a Book thought...
Great teams are like a family. They can fight with one another but like good friends are loyal to each other till the end. (p82)
a Dave thought...
It was a real eye-opener to be at Brimbank Salvation Army with Captains Jenny & Lindsay Frost last night for their 28th Awards Day. The Salvo Saints is a basketball club that was initiated from the then Keilor Salvos by Andrew Clinch & Peter Harding 14 years ago and is still going strong. They currently have 18 clubs involved with coaches, and managers for every team. It was great to be part of the presentations with MVP and Most Improved trophies handed out to every team as well as some inspiring words from each of the coaches. It was a fabulous afternoon which finished with a free sausage sizzle for the 200+ present. Sports ministry is alive and well at Brimbank and it is inspiring to see such a huge impact a corps can have on their local community.

Just a thought.

I Love Jesus

a Biblical thought...
But the Israelites said to the LORD, "We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now." Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. (Judges 10:15)

a Book thought...
It is better to have one person working with you than three people working for you. (p69)

a Dave thought...
One of the great things I love about living in the "Sporting Capital of the World" is the opportunity to attend so many live sporting events. So although I'm not a huge soccer fan when I was offered a ticket to the A-League Grand Final I made the most of it. As one of 53,000 present last night there was plenty of entertainment, but not always pretty starting with a few police arrests as well as 2 red cards and 5 yellow cards. But probably the biggest statement of the night was made by the Melbourne Victory player Rodrigo Vargas who wore an I Love Jesus t-shirt on the dais to accept his championship medal. Rodrigo seems to be a great guy and I have also heard he made is way during the last couple of weeks to some of the relief centres to give some support. Great to see such a talented sportsman putting his faith to action as well as on display last night.

Just a thought.