Homeless Person Week 2-8 August

a Biblical thought...
"Please hear our petition and pray to the LORD your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. 3 Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do." (Jeremiah 42:2)

a Book thought...
From my youth until this very day the subject of holiness has always had an unspeakable charm for me. (p55)

a Dave thought...
2-8 Aug: Homeless Person Week
Every night in Australia, around 105,000 people are homeless. Half are under 24 years old and 10,000 are children. 1 in 40 children under 5 use a homeless service each year. The largest single cause of homelessness in Australia is domestic and family violence, which overwhelmingly affects women and children. Much preventable homelessness is caused when people exit from institutions into unstable housing situations. The waiting list for public housing is 16 years. For people at extreme risk, waiting time is 12 – 18 months.

I encourage you to not only think and pray about homelessness but also to get involved. You can do something practical like raising funds http://www.salvosbeds.org.au/ or maybe expose yourself to the realities of living on the streets. Next Tuesday (4/8) evening a group of us are planning on sleeping out on the streets in Glenferrie for a night, to help us get a sense of what thousands face every night around this country. I encourage you to plan to do something similar next week and get involved in this very real issue.

Just a thought.

ACC Podcasts

a Biblical thought...
Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)

a Book thought...

If I place myself in the hands of God, for him to do just as he likes with me, who can tell where he may send me, or what he may want me to do? (p51)

a Dave thought...

Over the years I have been at the receiving end of some excellent teaching at many different Christian events. It was this that inspired me to be a part of setting up the Aggressive Christianity Conference which ran for eight years from Box Hill. Our aim at this event was to have the very best of Salvo teaching and preaching from around the globe come and inspire Salvos in Melbourne. It has been an amazing journey and although ACC has run its course at Box Hill you can now access most of these sessions online at

http://feeds.feedburner.com/TSAAusEvents or for itunes link:pcast://feeds.feedburner.com/TSAAusEvents

I pray that as Salvos download and listen to these sessions that they will be inspired to commit and engage in front line mission. God has impacted many lives through ACC and I'm sure He will continue to online.

Just a thought.

Blame the Boomers

a Biblical thought...
" 'In that day,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them. Instead, they will serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them. (Jeremiah 30:8-9)

a Book thought...
Only God can take out of your heart the evil things that have taken possession of it, and fill it with holy love and peace. To God you must look; to God you must go. (p41)
a Dave thought...
In a couple of weeks I am hosting a Roundtable event with a dozen participants to develop a Gen Y strategy for the Salvation Army. As I am always interested to read articles on peoples opinions on the culture of this generation I discovered this in yesterdays Herald Sun...

GENERATION Y might be lazy, but Baby Boomers are to blame.
I'm mighty sick of Baby Boomers heaping scorn on their offspring, accusing them of being "job snobs" - too good to do menial, low-paying work.
Boomers on the attack like Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull should take responsibility for the situation. Their generation raised their children to be spoilt and self-absorbed.
Baby Boomers think they did it tough, being born in the aftermath of World War II, and coming of age in the '60s and '70s. And so they've worked hard to spare their kids the same rough deal.
But clearly they've gone too far, and instead spawned a generation who won't leave the house without their $79-a-month iPhone, $350 Ed Hardy jacket and $400 Nike Air Force One limited edition sneakers.
On their desk at home is their Macbook Pro laptop and in their pocket a tiny $700 netbook.
These are kids who don't talk, they twitter; they don't have mates, they have Facebook friends, and they don't have a night out without posting the photos on the net for everyone to see.
And they sure as hell don't want to do the crappy jobs that their parents - and even Gen Xers like me - took for granted. "We don't want to work for minimum wage, it's not worth it," my Gen Y guy says.
So where are they getting money?
"A lot of us are doing sales or retail work with commissions, so we work but feel like we're winning as well," he says. "Gen Y are lazy, so we want something for nothing as well and we don't want to work too hard."
Imagine growing up not knowing what a recession is, never having to balance a budget, never worrying about unemployment or interest rates.
Imagine a world where you spend more than you have but never get into trouble. Thanks to credit cards, you can just charge it, and by paying off the minimum each month, you never have to actually account for your spending.
It's also a world where your entertainment needs are met instantly. If you want the latest movie or song you download it from the internet. No stress if it's not legal, everyone's doing it, right?
Welcome to the world of Gen Y.
But make no mistake. It's a reality Gen Y is living in, but it's not one they created. Their Baby Boomer parents have done that for them.
For Baby Boomers it's all about looking like a success to others, so they ensure their kids go to the right schools, have the latest computers, hoodies and phones.
They want them to be confident, self-assured and strong, so they let them live at home as long as they want. They encourage them to stay at uni as long as they need to so they don't rush into a bad career choice.
And they subsidise their lifestyle so they don't have to ruin their CV by doing some menial, dead-end job instead of building their career.
But as the economy struggles, and interest rates and house prices soar, it's clear the Boomers aren't doing anyone any favours.
Had Gen Y been taught properly, they would know they have little chance of being plucked off the couch and into their dream job.
But when you've grown up in the world of reality TV stars, where their idols are everyday people elevated to the world of celebrity in a flash of publicity, you don't know any better.
Just look at their role models - comedians such as Hamish and Andy, Dave Hughes and Rove and his gang, who make a mockery of the Baby Boomer work ethos.
These guys are famous and funny and get paid heaps for just sitting around shooting the breeze with a few mates.
Of course, they really work bloody hard, but making it look effortless is part of the act. And Gen Y buys it.
So this just leaves Gen X to clean up the mess created by the whiny Yers and beastly Boomers.
We're the ones knocking our heads on the glass ceiling waiting for the oldies to retire, struggling with huge Boomer-imposed HECS debts, and still dreaming about owning our own homes thanks to Boomer-inflated housing prices.
But Baby Boomers have a lot of self-interest in getting the problem fixed - just think of all those unfunded pensions in years to come.

Just a thought.

Consumer Christianity

a Biblical thought...
He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 22:16)

a Book thought...
I am sure that nothing would gratify God more, my comrades, than to take everything that is unclean out of your hearts and lives. (p35)
a Dave thought...
Consumer Christianity: A divergent form of the Christian faith followed by many in Western culture easily identified by large quantities of Jesus-branded merchandise but lacking Jesus' character, self-sacrifice, or prophetic voice.


Skye Jethani's new book The Divine Commodity explores how consumerism has impacted our understanding of church, worship, mission, community, and God. He also offers insights into how we can overcome the influence of "Consumer Christianity" and awaken our imaginations through practicing private and corporate spiritual disciplines.


I have read the beginning of this book online and it is excellent, if you want to check it out the first 23 pages are found @ http://www.skyejethani.com/the-divine-commodity-3/

Just a thought.

Camberwell

a Biblical thought...
O house of David, this is what the LORD says: Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done—burn with no one to quench it. (Jeremiah 21:12)

a Book thought...
If the fountain spring is pure, the flowing waters of daily life and action will be pure also. (p30)
a Dave thought...
Last night Kylie & myself visited Camberwell Salvos to witness the enrollment of Joel McCoy as a senior soldier. It was fitting that his grandad Comm Doug Davis (R) conducted the ceremony as his auntie Susie Knop (PTG) many years ago enrolled Joel as a Junior Soldier. Major Brian Pratt (CO) preached on John 6 the passage about the five loaves and two fishes. He spoke powerfully about a God who can do the impossible. When God tests us it is not to grade us. The answers to the biggest questions are worked out relationally with God. Little in the hands of Jesus becomes much. In this passage Andrew looks at the problem, while Philip prompts us to ask what have I decided that is too big for God to accomplish? Ultimately we must remember when we give what we have to Jesus it is more than enough.

Just a thought.

SAPPHIRE

a Biblical thought...
Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, O LORD our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this. (Jeremiah 14:22)

a Book thought...
A holy life is a life that meets the requirements, and ensures the fulfilment of the promises of this holy book; a life fashioned after the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. (p20)

a Dave thought...
Last night Kylie hosted a Christmas in July dinner party at our house to raise money for overseas mission. The 3 course meal cost $25 an adult and was an initiative of Box Hill Salvos. SAPPHIRE which stands for Salvation Army People Providing Help In Real Emergencies was established a few years ago by James Allen and over the last couple of years has done some fabulous work. I'm sure with 18 dinner parties held last night, alongside an online auction over several thousand dollars would have been raised to add to over $30k already donated to SA overseas work by this group. It is always encouraging to see soldiers take initiative to raise funds and send them to those that need it most.

Just a thought.

Surrender 2010 Launch

a Biblical thought...
This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

a Book thought...
A pure heart is a heart that has been cleansed by the Holy Spirit from all sin, and enabled to please God in all it does; to love him with all its powers, and its neighbour as itself. (p14)
a Dave thought...
Last night I attended the Surrender Conference launch at Mitcham Baptist Church. Father Richard Rohr was the guest speaker and spoke about how Christianity must be more than just your stance on abortion and gay marriage. The gospel must be more about lifestyle than belief. Prayer is moving to a different state of mind not dualistic but contemplative.

Since it first ran it in 2004, the mission of SURRENDER has been to invite, inspire and inform an emerging generation to respond to the radical call of Jesus. The name SURRENDER is an identity that invites a joining with the Jesus who pours out his life in loving the lost and least. As followers of this Jesus today we must be his hands and feet in a hurting world, giving a voice to God’s call to be good news to the poor. If you are interested in attending the conference it will be held in Melbourne at Belgrave Heights March 5-8. http://www.surrender.org.au/

Just a thought.

Investing into Others

a Biblical thought...
So I will go to the leaders and speak to them; surely they know the way of the LORD, the requirements of their God." But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke and torn off the bonds. (Jeremiah 5:5)

a Book thought...
It is the heart that moulds the character, guides the choice, and masters all the course and conduct of a man's life. (p9)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday while walking back to the office from the local cafe I was stopped by a young man who said 'are you David Collinson?' 'Yes' I replied, he said 'its Matt Watson, you taught me at Stawell Secondary College.' We ended up chatting for a couple of minutes and after discovering he works at the local music shop across the road I then offered to take him out for lunch. So a few hours later we went through the last 15 years of our lives and where we had ended up today.

I taught Matt VCE music in 1993 and often brought him down to Melbourne with me on Wednesday nights when I travelled down to MSB rehearsals. As Matt was a very keen drummer I helped him hook up with some professional drummers down here to get him started on his passion in life. Well 15 years later he is still working in the music industry and has made several CDs and travelled as a drummer with various bands and artists. It reminds me when you invest into others and help them connect with something bigger in life you never know what the results may be. People are special and investing into others is one of the greatest things you can do with your time.

Just a thought.

Commissioner Earl Maxwell

a Biblical thought...
I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. (Isaiah 63:7)

a Book thought...
Your happiness and your influence are all connected with your being made holy. (p6)
a Dave thought...
Last night I went online to hear Commissioner Earl Maxwell speak live at Famous Last Words. He divided his message into three parts, firstly to youth (0-20) he challenged them to BE COMMITTED TO GOD, he went on to explain that this time of your life is decision time and that the decisions you make in these days can impact your eternal destiny. Destiny is not chance it is choice. Secondly he spoke to us adult Salvationists (21-50) and challenged us to BE CONSISTENT FOR GOD, and stay focused on what He has called us to. Walk so close to God as nothing can come between those who spend time alone with him. Lastly he spoke to senior Salvationists and pleaded for them to BE CONFIDENT IN GOD. Keep spiritually renewed as
the human spirit fails, unless the holy spirit fills.

Just a thought.

Cyber Bullying

a Biblical thought...
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1)

a Book thought...
When we say that a man is pure, in the religious sense, we mean he is right and honest and true inside and out; that he not only professes, but practices the things that have to do with his duty to God and man. (p2)
a Dave thought...
Cyber bullying continues to be blamed for many young people being depressed and is having a huge impact on our society. I'm not sure if there is an easy solution but to make sure we are all available to help and counsel our young people through whatever they are facing. This report from The Herald Sun below is very sad, as another teenager takes their life...

A GRIEVING mother has blamed the internet for the death of her 14-year-old daughter.
Police are also blaming cyber bullying for the suicide of Geelong student Chanelle Rae, who died last Friday. She is the fourth Western Heights College student to take their life in the last six months. Karren Rae said her daughter “wanted to die” after receiving an internet message on Friday night. She said Chanelle was having trouble with some friends from school, but it was a minor issue that had not changed her mood at all. “I laid in bed with her … and we discussed it for about an hour and she left me fairly happy," she said. Karen and her husband, Ian, returned home about an hour later to discover their daughter had committed suicide.

Just a thought.

Questions?

a Biblical thought...
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:6)

a Book thought...
Holiness, far from being all that we hate most in life and instinctively shrink from, is the opposite: wholeness, health, bursting vitality, inner radiance, joy. All these most desirable qualities of life, and more, are the marks of holiness in a life. Holiness is simply Christlikeness: to be like Jesus, to allow Him to live through us by the Holy Spirit. (Maxwell Ryan)
a Dave thought... from www.giantimpact.com
While leaders constantly investigate their surroundings, the most important questions they ask are the ones they pose to themselves. By routinely questioning their goals, motives, and purpose leaders renew their self-identity along with their sense of perspective. Consider the following benefits of examining yourself as a leader.

1) Quality Questions Create a Quality Life
You only get answers to the questions you ask. If you won't dare to wrestle with the tough dilemmas in life, then you'll live small.

2) Focused Questions Stimulates Creative Thinking
A well-considered question penetrates to the heart of the matter and triggers new ideas and insights.

3) Honest Questions Lead to Solid Convictions.
Inquisitiveness clarifies morals and beliefs. Values are shaped when you force yourself to be truthful in answering tough questions about where you stand on key issues.

4) Correct Questions Help Us Find Ourselves and Our Mission.
Tackling life's biggest questions brings direction and meaning to life's journey.

Just a thought.

Therese Rein

a Biblical thought...
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

a Book thought...
You cannot study the Bible diligently and earnestly without being struck by an obvious fact—the whole matter of personal holiness is highly important to God! (A.W. Tozer)

a Dave thought... from The Australian
AUSTRALIA'S first spouse, Therese Rein, attends church most Sundays to take communion and enjoy "some quiet time for me", but during the week her faith inspires prayer and sometimes a song.
Religion is integral to her calling, her values. "It's fundamental to who I am," Rein reveals in one of the first interviews she has given since her husband, Kevin Rudd, became Prime Minister in December 2007.
She's opening up because she's ready to champion her causes, and who wouldn't want to advertise a spectacular 25kg weight plunge through diet and exercise.
Svelte in a soft-pink waisted jacket, Rein settles herself beside a gas-lit fire in the Prime Minister's Sydney residence.
She's tentative as the conversation turns to the "very personal" question of her relationship with God, a commitment that became unshakeable after a period of searching during her years at ANU, where she first met Rudd in 1976.
"There are two particular pieces of scripture that shout to me from the rooftops, and they are about freedom for the captive and recovering sight for the blind," she says. "They are all about inclusion, they are all about being there to feed the hungry, to visit people in prison and hospital, to house the people who are not housed.
"This is very difficult to talk about. Faith is a living thing. It's hard to put it into words. Yes, I pray. Yes, I sing, but only in private."
Rein and Rudd's regular worship in the Anglican Church is a novelty for an electorate schooled in the tradition of keeping church and state on either side of the private and public divide. Rudd's 2006 essay Faith in Politics sought to free God from conservative clutches, and a new study has confirmed that politicians of all stripes are making more mention of religion than MPs in the past.
Faith and family define the contours of Rein's life. Raised by her mother, Elizabeth, to be the best she could be, this creed also helped lift John Rein, her wheelchair-bound father, to seek out milestones and dreams often denied to permanently and totally incapacitated people.
Rein's childhood experience of her parents' gutsy spirit set her moral compass and led the young psychology graduate into vocational rehabilitation, counselling people with injuries or punctured hope towards new employment possibilities

Just a thought.

Eventful Ponderings

a Biblical thought...
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

a Book thought...
Church Should Be Like a Dance Club —Josh Reich
a Dave thought...
This afternoon we returned from two weeks of events back to back. Firstly Territorial Creative Arts Camp and secondly The Salvation Army Basketball & Netball Carnival in NSW. As I sit here somewhat exhausted I am both reflective and pondering the future at the same time. Reflective because these events provided an opportunity for me to stop and listen to God many years ago and altered the journey of my life. In 1987 at age 16 I went to my first carnival in Perth where I then heard TYS Major Brian Golding preach and I gave my heart to God in a very real way in the Perth Fortress hall. Secondly it was in 1991 at Territorial Music School at Mountain Valley after hearing TYS Major Vic Poke when I first discussed and prayed with Kylie about our call to officership.

As we look into the future some are asking questions about the value of these sorts of events. Are they too costly, are people being saved etc? All I can witness to firsthand is that if I had not been encouraged to attend these events as a delegate I may very well not be an officer today. Secondly now being a leader and observing over the last couple of weeks God is still doing great things at these events, with peoples lives being changed, leaders raised up, and many significant relationships being formed. I encourage us all to continue to ask good questions on how we can improve and get involved to make these events better.

Just a thought.

Codex

a Biblical thought...
The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)

a Book thought...
At home we have always regarded the dining table as the prime seat of learning. We planned it so it was impossible to see or hear a TV from the table, and it has paid dividends in the volume of ideas that have been shared over the evening meal. (Noel Whittaker)a Dave thought...
I found this web page on the early scriptures very interesting and worth a look...

Codex Sinaiticus, a manuscript of the Christian Bible written in the middle of the fourth century, contains the earliest complete copy of the Christian New Testament. The hand-written text is in Greek. The New Testament appears in the original vernacular language (koine) and the Old Testament in the version, known as the Septuagint, that was adopted by early Greek-speaking Christians. In the Codex, the text of both the Septuagint and the New Testament has been heavily annotated by a series of early correctors.

http://www.codex-sinaiticus.net/en/
The significance of Codex Sinaiticus for the reconstruction of the Christian Bible's original text, the history of the Bible and the history of Western book-making is immense.

Just a thought.

Carnival Devotions

a Biblical thought...
I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. (Isaiah 48:17-18)

a Book thought...

Get to know two things about a man - how he earns his money and how be spends it - and you have the clue to his character, for you have a searchlight that shows up the innermost recesses of his soul. You know all you need to know about his standards, his motives, his driving desires, and his real religion. (Robert J. McCracken)

a Dave thought...
Everyday during the basketball 15 minutes is scheduled in the middle of the day for the games to stop and all participants to gather at court 1 for some God time. The devotions this year have been very moving and personal. Stacey May from the NT was responsible for this time yesterday and shared some of her struggles over the last couple of years and how at INSANE 2009 she gave her heart back to God. As there were over 300 people there listening to Stacey being so real and personal about her faith it had a big impact. It reminded me once again the power of an individual sharing their story. Personal testimonies are a great part of who we are as the Salvos and continue to inspire and move us all.

Just a thought.

LIFE Youth Discipleship Resource

a Biblical thought...
Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22)

a Book thought...

"You don't understand anything until you learn it more than one way." - Marvin Minsky
a Dave thought...
LIFE, is a new youth discipleship resource produced by the Australia Eastern Territory. LIFE has been designed specifically to help youth ministries create, develop and expand a healthy discipleship culture within a local context. LIFE replaces TRIBE as the official youth discipleship resource for AUE, and consequently TRIBE will no longer be produced or updated by THQ. LIFE will be a resource that helps countless young people grow in their love for God and in their love for one another.

Here are distinctive aspects of the new resource:
Easy to use, requiring minimum preparation time for leaders.
Strong emphasis on healthy relationships, promoting honest sharing and group accountability.
Designed for easy use with both new Christians and established believers.
Balances engaging with Scripture and practical application.
FREE to download from salvos.org.au/more.

Just a thought.

The Couch

a Biblical thought...
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31)

a Book thought...
"You are the same today as you'll be in five years except for two things, the books you read and the people you meet." - Charlie "Tremendous" Jones

a Dave thought...
“The Couch” – International Student Centre aims to provide a safe and free space at night time for international students studying in Melbourne to socialise, relax, rest, study, and seek information and assistance. “The Couch” will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5pm-10pm. The project will be specifically tailored to meet the needs of international students, such as language barriers, cultural beliefs, and specific needs. From July 2009, Melbourne’s international students will have a new place to relax, socialise and access a range of support services, with the opening of The Couch – International Student Centre. Coordinated by the Salvation Army and The Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) and supported by the City of Melbourne, the project is designed to meet the specific needs of international students in Melbourne.

The facility will provide a safe and free space for international students to socialise, relax, study, and access information and assistance in the heart of the CBD. The Couch will:
Provide a safe, non-commercial lounge space for international students in Melbourne
Allow students to connect with support services and information on a range of issues including housing, employment, counselling, student services, legal aid, and more
Provide affordable meals at cost price to students
Create an environment where students can engage, socialise and interact, which will contribute to their positive experience whilst studying in Melbourne.
Facilitate cultural exchange between local young people and international students though social activities such as footy nights, movie sessions and other activities held within the centre.

Just a thought.

Salvos Out There

a Biblical thought...
And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God. (Isaiah 37:16-17)

a Book thought...
In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists. (Eric Hoffer)

a Dave thought...
The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory has launched its new campaign, 'Salvos Out There'. Its designed to encourage renewal and commitment to the unique and challenging mission it faces in a rapidly changing world. The concept of this film is to show Salvos present and active in everyday life, but 'set apart' for a specific purpose and mission.
This six week campaign has resulted from Connecting Forward a consultation with over 1000 Salvos across our territory and include...

Spiritual Hunger:We are living in a time of spiritual hunger in Australia. As Salvos, we need to recognise that God is the only one who can satisfy our hunger and prepare us for His purpose.

Diversity & Inclusiveness: Salvos recognise that all people created by God for His purposes and as such are to reflect the diversity of God’s Kingdom. We want to build a culture of inclusiveness, beginning with a community banquet that includes all ages, cultures, classes, educational backgrounds and gender.

Reforming Society: A fair go for all

This six week campaign will be taking place at all corps over the next seven months and I'm sure will have a massive impact as we each understand what God is asking of our movement in these days. www.salvosoutthere.com

Just a thought.

Basketball Carnival

a Biblical thought...
The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. (Isaiah 33:5-6)

a Book thought...
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. (Mark Twain)
a Dave thought...
Last night we arrived in Terrigal, NSW for the beginning of The Salvation Army Basketball & Netball Carnival. At 4.30pm a small representation met for the annual AGM where we confirmed that Carnival 2010 would be held in Geelong and 2011 in Perth. At 6pm at Gosford Salvos we had the church parade where the 300 participants gathered for a 1 hour service followed by 100 pizzas for tea. It is going to be a fun week with 36 teams participating overall for the 5 days. Made up from 3 teams from the ACT, 1 from the NT, 1 from Queensland, 6 from SA, 18 from Sydney, 2 from Tassie, and 5 from WA. I'm pulling the boots on again for South Australia B Grade and confident that the week will be more than just sport. These times often build strong relationships and can be the start of lifetime with God, pray that this will be so.

Just a thought.

YouTube Hit

a Biblical thought...
In that day the LORD Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. He will be a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. (Isaiah 28:5-6)

a Book thought...
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet. (Theodore M. Hesburgh)

a Dave thought... from The Age
Canadian musician Dave Carroll could have sung the blues after United Airlines workers at O'Hare Airport smashed his guitar and the airline refused to pick up the $US1200 ($A1540) cost to repair it.
Instead, he turned the experience into a witty ditty, United Breaks Guitars, and scored an instant hit on YouTube, gaining his first international exposure in a 16-year career.
Posted on Monday, the video had been viewed almost 800,00 times as of today.
Carroll and Sons of Maxwell, his band, were changing planes at O'Hare on March 31, 2008, when they heard another passenger exclaim, "My God, they're throwing guitars out there," Carroll said on his website. He didn't return phone calls.
They glanced out the window in time to see a ground worker heave a bass guitar, which survived intact. But Carroll discovered when he arrived in Omaha late that evening that the base of his $US3500 ($A4492) Taylor guitar had been smashed.
Over the next nine months, Carroll spent hours on the phone with United baggage agents in Chicago, New York and India. Complicating matters: he didn't file a claim for the guitar within 24 hours, as United requires.
After a lengthy email exchange, United rejected his final offer to settle the costs with $US1200 ($A1540) in flight vouchers, Carroll said. In response, he told the carrier he would write three songs about United. The first two of which have now been composed.
"I've been done being 'being angry' for quite some time and, if anything, I should thank United," he added. "They've given me a creative outlet that has brought people together from around the world."

Just a thought.

TCAC Concert

a Biblical thought...
The LORD Almighty planned it, to bring low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth. (Isaiah 23:9)

a Book thought...
”Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere as long as the policy you’ve decided upon is being carried out.”- Ronald Reagan
a Dave thought...

The concert last night was a sensational end to a great week at Territorial Creative Arts Camp. The intimate venue at Luther College worked well as there people surrounding the floor and stage space. After just 5 days together the standard of performance was once again outstanding with our youth showing amazing skills in voice, drama, dance, film-making, instrumental and production. As I ventured up to the balcony I met one of the cooks from the camp who came along to the concert as she was so impressed and inspired by the campers. God was glorified last night and to hear the stories from these young people about how their faith was strengthened this week surely makes these times very special.

Just a thought.

Concert Tonight Live!

a Biblical thought...
You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. (Isaiah 17:10)

a Book thought...
Leadership is not magnetic personality—that can just as well be a glib tongue. It is not "making friends and influencing people"—that is flattery. Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations. (Drucker)

a Dave thought...
We had another great evening last night with a time of sharing and an opportunity for the youth to recommit their lives to Jesus. The sharing was really authentic with many telling stories of loss and pain over recent years. We also showed this clip above about the struggles we all face but despite what we are up against we worship a God who is all powerful and is with us.

The concert tonight is being streamed at 7.30pm EST www.salvationarmy.org.au/sstv Enjoy!

Just a thought.

Date Night

a Biblical thought...
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD - and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. (Isaiah 11:2-4)

a Book thought...
Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results. (George S. Patton)
a Dave thought...
Last night was a lot of fun at TCAC as we held the annual Date Night. As the dress code was Op Shop formal the campers all brought along their favourite 70 -90's clothes for the occasion. All the girls then were partnered with a guy which was randomly done the night before by the girls taking a name out of a hat. They then were announced as a couple and had to parade into the dining hall arm in arm and take their seats. It is also mandatory that the guys serve their date throughout the evening by getting their dinner and drinks for them. It was great to see everyone join in as one of the highlights of camp is how everyone is included as part of one army no matter what corps or division they come from. Tonight we will have an opportunity for the campers to share and also to make commitments. Pray with us that this will be another significant time in the lives of these young people.

Just a thought.

Leadership Quote

a Biblical thought...
I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in him. Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion. (Isaiah 8:17-18)

a Book thought...
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave behind a trail” (Emerson)

a Dave thought...
At TCAC last night I was responsible to do a 90 minute session to the 20 who chose to do the leadership elective. I chose my favourite leadership quote by Peter Senge to base the session on. I love this quote because it emphasises the fact that leadership is not just about the stage and being a great worship leader or amazing preacher but rather there are 3 essentials that define a leader.

1. Clarity & persuasiveness of ideas
2. Depth of commitment
3. Openness to continual learning

I believe if you can continue to grow and do better in these areas you will continue to become an amazing leader. There is no doubt that the best leaders I have ever followed or observed have had these three elements present in their lives and I pray that the emerging leaders present at this session last night will also be inspired to grow in these ways.

Just a thought.

TCAC

a Biblical thought...
So man will be brought low and mankind humbled, the eyes of the arrogant humbled. But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness. (Isaiah 5:15-16)

a Book thought...
The manager part of each of us is primarily concerned with using technology to improve current outcomes. The leader part, on the other hand, is interested in proceeding to new destinations
and in examining the role technology might play in reaching the destination. (p203)
a Dave thought...
Territorial Creative Arts Camp is a fun and creative time but also a time when many young people make life long decisions. This year we have 83 campers representing 7 divisions aged from 15 to 29. We began yesterday morning and finish the five days together with a concert on 7.30pm Friday night at Luther College in Croydon. Streams include, brass band, big band, contemporary group, timbrels, gospel choir, drama, and dance. There are also electives ranging from leadership to song writing. I am one who has personally been enriched by these campers 20 years ago as a camper and look back at them now with great memories. It was this camp when I first felt a call to officership and also where I began a relationship with my wife Kylie! So who knows what is in store for these campers maybe officership or even a meeting with a future spouse.

Just a thought.

Healesville

a Biblical thought...
Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. (Isaiah 1:16-17)

a Book thought...
If creativity is not nurtured in a society and workforce and respect for the creativity of others not promoted and rewarded there will never be a creative society and an innovation culture. (p198)
a Dave thought...
Kylie and I lead Cafe Church yesterday at Healesville. It was a nice relaxed atmosphere as we had a closer look at the Psalms while drinking tea and eating sponge cakes and biscuits. Noah thought it was fantastic to have a full smorgasbord while sitting in church and even got involved playing a trombone duet with me. Envoy Graeme Mawson is doing a great job as he continues to pioneer some new projects and ideas to help the corps connect with the local community. I am always encouraged when I visit smaller corps that are not sitting still and reflecting but rather praying and moving forward. I pray and believe we will continue to see even greater things at Healesville over the next 18 months!

Just a thought.

Mrs Random

a Biblical thought...
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. (Ecc 11:5)

a Book thought...
Creativeness and enterprise do not have to be present in the same person for successful innovation, but they must be present in the same team. (p193)

a Dave thought...
Staying fit is something I continue to value and so continue to my best at exercising everyday. On Thursday this week while on my morning jog I was on the final straight when a lady got out of her car. She looked at me from 20 metres away and said ‘you’ve done well, I just saw you at the bottom of that big hill’. I responded and said, ‘thanks, I’m doing my best’. It was surprising to have a random person compliment me like this but it actually meant a lot to me. My last km up the final hill seemed so much easier than normal as I sailed home on the back of these kind words. When I got home and logged my time in the computer I had done a PB for this route!

Complimenting others is so undervalued in life. In our Aussie culture in particular we are quick to find faults and often put others down but giving words of praise unfortunately just doesn’t seem as common. So as Mrs Random demonstrated to me we all need to encourage others more, as who knows you might just be encouraging someone you don’t know set a new record they have been after for years.

Just a thought.

Nic Nat

a Biblical thought...
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. (Ecc 3:1-2)

a Book thought...
There are two types of innovation. One has a problem-centred core and involves improving the efficiency, quality, productivity and design of existing products, services and technologies. This is
improving the old innovation and involves doing old things better. The other type of innovation has a mission-directed core and involves doing new things first and best. This is creating the new
innovation. (p192)
a Dave thought...
Last week a Fijian born 19 year-old made a huge impact on the footy season. Nic Naitanui won the game in the last quarter by kicking 3 goals in just his second game ever. So yesterday Noah and I headed to the West Coast Eagles training to get a glimpse of the six foot seven dreadlocked man up close and personal. I'm not sure who was more excited Noah or myself when we got an opportunity for this pic but it helped us realise he is just like anyone of us. It seems in our society the media certainly decides on the popularity of people and for Nic who stands out in a crowd anyway I'm sure the attention will continue to come his way.

Just a thought.

Gen Y Roundtable

a Biblical thought...
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)

a Book thought...
Most knowledge-based enterprises aspiring to long-term success in rapidly changing times will need to spend at least 20% of their resources on preparing for the future. This involves
investment in individual and organisational learning, in innovation, and in market research. Many really resilient and adaptable organisations already spend up to 30% on just two of these: learning and innovation. (p180)
a Dave thought...
Generation Y has been a topic of conversation in The Salvation Army now for a number of years. Yesterday we gathered over a dozen people around a table to discuss the challenges of working with this generation with the desired hope by the end of the year to develop a strategy. It was healthy yesterday to have representation from social programs, E plus, PR, as well as our DY's as we each shared our observations with this tech savvy yet justice minded generation.

We have 4 mission intentions in this territory of Caring for People, Transforming Lives, Making Disciples, and Reforming Society. I shared yesterday my observation in the corps setting that all 4 intentions need to be present but interestingly each generation seems to value one over the others. Boomers are big on Transforming Lives, as they like to see stats about how many are being saved and the Salvation meeting was the most important event of the week. Gen X (my generation) grew up with bible study groups and I have now been in some sort of cell group for over 20 years and even though we have not seen a great deal of Salvation meetings, so Making Disciples is the intention that best describes us. Gen Y though is very much focused on Reforming Society as what happens in the church is not what attracts them to the Salvos but rather what changes we are making in the world because of our connection with God.

Just a thought.

Founders' Day

a Biblical thought...
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. (Proverbs 27:17 & 19)

a Book thought...
An example of a first generation collaborative ware that I have been involved in is an Australian product called the Zing Collaborator . This is a single personal computer/laptop that has been transformed into a collaborative computer with twelve keyboards in order to facilitate collaborative brainstorming and collective discussion, learning
and decision-making. (p174)

a Dave thought...
Salvationists in Nottingham, William Booth's birthplace, honoured the Founder's memory by a demonstration in the public parks. The plural, Founders' Day, was adopted to recognize the part played not only by William and Catherine Booth but by all the Christian Mission pioneers. From 1924 to 1939, Founders' Day continued to be celebrated on 5th July, but, from 1940 onwards, Founders' Day changed to 2nd July, which according to Colonel Robert Sandall, the Army's historian, was the anniversary of the first Tent Meeting at which William Booth preached on the Quaker Burial Ground in Whitechapel.

Today is an opportunity to reflect on what God has done through the obedience and passion of this amazing couple William & Catherine Booth. You may want to take some time today and go down to your local park and ask what can we do now that would have a similar impact in our local community. Having a meeting every night of the week in a public setting where people were challenged with the gospel message still seems radical today. Lets ask God what we can do 144 years after that initial meeting that will also result in changed lives and a reformed society.

Just a thought.

YouTHINK Day

a Biblical thought...
All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. (Proverbs 21:2-3)

a Book thought...
The average toddler wants to know the answer immediately. This is curiosity-driven just-in-time learning and the best way to learn. (p165)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday was YouTHINK Day which was a joint initiative by the federal government and The Salvation Army. The 'youTHINK: Your Say' event brought together around 1000 young Australians, contributing to four themes: youth homelessness, the impact of the global recession on young people, the Compact with Young Australians and access to government services.
Utilising the national network of the Salvation Army, the event was held in more than 40 locations across Australia, with the main event taking place in Melbourne Town Hall.
As I attended the large gathering at the Melbourne Town Hall where over 300 youth gathered we also had a visit from the Honourable Kate Ellis the minister for Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth and the Minister for Sport. Kate Ellis, 31 has held the seat of Adelaide since 2004, when she became the youngest woman to ever be elected to the Australian House of Representatives, she is also the country's youngest ever federal minister, so to meet her was a real honour. I always find it inspiring to see young leaders making a significant impact in society as I believe being young should never stop anyone from holding influential positions.

Just a thought.