Pokies

a Jesus thought...
Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:41-42)


a Godly thought...
Perhaps there is a middle ground, somewhere between the hotline and the disconnected line: where we do genuinely hear the whispers of the God who loves to speak to us. (p22 Lucas)


a leading thought...
Sometimes we think of passion as a fire that burns out quickly. But to me spiritual passion runs deep: It is a lifelong commitment to follow the disciplines necessary to achieve and sustain spirituality. (p49 Finzel)


a Dave thought...
Victorians are losing close to $7 million a day on poker machines, or more than $2.5 billion a year, a new report shows. And in the last financial year, gamblers lost a further $1 billion at Melbourne's Crown Casino alone. The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation annual report, tabled in state parliament today, shows the gambling losses recorded in Victoria for the financial year were $4.7 billion, including racing, lotteries and sports betting.
These stats are frightening as literally hundreds of lives and families are ruined every year because of gambling addictions. But now as the government rely on this income $1.5 billion in taxes and levies it is hard to see why they will stop the ever growing gambling industry. For them even if they have to hand us a few million to look after the victims they end up way in front.
When I was ministering at Box Hill Salvos there was a lady who came for regular food parcels after she made her way across to us after spending 4 hours on the pokies across the road at the RSL and yes we still showed mercy and gave her food. But as we continue to help people who are victims of the thousands of pokie machines I sometimes wonder whether we should be doing more at the proactive end rather than the reactive end as we used to fight injustice in our early years.

Just a thought.

One thing

a Jesus thought...
They followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. (Luke 9:11)

a Godly thought...
When it comes to exercise, diet, prayer, Bible reading - or anything else that requires to make a series of choices, my problem is my head. I sometimes forget that my mind is the servant of my soul - and not the other way around. (p16 Lucas)

a leading thought...
Effective leaders have closed the distance between leader and follower, coming out of closed-off mahogany executive suites and into the open office world of the workers. (p41 Finzel)

a Dave thought...
After many years of being in youth ministry I discovered the greatest thing we can do for a young person is to teach them how to connect with God. As regardless of where they end up in life, what career, who they marry, or what country they live in if they have worked out how to chat with God and read His word it will last the test of time. As we often spend all our time and energy getting our youth to attend youth group, bible study or a certain camp they are only short lived experiences that work for a season of their lives.
Unfortunately we tend to measure success in worldly ways with counting programs and attendances but over time I have seen many look good in these areas but never work out how to communicate with God, so in the end they leave and have nothing. So let us try and pass on one thing that will last them all their days - that God is with us all everyday and that while we do life together we can chat with Him, listen to Him and read scriptures which in turn will help us live lives that bring honour to Him.

Just a thought.

Comparisons

a Jesus thought...
And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8:39)

a Godly thought... from Lucas out Loud by Jeff Lucas
It's been said that the devil is in the detail. I'm not sure if that's true, but it's good to know that God is. (p3 Lucas)

a leading thought...
Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are. (p35 Finzel)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday it was great to make the drive down to Jan Juc to hang out with my brother John and his family. About 6 months ago Johns wife Denise gave birth to Riley (pictured in the background) and a few weeks later my wife Kylie gave birth to Josiah (foreground). They have both been through their fair share of doctors appointments with Riley still described as "a miracle baby'' by Denise after a very traumatic birth.
When you sit around and have baby talk we are always so proud of what our own child is up to and the stages of progress they are going through. There is always comparisons going on as we discuss language and body movements and make sure our babies are growing at a normal rate. Well yesterday I realised what was more important was the fact that these two children both happy and playing together, (baby-style) have come into the world and made all of our lives better for it. It will be fascinating to watch their developments and journey through life together but most of all I thank God that they are both with us today.

Just a thought.

The internet owners

a Jesus thought...
Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard; that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. (Luke 7:22)

a Godly thought...
For holiness to have continuing relevance it must be in the context of praxis: the inner work of Christ must become evident outwardly in active engagement with the reign of God in the world. (p218 Webb)

a leading thought...
If you don't give people freedom to make decisions, they will keep coming back to you to make the decisions for them. (p29 Finzel)

a Dave thought...
In the brave new world of online media, fortunes can be won and lost on the whim of Google's key search algorithm. And when, without warning, Google tweaked that mathematical formula this week, there was panic on the world wide web. Swarms of bloggers and webmasters of major sites like Washingtonpost.com, Forbes.com, Engadget.com and SFGate.com noticed a downgrading in their PageRank, Google's measure of a web page's value.Many websites small and large receive over half of their visitors from Google search referrals. And without a sales team to sign advertising deals, most become AdSense affiliates, automatically connecting them with millions of advertisers worldwide.
Ironically, in the ultimate democracy that is the internet, Google reigns as virtual dictator. By changing the way it ranks sites in search results, it has the power to effortlessly shape the digital economy and manipulate the incomes of millions of web businesses around the world.
"It's been said that Google owns the internet - it's not a permanent grasp but as long as everyone's using their search engine it's very hard for anyone to get in and compete with them."

Who would have imagined when Larry Page & Sergey Brin established Google in 1998 while at Stanford University that they would end up ruling the cyber world? It is very hard to predict the future but how we, the Salvos adapt to a fast changing world determines how long we will continue to be in existence. So lets dream and innovate and lets look for new ways to be the Salvation Army in the 21st Century, but more importantly encourage our innovators as you just never know a Larry & Sergey may be sitting in your corps.

Just a thought.

Balance

a Jesus thought...
First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye. (Luke 6:42)

a Godly thought...
Holiness does not imply the eradication of normal human appetites, but their redirection and control by the Holy Spirit, as Christ is formed within. (p209 Webb)

a leading thought...
Organising is the work we do to put people and tasks together in a structure that works. (p23 Finzel)

a Dave thought...
Balancing career and family is not only about working less, writes Hugh Mackay.
THE art of integrating our working lives and our personal lives is a delicate one, because we know that getting it wrong can be bad for our relationships and our health. This is often described as the problem of "work-life balance", as if work isn't part of life.The available figures suggest that 20 per cent of employees work 50 or more hours a week and 30 per cent regularly work on weekends. Two million Australians lose at least six hours of "family time" through Sunday work, and those hours are generally not fully compensated for by time off during the week. So it's not surprising that 37 per cent of full-time workers say they would like to reduce their working hours.
At the other end of the spectrum, though, the Australian Bureau of Statistics tells us there are 1.8 million Australians who either have no work or not enough to satisfy their needs. So this story is partly about the unequal distribution of work.
It's also about choice. Plenty of people complain about being "overworked" and the very word implies exploitation, victimisation and lack of choice. But, in many cases, we do have a choice and those choices are moral as well as economic, since they affect the wellbeing of others. We choose the kind of lifestyle we want and the level of affluence needed to sustain it. We choose whether or not to send our children to an expensive private school whose fees will increase the pressure on both parents to work. We choose the extent to which we will indulge our children in material ways, where we'll go for our holidays, the kind of cars we'll drive. We even choose debt: no one is forcing us to overspend on our credit cards.

Some resent their long hours; others revel in them as a sign of success. Although extended working hours can cause relationship difficulties at home, the opposite is also true: many people who work long hours are quite frank about their preference for being in the office rather than facing tension and unpleasantness at home.
The problem of work-family balance is real, but the study of working hours doesn't just tell the story of human toil, it also tells the story of human conflict, inconsistency and irrationality. Simple answers? Never.

It is always an area that is hard to get right, and I find it interesting how many committed Salvos are work-aholics, both officers and lay people alike. Unfortunately I also see the the side effects with their children craving for their time and attention.
Personally I have the luxury of working from home but I also promise my wife to be home between 7.30-8.30 each morning and 5.30-7.30 each night and also take my family away for 2 x 2 week holidays per year. Although it is not always possible when you plan ahead it is often very doable. So this will always be a challenge to get right but it is important especially leaders not to just model a huge work ethic as a key to success in the business world but model family first as a key to success for a better society.

Just a thought.

Dunlop Volleys

a Jesus thought...
So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. (Luke 5:16)

a Godly thought...
The Wesleyan-holiness tradition is rediscovering its evangelical imperative, its social mandate to minister to the poor and marginalised, and its capacity to make a helpful contribution to ecumenical conversation. (p200 Webb)

a leading thought...
Leadership lies more in balancing the right things than in having the right gifts and personality. (p16 Finzel)

a Dave thought...
The Volley Canvas Sport shoe was first developed in 1939 by Adrian Quist a famous tennis player of the era who was employed by Dunlop Rubber Aust. Since 1939, sales have been estimated at around 26 million pairs. Volleys are not only worn as Sports Shoes, many sales have been for casual wear, work footwear, fishing, bushwalking, boating etc. With the current worldwide trend for comfortable canvas footwear Volleys in Australia are reaching new sales heights with their cool styles and colourful patterns.
My 5yo son Noah has been watching me blog while on holidays and suggested that I blog on his dunlop volleys, so he took a picture of them for me yesterday and true to my word here is my contribution. Although he keeps calling them "my nikes" he loves them because they are so comfortable and make him fast!

Many of us have worn these world famous shoes but what I am intrigued with is who decides when they become fashionable again? As they were all the go in the mid 80's when I was cool, but why 20 years later are they back selling like never before? What was old is now retro and cool and also the parents are loving it because they only cost $25! So what else is back, well in the Salvo world I know many are into the high neck uniforms, and also the crest but now is the time to dive back into our heritage and resurrect the old, if anyone says it isn't cool tell them its retro and you should get away with it.

Just a thought.

VCEs Muck-up

a Jesus thought...
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor. (Luke 4:18)

a Godly thought...
Wesley had no time for solitary religion, and therefore created this communal context in which people could grow in grace, and increase in perfection, while awaiting entire sanctification. (p182 Webb)

a leading thought...
L-Long-term record of effectiveness
E-Egos surrendered to Christ
A-Approachable
D-Devotion to spouse and family
E-Excellence in work
R-Reflection of Christlikeness in character
S-Sharing with others (p5 Finzel)

a Dave thought...
POLICE are believed to be investigating allegations that egg-throwing students from a nearby school descended on Toorak's Loreto Mandeville Hall last week before the annual muck-up day, a ritual marking the final day of school for year 12 students.
The Age believes that students ran into the school grounds at lunch time with their school jumpers tied around their heads, throwing eggs at Mandeville students.
One member of the group could face charges of trespass and assault after allegedly abusing a staff member. Mandeville Hall confirmed that the police were involved but declined to comment further.
With thousands of VCE students letting off steam this week before their first exam on Friday, Melbourne's transport operators are alert — but not alarmed.
Connex spokeswoman Kate De Clercq said the train operator was investigating reports of people riding on the back of an Epping train yesterday. Footage posted on YouTube showed students clinging onto the back of a train leaving Windsor Station.
Brighton Grammar principal Michael Urwin said the school planned activities on the last day to minimise misbehaviour. But he conceded it was hard for schools to control students' behaviour when they were off campus.
At Caulfield Grammar's Caulfield campus, the last day at school for the class of 2007 started at 6.15am on Tuesday when students arrived to a jumping castle, slippery slide and sumo wrestling activities put on by the school. After working up an appetite, the students were served breakfast by staff, with the day concluding with a dinner for staff and students.

Love the initiative from Brighton & Caulfield Grammar here as we are always quick to go into damage control and be reactive but surely our best reponse is to celebrate with these graduating students and be proactive.

Well done VCE students for getting this far and enjoy the week with style not stupidity, but most of all prepare yourselves the best you possibly can for your exams, hope you all finish the year with class.

Just a thought.

Unconference

a Jesus thought...
He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise. (Luke 3:11)

a Godly thought...
An advantage in the formulation of Christian perfection as perfect love is that love can be expressed irrespective of maturity of performance, level of intelligence, or the limitations of personality flaws. (p179 Webb)

a leading thought... from Empowered Leaders by Hans Finzel
Leadership is a selfless journey that involves devoting yourself to a group of people to accomplish great things for the Lord that you could never do alone. (xviii, Finzel)

a Dave thought...
An unconference is a conference where the content of the sessions is driven and created by the participants, generally day-by-day during the course of the event, rather than by a single organizer, or small group of organizers, in advance. To date, the term is primarily in use in the geek community. Unconference processes like Open Space Technology, however, have been around for over 20 years in other contexts, for example in Future studies as Future workshops. There are also parallels with science-fiction fandom, in which a low-key convention with less structure, not focusing on professionals and guests of honor, is called a Relaxacon.
Open Space Technology is an energizing and emergent way to organize an agenda for a conference. Those coming to the event can post on a wiki ahead of time topics they want to present about or hope others will present about. The wiki can also be used to share who is coming because it is the attendees who have a passion to share that contribute to the event and will make it great.

With the 3 photos above I know which environment I would prefer, but we still seem to have a default setting for the top image, and even though we do some conferences with the feel of the bottom picture the agenda is still very much set by the organisers.

This is the first time I have come across a definition for this type of event and very interested in running an unconference for Salvos in 2008. I am interested in your thoughts or experiences, has anyone been to such an unconference before or would you like to?

Just a thought.

Obesogenic Environment

a Jesus thought...
After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking the questions. (Luke 2:46)

a Godly thought...
Assurance for the child of God is characterised by the inner witness of the Spirit and the external testimony of spiritual fruit within the Christian's life. (p171 Webb)

a leading thought...
The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious. (John Sculley)

a Dave thought...
Individuals cannot take all the blame if they are obese - modern society adds pressure to put on weight, according to a new British report.
The study by government think-tank Foresight called for greater help to counter the "'obesogenic' environment" by designing towns and cities to promote walking and cycling and encouraging people to buy healthier food. "Although personal responsibility plays a crucial part in weight gain, human biology is being overwhelmed by the effects of today's 'obesogenic' environment, with its abundance of energy-dense food, motorised transport and sedentary lifestyles.
Reports are now saying that it would take up to 30 years to change the way we have established the physical environments we live in across the western world. There is also something about having a McDonald's on most corners and less and less visible churches that has resulted in us becoming less healthier physically and spiritually.
50 years ago the Salvos had a strong presence with a corps building in most main streets around Melbourne, now we have half the buildings and mostly in the back streets as fast food outlets and other businesses have moved in. Our biggest presence in the main streets is now Salvos stores and Employment plus, so maybe we have become financially obesogenic like the physical environment we are surrounded by?

Just a thought.

The Debate

a Jesus thought...
He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. (Luke 1:53)

a Godly thought...
Wesley considers that there are degrees of grace and faith starting with the a) ignorance of God to the b) fear of God to the beginnings of the c) love of God and ultimately to the perfection of that love. (p162 Webb)

a leading thought...
Whether you're an untested rookie or a successful veteran, if you want to be a champion tomorrow, be teachable today. (p147 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
I found the debate fascinating last night between Howard & Rudd with the concept of making this public prime time viewing an interesting campaign strategy. Channel Nine opted for a "worm" reaction — 65 per cent of voters who participated scored the debate for Mr Rudd, 29 per cent for Mr Howard. In Mr Howard's favour however is the fact he has lost every public debate on record but still wins the elections.
So how important is it to think quick as a leader and have the right phrases and language to wow your audience? I say it is a good show stopper but the best leaders don't rely on it. I liken it to the church with a preacher who is fantastic for their hour in the spotlight on Sunday but overall is an average leader for the other 167 hours in the week.
So do we follow people who are quick thinking, good looking, and stage dazzling or do we back the leader who has produced fruit, exhibits character and develops a strategy that works when they are off the stage as well as on it?

Just a thought.

Abortions decreasing

a Jesus thought...
He who believes and is baptised will be saved. (Mark 16:16)

a Godly thought...
Wesley calls for preaching of Christ in all his offices - that is, as Prophet, Priest and King. (p156 Webb)

a leading thought...
You've got to love your people more than your position. (p133 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
From today's Age newspaper...
FEWER teenagers are seeking abortions, and the Federal Government's baby bonus may well be playing a part in encouraging some young women to keep their children.
Figures obtained by The Sunday Age under freedom of information show that in 2005-06, 850 terminations were performed on women aged under 20 in public hospitals, down from 924 the previous year and 1010 in 2003-04.
A similar trend is evident in private hospitals. Victoria recorded 1724 teenage abortions in 2005-06, down from 1835 the year before and 1845 reported in 2003-04.
Over that period, Department of Human Services figures show that teenage births increased in Victoria from 1816 in 2003 to 1931 last year. However, the overall proportion of teenagers giving birth stayed the same, despite the drop in abortions.
Doctors cite better use of contraception and improved sex education, but there is growing speculation that the Government's $4000 bonus could be a factor in encouraging teenagers to continue with pregnancies.
The figures have been released as the Victorian Law Reform Commission investigates how to remove abortion from the Crimes Act, a move backed by Premier John Brumby and Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu.
The director of obstetrics at Monash Medical Centre, Euan Wallace, told The Sunday Age that "financial incentives" may be influencing some women's decisions about termination.
"There may well be some women in the past who would have chosen to terminate their pregnancy who might now continue the pregnancy because of financial incentives," he said.
But Professor Wallace said Australia's overall abortion rate remained "woeful".
"If you look at some European countries, Holland for example, they have an abortion rate much lower than ours, which goes to their sex education."
More user-friendly contraception, such as the implanted version of the pill, Implanon, and the morning-after pill, had reduced the rate of teenage abortions, said Mark Jones, the medical director of the Women's Clinic on Richmond Hill. "Maybe Mr Howard's X amount of dollars with the baby bonus has helped, too," he said.
The baby bonus is a one-off payment of $4187 for each child. It will rise to $5000 next year.
The new Victorian figures show that women in their early 20s were most likely to have an abortion, with 5030 terminations in public and private hospitals in 2005-06. But while the focus has long been on young women seeking abortions, Dr Jones said many of his patients were older women who felt their families were already complete.
The figures show Victoria's overall abortion rate has remained steady.
In 2005-06, there were 18,269 terminations in public and private hospitals compared to 18,514 in 2002-03.
Professor Julie Quinlivan, dean of medicine at Notre Dame University Australia and an expert on teenage pregnancy, said teen abortions had steadily decreased over the past 30 years.
"I do think there is some progress in teenagers being aware about taking precautions."

Just a thought.

Everything Must Change

a Jesus thought...
Truly this was the Son of God! (Mark 15:39)

a Godly thought...
For Wesley the conception of God as Creator and Governor needs to be integrated with the concept of God as Parent, Provider and Physician. (p155 Webb)

a leading thought...
Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways. (Jackson Brown Jr.)

a Dave thought...

This is a review of McLaren's latest book, anyone read it?

In Brian McLaren's newest book, Everything Must Change, Brian connects the dots of the days' largest global crisis and shifts in global thinking with the heart of the message of Christianity. Brian's careful weaving of story and reality happens in such a way that it will make everyone from his friends to his greatest critics pause and reflect. In what maybe his most accessibly comprehensive work yet, Brian tells his story of wrestling with the nature Christianity as we have it today, and why it must not merely change, but learn to confront the 'suicidal framing stories of our day.' Whether you are new to Brian, read every one of his works, or a staunch critic...READ THIS BOOK! Theologically, politically, spiritually, and economically this book might just be the straw that breaks the back of the camel of colonial, modern, daulistic thinking in every religion. Many who have left the church will read this book and again experience a revolution of hope welling up inside of them. The message of Jesus as explored in Everything Must Change is good news for all who have the capacity to read and who choose to understand it. But maybe more importantly, it is GREAT NEWS for those who will experience this compassionate, loving, truth-telling, non-violent shift in their communities, in their families, and in their nations. In the end, its simple: if what Brian puts forth is true, not only can everything change, but everything must change because of Jesus!

Just a thought.

Generational Voting

a Jesus thought...
He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. (Mark 14:35)

a Godly thought...
Ours is not a static faith but a faith that enters into a divine conversation; engaging with Scripture and experience that broadens and deepens that which already exists. (p144 Webb)

a leading thought...
Whatever negative baggage you have in life only gets more difficult to bear when you're trying to lead others. (p121 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
As most of you know we are currently in the midst of an election in Australia with Howard - Liberal aged 68 v Rudd - Labour aged 50.

And while Mr Rudd remains ahead as preferred prime minister for the 10th poll in a row, he has taken a five-point dive to 47 per cent, while Mr Howard is up four points to 43 per cent. The four-point gap is the closest Mr Howard has come to Mr Rudd since he became Labor leader.

What I find fascinating about this election is peoples views are very much determined by the generation they fit into:
Busters born up to 1945, Boomers born 1946 - 1964, Gen Xers born 1965 - 1980, Gen Ys 1981 onwards.
I read the other day in the latest poll that 75% of Gen Ys would vote Kevin07 with his green policy being the area that matters most, and although not as high I would be certain that Gen Xers would also lean towards Rudd as his views on Iraq are a lot more palatable for my generation. But as Boomers generally are into economics and Busters into security they will more likely vote for Johnny as he is seen as wise and reliable.
I do like to box people so why not for the election? So for me it looks like it is the Busters & the Boomers V the Xers & the Ys. My predicted result for an aging Australian population that values security & economics over war & the environment will be Johnny08 but he will then retire, ironic really.

Just a thought.

First Steps

a Jesus thought...
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Mark 13:31)

a Godly thought...
While Rees recognises that doubt may on one hand appear to be the absence or negation of faith, doubt can also 'indicate genuine engagement with God... the divine conversation.' (p143 Webb)

a leading thought...
Good leaders never embrace a victim mentality. They recognise that who and where they are remain their responsibility. (p114 Maxwell)
a Dave thought...
Here we are last Sunday at Box Hill in primary for the first steps (formerly cradle roll) ceremony of Josiah...

The name of a baby may be entered on the Army's cradle roll, if the parents wish. A certificate recording membership is given to the baby. This does not indicate that either the child of the parents are members of The Salvation Army. A person called the cradle roll sergeant takes a special interest in the baby and its family.

I believe our church is great at valuing children and the support, attention and opportunities that are given to Noah & Josiah is something Kylie and I will always be thankful for. Sonia preached on Sunday that "no one enters the Kingdom as an adult, we all enter as children". Jesus valued children immensely and the Salvos with first steps, dedication ceremonies, and primary are all set up to do likewise so lets step up our love for children as Jesus set the example, so we must follow.

Just a thought.

Furlough

a Jesus thought...
For they gave out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood. (Mark 12:44)

a Godly thought...
Now with Wesley fully convinced of the inspiration of Scripture, he considered that "divine power, understanding, goodness, and holiness were the four grand pillars for God. (p141 Webb)

a leading thought...
You cannot be a truly effective leader, the kind that people want to follow, unless you love people. (p108 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
Well on Monday I began a fortnights furlough, many ask what this is, well for the first 8 years of my working life I had holidays but now I am a lieutenant it is called furlough...
A furlough (IPA: [fʌɹloʊ]) is temporary leave of absence, especially from duty in the armed services or from a prison term. In these cases, a furlough is a vacation.
So I am currently in Sydney staying with my parents-in-law (Lt-Cols Ian & Marilyn Hamilton) and had quite a trip up with Josiah our 6 month old vomiting on my laptop on a very turbulent flight. Anyway I will continue to blog but in case I am not on line by 6am every morning it maybe because there is regurgitated carrot jamming the keys on my computer.

Just a thought.

More Soldiers

a Jesus thought...
Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (Mark 11:24)

a Godly thought...
There is no disputing the importance of Scripture as the primary source of theology for Wesley but he also recognised that tradition, reason and experience all have a voice within the theological dialogue. (p139 Webb)

a leading thought...
Since problems are inevitable, good leaders anticipate them but still always find a way to success. (p98 Maxwell)

Dave thought...
On Sunday evening it was great to be a part of another 3 enrollments at Box Hill with Amanda, Jess & Dustin all signing the covenant as a Senior Soldiers of The Salvation Army. These guys have been great during our classes together as they really wrestled with the doctrines and "I will" statements before making this commitment. It is really encouraging to be in places where young people are asking the hard and deep questions before making major decisions. I know many of my generation just signed up to soldiership without giving it much thought but rather it was just an expectation we agreed to. The result of that is many ex-soldiers who aren't sure why they committed back 10 or 15 years ago.

I pray that as this generation signs up to be part of a radical call that this will be just the start of a commitment that will grow and become even more meaningful over time as they shape the future of the Salvos together.

Just a thought.

Fusion

a Jesus thought...
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

a Godly thought...
Sanctification is not a static state but a dynamic growing process anchored within life in the Spirit, with perfect love as its aim. (p127 Webb)

a leading thought...
Having a positive attitude is essential, it not only determines your level of contentment as person, but it also has an impact on how others interact with you. (p90 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
Last night it was my privilege to share with the Waverley youth at Fusion. As we looked at Micah 6:8 and the command to Act Justly there was an amazing spirit of openness and a real desire to live a Just lifestyle that brings honour to God. During our reflection time many signed the Stop the Traffik petition and read up on the chocolate campaign, with a group of teenage girls making a pact to only eat fairtrade chocolate from this day on!
It has been organisations such as Make Poverty History and the Oaktree Foundation that have promoted Justice in recent years and the Church has somewhat been late to the party. But seeing the young Salvos from Waverley passionate about Justice and being willing to share & educate their friends & family about issues I'm sure is making God proud. So with Danielle Strickland (justsalvos.com) and heaps of young salvos fighting against injustice we may become a real army once again.

Just a thought.

Armour

a Jesus thought...
Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me. (Mark 9:37)

a Godly thought...
Growth in holiness involves willing and active cooperation with God in the process of becoming more like Christ. (p118 Webb)

a leading thought...
A leader with great passion and few skills always outperforms a leader with great skills and no passion. (p85 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday I attended the Go for Souls conference at Plenty Valley where James Thompson did a great job getting some passionate speakers together to talk about how we can reach out to others and share the message of Jesus. My son, Noah who is 5 absolutley loves the song "Armour" (Boundless Vol 2 track 3) so as Nath Casey, Rowan & Anthony Castle were leading the worship I took my son along to experience the song live!












He loved it and sang with more passion than ever before, but after talking to him in the car as we he have been listening to it many times about what the song is trying to say he told me it is about ''robbers'' (he thinks the last word of the first line is robbers)! So although I am pleased with his passion and choice of music I still need to continue my discipleship journey with him as with many people we think just because they turn up and sing the right songs they have it all together.


Just a thought.

The 4% Rule

a Jesus thought...
Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Mark 8:34)

a Godly thought...
For those who are dead to sin and alive to God, the life of holiness is not an optional extra. (p110 Webb)

a leading thought...
Good leaders always make it a priority to keep in contact with the people they're serving. (p78 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
Today I am off to another conference. I spend a lot of my time at conferences and am even responsible for organising quite a few myself. I once read that only 4% of people actually implement anything they hear at a conference. I have no idea how accurate that is but I do know that hearing something and understanding a new concept is one thing but implementing it is a whole other skill. My personal view is that if you are going to start something new you need to stop something old or in other words it is a real challenge to change the way you operate especially if were trained a long time ago and have operating in a certain way for many years.
So conferences do have their place but actually working out content in a practical sense is far more valuable, so lets learn as we do rather than learn as we sit and lets get the stats above 4%.

Just a thought.

Moves

a Jesus thought...
He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak. (Mark 7:37)

a Godly thought...
Since sanctification is expressed in love, holiness is a social rather than an individual phenomenon. (p105 Webb)

a leading thought...
Good leaders don't wait for other people to motivate them, they know it is their responsibility to push themselves beyond their comfort zone. (p70 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday many officers across the territory received their official appointment changes but the biggest move of the day was Judd being traded to Carlton. It is fascinating to see how a community waits for an individual to come to them in the hope that positive change may occur. Football supporters like faith communities both seem to put the answers to all their problems in the coming of a gifted individual to lift them out of their current position to a place of greater success. Sure I can't deny the power of one leader who knows how to perform at the highest standard and has been part of a successful community before. But does the individual make the team or the team make the individual? I believe a successful community of people can be the making of an individual but people come and go and the real test of a quality group is one that produces positive fruit year after year regardless of the different people that journey with them for a time.

Just a thought.

The Funk

a Jesus thought...
A prophet is not without honour except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own home. (Mark 6:4)

a Godly thought...
The church cannot be holy if it focuses on privatised religion and is not declaring liberty to the captives and the oppressed. (p104 Webb)

a leading thought...
Nothing speaks to others more loudly or serves them better than generosity from a leader. (p61 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
Last night I hit the town and went to the Evelyn to see my favourite band Funk Fiction. They are absolutely awesome with an amazing 4 piece horn section Rod Davies, & Janine Maunder on vocals and do all the Earth, Wind & Fire numbers plus some Stevie Wonder. It was not only great to hear fabulous live music but also to catch up with a lot of friends all of who I met through the Salvos over the last 20 years. some Out of the six I ran into only a couple still have any regular connection with us. Some I presume are still connecting with God or the church but it is interesting how many of our young guys 18-25 move away (Mark Sayers says 80%) from the Salvos as it just doesn't have relevance any longer in their lives.

Some say they just need to get over it and the problem lies with uncommitted young adults but I know the issue is far bigger than that. It is about having meaningful relationships that are authentic and are understanding of the real world and although programs are secondary if they are not of any spiritual depth I would rather go to Funk Fiction too. I mean last night the venue is great, you can start and leave when you want, everyone talks to you and the production quality is outstanding. So maybe instead of the church trying to compete with the Funk we need to work out how to take God to the clubs and build on the great base they have there, and the bonus is you don't have to pack up and lock the hall at the end of the night.


Just a thought.

Marriage

a Jesus thought...
Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you. (Mark 5:19)

a Godly thought...
In a sense Jesus is making clear that the way of holiness is a path for the poor and the oppressed: it is the way of love, and it extends even to enemies. (p104 Webb)

a leading thought...
Effective leaders who reach their potential spend more time focusing on what they do well than on what they do wrong. (p54 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
Lately I have been in many conversations with young adults about marriage and how they are on a quest to find their dream partner for life. Some believe God has a certain person worked out for them and unless they find that man or woman they will never be happy. Others believe they could marry a few different people and it would still work out because God will be in that relationship and He is not so narrow minded. But the area that interests me is what qualities they look for in this partner. Guys generally seem to value looks and fun while many women want a reliable leader type who has a strong Christian foundation, but yes they still need to be good looking! So my advice is regardless of their outward appearance trying to get to the heart of a person is what will really sustain a marriage for life.

So my solution is to set up a Christian night club that involves everyone wearing a blindfold so you will not be attracted by a persons hairstyle, clothes or figure but rather the heart matters. The other bonus is that the girls shouldn't take an hour to get ready to go out, and no one would see my amazing dancing moves.

Just a thought.

Need of healing

a Jesus thought...
Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?(Mark 4:21)

a Godly thought...
The genius of Wesley and his value as a theologian was his capacity to synthesize the essential teachings of different theological strands, and then communicate the result with simplicity to the laity. (p95 Webb)

a leading thought...
Discernment enables a leader to see a partial picture, fill in the missing pieces intuitively, and find the real heart of a matter. (p48 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
"Much, we many never know. But this I do know. Mainy was no different to everyone else in this community who has hurts and wounds which are in need of healing." Theses were the words spoken at Chris Mainwaring's (Age 41) funeral yesterday. When it comes to people one image that I have continued to share over the years is that of the mirror. Geoff Ryan used this image to explain that some of us have only a tiny crack and others of us have many cracks but we are all an imperfect mirror. What I like about this image is that is very easy when we are helping people or become aware of problems like Chris Mainwaring's that we look down on them or judge them for not being as together as us. But this image reminds me that none of us are perfect and we have issues that we are doing our best to overcome. I just pray that we will ask God to help us and for those that are struggling through life without Him - God is the ultimate healer and to engage in a relationship with Jesus is well worth the conversation.

Just a thought.

Seats

a Jesus thought...
Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons. (Mark 3:14)

a Godly thought...
We have no choice but to express authentic holiness in engagement with the world. (p90 Webb)

a leading thought...
Courage is fear that has said its prayers. (Karl Barth)

a Dave thought...
In the Herald Sun yesterday...

A GANG of street drunks accused of urinating against shopfronts, smashing bottles and threatening locals with dead rats have been handed their own ratepayer-funded benches.
The group, dubbed "the Smith St menace", scares shoppers and frustrates local police.
But traders who asked council to stop the group from drinking in the street have been labelled racist.
Yarra Council has now responded by buying the group permanent footpath bench seats.
The $50,000 solution will eventually buy the group 20 new benches at a cost to ratepayers of $2500 per seat.
One businessman told how a dead rat was put under his windscreen wipers after he went public with his concerns. His truck was also vandalised with blue paint and he had death threats.
Other traders who have spoken out have had their cars painted, too.
Police regularly attend footpath gatherings where groups fight, smash bottles and abuse passers-by.
Children as young as eight are being raised kerbside and witness binge drinking and violence among their guardians. The council says the area, which often has an overwhelming stench of urine, is an Aboriginal meeting place of significance.
Yarra Council has resisted pleas for a footpath drinking ban as unfairly targeting one sector of the community. They are planning a bus to shuttle aggressive drunks to a planned dry out area and community centre.
Business on Smith St president Geoff Sturre said: "I don't think the seats solve the problem. Any smart person can see it makes it worse.
"I would have liked to see law and order reinstated. If we put a sandwich board on the footpath and it's in the way of pedestrians, we get someone from the council instantly issuing a fine.
"But if you smash a bottle and get in the face of shoppers, it's ignored."
Cr Stephen Jolly said the new seats along Smith St would help separate drinkers from foot traffic. He said he did not want to see the contentious group moved off.

Yesterday a few of us went for a drive to check out the seats and see the area once again. As Stephen Court, Danielle Strickland and others have just started the Collingwood outpost I have no doubt these are the areas that Salvation Army must be emerged in. There is currently only one church, St. Martins left in the area as all the mainstream churches dwindled and found it too difficult to engage with this community so vacated.

I am currently engaging in a project as part of our NEO (New Expressions Of Salvos) agenda to find the 100 worst postcodes in Australia in terms of poverty and crime and then see how many of these The Salvation Army is currently ministering in. Our goal is to see us, the Salvos engaged in the 100 lowest socio-economic postcodes in Australia by 2017, so with Collingwood on its way and others inspired after ACC to reach to the lost, the last and least we may help to solve the problem by replacing seats with churches.

Just a thought.

Power for all

a Jesus thought...
Those who are well have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. (Mark 2:17)

a Godly thought...
Holiness is not an individual matter. It is by being embedded within a community of faith that is expressing likeness to Christ, that we are better able to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. (p79 Webb)

a leading thought...
The person who knows how will always have a job, but the person who knows why will always be the boss. (p33 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
In the Age this morning...

The church, a strange mix of human and divine invention, holds the tension between that very human understanding and an alternative divine imperative.
In Jesus' world, power is only useful in order to transform another's life for the better — and everyone is given access to that power. The privilege that comes with power is not the capacity to separate oneself from the rest of the world; it's an invitation into the very heart of the world. There's no hierarchy in the gospel, no glamour or prestige in reaching a position of leadership.
We are almost offended, in Holy Week, when the Pope washes the feet of his cardinals to a televised audience of millions; in reality we should expect it. If he's not washing the feet of the people, metaphorically if not literally, every day, then he shouldn't be Pope. The foot-washing isn't meant to be an annual blip in the life of a bishop, pope or moderator — it's a daily expectation. That's the offence of the Christian gospel, and it works against so many of our enculturated instincts that it will never come naturally to us.
There's no end to power, and no end to the people who can hold it. And if I can find a church that lives with that, I'll willingly join their flower roster.

This is an interesting article where Cheryl Lawrie refers to the ordination of women in the Anglican church and that as the church fails to embrace and let women lead it will never be the true church. So as many continue to search for a church where there is power for all and not just us males I thank God for the Salvos when back in the 1800's women were lifted up affirmed and given responsibility which has been the backbone of our movement.

Just a thought.

A Dream

a Jesus thought...
Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." (Mark 1:41)

a Godly thought...
We cannot be a holiness movement if we don't teach holiness - if we don't live it out personally and corporately. (p70 Webb)

a leading thought...
Educators take something simple and make it complicated. Communicators take something complicated and make it simple. (p23 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday at 2.50pm during ACC our Commissioner James Knaggs shared his dream for our territory...

I Have a Dream…That one day…

The Salvation Army will in its entirety, be what God wants it to be…

…that every soldier, young and old would be sanctified through and through…and out of the passion of their love in Christ, would be an undeniable force for God’s love in the world.

…that this love would be seen between each soldier to demonstrate that God has sent His Son into the world not to condemn it, but that the world through Him might be saved…and by this would all people know that we are His followers and represent Him.

…that our love would be seen through intentional and overt acts of mercy and justice, all the while in humility before God, not needing to publish our works, only doing them to glorify God.

…that our mission would have such integrity that every expression of our ministry would be marked not so much by a red shield or even a crest, but by the love of God for people.

…that every corps would embrace the gospel for everyone in their community, not discriminating by culture, language, social status, or age…and that the helping ministries would be woven into the fabric so that even under a nuclear microscope we could not distinguish between spiritual and social.

…that every social programme would be inviting to any one in need to be helped towards eternal affect, still maintaining our resolve to dispense such love indiscriminately and unconditionally…and that their connections with the corps ministries become seamless to the point that they would become a type of corps in their own right.

…that we would have effective ministries to eradicate homelessness, human trafficking, prostitution and other indecencies currently common in our society.

…that our social programme strategy will be based upon the needs of people in the context of Biblical mandate, not necessarily the offerings of government contracts.

…that headquarters support units would be understood as such, not diminishing their purposes for accountability, but wholly in the context of authentic support and encouragement.

…that programmes such as Salvo Stores and Employment plus would also become saving stations for the lost and fully integrated into the mission of the territory.

…that Salvo Stores and the Trade become responsible outlets for Fair Trade goods.

…that our commercial department at THQ become a resource and focal point for facilitating our increasing efforts in Fair Trade.

…that the Family Tracing Service be expanded to find those souls who have been lost to the Army, assisting in bringing them home, where they belong.

…that we would never have another day in our existence where someone was not brought to Christ.

…that our soldiers roll would only be an increasing reality as would our worship and discipleship meetings.

…that the proliferation of new ministry openings would be so common and normal that we would have to appoint personnel just to keep track of it, most often after the fact.

…that those gifted with creative ministry gifts would have every opportunity to employ these very skills in the work of the Army.

…that our worship would be filled with creative means to celebrate God’s provisions and presence among us.

…that our 24/7 Prayer Initiatives will be adopted by individual corps throughout the territory all the time.

…that we would establish Lighthouses of Prayer to cover our neighbourhoods with grace.

…that we would have numerous prayer destinations where people could go for prayer retreats, learning opportunities and resources.

…that our systems would be less restrictive and more imaginative to accommodate the new things God wants to do among us.

…that as a movement, we would be marked by holiness in corporate and individual praxis.

…that there would be such an out pouring of the Spirit upon us that we would be courageous and effective witnesses in our families, communities, cities, Australia and the world.

…that our compassion would be large enough to be understood as authentically global throughout what we do at home and abroad.

…that our people would be quick to respond to the voice of God for whatever He calls them to.

…that our officer training programmes would be taxed by the unusual response of the called to serve as officers in TSA.

…that our local officers would be so empowered to understand their foundational role in the corps ministries and fully embrace the priesthood of all believers.

…that our women would have appointments and responsibilities commensurate with their gifts, abilities and experience.

…that our young people would be filled with the Spirit and recognised as contributors in the fight.

…that our children would be welcomed as authentic soldiers with proper opportunities to celebrate the presence of Christ in their lives and in their environments.

…that an extraordinary forgiveness and healing of past sins and hurts would prevail upon all people victimised by our practises or inattention.

…that God would see that we love Him supremely through Christ and that our reliance on the Holy Spirit completes His hope in us.

…that God would see that we love Him absolutely and are expressing our love for Him by our active love for others.

Just a thought.

Corps Cadets

a Jesus thought...
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19)

a Godly thought...
If the Spirit is given for us to be released in service, then it is important that we are involved in some service in whatever way we have been "wired up" by the Lord. (p62 Webb)

a leading thought...
Some people want everything to be perfect before they're willing to commit themselves to anything. But commitment always precedes achievement. (p19 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday in the forum at ACC Stephen Court put to the panel a question asking their views on corps cadets. I have been also giving this some thought over the last 12 months. In the late 1990's our territory made a decision to abandon CC and encourage certain bible study material instead. Although I had no strong opinion on this decision at the time looking back I believe it may have been a backward step. Obviously the word of God must be our focus as we disciple our teens but there is also a need to teach SA distinctives. Our theology, doctrine and ecclesiology have lost their clarity as we are encouraging young people in their faith but not in their Salvationism. So as we look at bringing back Corps Cadets I pray that we will still teach the word of God but that we do it in a Salvation Army context and framework that gives our young people a cause to sign up to, as covenanted soldiers.
So if there is to be a Salvation Army going forward then we need to decide what are the non-negotiables we need to pass on to the next generation and secondly we then must deliberately pass them on. So the options are to leave our teenage discipleship material as is and we blend into the myriad of many other christian denominations, or bring back Corps Cadets and teach our teens the scriptures in a SA framework that encourages them to live for the lost, the last and the least.

Just a thought.

17,000 deaths a year

a Jesus thought...
Truly this was the Son of God! (Matthew 27:54)

a Godly thought...
The quest for holiness is a life-long experience of God's forgiving grace. (p50 Webb)

a leading thought...
Leaders who think about others and their concerns before thinking of themselves exhibit charisma. (p12 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
From today's Age newspaper...
WHAT is it about Australians and grog? Why is it that we seem incapable of doing anything much without it? And why is it that sportsmen, whose feats we laud more than Nobel prize winners, great artists and innovators, inevitably resort to it — and in vast quantities — when they reach the pinnacle of achievement?
At the risk of being labelled a wowser and condemned for raining on their parades, why is it that the footballers of Geelong and Melbourne Storm swamped their opponents with intoxicating weekend displays on the field and then proceeded to drench themselves in alcohol off it over the next several days?
Of course, grog permeates the modern game, just as it does society. Brownlow Medal night is marked not just by votes, highlights and a display of cleavage, but also by ubiquitous beer bottles that are being lifted to mouths, waved in the air and left to clutter tables.
It would be wrong to single out footballers. Soon, the cricket season will be under way, so get set for the post-victory locker room pictures of Test players dousing themselves and holding high the sponsors' green tinnies. And then will come the car racing champions spraying litres of champagne over themselves and spectators at the Grand Prix. Little wonder that when school exams are finally over, teenage graduates think the only way to celebrate is to drink to excess.
Of course, champion teams deserve accolades, deserve the adulation of supporters and deserve to celebrate their achievements.
Yet a fleeting search of the Internet reveals how destructive alcohol is in Australian society: it's linked to more than 17,000 deaths and 7.5 million lost work days annually, according to the National Drug Research Institute. It features heavily in family break-up and domestic violence, in hospital admissions and suicide, in the road toll. It torments indigenous communities. And binge drinking among children is rife.
Much of the talk in AFL season 2007 was about illicit drugs, and the league deserves commendation for its three-strikes policy: it's fair, it's voluntary and it puts player welfare ahead of naming and shaming.
Critics of that policy are forever ranting about footballers being role models. True enough, but why do we continue to turn a blind eye to one of the most conspicuous and most destructive drugs of all?

The Salvos stance on non drinking is such an important part of who we are. As we continue to debate whether this commitment is asking too much of our soldiers, I have no doubt that it is a part of the covenant worth uplifting. Our society here in Australia have lost the ability to have fun and celebrate without grog, and thousands of lives continue to get messed up because of it. Alcohol is something we need to be opposed to as it is the most destructive drug in our world today so I'm with the founder on this one - abstination is a stand worth making a fuss over.

Just a thought.

ACC has begun

a Jesus thought...
O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. (Matthew 26:39)

a Godly thought...
The first part of the process of holiness often involves significant struggle with the patterns that have become habituated within our bodies as a result of the sin-nature. (p41 Webb)

a leading thought... from 21 indispensable Qualities of a Leader by John Maxwell
If a leader's actions and intentions are continually working against each other, then look to his character to find out why. (p4 Maxwell)

a Dave thought...
Yesterday many have said was the best ACC day on record in 7 years!

At the officers day General Eva said we need catalyst officers who are...

1. Ministry minded
2. Culturally sensitive
3. Theologically balanced
4. Evangelistically passionate
5. Holy Spirit empowered

Jeff Lucas said structure and leadership is important but the problem is when the skeleton is on the outside instead of the inside. He also said if we have a brain cell and a bible we will have questions and we need places to flesh them out, like ACC. Another line worth quoting is that Gods will is not a tightrope that we try and balance on but rather a field to work in.

Paul Moulds said leadership style doesn't concern him as much as leadership direction. he then outlined that unless we get serious about who we are a movement for the lost, the last & the least we will either become like any other church or our church wing dies and we are left with just the social arm. He went on to tell some stories of Arthur S. Arnott in the early 1900's who ministered from the training barracks even inviting the drunkards back to have a bath and then sleep there for the night. Would the cadets need to get permission to do that today and would be proud of them and encourage them to live out this passion for the marginalised? It is going to take some board meetings to allow this to happen again but somehow we need to get back there.

Just a thought.

Julie Andrews leads

a Jesus thought...
Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. (Matthew 25:23)

a Godly thought...
Jesus does not want us to be moral people in a church that offers respectability. Jesus calls us to be holy, in a church that offers grace. (p28 Webb)

a leading thought...
Increasing internal coherence leads to more efficiency in all physiological systems and greater creativity, adaptability, and flexibility. (p331 Covey)

a Dave thought...
Today begins ACC (Aggressive Christianity Conference) Officers Day at Box Hill. Here is the topic we have given our 3 guests to respond to...



In The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organisations, Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom explore the differences between traditional, centralised ‘CEO-led’ organisations (‘Spiders’) and diverse, decentralised, ‘catalyst-led’ movements (‘Starfish’).
‘In a way, the difference between traditional leaders and catalysts is like the difference between Julie Andrews’ characters in The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. In The Sound of Music, Maria enters a dysfunctional family, teaches the children a valuable lesson, convinces the father to pay attention to his kids, and shows the family how to get along.

‘Likewise, Mary Poppins visits an equally (albeit charmingly) dysfunctional family, gets equally adorable children to behave, urges equally clueless parents to pay attention to their kids, finds equally effective ways for everyone to get along, and sings equally catchy tunes.

‘At the end of The Sound of Music though, Maria, after falling in love with the children and the father, sticks around. It’s obvious that from now on she’ll be the one running the show.
‘Mary Poppins, on the other hand, chim-chim-in-eys right out of London. It’s not that Mary Poppins has a fear of commitment. From the very beginning, it’s clear that she’s come to do a job. Her job is complete when the family can thrive on it’s own. Once she accomplishes her goal, she rides her umbrella into the sunset.

As John Cleary hosts this day we will be listening to General Eva, Jeff Lucas & Captain Paul Moulds respond to this article. I personally believe we have very few catalysts and there is a need to train, develop and deploy this type of leader in the Salvos today but I'll fill you in on their ideas in the morning.

Just a thought.

Positional leadership

a Jesus thought...
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Matthew 24:35)

a Godly thought... (New Book "Authentic Holiness" by Geoff & Kalie Webb)
Salvation is not simply a past experience, but a present reality that involves multiple levels. (p20 Webb)

a leading thought...
In my experience the very top people of truly great organisations are servant-leaders. They are the most humble, the most reverent, the most open, the most teachable, the most respectful, the most caring. (p300 Covey)

a Dave thought...
I was in a conversation yesterday that led me to the question, "does the position make the leader or does the leader make the position?" It is interesting how people long to have a certain title or position of responsibility but when they finally get there things don't seem to run like they envisaged. This is because no matter the title we are given, our own gifting and influence will always determine how effectively we lead. I believe the opposite is also true that a gifted leader no matter where they are placed will have influence regardless of resources or the people around them.
We need to be responsible for own growth and development and if that involves leadership we must continue to work with God and move people on to His agenda, but remember it is God who promotes, we just have to be good stewards of the gifts He has given us.
So for me the leader makes the position, not many can remember Mother Teresa's last appointment in the Catholic Church, but the fruit of her ministry continues to be spoken about. I pray also that when we all come to the end of our time in ministry we won't be described by the positions we held but by the people we touched.

Just a thought.