What is your favourite Bible story?
Who is your favourite bible character?
My favourite bible story prabably has to be about Gideon. I love the way God takes the smallest man from the smallest family, from the smallest clan from the smallest tribe in Israel and uses him to bring about freedom and a renewal in the faith of Israel.
My favourite character though is probably Josiah. I find Josiah's character quite inspiring. Despite growning up with godlessness all around him, somehow Josiah manages to become a grat king and a great man of God. I love what 1 Kings 22: 1-2 says:
"Josiah was eight years old when he bagan to reign; he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mothers name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. He did what was was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or the left."
Josiah was completely obedient to God, right up until the battle when he was killed, a battle that God had advised Josiah to not go into. Josiah cleared out all of the idolatry of Judah and led them back to following God.
Can you imagine what it must have been like to be the king at age 8!!!
Josiah inspires me to walk closely with God, to lead others to walk closely with Him and to lead others even if they think that I'm too young.
Who are your favourite Bible characters?
What is your favourite Bible story?
What do they teach you about God, about you, about life???
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
UN-CHURCH
The very first Un-Church event was held at Delacombe on Sunday night. I thought that the event went well, let me know what you thought if you were there.
For those not fortunate enough to have been able to attend this unique event allow me to explain the concept of "Un-Church".
A few months ago I was reading our T.Y's (the bloke in charge of the youth stuff for the Salvo's in Australia - for the non-Salvo acronym speakers out there) blog. Dave (that's his name) was talking about the concept of an un-conference. The basic idea of an un-conference was that those attending recognise that we can all teach each other something and that we can all learn from each other. So, instead of having a keynote speaker stand up the front and talk at the crowd as so often happens at a conference, there are perhaps a few people selected to talk specifically about what they have been doing and the strengths, weaknesses and outcomes of this, and then the rest of the time is spent sharing and helping each other.
So, a few weeks ago as I travelled back from the rained out Summer Celebration in Torquay, I began to think about this un-conference concept and whether or not we could apply it in any way to church.
In The Salvation Army we believe in the concept of the priesthood of all believers. This basically means that we believe that God is at work within each believer and that we are able to minister to each other regardless of sex, age, or culture. With this in mind I began to explore what church would be like if we all were able to participate in the worship and teaching.
The idea that I came up with was that the event would start off with a pre-chosen song and then I would get up and introduce the idea of the event and the theme for the night, including reading the verse of scripture that the theme was based around. From this point on the night would be guided by the congregation. Songs would be chosen by suggestion and popular consensus and the teaching part of the evening would come from how members of the congregation interpreted what the bible verse was saying to them. The only real leadership involved in this was a little direction in terms of when what might happen, although this could be left up to the congregation also.
This style of worship depends a lot upon the participation of the congregation and so may not work with all groups, but I think that everyone enjoyed our first un-chuch event and found it a great time of worship.
For me personally, there was a moment during the song 'Jesus Lover of My Soul' that I real felt the Holy Spirit moving. During this moment I felt God say to me; "Forget what you had planned to do tonight, ask if anyone has a verse from the Bible that they want to share." So I did. It was great then to hear Ross share with us a passage that had spoken to him recently.
So, Un-Church, a new way of worship, where we all minister to each other. What do you think??
For those not fortunate enough to have been able to attend this unique event allow me to explain the concept of "Un-Church".
A few months ago I was reading our T.Y's (the bloke in charge of the youth stuff for the Salvo's in Australia - for the non-Salvo acronym speakers out there) blog. Dave (that's his name) was talking about the concept of an un-conference. The basic idea of an un-conference was that those attending recognise that we can all teach each other something and that we can all learn from each other. So, instead of having a keynote speaker stand up the front and talk at the crowd as so often happens at a conference, there are perhaps a few people selected to talk specifically about what they have been doing and the strengths, weaknesses and outcomes of this, and then the rest of the time is spent sharing and helping each other.
So, a few weeks ago as I travelled back from the rained out Summer Celebration in Torquay, I began to think about this un-conference concept and whether or not we could apply it in any way to church.
In The Salvation Army we believe in the concept of the priesthood of all believers. This basically means that we believe that God is at work within each believer and that we are able to minister to each other regardless of sex, age, or culture. With this in mind I began to explore what church would be like if we all were able to participate in the worship and teaching.
The idea that I came up with was that the event would start off with a pre-chosen song and then I would get up and introduce the idea of the event and the theme for the night, including reading the verse of scripture that the theme was based around. From this point on the night would be guided by the congregation. Songs would be chosen by suggestion and popular consensus and the teaching part of the evening would come from how members of the congregation interpreted what the bible verse was saying to them. The only real leadership involved in this was a little direction in terms of when what might happen, although this could be left up to the congregation also.
This style of worship depends a lot upon the participation of the congregation and so may not work with all groups, but I think that everyone enjoyed our first un-chuch event and found it a great time of worship.
For me personally, there was a moment during the song 'Jesus Lover of My Soul' that I real felt the Holy Spirit moving. During this moment I felt God say to me; "Forget what you had planned to do tonight, ask if anyone has a verse from the Bible that they want to share." So I did. It was great then to hear Ross share with us a passage that had spoken to him recently.
So, Un-Church, a new way of worship, where we all minister to each other. What do you think??
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
"He's living the dream... he didnt even know what the dream was until I told him."
I went to help at a Fusion Breakfast Club held at one of the Ballarat highschools this morning. After Breakfast club finished I went home again to change out of the jeans and hoodie I was wearing into my 'corporate attire' that is more appropriate for someone who works at DHQ.
When I got home I swithced on the TV to add a bit of noise while I had a drink and began to get ready. As I flicked through the channels I caught the end of an Ellen show segment and she was talking about what was coming up. When I heard the words 'Superbowl Ad', I decided not to switch channels and waited the ads out. When the show returned I saw the video clip above.
The ad shows how one American footballer recognised the potential ability in a grocery bag packer at his local supermarket and encouraged him to try out for the team. This young man, Chester Pitts, who previously played only the oboe, a member of the woodwind family, now is a highly paid NFL player.
All of this happened because another footballer, Ephraim Salaam, recognised his potential and encouraged him to become the best he could be.
This got me thinking, how many people are there in our world who are metaphorically packing groceries and playing the oboe when they should be playing in the NFL?
As I thought about this I wondered where the people are who are like Ephraim Salaam who are recognising the potential of others and calling them to a better thing?
Do you see the potential in people you meet and encourage them to reach out and achieve it?
I love the line in this clip: "He's living the dream... he didnt even know what the dream was until I told him."
Who are you telling about the dream, and who is missing out on the dream because you havent told them?
Do you know what the dream is?
Do you have a dream at all?
I think we all have dreams, or at least we had them at one stage or another.
My dream is that I will see the Kingdom of God come on earth. I dream that people will be in passionate, vibrant relationship with their God. I dream that people will fight for the poor and oppressed and bring freedom to those captives held captive by sin and circumstance. I dream that one day there will be peace and love and forgiveness in abundace and that hate and greed and evil will be gone. Thats my dream.
Today I want to encourage to share your dream with someone else. You never know what the outcome might be. But, more importantly, share God's dream, because the outcome of that can be revoloutionary.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Lent
I made the mistake of waking up ridiculously early this morning, and then I couldnt get back to sleep!! After some effort and no reward I decided that if I was awake at this foul time of the day, then I might as well do something unproductive, like put the T.V. on.
So I got up and switched on the T.V. After channel surfing across infomercials, the American version of the Today Show/Sunrise, and some of those early morning religious programs, Sunrise came on and I was greeted by Kochie informing us that it was, and I quote, "Pancake Tuesday".
My response directed at the T.V. screen, possibly less Christlike than normal give the fact that I much prefer to be sleeping at this time of day, was the correction "It's Shrove Tuesday!!!"
But as consciousness and cognitive ability began to warm up a bit I began thinking about the concept of Shrove Tuesday and Lent, something I had been thinking about since last week when I received a reminder from my local Pancake Kitchen informing me of $5 short stacks all day.
It's kind of funny really, traditionally during Lent people will give something up for the 40 days from Ash Wednesday through to Palm Sunday, in memory of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Often we give up luxuries like T.V. or chocolate or the like, but in the 'olden' days the people would give up much more, even staples like eggs, milk and sugar!!
Shrove Tuesday then was a day of permissable gluttony where people would cook pancakes and other delicious foods to use up the last of the stores before entering the Lenten period.
So today there are probably people out there gutsing down their last chocolates, watching the last of the T.V. and doing the last whatever before they give it up for lent.
This got me thinking though, is it really sacrifice when we fully plan to restart whatever it is as soon as this whole Easter thing is over and done with??
So this year I'm revolting, although some would argue that I have been revolting for years. Instead of giving up some token thing for the next 40 odd days, this year I am choosing to rededicate my life to God, and offering my whole life as an act of Sacrifice.
Will you join me this year and instead of giving up something for lent, will you give up your life to God??
So I got up and switched on the T.V. After channel surfing across infomercials, the American version of the Today Show/Sunrise, and some of those early morning religious programs, Sunrise came on and I was greeted by Kochie informing us that it was, and I quote, "Pancake Tuesday".
My response directed at the T.V. screen, possibly less Christlike than normal give the fact that I much prefer to be sleeping at this time of day, was the correction "It's Shrove Tuesday!!!"
But as consciousness and cognitive ability began to warm up a bit I began thinking about the concept of Shrove Tuesday and Lent, something I had been thinking about since last week when I received a reminder from my local Pancake Kitchen informing me of $5 short stacks all day.
It's kind of funny really, traditionally during Lent people will give something up for the 40 days from Ash Wednesday through to Palm Sunday, in memory of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Often we give up luxuries like T.V. or chocolate or the like, but in the 'olden' days the people would give up much more, even staples like eggs, milk and sugar!!
Shrove Tuesday then was a day of permissable gluttony where people would cook pancakes and other delicious foods to use up the last of the stores before entering the Lenten period.
So today there are probably people out there gutsing down their last chocolates, watching the last of the T.V. and doing the last whatever before they give it up for lent.
This got me thinking though, is it really sacrifice when we fully plan to restart whatever it is as soon as this whole Easter thing is over and done with??
So this year I'm revolting, although some would argue that I have been revolting for years. Instead of giving up some token thing for the next 40 odd days, this year I am choosing to rededicate my life to God, and offering my whole life as an act of Sacrifice.
Will you join me this year and instead of giving up something for lent, will you give up your life to God??
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Created In The Image Of God
Soooo, I'm back from New Zealand; the birth place of many "Australian" movie stars and the alleged creators of the good old Australian Pavlova.
The trip was absolutely awesome, I'm pretty sure it's safe to say everyone had a great time and that we have all made friendships that will last forever!!
While I was in New Zealand I had the privilege of preaching at the Manukau Salvos. I spoke on the concept of being created in the image of God as is found in Genesis 1.
As I looked at this passage I saw 4 things that speak to being created in God's image.
First, I saw in this passage that we are each created. God actually took the time and deliberately made us. If God has created us this means that we are intimately known by God, check out Jeremiah 1:5. If God has taken the time to create us it means that we are no cosmic accident and that there must be some reason for our creation. This feeds into my second point
Second, I saw that we are created on purpose for a purpose. Have a look at the creation story in Genesis. Creation was deliberate and ordered, first cam night and day, then sky then land and sea, then the plants, the the sun and moon and stars, then came the sea creatures then animals and birds and finally, after all of this had been put in place came Humans. As I look at this I see that God was preparing creation for humanity, everything necessary for supporting life was put into place before God created us. As far as being created for a purpose, look at Genesis 1: . As I look at this passage I see that as humans we are tasked with taking care of the planet. But perhaps this is not the primary reason for creation. As I read the bible I am convinced that the true reason for our creation is to be in relationship with God. Read Joshua 24: 14 - 15, here we see God reaching out to the nation of Israel and calling them to choose life in relationship with Him. Our primary purpose in life should be to be in relationship with our creator.
Third, I see that we are created in the image of God. Each and every one of us have the potential to share the characteristics of God, characteristics such as justice, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and most importantly; LOVE!!! But, while we have the potential and capacity to share the characteristics of God, we also have the opportunity to reject these characteristics and choose other characteristics such as hate, greed, malice, and selfishness; characteristics that are in sharp contrast with those of God. These characteristics can also have a significant effect on how we see others. If we adopt the character of God, we will begin to see others as being created in His image also. Read Matthew 25: 34 - 40, you can see here that Jesus is calling us to see each and every person as being created in the image of God. As I read the gospels I see many circumstances where Jesus saw people created in the image of His Father and treated them accordingly; there was the Samaritan woman, the Woman caught in adultery, the blind man, the paralytic lowered through the roof, the lame man near the pool and many, many more. In each of these circumstances Jesus saw the image of God in these people and treated them accordingly. Perhaps there is much we can learn from this??
The fourth thing that I noticed was that it is only after humans were created that God says that creation is very good, perhaps it is not too big a stretch to say that we are each very good.
Because of these 4 factors; that we are Created, On Purpose, For a Purpose, In the Image Of God, and that God sees us as being Very Good, is it too much to believe that we are each infinitely valuable in the eyes of God?
Look at John 3:16, it clearly states how valuable we are to God. We are so valuable to God that He became human and then died on the cross in one of the most excruciating deaths imaginable. Look at Acts 2 and 1st Corinthians 6:19, we are so valuable that God has chose us to be His temple, the place where He chooses to live.
Remember, in the Old Testament, God commanded that the Hebrew people create a giant tent where Gods presence could dwell among the people in a tangible sense. Then after the establishment of the nation of Israel God commanded Solomon to build the Temple as a place for Him to live among the people. But as the bible reminds us, the people of Israel abandoned God and as a result God's presence left the Temple, although God was never far away from those who would seek Him (check out Jeremiah 29: 12 - 13). But then in Acts 2, God's Spirit descends and dwells in the hearts of the Disciples and others as the Disciples spread the gospel. Surely, if God has chosen us over some ornate building, then we all must be of more value to God than most of us comprehend.
So I encourage you to see those around you as beings created in the image of the Creator. See their value, see your value and live lives as beings of infinite value to God!!!
The trip was absolutely awesome, I'm pretty sure it's safe to say everyone had a great time and that we have all made friendships that will last forever!!
While I was in New Zealand I had the privilege of preaching at the Manukau Salvos. I spoke on the concept of being created in the image of God as is found in Genesis 1.
As I looked at this passage I saw 4 things that speak to being created in God's image.
First, I saw in this passage that we are each created. God actually took the time and deliberately made us. If God has created us this means that we are intimately known by God, check out Jeremiah 1:5. If God has taken the time to create us it means that we are no cosmic accident and that there must be some reason for our creation. This feeds into my second point
Second, I saw that we are created on purpose for a purpose. Have a look at the creation story in Genesis. Creation was deliberate and ordered, first cam night and day, then sky then land and sea, then the plants, the the sun and moon and stars, then came the sea creatures then animals and birds and finally, after all of this had been put in place came Humans. As I look at this I see that God was preparing creation for humanity, everything necessary for supporting life was put into place before God created us. As far as being created for a purpose, look at Genesis 1: . As I look at this passage I see that as humans we are tasked with taking care of the planet. But perhaps this is not the primary reason for creation. As I read the bible I am convinced that the true reason for our creation is to be in relationship with God. Read Joshua 24: 14 - 15, here we see God reaching out to the nation of Israel and calling them to choose life in relationship with Him. Our primary purpose in life should be to be in relationship with our creator.
Third, I see that we are created in the image of God. Each and every one of us have the potential to share the characteristics of God, characteristics such as justice, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and most importantly; LOVE!!! But, while we have the potential and capacity to share the characteristics of God, we also have the opportunity to reject these characteristics and choose other characteristics such as hate, greed, malice, and selfishness; characteristics that are in sharp contrast with those of God. These characteristics can also have a significant effect on how we see others. If we adopt the character of God, we will begin to see others as being created in His image also. Read Matthew 25: 34 - 40, you can see here that Jesus is calling us to see each and every person as being created in the image of God. As I read the gospels I see many circumstances where Jesus saw people created in the image of His Father and treated them accordingly; there was the Samaritan woman, the Woman caught in adultery, the blind man, the paralytic lowered through the roof, the lame man near the pool and many, many more. In each of these circumstances Jesus saw the image of God in these people and treated them accordingly. Perhaps there is much we can learn from this??
The fourth thing that I noticed was that it is only after humans were created that God says that creation is very good, perhaps it is not too big a stretch to say that we are each very good.
Because of these 4 factors; that we are Created, On Purpose, For a Purpose, In the Image Of God, and that God sees us as being Very Good, is it too much to believe that we are each infinitely valuable in the eyes of God?
Look at John 3:16, it clearly states how valuable we are to God. We are so valuable to God that He became human and then died on the cross in one of the most excruciating deaths imaginable. Look at Acts 2 and 1st Corinthians 6:19, we are so valuable that God has chose us to be His temple, the place where He chooses to live.
Remember, in the Old Testament, God commanded that the Hebrew people create a giant tent where Gods presence could dwell among the people in a tangible sense. Then after the establishment of the nation of Israel God commanded Solomon to build the Temple as a place for Him to live among the people. But as the bible reminds us, the people of Israel abandoned God and as a result God's presence left the Temple, although God was never far away from those who would seek Him (check out Jeremiah 29: 12 - 13). But then in Acts 2, God's Spirit descends and dwells in the hearts of the Disciples and others as the Disciples spread the gospel. Surely, if God has chosen us over some ornate building, then we all must be of more value to God than most of us comprehend.
So I encourage you to see those around you as beings created in the image of the Creator. See their value, see your value and live lives as beings of infinite value to God!!!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
UN4SAKEN
Only 6 more sleeps until I leave for New Zealand!!!
Easter comes early this year, and that means that there isnt long to go until easter Camp is here also. The theme for this year is UN4SAKEN, and reminds us of Jesus' cry from the cross: "My god, my God, why have you forsaken me?" But also reminds us of the fact that God has promised to never leave or forsake us. Check out Psalm 22 when have the chance, the first line of the psalm is "My God, my God, why have you forskaen me?" But as you read on, something changes and towards the end we see that; "The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD..."
As I sit in my office and try to figure out when I can take my holidays this year, I see all of the events that are planned for this year. Summer Celebration is on again an will be held regionally in Torquay, Warrnambool and Kaniva. Fun for all of the family with some unique activities to be held at each event. Some of these activities are yet to be announced, but I can reveal that the innaugural Matthew 14:29 challenge will be held in Kaniva this year!! The basic idea of the Matthew 14:29 cahllenge is this: Each corps is to come to Summer Celebration at the Kaniva pool equipped with their device that will enable them to be like Peter in Matt. 14:29 and walk upon the water. The winner will be the person with the most 'faith', that is the person able to walk the farthest distance on the water down the pool. Competitiors will be considered 'sinking' when the water reaches a point above their knees or when their faith based walking appartus touches the bottom to the pool, or they require assistance from Jesus or any other form of rescue. Anybody who can make it the entire distance walking on the water from deep end to shallow end will win the opportunity to throw their much beloved DY, fully uniformed (Hat, Jacket, Shirt, Tie, Pants and Shoes), into the pool.
Challenges for the remaining Summer Celebrations are in their early formulative stages and more info will be out soon!!
Easter comes early this year, and that means that there isnt long to go until easter Camp is here also. The theme for this year is UN4SAKEN, and reminds us of Jesus' cry from the cross: "My god, my God, why have you forsaken me?" But also reminds us of the fact that God has promised to never leave or forsake us. Check out Psalm 22 when have the chance, the first line of the psalm is "My God, my God, why have you forskaen me?" But as you read on, something changes and towards the end we see that; "The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD..." Sometimes, even when it feels like God isn't present or is a long way off, we need to remember that He is always with us, even if we cant feel His presence, and that even the poor in spirit will inherit the Kingdom of God!!
Something to think about before camp maybe??
Sunday, January 6, 2008
God Is Nothing Like Santa
Well, today is my first official day back in the office for 2008.
Over the last few weeks I have been lucky enough to take some time off and spend it generally relaxing and doing very little. During this time a thought occured to me, I began thinking about how so many people see God as a Santa like figure.
As tradition goes, Santa is a jolly fat old man with a big white beard. Tradition also holds that Santa "... is making a list and checking it twice..." and is going to "...find out if you're naughty or nice." And it is based on this assessment of behaviour over the preceeding 12 months and your status on the 'Naughty' or 'Nice' lists that determines your suitability for presents at the coming Christmas delivery.
As I thought about this I realised that many people often view God as a Santa like figure. People see God as having a naughty and nice list that determines our rewards not only in eternity but also in this life.
People see God as the big bloke who brings you good stuff if you ask him and behave well enough to deserve what ever it is you're currently chasing after. But I'm not too sure that that is really the God that I know.
The God I know doesnt give out gifts based on worthiness, because if that were the case, we would all have nothing.
The God I know gives out gifts based on Love. God loves all of us, irrespective of whether we love, hate, or ignore Him, and because of this He has given us some of the greatest gifts anyone could ever offer. God has given us life, the first and possibly greatest gift we may ever receive. After that God gives us the gift of His Son Jesus. Through the gift of Jesus we receive further gifts of forgiveness and redemption. And from this point the gifts continue to grow and multiply. And the good news; the gifts of life, forgiveness and redemption are guaranteed to all of us, its just up to us to accept them!!
God has no list of naughty or nice, His love and gifts are not conditional on our listed status, and He actually forgets the 'naughty' stuff we do the moment we ask Him to.
So God is no Santa, but thats a good thing.
Who do you put your hope in; God or a fat jolly bloke with a long list??
Over the last few weeks I have been lucky enough to take some time off and spend it generally relaxing and doing very little. During this time a thought occured to me, I began thinking about how so many people see God as a Santa like figure.
As tradition goes, Santa is a jolly fat old man with a big white beard. Tradition also holds that Santa "... is making a list and checking it twice..." and is going to "...find out if you're naughty or nice." And it is based on this assessment of behaviour over the preceeding 12 months and your status on the 'Naughty' or 'Nice' lists that determines your suitability for presents at the coming Christmas delivery.
As I thought about this I realised that many people often view God as a Santa like figure. People see God as having a naughty and nice list that determines our rewards not only in eternity but also in this life.
People see God as the big bloke who brings you good stuff if you ask him and behave well enough to deserve what ever it is you're currently chasing after. But I'm not too sure that that is really the God that I know.
The God I know doesnt give out gifts based on worthiness, because if that were the case, we would all have nothing.
The God I know gives out gifts based on Love. God loves all of us, irrespective of whether we love, hate, or ignore Him, and because of this He has given us some of the greatest gifts anyone could ever offer. God has given us life, the first and possibly greatest gift we may ever receive. After that God gives us the gift of His Son Jesus. Through the gift of Jesus we receive further gifts of forgiveness and redemption. And from this point the gifts continue to grow and multiply. And the good news; the gifts of life, forgiveness and redemption are guaranteed to all of us, its just up to us to accept them!!
God has no list of naughty or nice, His love and gifts are not conditional on our listed status, and He actually forgets the 'naughty' stuff we do the moment we ask Him to.
So God is no Santa, but thats a good thing.
Who do you put your hope in; God or a fat jolly bloke with a long list??
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