Armybarmy Blog

December 31, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen.

How about sponsoring a child? That might be a great thing to do in 2008...
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Bramwell (same reference as earlier this week) goes hardcore on Cadets with this:
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"It is important to eliminate most of those who are incapable of eventually taking the lead, because we must improve the quality of our Officers. All over the world we see the need for improvement. We are anxious to secure Officers of a rather better type of mind and character. Will it not lower the standard of Officership if we retain inferior people, who hold tenaciously, because self has a large place in their hearts. We want to raise the standard. Think of the damage done all over the Field by Officers who are incapable of inspiring their people! We have Officers in some places who, because of lack of the Holy Spirit are weak, futile, or careless in the presence of difficulty, and seem incapable of settling even trifling matters in the Corps. Because of this innate weakness, such Officers easily give ground in the matter of our high standards of spiritual power - separation from the world, and love for souls. They lower the tone of the people for whom they are responsible. They fail to raise up an Army. They are inadequate to the task of training Soldiers to be fighters. Unless we discover and send away such unpromising people, they will go into the Field, raise up perhaps a few nominal 'members', and leave the regiment they are appointed to command in a worse condition than they found it.

"I beg you not to commission people who will become mere figureheads, without backbone, spiritual revelation, or hatred of the devil. We should be more prosperous with such Officers altogether...

"The best way of avoiding a shortage of Officers is to improve the quality of our Officers. Our efficient Officers are self-producers. There is more to be hoped from a smaller but thoroughly efficient Offiecrship than from a larger officership which includes, however, elements of weakness in disintegration."
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Carrying on from yesterday's post, here are some Bible aids for next year, courtesy of Captain Michael Ramsay (see his blog at right):

1) Dr Was: We have been doing this for a number of years now and we believe that we were the first ever on-line daily Bible readings with accompanying comics! You are welcome to visit our web site (http://www.sheepspeak.com/drwas.htm ) and spend some time reading the Word on-line.

2) E-Rations: This is an easy and popular way to read thru the life-journal readings by having them mailed directly to your e-mail inbox. These daily 'rations' will be accompanied by an original DR Was comic each time. you can subscribe my e-mailing us at erations@sheepspeak.com

3) The MacFarlane Plans. We introduced these plans last year. If you choose to read through one of these plan, you even get some days off - to catch up, read ahead, or study something else (http://www.havelock-viha.com/mcfarlane.htm).
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Praise God for His faithfulness in 2007. But it isn't over yet. So, let's try to harvest the full take for 2007.
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Revelation 19-22 (the end!).
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 30, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Praise the Lord and congratulations to Captain Palmer for being awarded MBE this weekend: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/mbe.for.salvation.army.flood.relief.worker/15866.htm (hat tip Richard M)
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Resolution time for many is right around the corner. Here are some areas to consider:
- rations (beefing them up; set a time and place (if you don't have one); maybe reading the whole Bible if you haven't yet (four chapters/day, if you don't have a system - this blog lists the reading for the day); memorise Scripture; lengthening time; increasing daily tongues prayers);
- evangelism (be intentional (set a weekly time); spend a weekend with James Thompson; go to a training conference like Go For Souls; pray systematically for independents (people who don't depend on Jesus yet); act in faith (e.g. pray for 'felt' needs);
- discipling (get discipled if you are not); aim to disciple 12 people; challenge yourselves in simplicity, radical lifestyle, and warfare);
- Salvation Warfare (start a cell; start an outpost; recruit five candidates for officership; go to training college; go to The War College (a handful of campus options); Re-read Handbook of Doctrine; Re-read Orders and Regulations; learn Arabic and Mandarin; double your cartridge;
- Prayer (go non-stop in your corps; Pray The Bible (out loud, to God - see REVOLUTION by the armybarmy bloggers); daily prayer walk; regular priphetic prayer;
- Simplicity (Plan A - sell everything you have and give it to the poor; Plan B - only buy something when you are prepared to give something away; give away 20% of your books, and clothes, and DVDs, and CDs; go common purse in your community; cap your needs and live within them; share;
- Reading (read three new SA books; read one a week; learn to read (if you don't know how to read); help someon elearn to read; read one of these recommended books: Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places, rec by DJS; One Day, rec by RGC; A Plain Account of Christian Perfection; Celebration of Discipline, rec by FKH).
(hat tip to the Second Valley crew for many of the preceding)
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People are going to hell over the world during the last weekend in the year. Let's try to save them.
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Revelation 15-18.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 29, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

One CO reportedly worked kettles from 2am to 5pm on the last shopping day this week. Apparently thousands were shopping at 2am. And, apparently, the corps cleared a couple of hundred grand (and this is not an American Corps so it is an unreal total). Praise the Lord.
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"There is nothing in a Holy Spirit-conceived life that exempts that life from the common lot of humanity. It didn't skip anything in Jesus, "who in every respect has been tested as we are" (Hebrews 4:15) and it doesn't skip anything in us. And that means, of course, that there is absolutely nothing in us that is in inaccessible to or incapable of holiness. Humanity itself is divinely precious." (Eugene Peterson, 269, Christ Plays in Ten Thousands Places).
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Lots like to play up Jesus' humanity, but fewer play up that we can be like Him. It is good to read about hoiness. AUS Territory has a couple of books on holiness in the batch it published this year. Have a gander.
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Lieutenant Genevieve Peterson rants on the JustSalvos about justice and Christmas.
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Check out Collinson on his 8 categories and 3 goals each for 2008.
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How many can we get saved this weekend? God help us.
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Revelation 10-14.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 28, 2007 (update).
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Hat tip to Richard Munn for the following additions to yesterday's post on the SA Year in Review:
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Return of the Lieutenant rank (substantive, commissioned rank)
Opening of the International Social Justice Center
5 Generals at Old Orchard Beach camp meetings
East Africa Territory multiplies into 2 separate territories
Home League 100th Anniversary
NYSB 120th anniversary – longest serving SA Staff band
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Some commands were made into territories as well.
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Check out Bramwell on initiative (same source):
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"I think you ought to be very liberal in watching over your Cadets. The normal routine in the Training Garrison must not be unalterable. If a Cadet is 'enthused' about any particular work, is, e.g. moved to raid the drinking saloons, or to shout the claims of God in the cinemas or in the theatres between the acts, or to break out in some other 'disorderly' way in the right spirit, do not 'sit' on him. Say, rather, 'I would like to hear about this. Have you prayed about it? Take Smith with you next time, and see if you can infect him and then report back to me again'." (p21)
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And on dealing with a changing society:
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"I know that here I am asking much. Some of you are dealing with cold, self-centred, democratic people, self-confident, acknowledging but few loyaltie. It is difficult to convince them that they should be submissive and humble. But the standards which God has set up cannot be changed because we find that the times have changed. It is still one of the conditions upon which His blessings are given that there shall be submissiveness, humility, tenderness... I say to you in all seriousness that it is the humble in spirit whom God delights to honour. When from his heart, without show, a man says, 'O God, I come and submit to Thee,' then God says, 'Very well, I will make use of you.' That is what we want with the Cadets." (p25)
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Revelation 5-9.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 27, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
(hb2LS/CG)

We guess that if we were to pull together a SA year-in-review the following items would make the list:
- PtG of Bosshardt and Brekke
- invasion of countries 112, 113
- the sickness of the General
- the continuation and spread of non-stop prayer
What else would you add?
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Bramwell Booth (same source as earlier this week): "A(nother) advantage I see in the Training (for officership) is that it offers to the enterprise and daring of our best youth a field for exploits."

Chop that off and memorise it...

"In this Training Garrison, and perhaps in one or two others, new outlets for love and energy have constantly been discovered and new methods of work put into practice which have influenced the whole Army."

Nice. More to come, God-willing...

"Other avenues of work have opened to us in different parts of the world, because the youth of The Army, the Cadets in Training, have had imagination, vision, and enterprise, and have also had the opportunity to follow the promptings of their hearts" (p21).

There are some qualifications we'd like to see in candidates - imagination, vision, and enterprise.

"With a little wise encouragement, your Training Garrison may become the frequent birthplace of new things that nobody else has thought of. The Garrison should be the hot-house of new plants - plants which at first may be delicate, but with attention and encouragement, may become sturdy trees whose leaves will be for the healing of the nations."

Amen!
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Revelation 3-4.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 26, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name.
He is risen!
(it is still 25th in the north, so, Holy Incarnation Day!)

Charles Colson on Christmas, here:
http://townhall.com/columnists/ChuckColson/2007/12/25/its_not_about_the_manger
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Or, if you aren't in a warm and fuzzy mood so much as an agressive mood, D'Souza on the War on Christmas, here:
http://townhall.com/columnists/ChuckColson/2007/12/25/its_not_about_the_manger
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Praise God on the Bentleigh conversion (see Xander Coleman's blog).
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We praise God for the year wrapping up shortly. We want to finish strong, of course. However, 07 was jam-packed. We were blessed to participate in one corps start, two congresses, three appointments, four cities, five quarters, some big conversions, some great preaching gigs, a CD, a book (plus cheering on a couple of others), and Kingdom advance. Hallelujah. We can't look too far ahead (since there is still a week left in 07) but we anticipate that 08 might include more conversions (God grant it), a couple of new War College campuses, a book or two (Articles of War, and maybe Blood and Fireworks and Warfare Prayer) , the sesquicentennial of Collingwood Salvos, Famous Last Words preaching series (you've heard a bit of this under a different title and more will come...), McPherson Lecture Series (more to come on this one, soon, too), a couple of new outposts (look out for the Prayer Warriors), the Hub (stay tuned for more on this), new editions of SALAVATIONISM 101-301 (and maybe 401, 501), and God knows what else...
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God is using The Salvation Army. If you are a keen salvo, how about this? Why not sit down with your spouse - or, if you're single, with your discipler - and have one serious conversation about getting yourself into officership next year. Is that asking too much? One serious conversation (and maybe a prayer)...
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Meanwhile, one great preparation for officership is The War College (which is shooting candidates into CFOTs like they are going out of style). The Incendiary Session is in right now, lighting it up. And CONQUERORS Session still has a few spaces left in four cities. Why not check out thewarcollege.com and have oen serious conversation (and prayer) about it (as above)?
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Nina Shea has an article called A Creche Without Christians in nationalreview.com that many of you will appreciate.
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Rowan Williams (Canterbury) has a piece in Times of London.
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As the email signature reminds, "Its' Jesus or hell."
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So, let's introduce some people to Jesus (repent and believe).
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Psalm 117; 119:81-176; 2 John; 3 John.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 25, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

From General Shaw Clifton (hat tip Salvationist):
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Christmas memories

CHRISTMAS is a time for memories. Thoughts of Christmases past take me to my childhood. It was in Glasgow, aged nine, that I first played a brass instrument in a Salvation Army young people's band. December meant evening carolling in the streets. Out we would go, in our Army caps, wrapped up warmly against those icy chills and the snow that seemed then to come every year. There was the prospect of hot drinks and delicious snacks at the end of the night, our fingers thawing out painfully once inside again.

We would make our cheery sounds and folk would gather at their doors to listen. Coins rattled into the collecting boxes and shouts of ‘Happy Christmas!', ‘Merry Christmas!' would echo through the streets and the Glasgow tenement buildings.

The music told of a Saviour. It spoke of hope, forgiveness, reconciliation, goodwill, Heaven. I liked it!

We would get very, very cold. Naturally, I had heard the stories of brass instrument valves freezing up but had hardly believed them - until it happened to me! Walking between street lamps in sub-zero temperatures to peer at our music in the yellow glow did valves no good at all.

But it was worth it. We were in it together. We felt somehow ennobled to be uncomfortable and aching in order to make our musical witness. We were intrepid players, ready to dare the elements. Softies? Never! Fair-weather players? Not us! Frozen valves and frozen fingers were endured almost as a rite of passage. We could tell our stories and be admired, or so we thought, for our hardiness. Of course, the prospect of those piping-hot drinks and mince pies later on helped things along.

Since those halcyon days I've been spared to see many a Christmas. I've lived on five continents and know now what Christmas is like even in the southern hemisphere, often with clammy, hot weather - a far cry from Glasgow's frozen nights.

One thing has remained constant. Whether it is Scotland's chilling blasts or New Zealand's or Zimbabwe's burning summers, I have wanted to say a glad and grateful ‘Yes!' to God's gift of Jesus, to his offer of a Saviour for my sin, and to his legitimate, persistent, loving call upon me to follow in Christ's footsteps day by day.

Are you also following?

A happy and blessed Christmas and new year to you all.
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Check Joe Noland's blog for a great two-parter, and Nealson Munn's blog for a touching ode to Australia.
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Meanwhile, to all our friends and partners in the Gospel, Holy Christmas. To all our salvo comrades we've yet to meet and fight alongside, Holy Christmas. To all the rest of you who pop in from time to time, Holy Christmas.
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: 1 John.
Much grace,
sec
posted by StephenC

December 24, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Jonathan Evans (leads The War College in Vancouver, XLR8, Battle School, etc.) preaches at this address:
http://www.thewarcollege.blogspot.com/
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Captain Michael Ramsay has a great post called The King, December 19, on his blog.
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Another INSANE endsorement:
"Read with caution: this book may inspire you to become a world-changing, life-saving, INSANE Salvationist! One cannot read the incredible real-life stories contained in this book without being moved to some sort of action for Christ. Don't simply enjoy and admire the Greats of the past, but join their crusade and become a Legend yourself! Captain Dave Collinson and Nealson Munn are truly Salvationists of the highest character and greatest integrity – may you allow Jesus Christ to speak through them and the stories they tell to move from being simply his follower, to being his insane crusader." Kirsten Gourd
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Heather and Rob Dolby have a great post that we're letting you taste here:
"Don't be misled friends, this Great Commission, this building the Kingdom is not a spectator sport...and yet neither is it a flimsy concept, philosophical and hard to grasp...":
"Building the Kingdom of God means:
Befriending a troublesome boy or girl
Reconciling quarreling parties
Breaking sad news to those concerned
Searching for your missing friends
Dedicating babies
Conducting weddings
Writing letters for others
Praying for your parish
Preaching to the saved and the unsaved
Reading the scriptures
Suggesting and directing the charities of your flock
Putting the hungry in the way of a meal
Putting the weary on the road to a bed
Caring for neglected children
Saving the drunkard and outcast
Protecting the weak
Searching the night-haunts for wayward girls
Giving the ex-prisoner a new start
Staying the suicide's hand
Visiting the sick
Training the beggar to work
Showing you the way to heaven
Conducting funerals
(list excerpted from Adjutant Jack Sullivan in the Corry Journal, October 1, 1936)
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Steyn on a cultural Christmas here:
http://www.steynonline.com/content/view/812/30/
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God is trying to get everyone you meet today, saved. Here's to getting in on the blessing!
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God is here.
much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

Biblical Events as Captured by Google Earth...

Pretty cool:

http://www.creativereview.co.uk/crblog
/the-bible-according-to-google-earth/

Grace,

Aaron

December 23, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Some gems from the 1925 International Training Staff Lectures:
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Putting an end to the debate on 'saved to serve' or 'saved to save' - "And then came our message - the message to WIlliam Booth, summed up in one of his own great expressions: Saved to Save." (Bramwell, p5,6 - so can we stop the salvo heresy of 'serve' once and for all please?) Also of note is that he compares William to Paul, calls us apostolic, and then prophesies - "I prophesy..." So, let's get over our fear of the apostolic and prophetic and recognise that these are indeed 'Army'.
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On cultivating initiative in cadets, "Say to the cadet, "This is your street, visit the people, do Meetings, stand on your head - only do something!"" (Catherine Bramwell Booth, p138) Nice. I wonder if some might think standing on your head today foolish (we know that when we did it preaching as a cadet some thought that).
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On failure - "Nothing happened!... What is going to be the good of you as a Captain? If you effect nothing when a Cadet, with responsibility for one street, what will you do with a town?" (Catherine Bramwell Booth, p139) CBB doesn't mince words - if you can't cut it on a street, what makes you think that when we change the colour of your epaulets you will turn into a GSR?
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"We believe in miracles! We should be no good as Training Officers if we did not; and we must see that Officers under our direction are also confirmed in this faith." (CBB, 109). We believe in miracles. We look for them, pray for them, fight for them.
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"I do not consider it too much to say that, if any Cadet thinks he can do God's will as fully outside the ranks of The Salvation Army as within it, he should be encouraged to go outside. I feel this very strongly. We are not out essentially to make a big Salvation Army - although God grant it may be as big as we can make it!" (CBB p99) And if CBB remembered her grandmother's prophecy she'd know that we're about inaugurating the final conquest, not necessarily filling all of the ranks with salvos. Let's be as big as necessary to inaugurate the final conquest of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
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"A man may be a good Catholic, or a good Presbyterian, or a good Methodist without being in any way pledged or bound to devote himself to the Salvation of his fellows, but without that ambition no man can be a good Salvationist. It is vital that our Officers should recognise that. The solemn duty rests on us as leaders to make that principle felt everywhere among our people." (Bramwell, p6,7) So, are you reading? Understand, implement, disseminate.
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More later, God willing. In the meantime, bust some souls.
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading John 15-18 (15:8 - fruit is a (the?) sign of our discipleship).
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 22, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
(hb2FS/CG)

Hat tip to Richard Munn for the lead to this nice blog on Christmas Kettles and 'Doing the Most Good' (Salvo slogan in the States - yes, slogan - search the word in the armybarmy archives)-
( http://www.theharwoodinstitute.org/ht/display/ViewBloggerThread/i/8139/pid/185 ):
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"DO: The reason I like this first word is that it is small, compact and, most of all, action-oriented. It suggests that we as individuals are to be part of the action. Of course, "giving" or "donating" or "writing a check" are good things to do; but they can be passive. Once we sign the check, our part is done. So, what will each of us do? How will our efforts this year truly make us active participants?

THE MOST: Here, we are asked to reach for "the most" good we can do. Thus, we must make judgments about various efforts: Will they truly have a meaningful impact in the lives of people? This requires that we understand the context of our community: what are people's concerns and what levers for change will produce good results. Any effort is not good enough.

GOOD: I love this word. It suggests that something is morally centered or grounded; the word acts like a civic compass, to point us in the direction of a greater good (like the "public good"). When I look at the word, I feel like it is almost smiling at me. Again, it’s a small word, anchored by two strong letters, with two "O's" in the middle, which seem to give the word its own set of wheels - its own momentum."
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The Times of London has this ranging piece on the state of religion in 2007 (UK perspective with lots of comments):
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article3080429.ece (warning - it is pretty frustrating).
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We guess different people mean different things by the term 'harm reduction'. We've blogged on this before, but, to clarify, we've been part of corps that have prayed and petitioned against safe injection sites, methadone clinics, free (government-sponsored) heroin clinics, needle exchanges, and the like as evil tools of the enemy in binding poor lost souls. We're not interested in pumping deadly poison into people's bodies.

We've heard the slogan 'keep them alive and out of jail' lauded in some parts, but can't for the life of us understand the appeal. Jail is the best deal for any of them who refuse to repent and believe (and might be a good means of leading them to repent and believe). Why keep them out? If they're headed there it is probably because they've done something deserving of it. And they might get
a. saved, or, at least
b. clean.
As far as 'keeping them alive', facilitating the pumping of deadly poisons into their bodies is assisted suicide, not anything remotely resembling love (if people mean something else by the term 'harm reduction' that we're missing, feel free to let us know).

...Just so we're on the record and no one thinks we advocate a potentially faith-lacking, government-cash-motivated (though, admittedly, possibly also only a misguided) approach to dealing with those in bondage. Jesus is able to save to the uttermost.
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As the old cornerstones say, "For the glory of God and the Salvation of the world!"
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: John 12-14.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 21, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

General Bramwell Booth, in the first International Training Staff Council (1925) exhorted,
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"What I am pleading for is that we should plant in the minds of these, our young messengers, the idea that what they have is for the whole world. It means catching a flame from the Heart of God Himself, who loved the whole world, and gave His Son to die for the whole world. Is not that the noblest aspect of the love of God as we see it? How differently we should feel with regard to the nature of God Himself if His love were merely for one set of people - people of one period in history, or people of one race or nation, or people of one social class, or people of this or that attitude towards Him? It is the grandest aspect of His love that it is for the whole world. How can you have a Cadet - or, for that matter, an Officer - filled with the love of God unless he has something that answers to this universal compassion? What a theme is ours! What a story we have to tell! What a message of love we have to spread! If the Cadets and the younger Officers could drink in a little more of the Calvary spirit of love for all men, if they could come nearer to the love of God in its wide reach and universality, it would be a help to them, not only in doing work, perhaps, in lands beyond, but in doing work among their own people. The will love their next-door neighbour not less, but better, if they love also men on the other side of the world."
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It stimulates thought about 200 countries in the world and the 87 The Army has yet to invade. Who will go? We need more love! Veterans in the barmy army will be familiar with the vision of mmccxx (catalysing a network to see new outposts in 2,000 cities in 200 countries in 20 years). With the year wrapping up it is a good time to report that the running total is 20. That might not sound to encouraging (extrapolating to 200 over the 20 years) but remember that we're expecting that the first decade or so might be addition but the second half should be multiplication. So, if you're interested, email us at revolution @ mmccxx.net).
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"DRINK IN A LITTLE MORE OF THE CALVARY SPIRIT OF LOVE" - Bramwell nailed it on that one. Nice.
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Now, this season might be easier to evangelise in that others because of the big holiday coming up. And there are thousands in the barmy army. If we each intentionally aim to evangelise through the weekend (friends, neighbours, family members, stangers at the bus stop, stangers in the elevators, strangers standing beside us in some community carol sing, stangers in line with us at the shop - remember that recent post about the uniformed salvo saved in line at McDonalds by a 'strange' salvo) who knows how many people Jesus will save before Christmas!
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: John 9-11.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 20,2 007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

We've been praying some Fight Songs (SASB) over the last little while and there are expressions of willingness and resolve there that can make people today blush. "I'll fight until I die" is an example. The old SA maxim, "Be ready to preach, pray, or die at a moment's notice" is another blush-raiser. John Coutts's new IHQ- published book, SAINTS ALIVE, has this bit:
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In Korea, Senior-Major Now Young Soo was shot by Communist troops. As he faced the firing squad, he held up his Bible and declared, "By believing you can have life" (p95).
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Now Young Soo fought until he died. He was ready to preach, pray, and die at a moment's notice. We guess that the words only take meaning in a warfare posture on the battle front.
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Biblical support for yesterday's post on 'Bustification':

"When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he went into the stronghold. The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. So David asked the Lord , "Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The Lord replied to David, "Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you." So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. "The Lord did it!" David exclaimed. "He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!" So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means " the Lord who bursts through"). 2 Samuel 5:17-20 (New Living Translation) (hat tip Mary Parks)
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We didn't work 'Master of Bustification' into the preach yesterday as it turned out, but it remains preachable. Feel free to use it.
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Ideas for 'the break':
- read a good SA book;
- catch up on current and back issues of JAC;
- read every post in the years archives of this blog;
- evangelise someone (this doesn't mean smile glowingly at them or tell them 'God bless you', but to present the Gospel persuasively so that they know how to get saved);
- help someone out;
- pray for SA leaders (read through the Year Book for all the DCs and TCs and ISs and information on the General);
- thank God for His faithfulness in 07 and dream with Him for 2008.
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Let's all try to get someone saved today.
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: John 7-8 (8:58 jumped out again).
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 19, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

We heard a new name of God yesterday. We have an old habit of sometimes wishing people the best with the exhortation, bust it up. Don't ask for a dictionary meaning but the connotations involves going in there and making it happen effectively, reflecting glory to God, and revolutionising things (depends a fair bit on context). Anyway, we threw that exhortation at a friend thinking about training college and found ourselves in a short theological exchange about 'busting' and who initiates teh 'busting'. His last email asserted that God is the Master of Bustification (hat tip Jeremy S). This is a very preachable phrase (especially when we're trying to sound as if we're from the southern United States) which we might slip in to our next preach.
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We read that Karl Barth called the time between ascension and pentecost the 'significant pause', useful as history was changing gears. We're approaching another (admittedly smaller/micro-level) significant pause in a week and a day, between Christmas and New Year's, when we can catch our spiritual breath, take stock of God's faithfulness over the past 12 months and look ahead towards His dreams and plans in 2008. It might be helpful to block out a little reflective time for praise and planning (some like to throw in goals regarding character, fruit, Salvation War advance, etc.).
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Commissioner James Knaggs, an absolute peach (or, for those uncomfortable with that, gem), has a short Christmas greeting at his territorial website, here:
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/SALV/HOMEPAGE/pc=HOME
If you are a little sheepish about preaching straight up to friends and neighbours, you can pass on the video link and ask them to watch. Then pray. (however, if you are sheepish, let us invite you to add the conquering of that fear/reticence in 2008 to your reflective agenda about which we just ruminated above)
----
"Every hour and every power for Christ and souls."
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: John 5,6.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 18, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

More Insanity...
----
General Paul Rader weighs in on INSANE:
----
"INSANE"? Not hardly. A fresh call to radical obedience and creative encounters with desperate human need could hardly be more timely. It is in our DNA as a movement. Fresh stimulus to live out our missional mandate can be found in this updated recall of Army responses to systemic evil and root causes of suffering and sin."
----
Rob Noland (of revolutionhawaii fame) says this about the forthcoming INSANE book:
----
There I would sit on Sunday mornings furiously drawing a masterpiece on the back of a Sunday Corps bulletin, when all of a sudden I would hear a story that would snap my focus towards the pulpit, leaving the page of hearts and daggers limp atop the red songbook. These victorious tales from The Salvation Army’s glorious past would always capture my imagination and get my blood pumping, fueling a passion to go and make stories of my own. Collecting and putting them into one book is an insanely great idea sure to bolster the morale of those in the trenches and inspire countless others to get in the fight.
----
The legendary Major Dave Eldridge adds this take:
----
"Tin Soldiers or Real Soldiers - that's the challenge facing The Salvation Army today. The battle against racism, poverty, homelessness and all forms of injustice is just as necessary today as it was 100 years ago. INSANE tells the story of ordinary people who took on extraordinary commitments and changed the world. David and Nealson tell stories that will hopefully inspire a new generation of 'crazy Salvos' to shake the foundations of an unjust world and bring in a Kingdom of Righteousness, Justice and Truth."
----
Sharon and Steve Bussey have this to say about it:
----
William Booth once said “Those who would move the world, must first move themselves”.

This book tells the narrative of some of God’s people who decided to move themselves in order to move the world for Jesus. It will inspire and challenge you to move yourself – closer to God and closer to His call upon your life - to live each day with reckless abandonment for the sake of the gospel.

May God use us all to move our world out of complacency and into Christ-centered obedience so that we can live for the glory of God and the salvation of the world.
----
And Commissioner James Knaggs tops it off with this comment on the book:
----
With literary panache and imaginative integrity, Collinson and Munn draw us into the asylum of those who are not normal. Their perspective of the work of God through His chosen, celebrate the irrationality of faith, not only present in our history, but essential for our future in the present. Let their work bring us to a new level of holy expectation, beyond our normal limits, "to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
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Man, don't these endorsements, and the dozens in earlier posts, make you want to pre-order you batch of INSANE (out next month!)? Don't wait another week (Christmas is coming). Contact your TRADE department today (if that doesn't work for you, try the 2LOVE website).
----
And, now, a prayer, inspired by John 5:19 (coincidentally to gear you up for tomorrow's SA Daily Reading, as well): Lord, help everyone who reads this see what You're doing and do what they're seeing. Amen.
----
God is here.
SA Daily Readings: John 2-4.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 17, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
(hb2sh)

There is a new tv show in the States called Saving Grace. We're not recommending the show but we are recommending the review, here:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NWIwNzRkMGIzN2ZkOThlYmJlNTNjYjNiZTE3NWU1YTM=
----
We're also pointing you to the justsalvos blog (at right). Lieutenant Genevieve Peterson has a great revolutionary rant there. Here's a taste of it (hat tip PL):
----
'There may be many reasons why The Salvation Army has not yet been unleashed upon the city of Melbourne. But I can assure you, the problem is not with God, or the unsaved…it is with us. This city is ripe for the picking. We have the momentum from Connections, we have the leaders in place (a good mix of competent, stable, deeply spiritual and radical), we have the clear mission of God in our hearts and we have a whole army of people ready to go. So let’s do it! There is no time for hesitation or concern for our own welfare. It is time for a revolution! And the victory will be the complete transformation of our city as souls are won for Christ.'
----
That makes us want to aim for 1,000 cadets in the Ambassadors of Holiness Session (09). Why not? Why should the War suffer for lack of leaders? You are out there. Surely there are a thousand keen, committed Salvos in this territory who could quickly respond to this call and sign up for January 09. Imagine how the territory would change. Imagine how the country would change. It would be revolutionary. Why not?

“Are all to become officers? Yes, all who are adapted for it. We go on the lines of adaptation. If you are cut out for being an Officer, an Officer you must be, and Officer you will be, or it will be so much the worse for you both here and hereafter' (William Booth, THE GENERAL'S LETTERS, p20).

"Why should the war suffer? Why should the enemy triumph? Why should the battle languish for want of leaders when you are the very people, possess the very gifts- have been saved for the very purpose of carrying it on?" (William Booth, THE GENERAL'S LETTERS. p20). Sign up, today, with your candidates department.
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There is a new book fresh out called Blood And Fire, Tsar and Commissar, on The Salvation Army in Russia between 1907 and 1923. It includes some juicy tidbits (from the review at the IHQ site):

"The story involves a wealth of unlikely characters and incidents: evangelical Lord Radstock preaching to Petersburg aristocrats; Prince Galitzin falling for William Booth’s daughter, Evangeline; tabloid journalist W. T. Stead commending the Army to Peter Stolypin, tough but evasive Russian Prime Minister; Salvationist leader Commissioner Henry Mapp publicly embracing Katerina Breshko Breshkovskaya, ‘grandmother of the revolution’; and Cadet Seligman, a Jewish Salvationist, averting execution in impassioned debate with Bolshevik police."
----
The whole review is here:
http://www1.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_sa.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/53D733BD01A94082802572280073C0BA?openDocument
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For those hungry for their latest dose of Mark Steyn, here is his new column, Away with the Manger:
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/child-birth-homeless-1942317-year-percent
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JustGifts (at justsalvos.com) is your way to give excellent Christmas presents. Your money goes to a Salvo project in a needy country (there are scores of options) in the name of your friend or family member (who receiveds a nice card indicating that the money has gone to this project in his name). It's all Salvo, all the time.
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We prayed this morning that O'er our Army would flow a great Salvation Flood. Here's to getting caught in the current.
God is here.
SA Daily Reading: (2 Peter; John 1 (2p1:4!!!).
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 16, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

There is considerable global grassroots interest in various fun-filled challenges we've done over the years (hat tip Cory Harrison for the original concept resource) so we're posting one version for your use on your local front. May it result in many saved, sanctified, called, healed, delivered, mobilised, trained, discipled, anointed, and commissioned.
----
It consists of teams of three competing to compile the most points by completing the various challenges listed below.

Each team is encouraged to rack up multiple scores for each challenge but must be able to confirm completion with relevant contact information (people’s names/#s/time/place/etc.). No specific challenge is required (that is, each team strategically picks which challenges to take).

PRAYER

Pray for healing of an unbeliever (out loud, in the presence of the person, preferably laying hands on). Don’t forget to confirm details.

Set up/run a Spiritual Readings Table in a busy public place (one hour; and confirm details).

Kick demons out of a stranger (don’t forget to record/report details).

Prayer-walk every alley in your choice of inner suburb.

Telepray – pray over the phone with someone you (and your team) don’t know.

Pray as a team in the assembly hall 2-5am.

PROCLAMATION

Do a 30 minute open air, complete with Flag.

Preach to each other from opposite street corners (shouting).

Sing Sunday School song(s) from one stop to the next in a tram/train/bus.

Recite the doctrines to someone you don’t know but suspect doesn’t know Jesus.

Preach (5 minutes +) on the steps or at the entrance to a secular college.

EVANGELISM

Evangelise a child

Evangelise a student

Evangelise a refugee

Evangelise an immigrant

Evangelise a senior

Evangelise a security guard

Evangelise a bus/tram driver

Evangelise a café waiter/waitress

CHARACTER

Fast for a full day

Fast for a full week

Fast for the duration of the tournament.

Fast tv/movies/videos for the duration of the tournament.

Read through the New Testament out loud before the tournament.

Read all of the Psalms out loud in one day of the tournament.

BONUS

Transport (as in Phillip’s Airways)

Raise a dead person

Change the natural (e.g. weather) supernaturally (e.g. by prayer/confrontation with evil powers)

Actual/confirmed conversions and healings get bonus points.
----
God is here.
SA Daily Reading: 1 Peter.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 15, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
(hb2CE/AM)

God has been blessing heaps. We give Him glory for every evidence of His mercy, provision, and guidance.

There will be more soon. Meanwhile, check out the blog roll, JAC, and the armybarmy.com site (and blog archives) to keep you engaged.

Let's all try to get someone saved today!

God is here.
SA Daily Reading: James.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 14, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

More INSANE endorsements:
----
If you want to read Salvation Army history that’s as exciting as a new day, then read this book. When you read what was achieved for social justice , and how the BIG issues were tackled with fervour and radical intelligence, we would be insane not to do the same today - and, believe me, there’s more human slavery and more unresolved social justice issues today than in Booth’s day.
This book written by young people to challenge young Salvationists and written in fast-paced, mind-blowing language will make a powerful impact on every reader. If you think history is dull and boring, this book will prove you wrong. But are we willing to be crazy enough to go out and make an impact for the Kingdom of God in our day as Booth-Tucker or Bramwell Booth or W.T.Stead were in theirs? This book will inspire you to try! Eva Burrows, General (Ret).

"INSANE"? Not hardly. A fresh call to radical obedience and creative encounters with desperate human need could hardly be more timely. It is in our DNA as a movement. Fresh stimulus to live out our missional mandate can be found in this updated recall of Army responses to systemic evil and root causes of suffering and sin." Paul A. Rader, General (Ret.)
----
One great thing about holiness is death to self. One bonus of that is that you don't take personal offence. Good times.
----
Years ago we suggested that The Army grapevine is faster than the internet. Amen.
----
More soon. Let's all try to have some war stories to share before the next post!
----
God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Hebrews 12-13; Jude (13:16 - good stuff).
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 13, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
(hb2TA)

We heard stories of recent healings amongst western salvos of paralysis and cerebral palsy and that has built our faith. Maybe it will build yours, too. Hallelujah.
----
Pete Brookshaw drops a couple of powerful quotes from generals on the salvation warfare, worthy of reflection and response (over at his blog).
----
Newest Board of Reference member of The War College, Commissioner Joe Noland, says this about The War College:

“Unique, Innovative, Entrepreneurial, Opportunistic, Risky, Life-changing, Primitive, Contemporary, Aggressive, Incarnational” – adjectives describing, in part, what The War College is all about. The vibes coming out of this place are positive, Spirit-filled and earth-shaking, having made its presence felt around the Army world. Get involved if you dare! I do recommend it."
----
He has joined a few generals and a few commissioners and colonels and other heroes in his new role. For more information on the CONQUERORS Session, go to thewarcollege.com or the war college blog at right (and there is facebook and myspace and...).
----
Meanwhile, I was interviewed yesterday on training and was asked what the ideal size of the 2009 session would be (having been informed that we need 29 cadets to replace retiring officers). The answer? A thousand.

Can you imagine the impact a thousand cadets would have on this society? We'd shake the culture. There are 164 corps in AUS Territory. We could deploy six or seven cadets in every existing corps. Or we could deploy 200 brigades of five cadets each to start new corps, immediately more than doubling the size of the territory. Or...

And, don't be cynical. The thousand are out there. You may very likely be one of them (if you are in Australia - if not, read it for the territory in which you are currently fighting and it might apply!). If so, here's the deal. If you are called to be a plumber or electrician or investment banker specifically, then praise God. Go hard. But if you are not specifically called to be doing what you are doing with your vocational time/energy, then prepare and offer for officership. It's simple, really.

“Are all to become officers? Yes, all who are adapted for it. We go on the lines of adaptation. If you are cut out for being an Officer, an Officer you must be, and Officer you will be, or it will be so much the worse for you both here and hereafter' (William Booth, THE GENERAL'S LETTERS (1896), p20).

"Why should the war suffer? Why should the enemy triumph? Why should the battle languish for want of leaders when you are the very people, possess the very gifts- have been saved for the very purpose of carrying it on?" (William Booth, 1886. THE GENERAL'S LETTERS. p20).
----
People are getting saved. Praise God (even people with whom we haven't been friends for years - imagine! God is good). But we're not satisfied with one here and another there. Open the floodgates, Lord!
----
God is here.
SA Daily Readings: Hebrews 9-11.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 12, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
Here are some INSANE ENDORSEMENTS
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Insane is a ‘blow-your mind’ rendition of recklessly abandoned early pioneers who set about to change the world. And change the world they did. Every salvationist ought to read this book with a highlighter in hand and a notebook ready. For without a doubt, after your first read, passion will pump through your veins and charge you with Holy enthusiasm and Godly innovation to set some plans in motion yourself. God grant it. The World For God!
Danielle Strickland, author of CHAOTIC ORDER, founder of JUSTSalvos (justsalvos.com).
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We are inspired by the primitive Salvationists who shocked the status quo into commotion and rocked a hurting world into devotion with their fearless zeal and practical compassion. These stories stir up a passion to risk more, try more, experiment more, fight more, desire more, love more.
Stacey and Wesley Campbell, authors of PRAYING THE BIBLE and founders of BE A HERO (beahero.org).
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Read this book.
Stephen Court, author of THE UPRISING.
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'We sometimes have to be a bit cracked before the light can get in and the book, 'Insane' is the story of some crazy salvos - real heroes - whose lives should inspire readers young and old to serve the present age.' Wesley Harris, Commissioner, author of PROVERBIAL LEADERSHIP.
----
As a great man once said, 'We stand on the shoulders of giants.' By reading on, the present generation of Salvation Army innovators will see further into the future than ever before.
Russell Rook, Director ALOVE The Salvation Army for a new generation
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Crazy Salvos who changed the world are not just from another era. They are around today! We need them, and we need them to make an impact on our world. The men and women that you read about in this book made an amazing difference in the world and times that they lived in, and so can we. I encourage you to read this book and be challenged and inspired. Don't just put down the book and say "Great stories", but let God speak to you and go out and be another "Crazy Salvo" who changes the world that you live in.
Miriam Gluyas, Divisional Commander
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Insane? Yes, but such was our ancestry. To conquer the evil of the day meant there was a need for an equally powerful force for good. That "good" rushed to the rescue in blue uniforms with flag unfurled. These chapters bring to life our hero forefather Salvationists and retell their radical stories that changed their world and the world they lived in.
Major Kelly Igleheart, Territorial Youth Secretary
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'INSANE' ... such a book title gets our attention, but its message will capture the hearts of Salvationists around the world. Whether young or old, first or fifth generation, our souls will be stirred by this re-telling of the bold exploits of earlier Salvationists and of their deep passion to win people to Christ and to nurture them in the faith. This fascinating text should be used in Soldiers' Meetings, Recruits' Classes, Cadets' Courses, and in Officers' Councils. We have never been better equipped or positioned to carry out the Army's mission and the Great Commission. God, give us more holy zeal and sanctified imagination in these days! Commissioner Robert A. Watson, Retired National Commander, U.S.A.
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INSANE is a collection of true stories of early-Salvation Army craziness and bravery -- precisely the kind of behaviour that enabled this young group of radical Christians foolishly to take on the giants of moral corruption, human exploitation, and spiritual smugness, and actually slay a few. Predictably, over time many in this militant movement gave in to complacent sanity and some of the compromises of public approval, but the radicals have survived, and like a Holy Spirit thorn-in-the-flesh have kept reminding the Army of its beginnings and its stories. Those stories are extremely powerful -- and far more definitive of us than is any other part of our Salvationist inheritance. The book tells the stories in a compelling way, but I think the most important thing about the book is the call to action today and the very helpful and challenging suggestions for continuing the audacious assaults on evil to be found at the end of each chapter. My mind boggles at what could happen for the cause of Christ if groups of Salvationists around the world took this book seriously, studied and prayed it together, and turned themselves loose on the world to do this foolish stuff. David Collinson and Nealson Munn deserve our appreciation for having the nerve to suggest that we become who we are and quit playing Army. Commissioner Phil Needham, author of COMMUNITY IN MISSION.
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"You can read this book as an exciting recounting of dramatic events from our past and leave it at that, or...you can read this book as intended and hear the heart cry of God for us to recapture our innovative pioneering spirit and be the Salvation Army God raised us up to be from the beginning.
----
It is part of our heritage to be bold and dangerous, a part we desperately need to reclaim!

I believe INSANE is part of the inspiration and catalyst needed to raise up a new generation of innovators and pioneers in The Salvation Army who will reflect the DNA of our past in the context of today."
Barry Keane, Major, TYS, NZF
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I commend co-authors David Collinson and Nealson Munn for disinterring some of the stirring sagas and defining moments of Army history, and presenting them in a contemporary style and challenge. Their astute perception of the value of these seminal events, and creative presentation of them, will help to both preserve our heritage, and identify landmarks of the past that help chart our course for the future. A must read for every young Salvationist, and a refresher course for us veterans. - Colonel Henry Gariepy, OF
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"How exciting to experience our stories as they come to life right
before our eyes! They reveal where we have been and celebrate where we
could go as a movement. They honor the past and acknowledge that if we
are willing to take a stand, the best days of the Salvation Army are
still very much ahead of us."
Major Ivan K. Rock
Territorial Youth & Candidates Secretary
USA East
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This is a good one! Collinson and Munn effectively restate the
meaning of our birthright, through stories that quicken the mind and stir
the emotions. You can't read this without being challenged to 'do
something' for the kingdom - no matter the cost. Read it if you dare!
Israel Gaither, National Commander, USA.
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The contents of this incendiary text will SHOCK you, for nowhere within will you find any bland depictions of what some consider to be merely a 'charitable organization'. Rather the mission-focused, charismatic flavoured heroism and legendary conquest regaled in the pages of INSANE will infuse your mind for ministry and catalyse your faith to walk it out. Allow these veterans in the Salvation War who have pioneered the way to spur and stimulate you on to love, good deeds and noble action. Let us rise up into our calling as a militant body of red-hot men and women whose business is the saving of souls. Rouse then soldiers! Sergeants Heather and Rob Dolby, 614 Charlotte.
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"I've got a whole new list of heroes!"

"I want to be INSANE!"
James Thompson
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INSANE! What a great idea and title. Wish I’d thought of it myself. No other denomination can make this claim. I like to refer to it as, “The Genius of the Army.” This book is all about our “distinctiveness.” It is what has historically set us apart. And to think that these stories only begin to scratch the surface. My prayer is that this book will stir the embers causing Army history to repeat itself again and again – come alive in the present age. After all, there is a thin line between genius and insanity, isn’t there? The chapters in this book will clarify that line for you.
Joe Noland, Commissioner (www.joenoland.com)
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And more to come. The book is coming out very soon.
----
God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Hebrews 8-11.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 11, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Here is some classic stuff in BOOTH'S DRUM, starting p188...
----
1888 Booth launches the Junior Soldier's War. (2008 will be 120th anniversary/ What a great idea, by the way. Maybe we could do it again - Junior Soldiers!);
----
1890 - 900 JSs march against gambling in Melbourne Day parade (two years in to the JSW);
----
Each colony had names (the JSs) - Victorian Conquerors; NSW Warriors; SA Bruisers; Tassie Terrors...
----
1890 - "The fields are white unto harvest, and a big, old-established corps like Newtown (NSW) cannot afford more than three regular Junior Sergeants. What are we coming to? Oh, Lod, stir up we beseech Thee, the self-sacrificing spirit that will forgoe the pleasure of the big holiness meeting, the hallelujah free-and-easy, and the solemn salvation meeting, to come and help to fight and win a real tough
battle down in the junior hall!" (could this apply today anywhere?)
----
- Collingwood at one period in the nineties boasted a young people's corps of three hundred, commanded by nineteen-year-old Young People's Sergeant-Major Ernest Kemp (later Lieutenant-Colonel Kemp) and a STAFF OF FIFTY. (nice)
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1898 - Corps Cadet Movement started in Melbourne City Temple - provided Bible teaching and practical training in Salvation Army leadership for adolescents. (what a great idea! Maybe we could do it again!)
----
Herbert Booth gave the first Australian corps cadets some advice:
"Don't bother about Latin or Greek. If you get a chance, learn French and Dutch and Spanish, the languages of the nations today so that you can go and help those countries; and above all, learn to read and speak good English. Read the lives of good men whose influence will make you soul-winners. The juniors are the great hope of The Salvation Army." (today that would be Cantonese and Arabic).
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"Sanctify each moment fully."
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Philemon; Hebrews 1-4.
Much grace
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 10, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

If you haven't picked up a copy of ONE DAY... yet, here are some endorsements of The Dream (on which we blogged for a month recently):
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The vision set out in this short publication vibrates with spiritual life and holy ambition. May it become a reality more and more as the days go by and as Salvationists in every part of the world continue to seek the will of God.

Let the prayers of all Salvationists uphold those working to achieve every aspect of the vision. I firmly believe that one day it will come true, and this sooner than we might expect if God is given his way among us.

Work on, pray on, keeping your faith high in the power of the Lord.

Shaw Clifton
GENERAL
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Brilliant! Encouraging you toward unique and creative thinking, so that ONE DAY… Bold! Challenging you to break the boundaries, so that ONE DAY… Blessed! The God-inspired vision of a leader who’s ONE DAY has come. May it spread up over.
Commissioner Joe Noland. JoeNoland.com
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From a passion guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Commissioner James Knaggs has crafted a personal and corporate dream – a dream that was promptly embraced by the soldiers of the Australian Southern Territory. While the dream is a powerful, far-reaching Vision Statement for the Australian Southern Territory, it should be embraced as a vision for every territory and command around the Army world. It is a pleasure to enthusiastically endorse this Kingdom and Army building vision statement. My prayer is that each aspect of the dream becomes a reality throughout the Australian Southern Territory, and indeed in The Salvation Army throughout the world.
Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander, Canada and Bermuda.
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I hear the rumbling from 'down under'. A revived, Holy Spirit filled Salvation Army of believers is rising with a fresh vision and passion for not only what can be - but what ought to be! It always happens when God gives a dream.

For the sake of the Kingdom to Come ... don't let these dreams die!
Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, National Commander, United States of America
----
As a former Territorial Commander of the Australia Southern Territory*, I consider it a privilege to add my endorsement to the concepts contained in the dream of Commissioner James Knaggs.

We of course have a part to play is this dream is to be realized. "If my people which are called by my name shall HUMBLE THEMSELVES and PRAY and SEEK MY FACE and TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chron.7:14)

As you meditate on the vision that God has given to Commissioner Knaggs, may there be a whole hearted, positive response of heart and mind to the challenge presented.

The concepts contained in this dream certainly have Biblical backing. They reveal something of the heart of God for the Southern Territory.

My prayer is that there may be a mighty moving of the Spirit in your midst during these challenging days.

Yours in Christ,

Bramwell H. Tillsley
GENERAL (Rtd)
* and Training Principal of the Knaggses.
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"Commissioner Knaggs has cast a thorough, thoughtful and exciting vision for the future of the Army to which the Salvationists of Australia must now respond, not only in words, but in creative, costly and Christ-honoring action."
Paul A. Rader
GENERAL (Rtd)
----
As a fellow missioner, I am excited to read The Dream of my friend, Commissioner Jim Knaggs. My spirit is lifted and challenged to prayer and action for the cause of Christ and the mission of The Salvation Army in the pursuit of the day when this dream will be a reality.

God bless Australia Southern Territory.

Lawrence R. Moretz
Commissioner
USA Eastern Territory
----
God is here.
SA Daily Reading: 2 Timothy.
Much grace
sec
poste by Stephen Court

Praise Report from Kettles...

We are trying an experiment this year of combining our War Room (24-7 prayer) and our Kettles shifts for collecting money. This means that while we are out on the corners we are intentionally praying, quoting Scripture, and announcing the Kingdom through carols, hymns and songs as we raise money for the Kingdom war.

The results have been good. Great favour, lots of money raised, and a report today that one man, upon hearing the carol singing, gave his life to the Lord.

Hallelujah!!

Grace,

Aaron

December 9, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Railton believed/preached that the wealthy salvos should live on officers' allowance and give the rest to The Army. And those were the days when Booth put out an Anti-Starvation Order for his officers. Put that in your pipe and (wait a second - no smoking here).
----
Aussie SA Bands used to be known as 'Debt-Extinguishers' because of the money they raised.
----
You'll know that The Army was on the front end of history in fair trade with, among other things, it's Hamodava fair trade beverages (that word means 'salvation' we're led to believe, from Sri Lanka). Anyway, some of their marketing approaches were intriguing (you can read more in INSANE by Munn and Collinson, out next month). Here was the winner of the War Cry song competition to support it (to 'Champaign Charlie):
Two women at the washing tub
For many hours had stood
Till one unto the other said
'I'd like some beer I should'
'No beer for me' the other cried
'And you'll agree with me
That beer is nowhere once you taste
The Hamodave tea.' (hat tip Bolton, Booth's Drum)
----
Some things never change. The incoming session of cadets is female heavy (not in weight but in numbers). In 1889 the War Cry rebuked it's male readers: "The lasses are well to the front and are every week leaving home and comfortable surroundings to go out and spend their lives in soul-saving. Why cannot we have as good or a better proportion of smart well-saved lads?" (also from Booth's Drum, p153).
----
Amen! Why?
We were chatting with an old friend about the age-old debate between friendship evangelism v. random evangelism. While we advocate random evangelism we celebrate friendship evangelism, knowing in experience that its fruits seem normally lower risk, growing, as they do, in context of established relationships and proto-Christian community. The tragedy, of course, is that either Christians don't have friends or their friendship evangelism is too much friendship and not enough evangelism, because there are far too many people wandering aimlessly through life without a legitimate Christian witness (how can they believe unless someone tells them? see Ro 10:14ff)).

The solution, if you will, the filling in of the gaps, random evangelism. And though the conversion rate is much lower that friendship evangelism (that done with devoted intention - it is probably higher than that done by the vast majority of Christians) people still seem to get saved. Campus Crusade for Christ tallied up the stats once and figured that for every 100 people who received a presentation of the Four Spiritual Laws, four were getting saved. That is pretty low. But it is still four people.

During our conversation, we happened to have on our desk a book by Gilbert Bilezikian (co-founder of Willow Creek, Wheaton prof, big Biblical egalitarian influence on The Army...) who, we noted, got saved at an Army open air/Tent Meeting that he attended to mock the preachers. Then up on a shelf was a photo of my buddy, who was one of those 4/100 who got saved from the 4 Spiritual Laws in a college hallway after bumping into Brad Thomspon, who discipled me. And then we received an email from THQ pumping up the new invasion of Collingwood because the grandfather of the emailer got saved at a Collingwood Salvos open air generations ago. And so on, and so on.

Again, in case you are skimming, let us reiterate. We saw two 'friends' get saved this year who will undoubtedly do enormous things for the Kingdom of God through the rest of their lives (whereas the random converts are more high risk). We're fans and practioners of friendship evangelism. But the two methods are not mutually exclusive. Salvos fill the gaps.
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Be "ready to preach, pray or die at a moment's notice" (hat tip Nealson Munn).
God is here.
SA Daily Reading: 1 Timothy 5-6; Titus (1:15,16 - stark contrast, bleak prospects outside of God).
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 8, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
(hb2AV/CK/DMP)

Happy Hanukkah!

JUSTGifts online at justsalvos.com is working smoothly and many are signing up and doing their Christmas shopping there. If you haven't figured out your Christmas plans, we encourage you to shop there and bless God's work through The Army for those in need.
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Mike Coleman (blog at right) has a challenging blog (December 5) on the costs of getting someone saved in Australia.
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Danielle Strickland posts on William Wilberforce at her blog. Here is more juice from the same source:

"He campaigned for impoverished and exploited women – so in 1802 was established the ‘Friendly Female Society for the Relief of Poor, Infirm, Aged Widows, and Single Women of Good Character Who Have Seen Better Days."

- great name of a society. Very catchy.

"He promoted the Christian Faith – helping to establish the CMS – the British and Foreign Bible Society."

"Significantly for Australia, historian Stuart Piggin argues that no-one did more for the establishment of the church in the colonies than William Wilberforce – it was Wilberforce who convinced William Pitt that a chaplain be provided for the first colony in Botany Bay."

And he wrote a book with a catchy title: "A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professing Christians, in the Higher and Middle Classes in This Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity."- or, more simply, Real Christianity.
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Danielle also has a bit on PM Tony Blair (rtd) and his faith. Here's a source (one of many): http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.1858290.0.0.php
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Go for souls and go for the worst.
God is here.
SA Daily Reading: 1 Timothy 1-4 (4:7 - train yourself to be godly - great advice. It suggests Paul's beating himself).
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 7, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Simplicity is an ongoing challenge for many in the West and in The Army in the West, so hat tip to Darren Hailes for this article on thriving on $12,000/year, found here:
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/LearnToBudget/SurvivingAndThrivingOn12000AYear.aspx
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"The Cross is the attraction" (Colonel Arnolis Weerasooriya).
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Here's a classic we prayed yesterday in knee drill (SASB 463):
1.
Thou hast called me from the byway
To proclaim thy wondrous love;
Thou hast placed me on the highway
That to all men I may prove
There is mission in my living,
There is meaning in my word;
Saviour, in my daily striving
May this message yet be heard.
Chorus
For thy mission make me holy,
For thy glory make me thine,
Sanctify each moment fully,
Fill my life with love divine.

2.
Have I lost the sense of mission
That inspired my early zeal,
When the fire of thy commission
Did my dedication seal?
Let me hear thy tender pleading,
Let me see thy beckoning hand,
Let me feel thee gently leading
As I bow to thy command.

3.
Lord, release that latent passion
Which in me has dormant lain;
Recreate a deep compassion
That will care and care again.
Needy souls are still my mission,
Sinners yet demand my love;
This must be my life's ambition,
This alone my heart shall move.

Brindley Boon
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You could preach on these lines for weeks. As it was we prayed on them for quite awhile. Here's one keeper line - sanctify each moment fully. Amen.
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And while we're on SASB songs prayed fervently, here is 693:
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1.
Soldier, rouse thee! War is raging,
God and fiends are battle waging;
Every ransomed power engaging,
Break the tempter's spell.
Dare ye still lie fondly dreaming,
Wrapped in ease and worldly scheming,
While the multitudes are streaming
Downwards into Hell?
Chorus
Through the world resounding,
Let the gospel sounding,
Summon all, at Jesus' call,
His glorious cross surrounding.
Sons of God, earth's trifles leaving,
Be not faithless but believing;
To your conquering captain cleaving,
Forward to the fight.

2.
Lord, we come, and from thee never
Self nor earth our hearts shall sever;
Thine entirely, thine for ever,
We will fight and die.
To a world of rebels dying,
Heaven and Hell and God defying,
Everywhere we'll still be crying:
Will ye perish, why?

3.
Hark! I hear the warriors shouting;
Now the hosts of Hell we're routing;
Courage! onward! never doubting
We shall win the day.
See the foe before us falling,
Sinners on the Saviour calling,
Throwing off the bondage galling,
Join our glad array.

Attr George Scott Railton (1849-1913)
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Forward to the fight!
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... consecrated to God for the salvation of the world.
God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Colossians (28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me). Wow.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 6, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

First up - I'LL FIGHT DAY! We were praying in knee drill this morning and the last line from the last SASB song we prayed (fervently) was FORWARD TO THE FIGHT! It is not too late to kit up and bust some souls. Go for it today!
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While we're on the subject of newer SA special days, don't forget SANCTIFICATION DAY, January 9, 2008. This is the day that Samuel Logan Brengle got sanctified. There are all kinds of ways to celebrate this day, but you'll want to lock in into your calendar and begin praying and brainstorming pretty soon.
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While researching something else we stumbled on Fasting: The First Works of Jesus by (then Captain) Janet Munn, here:
http://www.armybarmy.com/JAC/article8-40.html
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Henri Nouwen said that "In solitiude I get rid of the scaffolding of my life" (hat tip EB).
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Philippians (what a great letter!).
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

Doing Little Things With Great Love...

Here is a report from a friend of mine living in a small 24-7 prayer community in Ramsdorf Germany. He was asked the question: "How do you see the fruit of the Lord increasing in your area?" His response should be an instructive correction for those of us who think we have to always be about doing great things for God. God will do the great things. We get to be a part of it, and our role is obedience and faith.

"How is the gospel increasing here?

I can only talk from what i see and so it's rather specific. We live now in a small village way over in the East of Germany, in the middle of nowhere.
just to give you a taste of where we are right now:
There was a far right wing rally last month in the local town, these are pretty regular and well attended, as are the communist rallies.
We have mass unemployment,which is leading to a visible hopelessness in some of the youth we meet.
A large scale exodus of young adults to Western Germany and beyond doesn't help much either.
This is the most aetheistic area in Europe

I hope this doesn't sound self-righteous (although I'm afraid it might) but how is the gospel increasing, whats the fruit? we are. we are here. this little community that exists to serve and bring hope. We dont see much happen, its all rather boring most of the time, but its enough that we are here. bringing light where we can, and sometimes hope. We try and make time to get to know people and offer a smile to those who we don't know. We help out in the school and kindergarten and as of next year (if God lets us) we'll be in the brand spanking new youth prison just down the road (not as inmates!).

So for me the fruit is small but sweet. its the smile on the teenagers faces as we hang out together on a Friday evening, or the look of bemusement on an old lady as we exchange guten morgens, or the offers of furniture and help from villagers who are just happy that we are here. We don't do fiery preaching from the top of the church steps but we do teach the pre-school kids how to speak English. In short we love people the best we can.

Much love
Scot"

Grace,

Aaron

December 5, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
(hb2JMK)

Hat tip James Pedlar for this:
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[Benedict on the "unholy holiness" of Christ (and the church) vs. human expectations of 'purity.']

"...this holiness expressed itself precisely as mingling with the sinners whom Jesus drew into his vicinity; as mingling to the point where he himself was made "to be sin" and bore the curse of the law in execution as a criminal – complete community of fate with the lost (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13). He has drawn sin to himself, made it his lot and so revealed what true "holiness" is: not separation but union, not judgment but redeeming love. Is the Church not simply the continuation of God's deliberate plunge into human wretchedness; is it not simply the continuation of Jesus' habit of sitting at table with sinner, of his mingling with the misery of sin to the point where he actually seems to sink under its weight? Is there not revealed in the unholy holiness of the Church, as opposed to man's expectation of purity, God's true holiness, which is love, love which does not keep its distance in a sort of aristocratic, untouchable purity but mixes with the dirt of the world, in order thus to overcome it? Can therefore the holiness of the Church be anything else but the mutual support which comes, of course, from the fact that all of us are supported by Christ? I must admit that to me this unholy holiness of the Church has in itself something infinitely comforting about it."
-Joseph Ratzinger, Introduction to Christianity, p. 264-5.
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JUSTSalvos Blog has a farewell to Major Brunt who retired this week. Hallelujah.
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Tomorrow is I'LL FIGHT DAY.
Evangelise with a furious faith!
God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

The latest General's Letter
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PASTORAL LETTER FIVE

HUMILITY

Dear Fellow Salvationists,

This fifth Pastoral Letter comes to you from my office at International Headquarters with special greetings in the Lord Jesus Christ for the holy season of Christmas and with my prayers for you as we enter together into a new year.

Humility marks the manner of our Lord's entry into the world as a tiny child and therefore is a natural theme for this Letter. It is good also if we can find grace to allow us each to enter 2008 with a spirit of Christ-like humility. We seek a humility that will govern our interactions with others, that will be the basis of all we plan for the year ahead, and that will spring from our humility toward the One who has given himself for us in dying at Calvary.

Through the prophet, the Lord has said, 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit' (Isaiah 57:15). I need his presence. I need him near, hour by hour. We share that humble need. As I write to you I am conscious of my own need and am identifying with you in my heart just where you are around the world.

Many of you will know that recently I have encountered new problems in my health. My sense of personal need is thus intensified. Grace becomes very, very real when this happens to us. God's people rise up in prayer for us. Their messages encourage and lift us. How grateful I am, with my wife and family, for the countless beautiful messages reaching us every day. All of this brings added humility for sometimes we are rendered simply helpless. Suddenly everything seems stripped away except for the grace of God, shown in the love offered by others. It is very humbling.

So this Letter reaches out to every Salvationist in the world, but especially on this occasion to those in circumstances that are hard and therefore humbling.

The English word, 'humility', comes from the Latin, humus meaning 'earth' or 'soil'. It refers to something lowly, something beneath our feet. It thus becomes an antidote to pride. Before Jesus was born, the Romans and Greeks were scornful of humility. It was something found only in slaves and in others of low station in life, so low that they could exercise no influence upon public affairs. Yet Jesus embraced it. Because he did so, humility was transformed from a mark of social degradation to an essential Christian virtue.

In the sixth century St. Benedict taught that to ascend the spiritual ladder is to descend into humility. What a wonderful, life-changing paradox this is. The great Reformer of the sixteenth century, Martin Luther, said that humility is the very foundation and fruit of faith.

In the celebration of the birth of Jesus, will you focus with me on the humility of it all? Read again the words of Paul in Philippians 2:5-11. Our perfect Saviour refused to cling to divine status. He was silent when falsely accused. He was forgiving. I long to be like him. He cared about the poor and washed the feet of others. I long to be like him. He has shown us that true life comes forth from death, that the humble will be exalted, that the first will be last, and that to find your life you must first of all lose it. I long to go deeper and deeper into these truths.

I know that this same longing is shared by fellow Salvationists everywhere. Our hunger will be satisfied: 'Blessed are those who (in humility) hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled' (Matthew 5:6). He will teach us as humbly we sit at his feet: 'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls' (Matthew 11:29).

The secret of a humble heart is to be close to Jesus. We see his perfection to know we are flawed. We see his obedience to know we are rebellious. We see his love to know we are hard of heart. We see his patience to know we are intolerant.

I am asking him in prayer to humble me, whatever it costs. I am asking him in prayer to keep his Army humble, whatever it costs. That cost may be a high one. General Bramwell Booth wrote: 'Do you expect to understand all God's ways with you? Do you want a reason and explanation for every mystery before you can trust him? It is the darkness which makes humble faith a reality. It is the ignorance of the future which proves the committal of the soul.'

I commit you to the perfect love of Christ.

I offer you my lasting gratitude and constant encouragement.

Shaw Clifton
General
December 2007
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grace
sec

December 4, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
(hb2KP)

Check out Jo Brookshaw's blog - So You Think You Can Preach!
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Check out the new JAC 52.
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Legend Missionary Commissioner Emma Davis taught officers, "The Bible can throw a lot of light on the commentaries." (hat tip EB).
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We heard General Burrows recently warn officer of adopting a 'union mentality' as if 'I must have that' or 'Each of my kids ust have her own bed'.
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We also heard of a salvo who chatted up the person next in line at McDonalds. It turns out that person got saved, discipled, and is now a uniformed Salvationist in a city corps. Hallelujah - good example for us.
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We also heard General Burrows on about Couuts and Brengle (we think she leans to Coutts). She claimed that the best holiness book in the Bible was in 2 Corinthians and invited us to guess which verse. We pitched in 7:1 of course but we're beat out by 3:18. Therein lies a good distinction between Coutts and Brengle.
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Ephesians 1-4.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 3, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Last night an independent (someone who doesn't yet depend on Jesus) asked/challenged the man of God to pray for rain (it is drought here). He did. And it rained through the night. Hallelujah.
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Collingwood Salvos are branching out a bit. We got a tour of the old haunts (I know it doesn't seem like the best work to use but I think it was Sangster who exhorted, 'Haunt Calvary') of the Collingwood Salvos - where they lived, where they marched, where they open aired (we stopped and sang favourite songs of the Senior Section open air stand, the Home League open air stand, and the YP open air stand), what stores they operated, and, most of all - the barracks. We knelt and prayed where the mercy seat was. The hall used to hold 1,800 (and that many came each Sunday morning and each Sunday evening). Hallelujah. More, Lord (as we re-dig the wells).
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Speaking of old wells, on this day - December 3 - 1888, Mrs. Commissioner Howard dedicated the cornerstone of the first Training College building in Melbourne. We're all about laying apostolic foundations. This morning at pray the Bible we called out the glorious inheritance of 119 years of faithful, heroic cadets and staff.
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And, as advertised here yesterday, the 52nd issue of JOURNAL OF AGGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY is now out (top right). There is so much you'll want to read. Anthony Castle kicks it off with a poetic rant called ‘REVOLUTION NOW’. Pray it through.

Captain Michael Ramsay continues his teaching on covenant with ‘When God is Bound’. This is hardcore. There is a lot to chew on.

Cadet Peter Lublink throws ‘Too Much To Handle’ at us, and Major Daryl Crowden has an article called ‘Resettling in Rwanda - Back to Life’.

Xander Coleman offers ‘Three Reasons that Evangelism is Hard’.

Holiness v. Holiness.
David Witthoff and Captain Andrew Bale offer two different takes on holiness. The former suggests that incremental sanctification is the realistic expectation. The latter espouses a traditional Salvation Army approach. JAC holds to a traditional SA position.

The Dream
Commissioner James Knaggs, TC in Australia Southern, delivered ‘The Dream’ on October 5 at Aggressive Christianity Conference in Melbourne.
35 Salvationists of that territory contributed chapters suggesting personal spins on the 35 component visions of The Dream in a book that is just released called ‘ONE DAY....’ We're providing The Dream here, a short response to it, and then three excerpts from The Dream by Captains Rowan Castle and Danielle Strickland, and Xander Coleman.
The Dream is an important revelation for the advance of the Salvation War in that territory and beyond. Feel free to pick up copies of the book at Australia Southern Territory Trade.

Commissioner Wesley Harris wraps up JAC 52 with ‘Barmy Army’.

Enjoy JAC 52. Read it. Study it. Blog it. Share it. Apply the lessons. Revolution now.
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Romans 13-16.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 2, 2007. (updated)
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
(hb2PY)

Lots to say:
1. JAC52 is now out! Hallelujah. Go to JAC (top right) and begin the feast.
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2. What do India and Fiji have in common? Indelible Salvo influence. Sources suggest that the wheel loom in the middle of the Indian Flag is the one invented by pioneer salvos there. The Fiji anthem is adapted from the chorus of a salvo song (Beulah Land). Which is more significant an impact? You decide.
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3. Andrew Clark has a brand new website that looks to have a lot of potential. Bookmark armyrenewal.com, visit regularly, and even contribute:
http://www.armyrenewal.com/
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4. Calling all salvo musos, especially during this busy carolling season. Eric Himes has made available a Christmas music supplement. Check it out (bog at right). His blog also features a 24/29 photodoc! And I'LL FIGHT DAY is one four days away - what are you doing to optimise it?
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5. Here's a good article on the anti-Christianisation of history and story in a few popular movies (primarily Beowulf):
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NDU5MGIwYWJlOTQ3OWE2MjNjN2E2MzcyMjFkYWIxMmM=
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6. Hat tip to Rob Reardon for his new Facebook group - pray for the General - that has elicited a post from the General. We've been working to renew this SA tradition, so we're psyched Rob has raised up thousands. Read up on it at his blog. Nice work, Rob!
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7. There is some good stuff over at thewarcollege blog (at right). It is enough to make you want to look into signing up (thewarcollege.com) for the CONQUEROR'S SESSION.
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2b. (this is from SALVATIONIST)...
"Army song came before Fiji's anthem
"IN REPLY to the letter from Ron Knuckey (Salvationist 27 October) about the Fijian National Anthem, I have traced this chorus back to the complete song which was published in the Musical Salvationist in March 1942. The melody appears to have been adopted by Fiji as its national anthem in 1970.

"The song was written by Austin Miles who also wrote the music that was subsequently adopted for the Fijian anthem. The author of the anthem's words is Michael Alexander Prescott, who also arranged Miles's music.
by Claude Stone, Christchurch, New Zealand (hat tip SALVATIONIST).
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I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky,
I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry;
O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land. SASB 974
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Collinson has a good blog yesterday called I LOVE YOU GUYS.
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Let's try to get some people saved today/ sanctified/ called/ anointed/ commissioned/ etc.
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Romans 9-12.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

December 1, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Happy 25th anniversary to Williams Lake Salvos. Praise God for heaps of great stuff God has done in and through the comrades there.
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Strickland addresses abortion in her blog. Justsalvos Blog has some great stuff going (e.g. Mike Coleman on the historic nature of C07). Most of the BC blogs summarise CONNECTIONS 07. James Thompson explains his evangelism.
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Hat tip to General Burrows for receiving the William Wilberforce Award (see the Knaggs Blog for details).
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Commissioner Harris has an interesting take on new initiatives at his blog.
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With the time zones it is only a matter of hours before JAC52 comes out.
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Gordon Cotterill's blog hints at a book project and has a great story of what Daryl Crowden calls 'alongsider' mission.
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A couple of seniors officers retire in our territory today. Hat tip JJ/JJ. I haven't known them closely but I'm impressed that he always seems to be on about 1. God is doing a new thing, and 2. What is the Spirit saying? And she had a classic line in her retirement vide affirming that she has withstood the temptation to return to civilian life. Nice. Praise God.
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North American will know Bo Jackson as one of the best athletes in history (hat tip to J Mancuso for this quote from espn):
"But I also know, if I was healthy, with good hips right now, I'd be the fastest 45-year-old in the country, or in the world," Bo says. "That much I know. That much ... I know."
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Collinson's new blog has a great PR photo - 'we see what most people don't'.
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Will you consecrate your life in service to God (as he did) for the Salvation of the world? (taken from a memorial stone for William Booth but we'll apply it today to the retirement of JJ/JJ) As a note, We continue to think that General Gowans pulled the plug on 'retirement' of non-General officers and replaced that term and concept with 'reserve'.
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God is here.
SA Daily Reading: Romans 5-8.
Much grace,
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posted by Stephen Court