Self Denial Appeal 2010

The Salvation Army Self Denial Appeal 2010 is coming up very soon. For the Australia Southern Territory, the altar Sunday is March 28th. Will you be ready with a sacrificial offering?

In the 2009 Salvation Army yearbook, there are some stats for Self-Denial Contributions (2007-2008).
Here are some of the Self-Denial Contributions 07'-08':
* Australia Eastern -      £ 296,015
* Australia Southern -    £ 375,334
* Canada & Bermuda - £ 974,530
* United Kingdom -     £ 1,517,704
* USA Central -          £ 1,953,748
* USA Eastern -          £ 1,898,918
* USA Southern -        £ 2,197,840
* USA Western -        £ 1,391,226

Kenya gave £ 31,541 in Self-Denial and then received £ 470,658
PNG & the Philippines both received about £ 300,000 for Self-Denial

Why not increase our Self-Denial Appeal efforts in 2010?

I have a personal goal in mind, and am really unsure how I will reach it, though I believe in faith that God will allow us to give what we have been praying for. What about you? Are you going to give generously?

Also, did you know that when you ask for a TAX Deductible receipt, the money is then held up, because of the beuracratic red tape that only allows money to be distributed according to government regulations on TAX deduction. A non TAX deductible receipts allows The Salvation Army to use the funds for either evangelism, supporting local Salvation Army Officers, programs, food, shelter, etc.

I challenge Salvationists to give without wanting anything back. That is: self-denial.

Separation of Church and State – Some issues to consider

The debate between Church and State rears its head occasionally. Should the Church, or religion have any part to play in the affairs of the State? Should politics ever be informed by the religious community, whether Christian, Islamic, Jewish, etc.?

Some bashful political Christians will say, ‘I keep my faith private.’ Their argument goes along the lines that therefore their policy decisions and choices will be irrelevant to their Christian beliefs.

Lets break this down a little. Is it possible to have a real, authentic Christian faith, and not let all of your life, decisions and choices be fundamentally based upon that belief? Jesus speaks about giving up your own life and following him. Jesus did not speak of faith as simply a personal belief system, that helps you at home when you’re feeling depressed. No. The birth of Christianity in essence was about others, and about serving others, and sharing the gospel of Jesus to the whosoever. It was an outward, exciting faith, that was meant to impact and transform both individuals, but also organisation structures and institutions. Therefore, if someone is really expressing their Christian faith authentically and passionately, I cannot see how a Christian Politician could separate his/her faith from his/her policy decisions.

The next question then is, should a religious person be in politics to start with? While I understand a little of the diversity of religious/secular views in society, I believe it is impossible to separate anybody’s worldview from their business decision making. Whether we are religious, an environmentalist, a humanist, a gay activist, a closet gambler, our decision making is so often underpinned by our fundamental belief system. Politicians are forever making policy decisions about controversial bills, from marriage to abortion, to religious freedom, to the rights of working mothers, etc. The policy decisions made will come out of that politician’s belief system. So, should we separate Church from State, and not allow Christians to be politicians? The fact is, every politician will have their own worldview that informs their decisions. Should we stop an environmentalist from being a politician because someone believes they focus too much on global warming? Should we allow an outspoken Atheist to be a politician? We vote them in, knowing full well their personal belief system will affect their political career.

There is so much more to write, but it’s after midnight, and time to say goodnight. I’m sure some of us have comment to make… :)

There is always HOPE

Don't get frustrated that someone hasn't done a particular chore/ministry if you've never taught or empowered that person to do the chore/ministry in the first place!
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There is always HOPE. Even when the chips are down and the walls are caving in. Whether the food in on the table or not, whether the bills are paid or not, whether there is health or sickness; there is always hope. That is my philosophy on hope. Through Jesus, there is always an opportunity for change and transformation. I do not believe that there is one individual on this planet that we merely need to 'do the journey' knowing they will never change. I have a soldier of our church who works with individuals with mental illnesses. She says that even with brain injuries, people have the ability to engage and connect with something, even if it's just a 'wave' hello. Maybe I take it to the extreme, but I would rather sit in the camp that says, 'People can have HOPE' rather than the camp that is defeatist and says, 'We don't believe this person will ever change'.
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Justice:
1. God heart breaks when there is injustice
2. The people of God have a responsibility to work for justice in our day to day lives.
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Holiness is not an optional extra for 'committed' Christians, but rather something all believers should act upon.
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http://www.isalvos.com/
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www.twitter.com/petebrookshaw
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The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want for... Wait, is that a new plasma on special?