I desperately need you right now.

I was in Perth this week, and had an afternoon of flicking through channels on Mum & Dad’s Foxtel. Now, It’s been weeks since I’ve watched any commercial television at all, let alone had access to several hundred channels – so it was a novelty. But, interestingly (well, maybe it might be normal..) there was nothing on! Nothing that grabbed my attention anyway! Except.. I saw “veggie tales” on the episode list! And, I thought – “that’s just what I feel like watching!” But it wasn’t on for another 25 mins. So, I flicked to the channel anyway – it was “ACC” – the Australian Christian Channel.

Anyway, to make a long story short, the program on before ‘veggie tales’ was featuring a preacher who was a quadriplegic. Her story seemed quite amazing, they had a little piece prepared about her life before she came on. And, in the end I only stayed to watch the TV for a few more moments, but I heard the first point that she wanted to make in her ‘preach’.

WAKE UP EACH MORNING DESPERATELY NEEDING JESUS

She went on to fill in her point with some anecdotes and scripture – and the sentiment of the line sunk in with me, and stuck for the rest of the day – and evidently enough for me to write about it. I think lately, even though I’ve been growing in my listening and obedience (Praise God!), I haven’t felt a desperate need for Jesus – first thing. Or, I haven’t known that I’ve needed it. I’ve been reflecting on my days and realised that I do desperately need Jesus. There is no greater need in my life. I’ve got no strength outside of His. None at all. No wonder I’m tired, I’m trying really hard all on my own.

God please transform the first moments of my day – renew my passion for your love, and your strength. Keep reminding me about how much I need you.

Related to this, I was listening to 614’s “Souls and Justice” album on the way home in the car today, and kept having to go back and play this song over and over.
Lord, I need you. Thanks Danielle for writing words so familiar to my heart’s cry.

“The Wall” – Danielle Strickland

I see the wall before me,
I wonder will I ever be free,
Oh, I know the pain to try and climb
Yet, in You, peace is mine.

Lord I need you now,
Lord speak to me just now,
Lord, wrap in your might, teach me to fight somehow.
Lord, I need you,
I need you right now.

I see the giant face-to-face,
And, I can fight, but only by your grace.
Oh I, seem so small in this war,
And yet, there’s hope – that’s what your power is far, what it’s for.

Lord I need you now,
Lord speak to me just now,
Lord, wrap in your might, teach me to fight somehow.
Lord, I need you,
I need you right now.

I see the cross before my eyes,
I know the place where I must die.
Only, only by the strength you give,
Can I learn learn to die and live, again.

Lord I need you now,
Lord speak to me just now,
Lord, wrap in your might, teach me to fight somehow.
Lord I need you now,
Lord speak to me just now,
Lord, wrap in your might, teach me to fight somehow.

Lord, I need you,
I need you right now.

I need you, right now.
Wrap me in your might, teach me to fight, somehow.

..Except for that one about being eaten by the Giant Spider..

Have you ever heard Danielle Strickland’s dream? She thought that it must have been satanic – it was after all about her being eaten alive by spiders. But then, she woke up to the reality that God was wanting her to see. And it changed everything about the way that she looked at the world. I’ve heard her talk about it a couple of times now, but if you haven’t yet, here’s the quick-talking-vod-cast-version for your ease of viewing. The whole vid is great, but Danielle’s bit starts about 2 mins in. Thanks to Adam at Youth Specialties for producing it and making it public. Great stuff.

 

ps. have you ever wondered what this whole blogging thing is about? Why the heck do we do it? Who reads this stuff anyway? Have a look here (I blog your pardon?) for ACTNOW’s take on the whys and wherefores.

Here I Am.

Too much of what I do is motivated by guilt. I need to concentrate on living a pro-active, rather than a reactive life. A life where I say “I intend to..” rather than “I should do..”. A life where I look forward to the challenges, rather than trying to make excuses as to why I don’t want to be involved.

I want to cultivate in me, and around me, a “Yes!” culture.

Not a yes culture that will make me overwhelmed, or burned out, just one that is real, optimistic, honest, forward looking, and not lazy.

A comrade of mine has inherited a signature-book-of-sorts that page-by-page, one-by-one has been signed in succession by all of the General’s of The Salvation Army, starting with General William Booth himself. This is what General Carpenter had to say…

“The Secret of the Victorious life will be found in saying “Yes” to God, and to keep on saying it.” – Melbourne, 20/6/1945

And, because Officership is at the beginning and end of most of my daily thoughts; an exhortation, before I leave…

“This little book/[blog] contains the experience of one who heard God’s call to become an Officer, and who answered it.

More than 13,000 men and women all over the world have chosen to obey His voice and give themselves up to lives of self-denying toil for the salvation of the world. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself whether God does not require you to give Him your life? Will you ask yourself that question today?

When you have thought and prayed about it, speak to the Officer of your Corps or write to your Candidates Secretary.” – A School of Prophets, by ‘One of the Scholars’ The Salvation Army Book Department, 1901

Quote/s of the Day (today, originating from one family unit);

“Incarnation without transformation is not the kingdom of God, it’s simply assimilation.” – Capt. Danielle Strickland.

“Enjoy the Lord today. Take a step back and appreciate the fact that the Creator of the universe died for you, loves your socks off, and dreams about you. Then crawl into His presence and soak it all up – fear/reverence, safety, acceptance, love, mercy, grace…” – Capt. Stephen Court

And Introducing; The Ambassadors of Holiness 2009-2010, The Australia Southern Territory Training College

Some Challenges

To the “Ambassadors of Holiness”, and other people thinking about their calling and vocation in Christ.

“Make no mistake, the adventure you now commence will demand the best of you. The world will not always be kind to you. It will not always welcome you. It will not always treat you with respect. You may not always have a soft pillow, or a full stomach, or a healthy body and mind. No, the mission before you will not be easy. But that’s not what you signed up for with you signed on with Jesus Christ, is it? An easy life is not worthy of your gifts. An easy life is not worthy of your energy, your intellect, you life, your death.” – “Countdown to Sunday – A Daily Guide for Those Who Dare To Preach” – Chris Erdman (p.182)

To anyone who has not yet been challenged to think about trade justice, and/or anyone who hasn’t heard Danielle Strickland be Fair-Trade’s greatest advocate.

Fair Trade Rant - “Go on, Liberate Your Latte!”

And while you’re liberating you’re latte, buy some buttons!! Get in touch with me if you want some!

Double Impact & The Machine

DOUBLE IMPACT was a Tri-Territorial Salvation Army Youth Congress in January 2004.

It was famous for a few things..

- Captain Danielle Strickland got a tattoo while on stage, as a sermon illustration!
- Danielle, and her partner in fun, Capt. Stephen Court preached about Spiritual Masturbation, using a condom as an illustration!
- Commissioner Ross Kendrew preached up a storm, in one of his last preaches before going into reserve,
- And Jurgen Matthesius was thrown in there for good measure!

Why am I telling you this?

Because here they are, in full. Download, listen, and be challenged. Like Elisha, ask for a DOUBLE PORTION! Maybe listen twice, just to let the Word sink in some more. (I’ll update the mini-descriptions, once I’ve listened through them all for a second time!)

Session 1 – Captain Stephen Court & Captain Danielle Strickland
The Foundational Point – Elijah & Elisha – The Double Portion 

Session 2 – Captain Stephen Court & Captain Danielle Strickland 
Some sound issues at the beginning, but hang in there! – The Hokma Pokma – Seeking Wisdom – The Condom Illustration 

Session 3 – Captain Stephen Court & Captain Danielle Strickland
The Covenant Preach – The Tattoo Illustration 

Session 4 – Jurgen Matthesius

Session 5 – Commissioner Ross Kendrew

Session 6 – Captain Stephen Court & Captain Danielle Strickland

Session 7 – Captain Stephen Court & Captain Danielle Strickland
 

AND I can’t get this video to embed, I’m not sure why, but you MUST watch it, it is a great demonstration of Genius, Invention, Creativity, Beauty and Subverting the System, all rolled into one! And, it makes you feel all happy and smiley! http://vimeo.com/985696