All I can say is “praise God”.  A blight on our claim to welcome refugees is finally (finally!) cleared up with this news that Australia will no longer charge refugees with the costs of their detention.  Yes, you read that right…my country used to charge refugees for the costs of “processing” (ie: keeping them in today’s version of concentration camps) their claims.

Defiant Opposition MPs allowed the Government to remove ”a blot on our statute book” billing refugees for their detention.

A lone Liberal senator, Judith Troeth, crossed the floor of Federal Parliament to scrap the debts only Australia imposed on people owed protection. But the retiring senator’s move captured the sentiment of more within her party but whose political ambitions stopped them from following her.

It is understood the Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull, was not unhappy at the bill’s passage. (I respect this man, but … what on earth was this about?)

Since 1992, refugees have been required to reimburse the Government for the costs of their mandatory detention. Less than 3 per cent is ever recovered.  Last financial year the cost of chasing the debt exceeded the amount collected. The cancellation was supported by the Greens, the independent senator Nick Xenophon and Family First’s Senator Steve Fielding.  Refugee advocates and affected families were happy to see the debts wiped. ”It really rights a wrong,” the Refugee Council of Australia’s chief executive, Paul Power, said.

Masoud Shams, an Iranian refugee who suffers depression after four years in detention, was elated. His debt of $268,000 will now be cancelled. ”I’m actually very happy. I live in a country which is fair,” he said. ”The worst thing about detention is when you see the kids cutting themselves and people hanging. If a refugee comes to your country, treat them as human.”  Other Coalition senators including Russell Trood, Guy Barnett and Simon Birmingham silently backed the abolition of detention debts by abstaining from the vote.

Source: Compiled by APN from media reports

Posted via web from Preposterousness

So you’re in church, ready to commune with God, expecting the angels to worship with you as you gather with your church family corporately to honour our Lord.

To offer a tiny sacrifice compared to what Jesus’ did and does for us, continuously.

Then the music starts.

“Ugh – I don’t like this song.”

“What? We’ve done this song 5 weeks in a row!”

“Why is it so loud?”

 etc.

Suddenly, worship becomes about us.  Oops.

How do you break your flesh in those moments, and worship?

I’m currently producing our church worship album (should be out by Christmas) and I’m also the music director for church.  That doesn’t mean I personally like everything we do.  It does mean I have to make sure the music ministry is going to fit with who we are as a church as communicated by our senior pastors.  Often, that means doing things somewhat differently to how I might do them myself.  That’s OK…but I wasn’t always able to say that.  It would sometimes rob me of my ability to worship despite…

But it’s not about me.

Posted via web from Land of the Golden Moose

Come and join in with Sunday Setlists over at FredMckinnon.com, and see how churches around the world have been worshipping this week.

This morning’s message was on gifts (ministry and spiritual) and the one gift that every Christian has – the ministry gift of reconciliation. Taken from 2 Corinthians 5:17 onwards, it was a really good spin on the usual way of preaching the great commission.

Music

Sunday AM
1. No Reason To Hide (Crocker, Houston / Hillsong)
2. I Walk By Faith (Chris Falson)
3. Hosanna (Fraser / Hillsong)
4. He Is Lord (Fielding / Hillsong)
…then following tithes, offerings, news…
5. Your Love Is My Song (Murgida / Awesome Church)
…and to close the service…
6. free-worship – including Fire Fall Down, but over the chords to No Reason To Hide, and He Is Lord…

Rachael led worship today, and vocally led all the songs apart from No Reason To Hide, which I did. At the end of the service we had a very sweet ministry and free-worship time, and our pastor asked Rach to lead us in free-worship. Rachael is not quite 18, and only relatively new to leading the worship as opposed to leading songs, but she did a truly great job of the free-worship as well as the opening music set, and is excited to take away some great lessons on what she needs to do to keep growing into her gifting.  She’s contemplating studying overseas next year, which would be great for her but a loss for the church while she’s away (especially with Diane and I heading to N.Ireland early next year too).

Sunday PM

Confession : Diane and I took the afternoon / evening off, even though the teaching on the Day of Atonement Feast (Yom Kippur) and how that relates to Christian life would have been great. With me working long days in the studio recording our worship album, and with planning needing to be done to emigrate too, we’ve decided that the weeks I have a studio session on Saturday, we’ll not do the night service. After all, we’ll end up with a video copy anyway since Diane will edit it for TV.

Finally, an update on our album recording.  Yesterday’s session was Your Love Is My Song, which was also the first song we’ve done where the writer didn’t sing lead vocals. There’ll be a few more of those coming up in the next 2 months, and we’re still on track for a pre-Christmas release. I hope. Still a lot to be done, not just with the recording, but the administration side of it all too. I’m taking it all one day at a time. And still really enjoying the job of producer.  Still, time will tell if I’m actually any good at it or whether I just enjoy it. 

Note for Facebook readers : remember if I post a video or song, you’ll need to actually click through to my blog to see or listen. You know you want to.

A visiting pastor talked to our church leadership about church building, specifically the local church, rather than God’s Kingdom in general.

He shared that he believes the commonly espoused phases of growth generally take place in more or less the same order everywhere, noting that every church will experience the finer details differently.

He talked about foundations, perhaps in small beginnings which shape the future.
He talked about pillars, key ministry partners, people who the pastor personally mentors.
He talked about pretty much every aspect of a building and the process of building it, which means he also talked about scaffolding.

Scaffolding isn’t glamorous.
Scaffolding isn’t permanent.
Scaffolding is often abused.

But it is essential* to the building process.

Without it, sturdy pillars cannot be fashioned in order to support the roof and walls.
Without it, the artisans can’t apply the finishing touches.
Without it, building practices can end up cutting corners at best, or become downright dangerous at worst.

While this pastor was sharing, it hit me…

I’m scaffolding

His point was that hopefully, everyone in that meeting would be pillars, or something permanent, but Diane and I realised we’re scaffolding.

And we’re ok with that.

Maybe one day we’ll be part of a church where we’re not the scaffolding, where we are part of the structure – planted permanently by God’s grace – but so far, we’ve been scaffolding, and it’s an honour to be used in Kingdom building in this way.

It also makes feeling settled, planted, rooted (if you will), difficult to achieve, because you know that you’re not there forever.  Scaffolding is just there for a season, and because this scaffolding is also human, it might also be jealous of those who know they are there permanently, through thick and thin, clearly called by God not just through gifting, talents, timing, whatever, but for that place as well.

Whereas the scaffolding has to be ready for when God calls it on to the next building project, sometimes a long way from everything it currently knows.

Like, say, on the other side of the world.

In the past, I’ve seen scaffolding abused and broken, ripped down before it was ready to be removed – sometimes by some external force, sometimes not.  It’s sad to see, painful to be part of, and usually ends in some degree of regret.

Having realised we’re scaffolding, Diane and I have to be careful to ensure our removal is done with care, in the right timing, in the right way, always with God’s purposes at the forefront and human flesh taking a back seat – as it always should – and learning from the mistakes of scaffolding that has toppled over before its time.

I’ll post more on this later, and yes, I realise there may be a sense of “what on earth is he going on about?” in here, but in the meantime:

Have you ever thought of the Church this way?

Are you scaffolding, or part of the permanent part of the structure of your church community?

Is this analogy Biblical?

* I’m not a builder, but I do know there have been replacements to scaffolding technology for certain building projects. I’m generalising. Work with me.

When freedom is legislated, history shows it has the opposite effect – you become free to NOT speak about your beliefs, because we’re all free to not have to hear it.  We see what happens in countries where there is no true freedom.  I don’t want to see Australia, or Britain or the US, continue heading down the path we are currently.  How do we fight for freedom to be able to spread the Kingdom of God with grace, love, mercy?

Prayer, lots of it.  God will show us how to fight this battle – for it’s not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers. Get your armour on, it’s time for war !  A war fought with compassion for the lost.

Who would have thought 30 years ago that in 2009 Christians would be persecuted for not endorsing sexual immorality or for suggesting someone pray about their illness, but that is what is happening regularly in Britain and the United States today.

Talk to most Christians in Australia about approaching persecution and they think you have lost your mind.  “How could persecution ever happen in a country like Australia?”, they ask.

Violent physical persecution as suffered by many Christians overseas may not be imminent, however spiritual and emotional persecution (emphasis mine) is very near.

Here are some cases where Christians have been vilified, sacked, demoted or harassed simply because they held and expressed Christian morals and/or values. We will have similar stories to tell in Australia unless we wake up to the need to protect our freedoms and liberty which are under constant attack.

• Theresa Davies, who works at Islington Borough Council in London was demoted because she refused to preside over same sex ‘civil partnership’ ceremonies.  At issue in this case is, ‘will Christian faith present a bar to Governmental and private sector employment opportunities because of ‘equality’ or anti-discrimination laws’?  In a number of recent decisions it has been deemed lawful for an employer to require adherence to an Equal Opportunity Policy that compels people to support sexual conduct they believe is sinful.  An appeal against her dismissal has been lodged.
• Gary McFarlane, a relationship counsellor, was sacked because his Christian beliefs prevented him giving sex therapy counselling to homosexual couples.  
• A Christian paediatrician was dismissed as a medical adviser because she could not professionally recommend the placement of children with same-sex couples – she was only reinstated after media support and a public outcry.
• A Homelessness Prevention Officer with Wandsworth Council was dismissed from work for encouraging a homeless woman with an incurable medical condition to look to God for help. Doctors told her they’d given up hope.
• Four firefighters in San Diego, California were forced against their objections to ride in a so-called “homosexual pride parade.” For three long hours, they were repeatedly sexually harassed and humiliated by lewd, scantily clad people along the entire parade route. When the firemen complained, they experienced harassment, retaliation, and in one case a denied promotion

This is increasingly happening here in Australia, and as anti-discrimination and vilification laws increase it will become more of a challenge.

A ‘Bill or Charter of Human Rights’ and a possible ‘Freedom of Religion’ Bill here will make that situation even worse, as will greater powers being sought by Equal Opportunity Commissions. Christians who want to uphold Biblical Truth will find themselves more and more marginalised despite our country, like Britain, being founded on freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and freedom of religion.

Source: Saltshakers and American Development Foundation via Australian Prayer Network

Posted via web from Preposterousness

Come and join in with Sunday Setlists over at FredMckinnon.com, and see how churches around the world have been worshipping this week.

Our run of visiting preachers continued today with Pastor Allan Bagg from The Bay Christian Family Church in Cape Town, South Africa.

He preached for both meetings, and he’s an amazing teacher. He told us he was going to summarise two years of teachings on the blessing and what it really means into 2 hours, and he did it convincingly…while also fitting in time for some healing and a few miracles took place.

Average Sunday then

Music

Sunday AM
1. Run (Houston / Hillsong)
2. I Walk By Faith (Chris Falson)
3. He Is Lord (Fielding / Hillsong)
4. Where You Go, I Go (Johnson, Mohr / Bethel)
…then following tithes, offerings, news…
5. No Reason To Hide (Crocker, Houston / Hillsong)
…and to close the service…
6. No Reason To Hide

Dante was leading worship, while Marg and I led a couple songs – Marg on He Is Lord, and me on Run and No Reason To Hide. Dante’s heart for worship is always inspirational to me, and as his Bible College mentor I also feel pride in having seen him grow as a worship leader and mentor to the younger team members too.

Sunday PM
1. No Reason To Hide (Crocker, Houston / Hillsong)
2. For Your Glory (Pringle, Smith / C3)
3. Worthy Is The Lamb (Murgida / Awesome Church)
…then following tithes, offerings, news…
4. Shout You Praise (Araullo, Reddy, Oroso / Awesome Church)
…and then to close following the healing meeting (wow)
5. He Is Lord (Fielding / Hillsong)

Troy led tonight, but really it was a team effort with everyone doing their part in bringing us into the throneroom to worship the King of Kings and prepare us for the teaching and healing that took place afterwards.

There were a few more (different) technical things too – weird stuff with mic levels that just weren’t behaving. Ho hum, but there will always be capacity for distraction if we choose to be distracted, hey!

Note for Facebook readers : remember if I post a video or song, you’ll need to actually click through to my blog to see or listen. You know you want to.

It’s Rosh Hashannah – the Jewish New Year – and tonight, Diane and I are (hopefully) going to spend the evening with some of the Messianic Jew community here in Sydney.  I’m looking forward to what I’m undoubtedly going to learn.

Sad that so many Jews have missed seeing Christ in all these holidays.  If you get the opportunity to be part of a Jews For Jesus presentation on the Passover meal and learn how Christ is there at every turn, I highly recommend it.

Are you interested in Jewish holidays?  Do you think they have any significance or relevance (in a totally non-legalistic way) for today’s Christian community?

Jewish Prayer Focus 2009 : Sept 18 to Oct 9

The Jewish Prayer Focus is a call to intercession for the Jewish people for the 22-day period (September 18-October 9) during the Holy Days of the Biblical calendar in Lev 23:26ff.

Its main focus is to pray for the salvation of the Jews and also to prepare for the return of the Messiah, which these holidays foreshadow.

The prayer guide contains prayer points, teachings, testimonies, and introductions to Israeli congregations, mostly written by Messianic leaders themselves.

And if you’re in Australia…

Copies of the Jewish Prayer Focus prayer guide are available from JPF, PO Box 54, Kerrimuir, VIC 3129, watchmen777@optusnet.com.au or call 03-9899.7231.  The cost is AUD$8.00 each, $15 for 2, $20 for 3, or $65 for 10 incl postage.  Cheques should be made payable to Living Way Christian Network (JPF is a sub-entity).  The Prayer Guides are also available at Koorong.

For further information go to www.jewishprayerfocus.info

Source: Living Way Christian Network

Posted via web from Preposterousness

…and the sad thing is…most of us are probably not stunned by that revelation.

Girls watch porn just like guys do.

But just because it happens doesn’t make it right.

Duh.

My friend Crystal used to watch porn too, but by grace – amazing grace – she has not only been freed from that addiction, she’s pioneered a ministry to help other women be free too.

Dirty Girls Ministries

If you want to support the ministry, or find out more about it, or are in need of help, click on the link and go there now.

Don’t let satan continue to steal from God’s kingdom through this addictive trap.

The troubles in India, like so much other violence around the world, has been going on for years.  That doesn’t mean it can be replaced in our minds with every new ‘emergency’ that comes along.  There will always be some fresh attack to pray and intercede over, but let’s not forget the ongoing struggles of Christ’s followers across the globe as we live in our comfortable, safe, prosperous nations. I’m as guilty of forgetting as anyone.

Despite the deployment of law enforcement troops, India’s violence continues to inflict daily damage on Christians.

At least ten states have witnessed anti-Christian attacks in recent months. The increasingly tense situation is in contrast with the assurances from the provincial governments, which claim to be able to maintain security.

Peter Dance with Operation Mobilisation (OM) says the international community is becoming more aware of the import of the situation. “They are calling it genocide.  The U.S. government has written to the Indian government and said, ‘This is unacceptable.’ The president of France has also said, ‘This is unacceptable.’ It is genocide because it’s targeted at one particular segment of society: the Christians and the Dalits.”

Dr. Joseph D’souza, president of the All India Christian Council (AICC), said, “The anti-Christian attacks and the negligence of government in doing anything about them, would be sad if it happened in a dictatorship or a totalitarian regime. The fact that it’s happening in the world’s largest democracy makes it infinitely sadder.”

The state governments have been largely ineffective in quelling the violence, and the federal government has not exercised their options of taking over in order to restore peace. 25 pastors and their families have been moved to an OM base for safety and protection.

Within Orissa, attacks are spreading again. According to the AICC,  leaders have reliable reports of 315 villages damaged, 4,640 Christian houses burnt, 53,000 Christians homeless, 57 people killed, 18,000 Christians injured, 2 nuns gang-raped, 149 churches destroyed, 13 Christian schools and colleges damaged.

The OM team is acting as the hands and feet of Christ, but “we’re so restricted in what we can do going into the area.  Basically, our focus right now is those that are able to come out, are coming to the church. We’re doing what we can, financially, to take care of medical needs, also food and clothing and housing.”

Please pray for these traumatized brothers and sisters in Christ.

Do you have a strategy for keeping the international community of Christ in your prayers? Does it work? How do we make a difference without also taking on the burden the belongs to Christ?

Source: Intercessors Network via Australian Prayer Network

Posted via web from Preposterousness

Come and join in with Sunday Setlists over at FredMckinnon.com, and see how churches around the world have been worshipping this week.

Summer has made a very early appearance with temperatures hitting the mid-30s this weekend (that’s the high 90s for you farenheit users over yonder)

The AM series on guarding your tongue continued and really does make you stop and consider everything you say. I’ve always been fairly conscious of that for some reason, but I can still be far more effective at shaping my world through the words I speak and think than I have been. Convicting.

The PM message was on angelic beings, and concentrated on demystifying angels and how we as Christians (humans, created higher than the angels) have them as our helpers in ministry. There were so many verse references that I couldn’t keep up. Having been involved with territorial spiritual warfare, very little was new to me, but was a good refresher on some angelic being basics.

Music

Sunday AM
1. You Deserve (Crocker, Dunlop / Hillsong)
2. For Your Name (Morgan, Gillies, Houston / Hillsong)
3. His Glory Appears (Sampson, Zchech / Hillsong)
4. Lord Of Lords (Fraser / Hillsong)
…then following tithes, offerings, news…
5. Run (Houston / Hillsong)
…and to close the service…
6. His Glory Appears (instrumental)

Marg was leading while I had a(nother) week off. I really enjoy being led to the throneroom by her leading. It was also great to have some more intimate worship songs – neither one is an anthem, which we would usually have – and it created a different atmosphere, perfect for the repentence for loose tongue talk which took place after the service. Bridgina led a song for the first time this morning on His Glory Appears and her sweet soprano suits the song perfectly.

Sunday PM
1. No Reason To Hide (Crocker, Houston / Hillsong)
2. Lead Me To The Cross (Fraser / Hillsong)
…then following tithes, offerings, news…
3. For Your Glory (Pringle, Smith / C3)
…and then Worship+…
4. Fire Fall Down (Crocker / Hillsong
5. You Are Here (The Same Power) (Pankratz, George / Hillsong)
6. Perfect One / Awesome God (Mullins + Reddy / Awesome Church)
7. I Walk By Faith (Chris Falson)
8. No Reason To Hide

Troy led tonight, with Julie doing most of the song-leading. So. much. fun. I’m sure if we were set up to allow stage diving it would happen – in a holy way of course.

We had a few technical issues with various things this week, but nothing too insurmountable or distracting. Just quite a few little things. It’s great to feel I don’t need to fix them all though, and that the other members of the various teams are starting to get pro-active in dealing with issues.

What did Sunday hold for you?

Note for Facebook readers : remember if I post a video or song, you’ll need to actually click through to my blog to see or listen. You know you want to.