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Archive of "Information" Category
10th Anniversary of Next-Wave
Read and subscribe to Next-Wave today!
This issue is incredible! I’m humbled to be playing a small part in what God is doing and has done through Next-Wave’s 10 years of dedication to the Kingdom.
What’s In A Name?
Hey! I changed the look and name on this site? What gives? Like most significant, spiritual breakthroughs in my life, I got a thought while getting out of the shower. It boils down to this: I don’t want to put an obstacle in the way of someone who might be touched or blessed by what we (I say "we" because your comments truly shape this site) write on this site. Anyone who spends any time here realizes that there is no, "We need to shoot missles at the devil!" nonsense, but why even give off the stink of it?
I’ve long since quit the notion that everything I write must draw upon some military parallel, so the name at the top of the page no longer matched the full content. Of course, this message is still in my heart and I’ll still be advancing the military special operations parable whenever I sense the inspiration.
As far as the organization, The Special Forces Group, is concerned – we’re still alive and well. If this is the first you’re reading about it, click this link to check it out. You can still get here using, www.thespecialforcesgroup.com for the next 90 days or so, but as of now the official site URL is www.scottbane.com.
I’m blessed by the connection we share through this site. Peace.
Hello Sunny Weather – My First Real Journal Entry
I’m making some changes to the site content here. Tonight I start actually journaling. For the past year, I’ve written long articles about once a month (if even that often). The articles will continue – I get new ideas all the time, and I’m finishing Part 4 in the SERE series now.
This site is being transformed a bit into source of communication and update for our family and the church planting efforts that we’re involved in, here in Tampa, FL.
Since moving here I’ve gotten a bit of ambition about exercising. I was out early this morning, running. The first couple times I went running I had to coach myself the whole time. "Just keep moving – it’ll get better – you just need to get through this miserable, first patch and then you’ll settle into a groove." Well, that’s great advice but it never happened! I never got over the lung burn. Today was much better. Just as I started to feel good, I rounded a corner to see the sun rising over the palm trees. Incredible. It hit me how thrilled I am to live down here. I was overwhelmed with the goodness of God. Suddenly, I was also conscious of the song playing in my ears, and it was the perfect soundtrack to this stunning scene in front of me:
Creation speaks to me;
I’m stricken to my knees
In reverence and fear – Forever my Almighty.
The heavens in Your hand
Surpass the grains of sand
Who am I before you…?
As I finished my run, making the turn onto my own street, the sun was now high enough in the sky to be generating some Florida, summer heat. There were no clouds in the crystal sky. The morning dew on the trees was sparkling like diamonds and again the song in my ears was perfect:
Hello sunny weather,
Hello sunny weather
Interruption in the SERE series – News from South Africa
In the words of the late, great theologian, Bruce Lee (Enter the Dragon)
It is like a finger pointing to the moon… don’t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory!
Since March 29, I have been “the finger” in South Africa pointing to “the moon” of living in the Outflow. My prayer has been that people would not see me (the finger) but that they would be able to catch a glimpse of the true heavenly glory of flinging seeds of service, love, kindness and generosity. Lord, let Scott be forgotten and let Jesus be remembered!
As I type, I am completing the first leg of this trip. I’ll be flying out of Johannesburg (or JoBurg, as I am now authorized to call it) and landing in Port Elizabeth to spend Easter with the folks at Fountain Vineyard later today. I truly believe that God is up to something in South Africa!
On Saturday, March 31, I led an Outflow Mini-Conference at Valley Vineyard. The response was amazing! Not only did people really “get it,” but they were naturals at “doing it.” We went into a new housing community, still under construction, and gave away chocolate Easter eggs to demonstrate the kindness of God. During the morning discussion I was talking about the value of the seed and that when we shift our focus from getting people to “pray the prayer,” to simply flinging the seed miraculous things can happen. I had no idea how those words were about to be proven! The idea of giving something that people would like to have (chocolate eggs), for free was astounding to most of the people we met. One family asked the group who handed them Easter eggs if they could give their lives to Jesus right there in their home, or did they have to wait for church the next day… Sure, you can give your lives to Jesus right here! There were literally dozens of stories from that one afternoon of seed flinging. God is up to something in South Africa. The best part was when we came back to the church to share stories and discuss what we’d experienced. The room pulsed with energy and the presence of the Spirit. People were already moving beyond “Servant Evangelism” in their thinking and sharing ideas about getting back into that community in powerfully simple ways. My heart was singing with joy because it was pretty clear that “the finger” had not gotten in the way of the true heavenly glory of living spontaneous, Outflow lives.
The next day, Sunday April 1, I spoke at another great church, Hillside Vineyard. God’s presence was so heavy and tangible during worship, the tears poured from my eyes despite my efforts to look "put together" and like America’s official Outward-Focused Ambassador. It was, again, beyond my ability to describe. I have never known the kind of weight and burden (but in a good way) that I have experienced while talking to the people here. There seems to be such a spiritual imperative, such a now is the time mandate on this Outflow message. Gavin, the Team Leader from Valley Vineyard, said on Sunday night that he saw a picture of a giant fan, moved into position by the Holy Spirit. Then he saw the Church in South Africa taking fistfuls of seeds and flinging them into the rotating blades of the fan. The implication being that if we will generously, recklessly scatter the seeds we’ve been given, God will blow them in the right direction.
Of course, there has been plenty of fun too. Check out this picture of me petting one-and-a-half year old lion cubs… They would never let you do this in the US!
The Special Forces Group Podcast
We’re Podcasting!
I’m thrilled to announce that The Special Forces Group has just launched an audio podcast! Now you can not only be encouraged and equipped by the written word, but with audio messages as well. I’ve designed a separate site devoted to the "SFG Podcast." The address is http://www.sfgpodcast.com. Once you’ve landed at the site, you can subscribe to the podcasts through your email address just like you do the written articles. There will also be a permanent link available in the "Links," under the name "My Podcast Site" at the main site, www.thespecialforcesgroup.com.
I think you’ll find this podcast site to be inspirational, tranformational and easy to use! The design features a "Play" option that allows the podcasts to play almost instantly online – with no download or wait time. You can also choose the "Download" feature to save the messages to your computer’s iTunes or other media player and add them to your iPod to listen later or on the go. As another exciting benefit, you can also search and find The Special Forces Group Podcast through your iTunes Music Store. Simply put in my name (Scott Bane) or "The Special Forces Group" in the search bar on the Podcast menu and you’ll find a complete listing of messages. You can listen or subscribe right through iTunes.
There are already a few messages online and ready for you to listen. I pray that they come to you at just the right time and become a resource in your life and experience.
I encourage you to spread the word. Please tell anyone you know that could use some uplifting.
Peace.
SJBA Fantastic New Book
I’ve two updates to give you:
First, I apologize for the big gap between new articles. I’ve been having some technical issues with this site and am just now getting them resolved. New stuff coming soon! Thanks for your patience.
Second, there is a fantastic new book that you should certainly get a hold of. You recall the very first entry on this blog about the dramatic rescue of Kurt Muse from a Panamanian prison, in the 1980s. Mr. Muse has recently written a book detailing that experience. The book is called Six Minutes To Freedom, and can be ordered on Amazon or picked up at your favorite bookseller. Kurt Muse says of his experience, “I pray that it’s noted, that I could havenot survived without Him at my side.” I will be buying this book right away!
You can check out more info on the book or about Mr. Muse at his site, www.sixminutestofreedom.com
Peace.
SJBEyes Focused Outward
There’s a great new blog that has just launched! My friend in the UK, named Andy White,has assembled an amazing roster of authors to contribute articles, andsomehow I was included. My friend has done me the amazing honor ofinviting me to add to this online conversation about the OutwardFocused Christian life. I haven’t written anything yet, but I can’twait to make my first post.
You can find this new blog at www.eyesturnedoutward.com, or just go to the sidebar on this page and click Outward Focused on the blogroll.
Learning and living the Outward Focused Christian life has been myfocus for the past several months. Ever since being immersed in thistransformational truth, I feel like I’ve finally stepped back from aGeorges Seurat pointillism painting – one of those that is composedentirely of individual dots. From up close, you can see all the dots,but you have to step back to see them come together as a work of art.In my words, the Outward Focused Christian life is about allowingpractical service, love and kindness to break down the barriers betweenyourself and hurting people.
Without even thinking about it, we often have a way of turn people awayand turning people off to the Good News. Being Outward Focused meanslearning more about connecting with people who don’t yet know Jesus. Itmeans opening yourself – being yourself – and finding ways to allow theJesus within you to reach out and touch people. If we make an effort tolove, serve and show kindness to all kinds of people, as often aspossible, I think the Holy Spirit will lead us to the people that He’sbeen wooing to Jesus.
I’m really excited about this new site. It is being written and read bypeople from around the world. This is an amazing opportunity to connectwith the Church worldwide. Just think, your contribution could stretcharound the globe and touch someone on another continent… it’s trulyincredible!
Peace.
SJBWho Can be “Special Forces?”
The best of the best. Only the elite. Experts. These are just a few of the ways to accurately describe the members of the US Special Operations Command. They’re not super-humans, of course, but they are the most highly trained, expertly skilled and extremely disciplined people under some of the most extreme circumstances. In our parable, this is absolutely where the analogy breaks down.
I know I’ve said it already, but we are NOT talking about "only the elite" when we talk about Christian Special Forces. This might be tough to understand. I realize that this illustration does seem to be setting an amazingly high bar for people to reach. That is not what I intend to do. As a matter of fact, I think that it is totally possible for a person to start serving the Lord and helping people in a Special Forces capacity 90 seconds after she gives her life to Jesus. 90 seconds…? Yeah, 90 seconds. Here’s why:
Immediately after being born-again, people can begin to tell their story. "This is what God is doing in my life." One great way of starting your story, I’ve just picked up from a mentor of mine goes like this: "God has begun to change my life." That’s the essence of Special Forces – getting in there and getting it done. Be where the action is. Honestly, anyone can do this. Now, not everyone will, and here’s why I say that:
Like you’ve read if you’re following this blog, a foundational verse is Galatians 6:1. A part of that verse says that whenever we approach a person to help in some way, it must be done with the "spirit of gentleness." We have to be willing to be broken in heart, humble and compassionate in order to receive that spirit of gentleness with people. Unless we can treat people in the way in which Jesus treats them, He can’t use us to help them – no matter how much we know or how much "training" we’ve had. Some people just won’t allow the Holy Spirit that much intimate access to their lives. They won’t ever make it into (or won’t remain) the ranks of Special Forces service because they refuse to experience "the fellowship of His suffering" in some area or another.
Getting back to how the military illustration does work, no matter how heroic the service, Special Operators will probably never be heralded or awarded outside of their own close community. You probably won’t read about what they did in the news – or if you do, you won’t be told that it was they who did it. Along with the names listed at the top, they are also known as the "Quiet Professionals." This is what the work of Christian service is really about ("Don’t let your left hand know what your right is doing…"). Seeing a need meeting it, feeling a hurt and healing it. Anybody can do that. I wish that everyone would, but experience and reality tell me that not everyone will.
Peace.
SJBAbout me – About this blog
First of all, I’m not in the US Military. I don’t want to seem as though I’m trying to pass myself off as someone that I’m not. I have deep admiration for our service men and women though, and I pray for them often. I’m in the full time Christian ministry. As a student of military history, I became very interested in Special Operations. For a long time, it was just a passion of mine – reading books about Navy SEALs or the Delta Force, watching documentaries, studying the rich history.
About a year ago, I believe that my eyes were suddenly opened by the Lord to the parallels and connections between military Special Operations and many passages, principles and lessons from God’s Word. At first, I thought, "Wow! Maybe I should start putting this stuff down for a message some day." As I read more and as I meditated, the illustration grew and grew. Lately this paradigm seems to have taken over my study of Scripture. I’m using stories or illustrations from military Special Operations as a parable, helping to teach and reveal the call that I sense the Holy Spirit making to the Church. I really felt that this message was important and that a lot of people could benefit from it, but I didn’t see an outlet for it. The timing just wasn’t right. A few months ago, while reading Matthew chapter 10, I sensed that the Lord was telling me, "What I have spoken in your ear, proclaim from the housetops." Well, what greater "housetop" is there than the World Wide Web?
What I expect is that as I put this parable together in various blog articles and audio podcasts, people will be able to relate. Maybe you wouldn’t have expressed it in these terms, but you’ll recognize the things written and talked about here as the Holy Spirit’s work in your own life. I hope that these articles and messages will serve as an encouragement to you and a spring board into the action of Christian, "Special Forces" service.On a personal note, I’m married to my childhood sweetheart, Sheryl. I actually proposed to her when I was only 14. It took me 7 years to get her to say "I do," but it was worth the wait. We have three little boys – Ben, Luke & Ethan. I’m passionate about teaching and training people toward fruitfulness in their Christian lives. We are currently living in Cincinnati, OH, preparing for an upcoming church plant in Tampa, FL. I have a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies from North Central University and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University. I am available to speak to churches, men’s & women’s groups, retreats and conferences. For information aboout bringing The Special Forces Group to your church, you can email me at thespecialforcesgroup@gmail.com or call me directly at (513) 652.8096.
I believe that the Lord has issued an open invitation to serve Him and to help others in a "Special Forces" capacity. I look forward to exploring all of this together.
Peace.
Scott BaneWhat is The Special Forces Group?
In the late 1980s, the United States was drawn into an intense military situation in Panama. Manuel Noriega had violently siezed power. Noriega’s drive for power and money led to extensive involvement with organized crime and drug trafficking. These offenses were initially met with US sanctions and diplomatic pressure. By October 1989, however it seemed that escalating violence against US citizens in Panama was leading to a potential hostage situation. In fact, Noriega had drafted a plan to seize American hostages and move them into the interior of Panama.
These factors contributed to the creation of Operation Just Cause, a mission designed to rescue American hostages and hopefully capture Noriega. One of those American prisoners was a man named Kurt Muse. He was being held in the Cardel Modelo Prison, mainly for helping to run an anti-Noriega radio station in Panama. Muse was threatened by his captors and told that they believed him to be a CIA agent. The Panamanian Defense Force brutes who held him said that they were ordered to execute Muse in the event of a rescue attempt. Delta Force, the elite US counterterrorism unit, was tasked with the delicate mission of taking down the prison and rescuing Kurt Muse. In the pre-dawn hours of December 20, 1989, the Delta Force hostage-rescue team moved against the prison.
Before they ever knew what hit them, sniper teams had moved into firing range and cut down the exterior prison guards. Two four-man Delta teams dropped onto the prison roof from helicopters. Two troopers secured the position while the other six repelled from the roof, broke into the prison and dashed toward Muse’s cell. Because part of the plan ordered completely cutting all power to the prison, the Delta troopers moved in total darkness, relying on their night-vision goggles. As they approached Muse’s cellblock, they encountered resistance, quickly eliminated it and grabbed the keys to the cell. Muse, not sure what was happening, took cover. Suddenly, the tremendous sight of a Delta trooper in full urban fighting equipment appeared at the cell door. Muse later recalled, "He looked like Darth Vader."
Muse also remembered being hustled past the bodies of several of Noriega’s thugs, including the one who had previously threatened his life. Fewer than six minutes had elapsed since Delta Force first touched down on the prison roof, and they were now boarding their extraction helicopter with Kurt Muse safely in tow. (This account taken from Leave No Man Behind, by David C. Isby).
Although only a part of a larger, multi-service mission, this dramatic rescue by Delta Force helps to illustrate the special capabilities of our US Special Operations Commandos. Ten highly trained, highly specialized soldiers – six minutes – one captive American snatched from the jaws of the enemy. I’m using the power and the history of our elite military practitioners as a parable for what I believe God wants to do through people at this time.
The Special Forces Group is the name I’ve given to groups of Believers that are committed to helping people through sensitive, powerful Christian service. This concept really launched in my heart out of Galatians 6:1; "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (New King James Version).
What I’m hearing in this verse is that my level of helpfulness to others and usefulness to the Lord is my own spirituality. Don’t get me wrong though… I’m not using the term "Special Forces" to describe myself (or anyone else) as some elite, super-Christian. As if, we’re the Delta Force of the Church. I believe that the Lord has issued an invitation to every Believer. I think that anyone who is willing can serve the Church in a Special Forces capacity. Just like the military Special Operations units though, not everyone actually will. It’s open to all but not all will be interested… Does that make sense? Basically I’m talking about the desire and the discipline to allow absolutely any situation you go through to train you and make you more sensitive and effective in helping other people. That’s the essence of these spiritual Special Forces – Like Paul says in Philippians 1:12, "But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel" (New King James Version).
Has something happened to you? I don’t believe that God caused it, but I know that He can use it to forge a powerful message within you that will be used to get other people through some similar thing. Again, I’m not talking about starting some "super-spiritual," wierd-os only club. The heart of all of this is practical, Christian service. I believe (and have experienced) that if we will commit ourselves to simply, "Go about doing good unto all" (like Jesus – Acts 10:38) the Holy Spirit will arrange the circumstances and put us around the people who need the message that we’re carrying. The gospel can be furthered through you! You’ve been through some stuff and the Lord wants to use it to reach into the life of a person in great need. He’s been training you, preparing you, forging you. If it weren’t for your passion to serve the Lord and help people, you would’ve given up a long time ago.
Because of what has been birthed within your heart, you’d rather die than quit! You can’t walk away from a need when you see one. You don’t give up hope in the face of great difficulty. When you hear that the enemy is taking hostages you want to gear up; you want to hit the enemy in his own backyard… and you want to kick down the door to your brother or sister’s captivity.
Now, all the items on this site won’t be this long… I want to talk about this Special Forces calling in 3 basic ways:
1. Selection – The process of identifying the things that have brought you to this place in your life, making you capable of more fruit.
2. Training – The ongoing process of discipline, understanding and growth that keeps you sharp and effective. We’ll explore some of the ways that life provides enough tribulation to gain elite faith.
3. Tasking – Everyday, you’ll be provided with opportunities for real-world missions. Hopefully, we’ll share some great examples of triumph and some powerful experiences of hands-on learning with one another.I look forward to hearing from anyone who reads this and has questions or comments. Feel free to chime in! If you want to reach me directly, email me at scottjbane@mac.com.
Peace.
Scott Bane
