Perspectives: Featuring Eric Bicknell – “The Glory Days To Come”

THE ‘GLORY DAYS’ TO COME
Why is that when people refer to the ‘Glory Days’ of The Salvation Army, or any church for that matter, why is it they are always referring to them in the past? What about the ‘Glory Days’ to come? Are we expecting them? Are we working to make them happen? Why does the term ‘Glory Days’ always refer to the past?

I think in some respects its alright for us to look into the past, see the past victories, and remember the sacrifices made by those gone before us that have made it possible for US to continue the mission they started. We look back with fondness at the characters that form the story of The Salvation Army. Characters like the Booths [all of them, William, Catherine and the kids], Railton, Booth-Tucker, Joe The Turk, Ashbarrel Jimmy, Eliza Shirley, and Samuel Brengle, just to name a few. People who gave their lives and dedicated their talents to the expansion of the Kingdom of God through the ministry of The Salvation Army. We look back at the courage and determination of the countless officers and soldiers who literally fought for The Army’s right to proclaim the gospel in the streets. We remember, or read about the meetings where THOUSANDS came to hear William or Catherine Booth preach.

We read about the parades of witness with hundreds of bands marching in the streets. We remember the way the Spirit of God moved in such a mighty way in Army meetings that people were moved to wave or clap their hands, or shout AMEN! A time when The Army was not afraid to SHOW the joy of the salvation they so graciously received from God. But it seems we have moved on from there. The Spirit that once permeated The Army SEEMS to be no more. BUT! The spirit hasn’t gone from The Army! Its still here … we just have to find it! But today, we are more refined, more respectable. There are things that were done in the early days we wouldn’t dream of doing today. Such a SHAME! The Spirit of The Army isn’t dead … no. We just put it in the closet where no one can see it!

Joyful faith. That’s what Salvationism is about! The joy of the Lord is MY STRENGTH, and expressing that joy in word [shouting AMEN!] and deed [clapping, raising, or waving hands, picking up the flag and waving it] is how we let others know we have that Spirit of Joy within us. But we’re refined. We’re respectable, and you can’t do that in uniform. HOGWASH! [The only thing you can’t, or shouldn’t do in uniform is eat powdered doughnuts, and
you can even do that if you’re careful!]

The Salvation Army is a unique worship experience. I’m not just talking about the band, if you have one, or the fact most of the ‘members’ of our church wear uniform. Those things, while different from other churches, are only ornaments to worship. No. Army worship is, or should be unique because of the way we express the joy of our
faith!

If you can sit down and sing ‘I believe we shall win’ without clapping your hands with a big smile on your face, then there’s a problem. If you can remain in your seat, and solemnly sing the seventh verse of ‘O Boundless Salvation’ without feeling the irresistible urge to pick up the flag and wave it, there’s a problem. Does the Captain say something in her sermon that stirs your spirit? Does it make you want to shout ‘HALLELUJAH!’ or give a resounding ‘AMEN?’ Do ya do it? Or, are you afraid of shouting ‘AMEN!’ for fear the elder members of the corps would have heart attacks if you did?

I am a traditionalist. When I see [mainly on videos on YouTube] a Salvation Army band marching down the street, it stirs my soul; sometimes even to tears. I remember the days when we went out into the community doing open-air services [we didn’t march from the corps, we took the van]. I remember Easter Sunday morning marches of witness in our corps neighborhood. We took the message of Jesus Christ out into the streets where the people were. Nowadays, the people are on the internet, they join Facebook and read blogs. Times change; methods change, and sometimes traditions change. But, our faith never changes, and neither does the joyful expression of it! I generally tend to refer to the expression of our joyful faith within The Salvation Army as ‘Army Spirit.’

Army Spirit encompasses more than just expressing our joyful faith, it also encompasses a desire to seek out those whom the world has forgotten about, the ones lost, without hope, without a prayer for the future; the ones who believe that even God Himself has forgotten about. But, God hasn’t forgotten them, and neither should we.

In today’s Army, we spend a lot of time trying to be like other churches. In some ways this is a good thing. Other churches are successful in ministry, and we want to be too. So, we decide we need to get rid of things like the uniform, the band, and possibly even the flag. But those things, traditional as they may be, are a part of us, and identify us. We aren’t God’s Secret Service, we don’t blend in: We stand out. We stand out for Christ. Other churches haven’t given up their traditions, they have included more contemporary aspects of modern worship into their traditional worship, and we need to do that too. But, in the process, we cannot continue to quench that spirit of joyful faith that so permeated The Army in its early days. We need to release it once again so others can feel the fire of The Holy Spirit as we worship in our
corps.
The ‘Glory Days’ of the past serve as an inspiration to us in the present. We see in our past how God has worked in Salvation Army worship, and how soldiers expressed their joyful faith. We see in the past those who were not just ‘happy to be in church today,’ but people who desired to be there to feel the warmth of God’s Spirit as they shared the worship experience with those around them. They inspired each other to go out and take the message of God’s love to those in their communities, and they were encouraged to do acts of daring that today, we might consider extreme in order to reach out to the lost and suffering of the world they lived in. We sometimes refer to this as ‘the pioneering spirit,’ and rightly so, as this was the spirit that led the pioneers of our Army into battle against Satan. We also refer to these people as being ‘on fire for God.’ And again, rightly so, for they really were immersed in the fire of The Holy Spirit.
But today we have relegated these people, and this spirit of Salvationism to the past. We are firmly established in flourishing corps these days, so the spirit of the pioneers is not needed, right? WRONG! Some believe that we have grown out of touch with those around us, and our former style of worship is no longer relevant. Are they right? If it’s ‘traditional worship’ for the sake of tradition, then they are. If it is blended with more modern styles, then they’re not. [I believe that the band is a part of worship. If worship becomes about the band, there’s a problem.]

But the spirit of Salvationism, that joyful faith that we saw in the early days, the ‘Glory Days’ of The Salvation Army CANNOT remain in the past, or in the closet. We can’t keep it in a back room somewhere and hope that our corps moves forward without it. No. Just as this spirit of Salvationism was a driving force for the pioneers of The Army, so it is a driving force for The Army today. This joyful faith, grounded in Jesus Christ can be the catalyst for today’s Army to move forward. Will this move forward look like it did 100 years ago? Certainly not! But this joyful faith will keep us grounded in Jesus Christ as we blend new forms of worship into our traditions, and as we start new ministries that will take the love of God to those who are without hope. Who knows where the spirit of God will lead us!

When we think of ‘Glory days,’ we NEED to STOP thinking of them in the past, and start ANTICIPATING them in our FUTURE! While we remember the ‘Glory Days’ of the past with fondness, we need to start looking forward
to the many MORE ‘Glory Days’ still to come.

September 23, 2014 2

Dear Salvation Army – Salvationist Life Hacks (10 Hacks To Improve Your Effectiveness)

Introduction to Salvationist Life Hacks:
Thank you to all those who contributed to this blog entry. I will list each individual by name at the end of this article. Please note that these aren’t
“shortcuts” or means to cheat life and challenges that we face as Officers and Soldiers, these are merely suggested ways to improve our effectiveness in ministry and in organization. We could all use a little house-keeping from time to time and perhaps some brainstorming and idea sharing could help us in this process. Many of these “life hacks” are for Officers of The Salvation Army but Soldiers and Cadets could most likely apply these as well to their lives and ministries wherever that may be.

Without further adieu 10 hacks to improve your ministry effectiveness:
10 life hacks:

1) Calendar Planning – It takes a lot to become disciplined in scheduling things out a year in advance…but it is possible. The Salvation Army is rather good at scheduling reports and specific required events for the entire year, so syncing that to your personal calendar is not all that difficult, but it is just time consuming at the onset. Some suggestions would be to use apps like Google Calendar to help link and bring up reminders of important events and due dates. Calendar planning doesn’t just end with your personal ‘to do’ list but can also become vital for worship planners…which leads to #2 life hack:

2) Worship Planning:

There are many tools to help make this happen, from a simple excel worksheets to elaborate subscription based websites. Remember, worship is not only about the selection of music on Sunday morning. When you put forth the effort in advance to plan Holiness meetings and other such events, the actual execution of these services becomes easier. Be careful not to over-plan and thereby constraining the work of the Holy Spirit, but not planning services and just expecting the Holy Spirit to do everything is also not an option. There is action required on our part, participate is not optional, instead it should be a proactive, not a reactionary response. Poor planning is noticeable. Poor planning, in my opinion, can resemble how unimportant we view our worship offerings to the Lord. One highly touted premium online service is Planning Center Online which begins at $14 a month (I am not a paid sponsor, nor have I used their product). If you’re a little more low tech a simple calendar, a sheet of paper and your music/scripture/readings/lectionary and a few local officers once a quarter will suffice. Lectionary sources are abundant and available online including ELCA Lectionary which may be a little high church but can provide some guidelines on seasonal and specific calendar planning within our worship.

3) Have additional sermons on standby!

You know the old Army adage “always keep an extra sermon in your pocket“…if that phrase is new to you, well then, you’re welcome. In training College or other preparatory courses, one learns to become proactive and always ready. Thus having a sermon in ones back pocket provides opportunity and keeps us always on the ready. You never know when you might be called upon to spontaneously preach a sermon when someone calls in sick or you find your name on a bulletin without any foreknowledge. Borrowing from the old Boy Scout motto – “Be prepared!”

4) Meal Preparation

Officers and even Soldiers can become very busy, whether it is the Christmas season or another hectic week in the office. It is not healthy to eat fast food every night or to miss meals and then gorge on late night snacks. Again, preparation is the key. It is time consuming at the onset, but it can save us some pounds around the waistline as well as money from our pockets. There are some places that allow you to do all of the prep work at their business like Let’s Dish. My sister works there and I have sampled their products during the long Christmas season. Be careful, though some may not be easy on a budget so shop around. Buying pre-cooked meals might help or you can pre-cook various favorite dishes and freeze them for a later event.

5) White Shirts = Stains.

It’s inevitable.
Just accept it…and then be prepared for that next spaghetti or coffee stain. Carry with you a simple stain stick or wipe so that you aren’t forced to wear the “stain of shame” for the rest of the day.

6) Ladies: buy quality Nylons and keep an extra set in your purse.

This comes to us from other Officers who are women. I trust that they know a little something about nylons. You never know when the next set of velcro shoes will run the pair you are wearing now…so plan to keep an extra set with you in the event of the nylon disaster of 2014. Remember, buy quality nylons that are comfortable (as comfortable as they can be that is). Spending a little extra might go a long way to surviving that next all-day required event in full uniform.

7) Safety Pins, Safety Pins, Safety Pins…

I once flew to an event and a couple of my tunic buttons got torn off by a strap on my carry-on bag. I didn’t have a sewing kit on me but I did have safety pins. These can be life-savers, or at least uniform savers.

8) Buy Bulk multi-use Cards
We all need encouragement and support. Why not buy a bunch of cards and store them in your desk drawer to pull out and send to members in your corps, session mates and friends?! It will save you one step of having to rush out to the nearest Walgreen’s or Hallmark store and purchase a card. Always be prepared to soothe the hearts of trouble friends and corps members by sharing a quick card of encouragement and love.

9) Post-it Note ‘To Do’ Lists
Buy some simple post-it notes for ‘to-do’ lists or tasks at hand needing your attention. These are practical suggestions but important ones. If you are better on your smartphone or calendar with ‘to-do’ lists then use that feature. Never forget to do a report or complete a task again because you have a note right there on your desk to remind you. Also on Lotus Notes there is a ‘flag’ feature as well as a ‘to-do’ feature which can help you stream line your lists of tasks you need to complete.

10) Spend Quality Time With Family!
Soldiers and Officers of The Salvation Army lead very busy lives. Carve out intentional times where the phones are turned off, the tablets are disconnected and the laptop is left in the office. Put the tech down and look at your kids. Stop bringing your work home with you for a change. Take the time to have dinner together around the table and talk about their day. Go to that soccer game to support your child. Invest in family time! There are many former Officer Kids out there who, once becoming an adult, walked away completely from the Army because they never saw their parents. This is a parental choice, not the army’s fault. Make life fun, be a parent not just the “Captain” or “Major” or “General”. This life hack can bring your families closer together, but allows you the opportunity to minister to your most important congregation – your kids! If there’s one life hack that mustn’t be neglected, it’s this one.

These are just a few hacks…I’m sure there are many more. What are your suggestions? What life-hacks have you learned along the way? Share them here in the comment section below.

More for our Army world to ponder today!
Special Thanks To:
John Mowers, Tammy Whitney, Kelsey Moreno, Jennifer Wilson, Amyjo Ferguson, Keith Bailey, Kathie Chiu, Robin Shiels, David Grindle, Deb Coles, Jim Garrington, Cindy Marquis, Timothy McPherson & Rob Whitney for your contributions!

September 22, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army – Do Something…But Do It Well!

William Booth, founder and first General of The Salvation Army, recognized a need when he saw homeless people huddling under a bridge. He looked at his son Bramwell and said “Do something!”. Since the early days of our Army we have been doing something to help those in need. This is nothing new to most of you reading this because you, as a Soldier of our Army, are actively participating in “doing something”already. We understand that there is a need and if we can help, we should.

But is doing “something” enough?
What I mean is, are we doing what we are doing well?
Do we strive for excellence in our “Somethings”?
Is our motivation for program and activities propelled only by maintaining or numbers and statistics? I would hope not. We are not the army of maintainers. We are not the army of programs. We are The Salvation Army, and our mission for Christ should propel us constantly forward. Our “somethings” what ever they may be ought to be provided out of need and necessity not strictly tradition and maintenance. Similarly, General Booth advised that if Corps were not growing or producing they ought to be closed immediately and the officers should move on to another town or location.

Are our roots of tradition and staunch “status quo” too deep today?
Does this prevent us from being that revolutionary Army we once were in Victorian England and subsequently the US and Canada and many, many other regions in the world? In our striving to do not only “something” but EVERYTHING are we unintentionally aiming for mediocrity in mission as we spread ourselves too thin?

Do “Something” Well!
Perhaps as our Salvation Army movement has grown we have evolved into an entity too big to micro-manage…is that such a bad thing? I say no. But we are so large and power/financially hungry that we must delve into every aspect of social helps? In so doing (if this is indeed the case) have we spread the “service” and “something” so thinly that we cannot possibly begin to expect long-term and life-changing results in those we serve?

Yes, we ought to do something, and do it immediately to help those in need. That is without question…but are there certain tasks that we currently perform in our ministries that perhaps we ought to discard? What purpose are some of these tasks still performing? If we were to look at specific programs and line them up with our community’s needs would they serve a purpose? Is THAT specific program or service needed and does it help save souls and serve suffering humanity? If the answer is “no” and it is just something we are required to do or something we have always done perhaps it’s time to let it die. Even Soldiers and Officers of our Army carry around sacred cows that no longer serve any purpose in our present ministries. This is a top-down issue but it is also a local officer and corps issue as well. I would imagine if Booth were around today there would be far more corps closing, a lot less sacred cow keepings going on and possibly a few more fires burning to prompt all of us to get on with it. We just don’t have time to dwell on these less important things when there are broken lives who need this army in the here and now!

If we’re going to do “something” I pray that this something is worth it! Don’t misunderstand, it isn’t about perfection in programming, but it is about sincerity, compassion, intentional ministry and effort. One might argue that the life of an officer and a soldier is really, really busy to get it right…and that’s exactly my point in writing this today. If we are so consumed with all of the mundane and the unimportant tasks (insert those here as they vary from location to location) what time is left to that which is critical and vital to meeting human needs in His name?

Dear Salvation Army, we aren’t an army of mediocrity.
If we cease to perform those tasks of reaching souls for Christ because we are too busy chasing funding and worried about our image and perception, I fear God will replace us with those who are willing to do the impossible. Consider this a shot across the bow. Consider this a warning. We are not an Army of doing “everything” but we ought to be doing “something” and that something ought to be done as best as we can! Perhaps it’s reaching one family or one soul at a time.

Forget about numerical success and financial success. Although these are often indicators of “success” they are secondary to our mission of doing “something” well. Our first order of business is to be in constant prayer with the Father to guide us and to send us a re-ignition of the Holy Spirit. Without His guidance on what must be done we will flounder and fail. It sounds basic…because it is and yet this discipline can get lost in the busyness of our Army. Secondly, as we are constantly praying for guidance and direction we must venture out of our walls and comforts of these corps buildings and centers. We must engage those in need at where they are. The bars are still open to the drunkards and the socialites, they did not close because the War Cry sales have ended. The grocery stores still operate to the public long after the red kettles are put away for another year. Nursing homes still provide services to the shut-ins and sick long after those care teams come during the holidays. That single parent who barely makes ends meet by working two or three jobs still needs someone to talk to after our social service office closes for the day. There are many avenues for intentional “somethings” that could mean everything to the hurting, the marginalized, and the broken.

Yes, Dear Salvation Army, do something…do anything…but do it well! Make your efforts count, and make sure it is done with love and compassion not obligation of uniform or service! This is spoken from my heart and my own convictions today. I am equally guilty of spreading my efforts far too thinly. I am equally guilty of chasing that next funding source (though important) or worried about others perceptions of me instead of what God is calling me to do for Him right here and right now. Let’s get on with the important stuff and let the sacred cows and mundane tasks take a backseat for a while.

-Just something more for our Army world to ponder today.

September 19, 2014 2

Dear Salvation Army, Do We Shoot Our Wounded?

We are an Army of Salvation.
An Army of Holiness.
An Army of Hope.
An Army of Compassion.

But do we shoot our wounded?
Those who have worked on the front lines…
Those who have fallen…
Those who have broken ranks…sometimes..

This is probably an uncomfortable topic. This is most likely similar to picking a scab…but I think we should.

Years ago, and in some places still today farmers will treat the wounded horse if they can. Many will send for veterinarians. Most will find means to help the wounded animal…but every now and then there are just some wounds that won’t heal. Every now and then a break in the horse’s leg is irreparable. Sometimes this is done out of compassion. Other times because the animal is now more of a liability than an asset it is shot and killed. There are far better solutions. I am not a hippologist or an equestrian by any means, but it seems to me that others have found ways to save these animals. Some have sent these wounded horses “out to pasture” to become therapy horses or they are donated to petting zoos or camps. Most of the time there is a way to save these animals besides shooting the wounded.

Dear Salvation Army, are we seeking out ways to save the wounded, the weary, the broken, the ones in need of reconciliation and spiritual saving? Or…are we shooting the wounded?

Can an Officer or Local Officer Admit To Sin & Temptation?

It almost seems like a “hush, hush” type of topic. “Well we don’t talk about sin in the corps and in our leadership”, one might utter under their breath grimacing as they do. “We can’t admit we too struggle with this sin. We can’t let anyone know.” Why is this such a touchy subject? Why can’t we all admit that we are still sinners saved by grace? I must be careful here because I do not wish to imply that we just go on sinning, but we can be redeemed and given the power to overcome…but why are we hesitant, why do we pretend and hide these things from each other? Are we not to keep each other accountable? Are we not to be vulnerable before each, those in whom we can trust? Ah, I think this is the crux of the situation…because there are still many within our Army that shoot the wounded.

Changing Our Focus
All too often we focus so much on the mission and saving the lost that we neglect the solider. I do not intend this to mean that we cater and prop up and pamper, but when all of our energies are focused outwardly into the world we possibly run the risk of weakening our ranks. There must be edification, concentration and preparation of spiritual care given to our soldiery or our Army. We cannot allow temptation to take hold where we are able to prevent such a decay to occur in the first place. There must be pastoral care given to both Officer and Soldier. It must be intentional. It must be emphasized. It is brother helping brother, sister helping sister as we fight shoulder to shoulder. When one of our brothers or sisters slips and falls we must help to pick them up, we must help to carry them not shoot them! We must lovingly restore them! (Galatians 6:1)

Is There A Sin That Is “Shootable”?

Yes there ought to be consequences to sin. Immoral behavior, which includes slander, and gluttony (Thank you General Cox), must be dealt with and addressed. In so doing, can we still restore a dear soldier or officer within our ranks? In the past such situations were dealt with harshly and people were turned out of our army with nothing. I am thankful in some circles who have seen the error of this response and have begun to deal justly but with compassion and grace.

What happens to one who is “tossed out” or thrown out? Is there some measure of a restoration plan in place or are the Army’s hands washed and done with such an individual? Is there any sin that is shootable?

Grace & Compassion

Grace, which Christ bestowed upon us has to be evident in how we deal with others. Grace and compassion is beyond our human grasp and yet the Holy Spirit can and will provide this to us when we love instead of shoot those who are wounded. Do you remember the parable of the unmerciful servant? He was forgiven by the master a sizable debt and then he goes and attempts to viciously extract the debts that were owed to him. When the master found out that unmerciful servant was punished. I do not want to be an unmerciful soldier and officer of this army. We cannot operate solely within a mind set of stiffness, legalities and policies and procedures…where does grace and compassion fit into this?

Punish? Yes.
Shoot? I sure hope not.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
(Romans 3:23-24)

Dear Salvation Army, we are so outspoken about the need for more soldiers and officers, could it be that impart we have already shot some of our wounded who could have facilitated some of our need? We do need more able bodies on the front lines, but do not forget about those who are wounded and are in need of loving restoration when this is possible. God’s grace still outshines the grace that is evident in our Army today.

-Just something more for our Army world to ponder today.

Lord, you grace is enough!
Come Lord Jesus fall afresh on us again!

September 18, 2014 8

Dear Salvation Army – OneArmy…Is it possible?

One Army, one mission, one message,
One Saviour and Lord of all;
An Army with purpose and passion,
We are united to answer his call.
An Army following Christ together,
Reaching the lost with his love;
One Army, one mission, one message
For the world.
-(Commissioners Robert Street and Dick Krommenhoek)

In an ever progressing world that is often full of strive, turbulence and pain…can we be One Army?

In a world where outbreaks of Ebola, AIDS and other horrifying diseases plague men, women and children…can we be One Army?

What is our Mission?

What is our Message?

I know our Salvation Army leaders including General Bond have already clearly articulated the answers to the above questions. They are:

VISION

ONE ARMY: We see a God-raised, Spirit-filled Army for the 21st century – convinced of our calling, moving forward together

We will…

deepen our spiritual life
unite in prayer
identify and develop leaders
increase self-support and self-denial

ONE MISSION: Into the world of the hurting, broken, lonely, dispossessed and lost, reaching them in love by all means

We will…

emphasise our integrated ministry
reach and involve youth and children
stand for and serve the marginalised
encourage innovation in mission

ONE MESSAGE: With the transforming message of Jesus, bringing freedom, hope and life

We will…

communicate Christ unashamedly
reaffirm our belief in transformation
evangelise and disciple effectively
provide quality teaching resources
(Source: OneArmy)

Two Questions To Ponder:

2. Who is “WE”?
It is you, it is me, it is every Soldier around the world who is willing to wage war against sin and darkness. We MUST become One. We cannot fight independently because our Mission is too great to wage solo missions. We are called by God to proclaim His name to the whosoever and often times those we reach out to are despondent, hurting, lost, poor, wretched and marginalized by society. This battle is tough. “Army” life is not “cushy” or comfortable. We serve a purpose and we cannot afford to hunker down in corps buildings babbling about the glory days while we do nothing…that is a vision lost! Our call…you and me – “WE” are One Army and we must begin to act like it if we are to progress and transform lives!

1. Are we encouraging “Innovation in Mission”?

What does innovation in mission look like?
Is this universal or regional?
Can we possess varying missions in various places around the world and still maintain “OneArmy”?

Secondly, are we truly willing to risk A LOT in order to accomplish our Mission?
Innovation in any organization, movement or church will cause initial turbulence and occasional upheaval. Innovation requires that pesky element called “Change” and ~~often time~~ most of the time people (in general) do not like change. One Army calls its soldiers and officers to become more innovative in our mission. We must grow, adapt, and multiply. Discipleship making is vital in our army. We cannot accomplish our mission without forces on the ground. We cannot win souls if no one is willing to step out and say “here I am, Lord send me!” Discipleship is a fundamental calling to all of Christ-followers including Salvationists. We just fancy our disciples to become additional soldiers in our army and wear the uniform along side us. But are we truly prepared to make disciples and salvationists?

We are individuals, uniquely created by God and yet we are also called to work together to accomplish this great commission here on earth. Becoming more missionally minded will force us to adapt, change and become pioneers and innovators in this army.

The Salvation Army needs YOU!
The Salvation Army needs Me!
Without individuals who are willing to throw caution to the wind, to push and strain not only relevancy but sincere, godly holy living as men and women of the Most High. We cannot settle for what we have accomplished in the past to get us through to tomorrow. We cannot rest and relax when still so many marginalized in our world suffer under so many oppressive elements.

Innovation can and will take on numerous forms, and as William Booth once said to Bramwell – “Do something!”
We must do something!
Do the impossible.
Dream for those who cannot dream because life’s nightmares have deprived them of dreams.
Fight for those who are suffering, those who are poor, those who are unrepresented and misunderstood.
Put away the judgments and the scorn and the cynicism and pray for better attitudes and eyes that see others the way that Christ see them. We MUST become One Army.

-For divided we will fall.
-Divided we will fail.
-Divided sin claims victory and victims continue to live in physical and spiritual hells.

Dear Salvation Army…One Army is NOT a Dream!
One Army is possible.
One Army is relevant in our present state of things within and without the Army.
One Army is nothing without holy men and women willing to fight side by side for a purpose higher than any one person. It is this continuation of the great commission that is at the forefront of our Army’s mission and purpose.

Are we ready to take this stand?
Good! Then it begins on our knees before the Father who is the only One who can make the impossible possible in our efforts. It is no good to simply add more uniforms to our Army unless we do so with holy intent and a willingness to be transformed completely by the Holy Spirit. It is no good to simply come to services and pretend to buy into the holy mission but in our hearts we have not yet allowed God full access of our heart and lives in a full surrender.

Dear Salvation Army, One Army – One Mission – One Message IS POSSIBLE…but it MUST, MUST, MUST begin on our knees as we anxiously await the Holy Spirit’s leading and prodding.

-Just something more for our Army world to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

September 17, 2014 2

Opening Our Eyes

“Opening up our eyes”
By Captain Scott Strissel

“…this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” -2 Corinthians 4:4

Have you ever seen those air freshner commercials? It is the commercial where blind folded people are placed in very cluttered, dirty rooms that have been sprayed with this air freshner product. Surprisingly, the blind folded people could not detect the state of their surroundings as the air freshner covered up any trace of foul odors. Once the blind folds are removed, those who had been blinded are surprised and also revolted by the cluttered, smelly things around them. Because of their temporary blindness they were oblivious or aware.

Sin has a way of blinding us all as well. In that state of blindness we are oblivious to our surroundings and just how bad it truly is. We can cover it up for a time, we can pretend it is something other than what it truly is, but eventually we have to open our eyes and see. We have to look around and wake up. Sin tries to convince us that things are okay when in fact things certainly are not. We can’t cover up our sins. We cannot live these blinded lives anymore. We must wake up and allow God to clean our cluttered hearts. Let God open our eyes today! -Just a thought.

September 15, 2014 0

Saturday Musings…in an airport. (I’m looking up)

I am sitting in the airport right now waiting for my flight. There is a cup of hot steaming coffee next to me still too hot to drink. It is my vice, my friend.

As I sit in these delta blue pleather seats surrounded by other travelers currently, temporarily displaced and homeless until they make that connecting flight, I feel like I am in limbo. I don’t just mean this airport. Perhaps that stimulates these rambling thoughts in me now. Other travelers seem unperturbed by this. They have white plastic earphones in, blank stares on tired faces attempting to tune out the world around them. We are a curious bunch…simply waiting here.

Souls connect like this all too often. Close enough to touch, within arms reach and yet a million miles from a smile. Isn’t that kind of how our world is evolving? So close that we are too close…and so we put earphones in our ears in order to drown out the thought that others ~~can see~~ will see who we really are. We are close and yet we don’t want to be close. We are all traveling in the same direction and yet we attempt to ignore those around us all the while pretending to make ourselves busy with papers and tablets and anything else.

We are alone in our consuming lives with dour stares and tired eyes. Is this what we have become? Is this what we wanted to become? I say no. I say look up. I say engage people around us.

This is me attempting to re-engage myself.
This is me attempting to unplug my device and plug myself into the real world with real people again.
This is me waking up to the call for passion, compassion and genuine care for others around me.
This is me realizing that I can’t simply ignore the world that is crashing around me anymore…is this you too?

I’m taking my white earphones out.
I’m looking up.
Can you see the smile on my face?
Can you see these revitalized eyes?

September 13, 2014 0

Music review: U2 “Songs Of Innocence”

The release of this 11 song LP “Songs of Innocence” by rockers U2 has created a lot of buzz in the last couple of days. Apple purchased the music and gave it away for free to every Apple owner on the planet at the release of iPhone 6 and the upcoming iWatch.

Their recent concert at Apple's release party — Their recent concert at Apple’s release party

Some have labeled U2 as sell-outs because of this move. Bono, U2’s front man and lead singer, didn’t hide the fact that they were compensated for the use of their music. It was just a business deal and a generous gift from Apple to their customers.

My Music Review:
“Haters are gonna hate.” It’s their opinion and that’s fine. I’m kind of a fan-boy of U2…but hang on, don’t stop reading because I have some criticism of this latest offering. I have listened to U2 since “Rattle and Hum”

The Albums I loved: “Joshua Tree”, “War”, “Achtung Baby”, “How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb”

The Albums I Hated: “Zooropa”, “Pop”, “No Line In The Horizon” (except for Cedars of Lebanon).

This latest offering “Songs of Innocence”…let’s see, how can I describe it?
Here are a few descriptions that come to mind:
*Punchy
*Forced
*Meh
*Haven’t I heard this before?
*Feels contrived.

What I liked:
-The Edge
I enjoy hearing the guitar riffs from The Edge…hence the “Punchy” description. He has a way of placing those riffs to explode your ear drums and enhance any song. Few guitar players of The Edge’s caliber has the kind of influence and identifiable sounds. It’s like hearing Sting sing…you just know immediately who is singing. That’s how it is with The Edge for me.
-Bono Vocals
Similarly, like Sting, Bono’s voice is easily recognizable. In this latest LP “Songs of Innocence” Bono’s vocals do not disappoint. He wails, sails in the rafters and nails every note which is uniquely “Bono”. It’s the kind of music you want to get in your car and crank it to “11” (Sorry Spinal Tap fans).

I am also a fan of their global efforts to end A.I.D.S. and to help people around the world who have no voice. Bono and the rest of U2 are amazing within the realms of philanthropy. They just seem to get it, and they aren’t just charitable by word or a kind of “look at me” style of “charity”…they actually do the tough work as well. See this link – Red (okay haters out there, stop gagging and fake retching)

Two songs that I currently love on this recent LP are – “Raised By Wolves” and “Sleep Like A Baby Tonight” which I think tap into their passion to help the helpless and to throw the punch at the apathetic and those that hinder efforts of compassion and love in our world. Bono can often be quite critical of the Church as well as “Religion” in general, and this LP is no different. With such gut punching lines like;
“Hope is where the door is
When the church is where the war is
Where no one can feel no one else’s pain…” (from ‘Sleep like a baby tonight’)

U2 paints their worldview very clearly in their songs and this is something that resonates within me. They don’t have to be overtly “religious” to declare that they care for others and for something more than themselves. Honestly, I can’t help but hear deep theological undertones within their music and a sincere passion to search for the truth and for God.

What I didn’t like:
This album felt forced.
Some songs seem unfinished to me, or perhaps a little less polished. Perhaps it had to do with the way it was released. Maybe that’s it. I felt that maybe this publicity campaign with Apple pushed the release of this album up far too quickly for it to develop into something truly great. It left me feeling “meh”…it was okay. I felt as if I had heard this all before. It wasn’t unique with the exception of Bono’s vocals and The Edge’s guitaring. It just left me wanting more. It left me longing to hear something as epic as Achtung Baby once more.

I’ve only listened to the complete album a handful of times so far, and I’m sure I will listen to it a lot more since I’m a fan. Maybe, like other albums I’ve owned over the years, it just takes time to grow on me. I don’t know. Time will tell.

I currently give U2’s “Songs of Innocence” 3 out of 5 stars

September 11, 2014 4

“31 Ways To Pray To Pray For Your Kids” App Review

Today I am reviewing this Apple App available on iPhones/iPads:
31 Ways To Pray For Your Kids

Written by Bob Hostetler
His website: Bob Hostetler’s Official Website

If you’re anything like me you rely on a daily schedule to accomplish everything on your “todo” list. In the hustle and bustle of our daily routines it is easy to forget something along the way. One thing we mustn’t every forget in our daily lives is prayer. Prayer is vital. Necessary. Prayer is that critical connection to our Father in heaven who desires our fellowship and conversations. Coupled with our busy lives, our children, grandchildren, youth at church need our prayers! How often do we honestly pray for them? This isn’t a guilt trip, this is an honest review of a tool that we can employ as a daily reminder.

Think of this app as a call to personal prayer for your children! Do you need help and accountability in this area of your spiritual life? Then check out this new app! I am not saying that our lives should revolve around technology, but this could be a very useful tool to remind us and to guide us in moments of prayer for our children!

The ’31 ways to pray for your children’ has a very simplistic user-friendly interface that directs the app user to daily readings as a help for directed prayers. Here are a few screen shots:

The opening screen gives you two choices: Read the selected reading for the day, or merely start with the very first reading.

Another useful tool is the daily reminder setup. The user can set up a daily reminder so that prayers for our children is not an after thought, but is brought to the forefront in the form of a notification.

This interface of this app is simplistic.
It is also aesthetically pleasing to the eye,
and provides us with the opportunity to not only remember to pray for our children but also provides directed readings of the day so that our thoughts are trained.

Bottom line: Should you buy this app?
Cost: $1.99.
If you’re like me, paying $2 for an app isn’t much of a stretch if you buy apps all the time. The real question for us is do we need helpful reminders to pray for our kids? I say ‘Yes’! In our world full of pressures and dangers our children need our prayers! We cannot neglect this important, powerful tool! I would probably pay much more if it helped me focus and train my thoughts on my children as I attempt to bathe them in prayers daily. I am sure you would do the same. Check this app out! I’m giving “31 Ways To Pray For Your Kids” four out of five stars!

September 11, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army – Identifying Critical Needs (Disccusion & Feedback)

Pretend for a moment that you have a voice in This Army…because YOU do!
Pretend for a moment that regardless of resources we can tackle these critical needs in your ministries.
Pretend for a moment that we serve a God who can perform miracles both big and small…oh wait HE DOES!!

Why pretend?
Live it!

So today I wanted to ask a relevant question for all of you out there in this mighty Army…what are your critical needs? What are the troubled areas of your local ministry? We should take a hard look at trouble areas within our local army. This may hurt, but it is worth it!

Secondly, what do you see as a critical issue(s) currently in our global Army?
What struggles do you see that perhaps we’re ignoring or placing a bandaid on? How can we pull infection out from their roots? How can we remove the barriers from our forward march?

I believe in a global army, bu

But a global army can’t exist without the local army serving and reaching people for Christ! We can’t hobble into the next decade. We can’t limp on unless we heal tender, critical areas.

Questions:
What are these critical areas?
How can we identity problematic barriers?

We can not pretend they do not exist or that they will simply go away.

In the “comment” or “response” section below I want to hear from you today! I would like to hear about two things:
1. What are your local critical issues and needs?
2. What are your local blessings? (in other words, “What is God doing in your community?”)

Let’s ponder this together today!

September 10, 2014 1

Author: Pastor'sPonderings

Perspectives: Featuring Eric Bicknell – “The Glory Days To Come”

Dear Salvation Army – Salvationist Life Hacks (10 Hacks To Improve Your Effectiveness)

Dear Salvation Army – Do Something…But Do It Well!

Dear Salvation Army, Do We Shoot Our Wounded?

Dear Salvation Army – OneArmy…Is it possible?

VISION

Opening Our Eyes

Saturday Musings…in an airport. (I’m looking up)

Music review: U2 “Songs Of Innocence”

“31 Ways To Pray To Pray For Your Kids” App Review

Dear Salvation Army – Identifying Critical Needs (Disccusion & Feedback)

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