In December…(A poem)

Putting on my outer coat, with sleeves – woolen and rough,
I open up the world and step into it once more.
The fray, the angst, the hatred, the love…it rushes at me
almost knocking me off my feet.
Taking away my balance,
my compass,
My light…
Exhaling another breath,
it gets caught in winter’s embrace
lifts off,
takes flight in wisps of cloud…soft, white, feathery;
And sometimes,
if I am brutally honest,
I wish I too could take flight,
could rise up,
on the wings of morning
and embrace the frigid breeze.
I wish that I too could
top the bowing trees, heavy with fallen snow
and be eye to eye with the sun…
Longing to feel its radiance
its warmth
breathing into me a song
as old as the groanings of the earth
as these bones pine for its alluring kiss
and sighing one last time,
I close the door
engage the engine
and head out into the thick of it
while I bid the rising dreams goodbye
for but a moment.

December 4, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army, The Angel Said Whaaaaaaat???

(Luke 1:26-45)
Today’s Pondering, Dear Soldier…

It had been a quiet morning as the sun seemingly struggled to wake the slumbering cobwebs from the earth. This is how Mary always began her day. She helped her mother prepare the house then it was off to collect water and the list went on… The sun began to pour into their dwelling, rays of gold catching every glimmer and spec of dust falling in the air. Mary enjoyed these silent, ponderous moments. Abruptly, her silent moment is caught by the heel and turned upside down in the most remarkable way possible. Perhaps, years later, she will look back upon her life and identify this as the moment when everything changed.

Her neck hairs stand on end and she immediately knows that she is not alone. Something behind her catches the eye…movement. Spinning around swiftly she is caught off guard by the imagery in front of her. Imagine something not of this earth, strikingly radiant, suddenly appearing in your home. Wouldn’t you be caught off guard as well?

She notices beyond the aura of light that a being stands before her.
“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ An unknown voice calls out. The being’s voice is deep, confident and strong. Mary is afraid. A momentary swell of fear captures her and she is glued in place, unable to move. Mary peers around for the closest door, her muscles tense as she prepares to escape this fear. But The angel, for that is what it is, calls out again and says “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Whaaaat???
Okay, perhaps Mary’s response wasn’t exactly like that, but a look of concern crosses her face. How could this be? She isn’t even married yet. She is, in fact, still a virgin. It is unnatural, unheard of, it is just too much to take in all at once. The Angel had told her not to be afraid and yet she was certainly anxious and afraid.

There in that lowly room so long ago, history was being made. It didn’t happen to a mighty queen, nor did it happen to one who was prepared for such a feat…but it happened to a teenage girl, inexperienced in the world, naive and young. How could this be? The Savior of the world is placed in the arms, or soon would be, of a young woman. Think of it! Mary experiences this theophany of sorts and the symphony of salvation is born to all the world!

I find it interesting that Mary doesn’t refuse the Angel’s announcement, or laugh as Zacharias (Elizabeth’s husband) does. She takes in this message. She absorbs the news. She is strong, much stronger than most…perhaps this is one of the reasons she is chosen to be the mother of Jesus. It still astounds us today if we contemplate it long enough. Salvation will be born of a virgin. Could it be that because of such a concept the Christ is not born into sin as we were? Could it be that all of the “messiah’s” who came before Jesus, the bloodshed, the violence was all in vain? Could it be that man’s attempts to find salvation and restoration from sin was imperfect for the lambs they were sacrificing were also imperfect and not enough? There is much to ponder here today my friends.

Immediately following the proclamation from Gabriel, Mary runs as fast as she can to the nearby village…(was it the same day? Was it immediately, as in ‘that day’? We don’t know, it just says “at that time” Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.) Perhaps she stumbles a few times on the way in her haste to seek out solace and reassurance. Mary seeks out the comfort of family. She seeks out someone in whom to confide. No one will believe that she is still a virgin. No one will accept such a tale…but family, the trusted few will help, protect and guide.

For Us…
What do we make of this tale? What do we find reassuring from this record? Is there not something we can all glean from this? What does faith look like, dear soldier? Certainly Mary’s response to the Angel’s proclamation is a indication of courage and faith. Certainly the mother of Jesus provides us with an example of how we are to respond to the workings of the Lord. Are we so far removed from this narrative? Does this not still impact our daily lives? Mary doesn’t laugh at the Angel. She doesn’t weep and rebel and refuse to participate in this salvation story…in fact she accepts it and moves forward. It doesn’t say that her life improves immediately. I am sure she could not have hidden this pregnancy for too long. From a pure physical perspective, Mary’s life could have been in danger and at the very least susceptible to all kinds of scorn, gossip and sideways glances. “Oh look, there goes THAT Girl“.

QUESTIONS:
How do we respond to the leading of the Lord in our lives?
What is our response?
Are we fully submitted to His will or do we still struggle, moaning and groaning within this call?
Can we reflect within this holy narrative today?
Can we find comfort in a mighty God?
Have we forgotten, or taken His holy presence for granted, especially during this busy season?

Prayer:
Dear Lord,
renew us again. May we respond to you as Mary once did so long ago. We all face challenges, some large and some small, instill in us Your comfort again no matter what season we are in. We long to be your people. We long to give you praise in all things. Refine us, O Lord. Restore unto us, this joy of our salvation today! Reignite our passion to serve you and to reach out to those who are still lost. O Lord, we can do nothing without your hand upon us. Journey beside us today. This we pray. -Amen.

To God Be The Glory!

December 4, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army Soldier, Are You Broken And Weary?

This work that I believe has been thrust upon us to do in this world today is arduous and sometimes debilitating to the soul. Often times I have looked upon the tasks before me and have thought that I was too ill-equipped, surely there are better, smarter, more talented people to do this work. Make no mistake, dear soldier, our rewards for laboring in this mission will not be found in the personalized accolades of this world. We will also not become famously wealthy in our service to suffering humanity. Rather, we work because of this higher calling within our hearts and lives. If we have been called into this deeper fellowship with the Father, then our highest aim is to live in holiness while at the same time ushering others into the same, life-saving lifestyle.

The Brokenness:
This is not about Leadership abuse or being beaten down by society for our testimony, although these things do happen. The brokenness I am talking about today takes place within our spirit. We have been given this free will to choose. We can choose to rebel against God in all things. We can choose to turn our backs on His leading in our lives. We can decide to ignore His pleadings to help those around us; but with these choices comes the consequence of separating from God’s will for us. This will is a deep desire for us to become like His son, Jesus Christ in every way possible. If we choose to walk such a difficult path (Holiness) we make a conscious decision to become selfless in both word and deed. This brokenness, dear soldier, can truly transform our ministries in not only our corps but in our work places and homes. It transforms our every thought and intention and directs it towards a motivation and power far beyond our own. The Holy Spirit whispers into our lives this transformational choice, without His guidance our brokenness will be incomplete and pitiful. With His power, we posses through Him the power to be transformed and to help in the transformation of others. Dear soldier, are you broken? What is the measure of your surrender? Does it end with the benediction on Sunday until the following Sunday, or does your surrender run through and through?

The Weariness:
The second component deals with physical and emotional exertion. In my country (United States), this time of year is extremely busy. We rush to and fro, forwards and backwards, only to repeat it over and over again for the next twenty one days. It can be an emotional roller coaster. Sometimes I believe we truly lose the emphasis of Christmas in our extreme business. I understand we need the funds to support our programs, but there are times when I question if what we do, which takes a toll on our bodies, is the appropriate method to this madness. I know of countless officers and soldiers alike who grow overly tired during this six+ week stretch and there is a groaning of their bones for finality.

In our efforts of doing good for Christ and living out our brokenness, “let us not become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). I read this verse and think to myself how can we possibly NOT become weary in this season? Many of us literally dread the Christmas season, and I can’t help but think that the Lord does not want us to grow weary like this.

Questions:
Is there still holiness in Nativity for you?
Do we suffer from burnout in our efforts to do good?
What are we doing to care for the needs of our bodies and souls?
Have we lost that “lovin’ feeling”?
Have we lost a step in our relationship with Christ because of our responsibilities?

Prescriptions:
There isn’t one “miracle” pill to take, but allow me a moment to offer you a few remedies for weariness.
#1 Sleep.
I don’t care if you have to go to bed earlier or sprawl out on a pew, get some rest! Take your rest seriously!
#2 Pick up a new book to nourish your soul!
Read something that will connect with your spirit on a deeper basis. Don’t just settle for an easy read, but try and sift through the riff-raff for some good, healthy, challenging reads. Don’t stress about how long it will take you to read it either, just read.
#3 Keep Your Sabbath Holy!
For Officers this becomes quite difficult when you lead the red kettle campaign Monday through Saturday and then preach & teach on Sundays…but keep your Sabbath holy. Maybe this happens by attending another church’s service (Oh yes, I just said that!). Even the Shepherd needs to be fed, so go get fed!!! (I need to take this advice to heart as well!)
#4 Your Relationship With Christ
How is it? I don’t mean how do other people view you, but how is your personal relationship with Him right now? What are you doing to feed your spiritual life? Are you in a spiritual desert right now? Are you communing with the Father? Have you carved out vital time in your prayer closet, wherever that may be?
#5 Find, Recapture Some Joy This Christmas!
Christmas isn’t all about Kettles and Toys. It should never JUST be about that. If it does become this, then we will have lost our way in trying to do good for others we will have lost ourselves in the process. We must rekindle that spark, that flame, that passion for holiness. Let’s rediscover the mystery and awe of the Christ-child. Laugh a little. Enjoy life a little…take a breath and yes even relax a little.

This Army needs you alive both physically and spiritually. So don’t kill yourselves in your weariness!

Just another pondering for our Army today!
To God be the glory!

December 3, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army, I Won’t Apologize To Sin…

Dear Soldier,
Let me clarify with a story…

A long time ago…

I had the distinct displeasure of confronting an issue in our corps.
It was unpleasant.
It was sad.
I was extremely disappointing.

Two people were carrying on with a relationship even though one of them was married (to another person).
The entire church knew about it.
I was even asked by a retired pastor if I was going to do something about the situation.
I wasn’t sure what to do at first. I’ve never been afraid of confrontation. I usually don’t back down from such situations, in fact I have to be careful…if I’m brutally honest. I had been praying about this issue. Praying for a simple, (less messy) solution…but none came. Finally I rounded the bend in our church hallway and caught them. Right then and there I confronted them. It wasn’t so much the scene of Jesus turning over tables in the temple, but it sure felt close to that in my heart. I felt (and still do) very sad about the situation. Here were two grown, mature adult Christians caught up in a sin and neither would admit to any wrong doing. We began to have an intense moment of fellowship, if you know what I mean. I was angry with them but at the same time very, very sad. They were obstinate and aggressive in their defense of their situation. Suddenly it became everyone else’ fault…I honestly wasn’t looking to play the blame game. I had not been praying for a direct confrontation like this, yet here it was. Confrontation is never comfortable or enjoyable, and if it ever becomes comfortable and enjoyable then something is very wrong. I hated it. I wanted to be somewhere else other than right there in that moment, and yet I couldn’t be. How could the church grow, continue to confess sin, fellowship in a healthy way and love one another with discipline and accountability when THIS elephant in the room was looming largely?

Sadly, circumstances were not recoverable…at least to my knowledge (I still hold out hope for reconciliation). Both decided to go elsewhere to church. I was even given an ultimatum – “apologize to us, or we won’t come back to church“…really? I’m sorry, but I won’t apologize to sin. I just can’t. I can’t compromise like that. Sin has a way of blinding us of our faults. Sin has a way of shifting the blame, making us less aware of wrong doing while rationalizing it away until it’s okay and it’s someone else’ problem.

I never once said that they had to leave the corps. They weren’t “kicked out”. Amidst the confrontation I was painfully aware of grace and love…but I (we, the corps council) expected more from them because they were a part of our corps family. Isn’t it like that with family? The level of expectations are always higher because “family” should know better, should act better.

Glass Houses…
I keep thinking about the woman caught in adultery in Jesus’ day…Pharisees and teachers of the law drag this woman to Jesus. Seriously, where was the guy who was caught as well?…doesn’t it take two to tango?..I digress.

These Pharisees want to trap Jesus while at the same time satisfying their blood thirsty need for “justice”. Jesus, confronted with this issue, stoops down and writes in the sand. Then after writing, doodling, naming the pharisees…I don’t know what He wrote, Jesus looks at the accusers and says “He who is without sin cast the first stone…” – They depart. The leave. They don’t linger. Something remarkable happens. I would call it a miracle. But the story isn’t over yet. Yes, the blood thirsty accusers are gone, but the guilty woman still stands there. Can you imagine the shame and embarrassment that she must have felt? The man she was with apparently does the walk of shame home without any other consequence, while she is caught, dragged, confronted in front of most of the town…how embarrassing and utterly horrifying!

Finally, Jesus stands up and looks around and then to her and says, almost sarcastically surprised, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” She says to Him, “No, Lord“…and then amazingly Jesus replies; “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)

No Judgement…but Don’t Apologize to Sin…
Let’s face it, we are all susceptible to sin. If we believe that we are impervious to sin, watch out and beware! I’m not trying to scare anyone here, it is just a reality. We still struggle with this fallen life. Temptation is all around us. How we deal with these temptation defines how deep our spiritual maturity in Christ goes. There is fine line in our walk with Christ in becoming a Pharisee and addressing real sin issues within the body of believers. If done correctly, spiritual discipline and correction can become a life line of saving grace to someone caught in sin. If done incorrectly, we throw adulterers, liars and cheats before Jesus while avoiding love, grace, compassion and understanding and/or facing our own hypocritical sinful selves.

The correct way desires to address spiritual issues, make one stronger in the faith, hold each other accountable for the purpose of building each other up in love, grace and compassion. The incorrect way only serves to empower the accuser, demand judgement, criticizing immorality while avoiding any accountability of ones own actions. We have to be careful how we conduct ourselves as accountability partners and leaders in our corps!

No…we can’t apologize to sin…but we can lovingly correct, share the burden of leadership with others. Pray for reconciliation, confession, and forgiveness. We were never meant to be judge, jury and executioners in our corps…but we must hold each other accountable and bring each other back from places of sin with the power of the Holy Spirit. We can’t ignore critical issues in our corps. We can’t pretend they don’t exist. We can’t bury our heads in the sand when elders, local officers and soldiers (even officers) trip and fall. If we have any love in us for Christ and for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, then we will fight tooth and nail to seek reconciliation and restoration…until that time, don’t stop praying intercessory prayer for each other!

Something more for our Army World to Ponder today.

December 2, 2014 4

Slapping on the “Christian” Label

It’s a pet peeve of mine.
I’m feeling a little snarky…sorry.

…here goes…

I’m not a fan of “Christian” businesses.
There, I’ve said it. Sometimes people just slap on the “Christian” label to compensate for less than stellar service. Sometimes it becomes a moniker for some sort of exclusive group which puts “church” in a business box and a societal bubble. What happened to “go into all the world and the preach the gospel to all creation…”(Mark 16:15)? If Christians, and those who own “Christian” businesses, (is that really a “thing” anyway?) only live in their little Christian bubbles then how can they reach out with the good news of the gospel?

It seems to me that at times these “Christian” business labels actually hurt the mission of Christ more than it helps the mission of Christ.

Someone might argue that this kind of label sets the business a part from other businesses, and that it can be a witnessing tool. Perhaps it can, but from what I have witnessed there is a dark underside to this sort of practice. The dark underside attempts to use the Ichthus on its front doors then sells an overpriced product or service. I have witnessed some who have professed to being “Christians” in their businesses do some very unethical things…what kind of witness is that? If I were a person seeking religion or faith and I witnessed this kind of display from one professing to be a Christian, I would walk away and never think twice about Christianity.

Hey Business people who slap on this “Christian” label…perhaps you’re actually hindering the mission Christ more than you’re helping it. Seriously, if you aren’t willing to walk the walk when you bear the name “Christian“, then maybe you should take down the crucifixes, the ichthus’ on your business cards and the “Jesus loves you” sign on your office wall.

Because the truth is…
If you slap on the “Christian” label and you don’t actually live up to those standards, you’re doing the rest of the Christ-followers an extreme disservice. I don’t wish to mince words here. I honestly avoid these businesses. Perhaps I’m a little jaded. I physically cringe when I see that label slapped around just to make an extra buck or two. It’s disingenuous and seriously, I doubt it’s God-honoring.

Couldn’t we just live our witness by how we conduct ourselves rather than plastering the “God” posters everywhere?
Couldn’t we let Jesus be seen by our high ethical practices in the business setting rather than a business gimmick?
I believe we can.

seriously, could you please tone back the “Christianity”?
I’m not saying don’t witness, but perhaps just maybe our actions could speak louder than words…or signs and labels.

Something more to ponder…

December 1, 2014 4

My ‘Judgey’ Thanksgiving

I used to point fingers.
I would scoff and some people.
I judged them.
Criticized them…
until last night.

I joined them.
spent money.
wandered not one, but TWO crowded stores.
Actually stood in line…outside…in freezing temperatures
But…
at the same time, I found commonality.
I found a crowded, yet civil kind of people…I was shocked.

I must admit that I was a hypocrite…before this experience.
I was not among a bunch of crazed shoppers…I was NOT a crazed shopper either.
I was surrounded amongst families who couldn’t afford much and THIS day had the best deals.
I was surrounded my Moms and Dads and kids doing their Christmas shopping.
This wasn’t destroying “family” time.
This wasn’t some sort of desecration of a holiday that some have said it to be.

For me, it was a kind of social experiment.
For me, I came away surprised.
I had stood shoulder to shoulder with other people and had not experienced the greed, the craziness, the insanity…
I’m not saying it doesn’t exist somewhere.
I’m not saying there aren’t “crazies” out there…but they weren’t in the store with me last night.

One thing I discovered…
We still preemptively judge people, at least I did.
I’m sure that I’m not the only one.
If my judgement of others exists, then other kinds of judgments still exist too.
Perhaps I learned something last night.
Perhaps we could all learn something from these kinds of social situations.
I don’t know.
But perhaps I won’t be so quick to judge other people again.

November 29, 2014 0

A Thankful Heart…

It’s the day of Thanksgiving once again…and I’m racking my brain for all of the things that I am thankful for.
Some have criticized the practice of such a holiday given the historical nature of things… I don’t know. I wasn’t there. Yes, it was horrible. Yes, harsh times and harsher circumstances…but I can’t change that past. But I can change the present and the future in the way that I live. Of this I am truly thankful today. In the midst of the insanely busy days behind me and ahead of me, I can pause on this Thursday and recollect how bless I am. I can sit in a comfy chair. I can eat way too much food. I can celebrate a day without work with my family. Beyond this, are the many blessings of God that I receive everyday. Far too many to count…and yet I ~~can’t~~ wont take them for granted!

I do not deserve these blessings.
I am far too imperfect.
I am far too broken of a man.
I am still a work in progress.
I am, at times, anything but Christ’s image.
But I am thankful.
far beyond what I deserve…Thank you Lord.
I give Him glory for these things.
I dare not take them for granted.

May we all have thankful hearts that brim over,
spill out, splash our lives with thanksgiving
and shine the kind of peace and grace that others
will crave it too.
May our thanksgivings be contagious.
And in that contagion, may we change the world around us!

-A Random Thanksgiving Day Pondering.

November 27, 2014 0

Something to be thankful for? Let’s change that!

What if

is less about this

and
more about this –

what if we actually

LIVED

Like it?

What if this –

Became less important…

and this….

Became one of our priorities…

became, not something

“over there”…

but instead,
something right here….

Could we actually

this out loud?

could we actually

In this way?

I wish I could stop being so

But I keep seeing the way

that we treat one another

And I wonder
will it ever end?

But I hope it ends soon…

How about this….
Let’s –
-Not

Let’s stop the

And turn it into this….

Just something else to ponder.
Do YOU have something to be
Thankful for?

November 26, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army…A 10/40 – 13/59 Window General?

There have been 20 Generals of The Salvation Army.
In that time there have been three women who have been elected to the position of General.
Also in that time there has not been an elected General from the 10/40 or the 13/59…(with exception of current General Andre’ Cox who was born in Zimbabwe).

What do I mean by 10/40 and 13/59? These are global longitude coordinates. Within these two windows a majority of the world’s population resides.

The Money Trail…
The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters is, of course, located in London England. Second to that Canada, The United States and Australia are the predominant financial powerhouse countries of the Army. From these territories, flows the majority of the world’s financial contributions to “World Services”. Could it be that based upon this major reason, the election of the General has been a predominantly “Western” selection?

What I’m not saying…
I’m not saying that we are unsatisfied with our current General. In fact, he’s a funny, articulate, down to earth kind of guy.
I’m not saying we ought to be begrudge the places where the funds come from either…without these crucial world service contributions – school, corps buildings, printed materials and resources would not be built and purchased for the 10/40 and 13/59. The world vitally needs these resources.

What I am saying…
A majority of The Salvation Army’s Soldiery can now be found in South America, parts of Africa and India. With the statistical decline of the Army in the Americas and Europe, one could draw the conclusion that in the future these places will be the ones in need of missionaries and resources.

So…when will we finally wake up and elect a General from the fastest growing places within our Army?

Others will say that there are many more contributing factors of electing a General…and yes, you are correct. There are many required leadership qualities that the appropriate candidates must possess…but…with the growing Army in these places there will most certainly be qualified leaders who will rise up!

When?
If we are a revolutionary Army…this will happen in our near future.
If we are a revolutionary Army…this wouldn’t even be an issue to discuss.
If we are a revolutionary Army…we will elect our next General based upon the leadership qualities of the person and not about where they hail from, what kind of political, financial, regional power a candidate might possess.

Believe it or not, even our Army plays politics from time to time. There is such a thing as “Army politics”.
I’m sorry if I burst your bubble. It happens.

I’m Optimistic:
But…at the end of the day, we do know who is the Commander of this Army – The Lord.
If we are completely submitted to the will of God, and we lead through humility instead of earthly ambitions this topic will become a non-issue. Who knows…perhaps I’m naive and overly optimistic. At the very least we ought to continue to pray for our leaders and this growing army…and the future.

Something more to ponder for our Army today. To God Be The Glory!