The Syrian Refugee Crisis…And You!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
-Galatians 6:9

The Bad:

A Syrian refugee holds a baby in a refug...A Syrian refugee holds a baby in a refugee camp set in the town of Harmanli, south-east of Sofia on November 12, 2013. Bulgaria's asylum centres are severely overcrowded after the arrival of almost 10,000 refugees this year, half of them Syrian. The influx has fuelled anti-immigrant sentiment in a country already struggling with dire poverty. AFP PHOTO / NIKOLAY DOYCHINOVNIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP/Getty Images — A Syrian refugee holds a baby in a refug…A Syrian refugee holds a baby in a refugee camp set in the town of Harmanli, south-east of Sofia on November 12, 2013. Bulgaria’s asylum centres are severely overcrowded after the arrival of almost 10,000 refugees this year, half of them Syrian. The influx has fuelled anti-immigrant sentiment in a country already struggling with dire poverty. AFP PHOTO / NIKOLAY DOYCHINOVNIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP/Getty Images

Since the Syrian civil war took place five years ago, an estimated 4,000,000 (that’s MILLION) refugees have left the war-torn country. Many have flooded into neighboring countries
It boggles the mind that there are countries in our world who would turn a blind eye to the plight of asylum seekers and refugees. It has been reported that some of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East are doing nothing to help welcome foreign refugees from Syria. The same can be said for some European countries as well. Let’s call it for what it is. This isn’t about fears of the economic mainframe and fears that a country can’t support a sudden influx of refugees. This isn’t about resources at all, because either the EU would step in and help as would the United Nations. In fact, just today one of the UN’s top officials said this current refugee crisis needs a global response (Source: UN Response To Current Crisis) The refusal by some nations to help displaced Syrian families is abhorrent, wrong and despicable. Apathy seems to be running rampant in parts of the world. Self-interests are in play here, as is the practice of turning a blind eye and pretending it doesn’t really exist. This is about inconvenience. Some of this is also about ethnic and ideological differences. Racism still exists. Bigotry within cultures, religion and lifestyles still exist, and is alive and kicking.

The Good:

Fleeing bombardment of their village by Syria's Assad regime, — Fleeing bombardment of their village by Syria’s Assad regime, “Um Ali,” 38, as the mother of six children asked to be called, sits in the back of the cave they have found as their own shelter. The cave, just outside the village of al Sahriah, measures about 12 by 35 feet. (Andree Kaiser/MCT)

Germany was one of the first countries to step up and do something about this humanitarian crisis.
They have pledged to take up to 500,000 refugees a year! That is amazing generosity, compassion and willingness to do something remarkable when others have turned a blind eye to the plight of these displaced families in need.
Now, the tide is (hopefully) turning – The Vatican has pledged support and is urging other nations and Christians to do the same. Some countries, like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and France are beginning to feel the pressure to offer more than just a band-aid solution but, perhaps a new home to many who are now homeless because of this horrific civil war.

More Still Remains To Be Done:

DAMASCUS, SYRIA - JANUARY 31: In this handout provided by the United Nation Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Residents wait in line to receive food aid distributed in the Yarmouk refugee camp on January 31, 2014 in Damascus, Syria. The United Nations renewed calls for the Syria regime and rebels to allow food and medical aid into the Palestinian camp of Yarmouk. An estimated 18,000 people are besieged inside the camp as the conflict in Syria continues. (Photo by United Nation Relief and Works Agency via Getty Images) — DAMASCUS, SYRIA – JANUARY 31: In this handout provided by the United Nation Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Residents wait in line to receive food aid distributed in the Yarmouk refugee camp on January 31, 2014 in Damascus, Syria. The United Nations renewed calls for the Syria regime and rebels to allow food and medical aid into the Palestinian camp of Yarmouk. An estimated 18,000 people are besieged inside the camp as the conflict in Syria continues. (Photo by United Nation Relief and Works Agency via Getty Images)

There is still hundreds of thousands of men, women and children who are seeking peace and a new home.
Syria is most notable war torn country in the news currently; but other places in the world are suffering the same fate year after year; places like Sudan – currently in South Sudan there are more than 600,000 refugees who have fled to the Southern boarders while another 1.5 million people are currently displaced and without a place to call home. (Source: South Sudan Refugee Exodus Continues)

What Can We Do?
How can we help? We are just soldiers, people, seemingly little in our community…but we are wrong, we do have a voice and must make it heard!
We must continue to give a voice to those who do not have a voice.
We must fight for the powerless, the suffering, the homeless, the refugee, the trafficked sex slaves, the child soldier.
In this current crisis, and crises like it in our world, we must stand against injustice.

In the United States:
Write your state representative or better yet call them
Here is a list of their numbers – Phone Numbers To Call
Urge them to apply pressure to offer more support to the Syrian Refugee Crisis.

In Canada:
Look up your local/governmental officials and apply pressure to help
Contact Information

In The United Kingdom:
Here are some rather current information as to what is being done in the UK –
FactSheet
But more can be done and you can urge your government officials.

I can’t list all of your wonderful countries here today but I would suggest that where ever you live, you must apply some pressure to your governmental units. Remind them, urge them to help. We cannot sit idly by while innocent men, women and children are displaced and are suffering. Turning a blind eye is a conscious choice to not care. Don’t allow apathy and selfishness to invade your heart! Do something!

More resources and information:
The Salvation Army Assists Refugees
The Greek Salvation Army Caring For Refugees
UN Refugee Agency
CNN News Report

Something more to ponder today!

September 9, 2015 1

“The Exchange”

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” -Proverbs 18:10

I used to run track when I was in high school.
I was a sprinter. I would train with my team every day after school even when it was hard. I would run the 100 meter, 200 meter and the 4×100 meter relay. The relay was where team work would come in. Each runner had their own part to play in the race. Each ran their respective portion…but it would be all for naught if the exchange of the baton was mishandled. Sometimes failure in the exchange came by way of holding on too tightly to the baton as one attempted to pass it on. Sometimes failure in the exchange came by way of holding on too loosely as one attempted to pass it on. That’s why we practiced day after day. We needed to be a synced group. We needed to have a simple, nondramatic hand-off each time in order to even consider winning the race. The relay’s success of failure hinged upon “the exchange”.

Have you ever felt weak?
I imagine we all have from time to time…some of us probably just thought to themselves “I feel weak all the time”. I want to encourage you today. There is strength in knowing the Lord. There is joy in this “knowing” as well. What happens within this fragment of time (when we allow God’s strength to become our strength and when we “know” whose strength it is coursing through us) is an exchange of lordship. The success and failure of the Christian walk sometimes hinges on this pivotal exchange! Within this exchange of lordship, what we are saying is “Lord I abdicate my human authority that is frail and weak and I exchange it for your Lordship in my life!” When we allow this lordship exchange to take place within us, we knock down pride and selfishness and erect a stronger, more firmer foundation found only within complete humility and selflessness.

The Apostle Paul puts it like this – “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Despite Paul’s sufferings, despite his weaknesses, despite everything kind of persecution he faced, he recognized that even in weakness Christ would be strong!

I wonder if any of you are kind of like me. I am stubborn. I am often prideful. I am sometimes insecure. I am quick to repay wrongs done to me in similar reciprocating responses. I am still far from the prize of holiness. BUT… there is something within this confession of mine. I have to recognize that in all of these shortcomings I cannot attain the strength that I need on my own. I require this exchange of authority in my life. I require the Holy Spirit’s presence within me. I cannot afford to run aimlessly, full of myself and on my own. My own efforts will, and frequently have, failed.

Oh that we run to the Lord!
Oh that we allow His presence to transform us.
Oh that we are filled with His strength by emptying our weaknesses out at His feet.
This is where the exchange of lordship begins…and the prize of holiness (the very reflection of Christ) is seen.
May we allow this exchange of lordship to occur within us.
It is a very private matter for most of us. It isn’t something that often happens overnight, but instead His presence begins to urge us to relinquish things. His presence begins to remind us of what could be. His presence prompts us to run to Him and lay down our pride and self-assurances at His feet.

How’s your “Exchange of lordship” going?
Something more to ponder today, to God be the glory!

June 25, 2015 0

We’re all looking for a minute of God’s time.

We all want that face to face meeting.
We all want to spend just a few moments with Him…to ask Him things.
Perhaps we want to ask Him “why”…
or perhaps we wish for some sort of encouragement and reassurance.
Some people have giant decisions that they have been battling with, decisions far too big to make alone, and they are crying out to God for just a minute of His time.

Don’t you just wish that you could pull up a chair at a coffee shop,
or sit on your back porch and talk to God about things?
Don’t we all wish we could have THAT face to face?
To have that heart to heart conversation.

I think when we look at the bible and we see disciples and other characters who physically talked with Jesus, we are secretly jealous. We wish we could have that. We wish we could experience that.
We long to have that one on one moment, that eye contact thing that happens between friends.
We all want that theophany when creation meets creator, not just in a deep moment of prayer and meditation, but a real life encounter with God.

In the beginning, when God created Adam and Eve, He would visit them every evening in person. He would fellowship with them. He would talk with them. Obviously that relationship was horribly, irrevocably disrupted by a choice. That relationship was tarnished by a decision to disobey. But despite that rift in relationship, despite that sin, God has made a way for us to repair the damage done. God actually met us more than half way. The Creator could’ve just started over with His creation…but He didn’t. THAT IS HOW MUCH WE MEAN TO HIM!

This whole salvation story.
Jesus.
The Cross.
His Death.
His Resurrection.
His Ascension.
It is all preparation.
It is all about preparing us.
It is all for us.
It is…
building up…
until we finally can see Him face to face.

We may never have that glimpse of God as we sit on a park bench.
We may never wrestle with an Angel.
We may never physically put our hands in His hands and side.
We may never watch Him bring Lazarus back from the dead…

But we do have a minute of God’s time.
He does hear us.
He does speak.
He is evident in those who love and serve Him.
He can be seen in the hearts of the penitent and the righteous…although sometimes they are few and far between.

Prayer:
God, I want to be counted in that number.
Lord, I want to be the very reflection of you.
Show me those things that still need working out in my life.
Forgive me when I have fallen and have not reflected You in anyway, shape, or form.
I don’t want a minute of your time…
I want and eternity of it…but it starts here, it starts now.

Will I listen for your still small voice?
Will I hear you as you speak?
Will I put feet to my faith and live for you?

We all want a minute of God’s time.

April 8, 2015 1

The Beauty of Faith And Fear Living Together.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

The truth is, we DO face fear in this life.
The truth is, we DO suffer from paralysis from time to time because of fear.
If we allow fear to take up a permanent place within our hearts, we rob ourselves of experiencing the joys of life that God offers to us. Fear can only have power if we allow it to have power in us.

That is easier said than done when all of a sudden a moment of crisis takes place and our hearts plummet over that jagged cliff of trepidation and dread. It is easier said than done when we come to the end of our ropes and we have nothing else to cling to. It is easier said than done when we exhaust all hope and resource and still we can’t afford to make ends meet.

Fear is real.
But so is faith.

Questions to ponder today:
Is fear ALWAYS bad?
Is there ever a place for fear?
Does fear ever coexist with faith?

I once heard a phrase that I still struggle with.
The phrase was spoken to a group of us in a church meeting once.
It goes like this: “Faith and fear can’t exist in the same space”
I’m not sure I agree.
Sure, it sounds good on paper and all.
It’s a good mantra to utter in the face of adversity.
But is this saying really true?
I just don’t think it is.
It could be an awesome “battle cry” to rally the troops and help encourage the discouraged…but I think faith and fear sometimes go hand in hand.

I suppose the word fear has to be defined in this conversation.
I think there are varying degrees of fear to think about when we talk about “faith AND fear”.
We don’t want to generalize fear to mean something all encompassing when it comes to “what we are afraid of”, rather I believe the kind of fear that is present within faith is a trepidation rather than a full blown paralyzing fear. I like one of the definitions of the word “trepidation” because it sort of crystallizes to me how faith and fear can coexist together in us.
The definition I think that fits is this:

‘Trepidation’ – a trembling motion.

To me this means that although we do not know what the future has in store for us, there IS STILL MOTION in us.
It sort of sums up that coined phrase “stepping out in faith” for me.
Although we have said “yes” to Christ and we have made that proclamation to the world around us, there is still the motion that is needed…and within that motion is a trembling.

Perhaps some of us dig deep and that trembling isn’t ever noticeable.
While in the rest of us that trembling aspect of faith is extremely evident.
It is more than mere nervousness of the unknown, it is a moving fear that propels faith to action.
It is more than reverence for God “fear and trembling”, it is an action verb that puts fuel on the fire of our faith.

Do you have fear today?
If you do have fear, I want to tell you that it is okay.
Don’t ever think that just because you’re fearful that there is something wrong with your faith walk.
Fear CAN exist within faith, and if understood and utilized correctly, it can help us to put feet and movement to our faith!

Something more to ponder today!

March 17, 2015 0

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

3 Ways To Let Peace Boost Your Thanksgiving

Peace…

It’s more than some iconic symbol.
It’s more than words or a global award.
It’s more than a time of calm amidst the storms of conflict.

We want the calm.
We crave these times especially when the rush of life casts us about like rag dolls thrown into the midst of a blood thirsty pack of wolves.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Sometimes we wonder how we could possibly be thankful when it seems our day or week has been wrought with problems. Sometimes life just sucks. Sometimes the joy seems to just get sucked right out of us by circumstances and even other people. In THOSE times it seems nearly impossible to find something to be thankful for.

Allow me but a few moments today to share with you 3 ways that you can boost your thanksgiving.

3 Ways To Let Peace Boost Your Thanksgiving:

1) Take Time For YOU!

This may sound like something out of a self-help book or something you might hear Dr. Phil say…but it’s true. We need time alone, and time for self-soulcare. We must find healthy ways to unwind and relax now and then. We cannot go 100 miles an hour at everything and expect to find peace when we haven’t slowed down enough to find ourselves again. We can sometimes get lost in the pile of stuff on our desks or amidst the bills piling up at home. If Jesus got away from His disciples in order to commune with The Father, we ought to consider doing this as well. How else can we recharge our spent souls? How else will we find peace again? When someone is thirsty they don’t go looking for more saltine crackers do they? No! They look for a nice cold glass of water to quench that thirst. We too are spiritually thirsty and in order to quench that thirst we have to go back to the Well of our Father again and again. As we take personal time we will once again gain perspective and find peace once more. It is often difficult to disconnect from a very connected world…but it is necessary for our own sanity and personal care!

2) A Personal Inventory Of Gratefulness
It’s seems a little silly, maybe a bit childish…but can we bring to mind all of our blessings? Can we do a personal inventory of our lives right now and evaluate the things that we can be grateful for? I think we might find that we have so much by way of blessings from God.

All too often we can dwell from a place of “have nots” that we run the risk of forgetting all that we “have” already. We live in a very materialistic world where products and stuff is valued above everything. There is this notion that if we do not possess the next big thing then we aren’t truly living a good life. What a lie that is. We buy this lie over and over again in our over-saturated marketed world. We spend countless dollars in order to recapture an element of happiness with that next “thing” only to find elements of discontentment and sadness once more.

When we dwell in the place of “have nots”, we will never truly be content. We will never truly be happy. If we live there we will not be able to properly conduct an authentic personal inventory of our gratefulness – because true gratefulness doesn’t come from stuff. We have been blessed by a Creator who so desperately wants to fellowship with us. When we can evaluate our lives by the blessings of Him, we can finally tap into that pure element of His peace; and in so doing, we will once again place Him in His rightful place above the “stuff” that we have accumulated and allowed to become our god.

3) Others.
It goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway.
When we can allow ourselves to become less and Christ to become more, we open ourselves up to finally see the needs of others around us. We live in a very self-indulged world. This isn’t news to you I am sure! Allowing the needs of others to replace our needs isn’t easy, nor is it natural in our present state. That shouldn’t be taken to mean that we don’t care for ourselves and disregard #1, we need those times as well to refresh and find our source of life again, but after those re-connections with the Father, if we can see the needs of others we can find peace and thanksgiving in our lives!

There are so many people in our communities that need a friend. There are so many people who need an ear to hear their sorrows and burdens. We shouldn’t go into those times of “listening” expecting we can fix all of life’s problems for them, but we can be a support to souls who have lost their way.

Can you be a friend?
Can you see the needs of others?
What kinds of selfishness (let’s call it for what it is) prevent us from seeing others?
Do we truly crave genuine peace and thanksgiving in our lives and long to share that with others?

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

In order for the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts we have to take time to commune with Him, we have to see our joys and blessings that He has provided, and we have to share that joy and blessing with others.

Do you want to boost your thanksgiving this season?
I hope it lasts a little longer than just a season…but let’s start there.
If you long to boost your thanksgiving, give these three suggestions a try.
It’s not a “cure all”…but it’s sure a great first step!

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

November 4, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army, 4 Warning Signs To Watch Out For In Ministry…

Ministry is rewarding, but it isn’t always easy. Along the way pastors, lay ministers, Salvation Army officers and soldiers face challenges both big and small. Is it our responsibility to produce larger and larger statistical successes? Dare I say the answer is “no”…but, it is our responsibility to be faithful to God as He provide the opportunities to us and we can help usher in souls through relevant, practical relationships and evangelism.

That being said, there are 4 warning signs that I would like to point out today that might help us in our ministries. These aren’t an exhaustive list of warning signs, merely four of them…there are probably many more to be mindful of.

4 Warning Signs to Watch Out For In Ministry:

1) Lack of commitment –
Small Group ministries, for example, can be very rewarding because it is ministry in an intimate setting, but sometimes small groups can be a notoriously uncommitted group. Whatever the ministry event, group or activity you embark on, if the commitment level isn’t there it will not be successful. Commitment has almost become this horrific word in our society today because there is so much attention demands for individuals and families. These demands include school activities, sports, extra-curricular activities, family time etc. Then comes the church pastor or officer/local officer who is asking for more of a commitment by this person or family as a small group or bible study begins. A corps member’s time is valuable to a lot of areas and sometimes the corps loses an element of commitment by its soldiery because it just can’t compete with other extra-curricular event.

This isn’t an excuse to just eliminate that ministry opportunity. Look for ways to adjust, incorporate and work around people’s crazy schedules. There should be possibly ways to compromise so that attendees are available for personally geared ministries. Be sensitive to the needs of families in your corps, study their schedules and make every possible attempt to provide times of ministry at the best times during the week. I am not saying cater to every corps’ member’s whims and needs but I am saying be sensitive to schedules and busy lives. If we can make every opportunity available to our soldiers to attend then committing to a personalized ministry opportunity will be easier.

Lastly, this doesn’t mean everyone will just rush in and commit to attend…some corps members (whether on the fringes or even active members) will only conveniently show up when it best suits them. Perhaps, at some time, when all of your efforts have not produced their commitment level, you may want to confront them on this lack of participation. But ensure first that your bible study or small group is something of which that person(s) will relate to or need in their lives.

2) “Hotdog” Leadership

Definition: A “hotdog“ leader – one who shows off, refuses to share, enjoys the lime-light, is a “ball” hog.

Moving away from commitment to, perhaps an extreme level of commitment, be mindful of the dangers of solo leadership. Jesus didn’t teach His disciples to become solely dependent on Him to do everything, and neither should we with our soldiers and corps members. I am not saying that you and I are Jesus, but we have been placed in people’s lives to display the example of Jesus to them. In so doing, we ought to be mindful that a proactive leader is one who produces ownership in its corps members and soldiers. Ministry should never be one sided. It wasn’t intended to be this way.

When I was a younger officer every Sunday was the “Scott Show”, meaning I didn’t fully trust those around me to be of much use in the Sunday morning holiness meetings. It was prideful I know. I micromanaged everything and wanted everything to be done my way. I was a control freak when it came to how I wanted our worship to be. Some of that isn’t all bad mind you. Some of that planning is necessary…but without the use of other leaders in corps we can become “Hotdogs” in the pulpit.

One might argue that many within our ministries are not equipped to lead anything. Maybe so, but hotdog leadership doesn’t provide any shared ownership opportunities either. Perhaps we can assign small tasks to some who are not able to lead. Perhaps we can assign larger tasks to those who are capable to lead. This warning sign within our ministries is crucial to heed. If we lead everything we could possibly stunt the spiritual growth of potential leaders of our corps.

3) Tunnel Vision
Tunnel Vision sometimes goes hand in hand with “hotdog” leadership. While other times tunnel vision can be a stand-alone problem of lack of vision while performing mundane ministry tasks by simply “going through the motions”.

News Flash: Just because a program worked twenty years ago doesn’t mean that it is still viable today. Sometimes we have to changes things up even if that change causes initial discomfort within the body. Remember that ministry programs are two-fold – for edification of the current body of believers as well as the opportunity of adding to that body via evangelism and welcoming newcomers.

I believe that can become quite easy to fall prey to tunnel vision in our ministries. To avoid the slippery slope of “the tunnel” here are a few remedies:

a) Have a healthy prayer and devotion life as a leader!
This will keep you in-tune with the Holy Spirit as He guides and directs
both your personal relationship as well as your role as leader in your
ministry.

b) Become (if you already aren’t) a reader!
Not just reading the Bible, which is vital, but read other spiritual authors
challenge yourself within the realms of Christian-living and practical
ministry ideas.

c) Listen to your people!
Engage them at where they are. Be mindful of where you want them to
go. Gauge their participation as well as their interests. From this vein,
research and mold your ministries around their needs and spiritual
challenges.

4) Lack of Trust/Un-confessed sins
This may seem to be a “two-fer” (my Minnesotan is coming through in that term), but it’s connected! Trusting someone with your deepest darkest sin is crucial for divulgence. If you or another leader isn’t trusted, a soldier or corps member will most likely refrain from sharing those burdens that they carry.

Be aware of this crucial component of ministry. Be a leader that is safe to be around. Be a leader who is trustworthy and capable of providing a safe, listening ear. It takes a concerted effort to merely listen instead of offering sage advice. Sometimes people need less Yoda and more of an ear. When one finds a safe place to confide, sins can be confessed.

I am not discounting the work of the Holy Spirit or trying to eliminate His power in any and every occasion, but we as leaders should be wise in presenting the gospel and His truths within a safe and loving environment which allows people to face their sins without the judgement of others muddying up the waters of forgiveness and grace.

Watch Out!
These are just four warning signs to watch out for in our ministries. If we can circumnavigate these trappings, our ministries will be healthier for it. Allow His wisdom to guide you. Be diligent in your prayer life for those within you serve as leader. Take great effort to truly listen to your soldiers and corps members. Be aware of tunnel vision and its slippery slope. Take great effort as well to be a safe harbor for those seeking God’s grace, love and forgiveness.

Something more for this Army of Salvation to ponder today.
To God Be The Glory!

October 30, 2014 1

Dear Salvation Army, A Post-it-note Over The Problem?…

When I was in college my roommate told me about a friend of his who headed home for for the holidays. She was unaccustomed to car maintenance and while on the journey a “check engine” light came on. She wasn’t sure of what to do, but the light became an annoyance to her. Did she stop at a gas station and ask for help? No. She just kept on driving but the little “check engine” light still glowed and caught her eye and was more of a nuisance than a problem.

What was her solution?
Call home? No.
Finally stop? No.
Her solution: She placed a post-it-note over the glowing warning light.
Problem solved right? Out of sight, out of mind…wrong.

It may have been covered over by the post-it-note, but it was still there. The problem was still real. The inevitable was certain without appropriate action.
Sure enough, while on her journey home for the holidays, her car’s engine seized and became a pile of non-running junk.

Dear Salvation Army, is there maintenance, real spiritual maintenance that we are ignoring? Are we placing post-it-notes over the real problems, all the while pretending they don’t exist? They won’t go away if we just ignore them. These warning lights are real. Will it cause us some discomfort by actually looking at the cold hard truth of the situation? Yes. But what will the result be if we simply place a post-it-note over that glowing warning light?

Whatever that glowing light may be, we have to peel off the post-it-note and face the problems at hand head on. We cannot hide from these warning lights. We cannot shirk these responsibilities as an Army.

Dear Soldier, what are the warning lights in your life right now? Have you placed a post-it-note over them? Personal holiness is not easy. Personal holiness requires us to peel back that which we cover the vulnerabilities of our lives, the personal sins we do not want to let anyone see let alone God…and so we cover them over and refuse to acknowledge that they exist. We talk a good talk about holiness, but when it comes to truly allowing full surrender to happen we hold back, we refuse to allow God access to the areas in our lives that need the most work. How can we grow if we don’t surrender all? How can we mature and become like Christ if we simply ignore the warning lights?

I am right here with you, dear soldier. I do not claim that I have it all worked out in my life either. I too have ignored these warning lights on this spiritual journey. I too have withheld this full surrender while blatantly ignoring the warning lights.

Dear Salvation Army,
I don’t know if these post-it-notes are covering up unacknowledged sins, leadership failures, financial loopholes, unethical behaviors, policy standards, etc… How can we peel these post-it-notes off? How can we finally look at the problems, acknowledge them and finally move forward? What will it take? Will we have to wait for Christ’s return? Will we still be here by then if we have to wait? Are we missing out by not addressing these warning lights?

Dear Soldier,
I don’t know what your post-it-notes are covering either. It’s an extremely personal thing, I know. We all must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)…but we don’t do it alone. We have the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us and to lead us. He will help us to peel back these post-it-notes as we finally see the un-addressed issues for what they are – opportunities for God’s healing to cleanse us fully and for us to finally be healed completely.

Let’s peel back the post-it-notes together…let’s finally see the trouble, the sin, the issues for what they truly are. Let us be healed completely!

Something more for our Army world to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

October 27, 2014 1

Who is good enough?

“Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1)

Are we ever “good” enough?
Are we ever holy enough?

The short answer: No.

The long answer: Yes.

If…
If we set ourselves apart for God.
If we strive to live for Him.
If our hearts are bent towards the sustainer of life – God himself.
If our eyes are focused/fixed upon the Savior of our souls – Jesus Christ.

The prescription for “Good Enough”

Is there a road map to this better life?
Is there a way to thrive instead of just survive?
Is there a means to put to death our mediocrity and take upon ourselves a mantel of excellence in holiness?

Yes!
But…
This isn’t about human perfection.
These pursuits can lead to pride, arrogance and judgement. Perfection is not the same as Holiness. We do live within a flaw body, a flawed world…sin and temptation are real.

But… We do not have to live there anymore. We do not have to dwell in that pig slop when we have a Heavenly Father who anxiously waits for us to return to Him.

The prescription?
“He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellow man, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15:2-5)

Did you catch that?
This is prescription for “good enough”.
This is the remedy for mediocrity.
This is the remedy for holiness in our physical living.

It isn’t an easy walk…it is the right path!
It isn’t always a rewarding walk…but it does lead to the MOST rewarding walk one can ever walk.
It isn’t always the most glamorous or popular walk…but it is a walk wrought with humility, sincerity, vulnerability and sacred holiness because it resembles the walk of Christ and we adopt His identity.

Do you want to be like Christ?
Do you long to walk this rugged path that is often lonely and difficult?

That doesn’t sound like a good sales pitch does it?

Truth: we will never be the same!
We will no long look the same!
We will realize the burdens that we’ve been carrying for far too long will be lifted.

What path are you on right now?
Do you long to live a far better, more rewarding (long-term) life?

It’s time.
It’s time to grow.
It’s time to dwell in God’s sanctuary.
It’s time to live on God’s holy hill.

Are you ready?
Are you prepared?
Is it your desire?
Can we travel this path together?
Will you walk with me?

Something more to ponder today.

October 22, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army, Selling Your Soul For Relevancy…

It is one thing to be culturally relevant in our worship settings:
-For the music to be relevant to the demographics of our congregations.
-For the messages to be relevant to our target audiences.
I’m not saying relevancy is wrong…we need to be relevant to some degree!

But…

could there ever be a point at which we sell our souls for the sake of relevancy?
How far is too far?

How far do we go in order to reach our local cultures yet do not lose our souls in the process? There is no denying that The Salvation Army is needed and has the capacity to do wonderful things as we strive to help people in need. We mustn’t lose this in any transformational process. We cannot lose our identities as an Army of Salvation for the sake of “fitting in”. Booth wasn’t so much concerned with “fitting in” as he was concerned with meeting human needs in Christ’s name. He even worked with politicians to change labor laws and make working conditions safer for people by building a match factory. Booth wasn’t about merely “fitting in”, he (Catherine too of course) was about making a difference in people’s lives while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Wearing a uniform doesn’t quite allow any of its Salvationists to “fit in”…but they are certainly identifiable, and these elements which make us stand out can help us to be a light in a seemingly dark world. We have the capacity to help transform lives with the help and power of the Holy Spirit. Our main goal should never just be about relevancy. This isn’t the main principle of what we do and who we are (or vice-versa). The principle can still be summed up in one of our oldest slogans “Soup, Soap, Salvation!” We were formed to go for souls and go for the worst. We are united under one God, One Salvation, One Hope for the whole world. We cannot water this down, but we can offer hope, love, support and grace one spoonful at a time.

Dear Salvation Army, have we sold our souls at times for relevancy?
Are we doing it right now?

Sometimes I fear that we chase the almighty dollar more than we chase after the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes I think that we fear what other entities including governments will do to us if we boldly proclaim the name of Jesus Christ in our programs and in public places.

Sometimes I wonder if we aren’t an army of Salvation anymore but rather more of an army of convenience and platitudes as long as no one is offended by the gospel.

Sometimes I wonder if we have lost a step in this march because of it.
Sometimes I wonder if we have been chasing after the approval of other people instead of the approval of God.

Sometimes…

If this has ever or is the case…then we need repentance.
If this is the case in our personal ministries we need to seek reconciliation and a realignment of priorities and holiness.

To the faithful and to the upright…show us the way!
Be examples to the rest of us.
Help us when we have gotten so focused upon pleasing the world around us that we have strayed from our first love.
I am not casting any blame upon anyone more than myself in this entry of Pastor’s ponderings today. I have felt this conviction within my heart. These are personal and yet public because perhaps, just perhaps there are others out there who feel the same way.

Join me, pray with me, pray for me…and I will pray for you as well.
We are not alone in this fight…we never were.
We are an Army, fighting side by side and with the power of the Holy Spirit who can and will provide us His strength and guidance along this dusty rugged path.

“Give me one pure and holy passion.
Give me one magnificent obsession.
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You.

To know and follow hard after you
To grow as your disciple in your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you, my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lead me on and I will run after you”

(by MARK ALTROGGE)

Something more of the Army to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

October 20, 2014 0

Category: Christ