Day 16 -Living In God’s Sanctuary…

“Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Why may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous…” Psalm 15:1-2a

When we choose to follow Christ in our lives and live for Him every day, we are not only called Sons and Daughter of God, but we have access to His sanctuary.

What does that mean?
It means that the very presence of God can remain with us every moment of every day.
In essence we have the Creator of the Universe with us to guide and provide. In ancient times the only ones who could gain access to the Holy of holies were the priests who kept themselves ceremonially clean. The Holy of holies was the place where the very presence was said to reside. On the day and hour of Christ’s death, the curtain, which separated the temple from the Holy of holies was torn from top to bottom. This was more than coincidental, this signified God’s presence would no longer just reside in the temple, but He could be accessed by everyone all because of what Christ did on the cross.

How does this make you feel, knowing that God’s presence is accessible and readily available for you and me? He longs to be a part of our day. He wants to fellowship with us, to commune and guide us in our day. When we enter into this fellowship, we are in the very sanctuary of God! Each of us are called to be set apart for God, so how we live and how we interact with the world around us matters! We can live as Kingdom people as we enter into His sanctuary every day! May we walk into His presence and live this kingdom living today!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for allowing us access to you because of your son Jesus Christ! I want dwell in your sanctuary everyday! Be with me today, and as I interact with others, bring to my mind your grace, peace and love. In your name I pray all of these things amen!

January 17, 2017 0

Dear Salvation Army – 4 Ways To Ignite Passion In Ministry

Dear Army,
I must admit that there are times when I am battle-weary.
I have become drained, burned-out, and feel that any impact I can make is not enough.
Dear Soldier, have you ever felt this way when serving the Lord through this army of Salvation? You are not alone. Perhaps we need some helps along the way. We cannot do battle alone, we were never called to be solo soldiers, individual super-soldiers doing everything on our own – No! The stronger we are together, the more impact in this world our service for Christ to others can be!

Today, here are 4 ways to Ignite (or perhaps re-ignite) Passion In Ministry!
Here’s a top four count-down:

4) Read, and Keep On Reading!
Challenge yourself to pick up more books on tough spiritual concepts. Read about the spiritual journeys of other Christians and Soldiers. This will give you insight into how Christ has been working and is working today! Be a reader of more than just fiction books. I say this because I really love fiction novels, and perhaps some characteristics in those fiction books can help, but in order to stretch yourself, become a reader and student of other Christians. Read the writings of Samuel Logan Brengle and General Frederick Coutts. Read Bonehoeffer, C.S. Lewis, N.T. Wright, Thomas Cahill amongst others. Do not limit your literary choices to just the Salvation Army world, expand your reading. In so doing, you will find hope, joy and passion of serving the Lord! A little warning too: you will also see where we as an Army can do better and greater things, so reader beware!

3) Stop The Monkey Work And Serve!
In The Salvation Army (and any other organization or movement) there seems to be endless paperwork, reports and office work to do. I think there is more than two certainties of Death and Taxes, there is also Monkey work. I do not say this to be critical or disparaging, I say this because it is true. We can become so bogged down by monkey work that we never really leave our offices and we stop seeing the mission of why we do what we do. Stop the monkey work for a day…get out of your office or your cubical and serve others. Do so in small and large ways. Take the time to use your hands for others instead of pushing paper…that will still be there when you get back. When we serve, there is something cathartic about it. There is something heartwarming. We have made contact with someone other than on an email or social media thread – we have touched the heart of someone in need. We looked them in the eyes, and was able to help in some small way. This can be done by even talking to people. Many just need someone to talk to, someone to be there and just listen. If you want to ignite or re-ignite the passion, stop the monotony of monkey work and help serve!

2) Take Your Sabbath.
I have said this before and I will repeat it again, because I feel convicted about this. Perhaps you will disagree with me, that is your prerogative (thanks for your opinion, now here’s mine). Sunday mornings, if you are the officer or local officers and you have an active role in leading ministry – you need more than just that service to be your Sabbath! Yes, worship is impactful. Yes, connection and fellowship is vital. But Sabbath is more than just a worship service. Sabbath is resting in the presence of God. I would venture a guess that many do not spend enough time in solitude with God. Jesus took time away from His disciples. He went apart from them and communed with the Father. We too must find this type of Sabbath – even if it is for an hour or half an hour. Take your Sabbath, rest, recharge and re-ignite your passion! If you don’t it’s like never charging your cellular phone, it will be dead soon enough and useless. Stay connected to the Father. Pray often, let those prayers become constant conversations and make a concerted effort to take your Sabbath.

1) Friendship – Comradery- Accountability
Soldiers, you need fellowship. When we see eye to eye, laugh and even cry together bonds for friendship and relationship deeply develop. Do not take this for granted. Some have assumed this permanent soldier of solitude position and they find it to be a very lonely place. Rest assured, we need you! We need your fellowship. Make it a vital intention and priority to spend time with friends and fellow soldiers. Do not take these moments for granted. Together in fellowship we can face many things head-on. We are stronger together and weaker apart. Find friends and peers that you can trust to hold you accountable too. This ought not become laborious or a class, if it becomes that then it can lose its special-ness, and feel more forced. But find the friendships that make you laugh, challenge you, and makes you want to keep going in this Army! Sometimes these friendships might not even have an Army connection, and this might provide a fresh set of eyes and broader perspective on things. Friendship cannot be over emphasized here, especially when you are on the front lines in this army! We need each other to reignite our passions and purpose! Hold fast and make this a priority!

These are just four suggestions to help ignite passion into your ministry (again).
They are not placed in an order of importance mind you, feel free to use these and without a doubt there are other means to do this!

YOUR TAKE: What are other ways in which we can ignite our passion in this ministry & mission? Ponder with us, leave your comments here, we want to hear from you!

Something more for this Army world to ponder today!

**Disclaimer: The views and thoughts expressed here are not necessarily The Salvation Army’s view and thoughts, but the writer of this Pondering. Reader discretion is advised.**

January 12, 2017 2

3 Vitals About This Life…

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14

Life is so fragile and brief.
As we get older it seems that things just seem to speed up like a run away train on a track that isn’t finished yet. We keep plodding along thinking that the line is still hundreds of miles away, yet it’s only a couple of miles down along the bend.

Sometimes life isn’t what we thought it would be…yet we had clung to the notion that it would be awesomely amazing when we grew up…only to discover that life is what you make of it, it takes a lot of work and hard decisions. Life can be pleasantly insulated by friends, family, children – and this makes the journey, because that’s what life truly is, a journey – so much more enjoyable and treasured.

Here’s what I know about this life so far…I’ve been pondering this for some time now…and i know that there are far more wiser people out there than me, but let me try to articulate what I know about life so far, perhaps this will resonate or at least make sense to you.

3 Vitals About This Life…

1. We don’t get to choose how many days of life we have…
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” -Psalm 90:12
This life IS temporal, and we don’t live forever in this body. Does the spirit live forever, that’s what we have been told and what I believe, but this shell will one day give out and stop working…and so will yours. Sounds kinda depressing doesn’t it? I know…but in the grand scheme of things, there is a far better – longer lasting existence waiting for us. A life where there will no longer be this barrier between us and the Almighty. A place where we will no longer suffer from disease and the aches and pains of life. I can’t even begin to imagine that yet, but we must, at some point, come to terms with the limited nature of this life. We don’t get to choose the length of our lives. God does give and take away, He is sovereign over our very breath, and I have to believe without a shadow of a doubt that we deeply matter to Him.

2. This life is like a mist, really it’s not that long – make the most of it.
As James puts it, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14) Have you ever seen that fog in the early morning? It’s so mysterious and wispy, just hanging there. It’s dangerous to drive into, but you know that in a little while, as soon as the Sun starts to shine on it, that fog will dissipate and vanish. It’s a great analogy of life isn’t it? This vital understanding of how brief our life really is puts it into perspective. Don’t waste your life. Make memories. Don’t get so caught up in things that don’t really matter much – even (or especially) work can become one of those things. When it is all said and done, will you be known for getting those reports in on time? Will you really want to be remembered for the labored hours you spent in the office, even during family vacations and nights when you should have been home with your kids? NO! I think a lot of people will be living with regret in the late stages of life. Success in business doesn’t always equate to making the most out of your life and what really, truly matters. Are you really living life right now, or are you just plodding? It’s like that fog in the early morning…far too soon it will dissipate and vanish. Don’t take it for granted, don’t waste it on things that don’t really matter. Invest in the right kinds of things and in people who care and love you.

3. Some people with less of a life span live a whole lot more than some with a much longer life span…what you make of it matters…

This directly correlates with the last vital point…I met some who are simply coasting through life. They have no real purpose, they aren’t happy with anything, they are miserable people to be around. These people (not to sound condescending, but rather a warning here) are just hoping the next life will be better, but they really aren’t living the one they have been given right here and now. It’s such a waste…have you live this at some point in your life? Do you know what I mean? Some people have been given such a short life due to illness, disease or accident, and they lived it to the fullest. They were full of vigor and passion and it just seem to pour out of them – it was contagious. I hope we live like that with whatever time we have in this body. I hope we can laugh and love and cry and experience life in all of its glory. I never want to be one who merely looks forward to heaven, yet I miss out on, or waste this gift of life I have been given right here and now.
Some of us bury ourselves in elements of life and distractions of life…and then we look up from our cell phones and our social media accounts and miss the beauty of nature all around us. Don’t miss it. Don’t miss the glory of God, which is evident all around us. Soak it in, notice it, embrace it, spend some of your “mist” time just breathing it in. Life isn’t life unless you’re actually an active participator in it.

I’ve had some peers and friends of mine pass way before their time. Their life seemed like a brief mist…and sadly gone too soon. I’ve even performed a couple of their funerals as the Pastor…it isn’t easy, it breaks the heart and it later causes me to think more deeply as to what I am doing with my life – this mist that I am. Have you been there? Can you relate? What I do know is that our journeys have a destination that extends beyond the veil of life and death…and the next life begins with the glory embrace of Christ. And although I long for that day, I don’t want to ~~mist~~ miss this moment right here and now, where everything and everyone that is important and precious becomes crystal clear. When that happens to you…what and who do you see?

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

November 2, 2016 0

You’re a Liar, I’m a Liar – Here’s Why…

Whether we care to admit it or not, we are liars.
Go ahead, soak it up, take it in…
Some of you are probably offended by this accusation.
Some of you might be nervous – don’t be.

The Lies
The biggest lie that we tell ourselves is this: “I don’t need God.”
The second biggest lie that we tell ourselves is: “every thing is okay.”
And then there are those lies that we tell God – “Lord I promise if you get me out of this situation I will never do that (insert whatever “that” is here) again!” Or, we go to the altar at some fancy big church event and confess our sins in a big emotional altar call and make promises that only last that weekend…in essence we lie because deep down we know we don’t plan on changing.

We also lie to God by telling Him that He’s the only God in our lives, but let me ask you, how many hours a day do you spend on the internet or on social media? How many hours a day watching tv, netflix etc…? Are there other things that consume all of your time? Are there things that you would shamefully admit that you’re obsessed with? Now, there’s nothing wrong with any of this stuff, but when we spend hours and hours and hour a day gaming or web surfing or whatever – we have become consumed, and when we become consumed by something other than God – we have essentially set up idols to false gods in our lives. Basically, whatever takes the place of God – becomes our god…and we are then liars who claim we know God, but rather, we only know of God.

1 John 1:8-10 says; “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”

God Doesn’t Lie
What God says – He means.
What He says He will do – He will do.
God doesn’t break His promises to us – We are usually the ones who break our promises to Him. Do we need Him? Absolutely, and yet our ego at times convinces us that we can go it alone and we don’t need Him to “interfere”. Don’t lie to God, He’s not fooled. Also, don’t lie to yourself!

Stop The Lies
So what’s the point?
Do some soul searching in your life today.
Be humble,.in other words, put yourself low, look hard and deep at your own life right now – without any sugar coating or facades (which are lies that you have told yourself).

– Another lie we might hear in our minds from time to time is this: “I am not good enough to be called a Child of God, (or to be called a “Christian”)” We might buy into that lie because of guilt and shame, but God’s grace through Jesus Christ can remove that guilt and shame completely – making us totally covered by grace and completely forgiven! Don’t buy this lie anymore!! God loves you, and He wants you to know how valuable you are to Him!

We tell ourselves a lot of lies…and sometimes we start to believe them.
We also try and tell God lies too…but we aren’t fooling Him, He knows.

Be Honest.
Allow the Lord access to every part of your mind today…even the spaces in the recesses of your mind that you are ashamed of. He already knows, but we have to let Him in and allow His light to shine onto those dark, shameful places in order for healing, true healing to take place. Admittedly, this is a work in progress for all of us. There will be times when we lie, or believe a lie in our minds again. But the next time that happens, recognize it and within that recognition, plot and strive to change that behavior. Ask God to help you in those moments! True sincerity and admission/penitence moment by moment allow us access to God, and it also provides us with tangible spiritual growth.

Pray.
Lord, I confess my lies to you today.
Lies that I have told, and the lies that I have believed about myself.
I am weakened by these lies, but I know that with your strength I can be whole again!
Walk beside me today Lord, reveal to me the moments of my dishonesty to you and to those I come in contact with. Convict me when I live double-mindedly. Lord, I do not want this barrier to remain between us. I know this has stunted my spiritual growth, and I desire to be closer to you. Lead me Lord, I desire to give all there is of me to you – even those spaces in my life and mind that I am ashamed of. Wash me clean again. -Amen.

Something more to Ponder today.
To God be the glory!

August 26, 2016 1

3 Promises For Troubled Times

We all encounter trouble in our lives. Difficulties. Stress and sometimes heartache. Some have simply chalked this up to “life“…”well, life isn’t fair” they sometimes say. The fact that we know life has trouble and difficult days also carries with it a heavy, unseen burden. We sometimes look around the corner at the next thing, almost anticipating trouble because things are going too smoothly; or that was just “too easy”…

Life is not always fair.
The disciples of Jesus understood this better than anyone.
They followed Jesus, who would be tortured and executed like a criminal.
After His resurrection and ascension, they continued to follow Jesus, and to do His will on this earth – that led to their imprisonments, tortures and executions. Life certainly had its troubles for the disciples.

3 Promises For Troubled Times

1) The Presence Of God:
No matter where we are in life, whether we are currently in a chapter of distress or a chapter of peace, we do have an assurance of the constant presence of God with us. We truly are never alone when He is near. God’s Holy presence is with us, and the only times we are alone is when we are not spiritually connected to Him, not the other way round. He longs for constant fellowship with us. His promise to Joshua long ago is the same promise to us today: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

2) The Protection Of God:
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Yes, we will face pains and hurts of life in all shapes and sizes, this we will not avoid.
But rest assured, we are not without protection from the arrows of the evil one. God’s presence with us means that we are protected by Him as well! Now, as I say this, we read many stories of Christians who are martyred for their faith around the world…does this mean that God’s protection wasn’t with them? Of course not! I believe God does protect us from the father of lies so that we are not tempted or lost to God’s will. We can choose to fall away, but when we walk with Him, the evil one has no claim on us. Remember too that though evil can befall humanity through acts of violence, the worst it can do is claim our lives which are temporary shells containing an everlasting soul. The evil one is held back by the protection of God upon His people, who are called Sons and Daughters – children of God.

3) The Power Of God
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)
Obviously this verse was written for a specific audience in mind, but it makes it no less true and relevant to us today. When we are weak – He is strong! God’s power is readily available to us when we humble ourselves and stop attempting life in our own strength. God will lift up the fallen. He will strength the weary…and if you and I are one of those today – we can take comfort in knowing that God’s power is here for us.

You may feel beaten up by life. You may feel like giving up, but know that He is presence is here, He will protect you, and His power is here to sustain you!!

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” ThereforeI will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.“

He will lift you up, call out to Him, persevere through your trial, and know that you are loved and called son or daughter of the Most High!

I know a fount, 545

1.
Say, are you weary? Are you heavy laden?
Burdened with sorrow, weighted down with care?
Are you in bondage? Do you want deliverance?
Come, then, with me, there is refuge from despair.

Chorus
I know a fount where sins are washed away,
I know a place where night is turned to day;
Burdens are lifted, blind eyes made to see;
There’s a wonder-working power in the blood of Calvary.

2.
Are you still doubting power to keep from sinning,
Power that can change the heart and make it new?
Are you still longing for a full salvation?
You may receive it and live a life that’s true.

3.
Fettered and bound by chains of self-indulgence,
Missing the blessings God on man bestows,
Seeking for joy but only sorrow finding?
Come to the waters where grace and mercy flow.

4.
Wondrous Deliverer! Sin-forgiving Saviour!
Cleanser of hearts! Unfailing friend and guide!
No one has ever trusted unavailing,
No one has claimed of his love and been denied.

——————————————–
Something more to ponder today!
To God be the glory!

August 18, 2016 0

Book Review: “The Bard And The Bible”

I love going into bookstores.
For me, the feeling of being surrounded by books, perfectly placed on shelves in an array of multicolored backings and bindings is extremely appealing to me! And don’t even get me started on the smell of those pages and bindings, for I have been known to plant my face firmly within those pages as I try to capture the ever inviting fragrance bound there…I’m weird like that, and I won’t apologize.

As I usually wander around the isles of these book stores, I occasionally come across something unique. Something that grabs my attention and it compel me to pick it up and read it. Have you been there? Let me tell you about my recent find: I recently picked up the new devotional by Bob Hostetler that is entitled “The Bard And The Bible” and it’s not like any other 365 day devotionals that you have ever read.

A one of a kind devotional:
Usually, what I have found is that a 365 day devotional is typically a group of randomly selected spiritual thoughts bound together in one book. Well, this devotional isn’t like that at all. In fact, I am really enjoying The Bard and the Bible because of this uniqueness. Hostetler has brought the rich, eloquent phrases of Shakespeare together in a coherent devotional that sheds deeper meaning on many passages of the Bible that we’ve all grown up with.

Now I know what you might be thinking, “a daily devotional with quotes from Shakespeare, will I even understand this book? It sounds too complicated for me.” Let me ease your mind and tell you IT IS NOT! Believe me, this is a great devotional to get you thinking. Yes, it will challenge you, but in a good way! I love history, and in this devotional I not only experienced a spiritual challenge for the day, but I got to learn more about Shakespeare and his plays through the eyes of various characters.

This is a one of kind devotional that I think many will love! It’s one of those soon to be treasured keepsakes (in my opinion) that you will want to pick up with your morning coffee or tea and read. I recently bought my own copy, and I find myself already doing just that!

I give “The Bard and The Bible”

And I recommend you pick up a copy too!
Follow the hyperlink in the title above or go to these other links listed below:

B&N LINK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bard-and-the-bible-bob-hostetler/1123199233?ean=9781617957246

CHRISTIANBOOK.COM LINK : http://www.christianbook.com/bard-and-the-bible-shakespeare-devotional/bob-hostetler/9781617957246/pd/957246?product_redirect=1&Ntt=957246&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28138662-the-bard-and-the-bible?from_search=true&search_version=service

Something more to Ponder today.
God Bless you, and happy reading!

August 16, 2016 0

Should Christians Be Outliers?

Jesus was popular, but He wasn’t mainstream…
The disciples that Jesus called were certainly not insiders…
Many times they did the unexpected, the unusual, the unprecedented, they were outliers.

Jesus even reinforces this when we says: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:19)

As Christians we are called to be outliers in society…ones who are set apart, not blindly accepting of all things, but perhaps viewing everything through the lens of holiness, or the vantage point of Christ-in us. Does this change things, perception of how we see theworld around us? Absolutely! This vantage point doesn’t make us “holier than though!” or better than others, instead it grants us the very compassion of Christ in us to love those around us. In essence, true Christian outliers are completely humble to God and are willing to submit all for His holy purposes on this earth regardless of the outcome. “He must become more and I must become less” should be our mantra, our aim, our goal.

If our goal is to merely become an outsider or outlier and it is devoid of full submission to God, we are fooling ourselves and our purpose will be misaligned. Being an outsider just to be different isn’t the purpose at all…the same can be said for merely becoming counter-cultural in practice – does not make one holy or even a Christian. These things can exist apart of from God’s purpose for us…but if we approach this faith with the understanding that God will have all there is of us – we will be on the right path, a path marked with sacrifice, suffering and even death sometimes. I do not say this to scare anyone, but we must acknowledge that granting God access to the entirety of who we are is a scary proposition. For in that declaration we will be led to and from places we never would have dreamed or even wanted to go. God desires an obedience that isn’t founded in part-time Christianity , but rather is rooted and formed in the servant heart which is sold-out and fully submitted.

Dare I say, many will call themselves outliers and Christ-followers, but few are truly willing to mean these words found in an old time song:
“Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.”
Adelaide A. Pollard, 1907

Something more to ponder today!

August 2, 2016 0

Family Time: Pokemon Go…

I will admit it, I was very skeptical of walking around looking for imaginary creatures with my cell-phone. Everyone looks so funny holding out their phones like they are looking for cell service in a mountain pass somewhere remote. I will also admit that I looked like this – when my older son came home talking about this new app that has been blowing up social media and places all around the world:

I mean really? Kids and even adults staring at their cell phones while they are outdoors…what could ever be wrong with that?
Don’t we already have enough of that already with our families all laying around looking like this:

The cynical side of me says, “oh yeah, that’s all we need, something else on our phones that will distract us from what is right in front of us…”

I honestly felt that way about Pokemon Go…past tense, I don’t feel that way anymore, and I’m ashamed not to admit that I was wrong.

Here’s what I mean:

We Need Family Time!
Families who have had trouble getting their children outside during these beautiful summer days need not face this struggle any longer. All you have to do is embrace this craze called Pokemon Go! Check it out for yourself. This app is available on both the iOS app store as well as the Google Play store. Another great incentive – IT’S FREE!! Once downloaded (and hopefully the servers aren’t overloaded anymore) you can begin walking your neighborhood with your kids looking for these Pokemon. Granted I know nothing about the whole Pokemon story-line, but I do know that my kids are excited to journey outdoors and ACTUALLY walk and get some exercise…

I was impressed that even my 15 year old son who is a “cave dweller” that loves to watch YouTube and hang out in the basement all day unless I force him outside, was excited to go discovering with us using the Pokemon Go App. This is great! We talked, we walked and we found more than just imaginary creatures using a fun little app, we found family time again! The kids were yelling and were only too excited to run towards the next stop on our journey. I’m finding that we are not the only ones caught up in this craze, there were hundreds of kids and families out all over our downtown with their phones out laughing and exploring.

Educational:
Another cool tidbit is this: your children will learn about locations and history as they go exploring. We learned that in our community within one of our cemeteries the first American soldier killed in World War I is buried. This is really cool! Not only is it fun to go exploring but many historical locations house information and education for our kids to discover. That alone makes this not only fun to use, but a tool to teach and to connect with my children.

If you haven’t already, give Pokemon Go…a go.
I am not embarrassed to say that I have enjoyed exploring it with my children.
My first impression was wrong, and I don’t mind if we look like a bunch of nerds walking around with our cell phones out…we’re together, and that’s what really matters.
Have fun, and don’t forget to spend quality time with your children in whatever activity you decide to participate in.

Something more to ponder.
Check this crazy video out – Central Park Filled With Pokemon Go Users

July 18, 2016 0

Dear Salvationists: The Army Of The Broken

The day of The Salvation Army’s Birth or as we call it “Founder’s Day”, I thought it fitting to offer a pondering on who this army is.

We are an army of the broken.
This is not an insult, this is a complement…hear me out:

There are many who come to this Army to serve and to offer themselves, and they come with all of who they are. Many have stories that will break your heart. Many have grown up with all shapes and sizes of brokenness. Brokenness isn’t all that we are. This is how we lead. This is our catalyst that propels us and spurs us onward into this mighty fight, as we pull others who are broken – out of their brokenness through the power of The Holy Spirit. We are broken and yet because of this brokenness, we can be an effective Army for the Lord!

Jesus selected disciples who were not the best in their field.
These disciples also had stories.
They were not the most educated.
They were not top of their class.

Gideon was told by God to select an Army to fight the Midianites.
They started out as 22, 000 strong but ended up with only 300 warriors.
God used this small force to defeat an entire army.

God is still using the small, the weak, the burdened, the broken and the vulnerable.
In our weakness He is truly strong.
His marvelous acts become evidenced in transformed lives living for Him and serving Him every day within This Army of Salvation.

So, dear soldier of this Salvation Army,
do not be ashamed of your scars.
do not be embarrassed by your story.
do not think less of yourself because of your brokenness.
This is our Army!
This is how God works!
He takes our experiences, those hurts, those things that were meant to do us harm and cause is ill and makes them beautiful again! He restores us, and in the restoration process, we are sent out to help others who are broken, because we speak “broken”, we know “broken” and we can shine a light into the unspoken broken places of this world!

In recognition of our Founding today, may we continue to allow the Savior work within our hearts and lives. In our brokenness He is strong! Allow Him also to begin to restore you, as we desire the very image of Christ in our lives!

Happy Founder’s Day you Broken People of The Army – May God continue to Bless This Salvation Army!

July 3, 2016 1

Dear Salvationist – Authentic Acceptance

“We church people sometimes get so ‘respectable’ that hurting people can’t stand to be around us.” (Anderson, “They Smell Like Sheep” p.42)

Could it be so in our Army?
Are there times when we, as corps-bodies of believers- have difficulty accepting new comers into our midst? Don’t be too quick to dismiss this assertion. Don’t rush to say, “well we are always friend”…those kinds of generalities do not always paint an accurate picture. It is true, even in the The Salvation Army, that change is not always easy to embrace. Change can be big stresses like moving corps buildings, but it can also be lesser stresses, yet still considered “change” such as inviting new members into you fold.

Does this quote ring true within our corps?
I’m afraid that it can if we are not cognizant of it.
Even though we fight the label of “Church” (and rightly so), we still offer worship and devotion to God and spiritual development for those we serve. So in essence what we provide to the seeker is an invitation to become a part of the body of Christ – a.k.a the Church…but it is more than that isn’t it? What we do in The Salvation Army isn’t exactly just church services and bible studies during the week. Service is a large part of who we are. But in becoming fully dedicated to service (obviously placing Christ first) are there moments when our acts of service can become viewed as despised by hurting people?

I’m Better Than You!
One of the dangers of wearing the uniform and serving the corps can be “power”. We might not do this consciously but perceived power while in uniform can bring us from humble to prideful in a heartbeat. It is very easy to complain that the dirty, disheveled person coming into our Holiness meeting is just looking for a box of food and anything we will give them. We then hold the power, we then, whether we see it or not can assume a place of superiority of that “wretch” in need. Even the disciples had moments of superiority – sometimes attempting to run of children who wanted to hang out with Jesus because they didn’t want to disturb their teacher. We can fall into this “I’m better than them” mentality if we are not careful. One of the chief dangers in becoming a close knit family in our corps is that if new people come, they are outsider and not truly welcome. Special concerted effort must be given to avoid this trap.

Our goal should be to feed the body and the soul as an Army, regardless of the grime and presumed “sin” associated with the individual seeking help. It was never our job to judge and condemn. It has always been our job to love, accept and include the individual into the body of Christ – our Corps Family.

The transitional process in each corps can be swift while at other corps it can be laborious. If you find that your corps does not handle new comers with love and kindness, then perhaps it’s time to set the record straight with your soldiers and adherents. Our corps halls must never become an exclusive social club that limits or prevents perceived “outsiders” from coming and joining this great family.

Questions to Ponder today:
How does my Corps handle visitors?
Do we welcome them with open arms?
Is there follow-up during the week after their visit?
Do we make every effort to make visitors welcome and feel accepted?
Are there certain Soldiers or Adherents (including myself) that struggles with adapting to new comers?
How can we educate our soldiers and adherents in being more inviting?

The last thing our corps should ever become is a stumbling block to those who are seeking an encounter with Jesus. We are not “Holier than Thou”, we are not “Pharisees” in uniform, we are not an exclusive William Booth Fan club either. Beware of the trappings of belonging to the Army…recapture the heart of Christ in your services to your community! We are an Army of authentic believers accepting anyone who is seeking and searching for Christ and for a family of God to belong to.

Something more for our Army to ponder today!
God Bless you!

May 18, 2016 0

Category: Pondering