Internet Clock!
(Click on the link to go there). Why not bookmark it to keep track of time at the office? At the very least, it's a good conversation piece.
I just love finding these things out there!
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
What Time is it?
Want to know what time it is? You can find out by checking this fascinating
(Click on the link to go there). Why not bookmark it to keep track of time at the office? At the very least, it's a good conversation piece.
I just love finding these things out there!
(Click on the link to go there). Why not bookmark it to keep track of time at the office? At the very least, it's a good conversation piece.
I just love finding these things out there!
Monday, May 30, 2005
Watch that Cloud Cover
We packed our War College students into the car and took a trip today for some Maine sightseeing. Too bad we’ve been having poor weather. Cadillac Mountain doesn’t seem so high when the clouds settle in around your ears! We went up the mountain and right back down again. Nice clouds- not Maine’s best foot forward.
So we headed into Acadia National Park’s tourist trap- Bar Harbor. I’ve never seen it so quiet! If you need a T-shirt from Maine, this is where you go to get it! Lobsters, Moose (Meese?) and everything else you can fit on a shirt. All in all, maybe a couple of post cards were bought by us, but I was finally able to find my replacement Original Whamo Superball which was destroyed by our corps teens almost a year ago! That alone was worth the trip! Heh, heh.
I’ve been thinking about my disappointment today. We might not have been able to see the beautiful view all around us, but it was there anyway. How often Satan blows clouds in to cover up what God is doing around us. We then get disappointed in what we see (or don’t see) and assume God is nowhere to be found. But the reality is, he’s still there- he never left! We just need to take our focus off the clouds and keep moving by faith.
Have you been distracted and maybe disappointed by the clouds all around you? Don’t give up. God’s still there. If you keep moving forward in faith, you’ll come through the clouds soon enough. You can count on it!
So we headed into Acadia National Park’s tourist trap- Bar Harbor. I’ve never seen it so quiet! If you need a T-shirt from Maine, this is where you go to get it! Lobsters, Moose (Meese?) and everything else you can fit on a shirt. All in all, maybe a couple of post cards were bought by us, but I was finally able to find my replacement Original Whamo Superball which was destroyed by our corps teens almost a year ago! That alone was worth the trip! Heh, heh.
I’ve been thinking about my disappointment today. We might not have been able to see the beautiful view all around us, but it was there anyway. How often Satan blows clouds in to cover up what God is doing around us. We then get disappointed in what we see (or don’t see) and assume God is nowhere to be found. But the reality is, he’s still there- he never left! We just need to take our focus off the clouds and keep moving by faith.
Have you been distracted and maybe disappointed by the clouds all around you? Don’t give up. God’s still there. If you keep moving forward in faith, you’ll come through the clouds soon enough. You can count on it!
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Showers of Blessing
Wow! I've never seen so much rain in Bangor. And I've never heard so many comments about rain (mostly negative). As I write, it's been "dry" for about 15 hours, but the sky still looks ominous and the weather report says we're in for some more in the next few days. It can't rain on Memorial Day, we're planning a trip to Cadillac Mountain!
I find myself defending Bangor and its weather! Almost as if I'm irritated that people (especially the students, who are new to the area) think less of Bangor because of this weird rain pattern we've been experiencing. "Bangor's not like that- really!" And to think- just a few months ago, I was one who was complaining big time about Bangor! Well, God has changed my mind and we're very happy to serve here!
On May 22, I blogged about the rain in Bangor and how I believe it is prophetic- God is sending his rain on his people and this is just a sign in the physical. But the more rain we get, the more complaining I hear, because it's causing all kinds of problems- flooding, leaking, sleepiness, etc. So I began to think about this "problem." When it's too dry and we don't have enough water, we complain. When it's too wet and we're flooding, we complain. If it's too hot, we complain. If it's too cold, we complain. Sounds to me like we just want to complain!
This is what I figure: If you're praying for Showers of Blessing, you better be prepared for flooding! God never does anything half-heartedly!
Come on, Yahweh- bring it on!
I find myself defending Bangor and its weather! Almost as if I'm irritated that people (especially the students, who are new to the area) think less of Bangor because of this weird rain pattern we've been experiencing. "Bangor's not like that- really!" And to think- just a few months ago, I was one who was complaining big time about Bangor! Well, God has changed my mind and we're very happy to serve here!
On May 22, I blogged about the rain in Bangor and how I believe it is prophetic- God is sending his rain on his people and this is just a sign in the physical. But the more rain we get, the more complaining I hear, because it's causing all kinds of problems- flooding, leaking, sleepiness, etc. So I began to think about this "problem." When it's too dry and we don't have enough water, we complain. When it's too wet and we're flooding, we complain. If it's too hot, we complain. If it's too cold, we complain. Sounds to me like we just want to complain!
This is what I figure: If you're praying for Showers of Blessing, you better be prepared for flooding! God never does anything half-heartedly!
Come on, Yahweh- bring it on!
Saturday, May 28, 2005
To Band or Not to Band, That is the Question
According to Salvation Army policy for Bands and Songsters, we are not allowed to let someone play in our music forces unless they are saved. I've seen this policy in action cause a positive response from a person. I've also seen it "bent" and seen a similar positive response. For instance:
Person "A" comes to a corps and plays a cornet. They like the band and want to become a part of it. Officer "A" says: "You can't play until you're saved." So person "A" takes the challenge and comes to the corps regularly, seeks after God and finally gets saved. Then they join the band. Hurrah!
Person "B" comes to a corps and plays a cornet. They like the band and want to become a part of it. Officer "B" says: "We welcome your talents into our group." So person "B" joins in, is regularly surrounded by good witness, becomes interested in God and eventually gets saved. Hurrah!
Which one is better? What should our policy be in these circumstances? I have a good idea (which you might hear about in a later post), but what do you think?
Person "A" comes to a corps and plays a cornet. They like the band and want to become a part of it. Officer "A" says: "You can't play until you're saved." So person "A" takes the challenge and comes to the corps regularly, seeks after God and finally gets saved. Then they join the band. Hurrah!
Person "B" comes to a corps and plays a cornet. They like the band and want to become a part of it. Officer "B" says: "We welcome your talents into our group." So person "B" joins in, is regularly surrounded by good witness, becomes interested in God and eventually gets saved. Hurrah!
Which one is better? What should our policy be in these circumstances? I have a good idea (which you might hear about in a later post), but what do you think?
Friday, May 27, 2005
Stay Away from those People I Want you to Hang out with!
Some people have troubles sorting out what God means when he tells us to "Come out from them and be separate [from them]" (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). It seems obvious that we are to get away from sin, but then how do we get people saved in the first place, if we don't hang out with them? And that's a fine line to walk- being with sinners and not sinning! But it's not about staying away from sinners. It's about staying pure in the midst of sin.
When in the presence of non-Christians, we usually expect them to behave as a Christian would. For instance, have you ever asked non-Christians to not swear around you? Now I don't swear and I don't like hearing it, but I realize that it's Christ in me that has lifted me out of that stuff (and lifted that stuff out of me). I can't expect people who don't have that power within to live in that elevated state. When you think about it- how silly is that expectation!? How can you act like a Christian without having Christ in you? It's impossible (in fact, it's a real challenge when you do have Christ in you!).
What we need to do is keep ourselves from being sucked down while modeling what Christ has done in our lives. Believe me, it shows- especially after time when they realize that you don't do those things like they do. You stand out when you act different. So it's not about keeping ourselves from sinners, but keeping ourselves from their influence.
Another part of the issue is taking a stand when those who call themselves Christian, but aren't acting like Christians should, give Christ a bad name by their poor example. Those are people Paul tells us to shun if they don't take your reproach and continue to sully Christ's name. The hope is that they will finally get the message and straighten their lives out. But how often do we just let them go on with their degradation and not call them on it? How many people do you know who "wear the uniform," but everyone knows they're involved in sin? And need we be talking about "big" sins (whatever that means) or can we see that gossip, meanness, stinginess, control, etc. are sins too? We need to come out from them and be separate with the hope that they will repent and return to Christ.
Get out there and associate with those sinners! Hang out with them! Spend time with them! Get to know them! But don't get pulled down by their actions, instead set the example and be a part of Jesus' desire to lift them up to higher ground.
When in the presence of non-Christians, we usually expect them to behave as a Christian would. For instance, have you ever asked non-Christians to not swear around you? Now I don't swear and I don't like hearing it, but I realize that it's Christ in me that has lifted me out of that stuff (and lifted that stuff out of me). I can't expect people who don't have that power within to live in that elevated state. When you think about it- how silly is that expectation!? How can you act like a Christian without having Christ in you? It's impossible (in fact, it's a real challenge when you do have Christ in you!).
What we need to do is keep ourselves from being sucked down while modeling what Christ has done in our lives. Believe me, it shows- especially after time when they realize that you don't do those things like they do. You stand out when you act different. So it's not about keeping ourselves from sinners, but keeping ourselves from their influence.
Another part of the issue is taking a stand when those who call themselves Christian, but aren't acting like Christians should, give Christ a bad name by their poor example. Those are people Paul tells us to shun if they don't take your reproach and continue to sully Christ's name. The hope is that they will finally get the message and straighten their lives out. But how often do we just let them go on with their degradation and not call them on it? How many people do you know who "wear the uniform," but everyone knows they're involved in sin? And need we be talking about "big" sins (whatever that means) or can we see that gossip, meanness, stinginess, control, etc. are sins too? We need to come out from them and be separate with the hope that they will repent and return to Christ.
Get out there and associate with those sinners! Hang out with them! Spend time with them! Get to know them! But don't get pulled down by their actions, instead set the example and be a part of Jesus' desire to lift them up to higher ground.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Communication- What a Concept!
Isn't it amazing how a little misunderstanding can make such a big difference? Yesterday Nicole (our Youth and Music Ministries Pastor) left a message on our corps answering machine. This is what we got from the person listening to the message:
All day long, no Nicole. She missed programs she was involved in and when we called, all we got was her "leave a message." No response. No one seemed to know what was up and where she might be. We all worried a bit throughout the day and continued to call, hoping to reach her and find out what had happened.
About 9:30 PM, the phone rang. It was Nicole- whew! What's was wrong? Nothing. The message she left on the machine was:
Communication- what a concept! Now if we had heard the message as it was supposed to be, no one would have worried.
So how clear are you incommunicating the Gospel message? It's as plain as day, but often people don't get it so simply. They think God is "out to get them." They think God causes all kinds of pain in the world. Where do they get this miscommunication? From those of us (who mean well), who just plain get the message messed up, that's where! What kinds of grief are caused because of this little issue?
Make the message simple and clear. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) as my Dad used to say!
"I've got to pick up my car from the repair shop. I'll be in a little late."
All day long, no Nicole. She missed programs she was involved in and when we called, all we got was her "leave a message." No response. No one seemed to know what was up and where she might be. We all worried a bit throughout the day and continued to call, hoping to reach her and find out what had happened.
About 9:30 PM, the phone rang. It was Nicole- whew! What's was wrong? Nothing. The message she left on the machine was:
"I've had something important come up. I won't be in all day. Please tell people I won't make the programs."
Communication- what a concept! Now if we had heard the message as it was supposed to be, no one would have worried.
So how clear are you incommunicating the Gospel message? It's as plain as day, but often people don't get it so simply. They think God is "out to get them." They think God causes all kinds of pain in the world. Where do they get this miscommunication? From those of us (who mean well), who just plain get the message messed up, that's where! What kinds of grief are caused because of this little issue?
Make the message simple and clear. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) as my Dad used to say!
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Qedosh
Qedosh (ke-DOSH) is Hebrew for "Holy One." It emphasizes God's otherness, separateness and mystery. Isaiah uses the name most often, but other prophets, the books of Psalms and Job use it as well. God gave this name to us to remind us that his very nature is holiness and he exists apart from his creation. His holiness embodies not just separation from sin, but God's absolute hostility toward it.
As God's children we are called to be holy: "Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy" (Leviticus 19:2), but we are only enabled to do so, by God's Spirit living in us. It is God's holiness that manifests itself in us- there is nothing we can do in and of ourselves to become or remain holy. Only by God's awesome grace can we enter into this experience.
In Leviticus 19, God is giving Moses his 10 commandments. All throughout the passage God says "I am the Lord your God," and "I am the Lord." These commands are not just rules for us to follow, but they are a glimpse into God's character. We are to be this way, because he is this way; this is who God is.
God is holy and he wants his people to be holy- separate from sin and set apart as noticeably different. How noticeably different are you?
As God's children we are called to be holy: "Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy" (Leviticus 19:2), but we are only enabled to do so, by God's Spirit living in us. It is God's holiness that manifests itself in us- there is nothing we can do in and of ourselves to become or remain holy. Only by God's awesome grace can we enter into this experience.
In Leviticus 19, God is giving Moses his 10 commandments. All throughout the passage God says "I am the Lord your God," and "I am the Lord." These commands are not just rules for us to follow, but they are a glimpse into God's character. We are to be this way, because he is this way; this is who God is.
God is holy and he wants his people to be holy- separate from sin and set apart as noticeably different. How noticeably different are you?
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
3 Kinds of Tongues!
In my blog on Monday May 9, I asked for a little help finding a book on the gift of tongues from the point of view where everyone who receives the Holy Spirit doesn't have to speak in tongues. I believe tongues is a gift of the Spirit not the gift that everyone receives as evidence of His infilling. In other words, like every other gift, some get it, some don't. Anyway, I did get a book suggestion and I ordered it: "Know Your Spiritual Gifts" by Mark Stibbe.
Immediately upon perusing the book, I noticed the author comes from the traditional Pentecostal view that there are only 9 Gifts of the Spirit . . . Oh no! But then as I began to read the chapter on tongues with Dan in a discipling session, I was completely blown away by our discovery (guided a bit by Mr. Stibbe, but mostly by Holy Spirit, because we found stuff Stibbe didn't mention)! Here's what I'm thinking about it all now, but I'm still processing, so that may change a few times before I settle into a solid view. This is "new" stuff (I've never heard this taught before), so let me know what you think.
Peter Wagner suggests that the gift of tongues is "split" into an "A" and "B" category. In other words, A) the ability to speak to God in a language never learned and B) the ability to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance in a language never learned. "A" is often called a prayer language and does not need to be interpreted. "B" is a prophetic word from God for His people and is sometimes seen as a form of the gift of prophecy. I'd like to suggest that there is a "C" category- C) the ability to speak in an previously unknown human language so that people will understand the Gospel. Here's what I found in our study:
In Acts 2 we find the first New Testament instance of Holy Spirit filling the people of His new church. Scripture says they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. But these tongues were understood! People heard the Gospel message in their native language. These "tongues" had nothing to do with speaking to God (prayer language) or speaking a "word" that needed to be interpreted (prophecy)- they all understood what was being said (no interpretation needed)! The intent of tongues here was so that people could understand the Gospel message. So I'm not sure at all how some can interpret this passage as a prayer language given to all who receive the Spirit.
The next NT instance of people being filled by the Holy Spirit is in Acts 8:14-17. Here we see they were filled with the Spirit, but there is no mention of tongues.
The next NT instance of people being filled by the Holy Spirit is in Acts 10:46. Here, I believe we see the first instance of a prayer language to God, because scripture says they heard them speaking in tongues and "praising God-" no reference to any known language or their words being interpreted. The intent of this kind of tongues is to praise God- and who needs to understand that, but God Himself? It's for Him. He understands it and that's all that matters.
Of course we know of "prophecy-tongues" because Paul speaks very clearly in 1 Corinthians 14:2 of the need for this kind of tongue to be interpreted. But this would obviously not be the case if people already understood what was being said in their native language! Nor if the intent was for God alone.
I've got plenty more thoughts in this area, but this is getting long. Maybe I'll write more in another entry. Let me know what you think.
Immediately upon perusing the book, I noticed the author comes from the traditional Pentecostal view that there are only 9 Gifts of the Spirit . . . Oh no! But then as I began to read the chapter on tongues with Dan in a discipling session, I was completely blown away by our discovery (guided a bit by Mr. Stibbe, but mostly by Holy Spirit, because we found stuff Stibbe didn't mention)! Here's what I'm thinking about it all now, but I'm still processing, so that may change a few times before I settle into a solid view. This is "new" stuff (I've never heard this taught before), so let me know what you think.
Peter Wagner suggests that the gift of tongues is "split" into an "A" and "B" category. In other words, A) the ability to speak to God in a language never learned and B) the ability to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance in a language never learned. "A" is often called a prayer language and does not need to be interpreted. "B" is a prophetic word from God for His people and is sometimes seen as a form of the gift of prophecy. I'd like to suggest that there is a "C" category- C) the ability to speak in an previously unknown human language so that people will understand the Gospel. Here's what I found in our study:
In Acts 2 we find the first New Testament instance of Holy Spirit filling the people of His new church. Scripture says they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. But these tongues were understood! People heard the Gospel message in their native language. These "tongues" had nothing to do with speaking to God (prayer language) or speaking a "word" that needed to be interpreted (prophecy)- they all understood what was being said (no interpretation needed)! The intent of tongues here was so that people could understand the Gospel message. So I'm not sure at all how some can interpret this passage as a prayer language given to all who receive the Spirit.
The next NT instance of people being filled by the Holy Spirit is in Acts 8:14-17. Here we see they were filled with the Spirit, but there is no mention of tongues.
The next NT instance of people being filled by the Holy Spirit is in Acts 10:46. Here, I believe we see the first instance of a prayer language to God, because scripture says they heard them speaking in tongues and "praising God-" no reference to any known language or their words being interpreted. The intent of this kind of tongues is to praise God- and who needs to understand that, but God Himself? It's for Him. He understands it and that's all that matters.
Of course we know of "prophecy-tongues" because Paul speaks very clearly in 1 Corinthians 14:2 of the need for this kind of tongue to be interpreted. But this would obviously not be the case if people already understood what was being said in their native language! Nor if the intent was for God alone.
I've got plenty more thoughts in this area, but this is getting long. Maybe I'll write more in another entry. Let me know what you think.
Monday, May 23, 2005
How do You Get a Policeman's Attention?
Before coming to Bangor, Travis blogged about some day getting a policeman saved. Since coming to Bangor, I mentioned the easiest way to get a policeman's attention, is to get stopped while driving.
I guess Travis doesn't understand my humor yet . . .
We had just picked up one of the 15 passenger vans, so I was driving in the minivan ahead of Travis. He was headed to the Family Store, so I watched him turn in my rear-view mirror. Just after him, I saw a police car turn as well. My brow wrinkled, as it often does when I see a police car.
When I saw his lights begin to flash, I knew he was pulling Travis over! So I did a quick turn around down a side street and headed back to see what the problem was.
Right in front of our store sat Travis with the van door open and a policeman asking him for his license, etc. Apparently he had run a red light while watching where to turn to get to our Store.
Oh, did I mention Travis didn't have his license with him?
Bottom line: they gave him mercy! No ticket, once they checked that he wasn't on some wanted list! Travis did show him his Bible, when he asked if his name in it would suffice as ID (it did not). So now the ice is broken, Travis. Next time, maybe you'll feel comfortable enough to talk to him about Jesus . . .
Next time?
Well, now we have Travis' official "Welcome to Bangor" story. Last year, Jon had almost burned down the corps building by this time!
Isn't it good that God is so generous with his mercy? We're terribly guilty, but he's always willing to drop the charges if we just plead his Son's blood.
And God never asks for your driver's license.
I guess Travis doesn't understand my humor yet . . .
We had just picked up one of the 15 passenger vans, so I was driving in the minivan ahead of Travis. He was headed to the Family Store, so I watched him turn in my rear-view mirror. Just after him, I saw a police car turn as well. My brow wrinkled, as it often does when I see a police car.
When I saw his lights begin to flash, I knew he was pulling Travis over! So I did a quick turn around down a side street and headed back to see what the problem was.
Right in front of our store sat Travis with the van door open and a policeman asking him for his license, etc. Apparently he had run a red light while watching where to turn to get to our Store.
Oh, did I mention Travis didn't have his license with him?
Bottom line: they gave him mercy! No ticket, once they checked that he wasn't on some wanted list! Travis did show him his Bible, when he asked if his name in it would suffice as ID (it did not). So now the ice is broken, Travis. Next time, maybe you'll feel comfortable enough to talk to him about Jesus . . .
Next time?
Well, now we have Travis' official "Welcome to Bangor" story. Last year, Jon had almost burned down the corps building by this time!
Isn't it good that God is so generous with his mercy? We're terribly guilty, but he's always willing to drop the charges if we just plead his Son's blood.
And God never asks for your driver's license.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
It's Been Raining in Bangor
If you've been watching the weather in the Northeast US, you'll know that Bangor has been very wet lately- we're drowning in a lot of rain (must be the students brought it with them from Vancouver!). But that's not what I'm referring to!
This morning I was listening to Lindell Cooley during my prayer/worship time at the corps and one of the songs seemed to grab me- actually, Holy Spirit did the grabbing. The music is extremely powerful even though there aren't too many words to the piece:
All of a sudden, my prayer experience was stepped up a lot. God was there manifesting his presence and giving the words being sung a rhema effect (the words were immediately powerfully applicable directly to my situation- as if they were written and sung just for me right at that moment [I love it when God does that!]). Beyond the obvious, I knew with no shadow of doubt that God has been sending His Rain on His people in our Bangor corps for the last three Sundays now. When this happens, it is awesome! And it is one of our corps mission goals: "To actively seek God's Presence and live in it as often as possible."
Oh, we had quite a few faux pas this morning, but none of them mattered at all- we went right on with things and kept our Enemy from hindering what God had planned for us to receive. We missed all our teens (they were all at Youth Councils this weekend, 20 in total), the praise band (we had to use an iWorship DVD, which is fine, but not the same as live) and the band was seriously depleted (including a couple of MIAs), but we already heard they were seriously blessed too!
So if you're looking for a place to worship where God shows up (in person), you might want to try to get to Bangor! I know it's a bit of a trip for most, but for God, anything's worth it, right?! We're expecting God to show up again next week- and isn't that a good part of why he does?
Send Your Rain, O Lord, to Your people! We're soaking up all those showers of blessing!
This morning I was listening to Lindell Cooley during my prayer/worship time at the corps and one of the songs seemed to grab me- actually, Holy Spirit did the grabbing. The music is extremely powerful even though there aren't too many words to the piece:
Send Your Rain, Oh Lord (2x)
Send Your Rain to Your people.
All of a sudden, my prayer experience was stepped up a lot. God was there manifesting his presence and giving the words being sung a rhema effect (the words were immediately powerfully applicable directly to my situation- as if they were written and sung just for me right at that moment [I love it when God does that!]). Beyond the obvious, I knew with no shadow of doubt that God has been sending His Rain on His people in our Bangor corps for the last three Sundays now. When this happens, it is awesome! And it is one of our corps mission goals: "To actively seek God's Presence and live in it as often as possible."
Oh, we had quite a few faux pas this morning, but none of them mattered at all- we went right on with things and kept our Enemy from hindering what God had planned for us to receive. We missed all our teens (they were all at Youth Councils this weekend, 20 in total), the praise band (we had to use an iWorship DVD, which is fine, but not the same as live) and the band was seriously depleted (including a couple of MIAs), but we already heard they were seriously blessed too!
So if you're looking for a place to worship where God shows up (in person), you might want to try to get to Bangor! I know it's a bit of a trip for most, but for God, anything's worth it, right?! We're expecting God to show up again next week- and isn't that a good part of why he does?
Send Your Rain, O Lord, to Your people! We're soaking up all those showers of blessing!
Saturday, May 21, 2005
What do You Fear to Lose?
I am an unabashed Star Wars fan! Actually, I'm a SciFi fan and Star Wars is just good SciFi.
I got to see the new movie on opening day- not the midnight showing, mind you, but I did get to see it before the day was out. It almost didn't happen that first day, but that's another story I'm not interested in telling right now!
Here's what will probably be my favorite quote from Episode III:
This quote is certainly a throught-provoker! What do I fear to lose? What if I did lose it? What then? What would I do? One of the keys to the answer lies in the word "fear." Fear is not of God; when we experience fear, we are under the attack of our old Enemy. We should learn to recognize fear immediately and deal with it quickly. And we should not put ourselves in places where fear is encouraged (like scary movies, etc). Fear is not a fruit of the Spirit, rather a blow of The Enemy. Peace is God's answer and should be our first line of defense.
Many of us, myself included, need to keep a close watch on those things that sneak up on our affections. When they begin to vie for too high a place in our lives, we better be prepared to let them go or they will begin to control us (as Anakin experienced). Nothing but God should be held with too tight a fist.
I got to see the new movie on opening day- not the midnight showing, mind you, but I did get to see it before the day was out. It almost didn't happen that first day, but that's another story I'm not interested in telling right now!
Here's what will probably be my favorite quote from Episode III:
"Train yourself to let go of the things you fear to lose." - Yoda
This quote is certainly a throught-provoker! What do I fear to lose? What if I did lose it? What then? What would I do? One of the keys to the answer lies in the word "fear." Fear is not of God; when we experience fear, we are under the attack of our old Enemy. We should learn to recognize fear immediately and deal with it quickly. And we should not put ourselves in places where fear is encouraged (like scary movies, etc). Fear is not a fruit of the Spirit, rather a blow of The Enemy. Peace is God's answer and should be our first line of defense.
Many of us, myself included, need to keep a close watch on those things that sneak up on our affections. When they begin to vie for too high a place in our lives, we better be prepared to let them go or they will begin to control us (as Anakin experienced). Nothing but God should be held with too tight a fist.
Friday, May 20, 2005
'Twas the Night Before Moves Came out
(with appropriate apologies)
T'was the night before moves came out, when all through New England,
Not an soldier was stirring, not even the YPSM;
The stockings were hung in the bathroom with care,
In hopes that the Maytag repairman soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of moving trucks danced in their heads;
And Mamma in her epaulets and I in my cap,
Had just scheduled our calendar for the long summer's gap.
When down at the office there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the quarters to see what was the matter.
Away to the fax machine I flew with my hunch,
Tore open the DHQ envelope and threw up my lunch.
My heart beat so quickly, I awkwardly dipped,
And dropped all it's contents to the floor as I slipped,
Then what to my wandering eyes should make wary,
But a business-sized letter from the Field Secretary.
With that curl of the ink on the envelope full of drama,
I knew in a moment it must be from St. Barbara.
More rapid than when filing statistics I waved like a flame,
And I whistled and shouted when I saw not my name:
"Now, Barter! now, Bennett! now, Collins and Lyle!
On, Pelletier! on Dansereau! on, Streck and Camuti!
To the top of the territory! to the top of the Corps Hall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As an officer without his cap turns the corner ahead,
When he meets with the D.C. in obvious dread,
So out to the moving companies the officers they flew,
With their homes full of boxes and all the kids too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the phone,
The gabbing and guessing of each little drone.
As I drew in my breath and was headed for home,
Down the driveway a mystery man came with a tome.
He was dressed all in uniform, from his head to his foot,
But his shoes were not polished- they looked covered in soot;
A bundle of paper-work he had flung in his trunk
And he looked like an auditor with his financial junk!
His eyes- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
He seemed to enjoy this surprise visit so very!
His tape player was blaring so loudly and bland
He was listening to the latest from the New York Staff Band!
When he opened the car door, his wife pushed him out
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of my doubt;
That look in his eye and that cock of his head
Soon gave me to know I had something to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
And filled out my Marching Orders- I felt just like a jerk,
And laying a finger aside of his nose
He pulled out a tissue and blew like a hose.
The stump of a pencil he held tight in his fingers
And the tip was quite dull from his last minute figures.
He tore off a sheet from the pad in his hand,
And handed me orders, to a faraway land!
He sprang to his Chevy, though his wife had the hick-ups,
Away they both flew like they were headed for pick-ups.
But I heard him exclaim, as he drove with his wife:
"Happy Moving to all and to all a good life!"
T'was the night before moves came out, when all through New England,
Not an soldier was stirring, not even the YPSM;
The stockings were hung in the bathroom with care,
In hopes that the Maytag repairman soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of moving trucks danced in their heads;
And Mamma in her epaulets and I in my cap,
Had just scheduled our calendar for the long summer's gap.
When down at the office there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the quarters to see what was the matter.
Away to the fax machine I flew with my hunch,
Tore open the DHQ envelope and threw up my lunch.
My heart beat so quickly, I awkwardly dipped,
And dropped all it's contents to the floor as I slipped,
Then what to my wandering eyes should make wary,
But a business-sized letter from the Field Secretary.
With that curl of the ink on the envelope full of drama,
I knew in a moment it must be from St. Barbara.
More rapid than when filing statistics I waved like a flame,
And I whistled and shouted when I saw not my name:
"Now, Barter! now, Bennett! now, Collins and Lyle!
On, Pelletier! on Dansereau! on, Streck and Camuti!
To the top of the territory! to the top of the Corps Hall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As an officer without his cap turns the corner ahead,
When he meets with the D.C. in obvious dread,
So out to the moving companies the officers they flew,
With their homes full of boxes and all the kids too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the phone,
The gabbing and guessing of each little drone.
As I drew in my breath and was headed for home,
Down the driveway a mystery man came with a tome.
He was dressed all in uniform, from his head to his foot,
But his shoes were not polished- they looked covered in soot;
A bundle of paper-work he had flung in his trunk
And he looked like an auditor with his financial junk!
His eyes- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
He seemed to enjoy this surprise visit so very!
His tape player was blaring so loudly and bland
He was listening to the latest from the New York Staff Band!
When he opened the car door, his wife pushed him out
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of my doubt;
That look in his eye and that cock of his head
Soon gave me to know I had something to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
And filled out my Marching Orders- I felt just like a jerk,
And laying a finger aside of his nose
He pulled out a tissue and blew like a hose.
The stump of a pencil he held tight in his fingers
And the tip was quite dull from his last minute figures.
He tore off a sheet from the pad in his hand,
And handed me orders, to a faraway land!
He sprang to his Chevy, though his wife had the hick-ups,
Away they both flew like they were headed for pick-ups.
But I heard him exclaim, as he drove with his wife:
"Happy Moving to all and to all a good life!"
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
A Trip To Bangor, via Boston
I just got back from a day at the Boston airport, picking up Travis and Tara. I didn't expect it would take the whole day, but after they held Tara in Canada for fear of her being an international terrorist . . . gotcha- not really. But she did miss her flight because they kept her in customs too long. She arrived at the gate mere seconds after they closed the door and the plane left the gate with Travis wondering what had happened to his travel partner! Grrr! Deep breaths, Tara!
So Travis came into the USA first and Tara had to wait about 5 extra hours in Toronto before catching the next flight to Boston. Oh well, nothing to get too worked up about- Travis and I just headed to a local mall and TSA Thrift Store to pass the time (ask Travis about the shirt he bought!). Before we knew it, we were all heading to Maine up route 95 on a 3 hour tour- a three hour tour. The weather started getting rough- Oh, sorry.
They tried to make it the whole way without falling asleep (to get acclimated to their new time zone), but they were not successful! In fact, Travis may have whiplash due to his head flopping around as he kept dozing off! In the end, what should have been about a 7 hour round trip lasted about 15 hours! {sigh}
Tomorrow morning, they get to sleep in and get moved into their new digs. We'll get together after lunch and begin the mission of winning the world, starting in Bangor!
So Travis came into the USA first and Tara had to wait about 5 extra hours in Toronto before catching the next flight to Boston. Oh well, nothing to get too worked up about- Travis and I just headed to a local mall and TSA Thrift Store to pass the time (ask Travis about the shirt he bought!). Before we knew it, we were all heading to Maine up route 95 on a 3 hour tour- a three hour tour. The weather started getting rough- Oh, sorry.
They tried to make it the whole way without falling asleep (to get acclimated to their new time zone), but they were not successful! In fact, Travis may have whiplash due to his head flopping around as he kept dozing off! In the end, what should have been about a 7 hour round trip lasted about 15 hours! {sigh}
Tomorrow morning, they get to sleep in and get moved into their new digs. We'll get together after lunch and begin the mission of winning the world, starting in Bangor!
Monday, May 16, 2005
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Inherited Deadwood
Two days ago, I blogged a bit about the Soldier transfer process. I got a couple of comments and one asked a good question I was going to answer as a comment, but decided it should be posted under its own entry. In my own words, this is the question:
First, some housekeeping: 1) A "Deadwood Soldier" is a person who was made a soldier under someone else's tenure and either they shouldn't have been made a soldier in the first place (I have led a Soldier to Christ for the first time before) or they have backslidden from their initial commitment to God and The Army. Either they no longer attend faithfully or they have developed into wonderful pew-warmers (who usually have a lot to say about what goes on in the corps). In other words, they remain on the rolls, but are effectively "deadwood." 2) I will assume the word "you" here means me- not "what would 'one' do..." This means my response is my own answer and not some politically correct answer I am trying to be safe with.
The prophetic side of me wants to cut them off ASAP. Basically tell them: "get out- what are you wasting space for?" But that is not the answer I believe Jesus would give and it's not the way I have ever handled anyone. So I respond from my pastoral side. I believe if God allows them to come, they deserve my attention and prayer in order to get them on the right track. I don't want to see a single person under my ministry lost and usually go to great lengths to deal with them. However, I have seen God remove people from our fellowship- usually he urges them to leave on their own and I consider that God's blessing of relief. When that happens, I will not chase them down and try to get them back, if I feel they are harmful to the larger body. Rather, I trust God to deal with them as appropriate.
Often it's not the people's fault if they are not taught truth. How can they know truth if they've never heard it in the first place? The under-shepherd (CO, pastor) is responsible and I believe God will hold each of us who take this position accountable one day. It is a huge responsibilty to be in a place of such leadership and should not be taken lightly!
It takes time to change direction. If I am driving a small waterski, I can turn around very quickly. If I have one passenger, it takes a little longer (assuming I want to keep the passenger on board!). The more passengers I have or the larger the boat, the slower the turn needs to be to keep everyone from falling off. If a huge aircraft carrier takes miles to turn around, imagine the time it takes to turn a whole corps!
So I realize that leading people to change (my ultimate task as a CO) is going to take time. I must be committed to this change and everything I do must point in the same direction I believe we need to be headed. I need to start where they are, practice what I preach, and pray, pray, pray! Only the Holy Spirit can bring about real change in people.
On my first Sunday in Bangor, my CSM came in the building early to get things ready, which is his usual practice. He found me praying in the chapel, having been there long before he arrived. From that moment on, I "had" this man of God; he knew he could trust me and I've seen his loyalty. He has said: "I don't always understand what you're doing, but I trust you know what you're doing!" By the way, every Sunday I'm in Bangor since that first Sunday, you'll find me in the chapel early- fasting and praying. God answers prayer, so I'm seeing the fruit of my efforts.
I believe we should never give up on people and even the worst can be "rehabilitated." I've seen it too many times and I know the power of Yahweh!
What do you do with the "Deadwood Soldiers" you inherit?
First, some housekeeping: 1) A "Deadwood Soldier" is a person who was made a soldier under someone else's tenure and either they shouldn't have been made a soldier in the first place (I have led a Soldier to Christ for the first time before) or they have backslidden from their initial commitment to God and The Army. Either they no longer attend faithfully or they have developed into wonderful pew-warmers (who usually have a lot to say about what goes on in the corps). In other words, they remain on the rolls, but are effectively "deadwood." 2) I will assume the word "you" here means me- not "what would 'one' do..." This means my response is my own answer and not some politically correct answer I am trying to be safe with.
The prophetic side of me wants to cut them off ASAP. Basically tell them: "get out- what are you wasting space for?" But that is not the answer I believe Jesus would give and it's not the way I have ever handled anyone. So I respond from my pastoral side. I believe if God allows them to come, they deserve my attention and prayer in order to get them on the right track. I don't want to see a single person under my ministry lost and usually go to great lengths to deal with them. However, I have seen God remove people from our fellowship- usually he urges them to leave on their own and I consider that God's blessing of relief. When that happens, I will not chase them down and try to get them back, if I feel they are harmful to the larger body. Rather, I trust God to deal with them as appropriate.
Often it's not the people's fault if they are not taught truth. How can they know truth if they've never heard it in the first place? The under-shepherd (CO, pastor) is responsible and I believe God will hold each of us who take this position accountable one day. It is a huge responsibilty to be in a place of such leadership and should not be taken lightly!
It takes time to change direction. If I am driving a small waterski, I can turn around very quickly. If I have one passenger, it takes a little longer (assuming I want to keep the passenger on board!). The more passengers I have or the larger the boat, the slower the turn needs to be to keep everyone from falling off. If a huge aircraft carrier takes miles to turn around, imagine the time it takes to turn a whole corps!
So I realize that leading people to change (my ultimate task as a CO) is going to take time. I must be committed to this change and everything I do must point in the same direction I believe we need to be headed. I need to start where they are, practice what I preach, and pray, pray, pray! Only the Holy Spirit can bring about real change in people.
On my first Sunday in Bangor, my CSM came in the building early to get things ready, which is his usual practice. He found me praying in the chapel, having been there long before he arrived. From that moment on, I "had" this man of God; he knew he could trust me and I've seen his loyalty. He has said: "I don't always understand what you're doing, but I trust you know what you're doing!" By the way, every Sunday I'm in Bangor since that first Sunday, you'll find me in the chapel early- fasting and praying. God answers prayer, so I'm seeing the fruit of my efforts.
I believe we should never give up on people and even the worst can be "rehabilitated." I've seen it too many times and I know the power of Yahweh!
Jesus teld us to let the weeds grow with the good plants. In the end God will sort them all out- it's not out job. Have you ever noticed that the weeds never become good plants? Eventually, I believe we'll either see deadwood come around and grow new shoots again or it will die of its own accord- refusing to hear and heed God's truth.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
What do You See?
Concentrate on the 4 dots in the middle of the picture for about 30 seconds. Then close your eyes. Keep them closed for a few seconds and you will begin to see a circle of light. Continue looking at the circle. What do you see?
Friday, May 13, 2005
The Soldier Transfer Process
Debbie got me thinking recently about our Army's Soldier Transfer process. Here's what usually happens:
1) A Soldier moves into a new community.
2) They start attending a new corps.
3) They ask to have their soldiership papers transferred from their old corps.
4) A letter is written and the papers are sent to the new corps.
Sounds fairly simple, right? Well as far as the transfer goes, it is. But the question remains: Who is this person and what kind of soldier are they? Do they even remotely resemble the kind of soldier you desire to fight beside? Are you just transferring one corps problem to another corps? Is the other corps sorry to see them go or are they quietly rejoicing over their blessed relief (I've never gotten a letter telling me I don't want this person on my roles, but I have been sorry I received one or two)?
We are in the process of rebuilding a healthy corps. We have been sick for many years- terminally so. If nothing had been done, we were headed toward an inglorious death- all the while sadly reminiscing about "the good old days." Praise the Lord, that has changed and we are heading in a new direction- toward life and winning the world for Jesus!
I don't make soldiers who sit. I will not swear-in a soldier who doesn't show their willingness to be an active soldier. We work at helping them find a place to fit their giftedness into our mix. However, I have discovered I need to be as watchful and dedicated in my transfer-in process.
From now on, I will call or write the previous corps to "get the whole story" on transfers. I will also hold tightly to a trial period for requested transfers. If they show their salvation; if they show their activity and involvement; if they show their willingness to join in our fight instead of fighting against us (which is where this whole blog came from)- then and only then will I consider bringing them onto our rolls. It won't just happen because it is requested.
We're all about crafting a warrior elite for Jesus. I'm not interested in defeated warriors (or defeating warriors, for that matter)!
1) A Soldier moves into a new community.
2) They start attending a new corps.
3) They ask to have their soldiership papers transferred from their old corps.
4) A letter is written and the papers are sent to the new corps.
Sounds fairly simple, right? Well as far as the transfer goes, it is. But the question remains: Who is this person and what kind of soldier are they? Do they even remotely resemble the kind of soldier you desire to fight beside? Are you just transferring one corps problem to another corps? Is the other corps sorry to see them go or are they quietly rejoicing over their blessed relief (I've never gotten a letter telling me I don't want this person on my roles, but I have been sorry I received one or two)?
We are in the process of rebuilding a healthy corps. We have been sick for many years- terminally so. If nothing had been done, we were headed toward an inglorious death- all the while sadly reminiscing about "the good old days." Praise the Lord, that has changed and we are heading in a new direction- toward life and winning the world for Jesus!
I don't make soldiers who sit. I will not swear-in a soldier who doesn't show their willingness to be an active soldier. We work at helping them find a place to fit their giftedness into our mix. However, I have discovered I need to be as watchful and dedicated in my transfer-in process.
From now on, I will call or write the previous corps to "get the whole story" on transfers. I will also hold tightly to a trial period for requested transfers. If they show their salvation; if they show their activity and involvement; if they show their willingness to join in our fight instead of fighting against us (which is where this whole blog came from)- then and only then will I consider bringing them onto our rolls. It won't just happen because it is requested.
We're all about crafting a warrior elite for Jesus. I'm not interested in defeated warriors (or defeating warriors, for that matter)!
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Disappointed?
Disappointment is nothing but a premature conclusion, causing you to stop reading before the story's end, making you abandon your hope in God and enfeebling your ability to pray. - Ann Spangler
When you get that overwhelming feeling that there's just too much to do . . . When you sense there's no way out . . . When you feel hopeless about your situation . . . That's just The Enemy causing you to doubt the God you trust in. Giving you the desire to "get off the train in the middle of the tunnel." And that's the last thing you should do when faced with any of these (or similar) feelings.
Read any good story and you'll see the same situation. Once you care about the lead character, s/he experiences some devastating event that should cause them to give up. But they do not. The struggle only encourages them to work that much harder to overcome it.
It's the same with our spiritual lives. You should never give up in the middle of things- the victorious end is just around the corner. You just need to trust God a little longer and allow him to expand your faith through the situation. And never stop praying!
Don't jump to a premature conclusion because you're disappointed in your circumstances. That's when you should expect God's deliverance.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Exegeting a Community
To understand what is going on in any community, one must begin a procedure of looking critically at that community. Too often the church comes into a neighborhood deciding what is best for them and then embarking on a project to fix things. This is usually done with very little study or deep understanding of what factors have made the community what it is. We often come to the conclusion that we have all the answers, without even looking for specific problems!
Herein is a process that can be used in any community to understand what is really going on and open our eyes to see the true picture.
A. Study the Present
To some extent, this is what any church or social change group does as it enters a community. However, I believe this is a more important step than just going through the neighborhood with a survey sheet, developed with a conclusion already in mind or with the purpose of proving your particular ministry is necessary. There is much more to it than that. Here are two things to consider:
1. Observation
Observation entails getting an accurate image of what the community currently is. While many ways are available to observe what is going on in a community, these three important components must be included.
a. Walk Around. This is a good place to start. Get a map, get familiar with it, then spend time (lots of it!) walking around your community. One cannot get to know a community from a distance or even driving through it. We must get our information first-hand and in person. An authenticity comes with actually being there that we cannot glean from any other source. Take notice of anything that catches your attention and take notes.
b. Look for Opposites. Look for things happening that are opposites of Godly characteristics and desires. If Satan is in control, one of the things he does is direct a community (or person, for that matter) away from God’s purpose and desires for that community to the opposite. Often it is obvious, when we are looking for it. For instance, if we find much brokenness and hurt in a community, perhaps God’s design is for it to be a place of healing.
This is based on the concept that God has a redemptive gift(s) for every city. Like spiritual gifts for individuals, redemptive gifts reveal God’s plan and purpose for a city.[1] Knowing God’s specific design for a city is important in directing our prayers to be in line with God’s will and eventually accomplishing his purposes.
c. Prayer-walk. While some praying can be done when walking around, I recommend prayer-walking be done as a separate step. Prayer-walking is defined as “praying on site, with insight”[2] and we need to have good information about the area before we begin to pray seriously. Prayer-walking allows God to speak to us about specifics relating to places or people and can even develop into a vital evangelistic effort.
Still, these things alone are not enough to fully learn what is going on in a community. Once we familiarize ourselves with the physical area, we then need to dig deeper in other ways.
2. Research
This step is where we put some of our walking experience to work combining it with what we can get from other resources and people.
a. Talk to People. You’re not the only one who has learned something about your community. Talk to others about their insights. Glean from their experience and knowledge. Include people who have any kind of connection with your community. The more varied the people we talk with, the wider the useful information we will gather. One should keep a notebook of contacts and conversations.
b. Listen. While talking with people, really listen to what they have to say. Keep your “ear to the ground” and pick up as much information as possible from as many sources as can be found. We may deem much of what we hear gossip or useless, but we can weed it out later.
c. Read Current Area Papers and Publications. Finally, get your hands on all the community newsletters, social action group publications, political brochures and newspapers available. These are loaded with a wide variety of information that will possibly prove invaluable to your research.
Now that we’ve armed ourselves with all the current information we can possibly find relating to the community, it’s time to begin looking at what has gone on before.
B. Study the History
Since we will probably need to address corporate sin and corporate sin develops in the past, we must look back to discover the things that have happened that caused the current situation of our community. There are at least three ways to do this.
1. Formal, Written History
Go to the library. Look over the selection of books about the history of your community. I am sure there will be many. Perhaps you can find a local historical society that can provide help also. As you read, remember that history is always colored by the author and his purpose for writing. Therefore you may need to read between the lines. I find it rare that you will find references to instances of social injustice or mistreatment of immigrants. Of course, you will find the large events that made the headlines, but smaller incidents were usually kept quiet. These things will be harder to find and yet they can be the very things that should be addressed.
2. Informal, Oral History
Now we move back to talking with people. Look for people who have been around for a long time. The elderly often have many great stories and are only too willing to share them with anyone! What a great way to incorporate friendly visitation with their need to share the past. Let them know how beneficial their input will be for your project.
Their information will be invaluable. They will remember the things that didn’t get printed in the books and papers. Their stories will often fill the gaps that developed in your historical reading.
3. Revelation by the Holy Spirit
With all your research, you will still not be able to find everything. Quite possibly you will not even be able to find the very things which need addressing the most. The advantage of the Christian, is that you have the resource of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you to very specific information that you cannot conceivably find anywhere else.
Spend time in prayer alone and in groups asking God to show you what He wants you to know. Always taking the time to listen carefully for His leading. Look for confirmation from others so that you don’t end up chasing your own imaginations.
In one community, we received much special information from the Holy Spirit. In interdenominational prayer groups we placed these findings before the group for discernment before we acted on them. Nevertheless, always wait for God’s timing and leading before stepping out in any action.
C. Spiritual Mapping
You have already begun collecting data and information about what is (and has been) physically happening in your community. This should continue, but on a different front-- the spiritual dimension.
What is Spiritual Mapping? George Otis, Jr. defines spiritual mapping this way:
“The discipline of diagnosing the obstacles to revival in a given community. Through fervent prayer and diligent research, practitioners are able to measure the landscape of the spiritual dimension and discern moral gateways between it and the material world.”[3]
Since this just an overview on spiritual mapping, I will keep this section brief. I have listed some reference books in the bibliography which will give further information if and when God sends you in this direction.
1. Discerning What God is Doing
The assumption in spiritual mapping, is that we “go around looking for the evil the devil is doing” in a community. While this is partially true, the first step is to “go around looking for the good God is doing” in a community. All spiritual warfare must begin with God’s design and plan.
Unfortunately, many churches in any given community are woefully unaware of what God is doing outside their own doors and inward-looking self-interests. While God’s work in any particular church is important, it is only a small piece of His work in the greater community. There needs to be a connection to the larger body of Christ in a community. God’s plan is bigger than any single church. His plan always includes His entire body. This problem has grown so large in the church today that it usually develops into a generational sin of the church against the community.
The solution takes the form of united meetings of various kind. Prayer meetings, praise meetings, worship meetings, dinner meetings-- any way to get the larger body of Christ to share in the greater picture. In these ways, individual churches can stop “navel-gazing” and focus on God’s greater plan. Focusing on the forest instead of the trees makes for a totally different kind of picture.
Connectivity and unity in the church bring about the reality of God’s purpose and plan for a community. Christians begin to truly discern what good God is doing in a community.
But, whether we like it or not, the other half of this process, is in fact:
2. Discerning What Satan is Doing
Spiritual mapping (or spiritual warfare, for that matter) is not about glorifying the devil’s work. Ignoring Satan is usually just what he wants! The Scriptures tell us to be wise and discerning of the enemy’s tactics against us. How can we fight in any battle if we are unaware of what the enemy is doing or planning?
Looking at information already gathered, you can begin putting together the puzzle of the devil’s work in your community. You will find that current situations are direct results of past activities and events. You will also find that Satan works hard to direct the entire area to the very opposite of what God wants. Evil does not just happen. The master of evil has planned and orchestrated much of it. He has lots of patience and is willing to wait long periods (even over generations) to see his desires accomplished.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
John Dawson, Healing America’s Wounds, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1994).
Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick, Prayer-walking, (Orlando, FL: Creation House, 1993).
Cindy Jacobs, Possessing the Gates of the Enemy, (Grand Rapids, MI: Chosen Books, 1994).
George Otis, Jr., Informed Intercession, (Ventura, CA: Renew Books, 1999).
C. Peter Wagner, Breaking Strongholds in Your City, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1993).
C. Peter Wagner, Engaging the Enemy, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1991).
Footnotes
[1] For further information on redemptive gifts, read: C. Peter Wagner, Breaking Strongholds in Your City, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1993), p. 56.
[2] Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick, Prayer-walking: Praying on Site with Insight, (Orlando, FL: Creation House, 1993).
[3] George Otis, Jr., Informed Intercession, (Ventura, CA: Renew Books, 1999), p. 256.
Herein is a process that can be used in any community to understand what is really going on and open our eyes to see the true picture.
A. Study the Present
To some extent, this is what any church or social change group does as it enters a community. However, I believe this is a more important step than just going through the neighborhood with a survey sheet, developed with a conclusion already in mind or with the purpose of proving your particular ministry is necessary. There is much more to it than that. Here are two things to consider:
1. Observation
Observation entails getting an accurate image of what the community currently is. While many ways are available to observe what is going on in a community, these three important components must be included.
a. Walk Around. This is a good place to start. Get a map, get familiar with it, then spend time (lots of it!) walking around your community. One cannot get to know a community from a distance or even driving through it. We must get our information first-hand and in person. An authenticity comes with actually being there that we cannot glean from any other source. Take notice of anything that catches your attention and take notes.
b. Look for Opposites. Look for things happening that are opposites of Godly characteristics and desires. If Satan is in control, one of the things he does is direct a community (or person, for that matter) away from God’s purpose and desires for that community to the opposite. Often it is obvious, when we are looking for it. For instance, if we find much brokenness and hurt in a community, perhaps God’s design is for it to be a place of healing.
This is based on the concept that God has a redemptive gift(s) for every city. Like spiritual gifts for individuals, redemptive gifts reveal God’s plan and purpose for a city.[1] Knowing God’s specific design for a city is important in directing our prayers to be in line with God’s will and eventually accomplishing his purposes.
c. Prayer-walk. While some praying can be done when walking around, I recommend prayer-walking be done as a separate step. Prayer-walking is defined as “praying on site, with insight”[2] and we need to have good information about the area before we begin to pray seriously. Prayer-walking allows God to speak to us about specifics relating to places or people and can even develop into a vital evangelistic effort.
Still, these things alone are not enough to fully learn what is going on in a community. Once we familiarize ourselves with the physical area, we then need to dig deeper in other ways.
2. Research
This step is where we put some of our walking experience to work combining it with what we can get from other resources and people.
a. Talk to People. You’re not the only one who has learned something about your community. Talk to others about their insights. Glean from their experience and knowledge. Include people who have any kind of connection with your community. The more varied the people we talk with, the wider the useful information we will gather. One should keep a notebook of contacts and conversations.
b. Listen. While talking with people, really listen to what they have to say. Keep your “ear to the ground” and pick up as much information as possible from as many sources as can be found. We may deem much of what we hear gossip or useless, but we can weed it out later.
c. Read Current Area Papers and Publications. Finally, get your hands on all the community newsletters, social action group publications, political brochures and newspapers available. These are loaded with a wide variety of information that will possibly prove invaluable to your research.
Now that we’ve armed ourselves with all the current information we can possibly find relating to the community, it’s time to begin looking at what has gone on before.
B. Study the History
Since we will probably need to address corporate sin and corporate sin develops in the past, we must look back to discover the things that have happened that caused the current situation of our community. There are at least three ways to do this.
1. Formal, Written History
Go to the library. Look over the selection of books about the history of your community. I am sure there will be many. Perhaps you can find a local historical society that can provide help also. As you read, remember that history is always colored by the author and his purpose for writing. Therefore you may need to read between the lines. I find it rare that you will find references to instances of social injustice or mistreatment of immigrants. Of course, you will find the large events that made the headlines, but smaller incidents were usually kept quiet. These things will be harder to find and yet they can be the very things that should be addressed.
2. Informal, Oral History
Now we move back to talking with people. Look for people who have been around for a long time. The elderly often have many great stories and are only too willing to share them with anyone! What a great way to incorporate friendly visitation with their need to share the past. Let them know how beneficial their input will be for your project.
Their information will be invaluable. They will remember the things that didn’t get printed in the books and papers. Their stories will often fill the gaps that developed in your historical reading.
3. Revelation by the Holy Spirit
With all your research, you will still not be able to find everything. Quite possibly you will not even be able to find the very things which need addressing the most. The advantage of the Christian, is that you have the resource of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you to very specific information that you cannot conceivably find anywhere else.
Spend time in prayer alone and in groups asking God to show you what He wants you to know. Always taking the time to listen carefully for His leading. Look for confirmation from others so that you don’t end up chasing your own imaginations.
In one community, we received much special information from the Holy Spirit. In interdenominational prayer groups we placed these findings before the group for discernment before we acted on them. Nevertheless, always wait for God’s timing and leading before stepping out in any action.
C. Spiritual Mapping
You have already begun collecting data and information about what is (and has been) physically happening in your community. This should continue, but on a different front-- the spiritual dimension.
What is Spiritual Mapping? George Otis, Jr. defines spiritual mapping this way:
“The discipline of diagnosing the obstacles to revival in a given community. Through fervent prayer and diligent research, practitioners are able to measure the landscape of the spiritual dimension and discern moral gateways between it and the material world.”[3]
Since this just an overview on spiritual mapping, I will keep this section brief. I have listed some reference books in the bibliography which will give further information if and when God sends you in this direction.
1. Discerning What God is Doing
The assumption in spiritual mapping, is that we “go around looking for the evil the devil is doing” in a community. While this is partially true, the first step is to “go around looking for the good God is doing” in a community. All spiritual warfare must begin with God’s design and plan.
Unfortunately, many churches in any given community are woefully unaware of what God is doing outside their own doors and inward-looking self-interests. While God’s work in any particular church is important, it is only a small piece of His work in the greater community. There needs to be a connection to the larger body of Christ in a community. God’s plan is bigger than any single church. His plan always includes His entire body. This problem has grown so large in the church today that it usually develops into a generational sin of the church against the community.
The solution takes the form of united meetings of various kind. Prayer meetings, praise meetings, worship meetings, dinner meetings-- any way to get the larger body of Christ to share in the greater picture. In these ways, individual churches can stop “navel-gazing” and focus on God’s greater plan. Focusing on the forest instead of the trees makes for a totally different kind of picture.
Connectivity and unity in the church bring about the reality of God’s purpose and plan for a community. Christians begin to truly discern what good God is doing in a community.
But, whether we like it or not, the other half of this process, is in fact:
2. Discerning What Satan is Doing
Spiritual mapping (or spiritual warfare, for that matter) is not about glorifying the devil’s work. Ignoring Satan is usually just what he wants! The Scriptures tell us to be wise and discerning of the enemy’s tactics against us. How can we fight in any battle if we are unaware of what the enemy is doing or planning?
Looking at information already gathered, you can begin putting together the puzzle of the devil’s work in your community. You will find that current situations are direct results of past activities and events. You will also find that Satan works hard to direct the entire area to the very opposite of what God wants. Evil does not just happen. The master of evil has planned and orchestrated much of it. He has lots of patience and is willing to wait long periods (even over generations) to see his desires accomplished.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
John Dawson, Healing America’s Wounds, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1994).
Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick, Prayer-walking, (Orlando, FL: Creation House, 1993).
Cindy Jacobs, Possessing the Gates of the Enemy, (Grand Rapids, MI: Chosen Books, 1994).
George Otis, Jr., Informed Intercession, (Ventura, CA: Renew Books, 1999).
C. Peter Wagner, Breaking Strongholds in Your City, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1993).
C. Peter Wagner, Engaging the Enemy, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1991).
Footnotes
[1] For further information on redemptive gifts, read: C. Peter Wagner, Breaking Strongholds in Your City, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1993), p. 56.
[2] Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick, Prayer-walking: Praying on Site with Insight, (Orlando, FL: Creation House, 1993).
[3] George Otis, Jr., Informed Intercession, (Ventura, CA: Renew Books, 1999), p. 256.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
I'd Like Your Prayer Support
Okay, I need some prayer. Here's the scoop: We just got word from our local United Way, that they are zero funding us for the next 3 years. In other words, we're going to be short $33,500 plus any donor designated funds (which comes in anywhere from $5,000- $8,000 a year). Now you think you know why I need that prayer, right? Wrong (probably).
I'm not really worried that we're "losing" $45,000 from our budget- we're taken care of by the God who has all the money. Bottom line: he'll provide as we need it. Where I do need the prayer is in how I handle our response to a United Way I don't really trust and have been concerned about their practices over the last 5 years. They want us to remain "associated" with them, while receiving no financial benefits. We won't. And they will now see us as "competing" for the same local dollars.
We meet to "chat" about our cut this Thursday afternoon and I don't want to respond in anger. I want to be gracious and let them know of our disappointment, but at the same time, of our trust in God. I pray my witness will be effective. Time and God's favor will show who's going to come out "unscathed." I'm not worried about that either.
You know what I really think? I believe God arranged this "setback" so that we would "get out of there" before something we don't want to be associated with happens. I've seen it before with other United Ways.
So thanks for your prayer support. I'll keep you posted so you can see God's deliverance in another awesome way!
I'm not really worried that we're "losing" $45,000 from our budget- we're taken care of by the God who has all the money. Bottom line: he'll provide as we need it. Where I do need the prayer is in how I handle our response to a United Way I don't really trust and have been concerned about their practices over the last 5 years. They want us to remain "associated" with them, while receiving no financial benefits. We won't. And they will now see us as "competing" for the same local dollars.
We meet to "chat" about our cut this Thursday afternoon and I don't want to respond in anger. I want to be gracious and let them know of our disappointment, but at the same time, of our trust in God. I pray my witness will be effective. Time and God's favor will show who's going to come out "unscathed." I'm not worried about that either.
You know what I really think? I believe God arranged this "setback" so that we would "get out of there" before something we don't want to be associated with happens. I've seen it before with other United Ways.
So thanks for your prayer support. I'll keep you posted so you can see God's deliverance in another awesome way!
Monday, May 09, 2005
A Little Help?
I need a little help. I'm trying to find a book on the gift of tongues. Now, I can find lots of books on the subject, but they all seem to be coming from the Pentecostal view that believes the gift is evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. In other words, everyone who is filled with the Holy Spirit will have this gift.
Now I am filled with the Holy Spirit. But I don't speak in tongues. I have prayed for the gift many times and even "practiced" as I was told once after being prayed for to receive the gift- to no avail. I believe the gift of tongues is not given to everyone, just like the gift of evangelism is not given to everyone. Now maybe a lot of people do get this particular gift(1), but because some people do not receive this gift, it is by no means a sure sign that a particular person is filled with the Spirit. And what about the fact that Satan can imitate the gift via his own means? That puts a whole new spin on things, doesn't it?
It seems that much of the non-Pentecostal church has ignored the gift of tongues over the years. We certainly have in The Salvation Army. But as we become more open to the gifts the Spirit bestows on us, we need more information on the gift of tongues. At least I do. Especially for my teaching.
I'm now reading Larry Christianson's classic book, "Answering Your Questions About Speaking in Tongues." It has lots of good information, but I must throw out the bath water, while being careful to keep the baby. Can anyone recommend a good book on tongues that comes from a balanced view?
- - -
(1) C. Peter Wagner has done a lot of study in the area of spiritual gifts and has placed some loose percentages on how many Christians have some spiritual gifts. For instance, he believes that about 10% of the body of Christ has the gift of evangelism. I don't know if he gives a percentage for the gift of tongues.
Now I am filled with the Holy Spirit. But I don't speak in tongues. I have prayed for the gift many times and even "practiced" as I was told once after being prayed for to receive the gift- to no avail. I believe the gift of tongues is not given to everyone, just like the gift of evangelism is not given to everyone. Now maybe a lot of people do get this particular gift(1), but because some people do not receive this gift, it is by no means a sure sign that a particular person is filled with the Spirit. And what about the fact that Satan can imitate the gift via his own means? That puts a whole new spin on things, doesn't it?
It seems that much of the non-Pentecostal church has ignored the gift of tongues over the years. We certainly have in The Salvation Army. But as we become more open to the gifts the Spirit bestows on us, we need more information on the gift of tongues. At least I do. Especially for my teaching.
I'm now reading Larry Christianson's classic book, "Answering Your Questions About Speaking in Tongues." It has lots of good information, but I must throw out the bath water, while being careful to keep the baby. Can anyone recommend a good book on tongues that comes from a balanced view?
- - -
(1) C. Peter Wagner has done a lot of study in the area of spiritual gifts and has placed some loose percentages on how many Christians have some spiritual gifts. For instance, he believes that about 10% of the body of Christ has the gift of evangelism. I don't know if he gives a percentage for the gift of tongues.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Congratulations Rob & Heather!
Congratulations to Heather Wright and Rob Dolby who were married today in an alley in the DownTown East Side of Vancouver! Man, I wish I coulda been there!
Well, here's the next best thing- check out the pictures here.
Well, here's the next best thing- check out the pictures here.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Always be Vigilant
I saw a firsthand example of mankind's sin nature this week. In fact, I'm still in the middle of the reminder. I've just spent the better part of the last 2 days cleaning out spyware and malware from my son's computer. And I'm not done yet! Why anyone would want to sit down and intentionally design programs to attack other people's computers and cause grief is way beyond me. But then, my mind is controlled by the Spirit, so I think of things that are Spirit-led. It would never even occur to me that I could do such things to someone I don't even know (or someone I do know, for that matter).
That's the world we live in and we've got to be wise as serpents at the same time we are thinking of ways to reach those who's minds are controlled by our enemy. Who could ever argue that people don't need the Lord?
So while you're out there in cyberspace, make sure you have a good antivirus program running. And a good spyware remover (or two) as well. Oh and don't forget a solid firewall.
While you're out there in this world, make sure you have some good anti-sin protectors installed in your mind. I believe we know them in one package as "the armor of God." The shield of Faith, the helmet of Salvation, the breastplate of Righteousness, the belt of Truth, the shoes of Peace and the Sword of the Spirit. Always be vigilant and never let your guard slip!
That's the world we live in and we've got to be wise as serpents at the same time we are thinking of ways to reach those who's minds are controlled by our enemy. Who could ever argue that people don't need the Lord?
So while you're out there in cyberspace, make sure you have a good antivirus program running. And a good spyware remover (or two) as well. Oh and don't forget a solid firewall.
While you're out there in this world, make sure you have some good anti-sin protectors installed in your mind. I believe we know them in one package as "the armor of God." The shield of Faith, the helmet of Salvation, the breastplate of Righteousness, the belt of Truth, the shoes of Peace and the Sword of the Spirit. Always be vigilant and never let your guard slip!
Friday, May 06, 2005
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Partners in Prayer
Has anyone ever asked you to pray for them on a regular basis? Maybe after a time, you're not sure what to pray for? Well, here's my answer to that predicament. When we recruit people to pray for our ministry, we give them a book mark with this daily prayer schedule printed on it:
If you're interested in praying for Debbie and I on a regular basis, we'd appreciate your intercession (we're assuming Christian intercession- we pray regularly for those who pray against us and God protects us!). Let us know. If you pray for others' ministries, please feel free to use this list as a prayer guide.
Sunday - Favor with Others
Monday - Family
Tuesday - Favor with God
Wednesday - Increased Vision
Thursday - Spirit, Soul, Body
Friday - Protection
Saturday - Finances
If you're interested in praying for Debbie and I on a regular basis, we'd appreciate your intercession (we're assuming Christian intercession- we pray regularly for those who pray against us and God protects us!). Let us know. If you pray for others' ministries, please feel free to use this list as a prayer guide.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Yahweh Rophe
The Hebrew word rophe (ra-FEH) means "heal," "cure," "restore" or "make whole." God made himself known to his people as Yahweh Rophe- "the God who heals you" (Exodus 15:26), but the entire scope means more than just healing our physical bodies. It includes the emotions (mind) and spirit as well- the entire person. Yahweh Rophe is the entire answer to all our ills.
Recently, while hanging out with the people in our Soup Kitchen, one of my soldiers came to me and said something like: "Would you go pray with that person? They want prayer for healing and I can't do that." My immediate response was "why not?" which went ignored, because they weren't really interested in hearing the truth, they just wanted to get out of an uncomfortable situation. Knowing that part of the reason "I" was needed, was because I was the "professional minister," I pointed out two other soldiers who would be more than happy to pray for healing for anyone. I then went about my ministry while the others gathered to pray for the person.
Two things were going on in this situation: 1) Laity felt unqualified because they weren't "ordained" (what garbage! Pish-tosh to all that!) and 2) Someone couldn't pray for healing for another, because they didn't really believe Yahweh Rophe was good for his word (Yeowch! The facts are sometimes hard to swallow).
Okay, maybe we haven't seen results much after prayer for healing. So what? Scripture plainly tells us to pray for each other's healing, so the results are not the issue at all. We are to do it. Period. Yahweh Rophe will take care of the results- they're not for us to worry over or, worse yet, not pray because we haven't see results before.
I believe if we keep praying in faith, despite not seeing results, we will get there one day.
I don't see immediate results every time I pray for people's healing. In fact, if I knew the percentages, mine would probably be terrible! But there have been times when Yahweh Rophe has answered in powerful and miraculous ways! Each one of those times was worth praying 1000 times without getting any known results!
God is Yahweh Rophe. He told us so. I believe him. Do you? Will that change your actions? It should.
Recently, while hanging out with the people in our Soup Kitchen, one of my soldiers came to me and said something like: "Would you go pray with that person? They want prayer for healing and I can't do that." My immediate response was "why not?" which went ignored, because they weren't really interested in hearing the truth, they just wanted to get out of an uncomfortable situation. Knowing that part of the reason "I" was needed, was because I was the "professional minister," I pointed out two other soldiers who would be more than happy to pray for healing for anyone. I then went about my ministry while the others gathered to pray for the person.
Two things were going on in this situation: 1) Laity felt unqualified because they weren't "ordained" (what garbage! Pish-tosh to all that!) and 2) Someone couldn't pray for healing for another, because they didn't really believe Yahweh Rophe was good for his word (Yeowch! The facts are sometimes hard to swallow).
Okay, maybe we haven't seen results much after prayer for healing. So what? Scripture plainly tells us to pray for each other's healing, so the results are not the issue at all. We are to do it. Period. Yahweh Rophe will take care of the results- they're not for us to worry over or, worse yet, not pray because we haven't see results before.
I believe if we keep praying in faith, despite not seeing results, we will get there one day.
I don't see immediate results every time I pray for people's healing. In fact, if I knew the percentages, mine would probably be terrible! But there have been times when Yahweh Rophe has answered in powerful and miraculous ways! Each one of those times was worth praying 1000 times without getting any known results!
God is Yahweh Rophe. He told us so. I believe him. Do you? Will that change your actions? It should.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Q & A
The following is my answer to a question from one of my soldiers some years ago. As I read it over now, I realize it still has some meaning for all of us. May it spur you on toward The Light.
A: Wow- a loaded question! There is always the possibility of such a question exploding in my face. But then, I trust God to protect and man's response is not to be my concern. Are you sure you really want me to try to answer this? Not only is it a loaded question, there are also many sides. Let's hope I get to most of them.
1) Have you ever sat in a room reading during early evening? No light is necessary, because it's light outside and that light shines in the windows. But all of a sudden, you notice you're struggling and it's really hard to read, because there is no light! What happened? Time passed and the light that was there, faded. You find yourself sitting in a dark room.
It happens to all of us spiritually, if we're not vigilant- constantly watching carefully for any slight change in God's "light." Here's where the fork in the road comes:
a) for those who are vigilant, they do what they need to, to get God's light back. That will entail work- getting up, walking across the room and turning the light on. No light shines forever. We cannot expect an old light to continue to give light forever. There will always be effort needed to keep the light going in our spiritual lives. God was very careful to tell the OT priests to be vigilant in keeping the fire in the temple burning all the time! Some people understand that and deal with it. But that means a terrible thing: CHANGE!
b) for those who are not vigilant, the light goes out, but they just squint and refuse to look up from what they are doing even a moment. They are very legalistic about what they are doing. They believe that their first light is the only light and are not open to change. This is what happened to the Pharisees of Jesus' day. They were too busy doing what they thought they had to do to notice that God had changed things a bit. The light went out of their worship pattern. Then, instead of accepting God's new thing, they fought against Him and actually killed Him! People like these actually backslide out of their salvation while still wearing the "outward robes of the religion" like the Pharisees. There are way too many Salvationist Pharisees around today. I pray for them to see the light like some of the pharisees did- and accepted Christ. They moved on and were made plyable wineskins again to accept God's new wine.
This first of these is happening with some people in our corps.
2) I believe we've also got some people who are members (soldiers too) who are not really saved in the first place. Yeah, they wear the uniform, play in the band, just attend (for years) etc, but their lives do not exemplify what a Christian is like. The old "wheat and tears" situation. Strange, a real Christian can see it as plain as day, but so many are fooled by them. Bottom line: is a person's life showing the fruit of the Spirit within? If not, then scripture says they are not a Christian.
This is happening in our corps with some people too.
3) There are also those who are saved, but stopped their Christian growth right there. They are carnal- still controlled by their human nature and not the Spirit within. They might make it into heaven if they don't backslide, but that's about all. They are accomplishing nothing for Jesus and He will be very disappointed with them on judgement day. They'll be in the last row as far away from God's throne as possible, yet still being in heaven (so to speak). These are those who have one talent, but they are burrying it in the ground. Very sad.
This as well, is happening in our corps with some people.
Now that I think about it, I believe I've hit all the issues on the head. Others I'm thinking of are only variations and flow from these 3.
Ultimately, if the Holy Spirit is within us and we are in touch with Him, then someone who is truly filled with the Holy Spirit will be recognized by them, because the Holy Spirit recognizes Himself wherever He is (don't you recognize yourself?)!
When I go other places to minister, there are those who connect with me right away, because the Holy Spirit tells each of us He is within us both. There is an instant connection and we are able to worship, trust and minister together right away. Of course there are those who do not see that. The only reason is that they do not have the Spirit filling them.
Some people don't trust us and don't like what we are doing. Well, it is from God- we are doing what He is telling us to do (there are many good people who are confirming this for us), so I wonder who has the problem? Should I back down from what God is telling me to do so that they (who don't have the Spirit within) are more comfortable? I think not! Oh man, I'm preaching now!
Anyway, my job is to teach anyone God sends our way. I understand that many will not ever accept our message and while it makes me sad, I understand it, because they called Jesus "Satan," so we are to expect no less!
(Bet you didn't expect a book, huh?!) This is a good conversation we should take up some day. I'm sure God has more in it for us both.
Q: I feel like there is so must resistance to letting the Holy Spirit move in our church. Do you feel the same and could you possible explain why for me? The Holy Spirit is a good thing!
A: Wow- a loaded question! There is always the possibility of such a question exploding in my face. But then, I trust God to protect and man's response is not to be my concern. Are you sure you really want me to try to answer this? Not only is it a loaded question, there are also many sides. Let's hope I get to most of them.
1) Have you ever sat in a room reading during early evening? No light is necessary, because it's light outside and that light shines in the windows. But all of a sudden, you notice you're struggling and it's really hard to read, because there is no light! What happened? Time passed and the light that was there, faded. You find yourself sitting in a dark room.
It happens to all of us spiritually, if we're not vigilant- constantly watching carefully for any slight change in God's "light." Here's where the fork in the road comes:
a) for those who are vigilant, they do what they need to, to get God's light back. That will entail work- getting up, walking across the room and turning the light on. No light shines forever. We cannot expect an old light to continue to give light forever. There will always be effort needed to keep the light going in our spiritual lives. God was very careful to tell the OT priests to be vigilant in keeping the fire in the temple burning all the time! Some people understand that and deal with it. But that means a terrible thing: CHANGE!
b) for those who are not vigilant, the light goes out, but they just squint and refuse to look up from what they are doing even a moment. They are very legalistic about what they are doing. They believe that their first light is the only light and are not open to change. This is what happened to the Pharisees of Jesus' day. They were too busy doing what they thought they had to do to notice that God had changed things a bit. The light went out of their worship pattern. Then, instead of accepting God's new thing, they fought against Him and actually killed Him! People like these actually backslide out of their salvation while still wearing the "outward robes of the religion" like the Pharisees. There are way too many Salvationist Pharisees around today. I pray for them to see the light like some of the pharisees did- and accepted Christ. They moved on and were made plyable wineskins again to accept God's new wine.
This first of these is happening with some people in our corps.
2) I believe we've also got some people who are members (soldiers too) who are not really saved in the first place. Yeah, they wear the uniform, play in the band, just attend (for years) etc, but their lives do not exemplify what a Christian is like. The old "wheat and tears" situation. Strange, a real Christian can see it as plain as day, but so many are fooled by them. Bottom line: is a person's life showing the fruit of the Spirit within? If not, then scripture says they are not a Christian.
This is happening in our corps with some people too.
3) There are also those who are saved, but stopped their Christian growth right there. They are carnal- still controlled by their human nature and not the Spirit within. They might make it into heaven if they don't backslide, but that's about all. They are accomplishing nothing for Jesus and He will be very disappointed with them on judgement day. They'll be in the last row as far away from God's throne as possible, yet still being in heaven (so to speak). These are those who have one talent, but they are burrying it in the ground. Very sad.
This as well, is happening in our corps with some people.
Now that I think about it, I believe I've hit all the issues on the head. Others I'm thinking of are only variations and flow from these 3.
Ultimately, if the Holy Spirit is within us and we are in touch with Him, then someone who is truly filled with the Holy Spirit will be recognized by them, because the Holy Spirit recognizes Himself wherever He is (don't you recognize yourself?)!
When I go other places to minister, there are those who connect with me right away, because the Holy Spirit tells each of us He is within us both. There is an instant connection and we are able to worship, trust and minister together right away. Of course there are those who do not see that. The only reason is that they do not have the Spirit filling them.
Some people don't trust us and don't like what we are doing. Well, it is from God- we are doing what He is telling us to do (there are many good people who are confirming this for us), so I wonder who has the problem? Should I back down from what God is telling me to do so that they (who don't have the Spirit within) are more comfortable? I think not! Oh man, I'm preaching now!
Anyway, my job is to teach anyone God sends our way. I understand that many will not ever accept our message and while it makes me sad, I understand it, because they called Jesus "Satan," so we are to expect no less!
(Bet you didn't expect a book, huh?!) This is a good conversation we should take up some day. I'm sure God has more in it for us both.
Monday, May 02, 2005
God was Watching
Look closely for the baby. This is obviously retouched, but it's still fascinating!
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
- Psalm 139:13-16.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
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