Football Playar 55

One of our teens who gave his testimony SonDay about his Youth Councils experience (he was sweating bullets, but he did it anyway- and blessed us all to boot!) has started up a new blog. You'll want to read it. Especially his May 28 entry! Here's the quotable from his testimony: "Stuff happens when we pray!"

footballplayar55

We've all noticed a real change in Sean's life. Keep it up, Sean. Wear that shirt to school and keep telling people what God has done in your life. You won't regret it.

God has a special plan for your life. I can't wait to watch it unfold as you learn more and put your faith into practice.

{One of these days I'll teach you how to play fantasy baseball!}

- - -

Oh and thanx SC for the BD shout!

A Prayer Assignment

How's the prayer challenge coming? I hope many more of you have taken it up than have responded in the positive here . . .

Anyway, here's an opportunity for you if you are praying regularly: please pray for our Teens who are now into their second week back from Youth Councils. You know- the days are settling back into routine; the old things and friends are still all around (sometimes pulling down); the enemy is now trying to knock them down from their success.

Pray for them to continue faithfully in the basics of prayer and fellowship. Pray for them to tell others about what they experienced and not doubt that it was real. Pray that they will continue to experience God daily in his power for their lives.

This SonDay in SonDay'S cool we spent time debriefing on the Youth Councils weekend. We also spent time in the Worship Service directing what Christians should do now (after the spiritual high). Three of the teens gave their testimonies including one who had just become a Christian, one who had recommitted and another who spent time interceeding for others during the weekend. The teens were also much more free to worship, ignoring any feelings of "who might be watching them." It was powerful for me!

Your prayers are important in helping them stay focused on God. Their newfound focus is an answer to prayer for us!

A Prayer Challenge

I've concluded that most Christians only give lip service to the concept of prayer. If we truly believed it "worked," we would actually practice it.

I mean really spend time in prayer . . . as opposed to offering a "quick shot" up to God and heading back to what we were doing . . . or off to "more important things." {IS there anything more important?}

When we talk about prayer, we always conclude that there is nothing more important. But then we go back to those more important things and ignoring prayer! What gives? We know the truth, but we ignore it.

How much time do you pray? Have you heard that the average daily time a pastor spends praying is 3 minutes a day? How sick is that? How can you claim to be in "God's service" and only spend 3 minutes with him in a day? And why should we blame pastors for their poor prayer habits when the average Christian probably has a much worse prayer habit?

Example: I'm stationed at a corps where we had a daily prayer meeting going on for over 2 years. I have been told (by one who attended those meetings) that one day, one of their corps officers said something like: "what use is this?" and stopped those meetings. Now I have intentionally ignored finding out who that officer was, because I fear running off half-cocked to find that guy and punch him out!

Example: I can't count how many times I've been to TSA events where prayer meetings aren't even scheduled. Or they are scheduled and 3 people show up! Or they are scheduled only 1/2 hour out of the entire event!

If we believed prayer worked (I mean REALLY believed it), wouldn't we schedule our events the other way around? How about a week-long prayer meeting (24/7) and 1/2 hour of making the decision we came to meet for in the first place?

If we believed prayer worked (I mean REALLY believed it), wouldn't we identify those who are gifted in intercession and appoint them in positions where they could spend most of their time in prayer (of course, that should hold true for ever other spiritual gift as well)? Can you imagine having an officer appointed to THQ or DHQ to pray? I don't mean a prayer ambassador or sergeant, but actually giving someone the responsibility to spend the majority of their time actually praying. I know of at least one leader who actually has a job like this- he is paid to pray 8 hours every day.

If we believed prayer worked (I mean REALLY believed it), wouldn't Christian adults be crowded around a Youth Councils event actually praying (during the event) for the youth involved?

We had a seriously powerful Youth Councils last weekend. Imagine how much MORE powerful it would have been; how many MORE lives would have been changed if we REALLY believed prayer worked and practiced praying.

I hope these thoughts are challenging you. But I hope they challenge you to actually DO something about it- like start REALLY praying.

We all believe in tithing a 10%. If we carry that through to everything (not just money), we should spend 2 1/2 hours in prayer every day! Imagine what that would do to the Church! Imagine how soon we'd reach the world for Christ!

Okay- here's the deal: I challenge you to pray 1 hour a day for the next week. I don't mean adding up all the moments of prayer throughout the day until you reach 1 hour, I mean get in one place with God (and your Bible and a note pad) and communicate with him for 1 full hour (that means talking AND listening).

I made that commitment years ago and it changed my life. I don't always live up to that commitment, but when I fail, I get up, dust myself off and start all over again. Ultimately I do a pretty good job of it, by Gods grace.

If you find praying 1 hour a day works out well for you, why not keep it up for another week? Or maybe a month? A year? The rest of your life?

If you're up to the challenge, leave me a comment. After the week, let me know what happened.

News Flash: God Answers Prayer!

This weekend I spent the time at our NNE Youth Councils at Camp Sebago in Maine. It was a great event peppered with fun, spiritual struggles and less sleep than I usually prefer!

Friday and Saturday, I wrestled with The Enemy for the lives of the kids that attended from our corps. Oh I prayed for all of the youth there, but my heart really broke over what The Enemy has been doing to keep our kids from experiencing God's power and freedom in their lives. There were times when it seemed as if we were about to break through, but those hopes were only dashed to pieces when something came up to distract us from reaching that victory.

SonDay morning I woke already in prayer. I got ready and headed out to the meeting place to step up the onslaught against Satan in the very spot where the spiritual battle would take place. I arrived more than 2 hours ahead of the scheduled meeting and immediately began walking around the room claiming the territory for God and his righteousness. I spoke out loud throughout the whole time.

I started Praying the Bible in Revelation 4 asking that the kid's eyes would be opened to see a vision of who God really is; that they would join in the 24/7 praise and worship that has been taking place around God's throne since forever to forever. I moved to Psalm 91 and prayed they would experience the shelter of God's wings and know his protection even in the midst of their troubles. I felt energized by Holy Spirit and prayed with the kind of fervor I have not often known.

Just before the service started, I felt a release and sat down as people began coming in to fill the seats in the room. The meeting began and we were quickly into a time of singing praises and worshiping Jesus. As the scheduled time for singing was winding down, 2 kids made their way to the altar. In the next few minutes more had gone forward and knelt together. Eyes began to water throughout the room as people were experiencing Holy Spirit in action, convicting and comforting.

There was an attempt to continue the "program" as scheduled, but it was too late. God had taken over and waves of kids wept their way to the front to find true freedom with friends at their sides!

Every single kid from my corps was visibly moved and all but 2 went forward to commit or recommit their lives to God's way for them! God had answered my prayers BIG TIME!

I don't know how many kids I prayed with and for, offering words of encouragement and wisdom (it was God, not me), but all of a sudden, the spiritual climate changed from repentance to joy! It was almost a physical thing. Leaders came forward to offer the opportunity for testimony and many came forward to speak to the whole crowd of their awesome experiences- God changing lives, recommitments, answered prayer, friends coming to Jesus for the first time, etc. We then broke into joyful singing praising God for his goodness.

Every last one of "my kids" (and leaders) took to the front corner of the room and stood out by being the most "rowdy!" They were changed and they weren't the least bit shy about letting people know it or about expressing themselves to God! I was SO proud of them!

I wish I could have seen the scene in heaven, because it couldn't have been much more joyful than what I was witnessing this morning!

Yep. I completed an assignment successfully this morning and AGAIN gave witness to the fact that God answers prayer.

You should try it!

Another Wild Ride Ahead

Okay, we all know humankind was made in God's image. My question (that's been banging around in my head for the last few weeks) is: "so what does that mean?"

I've always thought it meant we are a trinity like God- Body, Soul and Spirit (Physical, Emotional and Spiritual). But I've learned some things that have me questioning that assumption. I mean, that still could be true, but what if that's not it? I'd like to know!

If that assumption is correct, then what is it about us that is different from the angelic creation (and also all the rest of God's creation)? Is it that we have a physical aspect to us? Is that what differentiates us from the rest of God's creation (angels obviously have emotions and a spiritual side, but we don'’t see many angels in physical form)? And if so, does that mean God has a physical aspect to himself? It would have to, if that's the "differentiator" (I love making up new words).

I've got a few thoughts that would back some of this up (maybe I'll go into some of that later). But if the thing that makes us "in God's image" is the physical, then that sounds a bit strange doesn't it? Out of God'’s vast creation, the thing that makes us like him is that we have a physical side? That'’s kind of the least mystical part of us. My mind is crying out: "there must be more than that!"

What if "our sameness" is that we have free will? Or something else? Hmmm. What would that look like?

I hope this is peaking your interest, because I'd like to hear some of your thoughts on this. I believe God has something in mind for me to discover here, and I'm chasing it all the way to the end! Hope you're here for the wild ride ahead.

They're Here!

Well Denise and Joel have finally arrived! Yay! We had a nice time getting to know them a bit and chatting hours upon end. Now on to the mission.

This blog is just a reminder to all our faithful (both of you!) of their blogs so you can keep up with their exploits in Bangor throughout the summer. I haven't really told them yet, but a daily blog is a part of their assignment while here!

Denise:
No Compromise

Joel:
I Believe we Shall Win

Happy reading! Now double up on praying for them.

Lesson Learned

Two years in a row- I get it already!

I just got a phone call from our War College Students coming in from Vancouver. Their flight was cancelled in Toronto because of bad weather in Boston. Cancelled. Not delayed. Not rerouted. Cancelled.

This year's trio thought they might miss the flight entirely, because Denise was held up going through customs. Last year Tara was actually delayed enough to miss her flight (those Canadians must look awfully suspicious going through customs!).

Ah well, I just heard they are making it onto the next flight into Boston, which will get them there around 3 hours later. No big deal. Especially no big deal for me, since I'm not picking them up today! I'm going down to Westbrook tomorrow to get my two. Long trip + Late night driving = Not good for me!

So next year when we begin praying for our War College Students (usually way back in January), we're going to focus on God getting them through customs!

And keeping their flights flying! Lesson learned.

Apostolic Overseer? Church?

Picking up where Steve left off in his comment on my previous post . . . Actually, our business cards used to read: "Apostolic Team." I've never been much of an overseer, since I'm a horizontal apostle not a vertical apostle. The vertical apostle (eg: Paul) oversees networks while the horizontal apostle (eg: James) brings groups and people together.

The reason that changed on our business cards is because most people 1) have no clue TSA has anything to do with Christianity [I guess they think our middle name "Salvation" means we "save" old clothes!] and 2) have even less of a clue what an apostle is [most of the church has no clue either!].

Yes, putting Apostolic Team on my card was accurate, but it didn't help me get people to understand who we are nor get them to join us. "Pastor" denotes a leader of a church (yep, used that word again) and people get that immediately. Sometimes less is more.

Interestingly enough, I am NOT spiritually gifted as a pastor, I just hold a position/office most people call pastor. So when I use the term pastor, I find people are at least in the same ball park as I am. Once they get connected to TSA we can talk about details.

For instance, we usually tell people if they die in their sin, they are going to hell. That's not the whole truth of what we believe nor what our doctrine book teaches. Until Jesus judges the nations at the "end of the world," people who die go to Hades (the paradise half of shoal). Now is that truth? Yes. But would that be easier to tell people? No- we'd end up with all kinds of discussion that could get us sidetracked from our mission. I think we need to start where people are and move on from that place- in time.

Now as far as whether we are a church or not, I believe it was General Eva Burrows to first officially term TSA "a church-" I think it was an article in "The Officer" that stirred up much discussion. Later General Paul Rader reiterated that profession. If we are to continue with this moniker, we must use the meaning of the word correctly, because words mean things and we can't change them because something else would work better for us.

In The American Heritage Dictionary the word church is defined as follows:

Church (chu' rch) n. 1. A building for public, especially Christian worship. 2. Often Church. a. The company of all Christians regarded as a mystic spiritual body. b. A specified Christian denomination. c. A congregation. [the definition actually goes on from here, but it gets way off our discussion].

Let's look closer: 1) Does TSA have buildings that are designed and used for Christian worship? Yes. We fit the definition here, even though our buildings are also used for a myriad of other activities. 2a) Is TSA a part of the mystical spiritual body of Christ? ABSOLUTELY! If we are not a part of the Body of Christ, we had better get out of this army! 2b) Are we a specific Christian denomination? Yes. I am a Salvationist; TSA is my denomination- a branch of The Christian Church. The fact that we are a part of the greater Christian Church empowers our mission to reach the world with that very gospel of Jesus' Church. 2c) Is TSA a congregation? Yes. Actually, we are many congregations, because that is how the local church is distinguished from the greater universal Church. Many congregations make up a denomination which, in turn, make up the Church universal.

I fully understand the reasoning behind wanting to call TSA something other than a church- we certainly do things differently (or at least used to when we started). I like the idea that we are a "movement," but that tends to pull us away from the rest of The Body. We are not separate, we are a part of The Body of Christ- His Church. I could go on, but I'm sure you get my point.

Here's the real problem in all of this for me. People have one idea of what a church is. They have another idea of what TSA is. Experience shows me that these two are so far apart we are at a disadvantage when it comes to bringing people into our denomination, learning about Jesus and our great heritage. If we can't get people in, we can't get the message out.

Our current numbers won't do it; our current numbers aren't enough. We need to grow if we expect to actually reach the world for Christ. How can we do this? I suggest we start where people are and go from there. Get them in then teach them the rest. Confusing the issue before we even have a chance to work with them only keeps people out.

And I've had enough of that. I want people in!

The Top 10 Things People Don't Know About The Salvation Army

Here's your chance to help me compile a top ten list of things people don't know about The Salvation Army. We're about to embark on a publicity campaign to attract people and grow our church. Our catch phrase is "Did You Know?"

In this campaign we are going to tell people the top 10 things most people don't know about The Salvation Army (as a church). So I'm looking for things about our church not our social services or fundraising. For instance:

Helpful - The Salvation Army is a church. Salvation Army officers are pastors.

Not - The Salvation Army helps a lot of people. The Salvation Army raises a lot of money (these are good things, but they're not on topic for this campaign).

Got it? Now let's get going- comment away! I'll keep you posted.

What Would People Think?

You know, the more I think about this identifying ourselves with The Salvation Army through logos and such, the more I wonder about things like:

- Should I tell people I'm a Salvation Army officer (or soldier)? On my blog or even in person? What would they think if I did something they didn't like?

- Should I wear my uniform? What if I say something (while in uniform) and people think it's the official position of TSA?

- Should I be seen going into a Salvation Army building? Would people watch me at other times and assume I speak for TSA all the time?

- Should I use Salvation Army lingo and terminology in my daily conversation?

- For that matter, should I use Christian terminology? What if people knew I was a Christian and assumed I spoke for Jesus Christ?

In 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul says: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Oh no! Do you think people would take Paul's actions and compare them to Jesus'?

Yes they would. And they should! It certainly makes one aware of one's own actions and words when they are rightfully connected to God. What do people think when they hear my testimony and see me living daily? Do I mess up? Yup (now and then)! Does Christ disown me when I do (need I answer that one)?

Should TSA disown it's soldiers because they want to be associated with the "Blood and Fire" (can I use those words here- good thing I don't have a picture of it)?

Methinks they dost protect too much.

So now you know on which side I've decided to stand in this issue. I'll still comply, because I've agreed to be subject to TSA's rules and regulations. But I will work within the framework to change things that just don't make sense.

For instance: did you know at one time, there was an official USA Eastern Territorial Minute that said we could ONLY use the King James Version of The Bible? I hope the former Minute mentioned is destined to join this latter one!

Salute and Delete!

Some of us were reminded recently that The Salvation Army has an official position about salvationists (and others) using official Salvation Army logos on their web pages and blogs. Simply put: it's not allowed. The reason being "The Army" (whoever that is) is concerned with the public getting confused as to what may or may not be official Salvation Army position. In other words, someone might say something on their page that gets somebody mad at The Army without the comment being an official Army position or statement.

At the moment, I'm not sure what I think about it. I can see both sides:

1) Logos are registered and The Salvation Army should have control of where it's logo is used (I'd hate to see Army logos showing up on XXX sites).

2) A lot of people are rallying behind The Army and it's mission. There is an excitement that is building that is showing up with people wearing shirts, jackets, dog tags, hats, etc promoting and advertising their beloved Army. This excitement is naturally showing up in places where people can express their love and commitment- the internet.

The Army has been talking a lot recently about "branding;" making our logo(s) a brand(name) that people automatically recognize and relate to something positive. Isn't people's use of Army logos a valid aspect of such branding (don't we want our logos to be visible)? Are people really thick enough to believe someone's personal blog can speak for the entire Salvation Army?

What do you think?

Just remember no matter what you or I think, it's not likely to make a difference in official Salvation Army policy. Bottom line: we obey the rules set by our leaders whether we like them or not. Right?

I guess some people need to get busy- salute and delete. ; )

BTW, I don't officially speak for The Salvation Army on this blog. the opinions expressed herein are solely mine and other people making them. The Salvation Army should not be held responsible for such brilliance (or stupidity, as the case may be). {heh, heh}

Things Happen When we Pray!

Have you ever had one of those moments when you thought you saw someone you know, but after a second glance they don't look anything like that person? I believe God is telling you to pray for that person you thought you saw. He uses that and all kinds of other ways to get our attention. Especially if you're an intercessor (have the gift of intercession).

In these situations God is telling you to pray for someone specifically. You don't need to know them, but he wants you to lift them up- so much so, that he contacts you directly. Isn't that awesome? Make sure you ask God to give you specifics to pray about. After all, he's asked you to pray, so he should tell you what to pray. Challenge him with that. I do.

God once placed a friend on my mind and I knew I was supposed to pray for him. I did for about 1/2 hour, then was released. I called him later that day and asked if there was anything going on. He said no. We decided my prayer stopped something from happening- what, we may never know, but I believe The Enemy's plan was preempted because I prayed. You see, something actually happens when we pray that would not otherwise happen if we did not pray.

ALWAYS take advantage of EVERY single time God nudges you. It's important to him. I once was told to drive to our Divisional Headquarters and pray for our Divisional Commander. He was a friend, so I thought I could do that w/o his "looking askance" at me, but I talked myself out of it, because it was too far away- and well, "who was I to think I should pray for him?" That night, he was at Home League camp and had a heart attack. One of the Spanish ladies was woken up in the middle of the night to pray for him and in the morning found out what had happened. When I found out, I was terribly saddened. I had missed my opportunity! Maybe he wouldn't have had the attack if I had been faithful. I learned my lesson!

I had always told God that if he needed someone to do something, he could count on me- I would do it. After that time, I realized how important it is to be faithful to that promise. I repented for not obeying.

Peter Wagner credits one of his A1 intercessors with saving his life one day. He was on a ladder in his garage and was pushed off to the cement below! No one was in the room with him. Kathy Schaller was at a concert and was doubled over with back pain. She interpreted it correctly and prayed for "the person God was asking her to pray for." It happened at the exact moment Peter had been pushed. He ended up being okay, but he believes Kathy's prayers were the direct cause of his salvation at that moment.

So look for those little ways God nudges you toward praying for someone. Press in and ask for information in such situations. God has a specific result in mind, so you need to pray specifically to reach that result. He'll tell you, because you need to know how and what to pray.

Are You Busy?

Busy sounds so important, doesn't it? "I'm such a busy person" means I must be important. After all, so many people are depending on me to do so much. Busy also sounds like I don't have time for you- maybe only for other "important" people. That way I can get about doing what I want to do, because your stuff can't be as important as mine (don't you hate it when people keep looking at their watch when talking with you? They must be very busy people.).

I don't want to be like that, but I must admit, I do it now and then. Probably when I have a lot to accomplish and I find myself very {ahem} busy.

Phooey on busyness! I want to take time for people (which I'm not always very good at), I want to take time for myself and I want to take time for God (not necessarily in that order). With all Jesus had to accomplish during his very short physical time on earth, I can't even imagine him being seen as "busy." Have you ever heard Jesus described as busy?

Here is The American Heritage Dictionary entry for "busy:" 1. Engaged in activity, as work; occupied. 2. Sustaining much activity. 3. Meddlesome; prying. 4. Being in use, as a telephone line. 5. Cluttered with detail to the point of being distracting.

Okay, #s 1 & 2 aren't so bad, but look at the others: "meddlesome," "prying," "in use," "cluttered with detail . . . to the point of being distracted!" Yuck!

Today is Tuesday. My main "office" day, during which I try to accomplish all my business paperwork, email, phone calls, etc. It never gets done in one day, but I keep trying! What I've discovered is that in trying to do it all in this one day, when people come around needing my attention, I rarely have any to give. My mind is off on other things as I rush to get them done (so I can give people more time on other days). Important though these things may be, they are not as important as the people on whatever day they end up sitting by my desk.

O Yahweh, keep me from being busy. Keep my mind focused on the people around me. They are so important to you- may they also be important to me.

United 93

I just got back from seeing the movie United 93. One word: "powerful!"

It's hard to believe it's almost 5 years since that terrible day on September 11, 2001. I remember clearly (like it was yesterday) where I was, what was going on and what I was feeling during that day, week and even the following months.

We had just hired a new bookkeeper and she was in the office to sign paperwork and get the details of when she was to start work. I was walking from my office through the lounge and Mary had just arrived and immediately turned on the TV, telling us a small plane had hit one of the World Trade Center Towers. I still have that image of the plane shape gouged in the side of the building with the smoke burned in my mind's eye.

As we all circled the TV hoping for further information, we watched as the second plane flew onto the screen and hit the second building. I can still feel that sickening sensation in my gut. That same sensation was resurrected during the movie. I was so uncomfortable through the whole film. I kept hoping for a better ending than what I knew would happen.

The picture above is after the crash of United flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Go see the movie. Remember.