This past weekend we were able to see friends we hadn't seen for a long time. The first thing that noticed was the joy rising up in my heart when I saw them getting out of a nearby car. The second thing I noticed was my shock at how tall their "little" kids had grown! The last thing I remember was one hiding behind Mom's legs; now that same one was rivaling Mom's height! See what happens when you're not looking?
My son Chris, on the other hand, shot up mostly in a single year, but I hardly noticed it. Why? I was paying attention and looking at him daily. Little incremental changes are hardly noticed. Sounds a bit like the old "frog in the kettle" story:
Did you know that if you put a frog in a pot of boiling water, he will jump out immediately, but if you put him in tepid water and slowly raise the temperature, you can actually boil him alive, because he won't notice the deadly change.
Last night I arrived home from OOB feeling awesome! I had finally overcome the issue I've been struggling with for almost a year and was on top of the world. This morning, I feel sadness tugging on me and an almost overwhelming feeling of hopelessness. What gives?
As I spent time in prayer, I was reminded that there is a huge struggle with area Principalities in Bangor over depression and distrust. Leaving the area for just a few days was a refreshing break. Coming back, it always hits strongly again. That reminded me of this struggle which I had forgotten and gotten caught up in over the last year.
We can't allow ourselves to slowly get caught up in Satan's incremental ploys against us. We need to be vigilant and constantly remind ourselves of how he works on people in the areas we live in. And then, of course, fight against it! We should not allow him to gain an inch, because he will always take a mile.
We Salvos are a warrior people! We are raised up to fight the good fight; we are an Army. We are trained in spiritual warfare tactics and it should come as no surprise we are in this perpetual air/ground war until we leave this earth at our promotion to Glory.
During my time with God, I just pushed that junk the enemy was trying to drop on me right out the window. It has no place in my life and I refuse to take it on. I can stand strong in the fight, because I am empowered by the One who has overcome this world.
I believe it! Hallelujah!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
The OOB Pier Ministry
Last night's pier ministry in OOB was incredible! I have never been so excited at the response and the results. Here's a run down of the evening.
This year from the very beginning, the Enemy has been fighting hard against the plans. Since my brother is in charge of organizing it all, I've heard of some of the issues that have arisen- all attempting to quash God's plan to reach the people. You already know about Jenn & Josh's troubles- not even getting there! Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg.
So as we are finishing setup, everything seemed to be going along nicely, except there was no electricity! Ah, microphones, music, lights . . . you get the picture, so we're all praying for that to get worked out. Then in the midst of high heat and humidity, there comes a wonderful cool breeze- not sweeping in from the ocean, but the other direction! We took that as a prophetic sign that God was sending the cool wind of his Spirit! Shortly after that, electricity was on and the program started. Actually, the program had already started in the Spiritual Readings (prayer) tent!
People started coming for prayer immediately and lined up at times. Groups were crowding around to hear what was being said to the "prayees." Eventually, the prayer team broke into 2 groups to be able to get everyone in. God was speaking powerfully into people through The War College team. I tried to contribute, but God wasn't giving me anything. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Not taking that hard, rather that God had something else for me to do, I started bringing people over to receive prayer.
Many of the people coming in for prayer were non-Christian, but I would say a good percentage were young Salvo teens and young adults. It was incredible to see what God was saying to them and I loved their countenance after they were finished! One person, after a long prayer session, stayed and joined the team! That one wasn't just watching, but actually praying and hitting it right on the head. That person was hearing from God BIG time!
The other aspects of the ministry were exceptional as well- including CAST, the Cornwolfs, testimonies, dances, skits, etc. performed by a variety of Salvos. There was a good sized crowd around at all times, enjoying themselves and hearing the Gospel. I am told 4 people accepted Christ and many others were touched enough to put their names down for prayer and/or future contact.
I gotta tell you, this is the first time I have ever wished I wasn't heading home on SonDay evening! I wish I could get to that pier every night and be a part of what God is doing. Watch this space- I believe there will be awesome results from this incredible ministry the rest of the week.
By the way, these kind of results are in no small way reflective of the 24/7 prayer ministry that is a HUGE part of OOB this year. Many people are getting involved there and seeing fantastic results . . . which is one of those DUH things. If you pray, OF COURSE God is going to answer and show you his power. DUH! I love my time in the prayer trailer. Or as SC would call it- The War Room!
God is awesome!
This year from the very beginning, the Enemy has been fighting hard against the plans. Since my brother is in charge of organizing it all, I've heard of some of the issues that have arisen- all attempting to quash God's plan to reach the people. You already know about Jenn & Josh's troubles- not even getting there! Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg.
So as we are finishing setup, everything seemed to be going along nicely, except there was no electricity! Ah, microphones, music, lights . . . you get the picture, so we're all praying for that to get worked out. Then in the midst of high heat and humidity, there comes a wonderful cool breeze- not sweeping in from the ocean, but the other direction! We took that as a prophetic sign that God was sending the cool wind of his Spirit! Shortly after that, electricity was on and the program started. Actually, the program had already started in the Spiritual Readings (prayer) tent!
People started coming for prayer immediately and lined up at times. Groups were crowding around to hear what was being said to the "prayees." Eventually, the prayer team broke into 2 groups to be able to get everyone in. God was speaking powerfully into people through The War College team. I tried to contribute, but God wasn't giving me anything. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Not taking that hard, rather that God had something else for me to do, I started bringing people over to receive prayer.
Many of the people coming in for prayer were non-Christian, but I would say a good percentage were young Salvo teens and young adults. It was incredible to see what God was saying to them and I loved their countenance after they were finished! One person, after a long prayer session, stayed and joined the team! That one wasn't just watching, but actually praying and hitting it right on the head. That person was hearing from God BIG time!
The other aspects of the ministry were exceptional as well- including CAST, the Cornwolfs, testimonies, dances, skits, etc. performed by a variety of Salvos. There was a good sized crowd around at all times, enjoying themselves and hearing the Gospel. I am told 4 people accepted Christ and many others were touched enough to put their names down for prayer and/or future contact.
I gotta tell you, this is the first time I have ever wished I wasn't heading home on SonDay evening! I wish I could get to that pier every night and be a part of what God is doing. Watch this space- I believe there will be awesome results from this incredible ministry the rest of the week.
By the way, these kind of results are in no small way reflective of the 24/7 prayer ministry that is a HUGE part of OOB this year. Many people are getting involved there and seeing fantastic results . . . which is one of those DUH things. If you pray, OF COURSE God is going to answer and show you his power. DUH! I love my time in the prayer trailer. Or as SC would call it- The War Room!
God is awesome!
Saturday, July 29, 2006
OUR Candidates
As mentioned in yesterday's post, I'd like to fill you all in on the accepted candidates the Bangor Corps is sending to the SFOT this year- Jeff & Becki Kirk.
Jeff and Becki have been living and working in the Central Territory for the last few years, but upon accepting God's call on their lives to become officers in TSA, they wanted to fulfill that calling in their home territory- USA East. Therefore they had to seek out a "home" corps to associate with. So how did they end up in Bangor? I'll tell you (what I know of it all):
Jeff spent 7 years of his life stationed with his parents in Bangor, Maine. From what I hear, he went through some rough times back then. But always supporting him and his parents through those times, were the faithful soldiers of the Bangor corps. So what better place to re-connect with his home territory than through his home corps, where the people still care about him and support him in prayer?
And, low and behold, after welcoming them back to the Bangor corps, we discover that Becki grew up in Winsted Connecticut- the very same small town where Debbie grew up! You should have seen them chatting on about the high school and the traffic light (yep- "the")!
Well, there's a whole lot more you could learn about Jeff and Becki, but the most important thing is that they have been called by God, responded to that call and are heading into the unknown, just because that's what God wants them to do.
It's because of these things, the Bangor Corps is proud to sponsor, support and send them off into the "wild 'red' yonder" of officership. They're OUR candidates!
Jeff and Becki have been living and working in the Central Territory for the last few years, but upon accepting God's call on their lives to become officers in TSA, they wanted to fulfill that calling in their home territory- USA East. Therefore they had to seek out a "home" corps to associate with. So how did they end up in Bangor? I'll tell you (what I know of it all):
Jeff spent 7 years of his life stationed with his parents in Bangor, Maine. From what I hear, he went through some rough times back then. But always supporting him and his parents through those times, were the faithful soldiers of the Bangor corps. So what better place to re-connect with his home territory than through his home corps, where the people still care about him and support him in prayer?
And, low and behold, after welcoming them back to the Bangor corps, we discover that Becki grew up in Winsted Connecticut- the very same small town where Debbie grew up! You should have seen them chatting on about the high school and the traffic light (yep- "the")!
Well, there's a whole lot more you could learn about Jeff and Becki, but the most important thing is that they have been called by God, responded to that call and are heading into the unknown, just because that's what God wants them to do.
It's because of these things, the Bangor Corps is proud to sponsor, support and send them off into the "wild 'red' yonder" of officership. They're OUR candidates!
Friday, July 28, 2006
OOB 2006 Starts!
Old Orchard beach 2006 has begun! Well, not technically. It officially starts tonight at 7 PM, but last night was the Northern New England's Musical night, when we preface the entire territorial event with an evening of musical worship, invoking God's presence, preparing hearts and lifting up the Name of Jesus.
I must admit, I was a bit surprised at the small attendance compared to previous years (but the current spiritual climate fits as no small part of an explanation). I wonder why it is often hard to draw people out for a night of worship?
We offered the musical "Experiencing God," by Henry Blackaby and, if I do say so myself (being a part of the presentation), it was a powerful expression of worship. There was a minor setback to the flow of worship when we took a few moments to officially send off our NNE candidates to the SFOT (it should have been done some other time- not during the musical; perhaps before it began would have fit better. If you follow my blog, you know I have a "thing" about carefully preparing the flow of a meeting! {stepping down off my soapbox for now}), but that was easily overshadowed by the seekers during the altar call. Many of these seekers were children! YES! They were listening to God's voice as he called them! I love that like nothing else!
By the way, the only Northern New England Candidates this year are from the Bangor Corps (more on that later- tomorrow?)!
This musical worship evening is a fantastic way of opening/preparing for the OOB meetings. Drew Poulopoulos (yes, it's spelled that way!), our Divisional Music Director, prepares and presents such powerful events! I believe it is because he works so hard and much of that work is done on his knees. He is also faithful to included the whole body of believers in his events. You just can't beat that kind of spiritual power! How blessed we are to have his influence in our division.
At the pier ministry this year, you will find a team from The War College helping out. The team is composed of staff, current and past TWC students. They will each participate in different ways including music, evangelism, prophetic evangelism, etc. (but no Jenn & Josh- {sniff}).
New to OOB this year, is the 24/7 prayer room. Another big YES! People have been encouraged to sign up and Debbie & I have taken a few slots between us. I am so looking forward to that time in prayer. There have been a few prophetic words regarding the prayer room, which will help us focus and fight off the enemy's attempts to kill it. Kudos to Janet Munn for arranging this prayer furnace. It seems our territory is warming up to this kind of power.
So if you're near Maine in the next few days, drop by OOB and look us up!
I must admit, I was a bit surprised at the small attendance compared to previous years (but the current spiritual climate fits as no small part of an explanation). I wonder why it is often hard to draw people out for a night of worship?
We offered the musical "Experiencing God," by Henry Blackaby and, if I do say so myself (being a part of the presentation), it was a powerful expression of worship. There was a minor setback to the flow of worship when we took a few moments to officially send off our NNE candidates to the SFOT (it should have been done some other time- not during the musical; perhaps before it began would have fit better. If you follow my blog, you know I have a "thing" about carefully preparing the flow of a meeting! {stepping down off my soapbox for now}), but that was easily overshadowed by the seekers during the altar call. Many of these seekers were children! YES! They were listening to God's voice as he called them! I love that like nothing else!
By the way, the only Northern New England Candidates this year are from the Bangor Corps (more on that later- tomorrow?)!
This musical worship evening is a fantastic way of opening/preparing for the OOB meetings. Drew Poulopoulos (yes, it's spelled that way!), our Divisional Music Director, prepares and presents such powerful events! I believe it is because he works so hard and much of that work is done on his knees. He is also faithful to included the whole body of believers in his events. You just can't beat that kind of spiritual power! How blessed we are to have his influence in our division.
At the pier ministry this year, you will find a team from The War College helping out. The team is composed of staff, current and past TWC students. They will each participate in different ways including music, evangelism, prophetic evangelism, etc. (but no Jenn & Josh- {sniff}).
New to OOB this year, is the 24/7 prayer room. Another big YES! People have been encouraged to sign up and Debbie & I have taken a few slots between us. I am so looking forward to that time in prayer. There have been a few prophetic words regarding the prayer room, which will help us focus and fight off the enemy's attempts to kill it. Kudos to Janet Munn for arranging this prayer furnace. It seems our territory is warming up to this kind of power.
So if you're near Maine in the next few days, drop by OOB and look us up!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Blog Alert! * Must Read! * Blog Alert!
Man o man! I just found a new blog by Joe Noland (actually, Joel found it)! It's called "Slightly Irregular" and it is a MUST READ. Sadly, there are only 2 entries so far.
I offer this recommendation ONLY to those who can handle it. He gives a preface that states you must be open to change or he will not take any blame for your high blood pressure! I love it!
Joe Noland was our Territorial Commander a few years back. He was awesome for this territory! Of course, there will be people who will disagree, but most of them will have high blood pressure from reading his blog! {LOL!}
Joe Noland is a visionary; a creative thinker. He asks "why?" and "why not?" a lot and requires you to state a reason for your position (he won't just accept what you say because "it's the way we've always thought about this"). He is a leader of people. He is NOT a manager of people.
When he was in the USA East, he raised many a person's blood pressure, but he also freed a lot of people to dream and accomplish new things for the Kingdom.
I guess I could go on and on here, but you'll find out for yourself if you bookmark his blog and add it to your daily readings. You'll find it already added to my Blog Salute! to the right.
Click my title above or the link below to go to:
Slightly Irregular
I offer this recommendation ONLY to those who can handle it. He gives a preface that states you must be open to change or he will not take any blame for your high blood pressure! I love it!
Joe Noland was our Territorial Commander a few years back. He was awesome for this territory! Of course, there will be people who will disagree, but most of them will have high blood pressure from reading his blog! {LOL!}
Joe Noland is a visionary; a creative thinker. He asks "why?" and "why not?" a lot and requires you to state a reason for your position (he won't just accept what you say because "it's the way we've always thought about this"). He is a leader of people. He is NOT a manager of people.
When he was in the USA East, he raised many a person's blood pressure, but he also freed a lot of people to dream and accomplish new things for the Kingdom.
I guess I could go on and on here, but you'll find out for yourself if you bookmark his blog and add it to your daily readings. You'll find it already added to my Blog Salute! to the right.
Click my title above or the link below to go to:
Slightly Irregular
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
A Little Help From a Friend
I find it so interesting how God chooses to help us through our difficulties! Even before I finished writing my last blog, a long-time friend sent me the following interview via email. Patty is one of the FEW people I let send me "forwards," et al, because she almost never sends junk. It's either real powerful, funny or just plain hits the spot for me. In fact, many times her stuff becomes the meat of some of my blogs!
Now I'm not "over" my struggling yet, but this is definitely one of the pieces to the puzzle that will help me solve my seeming conundrum. Thanx Patty- you're the best!
All bolding below is my highlighting great thoughts from the interview. I will comment in between with {red italic} lettering.
- - -
This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, "Purpose-Driven Life" author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California: "God wants us to be with Him in Heaven." In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:
People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever. One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body- but not the end of me.
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act- the dress rehearsal of God who wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. {Rick Munn says it this way (about the church): "The church is a MESS!" You know, they're both right. We're never going to get to that hoped for place in life where everything's perfect. It's all about learning how to cope with the mess.}
The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ's likeness.
This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer. I used to think that life was hills and valleys- you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails of a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good for which you can thank God.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. {As with a camera, what develops is what you focus on.}
If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is "my problem, my issues, my pain." But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others. {Wow! How simple; how true! William Booth got it right- "Others."}
We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her. It has been very difficult for her and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.
So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do: II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases. Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better." {This is my new DAILY prayer!}
God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I AM than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings. {Why can't we seem to get this straight? Why is it we work so hard to DO things, when that's just not the answer? I don't have any problems with doing things, we just need to take the emphasis off of doing and aim for being. If we make this change, we won't see the results as obviously. But God will. Can we live with that?}
In happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
In difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
In quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
In painful moments, TRUST GOD. {This is the HARD one here!}
In every moment, THANK GOD.
Now I'm not "over" my struggling yet, but this is definitely one of the pieces to the puzzle that will help me solve my seeming conundrum. Thanx Patty- you're the best!
All bolding below is my highlighting great thoughts from the interview. I will comment in between with {red italic} lettering.
- - -
This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, "Purpose-Driven Life" author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California: "God wants us to be with Him in Heaven." In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:
People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever. One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body- but not the end of me.
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act- the dress rehearsal of God who wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. {Rick Munn says it this way (about the church): "The church is a MESS!" You know, they're both right. We're never going to get to that hoped for place in life where everything's perfect. It's all about learning how to cope with the mess.}
The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ's likeness.
This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer. I used to think that life was hills and valleys- you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails of a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good for which you can thank God.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. {As with a camera, what develops is what you focus on.}
If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is "my problem, my issues, my pain." But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others. {Wow! How simple; how true! William Booth got it right- "Others."}
We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her. It has been very difficult for her and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.
So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do: II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases. Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better." {This is my new DAILY prayer!}
God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I AM than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings. {Why can't we seem to get this straight? Why is it we work so hard to DO things, when that's just not the answer? I don't have any problems with doing things, we just need to take the emphasis off of doing and aim for being. If we make this change, we won't see the results as obviously. But God will. Can we live with that?}
In happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
In difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
In quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
In painful moments, TRUST GOD. {This is the HARD one here!}
In every moment, THANK GOD.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
My Blog Bog
Many of you have noticed my lack of blogging for some time now. It's unusual for me- especially after more than a year of daily entries, no matter what I was doing or where I was. I had hoped I'd be over this by now, but since I'm obviously not, I figure I ought to let you in on what's going on.
There's been a change that has affected me at a very deep spiritual level. I'm doing my best to overcome, but the effect is my writings are tending toward the negative. When that happens, I just hit delete or don't even start in the first place.
The last thing I want to do on this blog is be negative- that's not my purpose in blogging. I don't want to complain or cry "woe is me!" either, so the answer I have come up with for now is to not write at all- or at least, much less frequently.
I'm not happy with that temporary solution, but at least now you know what's going on. I am sure there is a positive solution and I will get to it eventually, but I'm also sure I need to do the work to get through it. It's just taking a lot longer than I would have imagined. Your prayers would be welcomed.
Below I offer the scripture passage God keeps sending me to. It speaks to me almost constantly and I recently read through it in the Message version which really wowed me!
Read it carefully. Don't bleep over it like we often do with passages we know well. God is in the savoring of scripture. In fact, it's a bit like honey (I would've said chocolate) when we lick it all up and relish it!
Psalm 91
You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai [The Almighty]'s shadow, 2 Say this:
"God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!"
3 That's right- he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. 4 His huge outstretched arms protect you- under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.
5 Fear nothing- not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, 6 Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon.
7 Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. 8 You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses.
9 Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, 10 Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. 11 He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. 12 If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. 13 You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick strong lions and serpents from the path.
14 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me.
15 Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. 16 I'll give you a long life with a long drink of salvation!"
There's been a change that has affected me at a very deep spiritual level. I'm doing my best to overcome, but the effect is my writings are tending toward the negative. When that happens, I just hit delete or don't even start in the first place.
The last thing I want to do on this blog is be negative- that's not my purpose in blogging. I don't want to complain or cry "woe is me!" either, so the answer I have come up with for now is to not write at all- or at least, much less frequently.
I'm not happy with that temporary solution, but at least now you know what's going on. I am sure there is a positive solution and I will get to it eventually, but I'm also sure I need to do the work to get through it. It's just taking a lot longer than I would have imagined. Your prayers would be welcomed.
Below I offer the scripture passage God keeps sending me to. It speaks to me almost constantly and I recently read through it in the Message version which really wowed me!
Read it carefully. Don't bleep over it like we often do with passages we know well. God is in the savoring of scripture. In fact, it's a bit like honey (I would've said chocolate) when we lick it all up and relish it!
Psalm 91
You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai [The Almighty]'s shadow, 2 Say this:
"God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!"
3 That's right- he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. 4 His huge outstretched arms protect you- under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.
5 Fear nothing- not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, 6 Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon.
7 Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. 8 You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses.
9 Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, 10 Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. 11 He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. 12 If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. 13 You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick strong lions and serpents from the path.
14 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me.
15 Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. 16 I'll give you a long life with a long drink of salvation!"
Monday, July 24, 2006
Bad News, Phone Calls and Trust
You just know it’s bad news when the phone rings at 2:30 AM. I suppose people actually have good things happen to them at that time, but if they do, they don’t usually call someone else to tell them about it until at least the sun comes up!
First, you don’t want to wake up- you think you must be dreaming (I know my brain refuses to be jostled out of it’s dream state)! You roll over, reach for the phone and knock the alarm clock to the floor. Still fumbling, you finally pull the receiver off the hook, all the while clearing your voice so you don’t sound like you’re a frog when you grumble, “Fwhewo?”
Last night it was Jenn calling. She and Josh were traveling by bus on the red-eye from London to Boston to visit Mom & Dad and then participate in the Old Orchard Beach Pier Ministry coming up this weekend. Here’s the story:
They were stopped at the border and their bus had already left them behind. Apparently the “border patrol” did not believe they were telling the truth. Instead, they believed Josh & Jenn were leaving Canada forever to take up illegal residence in the USA. When Jenn tried to show them her Canadian residency paperwork, the guy refused to look at it or even listen to her attempt to explain. Their one-way tickets were all the proof he was willing to consider. Waving the bus on after gathering their luggage, he directed them to a pay phone. They called us, Mom & Dad Ivany and Elaine Gillingham (the pier ministry team leader, from London).
Have you ever been in a situation where you are incensed at an injustice, but you can do absolutely nothing about it? There was absolutely nothing we could do. We couldn’t call anyone. We couldn’t go anywhere. When Jenn hung up, we just laid there praying for over an hour before we could get anywhere near falling back to sleep.
Shortly after we did get back to sleep, the phone rang again. I again went through the 2:30 AM phone routine. When I woke up (about 2 minutes into the conversation I realized it was Jenn), she told us they had both been detained in a small room behind a large glass window where everyone passing through could see them sitting and (Jenn) crying. They felt like criminals- in fact, they even mug-shot and finger-printed Josh!
Then they were sent back across the bridge to the Canadian border. There they were met with much nicer guards who were very gracious to them and explained to Jenn that if she had left the country this way, she would have lost her status on her request for Canadian residency and would have had to start all the process over again (including over $1,000 in fees)! Whew! She’s been working (and paying) on that for months!
Now every time we contacted someone about whether Jenn could leave the country or not (before receiving her residency), we got a different answer! It appears to me that her status issue is all up to the guard who meets her at the border. If he’s in a good mood, she’s okay. If he’s in a bad mood . . . “do-over!”
So 2 hours later, Mom Ivany came to pick them up and take them to Toronto. Who knows what their next couple of weeks will look like, but it’s definitely NOT including time in Old Orchard Beach or the USA. {sniff}
Sounds to me like God had his hand in this- even though it gave us all a late night scare. I believe that and trust him no matter what the outcome is. Even if I’m not happy about it.
First, you don’t want to wake up- you think you must be dreaming (I know my brain refuses to be jostled out of it’s dream state)! You roll over, reach for the phone and knock the alarm clock to the floor. Still fumbling, you finally pull the receiver off the hook, all the while clearing your voice so you don’t sound like you’re a frog when you grumble, “Fwhewo?”
Last night it was Jenn calling. She and Josh were traveling by bus on the red-eye from London to Boston to visit Mom & Dad and then participate in the Old Orchard Beach Pier Ministry coming up this weekend. Here’s the story:
They were stopped at the border and their bus had already left them behind. Apparently the “border patrol” did not believe they were telling the truth. Instead, they believed Josh & Jenn were leaving Canada forever to take up illegal residence in the USA. When Jenn tried to show them her Canadian residency paperwork, the guy refused to look at it or even listen to her attempt to explain. Their one-way tickets were all the proof he was willing to consider. Waving the bus on after gathering their luggage, he directed them to a pay phone. They called us, Mom & Dad Ivany and Elaine Gillingham (the pier ministry team leader, from London).
Have you ever been in a situation where you are incensed at an injustice, but you can do absolutely nothing about it? There was absolutely nothing we could do. We couldn’t call anyone. We couldn’t go anywhere. When Jenn hung up, we just laid there praying for over an hour before we could get anywhere near falling back to sleep.
Shortly after we did get back to sleep, the phone rang again. I again went through the 2:30 AM phone routine. When I woke up (about 2 minutes into the conversation I realized it was Jenn), she told us they had both been detained in a small room behind a large glass window where everyone passing through could see them sitting and (Jenn) crying. They felt like criminals- in fact, they even mug-shot and finger-printed Josh!
Then they were sent back across the bridge to the Canadian border. There they were met with much nicer guards who were very gracious to them and explained to Jenn that if she had left the country this way, she would have lost her status on her request for Canadian residency and would have had to start all the process over again (including over $1,000 in fees)! Whew! She’s been working (and paying) on that for months!
Now every time we contacted someone about whether Jenn could leave the country or not (before receiving her residency), we got a different answer! It appears to me that her status issue is all up to the guard who meets her at the border. If he’s in a good mood, she’s okay. If he’s in a bad mood . . . “do-over!”
So 2 hours later, Mom Ivany came to pick them up and take them to Toronto. Who knows what their next couple of weeks will look like, but it’s definitely NOT including time in Old Orchard Beach or the USA. {sniff}
Sounds to me like God had his hand in this- even though it gave us all a late night scare. I believe that and trust him no matter what the outcome is. Even if I’m not happy about it.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
This Puns for You
This is my last day at Divisional music Camp. In case you've missed me, I hope to be bogging again soon. Until then, here's my attempt to placate you with some typical Burr-humor puns:
1. Two vultures board an airplane, each carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at them and says, "I'm sorry, gentlemen, only one carrion allowed per passenger."
2. Did you hear that NASA recently put a bunch of Holsteins into low earth orbit? They called it the herd shot 'round the world.
3. Two boll weevils grew up in South Carolina. One went to Hollywood and became a famous actor. The other stayed behind in the cotton fields and never amounted to much. The second one, naturally, became known as the lesser of two weevils.
4. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, but when they lit a fire in the craft, it sank proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it, too.
5. A three legged dog walks into a saloon in the Old West. He slides up to the bar and announces: "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw."
6. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? He wanted to transcend dental medication.
7. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he said, "I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer."
8. A woman has twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named "Amal." The other goes to a family in Spain; they name him "Juan." Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Amal. Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Amal."
9. These friars were behind on their belfry payments, so they opened up a small florist shop to raise funds. Since everyone liked to buy flowers from the men of God, a rival florist across town thought the competition was unfair. He asked the good fathers to close down, but they would not. He went back and begged the friars to close. They ignored him. So, the rival florist hired Hugh MacTaggart, the roughest and most vicious thug in town to "persuade" them to close. Hugh beat up the friars and trashed their store, saying he'd be back if they didn't close up shop. Terrified, they did so, thereby proving that: Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.
10. And finally, there was a man who blogged ten different puns, in the hope that at least one of the puns would make his readers laugh. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.
1. Two vultures board an airplane, each carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at them and says, "I'm sorry, gentlemen, only one carrion allowed per passenger."
2. Did you hear that NASA recently put a bunch of Holsteins into low earth orbit? They called it the herd shot 'round the world.
3. Two boll weevils grew up in South Carolina. One went to Hollywood and became a famous actor. The other stayed behind in the cotton fields and never amounted to much. The second one, naturally, became known as the lesser of two weevils.
4. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, but when they lit a fire in the craft, it sank proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it, too.
5. A three legged dog walks into a saloon in the Old West. He slides up to the bar and announces: "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw."
6. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? He wanted to transcend dental medication.
7. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he said, "I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer."
8. A woman has twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named "Amal." The other goes to a family in Spain; they name him "Juan." Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Amal. Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Amal."
9. These friars were behind on their belfry payments, so they opened up a small florist shop to raise funds. Since everyone liked to buy flowers from the men of God, a rival florist across town thought the competition was unfair. He asked the good fathers to close down, but they would not. He went back and begged the friars to close. They ignored him. So, the rival florist hired Hugh MacTaggart, the roughest and most vicious thug in town to "persuade" them to close. Hugh beat up the friars and trashed their store, saying he'd be back if they didn't close up shop. Terrified, they did so, thereby proving that: Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.
10. And finally, there was a man who blogged ten different puns, in the hope that at least one of the puns would make his readers laugh. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Guest Blogger #2
Today I offer another Guest Blogger who attended Booth-Tucker Institute in Vancouver, Canada this year- Mary MacKay from the Bangor Corps! We were so excited when Mary stated her desire to go this year (we're proud of you, Mary)!
Praise God for our Army who supports us by sending us to such vital spiritual events! You're in for another great blessing when you read of Mary's experience:
Booth Tucker Institute - June 23-30, 2006
by Mary macKay
Bed Bugs, roaches, and rats, oh my! Incarnational Living- I am not sure that I even fully understood what this was until now. I also know that a couple years ago I could not have gone to Vancouver all by myself, let alone stay in the "poorest postal code"’ in Canada and do things so completely out of my comfort zone. But this was the time- God's time, and I really felt that God wanted me to do this. So after a long day in the air and arriving in Canada just in time for Knee Drill (a really cool time of Praise, Worship and Prayer) I was off to find where I would stay for the next 7 days.
My next and first official day of BTI started off with a War Room (Prayer room) shift at 5 a.m. and would last until 8 a.m. I can honestly tell you that I have never, I repeat NEVER spent three hours in prayer at one time but this was awesome. I found that you could pray, sing, read your Bible, look out over the intersection of Hastings & Main, (the main intersection in the Downtown East Side), to see the people that have pretty much been there all night, and even do God inspired art work. I spent some time reading my Bible and God gave me the verse in Isaiah 42:6b-7 that says, "And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons." And I thought, "what am I going to do with this? Is it for me or someone else?" I really wasn't sure what to do with it so I marked it and prayed about it and for the people sitting and sleeping on the steps of the Carnegie Center (library etc).
The time passed very quickly and then it was off to Crosswalk to begin my day, and what would be every day, with "Praying the Bible." We then met with the other delegates and shared a time of "why we were there and what we expected to gain from the experience." I was then paired up with a young woman named Fleur to Prayer Walk in the DTES for 1/2 hour each day.
I do have to say that one of the things that affected me most was the day that we saw a young woman sitting on the sidewalk just down from Crosswalk, her shirt pulled up to expose her very pregnant belly, and she was shooting up. I found myself welling up with tears and Fleur began to pray as we walked. She prayed for the safety of that baby, protection from drugs and many other good things. I have thought of that young woman many times in the days since and pray for her as well.
After that we were paired up with our partner for our daily BTI Challenge. The challenges ranged to everything from prayer walking a local store (check out the size of the store before you decide to do this one!), to praying in a government building, obtaining a meal for a homeless individual using the barter system and no money of our own, praying for people in the safe injection site (they wouldn't let anyone in), to a number of other challenges. Lt.-Colonel Howie Burr and I tried several different challenges with a margin of success. We prayed thru a department store one day and set up a "free prayer booth" another day among other things. It was a good experience and definitely out of my comfort zone.
The lecturers for the week included Michael Collins, Associate Pastor of Cariboo Hill Corps; Captains Steve and Danielle; Ian Gillingham and Aaron White, from the War College. Great speakers, definitely anointed and qualified to speak at Booth Tucker College. They each had inspiring topics and gave us a lot to think about.
I think one of the highlights each day was the daily "dusting off" sessions. The scripture says that Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 10:14 "if any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to you message, shake its dust from you feet as you leave." If I am not mistaken, I believe that Charles Roberts coined the phrase, "dusting off." Each day 2 delegates were given their own time for some listening prayers and prophetic words of encouragement and other revelations. There was some powerful stuff happening each day!! Sherry's (another woman from Maine) dusting was incredibly powerful as she was baptized in the spirit.
My own dusting was very meaningful for me and I was encouraged to use my healing gift more and to accept it. (By the way, Howie, I went to the hospital the day after I came home and prayed with a soldier that had four cardiac arrests and surgery while I was away and not expected to make it. He is now in his own room at the hospital, was alert, and doing quite well when I saw him this past Sunday)! It was very encouraging, not only for the person receiving the blessing or dusting, but for those listening as well. Fleur would transcribe the words given and then a time of discussion would follow. It was incredible each time that someone would hit the mark straight on (Duh!?). We were listening to God and it should not have been a surprise to anyone!!
I had two more shifts in the War Room (both were 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and also went out on Tuesday night for Street Combat. I had no idea what to expect but Crystal (a young War College Student) was patient with me. We walked a bit, talked with some people (one of which Crystal had not seen for a while) and we ended the night with a quick dusting off session and prayer before joining with the Canteen from Cariboo Hill as they passed out soup and sandwiches and just talked with the people from the DTES. A highlight of this night (and I didn't have my camera) was seeing Howie, in full uniform (it was tunic Tuesday), with Lisa, sitting on the sidewalk in conversation with a gentleman from the street.
The War College also operates a coffee house/cafe out of the Crosswalk Building (an emergency sleeping mat shelter) a few nights of the week. The coffee house/cafe is called REcre8 (sound it out!) and serves coffee, tea, and refreshment. The delegates to BTI are also scheduled for shifts in the cafe. The guests are also invited to play games, talk, or just sit and enjoy the company if that is what they want. It is a great way for them to connect with the 614 corps and community.
I really feel that I was truly blessed by this experience and am praying into what to do with all that I learned during this week. I know that people at home were praying for my safety and God truly blessed me and protected me while in Vancouver. When I got out of my shifts at 11 p.m. in the War Room, Wes (one of the tenants in the apartment) was there to meet me and walk me home then and on our last night after Recre8 at 10ish p.m. Bram (one of our cadets from the SFOT) walked me home as well). I think all these people just felt I was too old to be out alone)! Whatever the reason, I know God's hand was definitely in it!! Thank you , Jesus!!
Oh, yeah, I am pretty sure the scripture given to me on the first day in the War Room was for me. One of my goals for the week was to leave Vancouver a changed person.
In the words of a Hillsong song,
I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk the path, I will run the race.
And I will never be the same again.
And I will never be the same again.
And I will never be the same again.
Jesus, may it be so.
Praise God for our Army who supports us by sending us to such vital spiritual events! You're in for another great blessing when you read of Mary's experience:
Booth Tucker Institute - June 23-30, 2006
by Mary macKay
Bed Bugs, roaches, and rats, oh my! Incarnational Living- I am not sure that I even fully understood what this was until now. I also know that a couple years ago I could not have gone to Vancouver all by myself, let alone stay in the "poorest postal code"’ in Canada and do things so completely out of my comfort zone. But this was the time- God's time, and I really felt that God wanted me to do this. So after a long day in the air and arriving in Canada just in time for Knee Drill (a really cool time of Praise, Worship and Prayer) I was off to find where I would stay for the next 7 days.
My next and first official day of BTI started off with a War Room (Prayer room) shift at 5 a.m. and would last until 8 a.m. I can honestly tell you that I have never, I repeat NEVER spent three hours in prayer at one time but this was awesome. I found that you could pray, sing, read your Bible, look out over the intersection of Hastings & Main, (the main intersection in the Downtown East Side), to see the people that have pretty much been there all night, and even do God inspired art work. I spent some time reading my Bible and God gave me the verse in Isaiah 42:6b-7 that says, "And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons." And I thought, "what am I going to do with this? Is it for me or someone else?" I really wasn't sure what to do with it so I marked it and prayed about it and for the people sitting and sleeping on the steps of the Carnegie Center (library etc).
The time passed very quickly and then it was off to Crosswalk to begin my day, and what would be every day, with "Praying the Bible." We then met with the other delegates and shared a time of "why we were there and what we expected to gain from the experience." I was then paired up with a young woman named Fleur to Prayer Walk in the DTES for 1/2 hour each day.
I do have to say that one of the things that affected me most was the day that we saw a young woman sitting on the sidewalk just down from Crosswalk, her shirt pulled up to expose her very pregnant belly, and she was shooting up. I found myself welling up with tears and Fleur began to pray as we walked. She prayed for the safety of that baby, protection from drugs and many other good things. I have thought of that young woman many times in the days since and pray for her as well.
After that we were paired up with our partner for our daily BTI Challenge. The challenges ranged to everything from prayer walking a local store (check out the size of the store before you decide to do this one!), to praying in a government building, obtaining a meal for a homeless individual using the barter system and no money of our own, praying for people in the safe injection site (they wouldn't let anyone in), to a number of other challenges. Lt.-Colonel Howie Burr and I tried several different challenges with a margin of success. We prayed thru a department store one day and set up a "free prayer booth" another day among other things. It was a good experience and definitely out of my comfort zone.
The lecturers for the week included Michael Collins, Associate Pastor of Cariboo Hill Corps; Captains Steve and Danielle; Ian Gillingham and Aaron White, from the War College. Great speakers, definitely anointed and qualified to speak at Booth Tucker College. They each had inspiring topics and gave us a lot to think about.
I think one of the highlights each day was the daily "dusting off" sessions. The scripture says that Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 10:14 "if any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to you message, shake its dust from you feet as you leave." If I am not mistaken, I believe that Charles Roberts coined the phrase, "dusting off." Each day 2 delegates were given their own time for some listening prayers and prophetic words of encouragement and other revelations. There was some powerful stuff happening each day!! Sherry's (another woman from Maine) dusting was incredibly powerful as she was baptized in the spirit.
My own dusting was very meaningful for me and I was encouraged to use my healing gift more and to accept it. (By the way, Howie, I went to the hospital the day after I came home and prayed with a soldier that had four cardiac arrests and surgery while I was away and not expected to make it. He is now in his own room at the hospital, was alert, and doing quite well when I saw him this past Sunday)! It was very encouraging, not only for the person receiving the blessing or dusting, but for those listening as well. Fleur would transcribe the words given and then a time of discussion would follow. It was incredible each time that someone would hit the mark straight on (Duh!?). We were listening to God and it should not have been a surprise to anyone!!
I had two more shifts in the War Room (both were 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and also went out on Tuesday night for Street Combat. I had no idea what to expect but Crystal (a young War College Student) was patient with me. We walked a bit, talked with some people (one of which Crystal had not seen for a while) and we ended the night with a quick dusting off session and prayer before joining with the Canteen from Cariboo Hill as they passed out soup and sandwiches and just talked with the people from the DTES. A highlight of this night (and I didn't have my camera) was seeing Howie, in full uniform (it was tunic Tuesday), with Lisa, sitting on the sidewalk in conversation with a gentleman from the street.
The War College also operates a coffee house/cafe out of the Crosswalk Building (an emergency sleeping mat shelter) a few nights of the week. The coffee house/cafe is called REcre8 (sound it out!) and serves coffee, tea, and refreshment. The delegates to BTI are also scheduled for shifts in the cafe. The guests are also invited to play games, talk, or just sit and enjoy the company if that is what they want. It is a great way for them to connect with the 614 corps and community.
I really feel that I was truly blessed by this experience and am praying into what to do with all that I learned during this week. I know that people at home were praying for my safety and God truly blessed me and protected me while in Vancouver. When I got out of my shifts at 11 p.m. in the War Room, Wes (one of the tenants in the apartment) was there to meet me and walk me home then and on our last night after Recre8 at 10ish p.m. Bram (one of our cadets from the SFOT) walked me home as well). I think all these people just felt I was too old to be out alone)! Whatever the reason, I know God's hand was definitely in it!! Thank you , Jesus!!
Oh, yeah, I am pretty sure the scripture given to me on the first day in the War Room was for me. One of my goals for the week was to leave Vancouver a changed person.
In the words of a Hillsong song,
I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk the path, I will run the race.
And I will never be the same again.
And I will never be the same again.
And I will never be the same again.
Jesus, may it be so.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Guest Blogger #1
Today I offer a guest blogger- my brother Howie. He just got home from this year's Booth-Tucker Institute (BTI) in Vancouver, Canada. I know you'll be blessed by his reflections. There's more to come soon (I'm waiting on one more guest blogger to share her experience at BTI this year).
Reflections of the Booth Tucker Institute
by Howard Burr
My brother Doug made me do it! Ok, he just talked me into it by sharing his experiences with me and I wanted a similar blessing. My initial purpose in attending was to experience how a Salvation Army cell group church operates in the poorest postal code in Canada, because we want to start planting them in the Eastern Territory. My personal desire was to rekindle the Holy Spirit's flame in my spirit. Little did I know...
After the Thursday evening worship (very free and open) I went to catch several hours of sleep before I had the 2:00 - 5:00 AM shift in the War Room - a 24/7 prayer room in what we would call a "Welfare" hotel. I walked to the War Room past the many drug addicts and few scurrying rats on the street. It was a wonderful experience that goes by quickly as you talk with God and look over His lost children on the street below.
My sleep deprived morning began as all others (except Sunday when we chose which local Army service to attend) with knee drill which is praying and reading the Bible out loud while walking. We would then would have a presentation by Steve Court, Danielle Strickland, Ian Gillingham or a guest lecturer. The teaching was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit processed through holy men and women. (Your heart always knows the difference.) Then Lisa Luxford and I would prayer walk the streets and alleys of the community until lunch. Meals were eaten at the Harbor Light Center.
After lunch the BTI challenge took place - let's just call it experiments with innovative evangelism.Mary and I were pushed outside our comfort zone. We opened up a street healing prayer station and other teams responded with similar creativity.This was followed by "dusting off", a time of listening prayer and prophetic encouragement which often was a highlight of the day. The day would end with squad, which was discussion of several revolutionary Salvation Army articles that pushed everyone to think Biblically about what we believe and do.
During the week, I was personally schooled three times by War College students who did not even know they were showing me how to do evangelism right. I was invited to the beach with a group and they started singing and began an unplanned open air. I tried to teach truth to those who came over and no one wanted to listen. It seems that my generation looks for truth, but this generation wants to know what is real first. A simple testimony was far more effective than any logic I had to share. In the second "lesson" I was walking on the street with another student when we walked by a drug addict in a midday withdrawal dance. My thoughts were ineffective but the student dealt with the situation with practical love and direction - almost as an afterthought. The third lesson was in the value of relationships being far more powerful than I had imagined. It was a humbling, wonderful learning experience.
The most profound treasure was meeting other world revolutionaries and forming lifelong relationships - ok, eternity long relationships - with friends who urge you on to do great things for our Lord. Thank you, Ian, for pouring yourself out for all of us. Kathleen, you are the New Songs Colonel. Andrew & Fleur, I saw Jesus in you every day. Mary, Doug has no idea who the warrior is who is coming back to the corps from BTI! Bram & Anita - your joy in the Lord's service made me want to be young, go back to Training School and start all over again. Sherri, Mary & the Karlstens - thank you for your love and witness to me. Finally, special thanks to Steve and Danielle for your Great Commission vision and love.
Finally, I wanted fresh fire from BTI. After my second War Room shift I got up the next day and got a cup of seniors coffee (yes, I am that old!) at McDonald's and read my Bible by the window. I was reading in Ezekiel when I realized I was crying. I did not look cool in any way and I did not care. God the Holy Spirit showed up and ministered to some deep places in my spirit. Later that week I started crying while walking down the street in simple gratitude to my Lord. I am home now and the fire still burns. My prayer life will not let the fire grow dim again. I never want to flag in zeal all my days.
So here is the bottom line. Go see for yourself. If you want to do something revolutionary in your life for Jesus Christ, I suggest that you attend the Booth Tucker Institute. If you are considering attending the War College you will never be sorry. Tired, yes, but sorry? Never.
Reflections of the Booth Tucker Institute
by Howard Burr
My brother Doug made me do it! Ok, he just talked me into it by sharing his experiences with me and I wanted a similar blessing. My initial purpose in attending was to experience how a Salvation Army cell group church operates in the poorest postal code in Canada, because we want to start planting them in the Eastern Territory. My personal desire was to rekindle the Holy Spirit's flame in my spirit. Little did I know...
After the Thursday evening worship (very free and open) I went to catch several hours of sleep before I had the 2:00 - 5:00 AM shift in the War Room - a 24/7 prayer room in what we would call a "Welfare" hotel. I walked to the War Room past the many drug addicts and few scurrying rats on the street. It was a wonderful experience that goes by quickly as you talk with God and look over His lost children on the street below.
My sleep deprived morning began as all others (except Sunday when we chose which local Army service to attend) with knee drill which is praying and reading the Bible out loud while walking. We would then would have a presentation by Steve Court, Danielle Strickland, Ian Gillingham or a guest lecturer. The teaching was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit processed through holy men and women. (Your heart always knows the difference.) Then Lisa Luxford and I would prayer walk the streets and alleys of the community until lunch. Meals were eaten at the Harbor Light Center.
After lunch the BTI challenge took place - let's just call it experiments with innovative evangelism.Mary and I were pushed outside our comfort zone. We opened up a street healing prayer station and other teams responded with similar creativity.This was followed by "dusting off", a time of listening prayer and prophetic encouragement which often was a highlight of the day. The day would end with squad, which was discussion of several revolutionary Salvation Army articles that pushed everyone to think Biblically about what we believe and do.
During the week, I was personally schooled three times by War College students who did not even know they were showing me how to do evangelism right. I was invited to the beach with a group and they started singing and began an unplanned open air. I tried to teach truth to those who came over and no one wanted to listen. It seems that my generation looks for truth, but this generation wants to know what is real first. A simple testimony was far more effective than any logic I had to share. In the second "lesson" I was walking on the street with another student when we walked by a drug addict in a midday withdrawal dance. My thoughts were ineffective but the student dealt with the situation with practical love and direction - almost as an afterthought. The third lesson was in the value of relationships being far more powerful than I had imagined. It was a humbling, wonderful learning experience.
The most profound treasure was meeting other world revolutionaries and forming lifelong relationships - ok, eternity long relationships - with friends who urge you on to do great things for our Lord. Thank you, Ian, for pouring yourself out for all of us. Kathleen, you are the New Songs Colonel. Andrew & Fleur, I saw Jesus in you every day. Mary, Doug has no idea who the warrior is who is coming back to the corps from BTI! Bram & Anita - your joy in the Lord's service made me want to be young, go back to Training School and start all over again. Sherri, Mary & the Karlstens - thank you for your love and witness to me. Finally, special thanks to Steve and Danielle for your Great Commission vision and love.
Finally, I wanted fresh fire from BTI. After my second War Room shift I got up the next day and got a cup of seniors coffee (yes, I am that old!) at McDonald's and read my Bible by the window. I was reading in Ezekiel when I realized I was crying. I did not look cool in any way and I did not care. God the Holy Spirit showed up and ministered to some deep places in my spirit. Later that week I started crying while walking down the street in simple gratitude to my Lord. I am home now and the fire still burns. My prayer life will not let the fire grow dim again. I never want to flag in zeal all my days.
So here is the bottom line. Go see for yourself. If you want to do something revolutionary in your life for Jesus Christ, I suggest that you attend the Booth Tucker Institute. If you are considering attending the War College you will never be sorry. Tired, yes, but sorry? Never.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Cancel My AOL Account!
Thinking of canceling your AOL account? Think again!
Check out this MSNBC video recounting of a man attempting to do so.
Click the title above or the link below:
Please Cancel my Account
Check out this MSNBC video recounting of a man attempting to do so.
Click the title above or the link below:
Please Cancel my Account
The Extreme Diet Coke & Mentos Experiments
O you've just GOT to see this video!
Either click the title above or the link below:
Experiments Video
Either click the title above or the link below:
Experiments Video
Monday, July 03, 2006
A Starter or a Minor Leaguer?
A while ago, someone commented on my (and my wife's) officership. They were impressed with how many things we do well, but felt there was one thing lacking. They told us if we could just get that one thing going, we'd be good officers.
At that moment I mostly agreed with them. The thing they mentioned really could use improvement and it had bothered both Debbie and I for some years that no matter what we'd tried over the years, that one thing always seemed to be our one "unsuccess."
After awhile, this aspect of our ministry became a sore spot or me (and Debbie too, as we had many concerned discussions about it). This sore spot has grown to become a depressing thing for me and has eaten up a huge amount of my energy and spiritual resources to the point where I have been in a kind of spiritual funk lately.
I am a HUGE believer in the Body of Christ; that each person is created for a specific purpose and is gifted to accomplish that purpose. We are NOT gifted to accomplish someone else's purpose or another part of the Body.
The problem with human beings, though, is we too often take things into our own hands and decide what is important rather than listen to what God says is important.
I know my giftings. I have worked for many years specifically on what it is God wants me to do. Knowing my purpose not only helps me do what God wants, it also frees me to NOT do what God DOESN'T want.
Not that God doesn't want this specific "unsuccess" of ours to be accomplished- he just doesn't want it from us (believe me, I've asked and prayed until God has reminded me of my purpose over and over again). When we focus on that one point, what we were created to do goes undone. Or at the very least, gets done less well.
Who are we to tell God how he wants to use us in his plan of salvation?
Imagine a baseball player telling his coach how to best use him: "I don't want to play outfield, I want to play second base!" Oh, sorry- Soriano tried that this year! But by listening to his coach, he did what the team needed and has become an outstanding outfielder- even just being voted as a starter onto the All-Star team as an outfielder!
You know, I'd rather be a starter at what God wants me to do than a sub-standard minor-leaguer at what someone else thinks I should do.
At that moment I mostly agreed with them. The thing they mentioned really could use improvement and it had bothered both Debbie and I for some years that no matter what we'd tried over the years, that one thing always seemed to be our one "unsuccess."
After awhile, this aspect of our ministry became a sore spot or me (and Debbie too, as we had many concerned discussions about it). This sore spot has grown to become a depressing thing for me and has eaten up a huge amount of my energy and spiritual resources to the point where I have been in a kind of spiritual funk lately.
I am a HUGE believer in the Body of Christ; that each person is created for a specific purpose and is gifted to accomplish that purpose. We are NOT gifted to accomplish someone else's purpose or another part of the Body.
The problem with human beings, though, is we too often take things into our own hands and decide what is important rather than listen to what God says is important.
I know my giftings. I have worked for many years specifically on what it is God wants me to do. Knowing my purpose not only helps me do what God wants, it also frees me to NOT do what God DOESN'T want.
Not that God doesn't want this specific "unsuccess" of ours to be accomplished- he just doesn't want it from us (believe me, I've asked and prayed until God has reminded me of my purpose over and over again). When we focus on that one point, what we were created to do goes undone. Or at the very least, gets done less well.
Who are we to tell God how he wants to use us in his plan of salvation?
Imagine a baseball player telling his coach how to best use him: "I don't want to play outfield, I want to play second base!" Oh, sorry- Soriano tried that this year! But by listening to his coach, he did what the team needed and has become an outstanding outfielder- even just being voted as a starter onto the All-Star team as an outfielder!
You know, I'd rather be a starter at what God wants me to do than a sub-standard minor-leaguer at what someone else thinks I should do.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Tilly the Video Eagle
I love to fly! Every chance I get to go on an airplane is exciting! I've always loved it since I was a kid. I wish I could fly without the help of an airplane.
Well, maybe I won't get that chance this side of heaven, but the website for Animal Planet has a wonderful set of videos provided by Tilly, a golden eagle. Tilly was trained to carry cameras while she flew and here are 6 very interesting videos for you to watch and experience flight just like a golden eagle. Incredible!
Click the link below or the title above to see the videos.
Tilly the Video Eagle
Well, maybe I won't get that chance this side of heaven, but the website for Animal Planet has a wonderful set of videos provided by Tilly, a golden eagle. Tilly was trained to carry cameras while she flew and here are 6 very interesting videos for you to watch and experience flight just like a golden eagle. Incredible!
Click the link below or the title above to see the videos.
Tilly the Video Eagle
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