My Favorite Worship Leaders, Part 2

Here pictured is Jason Upton, an incredible worshiper! I'm not as font of his music as I am of some of the others I'll be mentioning here, but I'm not critiquing music anyway- I'm talking about those leaders who bring us into God's presence by their anointing in worship. So I can't go any further without mentioning him.

I first experienced Jason Upton, like Lindell Cooley, at a conference I attended a few years ago. Also like Lindell, I have been collecting Jason's music ever since. Come to think of it, whenever I discover a worship leader that is powerfully anointed for worship, I seek out his/her music. I guess it's my M.O. (motis operandi) and why the size of my Worship CD collection has grown!

I feel Jason's music has a distinct flavor of seriousness. Unlike some others who get my feet tapping and my hands drumming (both styles are equally valuable and good), I must be on my face while listening to Jason Upton. I assume it's not the case with all of his music, just my thoughts at the moment.

If you'd like to read more about him, check out some Bio info at
http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/worship.aspx?iid=216451.

The most amazing story I can tell you about Jason Upton, actually comes on the CD sleeve of his album, Remember (my favorite and pictured below). I'll quote it directly here:

"There is no explanation for the last song, Fly, except that during the 'do you see what I see' portion you will hear a soaring voice over the top of the other voices (6 minutes and 11 seconds into this section). At first we thought it was an ambient microphone picking up an overtone. During mixing all of the channels were searched and we found that this "boys choir" type voice was not on any of the other microphones, but was bleeding through my own microphone (which would make it impossible for it to be an overtone because it was not present on any of the other open microphones). If you listen carefully you will hear it again later in this section; it's not quite as clear because, unfortunately, my voice is prominent on that microphone. Interestingly, a boy came up to me that night and told me that he saw an angel standing about fifteen feet behind me . . . and another one behind the drummer. At that time I doubted that; but after hearing the 'voice' alone during the mixing process with no other instruments around it, I do not doubt it any more. It was very humbling and convicting for me to realize that I had not believed the boy. I sometimes wrestle with why I so often disbelieve the supernatural (why would I first think it was something natural like an overtone, instead of believing it was an angel). The Bible tells us that we should not be surprised by angelic visitations; but I must admit, I was surprised!"

Any question of a powerful anointing on Jason Upton now?

I currently have 5 of his albums (although Jenn fights me for them whenever she's home!). If you'd like to listen or purchase some of Jason Upton's CDs, you can check them out on worshipmusic.com as follows:
http://www.worshipmusic.com/jason-upton.html.

Please listen and tell me what you think.

We Interrupt this Series of Blogs to . . . Pray

Here I sit in my chapel in Bangor, Maine. It's SonDay at 8:10 AM and I've been here since 7:30. Lincoln Brewster (we'll talk about him as a worship leader soon) is playing over the sound system and although I am just finishing the necessary prep for the services (Turn the heat and lights on, get the computer and sound system up and running, etc). I have recently begun to come in on Saturday to do the majority of this prep because it has so easily taken over the time I would rather use for prayer on SonDay. You know, it's so easy to let other things take over my prayer time!

Anyone else out there understand that?

Even this entry, as important as it is, takes valuable time away from what I consider to be the MOST important use of my time- ESPECIALLY on SonDay AMs. And I was fighting off the urge very well this morning, until God spoke very clearly that right now, he wants me to write this word from him.

Where is my church? Where are my people? On the day they have set aside to worship me, so many are still in bed trying to get those last few "precious" minutes of sleep. I want to meet with you- even before the larger group gathers, to prepare you; to use you to prepare the atmosphere in my house for my people who don't yet know me and rid it of your enemy's presence which so often trips you up from my greater purposes and keeps you from reaching the heights of worship I desire.

Can you give up those precious minutes of sleep for me? Would you come to be with me just a little earlier? You'll never get there before me; I'm always there waiting for you. I have been waiting.

I'm still waiting.

You know, I've made it my practice to spend SonDay AMs in my chapel for the last 15 years. I fast and pray for God's people in my corps to experience God and let him change them. I've seen results. But mostly I've seen the change in my own life as I've come to cherish this special time with God.

Anyone out there listening? Anyone willing to put yourself out a bit, one day a week? Anyone willing to take up this challenge of mine; this request from your God?

Then start next SonDay. Get up early, get ready, skip breakfast and head to your corps chapel to worship and pray. If you don't have access at that time of morning, I'm sure you can get your CO or Sgt Major (praise God for faithful Sgt Majors!) to open up the building a bit earlier than usual for this purpose. If you're faithful enough, maybe they'll eventually give you a key. Maybe they'll join you. Maybe we'll start something that will spread all over the Army world and we'll see that revival that God has promised and so many of us have been praying for. Who'll be the first?

Trust me- God will already be there and he'll be glad you came.

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To anyone taking up this challenge, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know. Keep me posted on what God is saying to you; what happens in your corps services; who joins you, etc.

My Favorite Worship Leaders

I love music! All kinds of music. Opera and Country are the only two styles I don't enjoy, so I listen to a wide variety. But over the last few years I have settled into listening to "Praise and Worship" more than anything else. I've developed quite an extensive CD collection of music and downloaded mp3 files that "put me into God's presence." And that's really why I listen to such music a lot- I want to be in God's presence and am interested in doing anything that will help me get there.

What I've noticed about Praise and Worship music is that the person singing and/or leading makes a HUGE difference in whether or not the music touches my spirit and ushers me into heaven's throne room. This comes as no surprise, since I've noticed over the years this same difference in performers of Army music- such as Black Dyke Mills band versus the Star Lake Band playing Resurgam. While Black Dyke is flawless in this incredible piece, when all is said and done, it doesn't touch your spirit like the Lake Band does even with all the errors.

Bottom line: the spirit of the person presenting the music makes all the difference in the outcome.

So herein, I'd like to take some space over the next few days to tell you about those Worship Leaders who hold a special place in my own times of worship.

Without a doubt, Lindell Cooley is #1 for me. He was the Worship Leader for the Brownsville Assembly of God Church in Pensacola, Florida during the incredible revival years. If you want more info on his life and ministry, here's a link for his biography http://www.mmi-inc.com/biography.htm.

I first heard him live at a conference I attended a few years ago and I was blown away by his fun music style(s) and amazing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. In my experience, there is no one who I have seen so consistently usher a room of worshiping believers into God's holy presence. Here is an incredibly talented and gifted worshiper.

Ever since that first experience with Lindell, I've collected his CDs and often listen to them while praying SonDay AMs in my chapel in Bangor (and other times). Here is a page of his CDs from worshipmusic.com http://www.worshipmusic.com/lindellcooley.html#top.

It's hard to pick a favorite album, but here is one of them (pictured here) "Open up the Sky." There are many others right up there with it, like "Freedom," "Desperate for You" (awesome Gospel style), "Quiet Songs" (for meditation and prayer), "Send the Fire" and "Songs from the Great Revivals" (which includes an old Army favorite- "Send the Fire").

Take a listen to Lindell Cooley and let me know what you think.

I know, I know!

We've been quite busy the last couple of weeks so blogging has taken a back seat (a wedding, our Annual Harvest Auction, Special SonDay meeting guests, etc).

There was a time not too long ago when this blog took too much of a lead in importance to me and I did whatever I could to "get the daily blog up." I've since learned there are actually other things that take precedence . . . once in awhile! And I've learned to let it go without sweating too much. Ha!

You will want to know I've been collecting all kinds of good stuff to write about and I plan to get it up here soon. So get your thinking caps out and ready for heavy use.

Want to Learn How to Draw?

Check out this interesting website that will give you Free Drawing Lessons!

http://www.drawspace.com/

In this day and age of everything digital, take a moment (or many moments) to get a piece of paper and a pencil and get back to basics.

Fascinating!

Malcolm & Vicki Daniels

We just returned from Malcolm Daniels and Victoria Balcom's wedding. Now mind you- the day's not over yet- we still have The Celebration (party) to go to in a few minutes! I hear it's a big spread!

What a blessing to be asked to do the wedding of one of your old Junior Soldiers! And I must add, Malcolm was (and still is) one of my all-time favorites!

Everything went extremely well. Everyone looked great- especially the bride (of course, she was radiant)! It was certainly my honor to officiate. And as one of my responsibilities, I was asked to pray over them and offer a blessing during the ceremony. Here are my prayerful words:

Malcolm & Vicki's Blessing
When people all around you feel as though God has left (and they will), you will know for certain he has not. That's because you know when people turn away from God, he redoubles his efforts to get through to us.

When the road gets dark because of trials and difficulties (and it will), you will know Yahweh is always near to lean on. You will know the darkness only serves to strengthen you. And it is merely temporary.

You are strong- together. As a cord strengthens with each strand added, so combining your spirits makes you a formidable weapon against The Enemy. That strength is God's plan and you will be an example of how that unified strength has changed you both.

You are swift to see injustice and do something about it. Together you are a refuge for the lost and your home is a safe haven for those in need. Many will come to know of Yahweh's love for them by your loving example.

You have been down a difficult path, but your experience will be used by God to teach faith in Him and good decision-making in those who look up to you. You are an example of Yahweh's amazing grace; the more he pours into you, the more you will flow over into those around you.

Your communication skills will blossom as you resolve conflict thrown at you by The Enemy. His attempts to divide you will not be successful; you will always see him coming from afar and deal with him long before he even gets a chance to get his foot in the door.

God has a leadership role in store for you. Watch for his leading. He is sending a number of people your way and he desires that you will show them the way. You both naturally accept people where they are. This is a great starting point you should develop to its fullness, for it is placed in you by Yahweh himself for his grand purposes.

Know this: You have not even begun to experience the amazing ways God plans to use you both! This marriage will be a beacon to all.

It is good. And God is pleased.

- - - - - -

God bless you, Malcolm & Vicki!

- - - - - -

PS: Here's their wedding website.

Not Really Funny

If this weren't so true, it might be funny.

How can people not see this brash enemy who kills thousands of children right under our noses? And we either turn our heads or fight for the right to continue this practice.

BLESSING:
May your eyes be opened to the destruction all around you caused by our great Enemy. May his plans be clear to all and his ways deemed shameful and appalling. May your heart be broken until you actually get up the courage to do something about it all. You can make a difference; may you start today.

Prayer Ammo for Africa

Paul & Sherry Pelletier recently went on missionary service to Kenya, Africa. We miss having these good friends nearby, but we do keep in touch through email.

Below is self-explanitory, by Paul. If you desire to pray for their ministry (or anyone's ministry in Africa) here is some good prayer ammo for your arsenal.

- - - - - - - -
Greetings,

I picked up a good book at the book fair. Foundations of African Traditional Religion & Worldview by Yusufu Turaki. I would like to share the basic theological and philosophical views that are crystallizing the big picture of African life for me.

Fundamental Theological Beliefs:

1. Belief in Impersonal Mystical powers: Activities of mysterious higher powers, personal or impersonal, that generate or deposit power in things or objects (I found this similar to new age thinking and various sorts of pantheistic, Hindu faiths. In the African context witchdoctors and other type of folks attempt to harness this power whereas wicca and new age have folks who try to master crystal energy and things along these lines).

2. Belief in Spirit beings: Mystical power is not only attributed to objects and things but spirit beings, spirits, dead ancestors, etc. Similar to the above it is believed these spirits can inhabit inanimate objects such as rocks and contributes to the mystical belief in powers that need to be harnessed. There is much more to this but the general idea can be understood.

3. Belief in many Divinities: African terminology prefers divinities or diety's to "gods." There is debate over whether these diety's are worshipped or merely serve as intermediaries, (similar to the saints in the Catholic Church). Some divinities are from African legends, and like many other polytheistic faiths, have divinities for various parts of life; health, harvest, sun, moon, rivers, etc.

4. Belief in a Supreme Being: It can be established that many Africans believe in a supreme being but that direct worship of this supreme being who is over the lesser beings does not really happen. The first three areas of belief mentioned are the areas that mostly effect the daily life of Africans. The supreme being in traditional African life is not so much concerned about the affairs of men who are to seek out lesser powers to meet their chief desires. A person may actually acknowlege the God of Abraham as a supreme being and never worship Him as such.

5. Belief in a Heirarchy of Spiritual Beings and Powers: All spirit beings for part of an order, but the distinction between the levels is vague and fluid. Africans respond to these spirit beings according to each spirits place in the hiearchy.

Fundamental Philosophical Beliefs

1. Holism: It is a complex interdependency where each part of an organism has a function. Everything is connected, spirits, sky, earth, etc. There are no clear boundaries between the physical and material. Western dualism creates serious theological problems for traditional Africans. Africans do not live in a confused world of non-integrated parts. Life is a mysterious, but in is part of a whole. The whole is governed by a law of harmony, the goal of which is to maintain a state of agreement or peacefulness (while there are some positive lessons to be learned here one can also see how this leads to pantheism; similar to new age).

2. Spiritualism: The traditional African philosophist might slightly differ with the notion that there is no real difference between the physical and spiritual world but might say the world is more spritual than material; (which we can see tempts into a gnostic view). It is believed that whatever happens in the physical realm has a spiritual coordinate. The response to life situations is spiritual; in sickness, the organic issues is overlooked and a spiritual solution is sought for. This is a combination of pantheism and polytheism.

3. Dynamism: Given the understanding of holism and spiritualism; dynamism is a way to communicate with the spiritual world. There is a desire for power to be
harnessed from the spiritual world to deal with life's troubles and desires. There are rituals, sacrafices, offerings, festivals, ceremonies, witchcraft and sorcery. Whatever is empowering is right and since man's needs cannot be met without power then a powerless religion is valueless.

4. Communalism: People are not individuals, living in a state of independence, but part of a community. One does not claim individual rights as in a Western approach Some author's claim there are at least 40 characteristics of communalism that contrast with Western individualism. The concept of community is not restricted to human beings alone but embraces the world of spirits and ancestors. Villages of different clans with various histories are what make up the essential community first then the household of parents and children.

At the root of kinship is a belief shared that there is a common ancestor which estalbishes a certain legend or tradition about that community. Within the community each clan has its own name, identity and social function; such as custodian of religious affairs, warfare, or hunting.

Each clan is made of the individual corps family of parents, children, grandparents, etc. This system of relationships has been seriously disrupted
by the introduction of universal religions such as Christianity, Islam, and modernism.

Communalism is not restricted to human relationships but the spirit world. Communal life can be considered ancestrally chartered.

It is important to avoid offending the spirits just as it is to avoid offending human beings. However, if one should offend the sprits or human beings
the communal system says the community must also bear responsibility and cosequence for the offense. This belief can result in the denial of individual responsibility for one's own actions.

Living in harmony with nature is also part of the communal system.

5. Fatalism: The traditional worldview considers that one is either born with or given at birth a destiny or a guardian spirit. This destiny whether good or challenging is to be accepted with gratitude and one's life has spirits about them to ensure the destiny that has been given. One's destiny is fixed but can be
interupted by others and where consulting power to reverse any disruption in a destiny is sought. The concept of destiny can also be manipulated by others (here I would caution that being in charge of Africans is not a career oppportunity). Some groups claim a destiny of power of other groups even among Africans (this is sort of a caste mentality) these types of beliefs lead to areas of violence, conflict, and tension.

Well, hope this overview assists some of you in praying and understanding about the African context a little more.

Don't Stop!

In New England, we just completed our annual Prayer & Fasting weekend (Fullness) at Camp Wonderland. It was a powerful time of fellowship, learning, worship and warfare! I believe much was accomplished in the heavenlies this weekend- especially since we were joining a world-wide prayer effort this year. Much thanks to Janet Munn for her God-anointed leadership in our territory (talk about a God-inspired appointment for us all!).

Great things took place and I'm sure I could blog for days about it, I only point out that God started this event a few years ago and it is just now beginning to break out into . . . (yeah- you guessed it) fullness! I understand that this year there are 8 divisions in our territory out of 12 (and what about the other 4?) who have scheduled such events. Incredible! God is ramping things up- get ready for the explosion!

I have a few others things to share with you today:

1) I want to make a clarification regarding my blog AGAINST human trafficking. While we should pray AGAINST the Enemy, his demons and their plans (like the trafficking of human beings), we should not pray against people. God loves every last one and desires that none would turn against him and lose his plan of salvation for their lives.

Our prayers for people should always be that they see God's love for them, repent, believe in Jesus and let Holy Spirit regenerate them into new creations.

2) Here are some specifics we can pray for in our war against human trafficking:

The Victims
The victims families
Careers and counselors
Police and immigration services
Lawmakers and governments
Media awareness
Those who abuse women
Those who profit from slavery and the sex trade
Against the Enemy and his evil plans

3) While our special weekend of prayer regarding Human Trafficking is quickly coming to an end, please don't let your prayers end as quickly! For the church to make a serious dent in such degradation we need to be persistent in prayer.

Ask and KEEP asking. Seek and KEEP seeking. Knock and KEEP knocking. If we will continue this attack on Satan's kingdom it is sure to fall and we will be witnesses to a HUGE victory for God. This is because our God is greater than even this problem. All he needs is our help in doing our part.

You're a part of the answer- don't shirk your duties. Pray!

Praying the Bible Against Human Trafficking

Psalm 10 (NIV)

Why, O Yahweh, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts of the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles Yahweh.
4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5 His ways are always prosperous;
he is haughty and your laws are far from him;
he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me;
I'll always be happy and never have trouble."
7 His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages;
from ambush he murders the innocent,
watching in secret for his victims.
9 He lies in wait like a lion in cover;
he lies in wait to catch the helpless;
he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
10 His victims are crushed, they collapse;
they fall under his strength.
11 He says to himself, "God has forgotten;
he covers his face and never sees."

12 Arise, Yahweh! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
"He won't call me to account"?
14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;
you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;
call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.

16 Yahweh is King for ever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
17 You hear, O Yahweh, the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Prayer Against Human Trafficking

Today is the start of The Salvation Army's special weekend of prayer for victims of Human Trafficking (September 29 - October 2). I want to go one step further and suggest prayer AGAINST human trafficking.

We have a VAST arsenal of weapons at our disposal through prayer and one of them is praying AGAINST the Enemy and his tactics. Perhaps you think there's not much difference, but in reality praying FOR someone and praying AGAINST the Enemy's plan is at opposite ends of the prayer spectrum. ALL prayer is war, but your prayer "stance" is certainly more aggressive when praying directly against the Enemy.

So this weekend, while you're praying for the victims, don't forget to take your stand and pray AGAINST human trafficking.

Field Notes

I added a new blog to the right- Field Notes, by Josh Lyle in Derry, NH. You'll want to take a look for a few reasons:

1) Josh & Cat have the 2 cutest kids in the whole world!

2) Josh & Cat have planted a corps the way it should be done. There's room for a lot of growth (as there should be), but they started by getting connected to the people of Derry. Josh took his love of sports and started coaching local teams. Through this venue, he met kids, people, families- practically everyone in Derry until he's widely known. And NOT just as Josh the coach, but as Josh the Salvation Army guy. Look for great things from Derry.

3) Josh has a unique perspective on things, so I'm betting this blog will get you thinking. There's already some good stuff there to get you started.

4) He's posted pictures of the 2 cutest kids in the world!

Of course sadly, he's a Yankees fan, so you'll have to put up with any of that you may see posted. Go Rays!

Thanks God!

Over the last week, I observed a friend as he discovered that prayer is all about talking to a friend, not some college elocution professor.

We were praying in my office and when he finished, I said something to the effect of: "Had some trouble there putting all those big words together, huh?" Then we started talking about just regular conversation with God- "you know, like we're talking right now."

At that moment, I watched a large light bulb go off over his head. It was awesome seeing that new understanding light up behind his eyes! He was so excited, he spent the whole week practicing.

This week in my office it was a whole new person speaking when it came time to pray. Nothing fancy, no big words or anything. Just real, live connection with God. It wasn't a long prayer either, but it had a simple power that can grab your attention- it did mine.

Thank-you God for allowing me to witness that. It made my day!

The Red Book Sessions

I'm listening to the new CD by The Singing Company called "The Red Book Sessions." Nice! Perfect group name; great Album title! The 13 new arrangements are fresh with a variety of interesting contemporary sounds. Keri Shay's strong, pure voice is a highlight for me.

However, I must tell you, after reading the article in YS Magazine about it, even though I wanted to buy it immediately, I couldn't, because they didn't tell you where to get it! Bummer! So I searched the Internet until I found it on ArmyBarmy.com. Cheap as I am and not wanting to pay postage from Canada (since the CD is from the USA), I kept looking, but came up empty. I must admit I was surprised! It MUST be available in the US, so if anyone out there knows where, please let us know.

I assume it will one day be available on www.thesingingcompany.com, but their site is still in development. Check it out anyway and when they do get up and running, you'll want to drop by for sure. Check out their flower logo with the 8 point Army star in the middle (I didn't miss it, guys)!

But until we do know where else to get it, don't wait (I couldn't)- get over to ArmyBarmy and buy it now! Of course if you're not from the USA, shipping is not going to be an issue anyway- buy it from ArmyBarmy and help support their awesome mission.

If you're a Salvo, you will want this album ASAP. Hey, even if you don't bleed Yellow, Red and Blue, you'll still want to get your hands on this one. It's fun, challenging to your spirit and a real blessing to your soul.

BloodNFire!

Combat Faith

This is a book recommended by Chuck Missler on one of his teaching mp3s I've been listening to lately. I looked it up on AllBookStores.com and thought it sounded like I'd like it. I do!

I've been using it as my devotional book, so I read a chapter most mornings. Mr. Lindsey often talks about "cracking the faith barrier" and reminds us of many biblical instances of God teaching his children to have faith in his leading.

I am learning a lot about faith from his insights and have even gotten a good sermon (so far) from his thoughts. At the moment, I am thinking about today's reading where I highlighted most of the chapter!

Here's a quote:

"The deliverance at the Red Sea has a tremendous application to our lives today. Though the LORD may allow us to be led into a similar impossible situation, His will is that we boldly stand against the odds and claim His promises. When we do, He delivers us.

"In most cases, as soon as we react to a trial with faith in the LORD's promises, He removes it. If He doesn't, then we know that there is some greater lesson He desires to teach us concerning perseverance in faith. Remember that though God's leading may be unexplainable for the moment, His ultimate purpose is to teach us to believe Him so that we may have inner peace, joy and effective service for Him now and great rewards in eternity."

Good stuff, huh (or "good stuff, eh?" for our Canadian friends)?

Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Therefore we should all be giving our best efforts to increase our faith. However, it seems God is so interested in developing our faith he "goes out of his way" to provide us with MANY opportunities to do so!

I could write much more based on my thoughts right now, but let's save some for future blogs and not make Travis too uncomfortable with a long blog! {heh, heh}

If you're interested in the book, click the title above (or the picture) to be directed to where you can purchase it. I highly recommend it.

BLESSING:
May you please God with the way your faith is growing. May you choose to believe he is leading no matter what happens in your daily life. May the tough situations you find yourself struggling through only allow God to prove himself you and to those around you, because you stand boldly on his promises and refuse to be defeated. And may God receive all the glory both now and forevermore!

Technorati Anyone?

Today Debbie gave me a page torn from a magazine titled: "How to Write a Blog Post." Gee thanks! Anyway, one of the 10 items listed was "tag it" and gave the reference of

www.technorati.com

So I checked it out (wanting to be able to post good blogs and all). What I found was a site that categorizes and links blogs from all over the place (I think).

So I signed up (again, hoping it'll make me able to write a good blog post). When finished, I discovered some bloggers out there who referenced a blog or two of mine and a few I didn't know have linked my blog on their blog. Cool!

Now I'm "officially" listed and I hope to figure out what else later. You can find my Technorati profile here:

Technorati Profile

The question still remains: "Is this a good blog post?"

Another Biblical Reference to Territorial Spirits

I've been doing some research lately about the Nephilim mentioned in scripture. If you're like most people, the word "Nephilim" doesn't ring a bell, so look up these references: Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33 if you're interested. You won't get too much, which is why I'm having to do research!

Not intending to write about Nephilim today, I mention this to get your appetite whetted for a possible future entry on such. And it is the starting place for my musings today, because during this search I found the following which is ultimately providing information about Territorial Spirits/Authorities:

"The passage in Deuteronomy (32:8) reads 'When the Most High apportioned the nations, when he divided the sons of man. He established the borders of the peoples according to the number of 'the sons of Israel'.' The weird thing about this passage is how can the borders of all the peoples be established according to the sons of Israel when Israel hadn't already been established? The end seems to contradict the beginning. This contradiction doesn't appear in all Bibles, like the RSV based on the Greek Septuagint (dated from the 3rd century BCE), which state 'according to the number of the Sons of God.' This is also the wording in the Hebrew DSS version, which is now the oldest version of Deuteronomy we currently have, & what scholars now believe as the most authentic. "The implications are that the Sons of God are not just present at the beginning of the world, but also figure prominently in dividing nations. That implicates that while Yahweh chose Israel as his nation, each of the other Sons of God also received a nation to rule over."
(posted 12/25/02 by Krista on deliriumsrealm.com /delirium/articleview.asp?post=3)

[By the way, I don't agree with everything mentioned in this article and this is NOT a website I recommend. I place the reference information here only to give proper credit. One must realize that all Truth is God's Truth and sometimes we will find it in unusual places. It's really too bad that those who follow The Enemy know more about some things than we do. However, we can learn from them if we are careful in sorting out truth from lies. We must always be careful not to throw out the baby with the bathwater!]

What truth I am interesting in today is that we have scriptural mention of God dividing up the nations among his angels (children of God). Whether or not they were each given rule over these nations or they were given charge to cover them, we don't know. But we do see other references to this allotting territories when we read of Michael being one of the "Chief Princes," the "Prince of Persia" and the "Prince of Greece" in Daniel.

When God set these princes in charge is not specifically mentioned in Scripture. But based on how many nations have turned out, we can assume there were angels who were given charge of nations who eventually revolted against God and fell from his grace- whom we now call demons. I seriously doubt God would have given them charge of nations after they had fallen. The fact that Michael had to come and help Daniel's angel fight to get through the Princes mentioned above, shows they were/are obviously against God.

We can see how these Territorial Spirits are in charge of certain areas of physical land. Where those lines are drawn can often be observed based on the obvious spiritual changes one can sense (someone gifted in discernment) when moving from place to place, thereby crossing these lines of demarcation. There are documented cases of people being violently opposed to hearing the Gospel on one side of a street, but wonderfully open on the other side!

These divisions don't have to be just countries, but can also be states, counties, cities, and even areas of cities, etc.

Bottom line: there are spirits assigned to the geographical areas we live in. It would be wise for us to discern who they are and what they do so we can better learn how to defeat them.

Teach Me To Pray

Today we learned about the power of prayer and how most Christians don't experience God's power because they don't pray. It's a simple truth that amazes me more every day! I mean, how can we claim to be Christians and not spend time with God?

In our corps, one of our mission objectives is "to Actively practice Intercessory Prayer for our community." One can easily see this if we look back over the years of what has happened here in Bangor. Over and over again, we see prayer as an important part of what we have accomplished for God. So we are now trying to get as many people praying as possible (not just the many intercessors God has placed here!).

Too many people don't know much about prayer, because they haven't practiced it (except when disaster strikes or they need something from God). So we need a simple way to learn. I just happen to know of such a simple way to learn about prayer:

I received an email invitation from Eddie & Alice Smith (I've read many of their books) to take a 52 week School of Prayer. The lessons aren't long, but over the course of a year (one lesson per week), you will move from being a non-praying Christian to one who experiences the power of God regularly! Assuming, of course, you follow through with all the lessons.

Today, 20 people signed up for this course! Even some who don't have Internet access will receive the courses printed out.

If you too are interested, I highly recommend this course. Just go to

www.TeachMeToPray.com

and give them your email address. You won't get on a junk email list, but you will receive a lesson on prayer every week.

Faith is . . .

I learned some interesting things while studying for last week's message. The subject was "faith" and I spent some time looking at God's promise to Abraham and Abe's subsequent faith in trusting God despite the LONG time it took to see it fulfilled. Did you know from the time God promised Abe a son (and a lot of descendants) to the time of the Famous Test (of offering his son as a sacrifice), was 50-55 years! YEARS!

Here's a time-line:

• Abram was 75 years old (Sarai was 65) when God first made his promise that he would have a son and many descendants. To prove it, God changed Abram's name (exalted father) to Abraham (Father of a multitude).

• Eleven years later Sarah took matters into her own hands and gave Abraham her servant to have a child with. The result was Ishmael, who became the father of the Arab people. This error on Abe and Sarah's part is still causing problems in the MidEast!

• Thirteen MORE years (Abe was 99), God repeats his promise. Sarah laughs at the craziness of the promise since they are both so old, but denies she laughed. God caught her lie.
  

• One year after that (Abraham was now 100), God names the child Isaac, which means "laughter." Imagine being reminded of your lie every time you look at your child!
  

• Almost 30 years later (Isaac is in his late 30s, Abe his late 120's), God tests Abraham's faith by telling him to sacrifice his son (the one of the promise).

Abraham believed God's promise to him for more than 50 years! And we grouse and give up when we have to wait a few days!

Faith is secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance in his will- always.

Can I do that? Can you?

BLESSING:
May you have a secure faith in God that trusts him no matter what. Even in the tough days you experience, may you continue to believe God is your salvation and your protection. May he be pleased with your steadfast faith and may you be an example to others as Abraham was (and still is).

Anyone Wanna Buy an Awesome Car?

With a heavy sigh, Jenn's decided to sell her car. She bought it a little over 3 years ago, drove it for a few months, then put it in storage while she headed to Canada for The War College. Little did we know then that she'd not return, but would get married and end up living in Canada.

So we've been getting the car spiffed up, insured and registered with the hopes of finding a buyer soon. The car's in beautiful shape and we're looking for $6,000, right within in the Kelly Blue Book range. It's a 1999 Saturn SC-1 with 51,000 miles (KBB says it should normally have 80,000).

Anyone interested, let me know. Oh, by the way- the pretty girl DOESN'T come with the car!

Stress Relief

If you've had a tough week, click on the link below and enjoy some needed stress relief. Or for that matter, bookmark this one for any future tough week!

Stress Relief

Dear God Make it Stop

The Salvation Army is starting an annual international prayer week-end for victims of sexual trafficking. On Friday September 29 through SonDay October 1, Salvationists all over the world will be praying corporately and individually against this blight on humanity.

Ever since I saw the special movie "Human Trafficking" (get the DVD HERE) my awareness of ST has been heightened and my gut has been twisted. I honestly did not know the extensiveness. The fact that it exists is extremely frustrating to me and I have a desire to do SOMEthing about it.

If this sounds like feelings you've noticed in yourself, here are a couple of sites that might get you started:

http://www.humantrafficking.org/

http://www.traffickinginpersons.com/

http://www.catwinternational.org/

http://www.rapeis.org/activism/sextrade/sextrade.html


For more information on The Salvation Army's prayer campaign against human trafficking, go to:

http://www1.salvationarmy.org


Please pray with me: "Dear God, make it stop!"

Intimidation 3

The best counter to simple intimidation is confidence. But I'm not talking about a puffed-up false bravado, rather the confidence of who we are in Christ.

When I was younger I had some issues with self-esteem. Most people do- especially in those peer-intensive teenage years! But at some point I moved beyond caring what "other people thought" about me and began trusting more in what God thought about me. Somewhere in the midst of that, I found I was not easily intimidated by other people.

Here are a few promises that are helpful in seeing clearly who we are in Christ:

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won your fight . . . because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. - 1 John 4:4

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. - 1 Peter 2:9

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. - Ephesians 5:8

You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, - Ephesians 2:19

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. - Galatians 4:6

You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. - 1 Corinthians 12:27

If you find yourself often intimidated by people or in a specific situation right now, take hold of these promises from God himself. Better yet, look a few up for yourself- they'll be even more powerful for you, because Holy Spirit will guide you to specific things he wants you to know.

I love it when he does that!

Intimidation 2

Years ago, my brother told me a valuable story that has stayed with me. I offer it here for you to think about.

"I got to a particular appointment and within a few weeks, the YPSM (Young People's Sgt-Major; lay youth leader) came to my office to resign her commission. She sighed heavily and said:

'I've been doing this job for a long time and I'm tired. There's just too much to do and with all the new ideas you've been talking about, I can't see myself being able to handle it any longer- I resign. I don't know who in the world you'll be able to find to fill my shoes. Guess you're on your own. Good luck!'

"My first thought was: 'O no! What am I going to do? We need this lady {doom, gloom, disaster, failure and other such thoughts go here as they flashed through my mind}!' Then, in a moment of Holy Spirit inspiration, I said: 'Okay. I accept your resignation. As a Christian, I'm sure you've prayed about this and if God is leading you to this conclusion, then who am I to stand in his way? Please hand in your commission. We'll begin looking for someone else to be our YPSM right away.'

"The woman was stunned; her jaw almost hit the floor. That wasn't what she thought would happen! She assumed I would beg her to stay on in the position and she would then gain control over us. Any time she was unhappy with what we wanted to do, she would just cry 'I quit!' and we would give in and let her have her way. After all, it had worked all those other times she had long used the same ploy.

"That day that woman left my office stupified, but we stuck by our guns. We never did find anyone to 'fill her shoes,' but her control over our corps and the officers died that day and a new freedom grew in it's place."

- - - - -

I have taken this story to heart and used it's wisdom many times. I have come to realize there is no employee, no soldier, no volunteer (et al) you can't live without. If they're out to wrest control, then we're always better off without them. God will always provide someone to fill that void. IF it's needed in the first place.

Now don't take me wrong here. I'm not happy to lose people and I don't intentionally chase anyone away; it breaks my heart. In fact, I agonized over every one we've seen walk away over the years. Every last one. I'm still praying for the return of some to this very day. But to then see the freedom that rises up in place of the old control is absolutely awesome!

God is NOT happy with anyone controling his children. In fact, he's so much against it, he doesn't do it himself even when the act would save their eternal lives! He's given us free will and he'll never take it back even when he knows some will choose to walk away from him.

It breaks his heart more than mine.

Intimidation 1

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Heather Dolby had this quote at the bottom of an email she sent me recently and it jumped out at me because I've been thinking a lot about intimidation lately. Here are some of my thoughts which will probably be spread over a few blog entries.

There are 4 kinds of intimidation: 1) Intimidation by people, 2) Intimidation by demons who operate through people, 3) Intimidation by people who unknowingly agree with and use the demonic intimidation coming through them, and 4) Intimidation by people who agree with and knowingly use the demonic intimidation coming through them.

It's important to differentiate between these four, because each one in the order above is more powerful and how you overcome each of them is different.

People intimidate others because they want to feel superior and thereby make others feel inferior to them. Perhaps they've got some underlying issues in their life with their self-image or how others have treated them, but control is their ultimate plan and when you look at it that way, witchcraft comes to mind.

Witchcraft is trying to make someone else do what you want (by the way, people who try to control others are probably doing that to compensate for their past experience of being controlled by someone else- it's all they know). Witchcraft is not just practiced by witches, in fact, there is a whole LOT of it happening in the church. You know- people working politically or socially to get the pastor to do what they want. Or it could be the pastor toward the people. Or people to other people; leaders to other leaders, etc. It looks something like this:

Pastor Whitney (the leader) decides to start a new program. She comes to that conclusion through God's leading and begins the process of sharing that vision with the people to get their advice and support. Caspar, a member, doesn't like the pastor or the new program, so without seeking God's will, he begins to subvert the new plan to make the pastor do what he wants instead (whether it be a different program or just keeping things the same as they always have been). Ultimately, if the pastor does something without Caspar's approval, he loses control of the situation. And most likely, Caspar has worked long and hard to gain control of his church; he's not about to give it up to anyone.

How Caspar goes about his subversion could be any number of ways. Maybe he becomes vocally aggressive, maybe he starts a behind-the-back campaign against the new plan or maybe he plays the "poor li'l ol' me" card (the stereotypical Jewish mother routine). Either way it produces the same results. His purpose is all about self; to get his own way and remain in control. Intimidation is all about control.

The bottom line? Eleanor Roosevelt was right. People can only intimidate you if you let them.

My suggestion for now? Don't let them!

Giant Lobster Attacks the Coast of Maine

I got this picture from Michael today and just HAD to put it up here. Mike went lobstering (is that what you call it?) the other day with his uncle. Check out the lobster that's almost as BIG as he is! Yowser!

Looks like some good eating ahead. Oops- Michael doesn't like lobster! Go figure.

Bring it my way any day Mike- I'm always good for lobster!

Put up or Shut up . . .

. . . as they say. I'm working on my own MySpace!

It's not as easy as I thought it would be- or at least I haven't figured it all out yet. I'll keep you posted and when I get something worthwhile, let you know what it is.

Watch this space!

3 Things God Cannot Do

Ever heard of the question, "Can God make a rock so big he can't lift it?" That's an example of ridiculous thinking! It leads people to saying things like, "If God can't make a rock that big, then he can't do everything" or "If God can't lift the rock he made, then God can't do everything." Therefore, God has limitations; if God can't do everything he's not God.

Rubbish! Why does God need to be able to do everything anyway?

O! I just realized I might be stepping on a few toes out there! I bet there's at least a few who DO think this way about God! Actually there are a LOT of things God cannot do- sin, die, make a rock so big . . . but he's STILL God!

Our definition of God should not be so small as to limit God to OUR understanding or how WE think! So I'm not interested in setting limitations on God, rather I just want to look at 3 things he cannot do.

God gives us a good place to start with this in Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT):

"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says Yahweh. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

I'm not doing this to see how cute I can be. These 3 things tell us a LOT about God and give us something solid to hang our hats on. Because of these 3 things, you can COUNT on God! And if you can count on God, then you can give your life TOTALLY to him without worry.

1) God Cannot Lie.
We have this tendency to make God in our own image. In other words, we think he's just like us and we try to define him that way. But don't forget Isaiah 55 above- God is NOT like us. He doesn't think like us. God is TOTALLY good; there is NO darkness in him. None. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. His motivations are pure. Anything attributed to evil is NOT found in God (as opposed to us).

Hebrews 6:18 "It is impossible for God to lie." Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man that he should lie." Titus 1:2 "He (God) cannot lie."

Therefore if God says it, we can count on it. No waffling. No doubt. If we find it in God's Word to us, it's as good as fact.

You know any scriptural promises? You know, the kind you may have written out and posted on your refrigerator or put in your Bible? Some of my favorites are: Galatians 6:9; Isaiah 41:10; John 14:12; Psalm 81:10; Jeremiah 33:3; 1 John 1:9 (you'll have to look them all up!).

Take a look at some of your favorites. There should be NO doubt in your mind about what the Bible tells you. It is truth. There promises are certain facts because God cannot lie.

2) God Cannot Learn.
Ever thought of that before? If God knows everything, what is there to learn? There is nothing out there he's not completely aware of. Isaiah 40:14 asks the question:

"Whom did Yahweh consult to enlighten him and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?"

1 John 3:20 says "God knows everything." 1 Samuel 2:3 says "Yahweh is a God who knows." Psalm 147:5 says "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit."

So if this is all true (and we already know God cannot lie!), guess what follows this?

• God never says "oops!"
• God is never surprised.
• God knows everything you think.
• You can't hide from God.
• God knows every outcome.

Give a run around with this one for awhile: Can God be disappointed?

The more you think about God not being able to learn, the more you see how awesome he really is! God cannot learn, because he already knows all there is to know!

3) God cannot make us love him.
How many movies are out there about unrequited love? Hundreds? Thousands? Isn't it a sad thing; when someone loves another who doesn't love them back?

In the movies, you can get inside the person's thoughts and you can see with them that the other person SHOULD love them; they would make a good couple, etc. But the other person goes on traipsing after someone else who always seems to hurt them!

How sad the greatest love story in the universe includes millions of people who do not love God back! And God can do NOTHING about it. It's their choice.

It's YOUR choice.

God loves you and BECAUSE he loves you so much, he gives you the freedom to choose. God cannot make you love him.

It's interesting that while God cannot do these things, YOU can! Stop lying to yourself, learn to trust God and love him with all your heart.

Because you now know these 3 things God cannot do, here's 3 more sets of 3 things:

3 Things you can be certain of:
1) There IS a God and he is utterly faithful.
2) God knows EVERYthing about you.
3) God loves YOU immensely!

3 Things you cannot do:
1) You cannot distrust God.
2) You cannot hide from God.
3) You cannot continue to control your own life.

3 Things you MUST do now:
1) You MUST believe in God and trust him.
2) You MUST Stop trying to run from God.
3) You MUST give him everything- TOTAL control of your life

MySpace

MySpace has received some bad publicity recently. Simply put, there are predators who use MySpace to feed their habit and there are some kids who have suffered because of this.

It appears The Salvation Army (in the USA) has jumped on this negative publicity bandwagon and has banned the use of MySpace from any officially TSA owned computer.

At first, I agreed and spent some time getting to know a little about MySpace and encouraging kids to stay away from it. But as I learned, I saw both good and bad can be a part of this growing network.

Two things to notice in my last paragraph: 1) "Spent some time getting to know; as I learned" and 2) "growing network."

No one can take the advice of today's media at first glance. Way more than half of what I hear from the media (Radio, TV, Internet, Newspapers) has very little to do with fact or truth. More and more, reporters are giving us their opinions- not the news. And very few of these people hold Christian beliefs anyway. I take their "advice" with a grain of salt and begin my own research, if I am even interested in a particular subject.

Technology is growing so fast I don't know how anyone can keep up with it. I keep trying (so I can be relevant), but there are areas I'm losing the battle with! Before long, I'm going to be a dinosaur. And dinosaurs have very little to teach generations that follow them. I DON'T WANT TO BE IRRELEVANT! SO, I need to keep as updated with what's going on in the world as I can.

MySpace is growing. Whether I like it or not, it is becoming a valid place for the next generation to express themselves. Am I going to avoid it or learn about it and use it?

There are people who use cell phones to sell drugs and detonate bombs. That's terrible, but am I going to decry cell phones because of those evil few? No.

There are people who use cars to get away from crimes or run people over. That's terrible, but am I going to decry cars because of those evil few? No.

What about computers? What about some of the awful programming on TV? What about unhealthy food? There will always be people who are determined to use anything for evil. Does that make that thing inherently evil? No. Should I avoid a good thing because there are a few who use it for evil? No.

MySpace is a next generation field "white unto harvest." Are we going to let it go it's own way and miss this great salvation opportunity? We should be on this front line plowing, reaping and helping to make it reach it's potential for good.

Don't take my word for it- get out there and learn for yourself. You might actually form an opinion! {gasp} If what I say holds truth, it will stand up to your scrutiny. If not, it should be discarded anyway.

Bad things happen when good people do nothing.

BLESSING:
May you see more positive than negative in new things. May you work to tip the scales in God's direction rather than walk away from an entire generation because they do things differently than you know. And may your influence be great in reaching that entire generation for our Lord and Savior Jesus, who loves every single person- even the sinner.

PS: Wanna see a GOOD MySpace place? Click HERE.

Send a Special Christmas Card

I received the gist below from a friend and thought it was a great idea. I've altered the wording a bit.

So how about it? Join in the fun this Christmas season!

- - - - -

Wanna have some fun this CHRISTMAS? Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD!

As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTmas part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice CHRISTian card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world.

Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it! Just don't be rude or crude (it's not the Christian way, you know).

Here's their main address- of course, you could also find the address of an office close to you and spread even more CHRISTmas joy!

ACLU
125 Broad Street
18th Floor
New York, NY 10004

Did You Know? (Part 2)

So if you were paying attention to my blog and the responses last Thursday, you'll know there was some discussion on our first draft "Did You Know?" Campaign radio ad. I took it seriously and put a lot of thought into what we were going to do to make the ad more interesting to a younger generation and at the same time reach the non-churched.

We made some changes, but probably not as many as some would prefer. But I started thinking that we don't JUST want to reach the unchurched or JUST the younger generation. We want to reach everyone (as many as we can anyway)- especially if they are looking for a church (or spiritual connection) and don't even know The Salvation Army is an option. After all, our campaign is to let people know we ARE a church. So we shouldn't then go about making us sound like we're NOT a church at the same time. You know- can't have your cake and eat it too.

So listen to the newest ad by clicking on the title above. Make sure the volume is high enough to hear the new background music. Then let me know what you think.

It was a LONG Night Last Night

Yesterday we traveled back from visiting Jenn & Josh for a week in Canada. It's a LONG drive, but we decided to take some scenic roads to stave away the boredom of the monotonous highway. Somewhere around 2/3s of the way home, I began having chest pains.

It didn't hurt all the time, just when I took deep breaths or moved a certain way so I figured it was nothing to worry about. Around 11:30 I was just trying to get to sleep and a couple of my fingers began to tingle. This concerned me and when it wouldn't go away, I decided Deb should take me to the emergency room.

When I told the nurses what was happening, they asked me a lot of questions. It seemed every other thing they asked about was positive so they took me to the nearest room (it happened to be in Intensive Care Unit, even though I wasn't considered that bad). There, they wired me for an EKG, took lots of blood to test (ouch) and put an IV in my arm just in case. They gave me more aspirin (I had taken a small dose at home before leaving) and some Vicodin (I'm STILL groggy from it!).

Deb went home, because they said I was going to spend the night there waiting for test results and more test results. I actually slept about 1 1/2 hours, going in and out of consciousness, until they told me all was well- I could go home; it wasn't my heart. Maybe I pulled a chest muscle or something, but the Doctor said I did the right thing. In any such case, caution should prevail.

What an experience! I don't remember the last time I was in the hospital and the last time I was in the emergency room for myself was when I was a young kid. I don't recommend it- unless, of course, you need it!

The thing that I am most pleased about is how I handled it all. At no time was I worried or even anxious. I was praying the whole time, but I wasn't at all frantic. I joked with the nurses and kept upbeat about the whole situation. The thing that concerned me the most was Deb missing her sleep (she never mentioned it)!

Now that I look back on my long night, I am glad I was able to trust God through all that was happening. I just knew he was in control and I could have faith in his provision. I guess some of what I preach is rubbing off on the preacher!

BLESSING:
May the things you have learned about Christianity be expressed regularly in your life; especially in the rough moments you experience. May your faith be strong and may you know for certain God is in control. And may you accept all that without accquivocation.

Think God's Not Listening?

The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me?" he cried!

Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. When he stepped into the boat, he asked his rescuers "How did you know I was here?"

Their reply: "We saw your smoke signal."

- - -

Feel like God isn't listening to your cry for help? Feel like everything around you seems to be crashing down around your feet? Maybe the crash is God's way of providing. Have faith while you're waiting. Tomorrow you'll see he was working even when you thought he wasn't.

BLESSING:
May you trust God in the middle of your crises. May you believe his promises to take care of you . . . even when it doesn't look that way at the moment.

Hmmm

What if there were no rhetorical questions?

Did You Know?

I mentioned in an earlier blog that we are soon starting a publicity campaign in Bangor to let the community know The Salvation Army is a church. One of the main facets is some radio spots which will show up on some of our more popular stations in Bangor.

The ads are almost completed and ready to go, but if you'd like to get an early sample, click on my title above to listen! I believe you'll have to have an mp3 player of some sort installed on your computer.

A Battle School Guest Blogger

Today I want to offer another guest blogger. The teenaged Eddie Bell just got back from 5 1/2 weeks of Battle School in Vancouver, Canada and shares his experience (no editing). I was impressed and blessed, as I'm sure you will be as you read of his exploits. O that all of our teens would be so fired up for God!

If you want to know more about the Battle School, click on my title above, which links to the ArmyBarmy info pages. Next years session is already beginning to book, so sign up early!

- - - - -

Hello Everyone,

This is Eddie Bell I am back from Vancouver and wanted to tell some of the things that happened to me.

My days in Vancouver were long and they were filled with excitement. During the mornings I had a class taught to me, one about cleasing stream. We went threw a book and we talked about problems and learn to deal with the problems and what scripture say's.

We also had a time, ground force, which is physical labor at the shelter for homeless people. We did all sorts of manuel labor like painting, organizing and cleaning.

On tues. we had class with Danielle Strickland and learned about leadership. I learned that we cannot be a leader with out good character.

Thurs we had class with Stephen Court and we learned about Evangilsm. sharing the gospel with everyone you meet. After I had the class we went to Oppenheimer Park which is a park that has alot of drug dealers and addicts and we played with the kids that were at the park. We were trying to be friends to the kids.

God was teaching me to be on fire for him! We also learned that we can be helpful to everyone we meet. We gave people things that they needed like food, coffee, and Jesus.

I also think that we should dive into the cleansing flood of Jesus. Just be like Jesus, by trying to be pure and heal people and pray for people. I am not going to turn back away from the flood of Jesus.

On my last day there I was surfing on a crowd of people and they were shouting blessings over me. We were at Cariboe Hill and we were singing send the fire and the fire alarm went off. God was trying to tell us that He is going to send the fire!

I also found out that I have the gift of evangilism. I found out by talking to people on the streets that were high on drugs and drug addicts and dealers. Regular people too. I was nervous talking to these people but I felt God told me to talk to them and I wanted to be on fire for God so I talked. I talked to kids
about God too. This gift has changed me.

I want to start a cell group for 11-15 year old kids at our after school club. This will be a bible study and fun time to hang out and learn about God. My mom and I are going to work on this together.

thank you for praying for me while I was away.
Eddie Bell

The Way it Should Work

I have been frustrated for years in finding the right people for special ministry in Bangor. We've got some long time faithful people ensconced in ministry here, but finding new people to add just the right "missing pieces" has been tough.

I was very pleased when Aurora Atell heard a call to come to Bangor for specialized ministry! She was the first, as it were, to join our team from "afar" and her input has been wonderful. In fact, she has added so much in many more ways than I originally imagined.

But she can't do it all (neither can those who are already playing their part here). There's much more to accomplish for The Kingdom.

So I have been frustrated again recently in trying to find someone to help with our pre-teen ministry (which I blogged about the other day). All of our leads have come to naught and I was feeling badly that we were back in the middle of a great plan with no one (the RIGHT someone) to put it into action. {Boo hoo, woe is me!}

Today I got an email from a young lady who is moving to Bangor and wants to get involved in ministering to pre-teens (no names yet, but she read my blog). She has held a position as a youth pastor and has experience in and passion for listening prayer- with pre-teens! Sounds like God has something in mind, I'd say!

{HUGE sigh of relief here!}

And shouldn't that be the way it works? God gave me the assignment to get a pre-teen ministry going, so why would he do that and not send me the right person to make it happen? I don't know if this person will be the right one, but I do believe they will at least play a part. Maybe even in forming the ministry's shape. I'm psyched!

And therefore at ease to go on a week vacation to London, Ontario to visit Jenn & Josh! We leave tomorrow bright and early.

BLESSING:
May you have the grace to trust God even when it doesn't look like he's working on your situation. May you know without a doubt he doesn't give assignments without giving the resources to make them happen. And may you know the difference between your "bright" ideas and God's, because he isn't obligated to make your plans happen, but he does obligate himself to make his own plans come to completion.

Another Great SonDay in Bangor!

Today we farewelled our Accepted Candidates to the School for Officers Training, Jeff & Becki Kirk. Not knowing them very well, I was grateful for the opportunity to watch them participate and hear them speak their testimonies. I must say, I was impressed! They both had a good word for us and hearing their sincere desire to reach the lost was VERY good for us.

I was especially pleased with their time of commissioning prayer (we commissioned them to go in our stead and with our blessing) when we gathered around them to pray and seek God's Word for them directly. This was perhaps the largest group of people that have ever come forward to pray for people in Bangor and I heard some real growth in many of those people through their prayers (you go, Alberta!).

God was in this prayer time powerfully! At more than a few points I sensed God's pleasure and nearness. As we prayed, I noticed we had a picture of William Booth pointing on the screen (the one I use on this blog, to the right) and God quickened it to my heart. I asked him what he meant and he said he wanted to give them both the anointing of William Booth for the lost. So that's what I prayed when I anointed them for their future ministry. Keep an eye on these two, because I believe God has some big plans for them!

And I am always impressed with the preaching of Frank Kirk! He just gets up there and speaks his heart in such a simple yet direct way. He has a knack of speaking specifically and directly to the people in Bangor- I just watch in amazement! His humor has much to be desired (heh, heh- just kidding Frank), but he always hits the nail squarely on the head here. It is a special blessing to be able to have the Kirks come back to Bangor for whatever reason.

So there you have it- another great SonDay in Bangor. God sure must love us a lot!

BLESSING:
May you be blessed by God every SonDay in worship. May your worship reach the heart of God so that his face turns toward you in grace and compassion. And may you, in turn, reflect that grace and compassion to others.