Why Are You Here?

It began as an assignment and quickly became a calling.

I'm the multimedia gal at the office. I build websites, manage social media accounts, take photos and film/edit videos. So, visiting The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Newark Ironbound to capture new photos was "all in a day's work" in my mind. I couldn't have anticipated what God had in His mind for me that day.

As I floated through classrooms of students doing homework, almost everyone stopped to flash me a smile. Some shared what they were working on, some wanted to know all about me. Every second that passed opened my heart a little bit more.

It's important and humorous to note that for practically my entire life, I've had an aversion to kids. Didn't want to be around them, didn't want to talk to them and certainly didn't want to have them! So, for God to be softening an area of my heart that had been hardened for years...Well, that's just characteristic of who He is!

I'm not sure exactly what it was about these children (perhaps sensing God's love for them) that made me want to come back again and again. I am now a weekly volunteer at the Club.

Spending time with "my kids" (it didn't take long for me to dub them that) is exciting, exhausting and eye-opening. In some ways, their childhoods mirror mine, and in others, they are painfully different. Many are considered at-risk children for circumstances beyond their control. I feel I have a responsibility to show them what they can control - their actions towards others and carrying hope for the future.

I want these kids to understand that the kingdom of God belongs to them (Mark 10:14), and the Lord of all creation knows them intimately (Psalm 139). I want to guide them in truth and grace. Sometimes, sitting on the steps and playing Uno cards doesn't feel like I'm doing that. But I know that every minute we spend together is blessed. Any time I have with them is an opportunity to encourage the good in their hearts and see the sparks in their eyes that nearly melt my being.

Last week, my future soccer star and Candy Land enthusiast friend, knowing I'm not a full-time counselor like some other Club staff, asked me, "Why are you here?"

"Because I love you," I answered.

I pray she heard my words as if they flowed from Jesus' lips. I pray that we as an Army and I as a follower of Christ show children why they are here. Because He loves them. Endlessly, fiercely and completely.

Written by Elyse Jankowski
Community Relations Associate

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Spirit Search Engine

It seems technology is breaking boundaries on the way we study, interact and research. I would like to point out one of the fascinating boundaries that was broken in the way we search and look for information.

Technology has placed information before us at the click of a button. We have catapulted from libraries to search engines. The purpose of the search engine is to give you the ability to pull information based upon what you are requesting. It helps cut the time of going to the library and reading multiple books to find the information you require. It helps to narrow down the many choices that are available to the specific choice that is needed. It helps to bypass the opinions of others and get you the answers you are looking for.

I am reminded of a Scripture in 1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

God has given those who chose and will choose to follow the Lord Jesus Christ their personal search engine, which is the Holy Spirit. God has given us the equipment to be successful in life, through life, and also to save a life. We can use our search engine (Holy Spirit) for things we need and the things God needs us to do. We can save time, tempers and trails.

If we inquire of God for the answer before we make the decision, we also can be saved from situations, 
circumstances and conditions. The Scripture also tells us in James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given him.

Did you hear what God just said? In our asking, He will auto correct anything that may have been done prior to your asking. God says you have not because you ask not. God desires that love relationship with His creation, and He will not allow anything to get in between. I know I am talking with someone who needs direction, answers and solutions.

Have you visited God's Facebook? In it and on it, we find the pathway to salvation through Jesus Christ. This Facebook page has 66 letters about ordinary people who did extraordinary things. And what you and I can have in common with these men and women is the Holy Spirit. Let's begin to use our search engine, so we can confidently know we received the answer we need. 

Written by Terrell Curry
IT Help Desk Analyst 

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Fear Not

 

I work in a town which has experienced the following:

    -    One shooting every month so far in 2013.
    -    Hurricane Sandy coming through causing widespread damage and economic impact.
    -    One in 16 residents being a victim of violence in 2011.
    -    55 shootings in 2012 with twelve people being killed.
    -    1,700 guns turned in during a recent community 'Gun Buy Back' program.

All of this and more can cause people to be afraid and cautious of one another.

Fear brought on by differences - economics, race, and culture.

Fear brought on by an uncertain future.

Fear brought on by a lack of hope.

Fear caused by little to no return on significant investments.

Fear caused by lack of trust in leadership to carry out promises made.

So, what is our response to fear?

    -    Well, we could act like a turtle, and cover our head and hide.

    -    We could run away and find another place to go.
    -    We could throw our hands up in despair and be fatalistic about our outcome.
    -    Or we could turn to One who is greater than the source of our fear.

There is a story in the Scriptures about a group of men in a boat sailing across a sea.  While they were sailing, a furious storm came up and threatened to swamp the boat.  These experienced seamen panicked and looked toward their leader, Jesus.  Well, before they could speak to him, they had to wake him up.  He had been asleep...in a storm.  How could he do that?  How could he be snoozing when others were screaming?  How could he be dreaming when others were bailing?  How could he be at peace when others were in the grip of fear?  It was because he knew the One who controlled the storm.

When we find One bigger than the gangs, our fear is replaced with calm.

When we find One more competent than our leaders, our hope rises and fear leaves.

When we find the One in control of the fearful circumstances then we can rest, even while those circumstances are swirling around us.

Is there One like this?  Yes.  The Scriptures say, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?"

Over and over, we are instructed to fear not.  Why? 

Because God is with us. He will never leave us alone.  God is watching us.  God is stronger than any enemy of this world.  We need to trust in Him.  This is not easy.  We tend to believe what we see - the violence, the apparent victory of evil over good, and so on.  But, we only see a small portion of the entire picture.  Let us trust God, who sees the beginning and the end.  And when we are tempted to be paralyzed by fear, let us trust.  It is worth it.

Written by Major Cheriann Stoops

Asbury Park Corps Officer 

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Celebrating National Salvation Army Week

This year's 60th annual National Salvation Army Week celebrates volunteers and donors who have made The Salvation Army one of the world's largest and most trusted charities.

Each year, we use this week to say thank you to the three million volunteers who give of their time and talents to The Salvation Army and enable critical services to communities, families and individuals in need. If you can believe it, that's 8,000 volunteers "Doing the Most Good" for their neighbors each day!

"Not only is National Salvation Army Week a time of thanks, it's also a time for new volunteers and donors to join our important mission," said Judith Anderson, Volunteer Resources Manager. "In addition, this time of year is typically when giving decreases but the need for Salvation Army services increases. Any extra help we can get right now will have a big impact."

Join the army behind the Army for Clean Up Day at Camp Tecumseh! Email njvolunteers@use.salvationarmy.org ASAP if interested/available! Click flyer to enlarge:

For more information on volunteering with The Salvation Army New Jersey Division, visit salvationarmynj.org/volunteer

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Moving Forward

There comes a time in life when you realize it's time to move on. In some cases, we choose to move on, and in others we are pushed into that direction.

          

A few months ago, I wrote about my fear of what comes next in my life. Well, I'm still not sure about that, however, the time for me to move on has come. I will finish college this month, and I will be saying goodbye to a lot of things that have helped me grow over the past four years: professors, friends and the occasional all-night study sessions (I probably won't miss that last one as much).

With this stage of my life coming to a close, a new world awaits me.

This reminds me of the story of Moses. In chapter 14 of Exodus, God had already given Israel freedom from the Egyptians; they are heading for the promised land after leaving Egypt. Suddenly, in their escape, they come to the Red Sea.

I cannot even begin to imagine how Moses must have felt. Here he was leading the Israelites on their escape out of Egypt, the Egyptians are chasing them, and they have come to a point where they are at a dead end.

The Red Sea is in front of them.

The Egyptians are behind them.

They can't go left or right.

They can't go back.

So, Moses began to cry out to the Lord.

Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward."

There was only one direction for them to go...forward!

There was no clear way for them to go forward. There were no boats, and there were no bridges. Swimming was out of the question. Still, God said: "Go forward."

Like the faithful man of God Moses was, he listened to God, they went forward...and God did something He had never done before...He parted the Red Sea! Israel escaped on dry land.

The unexpected happened when they began to move forward.

I think sometimes in life, we fret about moving forward because we are scared of the unknown, and we doubt ourselves. We can't see what lies ahead, so we agonize about moving forward.

The future for Moses and the Israelites was beyond the Red Sea. It wasn't behind them where enemy was. It wasn't directly in front of them where the obstacle was. Their destiny was beyond the obstacle, and beyond we must go. We cannot move forward if we keep looking back at what is chasing us.

We have a clear example in the Old Testament of what can happen when you look back. Genesis 19:26 tells us when Lot's wife looked back, she became a pillar of salt.

My point is that sometimes when we look back, we become paralyzed, yet God has so much more in store for us. 

Let us move beyond ourselves into what God has for us.  Keep moving forward!

Written by Stephany Suarez
Senior Soldier
The Salvation Army Kearny Corps

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Helping Hands Making a Difference

One day, a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a figure in the distance. As he got closer, he realized the figure was that of a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing the starfish into the ocean. Soon, the sun will be up and the tide is going out. If I do not throw them back, they will die."

"Son," the man said, "Don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You cannot possibly make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the surf.

Then, smiling at the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one!"

A simple act of kindness can make a difference. Whoever you are. Wherever you are. You can make a difference. 

It's National Volunteer Week, and throughout the United States, numerous non-profits are using this special week to thank their volunteers. At The Salvation Army in New Jersey, we not only thank our volunteers during National Volunteer Week but also throughout the year as we recognize the vital role that they play to help support the programs and services that we provide throughout the state. The kindness, dedication and commitment of our volunteers to serve needy individuals and families throughout New Jersey is very much appreciated by The Salvation Army as well as the people that are served.

Everyone is welcome to volunteer with us! We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities available to suit all ages and skills. All we require is a desire to make a difference and a heart to serve those in need.  If you are interested in volunteering with us, please visit www.salvationarmynj.org/volunteer to view our volunteer opportunities and apply online.

Written by Judith Anderson

Volunteer Resources Manager

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A Lion in the Daniel’s Den

Trapped! You're locked in a pit. The only escape is plugged with a seemingly immovable obstacle. In the deep darkness, you pace back and forth throughout the day or night. You're not really sure of which because you've already lost track of time in your subterranean exile. Food is occasionally dropped in, but you shy away because the opening of your prison delivers an unusual brightness of the rarely seen sky, and it burns your eyes. Immediately after the door closes, you make a move toward the food before the others pounce on the scarce meal. The lack of food has made you irritable and overly aggressive. It's as if your captors wanted you to be hungry to maintain a ravenous edge.

You are a hungry, ferocious and proud lion that is trapped in a den, and things are about to get worse.

The sky reveals itself again, and the piercing light invades your space. Something is dropped into your den. It smells like meat, but something is different. As the entrance is sealed again, what you thought was food stands up and begins to walk toward you and the other lions. As you all huddle together and cower in fear, the undesirable truths grabs you by the lump in your throat as you realize you have come face to face with a Daniel.

Daniels and Davids and Jobs, oh my! I can say with bit of certainty that you have never heard that before, and there is a fair chance you may never hear it again. If my blatant "tagline" substitution isn’t a crime, then the lack of its usage should be.

"Fear not nor be afraid of them!"

Great words given to us by God through Moses. I have found that "them" isn't always people. Quite often, "them" is us, "them" is things, "them" is fear, and "them" is problems. It made me wonder, why are "them" not afraid of me?

The command God has given in Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go."

Have I followed the order or believe the promise it ends with? My shameful answer is, if not no, perhaps not always. I think if the answer was a resounding yes for all of us, then we would approach life a lot differently.

From these thoughts, I've taken away three things:

1. We should live as if we have heavenly backup
2. Believe in the security that comes with the promises of God
3. Our problems should be afraid of us

I hope that these thoughts can in some way allow you to look into your own life as I have done mine and ask the tough questions. When the answer is no, decide what it will take to become a yes! We were fearfully and wonderfully made, not made to live in fear!

Written by Lt. Darell Houseton
Newark Ironbound

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A Vision of the Lost

Written by William Booth

 

On one of my recent journeys, as I gazed from the coach window, I was led into a train of thought concerning the condition of the multitudes around me. They were living carelessly in the most open and shameless rebellion against God, without a thought for their eternal welfare. As I looked out of the window, I seemed to see them all... millions of people all around me given up to their drink and their pleasure, their dancing and their music, their business and their anxieties, their politics and their troubles. Ignorant- willfully ignorant in many cases- and in other instances knowing all about the truth and not caring at all. But all of them, the whole mass of them, sweeping on and up in their blasphemies and devilries to the Throne of God. While my mind was thus engaged, I had a vision.

I saw a dark and stormy ocean. Over it the black clouds hung heavily; through them every now and then vivid lightening flashed and loud thunder rolled, while the winds moaned, and the waves rose and foamed, towered and broke, only to rise and foam, tower and break again.

In that ocean I thought I saw myriads of poor human beings plunging and floating, shouting and shrieking, cursing and struggling and drowning; and as they cursed and screamed they rose and shrieked again, and then some sank to rise no more.

And I saw out of this dark angry ocean, a mighty rock that rose up with it’s summit towering high above the black clouds that overhung the stormy sea. And all around the base of this great rock I saw a vast platform. Onto this platform, I saw with delight a number of the poor struggling, drowning wretches continually climbing out of the angry ocean. And I saw that a few of those who were already safe on the platform were helping the poor creatures still in the angry waters to reach the place of safety.

On looking more closely I found a number of those who had been rescued, industriously working and scheming by ladders, ropes, boats and other means more effective, to deliver the poor strugglers out of the sea. Here and there were some who actually jumped into the water, regardless of the consequences in their passion to "rescue the perishing." And I hardly know which gladdened me the most- the sight of the poor drowning people climbing onto the rocks reaching a place of safety, or the devotion and self-sacrifice of those whose whole being was wrapped up in the effort for their deliverance.

As I looked on, I saw that the occupants of that platform were quite a mixed company. That is, they were divided into different "sets" or classes, and they occupied themselves with different pleasures and employments. But only a very few of them seemed to make it their business to get the people out of the sea.

But what puzzled me most was the fact that though all of them had been rescued at one time or another from the ocean, nearly everyone seemed to have forgotten all about it. Anyway, it seemed the memory of its darkness and danger no longer troubled them at all. And what seemed equally strange and perplexing to me was that these people did not even seem to have any care- that is any agonizing care- about the poor perishing ones who were struggling and drowning right before their very eyes... many of whom were their own husbands and wives, brothers and sisters and even their own children.

Now this astonishing unconcern could not have been the result of ignorance or lack of knowledge, because they lived right there in full sight of it all and even talked about it sometimes. Many even went regularly to hear lectures and sermons in which the awful state of these poor drowning creatures was described.

I have always said that the occupants of this platform were engaged in different pursuits and pastimes. Some of them were absorbed day and night in trading and business in order to make gain, storing up their savings in boxes, safes and the like.

Many spent their time in amusing themselves with growing flowers on the side of the rock, others in painting pieces of cloth or in playing music, or in dressing themselves up in different styles and walking about to be admired. Some occupied themselves chiefly in eating and drinking, others were taken up with arguing about the poor drowning creatures that had already been rescued.

But the thing to me that seemed the most amazing was that those on the platform to whom He called, who heard His voice and felt that they ought to obey it- at least they said they did- those who confessed to love Him much were in full sympathy with Him in the task He had undertaken- who worshipped Him or who professed to do so- were so taken up with their trades and professions, their money saving and pleasures, their families and circles, their religions and arguments about it, and their preparation for going to the mainland, that they did not listen to the cry that came to them from this Wonderful Being who had Himself gone down into the sea. Anyway, if they heard it they did not heed it. They did not care. And so the multitude went on right before them struggling and shrieking and drowning in the darkness.

And then I saw something that seemed to me even more strange than anything that had gone on before in this strange vision. I saw that some of these people on the platform whom this Wonderful Being had called to, wanting them to come and help Him in His difficult task of saving these perishing creatures, were always praying and crying out to Him to come to them!

Some wanted Him to come and stay with them, and spend His time and strength in making them happier. Others wanted Him to come and take away various doubts and misgivings they had concerning the truth of some letters He had written them. Some wanted Him to come and make them feel more secure on the rock- so secure that they would be quite sure that they should never slip off again into the ocean. Numbers of others wanted Him to make them feel quite certain that they would really get off the rock and onto the mainland someday: because as a matter of fact, it was well known that some had walked so carelessly as to loose their footing, and had fallen back again into the stormy waters.

So these people used to meet and get up as high on the rock as they could, and looking towards the mainland (where they thought the Great Being was) they would cry out, "Come to us! Come and help us!" And all the while He was down (by His Spirit) among the poor struggling, drowning creatures in the angry deep, with His arms around them trying to drag them out, and looking up- oh! so longingly but all in vain- to those on the rock, crying to them with His voice all hoarse from calling, "Come to Me! Come, and help Me!

And then I understood it all. It was plain enough. The sea was the ocean of life- the sea of real, actual human existence. That lightening was the gleaming of piercing truth coming from Jehovah’s Throne. That thunder was the distant echoing of the wrath of God. Those multitudes of people shrieking, struggling and agonizing in the stormy sea, was the thousands and thousands of poor harlots and harlot-makers, of drunkards and drunkard makers, of thieves, liars, blasphemers and ungodly people of every kindred, tongue and nation.

Oh what a black sea it was! And oh, what multitudes of rich and poor, ignorant and educated were there. They were all so unalike in their outward circumstances and conditions, yet all alike in one thing- all sinners before God- all held by, and holding onto, some iniquity, fascinated by some idol, the slaves of some devilish lust, and ruled by the foul fiend from the bottomless pit!

"All alike in one thing?" No, all alike in two things- not only the same in their wickedness but, unless rescued, the same in their sinking, sinking... down, down, down... to the same terrible doom. That great sheltering rock represented Calvary, the place where Jesus had died for them. And the people on it were those who had been rescued. The way they used their energies, gifts and time represented the occupations and amusements of those who professed to be saved from sin and hell- followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The handful of fierce, determined ones, who were risking their own lives in saving the perishing were true soldiers of the cross of Jesus. That Mighty Being who was calling to them from the midst of the angry waters was the Son of God, "the same yesterday, today and forever" who is still struggling and interceding to save the dying multitudes about us from this terrible doom of damnation, and whose voice can be heard above the music, machinery, and noise of life, calling on the rescued to come and help Him save the world.

My friends in Christ, you are rescued from the waters, you are on the rock, He is in the dark sea calling on you to come to Him and help Him. Will you go? Look for yourselves. The surging sea of life, crowded with perishing multitudes rolls up to the very spot on which you stand. Leaving the vision, I now come to speak of the fact- a fact that is as real as the Bible, as real as the Christ who hung upon the cross, as real as the judgment day will be, and as real as the heaven and hell that will follow it.

Look! Don’t be deceived by appearances- men and things are not what they seem. All who are not on the rock are in the sea! Look at them from the standpoint of the great White Throne, and what a sight you have! Jesus Christ, the Son of God is, through His Spirit, in the midst of this dying multitude, struggling to save them. And He is calling on you to jump into the sea- to go right away to His side and help Him in the holy strife. Will you jump? That is, will you go to His feet and place yourself absolutely at His disposal?

A young Christian once came to me, and told me that for some time she had been giving the Lord her profession and prayers and money, but now she wanted to give Him her life. She wanted to go right into the fight. In other words, she wanted to go to His assistance in the sea. As when a man from the shore, seeing another struggling in the water, takes off those outer garments that would hinder his efforts and leaps to the rescue, so will you who still linger on the bank, thinking and singing and praying about the poor perishing souls, lay aside your shame, your pride, your cares about other people’s opinions, your love of ease and all the selfish loves that have kept you back for so long, and rush to the rescue of this multitude of dying men and women.

Does the surging sea look dark and dangerous? Unquestionably it is so. There is no doubt that the leap for you, as for everyone who takes it, means difficulty and scorn and suffering. For you it may mean more than this. It may mean death. He who beckons you from the sea however, knows what it will mean - and knowing, He still calls to you and bids to you to come.

You must do it! You cannot hold back. You have enjoyed yourself in Christianity long enough. You have had pleasant feelings, pleasant songs, pleasant meetings, pleasant prospects. There has been much of human happiness, much clapping of hands and shouting of praises- very much of heaven on earth.

Now then, go to God and tell Him you are prepared as much as necessary to turn your back upon it all, and that you are willing to spend the rest of your days struggling in the midst of these perishing multitudes, whatever it may cost you.

You must do it. With the light that is now broken in upon your mind and the call that is now sounding in your ears, and the beckoning hands that are now before your eyes, you have no alternative. To go down among the perishing crowds is your duty. Your happiness from now on will consist in sharing their misery, your ease in sharing their pain, your crown in helping them to bear their cross, and your heaven in going into the very jaws of hell to rescue them.

 

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One Death Won Life: An Easter Invitation

For Christians, our Easter celebration starts on Good Friday, the day Jesus was crucified. Our celebration begins with death, and not just any death, but the death of our Lord and Savior. And we call it good! How can this be?

Leading up to Easter, we see Jesus enter Jerusalem, scold the wicked, heal the sick and prepare His disciples for His upcoming death. The night before Good Friday, Jesus celebrated the Passover feast at a table with His disciples. Many important things happen at this meal, and what is most important is that God reveals Himself through Jesus and lets us in on the work He’s been preparing since the beginning of time.

What happens on this night, at this meal? Let’s look at just two things Jesus says:

1.     Jesus comforts His disciples

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." (John 14:1-4 NIV)

2.     Jesus promises the Holy Spirit

 "If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:15-18 NIV)

As Jesus explains to the disciples that He will soon be betrayed and put to death, He says, "Don't let your hearts be troubled by this! It is good that I leave you, because when I do, I will not only prepare a place for you in heaven, but I will also send my Spirit to guide you while you are here on earth."

And then, it happens. Jesus is arrested and put on trial the next day. Religious leaders and an angry crowd convince Pilate, the Roman leader of Judea, to have Him crucified. Jesus is mocked, beaten and spit upon before being nailed to a cross to die. His disciples, even if they believed everything Jesus said the night before, must have found it extremely difficult to understand Jesus' pain and suffering as good. Jesus death, as gruesome and unjust as it was, is the greatest thing to ever happen to you, me and the entire world.

We can rejoice because Jesus' one death won life for all of us. The story of Easter doesn't end on Good Friday. In fact, it ends with a beginning.

In Matthew chapter 28, we see Mary Magdalene approach Jesus' tomb three days after His death, only to find that his body is no longer there. Shortly thereafter, Jesus appears to Mary and later to the disciples. And He's not some ghostly apparition – It's really Jesus, flesh and bone, alive! Through the work of God, Jesus has conquered death and spends the next 40 days with His disciples before ascending to be with the Father.

When Jesus went to the cross, He knew that God's power would triumph over death, and not just triumph to raise Him again but to raise us all.

What does this mean? When Jesus died on Good Friday, all of our sin (everything that separates us from God) died with Him. This means that every bad decision I've made or will make in the future is forgiven through Christ. Before Jesus' death and resurrection, I’d be dead meat! I've always been a sinner. Even as a Christian, I am still a sinner. I wrong my God in one way or another every day. We all do. But now, it's no longer held against us. It's gone, buried with Christ.

Jesus resurrection on Easter Sunday is an awe-inspiring illustration of not only God's power over death but also His power to give life. As Jesus explained at the Last Supper, after He ascends, God sends His Holy Spirit down to live within the disciples and all who believe in Him. This is God saying, "There is no separation between us anymore. I love you so much that I want to be with you forever, all day, every day."

Easter bridges the gap for us. Christ's death and resurrection leads us away from an old life of death and sin to a new life of forgiveness and fullness.

So, what has this meant to me personally? How has Easter transformed my life? Let's look at a passage from 1 Peter:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV)

This scripture states that as a believer and follower of Jesus, I am a completely new person with an inheritance of eternal life. This means that God loves me and my sins aren't counted against me. It means I can love others the way I was meant to, like Jesus did. And it means that when I die, my life is not over. The pain, struggles, and disappointments of life here on earth aren't all there is. There is so much more.

What is new birth like?

For me, the transformation of new birth in Christ has been pretty incredible. I think thoughts I've never had before. I make decisions I'd never have made before knowing Him. Whether my thoughts or decisions are "small" like how I spend an afternoon or "big" like how I spend the rest of my life, I now find Jesus at the center of all of them. And that's the Holy Spirit working in me. Does that sound a little weird? Someone else's (God's) spirit living in you, transforming your entire being, how you think and how you act? At first, it is a little weird! Then, it becomes completely natural. Because this new person is who I really am, who I was created to be - a child of God in relationship with my Maker, motivated to do good for Him and others.

What is eternal life?

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3 NIV)

Don't some days, weeks or even years feel like eternity? Things on the horizon seem so far away, yet Jesus says eternity is here. Eternity is now, with Him and in you. All the peace, all the joy, all the good that He has, you have access to right now.

If God created us and God is in us by His Spirit, then whatever He does has to affect us, right? Just like whatever we do has to affect Him. We ignore Him, and He is hurt. We bring Him glory, and He is pleased. There is a real relationship here in which both parties are participants. So, when Jesus died, something in us had to die, too. And what died was death. God triumphing over death, which only He can do, gives us the opportunity to follow Him into eternity.

Because of Christ's resurrection, we can say:

 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55 NIV)

It's gone. God has power over life and death. And for you? He chooses life. He says, "It's here, in me. Come and get it!" God allows us to, in a way, share in His power, by accepting it, and saying, "Yeah, I want that. Lord, what you offer is all that is good. And I could use some good right now. I could use some life!"

Could you use some good? Could you use new life right now? I encourage you to really think about what Christ's death and resurrection means to you. Reflect on your life up to this point. If you believe in your heart that everything in this post is true, tell Him! Whisper to God or shout it from the rooftops! You're forgiven from sin. You're saved from death. You're alive in eternity. Hallelujah!

Written by Elyse Jankowski
Community Relations Associate

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Keep Calm, and I'll Fight

A very popular image being used on posters all over the world is that of a crown with the phrase "Keep Calm and Carry On" written underneath it. This phrase was coined by an unknown civil servant to be a moral boost to citizens of the United Kingdom during the perils of World War II.

Like our friends in England during the Second World War, we too are under siege. The difference is while the British were being bombed, we are at war with sin and hell. Knowing this way back in 1912, General William Booth is reported to have given his famous "I'll Fight" speech.
 
"While women weep as they do now, I'll fight. While little children go hungry, as they do now, I'll fight. While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, I'll fight. While there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight. I'll fight to the very end!"

Society is changing. Sin is now seen as acceptable. People are justifying sin as a part of society and believe that as society changes, what God views as sin changes along with it. I must emphatically disagree. Malachi 3:6 says, "For I am the LORD, I do not change." Not convinced? How about Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." God's word, God's views, God's love, God's will NEVER changes because God himself never changes. He is perfection, as is his will and his law.

Society is not going to get better without some fighting. Not physical fighting, but true engagement in spiritual warfare. This may scare you. People are afraid to send their children to school, to go to the movies, and even leave their homes let alone engage their secular friends in conversations for Christ. But I have a message for the timid: Keep calm, and I'll fight. I'm not alone in this. The Salvation Army is full of fighters on the streets you wouldn't want to walk down, in the neighborhoods you're afraid to drive through...Where there seems to be no hope, no light, we will fight.

The message is for today's society and future generations. As the chaos of this world consumes you, I'll fight. As sin guides you in your views, I'll fight. While there remains one soul reaching out for the redeeming blood of Jesus, I'll fight. So, everyone just Keep Calm, and I’ll Fight.

Written by Bramwell Applin
Community Relations Manager

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