How Does Revival Happen?

"Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
'Cause Your grace still amazes me"
-Philips, Craig, and Dean

Last week, my wife and I had the privilege of attending a wonderful conference at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary just outside of Boston.  I'm not normally a conference kind of guy.  I find them high in calories and low in "intellectual and business fiber."  The Pastor's conferences at GCTS are the exception.  Every minute on campus is an inspirational moment that presses me to be better at my craft and go deeper in my soul.  "The Surprising Work of God: Calling The Church to Spiritual Renewal" was no exception.  

Dr. Walter Kaiser (President Emeritus, GCTS) and Dr. Timothy Tennant wonderfully book-ended the conference with two brilliant lectures.  One might describe them as Kaiser making the case for revival and Tennant’s pressing the possibilities for how revival might happen in this generation.

Kaiser showed us that 2 Chronicles 7:14 is paradigmatic for revival in Ancient Israel and in our day.  He stated how revival occurs:

1. In a time of moral darkness, Biblical ethics have been overturned and morality and justice have been distorted.

2.  When a consecrated servant of God becomes an energizing stimulus.

3.  Bold preaching.

4.  Destruction of idols or and competitors to the Living God.

5.  A return to worship and adoration of the Lord God.

6.  Determination to separate oneself from sin.

7.  Exuberant joy.

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

Dr. Kaiser cited four conditions for revival to happen:

1.  A Call to Humble Ourselves

2.  A Call to Pray

3.  To Seek God’s Face

4. A Call to Return to the Lord.

And when the conditions are met, Kaiser reflected on five results of revival:

1.  Relevant to All People

2.  Jeremiah 18 – The Potter's House

3.  God's Forgiveness

4.  Begins with the nation of Israel and extends to all people

5.  The Bless on the People and Land who obey God's call.

Tennant built on Kaiser's foundation with particular emphasis on the globalized definition of God's (MY) people.  Out of space, but just want to share two ideas from Tennant:

First:  Forces of World Christian Movement (which include): Globalization, Immigration, Technology, New Church Planting movements.

Then he addressed three major paradigm shifts in Global Revitalization Movements.  He states that it is:  "Time for a new generation of Christians, committed to apostolic faith to declare minimalistic, reductionist Christianity a 'failed project.'"

Global emergence of Christian revitalization is helping the church regain confidence in the truth of the gospel.  Deeper ecumenism can move the church forward in the face of the challenges of our day

The upshot is that revival can happen again and again in our today.  But, we can't be satisfied with trying to provoke the Holy Spirit to action via 'same ol, same ol.'  Our Gospel must match the hour.  When it does, when we do, God is hovering just waiting to surprise us again. After all (his grace):

"It's deeper, it's wider
It's stronger, it's higher
It's deeper, it's wider
It's stronger, it's higher than anything my eyes can see!"

Written by Major Carl E. Carvill, D.Min.
Asbury Park Corps 

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Afraid of Miracles

I was astounded when I read this story in the Book of Exodus, Chapter 4:1-5 and it says - But Moses protested again, "What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, "The Lord never appeared to you?" Then the Lord asked him, "What is that in your hand?" "A shepherd's staff," Moses replied. "Throw it down on the ground," the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back. Then the Lord told him, "Reach out and grab its tail." So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd's staff in his hand. "Perform this sign," the Lord told him. "Then they will believe that the Lord, the God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—really has appeared to you."

I am so impressed about how often we pray to God for miracles, and then we easily become frightened when things begin to happen - and those things happening don’t look at all like the miracles we expected and prayed for.

Here was Moses, complaining before God about not having any assurances, or any proof of His existence to go before the Egyptians and speak on His behalf. Moses asks God, "What if they don’t believe me? What if they don’t listen to me? What if they say that you never appeared to me?" So what did God do? Well, He tried to satisfy Moses' concern, He asked him, "What is that in your hand?" Moses said, "a shepherd’s staff." And then, with the staff on the ground, God transformed it into a snake. The story says that Moses jumped back when he saw the snake; in some Spanish versions it reads that, "Moses ran away."

Here was Moses pleading for a miracle, pleading for help and understanding from God, and when God wanted to help him fulfill his mission, he became frightened by what he saw.

How often do we  do exactly the same? How often do we pray to God for miracles or for help in a particular situation, but soon after things appear to be actually getting worse (the snake), we begin to run. We are praying for money and we lose our jobs. We are praying for healing, and then another member of the family becomes ill. Rather than trying to see God at work in the circumstances, we quickly take off running to the neighbors' or to a lender or to share or sorrows with someone else. 

This is what often happens to us; God performs miracles in our daily lives, but we have problems accepting them as such, because we don't make any efforts to look beyond the appearance of things. We are too focused on our own needs and wants and miss the bigger picture. God is interested in using every opportunity as a teaching moment, as a life-changing lesson. How could we possibly think there's a miracle in being fired from a job, or being locked out of our apartment, or losing a close friend? Those are most likely not the miracles we are expecting, but they are part of a divine process that God will take us through on our way to victory. The road to the Promised Land runs through the desert.

Written by Lt. Giovanni E. Romero
Union City Corps

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Consistency

Titus 1:2 
 
This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.

When I listened to Titus 1 today, this verse struck me. The word I kept hearing was consistent. Paul is laying out his introduction to who God is, what he is about, and what it means for us. Even before God created mankind, knowing we would fall, he wanted us to have eternal life. That sentiment has not changed; God is consistent.

When I strive for consistency, my attempts often fall short. Every October, I order a calendar refill for my written calendar, determined I will keep my task list, appointments and other items up to date. Usually, by February, I have totally abandoned it. It is not one of my gifts to stay on task. God sends people along the way to help us; this can be to encourage us in our gifts and what we are consistent with, or it can be to jump in and be consistent where I am not gifted. I am thankful for those people in my life. 

God wants good things for people. All people. He designed it that way. Celebrate where he has gifted you by being consistent with it, and ask Him to make you aware of those areas that need to be pared away. 

Written by Chip Kelly
Territorial Lay Leader
Development Bureau Director

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I Am With You Always

For my family, the end of summer has arrived with my sons heading back to school. This year is a bit different as my oldest is a High School Senior, and his new status has caused me to really shift my thinking over the past few weeks. My "little boy" is a young man who will soon be heading into the world to make his way and live out what he believes is God's plan for his life. My role is shifting from provider to advisor. As I look back, I start to wonder "Have I done everything I can to prepare him?",  "Will he be safe?" and "What can I do in the next 10 months to make sure he is ready?"

These questions and many others race through my mind almost daily, and as I contemplate them, I am drawn to a Scripture passage about being sent into the world - Matthew 28:19-20. In the New American Standard Bible, Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

This command was not just to the Disciples in the early 1st Century, but to us, His modern day disciples. When Matthew recorded the Great Commission, he not only gave us Jesus' directions but His promise to help us carry it out as well. This promise is a great comfort to me as I do my best to live out His will in my life, but it is also an example for me to follow with my son. I have let him know that no matter what he does or where he goes, I'll love him and do my best to be with him. Unlike the promise of constant presence we have from Jesus, my support may be through a phone call, email or social media, but it will be there nonetheless. As I reflect on my own transition to adulthood, I see how my father modeled this for me, giving me the freedom to make decisions but always being there for me in the good and bad. I only hope I can do half as well with my boy.

I take comfort in knowing that Jesus is with me and that He will be with my son as well. We live in a fallen world where anything can happen, but we need not fear as Jesus is with us, even to the end of the age. Perhaps it's time for each of us to take a moment and thank Jesus for keeping His promise to be with us, even when we choose not to be with Him.

Written by Richard Pease
Divisional Controller

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Keeping Connected

Recently, my family decided to switch cell phone carriers in an effort to reduce our monthly cost. A result of this change has been a different level of connectivity for my smart phone. Most of the time, I don't notice a difference, but there have been occasions where I have wanted to check Facebook or post a photo to Instagram only to be stymied by a lack of network coverage. Initially, I was frustrated by this; however, I recently had an epiphany – whenever this has happened, I've been with my family, and the lack of coverage caused me to actually talk to my wife and kids rather than connect with them through social media. Needless to say, this has been a pleasant by-product of the change that I don’t want to give up.

As well as improving the connection to my family, I have also been reminded that I need to improve my connection with God, too. I recently reread 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NASB)

and I had a renewed sense of what the Apostle Paul was saying. Prayer, as I see it, is communication with God, and Paul seems to be saying that we should be in constant communication with the Lord. There are so many benefits to maintaining this connectivity that I don't have the time to record them all, but here are a few that I see:

1.    There is a sense of peace that comes from telling the Lord how we feel.

2.    There is a sense of protection that comes from sharing our temptations with the Lord.

3.    There is wisdom in asking the Lord's opinion when facing decisions.

How is your connection with God? If, like my smart phone, you are sometimes disconnected, I encourage you to improve your connectivity by praying without ceasing and strengthening your relationship with the Lord. Unlike my wireless provider, improved connectivity is not dependent on external factors like cell towers and antennas; instead it is wholly dependent on your willingness to reach out to the Lord and talk.

Written by Richard Pease
Divisional Commander

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Minority Report

Risky Business…Top Gun…Rain Man…Mission Impossible…The Last Samurai…Collateral

What do all these gems have in common? They all star our favorite couch jumper, Tom Cruise! Despite some of his more public shenanigans, he has regularly delivered on the big screen. In 2002, the film Minority Report was released. In short, of the three Pre-Cogs (future seers), the movie's revelation depended upon the report of one over what was reported by the other two. This minority report was the evidence needed for Cruise's character to topple the film's antagonist.

In Ecclesiastes 1:9 it states, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." This holds true again. In the book of Numbers, we find evidence of perhaps the earliest inspiration for a minority report:

Numbers 13:26-30:
 
They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan." Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

Caleb and Joshua had come back to report to Moses and Aaron what they had seen in the land they had been sent to explore. Before they spoke, the other ten explores had the stage, and they started off pretty well. "...it does flow with milk and honey!" they reported. 

Unfortunately, as they continued, their joy was replaced with fear, and their words reflected their terrible thoughts. "…the people who live there are powerful…cities are fortified and very large." They saw the fruits of God's compassion, but only recognized the obstacles of the enemy.

It was brave Caleb who dared to interrupt. He silenced the people and courageously uttered that the Israelites should take up the land, because with God's support, he was certain that the task could be accomplished. His wasn't the popular opinion. His report wasn’t supported by the majority of the explorers. Ten of the twelve reported with shallow fear, whilst Caleb and Joshua reported from the depths of faith. They knew that for God, five to one was still great odds in favor of the almighty!

Often, we believe that if enough people agree on something then odds are it is right. In reality, often times when enough people agree on something, then there are just a lot of wrong people!

Dear Lord, in the multitude of ignorance let us hear your truth!

Written by Lt. Darell Houseton
Newark Ironbound Corps

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A Lesson in Trust – the Story of the Bees

Summertime always reminds of one of the great lessons of trusting that my young son taught me.  Erik was afraid of bees - the sight of bees would put wings on his feet, and he would be "gone in a flash."

Erik also liked to draw, and one day, a friend gave Erik a sketch pad.  When the doorbell rang unexpectedly one afternoon and I heard my husband welcome some friends, I scurried through the apartment, picking up stray items, including Erik's sketch pad, and stashed them somewhere so they would not be noticed.

That evening, when Erik asked for his sketch pad, I could not remember where I had put it. A quick search failed to reveal the hiding place, and I promised Erik I would find it the next day.  I had no better luck in remembering the next day or the day after that. In my haste I had hidden it well.  After family devotions that evening, Erik and I prayed together that God would help Mommy remember where she had put his sketch pad.  Upon entering my study that evening, I noticed that the sketch pad was stuck between some important papers on my desk.  An elated Erik and his Mom, together, thanked God for his aid in finding the missing pad.

The next day, as Erik and I were walking together outside, the familiar tunes from the ice cream truck that visited the neighborhood daily caught our attention. Supper was finished, and here came the ice cream truck.  One of the few things that Erik liked better than drawing was the joy of eating a good ice cream cone. So we stopped, purchased our treats, and continued our walk.

Sure enough, along came a bee or two to buzz around the sweet treat. This time, instead of taking off swiftly, Erik stopped, bowed his head, and prayed: "Dear God, please keep the bees away from my ice cream cone.  Amen."  Then he continued on our walk, absolutely convinced that a God who could find his sketch pad, would also keep the bees away from his ice cream cone.  And God did!

Jesus told his followers, "Don’t worry about your life. Look at the birds, see the beauty of my creation, see how my Father cares for it all – you're worth far more to Him than that. So don’t worry, but seek God’s Kingdom and God’s righteousness first, and God will take care of all your needs." (Matthew 6:33).

Erik had already learned who to trust. In my heart, I prayed: "Lord, thank you for the lesson Erik is teaching me.  All our concerns matter to you, and you are totally trustworthy."  May we all be reminded of that truth daily.

Written by Gloria Hohn
Asbury Park Corps

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Even If He Doesn't

Men of Commitment.

That was the theme of Men's Camp 2014. To be willing to commit is essential in walking with Christ. We have to either be all in or all out. We learned that God can and will use people of contribution, but he desires people of commitment.

Commitment is daunting.

Commitment is difficult.

Commitment is necessary.
 
Commitment can be daunting because, well, forever is a mighty long time! The concept of always can be frightening. It can be said that we fear change, but I think permanence can be just as frightening. The pressure to never waiver may be suffocating. The fear of failure can make escape seem like the best available option.

If commitment was easy, it would be called something else. Its basic meaning is to serve. To serve is work, so by its very nature, commitment is laborious. It's easy to be committed when things are going smoothly.

I read a quote that said something along the lines of, "Those who think the devil is weak have never tried resisting him." How committed are we when the going gets tough? We need to be through and through people. Whether up or down, sunshine or rain, good or bad, we need to be committed. In Daniel 3:16-18, we find a familiar example of this for better or for worse commitment.
 
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

How many of us can look into the face of the enemy and declare that we will be delivered from our current strife, but even if we aren't, our faith wont waiver? Three young men taught us that commitment is not reliant on immediate deliverance or lack of storms in life, rather on the faith to endure even if deliverance seems impossible or far off.

As daunting and difficult as it can be, commitment is necessary. Without it, we are like the chaff in Psalm 1:4 that is easily blown away. Commitment isn't fleeting. It's the product of faith and effort.

Written by Lt. Darell Houston
Newark Ironbound Corps

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Jack's Back!

I must confess, I am a 24 addict. It took me a few years to get into 24, but once I started watching it on Netflix, I was hooked. I don’t know if it's the iconic ticking clock or the grittiness of the story, but I can't seem to get enough of Jack Bauer.

And I’m not alone, as the latest ratings show that I was joined by more than 8 million other viewers during the two hour 24: Live Another Day premiere on May 5th. My Monday nights now revolve around what is happening on Fox at 9:00PM, as I don’t want to be left out of the conversation on Tuesday. I need to know how Jack will, once again, save the world from evil terrorists who have no problem making innocent people suffer in an effort to right perceived wrongs.

As I sit in front of my TV mesmerized by the real time activity, I start to identify with Jack and his desire to protect others, even if it means sacrificing himself physically and emotionally. I think this is what makes Jack (and 24) so engaging – the idea that people want to see good prevail even if it means doing something wrong to get the job done. In Jack's case, he has no problem physically threatening a suspect, lying, or even non-fatally shooting a random protester in order to create a diversion. While this makes for good TV, it also reinforces a flawed belief about people – that we are inherently good.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the church in Rome: “For Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23 NLT) You see, the truth is that people are not inherently good, and we don,t all want to do the right thing. If you need proof, just look at children. I know that my three sons have all, at one time or another, exhibited our sinful nature (and if you ask my parents, I did too). A simple question like, "Is your homework done?" will be met with a lie. Why? It's not as if I will punish them; I'll only insist that they get it done. Yet, if my boys want to do something else, they may choose to lie rather than do the assignment. This is our true human nature.

Thankfully, God knows us intimately and loves us limitlessly. He sent His son Jesus to die on a cross for our sin and rise again to conquer death so that we can have a restored relationship with God through our belief in His Son. He declares this clearly in John 3:16: "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (NLT) and promises salvation in Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (NLT)

While Jack Bauer may live another day on Fox, we have the opportunity to live every day through Christ. And while Jack is only around for a 12-episode special event, Jesus is here for eternity. Why not consider putting your life in the hands of the Saviour?

Written by Richard Pease
Divisional Controller

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National Salvation Army Week: May 12-18, 2014

In 1865, William Booth founded The Salvation Army in London, addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of desperate individuals roaming the streets. Fifteen years later in 1880, The Salvation Army began its work in New Jersey. Since then, The Salvation Army New Jersey Division has provided humanitarian relief and spiritual guidance to millions of people across our great state.

The Salvation Army New Jersey Division demonstrates hope and healing in many ways. Those addicted to drugs or alcohol find a network of rehabilitation programs; children born into poverty discover camps and educational opportunities; and those who are lonely and forgotten receive friendly visits and gifts through the year. Our services result in shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry and relief for disaster survivors. The Salvation Army’s commitment to serve is demonstrated daily at our 28 Corps Community Centers, 101 Service Extension Units and through our unwavering support to Hurricane Sandy survivors over 18 months after the storm.

National Salvation Army Week is a time to thank our generous donors and volunteers who allow us to accomplish all that we do. Without your support, we would not be able to provide stellar programs and services statewide. We also thank the Township of Union, City of Newark, City of Camden and City of New Brunswick for issuing proclamations recognizing National Salvation Army Week.

All are welcome to join our National Salvation Army Week luncheon on Monday, May 12th at Ria Mar, 25 Whitehead Avenue in South River. The event will begin at 12:00PM and honor our retired senior volunteers. For tickets, please call New Brunswick Corps at 732-545-1477.

On Tuesday, May 13th, we will honor the women of our Hurricane Sandy Recovery Group in Hazlet. From 9:30AM to 2:30PM, the ladies will get their hair and nails done, and participate in a craft project at our 1444 Hazlet Pavilion office. Lunch will be provided as well as gift bags and photos to memorialize the day. From 3:00PM to 5:00PM, the group will enjoy desserts, coffee and tea at Drew’s Bayshore Bistro.

During this week, I encourage everyone to celebrate The Salvation Army’s 134 years in New Jersey, and join our mission to serve those in need.

Donald E. Berry, Major
Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army New Jersey Division

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You're All I Have

One of the little known services of The Salvation Army is our Community Care Ministries. Visits to shut-ins, regular visits and programs at local rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, teaching children how to render compassionate service to the elderly, etc.

I have been a member of the Community Care team at my Corps (Salvation Army church) since my retirement fourteen years ago. Along with another team member, I visit the same nursing home every month. We go just to say hello and distribute our magazine, "The War Cry" and a small gift. We greet, listen, and offer a word of encouragement. When invited to do so, we pray with the resident, asking God to make Himself known as the great burden-bearer and the God of all comfort. Over a period of fourteen years, one can develop a strong attachment and admiration for these residents. I have made many friends.

One of my special friends is Bobbie Morgan*. Bobbie is retired from the military, and a small veteran's pension provides for her stay at the nursing home. When I first met Bobbie a number of years ago, she told me that she was from Alabama (I still have not discovered how she ended up in a nursing home in central New Jersey). My son lives in Alabama, and I am more familiar with that state than most New Jerseyans, and so Bobbie and I began to share stories.

We've talked together, laughed together and prayed together. I've learned of some of the difficulties of military life and some of the loneliness of nursing home living. She has learned more about different towns in the deep South as my son, a United Methodist minister, has moved from church to church over the years. I have visited her on "good days" when she was full of enthusiasm and joy, and I have seen her on "bad days" when pain and physical disabilities seem to sap her joy along with her energy. But she always knows me and greets me with a smile.

Recently, I visited Bobbie on a "bad day." The pain she was experiencing was marked on her face. The supplemental oxygen she was breathing indicated to me that the medical staff also knew it was a "bad day" and were doing all they could to make her comfortable. I visited longer than usual, spoke words of comfort, shared some Scripture and prayed with Bobbie. Glancing at my watch, I realized I had been there far longer than usual, and my co-worker would be looking for me. Smiling at Bobbie, I said: "Oh my, it’s getting late, I have to go now." Grasping my hand tightly, with tears in her eyes, Bobbie replied, "Oh, don’t go yet – You're all I have!"

God gave me a glimpse, at that moment, of the limitless value of our Community Care ministry. For many in that nursing home, I am all they have.

As one enters a room, it is quickly evident that the resident is lucky enough to have family and friends who visit them and care about them. Cards and balloons celebrating birthdays and special occasions, the person who may be visiting as I come, all show that the resident is loved. But there are other rooms, like Bobbie Morgan's, where the only evidence of any visitor is the small gifts that the Salvation Army lady has left behind. These visible objects remind them daily that God loves them; they are not forgotten; they are not alone. Multiply the Bobbie Morgans of this world, and you will understand why I am glad to be a Community Care team member in The Salvation Army. Jesus said, "When you serve the least of my children, you are serving me." (Matthew 25:40)
 
*Name has been changed.

Written by Gloria B. Hohn
Asbury Park, NJ

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The Slow and the Furious: But and Yet

"This is going to hurt me more than its going to hurt you!"

The phrase heard around the world. No matter what language you speak or the neighborhood you’re from (unless you suffer from affluenza), these words preceded an inevitable form of punishment.

"How can it be?"

How can my pain hurt you, not as much, but more than it hurts me? As a child, this paradox baffled me to my core. It made no sense that the source of my perceived affliction would hurt more than I. As a child, and sometimes even now, my thinking was simple: Up was the opposite of down, there were winners and losers, and there were pain givers and pain receivers. Now, you ask me to believe in a mutual suffering? A mutual suffering that stems from love and anger.

Love. It has caused wars, raised heroes, built nations and caused committed men and women to gladly look death in the eyes and stare back! So has anger. These two great passions can be seen as the seeds from which all great efforts and conflicts grow.

A man will climb and cross mountains to get to the woman he loves. If she were harmed, in anger, he would traverse those same peaks in pursuit of her assailant. A mother would move heaven and earth for her children, yet she will grow angry if they misbehave and discipline them.

In the same way, God would do anything for His people because He loves us. Not unlike the loving mother’s reaction to poorly behaved children, this does not absolve us from the discipline of His love.

I was always taught that whenever you see 'but' in a sentence, the latter often contrast the aforementioned statement, BUT when you see ‘'yet,' a crucial detail is about to be added. In Numbers 14:18, we read:

"The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.

Yet

he does not leave the guilty unpunished"

The Lord loves us, but this love doesn't negate His anger when we exhibit undesirable behavior, yet the discipline is still from a place of love. Love and anger are a two car garage that are attached to the same house. One is a luxury sedan and the other is a four wheel drive SUV. They pull out of the same driveway and onto the same street. The weather or circumstance determine which the driver takes, but they are both intended to get us safely from point A to point B.

God is abounding in love and slow to anger, but that anger isn't rooted is hate. It's rooted in love. He only grows angry because He cares. My fear is not His correction. My fear is when He no longer desires to correct.

Written by Lt. Darell Houseton
Newark Ironbound Corps 

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Small Beginnings

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..."
Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

Are you at the beginning of something? Or are you in the middle of trying to begin again? This verse struck me as I listened to it this morning. At first, I thought it was because I was at the beginning of something new, but then I tried to dig deeper beyond my gut feeling. Often times, I want to skip the beginning and get to the end result. My new year's resolution of dropping those extra, unwanted pounds is hard work, and I would rather it just be gone.  Nature doesn't work that way. 

God doesn't work that way either. The principles of our universe don't work that way.  Remember learning about inertia in science class? If you suppressed that memory, here is what it is:

"a property of matter by which something that is not moving remains still and something that is moving goes at the same speed and in the same direction until another thing or force affects it"

Basically, if something is not moving, it will remain that way until something acts upon it. If it is moving, another thing can affect it. Notice this principle is no respecter of size. 

To God, size doesn't matter either. God rejoices to see the work begin and specifically says He rejoices in the small things. I'm not sure where you are at or what might be waiting to begin in your journey – it doesn't matter, just start.

Written by Chip Kelly
Territorial Lay Leader
Development Bureau Director

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A Life Formatted for God

As a tech in The Salvation Army, it is best practice to use a disk drive or an external drive that has been formatted. By having the drive formatted, it will reduce the risk of infected files or corruption on the drive. Any time you work with something that is used and has current applications or software, it is best to format first. This will reduce any incompatibilities or current applications and software that are not needed. The assurance of having a formatted drive rules out and eliminates the possibilities of failure.

The Bible (God's Word) speaks concerning how difficult it would be to put something new into or onto something that has been used. In Matthew 9:17, it reads: "Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

I like what the last phrase of v17 says: "both are preserved." God's assignment is to assure both are preserved – HIS word and His people. That's why the scripture points out the story of Nicodemus in John 3:3. In reply, Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again (formatted)."

The Lord Jesus wants to format you that you can receive the Word of what the Father has spoken, concerning Jesus and your relationship with HIM. It's hard to rewrite over an application or program. The possibilities of failure are imminent! The Lord Jesus wants to give you a fresh start and a new beginning with him.

Let's not operate any longer on Windows 98 or XP. There is a new operating system that has worked out all the glitches (sin) and the blue screen (death). Jesus repaired both, and to receive his operating system (Holy Spirit), we must be formatted. It's amazing that the root word of format is form, and God the Father can do just that! Will you open your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, repent (turn away) from your sins, invite HIM into your heart, and let the formatting begin? God Bless you!

Terrell Curry
IT Service Desk

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Tough Mudder

“Don’t quit!”
“Keep going!”

And my personal favorite, “You’re going to feel amazing when you finish!”

These were just a few of the statements made by several of the event and medical staff that were stationed around the course at the Tri-State Tough Mudder 2013. I learned several things that morning and a few stood out to me:

•    Encouragement goes a long way
•    Teamwork makes the dream work
•    There is satisfaction in completion

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we read, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up...”

There were moments in the challenge where it seemed that the logical thing to do was to quit, turn back and live to fight another day. By the time you reach mile 3 (a quarter of the the way), your body is aching, you’re cold and beginning to notice a few aches accumulated along the way. Thank God for encouragement! It seemed that every time doubt crept into my mind an encouraging word reminded me that I’m able to take another step, climb another wall and endure a little longer. The encouragement prevented defeat from ever gaining a foot hole in my mind.

Proverbs 27:17, “ Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another...”

Tough Mudder was designed to ensure camaraderie. The challenges and course can be completed by an individual, but it is not good for a man to try it alone (see what I did there *wink wink*). I saw a man struggle and literally hit a wall...of mud...and begin to give in to frustration. He found life when someone reached back and grabbed his arm. With a new strength, together he climbed that wall as a stranger pulls him up. He then continued on the course to the finish.

John 19:30, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.””

In The Salvation Army, its not uncommon to begin a project or effort and not see it in its completed state. One officer may begin a campaign for a new building and the next may begin the construction. No matter what the task, there is a great sense of achievement when it is completed. When I crossed the finish line at Tough Mudder, I fully expected to collapse and just lie on the ground until I had enough strength to stand. What I found was that upon completion, I was still standing!

Not everyone will do and complete a Tough Mudder, but we all will face challenges or know someone in the midst of one. Your words of encouragement might be all that stands between victory and defeat in that moment. We are creatures of community, therefore, we ought to be there for each other. Lastly, Let us meet our next obstacle and see it through to completion. Join in the finished work of Christ!

Written by Lt. Darell Houseton
Newark Ironbound Corps

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Examine Your Assumptions

Assumptions are a powerful thing.  If we assume something, for example that it will rain today, it affects how we plan for that day.  You might grab an umbrella, reschedule a hike, or cancel a trip to the beach. 

Let's go deeper than just how it affects our day-planner.  Merriam-Webster defines assumption in the following ways:

1 : a taking to or upon oneself <the assumption of a new position>

2 : the act of laying claim to or taking possession of something <the assumption of power>

3 : arrogance, pretension

4 a : an assuming that something is true

b : a fact or statement (as a proposition, axiom, postulate, or notion) taken for granted

Depending on your life experience and working definition, you may identify with many of these definitions above.  The fact of the matter is when we make an assumption, we begin to own it or take possession of the idea or thought.  We all make assumptions.  It is part of our human condition.

Here is the big question:  What assumptions do we make about God?  Our faith? Scripture? I think we would be naive to think we don't make assumptions about God, either consciously or otherwise.  How can assumptions impact our faith? How do we move beyond these assumptions in our walk?  Scripture has a few things to say about this danger. 

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.
What happens when we go beyond just our assumptions?

Ephesians 4:14-15

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Assumptions require going deeper to find out what lies beneath a thought or notion.  If we do the hard work of pressing beyond our assumptions we make ourselves open and available to the Holy Spirit.  We might not always know the end result, but at least we haven't settled in and stopped at simply assuming.

Written by Chip Kelly 

Territorial Lay Leader
Development Bureau Director

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The Full Truth

(written on September 19)

I saw Sha yesterday.

We talked for the first time in ten long, feels-like-forever-ago days since he left the hospital.

He asked why I didn't stop by Rite Aid earlier, having seen me pass it nearly every day. I told him part of the truth, then the full truth.

"I'm always running late for work when I drive by...and I'm hurt. It hurts to see you back here."

I asked him what happened, how he went from all in to all out. He told me the full truth.

"I'm not ready."

His words hit like a soft dagger, a tender weapon.

Sha said that his heart wants his body to get well, but the battlefield of his mind supersedes them both. I asked what his rock bottom is and said that if I were him, I would have been at that point a long time ago.

He didn't have an answer.

Sha started to go off on a tangent, asking for my assistance on a new project. I refused his request. I told him that my family and I had already put our lives on hold for him, and his asking for more, while using again no less, was a slap in the face. I said that both my dad (who visited Sha at Rite Aid on Saturday) and I were able to sit with him now only because of the Holy Spirit in us. Otherwise, perhaps a few obscenities would have been exchanged, bringing this story to an end. But it's not finished.

I handed him the seemingly endless list of detox/rehab phone numbers I had called.
"I won't make the calls again. This is on you now."

As firm as I was, Sha knew my words weren't seasoned with anger or bitterness.
"If I go to rehab, will you still support me?"

I told Sha that he always has my support in prayer and love, and nothing will ever change that. I gave him a hug, he gave me a kiss, and I started to walk away. He called back out to me.

"Something good is gonna happen in your life. I know it."

I smiled.

"How about a deal? When I have good news, I'll report back to you. When you have good news, you'll report back to me."

He nodded his head and waved goodbye. I got in my car, and a deep peace washed over me.

Before talking to Sha yesterday, I prayed for Christ to give me the right words to say, and I believe He did. I pray Sha meditates on them. I pray he meditates on how much the God of the universe loves him.

Jesus is ready for you, Sha.

Written by Elyse Jankowski
Community Relations Associate

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Marriage God's Way

What is your definition of Marriage?  If I were to interview people at random asking that question, I would receive a variety of definitions. It's one of the hottest political topics of our day. If I were to ask the question, "What is the purpose of Marriage?"  What would you say? On what do you base your answer?

As Christ Followers and Salvationists, we believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God and that they only constitute the divine rule of Christian Faith and practice. As Christ followers we base our definition of and purpose for marriage on the teachings of the Bible. The Bible teaches us that Marriage God's way is a "oneness" created by God (Genesis 2:19 – 25).

Adam lived in a pristine garden full of fruits and vegetables with a pure river running through it which watered the garden and provided an unlimited source of crystal spring water. (Can't you just picture him doing the backstroke down the garden river with a big smile on his face?). He had all kinds of animals with which to play and frolic. He had meaningful work taking care of the garden. He enjoyed the privilege of free choice as recorded in Genesis16, when instructed to eat from any tree but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

While naming the animals, Adam must have noticed that each kind of animal had mates, but he had no companion. When he started naming the animals, he was practicing his power of speech. Surely he had to notice that he had no one with which to speak. Both he and God must have noted these things because God said in Genesis 2:18 "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

So, God performed the first recorded surgery. Note that Eve was not taken out of Adam’s head to surpass him or from his feet to be trampled on, but from his side to be equal to him, and near his heart to be dear to him, and under his arm to be protected by him. The human pair was different from all the animal pairs. Eve was formed out of Adam – she was body of Adam's body - THEY were one. One flesh refers to the personal union of a man and woman at ALL levels of their lives: emotionally, personally, socially, economically, legally, and sexually.

Once, when the Pharisees asked Jesus, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" Jesus replied, "Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female. And said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Matthew 19:4-6)

The Bible teaches us that Marriage God's way is a oneness created by God and an exclusive relationship between one man and one woman for a lifetime.

Sin has messed around with the exclusivity of marriage since Old Testament times and has therefore ruined marriage for many people. God clearly warns us to honor our Bond to our spouse.

God said to Moses, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14)

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27 & 28)

Jesus said, "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Matthew 19:4-6)

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (Hebrews 13:4) 

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator...because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion." (Romans 1:25-27)

Sex outside of an exclusive relationship between one man and woman is destructive. A visual illustration of this is found in a piece of clear tape. Let's say a piece of tape represents an individual whom is sexually pure. Their ability to bond physically with another individual is strong. The first time that piece of tape is placed on someone's arm, it has the ability to  bond to the arm in a strong, secure fashion. However, if the tape is torn off of that arm, it is now covered with skin cells, body hairs, and DNA from the arm to which it was originally attached and its future bonding ability is lessened. Every time that tape is attached to a different arm, more skin cells and body hair and DNA is attached to the tape, impairing its ability to "stick."

In the same way, should an individual who has had multiple sexual partners one day want to marry someone, he is less able to commit and trust that person because his bonding ability has been significantly altered. God has our best interest in mind when he tells us to be monogamous. He wants us to enjoy and experience the fullness of a trusting, loving, committed, relationship. 

The Bible teaches us that Marriage God's way is a oneness created by God, an exclusive relationship between one man and one woman for a lifetime, and an illustration of God's relationship to the church.

The way we live our married life is designed to be a daily testimony to our children and others of God's love, faithfulness, forgiveness, patience and commitment to the church.  Ideally, marriages should be pointing the world to Christ. Throughout Scripture, God's union with the Church is illustrated by the covenant of marriage...

Isaiah 62:5 "As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will God rejoice over you."

Hosea 2:19 &20 "I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness, and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord."

Revelation 19:7 "Let us rejoice and be gland and give him glory. For the wedding of the lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready."

The entire book of Hosea and Song of Solomon are marriage metaphors of God's relationship to the church.

So...it makes logical sense that our earthly, Christian marriages were designed to point unbelievers to Christ. Here is an example of how God has instructed us to be examples... 

The book of Ephesians says it well. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God...Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:1 & 22 

Husbands are to submit to their wives as well as wives are to submit to their husbands.

To submit means to subordinate. This kind of submission is a voluntary attitude of giving in. It is not forced. No one is holding a gun to your head and saying "submit or else." It is acting in a spirit of cooperation. 

Submission has to do with humility, others, service, self-sacrifice, and cooperation. It means not always getting my way. It means willingly following another. It means life is not about me. 

A life without submission has to do with pride, ego, selfishness, and superiority.

Submission has to do with putting others' interests above my own.

Ephesians five goes on to explain the type of submission husbands and wives are to give to one another…

Wives are to submit to their husband's leadership and to respect their husbands.

And husbands are to submit to their wives by loving them with the same tenderness and sacrificial love that Christ showed the church...A love to the death. 

The Bible teaches us that Marriage God's way is a oneness created by God, an exclusive relationship between one man and one woman for a lifetime and an illustration of God’s relationship to the church.

As Christ followers we base our definition of and purpose for marriage on the teachings of the Bible. How does your marriage measure up to God’s outline for marriage in the Bible? Don't become sucked into society's view of marriage. Timothy Keller describes societies current definition of marriage in the following statements:  

"Marriage is finding emotional and sexual fulfillment and self-actualization."

"Marriage is a terminal sexual contract designed for the gratification of the individual parties."

"Marriage used to be a public institution for the common good, and now it is a private arrangement for the satisfaction of the individuals. Marriage used to be about us, but now it is about me."

"Today’' society does not see the essence of marriage as located in either its divine sacramental symbolism or as a social bond given to benefit the broader human commonwealth. Rather, marriage is seen as a contract between two parties for mutual individual growth and satisfaction. In this view, married persons marry for themselves, not to fulfill responsibilities to God or society. Parties should, therefore, be allowed to conduct their marriage in any way they deem beneficial to them, and no obligation to church, tradition, or broader community should be imposed on them."

What an impact Christians could have on our children and the world if we all committed to doing marriage God’s way. Permit the Holy Spirit to Counsel you as you answer these questions... 

1)   Does my marriage reflect a oneness created by God? 

2)   Is my marriage an exclusive relationship between me and my spouse? 

3)   Is my marriage a daily testimony to my children and others of God's love, faithfulness, forgiveness, patience, and commitment to the church? 

4)   If you are not married, do your interactions with married individuals support or hinder God's design for marriage?

5)  What is the first step God wants me to take toward a journey to Marriage God's way?

Heavenly Father:

Thank you for marriage as you created it. As your followers, we want to do it your way.  We believe that your way is the best way for us, for our children, and our influence on society.

I ask you, Heavenly Father, that you will give individuals the courage to obey your direction concerning the first step the Holy Spirit may be asking of them. I pray that their first step will lead them to a series of steps that will guide them to a Godly state of marriage or a Godly state of honoring others' marriages.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Written by Major Cheriann Stoops

Asbury Park Corps

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