Welcome the Prince of Peace

The door opened ajar, and in came my daughter, sounding vulnerable, seeking protection, complaining of a bad dream. My natural response was to have her join me in bed, until the reality that she is no longer a tot set in. Dark still, I suggested we move to the living room couch, where we could lounge out in more comfort. As we made our way through the darkness, I asked her to quietly share her bad dream with me. It had been a long while since she last had one. 

Though I am not a decipherer of dreams, I can sometimes guess certain meanings or figure out what the overall meaning may be. At the very least, it certainly must be therapeutic to discuss the bad and shed some light on it. She proceeded to share vividly, using lots of detail and color, and I discovered she was right to be scared. Her dream took place at school, after a school trip. You know, school, that institution that is supposed to feel safe. With all of the current and not so current events, it does not surprise me. I still dream about school myself, but the worse occurrence is missing a deadline or realizing I had been gone for some time and returning to a quiz (seems laughable even as I type it). That is as bad as my dreams about school get.

As she carried on with the details that seemed like a plot of a thriller, she finally came to the culminating point where she woke up frightened, confused and seeking refuge where she feels comfort and protection: by my side. Since I figured we still could get some sleep until sunrise, I gave my "review" of her dream with a "thumbs down" and proceeded to do what I know to work best: PRAY. 

Certainly, our children must be feeling afraid with all the uncertainty in the news. I did mention she is no longer a toddler; otherwise I would not even expose her to the news. However, she is a teenager as of earlier this year, so current events are discussed in the classroom, without the added benefit of assurance that all will turn out right. Even as parents, we cannot give our children that guarantee; after all, we do not even have the answers in times of tragedy, political unrest, natural disasters, etc. But as Christians, we do have to guide them to prayer and to connect with Christ.

"The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life." (Psalm 121, NIV) I told her that the word “peace” will have even more meaning this Christmas, since it is something we collectively need to ask for in prayer. I pray that the Prince of Peace become known to all, that His message of light and love will prevail. That true good will triumph over evil and that humanity will seek to be humane. I pray that the innocent will not continue to pay with their lives; that our leaders will be enlightened and choose their actions wisely; and that those seeking to do harm, will stop in their tracks and discover God in all His glory. Join me in prayer.

Written by Jesabel Cruz
Office Manager and Case Worker, Red Bank Corps

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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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Let the Busyness Begin!

If your house is anything like mine, the relaxed pace of summer has been replaced by the non-stop frenzy of fall. At work, I'm closing in on fiscal year end activities, my wife has started a new job, our eldest is taking classes at our local community college and working his first job, our middle son is heavily involved in band and taking advanced placement test courses, and our youngest is being challenged by 7th grade. When you throw in church activities and our heavy involvement in Boy Scouts, it seems as if every minute of every day is packed before I even get out of bed. There are days where I wish I could just quit everything and start over, but then I realize that would accomplish nothing, as I seem to be incapable of saying no when asked to volunteer, so I'm sure I'd be quickly back where I started. When I feel like things are truly spinning out of control, I have three activities that help me get centered.

First, I spend some quiet time with God. I admit this isn't easy, but even taking five minutes to shut out the world and focus on God gives me a fresh perspective, renewed strength and less stress. On my phone, I have several go-to Scripture verses bookmarked that help me put my focus back on God. One such passage that I have cherished for more than 30 years is Psalm 46:1-3. In the New American Standard Bible it reads, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride." When I take a few moments to meditate on this passage, the busyness and stress of my day melt away as I recognize that God has got my back, and no matter what I go through, He is in control.

My second strategy is to take a glance through the photo gallery on my phone. I love to take pictures with my family when we're out and about. Even though it annoys them at times, all those memories help me to see that even though we're busy, we have fun! That fun bubbles up to the front of my mind and helps me relax and realize that it's all worth it - after all, you only live once!

Finally, I try to do something physical. I confess that this is my weakest strategy as I never seem to find enough time to exercise, but I do feel better after going for a walk or spending a few minutes on the rowing machine. Even mowing the lawn or pulling weeds can help get some of that anxiety and stress out. I am hopeful that I can make this strategy more of a priority in the next few months as I can benefit from another benefit of exercise - losing a bit of weight.

I hope that you find my experience helpful as you navigate your busy fall. If you're looking for more help with managing the stress and frenzy of your life, I encourage you to visit your local Salvation Army and chat with an officer. If there is not a Salvation Army Corps near you, consider visiting another place of Worship and talking with the minister. It's amazing what happens when you get spiritually centered!

Written by Richard Pease
Divisional Controller

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This Year’s School List Should Include Prayer

Keeping the date in mind when this will be posted, I cannot help but to think of our children, returning to school today or recently. I can draw upon many comparisons to my school days and the way things are now, and see some similarities, but the stark contrasts are by far the ones that come to mind most.

Sure, we had homework to hand in and tests to study for, and who can forget the pleasant pop quizzes that came along the way. That has not changed. We had the differences of opinion with either: a teacher; or a classmate; or even an upper classman to contend with, all a part of the school day which dealt more with the social aspect rather than curriculum. Generally speaking, that has not changed, save for the online social media aspect, which has been introduced and the fact that most school districts have started thwarting the bullying, which unfortunately often ruled the landscape.

My generation, however, had something priceless: feeling secure while at school. We never had to deal with bomb drills, and hiding under our desks, converting them into impromptu bomb shelters. We did not have to worry about lockdowns and people entering our school building, bringing with them an evil agenda of death and destruction of lives. Still, to this day, and after all the different tragedies that have taken place in our nation's schools, I am in disbelief. When did society take such a wrong turn that our schools became open targets for these horrible actions? I want to point out that we should not feel helpless or hopeless in the face of this adversity.

All of us have or know someone attending school this year. As believers of Christ, we can pray for these children, their teachers and school staff. Assure them that they are in the hands of God, whether or not they approach you with fear or hesitation. The fact of the matter is that our children will be better prepared for school if prayer is a part of their daily routine. It should be an integral part of their day as they strive to build a relationship with Him. Personally, I cannot think of something more comforting than knowing that God is on our side, as Father and Defender. After all, "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 118:6, NIV).

Go the extra mile: Adding a Post-It with a message and prayer goes a long way! This year, let us not limit our children's preparedness to nice new apparel and school supplies; arm them with God's love and care as well.

Written by Jesabel Cruz
Office Manager and Case Worker, Red Bank Corps

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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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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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Public Praise to God Is a Testimony

Luke 17:11-19...

11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

The Samaritan Leper whom Jesus healed praised God in a loud voice to give testimony to those within his hearing of Jesus work in his life. The original word used for loud means “Large/great”.  When we know that God has done a work in us, we can’t help but glorify him by sharing our testimony with others. Our faith in God is evidenced in our public thanks.

Psalm 22:23 “You who fear the Lord, praise him!  All you descendants of Jacob honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!"

Do you unashamedly praise God in testimony to others of what he has done for you? Your public praise is a measurement of your faith. It says to others that you have personal experience that bears witness to the fact that you believe that God is who he says is and that you believe that God will do what he says he will do.

Jeremiah 20:9 “But if I say, I will not mention him or speak any more in his name, his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”

Acts 4:20 “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

If you have something to praise God for, do it! In so doing, you are giving testimony to God’s work in your life. This Thanksgiving season, let’s remember to praise God.

Written by Major Cheriann Stoops
Asbury Park Corps

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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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What Love Looks Like

I am completely and painfully heartbroken.

The past 48 hours have been a whirlwind of tears, hope and despair.

Shaheed was driven down to Monmouth County on Saturday by his friend James and James’ son Tremaine, with the joyful expectancy of starting our documentary film on Sunday afternoon. After some GPS trouble, the trio arrived at my dad and stepmom’s house to a warm welcome. The six of us went out to dinner and had a blast sharing stories and laughs. While James and Tremaine headed back to Essex County, Sha stayed at my parents’ home for the night before joining us at Shore Vineyard Church on Sunday morning.

Sha smiled from ear to ear as countless church family members greeted him, praised his story and encouraged his walk with Christ. When our Pastor Brett Conover gave him a hug and a kiss during worship, my eyes welled up with tears, knowing how much that meant to Sha.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this. I want more.”

Overcome by his contagious grin, my heart softened as I watched a man learn what love looks like.

After church, we set out with my dad to start filming in front of the Neptune house Sha grew up in. Thankfully, this didn’t bother the current owner! As wonderful as the weekend was so far, it became clear that Sha wasn’t quite himself. He looked drained and sickly. When I asked him what was wrong, he hesitated to answer.

“Sha, it’s just me. It’s ok. You can tell me the truth.”

And finally, on the curb of a sun-drenched street, the truth came out. Sha is a heroin addict.

He held his head in shame and admitted to lying about parts of his story. As easy as it would have been to react in anger, I actually grew excited. God had brought a 53-year-old homeless, handicapped, heroin-addicted black man and a 27-year-old none of those things white girl together for a purpose - what we thought was just a short film. Instead, it seemed God had paved the way for Sha’s freedom from addiction. What an honor to play even the smallest role in this!

“I’m ready because you believe in me.”

Not entirely sure what to do next, my dad and I drove Sha to Jersey Shore Medical Center’s Emergency Room, where he remained for two days, detoxing without any medication. Sha’s social worker at the hospital said they don't provide the services he needs. She gave me a list of numbers to call with a warning that he would have to leave the hospital this morning.

I’m quite certain I’ve gone cross-eyed from calling every possible detox/rehab number that I could find statewide. To my sorrow and stress, absolutely no one would admit Sha into a program. Some had several week-long waiting lists, some weren’t handicap-accessible. For one reason or another, it seemed every door was closing, and Sha would end up back on the street. Thank God for my coworkers who saw me crying on numerous occasions today as I sunk into helplessness.

“God, you brought all of this together. Now, we need you to make a way. You must make a way for Sha.”

While I attempted (and failed) to pull myself together at work, my dad and stepmom went to visit Sha at the hospital, only to find him sitting in the parking lot by himself. He had been discharged with nowhere to go.

My parents, who demonstrated heavenly grace throughout the weekend, brought Sha back to their house to clean up as we furiously prayed for a solution. James came up with some ideas, and they fell through. I found two potential leads, and they fell through. I grabbed my tissue box for the umpteenth time today as my phone rang.

“Nan found needles and drugs in Sha’s pocket. We kicked him out of the house.”

My heart sank. I had spent the past two days trying desperately to help a friend who gave me his honest-to-goodness word that he wanted to be clean. And now this.

The police came to my parents’ house to dispose of the drug paraphernalia and decide what to do with Sha. By God’s grace alone, an officer who is “human first” offered to take Sha to the train station and pay for his ticket to wherever, rather than arrest him. And just like that, Sha was gone.

I have no idea where he is. I have no idea if I’ll ever see him again, if he’ll die on the streets or if he’ll stay clean.

This is new territory for me. My emotions have never run this wild for a man who was a stranger only a few weeks ago. A man who has cheated death multiple times and passed on an opportunity for new life. I can only pray that Sha is safe and takes recovery into his own hands. I did everything I could do for him, and even knowing that truth still leaves me broken.

I’ve been saying over the past month that “this is kingdom stuff,” because it is. This is the stuff of faith. I have seen things in my parents this weekend that rival anything I could ever ask of them. I’ve even seen things in myself that scream true transformation. I could not have relentlessly survived this experience without Christ, nor can I get through the days to come without His steadfast love. Sha is in His hands, and I cling to the hope that someday soon, he’ll come home.

Written by Elyse Jankowski
Community Relations Associate

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Meeting Jesus Outside of Rite Aid

Shaheed has one tooth, zero legs and countless stories to tell.

He sits in his wheelchair holding a change cup outside of the Rite Aid on my way to work. Most passersby pay him no mind, myself included, until God called me out.

I stopped into Rite Aid for a few things on a rainy morning and quickly gave him my dismal change while shuffling back to the car. About a week later, I felt the Holy Spirit speak to my heart.

“You could have given so much more. Why didn’t you stop and talk to me?”

It was the best wake up call I've received. I packed up my favorite daily breakfast (two pieces of sprouted grain toast with almond butter, flax seeds and banana slices) and prepared to step out in faith.

I sat down on the sidewalk in front of Shaheed and asked for his forgiveness. I apologized for practically ignoring him a week before and asked how he was doing. Gentle and quiet yet cheerfully grateful, he accepted my breakfast and offer of prayer. We held hands, and I prayed a blessing over our new friendship.

That was a week ago. Neither of us could have prepared for what God did today.

This morning, I took my seat at the foot of Shaheed’s wheelchair, and he completely opened up about his life, from being raised by his Seventh-Day Adventist grandparents, to an adolescence of drug abuse and false success before serving in prison, to how he lost his legs (and dreams of pro boxing) in a fatal drive-by shooting - Shaheed was pronounced dead after being in a coma for 11 days. But God wasn't finished with him yet.

He chuckled a bit while explaining that after his recovery, the Holy Spirit started working on his ego, and Shaheed knew that he would have to surrender every part of his being and submit to Jesus. I chuckled when he said, “It actually didn’t hurt as bad as I thought it would!”

As he spoke, a heavenly passion radiated out of him, and I sensed that Shaheed was telling me his story because he longs for it to be known. While making it clear that my intention was not to exploit him, I offered my videography skills. I told Shaheed I would be happy to record his story and share it with the world.

His face lit up.

As we celebrated this opportunity, I suggested we pray together and asked Shaheed to lead. He took my hands in his and gave thanks to God for a new friend who sees him “differently.” I continued in praise after his prayer, and when I opened my eyes, tears were streaming down his face.

In a flood of emotion, Shaheed shared that the woman he considers to be his mother did not speak to him for several years because she was disappointed in him. When they finally reconciled just last week, he promised her that he would tell his story, in the hope of it saving someone’s life. After making the promise, Shaheed wondered how he could fulfill it.

He said that one of his favorite passages in the Bible is Matthew 3:17 when a voice from heaven says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Shaheed yearns to hear his mother say, “Son, job well done.” I believe that when she sees our video, he will hear those words.

We both cried in the realization that God had brought us together for a purpose. I went into Rite Aid to buy a few things (including Shaheed’s favorite orange soda), and when I walked back out, a woman was talking to him.

His face was still in awe of God’s handiwork as he told Maria about our video idea. She also became excited and said the three of us should pray together right away.

I smiled and closed my eyes as Maria transformed into full-on prayer warrior, hands lifted towards the sky. She prayed to cancel Satan’s assignments against us. She prayed for blessing over our lives and plans. She prayed words of praise to Jesus Christ, and I stood with my arms outstretched, delighting in this amazing kingdom moment. What a sight we must have been to see on the busy street!

After spending a total of thirty minutes in conversation with Shaheed and being thoroughly late to work, we decided to pray on our video project over the next week before trying to start it next weekend. We want God’s will to be done – He is the director and producer!

Shaheed requested that we film in Asbury Park, where the home he grew up in still stands, and where many of his memories, good and bad, stem from. The first apartment I lived in as a baby also stands in Ocean Grove, the next town over. I’ve been in Asbury and Ocean Grove the past two weekends and will be again this weekend. I have always felt a divine peace there, and it’s starting to make sense.

For the past two years, I’ve been desperate to discover my calling as a follower of Christ, rarely meditating on the simplicity of joyful (and sometimes nerve-wracking) obedience to His voice. When God has His hand in something, you just know.

I am Shaheed’s answered prayer. And he is mine. 

Written by Elyse Jankowski
Community Relations Associate

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Divine Appointments

Every Tuesday at our headquarters office, we have devotions from 11:30am-12:00pm. These very special 30 minutes are spent in prayer, worship and hearing a message from a fellow staff member or officer. I had the pleasure of speaking two weeks ago. Hope this vlog (video blog) blesses you!

-Elyse Jankowski, Community Relations Associate

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Commit to Submit

If Dr. Seuss were to write a book about families, it might begin like this... 

"One kid, two kids, three kids, no kids.

Families Big; Families Small
Families Short; Families Tall
Quiet Families; Loud Families
Crazy families; Serious Families" 

Families come in all shapes and sizes and have all kinds of personalities, and all of us who live for Jesus are members of God's Family.

"Lord, make my family beautiful." That’s a prayer I regularly pray. My prayer means that I want each member of my family to love God more than anyone or anything else. I know that if each of us love God like that, we will act more and more like him and our family will increase in His likeness and characteristics of love, grace, peace, honesty, forgiveness, support and joy. 

I believe that God wants all of us to have beautiful families that reflect Him. I believe that God has the power to make and keep each of our families beautiful. And I believe God wants that for our church family too!

One thing that every family member must do to make and keep their family beautiful is submit to one another. The Bible tells says in Ephesians 5:21, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

This is a direct command of Scripture for every believer. If you are a Christian, you are to submit to God with a motivation that comes out of deep respect and honor for Christ and what he has done for you. This kind of submission is a voluntary attitude of giving in. It is not forced. It is acting in a spirit of cooperation with God. Throughout Scripture, the submissive life is taught:

Luke 22:26 "...the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves." 

Romans 12:10 "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Phil 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourself." 

Bryan Wilkerson in his published sermon entitled "In God We Trust" shared this illustration and application about submission... 

"Taylor University is a Christian college in Indiana. Years ago, they were pleased to learn that an African student, Sam, was going to be enrolling in their school. This was before it was commonplace for international students to come to the U.S. to study. He was a bright young man with great promise, and the school felt honored to have him. When he arrived on campus, the President of the University took him on a tour, showing him all the dorms. When the tour was over, the President asked Sam where he would like to live. The young man replied, 'If there is a room that no one wants, give that room to me.' The President turned away in tears. Over the years he had welcomed thousands of Christian men and women to the campus, and none had ever made such a request"

Can you imagine the impact Christians would have on the world if we all submitted like Sam? What if Christians were to say...

If there's a job that no one wants to do, I'll do that job.

If there's a student that no one wants to eat lunch with, I'll eat with him.

If there's a piece of toast that's burnt, let me take that piece.

If there's a parking space that's far away from the church, I'll park in that space.

If there's a service time that's less convenient for me but better for others, I'll worship at that service.

That's the kind of submission that we are talking about. I like the way The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia sums up submission: "The general attitude that is to mark every Christian in relation to God, to other Christians, and to civil authorities is one of readiness to renounce one's will for the sake of the Others."

Jesus gave up heaven for 33 years and came to earth covered in human flesh. He submitted himself to God's plan to become a human sacrifice to take the punishment for our sins. His submission included betrayal by friends, an unlawful trial by authorities, physical torture, humiliation, and separation from God for a period of time.

Jesus knew that his submission was paving the only possible road for sinful men to find their way to God, and he was willing to do whatever God asked of him to make that possible. When Jesus submitted to God's will in the Garden of Gethsemane and said, "...not my will but thine be done," he was saying, "It’s not about me, Lord. It's totally all about you and what you want."

How many of us have included something like that in our prayers recently? Submission is also how God designed the Christian family and the church to function. It is what sets us apart from the world and the world's "It's all about me" attitude. (Ephesians 5:22- 6:9)

The world teaches people to seek first place; Jesus says that the first shall be last.  The world teaches people that they must purchase the latest and greatest gadget; God teaches us that it is better to give than receive. The world teaches people not to associate with the marginalized; Jesus said, "Whatever you have done for the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me."

God designed the family and church to function differently than the world! And we cannot obey God and function like the world. It doesn’t work that way. Jesus said, "My Kingdom is not of this World." (John 19:36)

Christians are to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ in every aspect of their lives. In addition, the Bible teaches that submission includes the specific duty of...

Wives submitting to their husband's leadership and wives respecting their husbands.

Of husbands submitting to their wives by loving them with the same tenderness and sacrificial love that Christ showed the church - a love to the death.

Of children submitting to their parents by obeying and honoring them.

Parents submitting to their children by taking the time to train them in the Lord and doing it with the same tenderness, mercy and grace God uses to train us.

Of students submitting to their teachers by respecting them, following their instructions, and working hard on their assignments.

Of teachers submitting to their students by treating them with respect, and not showing favoritism among them.

The body of Christ is made up of different parts. Christ is the head, and each of us is a Holy Spirit-gifted member of the body. The body of Christ consists of teachers, workers, healers, givers, those who show mercy, those who serve, those who preach, leaders, those who prophesy, shepherds and more. Just like our physical body is made up of different parts and all parts are required to work as a team to function well, each part of our church body must submit itself to the other parts of the body to function well. (I Corinthians 12:12-29)

If my brain sends a message to my hand to pick something up, and my hand ignores the message, the work is not accomplished. If my eye tries to start doing the work of my heart, it fails and loses sight of its original function. Have you ever tried to pick something up with your toes? While it is possible to pick some things up with your toes, it takes a lot more time, energy, and concentration to do it. If we as the body of Christ are unwilling to work with one another by submitting to the giftedness that God has given to each of us, we will not accomplish anything for his Kingdom. Submission is the oil that keeps the family and the body of Christ running the way God designed it: in reflection of Him. 

What would a Seuss book about your church family reveal about your level of submission to one another? Submission is not part of our human nature, but it is definitely a mark that the Spirit of God is alive and working in us.

When we commit to submit to one another, we are obeying the Bible, imitating Jesus, and following God's design for our family and church community.

The result is a beautiful family of love, peace, honesty, forgiveness, grace, support and joy. 

When we are not submitting, we're not acting any differently than the world around us and our impact for God is ruined. 

COMMIT TO SUBMIT SURVEY

Ephesians 5:21 

(Directions: Please fill in all the blanks that pertain to you.)

ALL BELIEVERS:  My level of putting the interests of others (without exclusion) above my own interests, on a scale of 1 to 10, is a ______.

CHILDREN:  My level of honor toward my parents and my level of obedience to them, on a scale of 1 to 10, is a ______.

PARENTS:  My level of taking the time to train my children in the Lord and my level of training them with the same tenderness, mercy, and grace God uses to train me, on a scale of 1 to 10, is a ______.

TEACHERS/SUPERVISORS/BOSSES: My level of treating my students/fellow employees/employees with respect and without favoritism, on a scale of 1 to 10, is a ______.

STUDENTS:  My level of following my teacher's instructions and working hard on my assignments, on a scale of 1 to 10, is a ______.

WIVES:  My level of submitting to my husband's headship and my level of respect for him, on a scale of 1 to 10, is a _____.

HUSBANDS:  My level of loving my wife with the same tenderness and sacrificial love that Christ showed to the church, on a scale of 1-10, is a _____. 

As a result of my submission score/scores above, I realize where my commitment to submission stands, and I believe God wants me to...

Written by Major Cheriann Stoops

Asbury Park Corps

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