Where did 2005 go?

Time sure flies when you're having fun!

What takes 8,760 hours?

What takes 525,600 minutes?

What takes 31,536,000 seconds?

The answer to each = one year.

No matter how slow or how fast 2005 seemed to go, it was no longer or shorter than any other year with the exception of a few leap years here and there. It's amazing isn't it. Our perception and our circumstances greatly affect how time seems to move.

The point to be made is that we cannot afford to waste any part of our year, or month, or week, or day...They all are a gift to us from the Lord. In 2006, let's take the time to value each day and every opportunity to commune with God in the environment where He has placed us.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"

The Year in the Arts: 2005

Here's some more best of 2005:
From the pages of The Times, the best in arts and culture from 2005.

Now these are not from an Evangelical perspective, but interesting, none the less.

We are very much influenced by our culture. It's really quite inevitable. We should, however, be influencing our culture more than we are so influenced. I love it when a store clerk is surprised that an honest customer doesn't take advantage of a cashier's mistake. I love it when the Christian neighbor will shovel or plow the neighbor's sidewalk after a winter storm. I love it when a discerning adult slips a $20 bill into a college student's hand just because. I love it when you get a note from a friend not seen for a number of years to tell you that you positively impacted their life.

Let's be a part of changing the world in 2006. We could be known as Christian influencers.

James 2:1 (MSG)
1 "My dear friends, don't let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith."

Holiday tears

Having attended the funeral service for Major Betty Miles today, Carolyn and I are reminded of the many for whom Christmas was so very difficult. It certainly was for this wonderful family who lost their wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Great words were spoken today and we sensed the presence of God. He knows and we know that in the midst of it all, our hearts are just broken.

And such was the case for many folks we each know who have lost loved ones recently and not so recently.

We know the Holy Spirit is the Comforter. He is not imaginary or missing. The pain involved in our losses is a reminder of our deep, abiding love for those who are now gone. God comes to us in these moments not to erase our feelings but to support our confidence in His holy presence and plan. We are only separated for a short while and will know a sweet reunion on the other side.

Joshua 22:4 (MSG)
4 "And now God, your God, has given rest to your brothers just as he promised them. You're now free to go back to your homes, the country of your inheritance that Moses the servant of God gave you on the other side of the Jordan."

Top Ten News Stories 2005

According to Christianity Today, these were their Top Ten Stories of 2005.
The events, people, and debates of the past year that Christianity Today's news editors and writers believe have shaped, or will significantly shape, evangelical life, thought, or mission.

1. Hurricane Katrina Pounds Gulf Coast
2. Tsunami Spurs Massive Relief Effort
3. Benedict XVI Succeeds John Paul II
4. Terri Schiavo Dies
5. Supreme Court Vacancies Trigger Debate
6. Evangelicals Target Global Poverty
7. Media Spotlight Religion
8. Graham Leads Final Crusade
9. Stem-Cell Research Worries Many
10. Narnia Hits Theaters

You can read the full article by clicking on the link above.

I'm intrigued by top ten lists and would probably have a few different ideas than what is listed here. What would you include that isn't listed in the context of our faith and our movement?

1 Corinthians 2:13 (MSG)
13 "We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way."

Merry Christmas!

John 1:14 (NLT)

14 So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father.

Merry Christmas Overseas Officers!

On Christmas Eve, I'm thinking of our many overseas officers who will not be home for Christmas. You will find a complete listing in the most recent Good News magazine, available in hard copy at your USA East corps or online by clicking on the Good News link. Take a look at the list and pray for them. Some of them actually read this blog. Don't hesitate to comment on their behalf.

Just know, no matter their role, being out of the country at this time of the year is a sacrifice. To a person, there is no complaint, only faithful service.

I salute each one of you in the name of Christ and thank Him for you.

Merry Christmas!

'Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!" Luke 2:10-11 NLT

Merry Christmas Mike!

I don't know if Sgt Mike Honsberger will read this, but this is another Christmas greeting to him and all of our troops, particularly overseas. The Gensler Marines come to mind and there are many more connected to TSA that I haven't mentioned.

Merry Christmas all! We miss you and hope that you are sensing our love and gratitude to God for you. I have spent a Christmas overseas in the military myself. Guard duty that night was more lonely than ever. On the occasion, I recall the presence of Christ swelling in my heart. I had a personal advent with the Holy Savior.

We're praying that the joy of Jesus is meeting you right where you are. I'm also hoping that my friends who read this will comment about their hopes for you and even list a few others serving over there just now.

Luke 2:10-11 (CEV)
10 "But the angel said, "Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy.
11 This very day in King David's hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord."

It's beginning...

That is: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Everywhere you go...lights...shopping...parties...presents...cards in the mail...Christmas trees...wreaths...signs saying Merry Christmas...Christmas music playing everywhere you go...

How can we miss all these signs?

There is a great message that God has given His signs for us to notice...and it has everything to do with Christmas. They are the signs of love found in salvation through Jesus Christ.

Help someone not to miss the signs this season...and Happy Holy days!

Luke 2:10-11 (MSG)
10 The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide:
11 A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master.

Su-do-ku

It's a Japanese number game similar to a crossword puzzle. I bought a USA Today newspaper at the airport the other day and decided to try it. I'm now an addict after only three days, but I think I know why:

1. It's problem solving
2. The answer is found in the appropriate placements of the numerical digits 1-9.
3. There is only one solution...not multiple options.
4. When you're finished, you have achieved your objective.

Perhaps I have a 'problem solving with all the answers' complex. This is not a professional diagnosis, but it resembles the expression. "A place for everything and everything in its place."

Truth is, life is not that neat and orderly, nor will it be. So we trust the Lord and leave the outcomes to Him. I'll get to it, right after I do one more su-do-ku.

Romans 3:24 (MSG)
"God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ."

Margins

The ministry of TSA is very much to the marginalized of our world. Often these people are those who are poor, victimized by their surroundings, destitute, addicted and generally under-represented by society at large. They have needs which we can provide in the name of Jesus and we do so gladly.

The title of this posting is about a different margin. It is the space we need to guard in our lives in between the scheduling, working and chores of our existence. It is the area we need to catch our breath, rest, play, and refresh. Sometimes we need the space so we have time for the unexpected or even the emergencies of life.

Now I would admit I am preaching here to myself as well, but we need margins and we need them bad. Is it too obvious to state that we’re little use to God or anyone else if we are ragged from being over committed?

Matthew 11:28 (Phillips NT) 28 "Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest! Put on my yoke and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

The Ways of God

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Today I choose to start with Scripture. It is an important reality. Our natural thoughts and ways don't come close to God's thoughts and ways. We're made in His image, but unregenerated, we don't resemble Him much. It's when the Holy Spirit comes into our lives through our Savior, Jesus that we begin to learn His ways and think like Him.

This is our calling and our delight. Bask in the grace and mercy of Jesus who loves us unconditionally and eternally. This is so we can enjoy an intimate and fulfilling relationship with God, Himself.

With this in mind, what are the ways of God as you see it?

Fellowship of Believers

When you're feeling low and a little insecure, get together with a few Christian friends. They'll lift you up and encourage you better than a hot fudge sundae. This is one of the ways God ministers to us on an everyday basis.

How about when a friend is discouraged or disconnected, why not find another believer and meet with the friend to celebrate the presence of God? A few minutes together and His presence takes over.

Caring about each other is the work of the Kingdom. When we share in the fellowship of believers, we delight the Lord and represent Him well.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)
"There are three things that will endure-—faith, hope, and love-—and the greatest of these is love."

Employee Recognition

Carolyn and I were a part of a Christmas party and employee recognition last night. The experienced and dynamic officers who planned the event did it beautifully. It was conducted in a restaurant environment and everyone in the place was informed of the special recognition to one of our retiring employees. She was given a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, an appropriate plaque and the thanks of everyone there.

As much as I blog about officers and soldiers, we cannot go forward without our employees. I depend greatly upon the expert employees in my office. They are professional, proficient and positive. They get it. (I hope they read this.)

If you're a SA employee, thank you. We need you. If you're not a SA employee, find one to thank this week.

1 Corinthians 3:9 (NLT)
"We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building—not ours."

School for Officers' Training

Is it even possible that there might be a better training school than ours? I think not. One of the Generals, after a tour of the facilities a few years ago (Gowans?), said, "with such a school as this, you ought to produce some of the finest officers." It was a comment and challenge.

Now add to that, the heart of the SFOT: personnel. To a person, the staff and faculty are excellent. Prepared, proficient and productive, these officers and employees are Spirit-filled servants delighting the heart of God. Thank you, Lord.

So what about the officers commissioned? They are the fruit of this environment and they are first class. We should only expect the best from these called ones and trust them with confidence in the diverse and critical ministries in which they have been placed. On we march!

Hebrews 12:9 (MSG)
'We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live?"

Birthdays

A good friend of mine had a birthday today. These are good times, particularly when you consider the alternative. Usually these days mean phone calls and contacts from family and friends...even a questionable rendition of "Happy Birthday To You." We take the time to tell birthday stories and laugh and feel good.

I think we need to do more with our spiritual birthdays. For those who know what day they were saved, we could encourage one another more in our faithwalk. We could have a celebration and a witness to the present grace of God.

In some ways we probably celebrate our spiritual days every day of our lives. At least, we could. What about the stories of our spiritual birthdays? What about yours?

1 Peter 1:23 (KJV)
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

EDS

Emergency Disaster Services is the name we give to those courageous people who have been laboring to rescue and support victims of disasters. Even now our representatives are still working hard in Katrina relief and other similar efforts around the world.

I'm beginning to think of EDS as EDM. That is to say...Emergency Disaster Ministries. From what I hear, that is what is taking place. Just yesterday, I was told of one of our EDS angels leading a service recipient to Christ. Hallelujah!

Sure, there is a time for feeding the hungry, mopping out a mud-filled basement, and just being there to support disaster victims, but my heart is stirred when one of them comes to Christ. Yes, the whole effort can be understood as leading people to Christ.

Perhaps we would not be as well received if we called it EDM, but it doesn't mean our service is limited in any way. It may be a moment at which we should intensify our efforts in EDS.

Matthew 25:40 (Phillips NT)
"And the king will reply, 'I assure you that whatever you did for the humblest of my brothers you did for me.'"

Books

The Eastern Territory maintains a Publications Council for which it considers books to be published by the territory. This is not its only function, but is an important part of what we do.

I'm interested...

What kind of books should we publish?

What subjects would you reccomend?

What authors do you think we should consider?

and...

How about some sample book titles that you would read?


1 Chronicles 16:24 (MSG)
"Publish his glory among the godless nations, his wonders to all races and religions."

Nativity on the Square

This is the title of a one act play presented by the Territorial Arts Ministry team. They did it tonight at the Spring Valley Corps. It was superb and in a humorous manner, told the Christmas Story in a contemporary context. The crowd loved it as much as I did. Kudos to the team for their hard work and convincing performance. If you have the opportunity to view this, don't miss it. You'll need to check with them where and when they will do it again. I do know there's only two more weeks until Christmas.

The Arts and Drama Team - Spring Valley Unit also presented a short Christmas play that was well done and enjoyable. Bring on more...we love it!

The gospel is a drama that will relate to every life. If you're looking for a happy ending...look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Hebrews 12:1b-2..."and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Chronicles of Narnia

We saw the movie today...powerful.

If you can, go...and listen for the Spirit.

The war scenes may be troubling for children.

By the way, stay for the credits.

Mark 16:15 (KJV)
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Kettle ministry

From the Online Ledger, Lakeland, Florida
Published Tuesday, December 6, 2005

Suspect in Salvation Army kettle robberies found dead

The Associated Press, TAMPA, Fla.
"A former auto-repair shop owner suspected of robbing several Salvation Army bell ringers was found dead in his car at the bottom of a creek near the Hillsborough River, police said Tuesday.

The body of Lee J. George, 41, was pulled from the submerged car Monday afternoon. George, who was identified through fingerprints, matches the description of the robber provided by witnesses, police spokesman Joe Durkin said.

The car found in the creek, a stolen Buick Century, is believed to be the one used in four robberies and one attempted robbery of Salvation Army donation kettles in Pinellas County last week.

Police divers also found near the car a bottle of liquor and two pill bottles with small amounts of marijuana inside, Durkin said. The crash may have been alcohol related, he said.

George, who formerly owned a Corvette shop, had a drug problem and a criminal record for car theft, burglary and other offenses going back 20 years, according to police and court records. He had no permanent address.

Detectives in Pinellas said they believe the spree of Salvation Army robberies was fueled by George's drug habit."

This is a horrible story. What if the kettle workers were so full of the Spirit that their witness would have reached Mr. George and led him to Christ? Some kettle workers are prepared and praying for just these opportunities. Maybe one of them did witness to him and we simply don't know.

We must be so prepared and available so when the Spirit sends one of these souls to us, they will benefit by a meeting with the living God.

2 Timothy 4:2 (MSG)
"so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple."

Pearl Harbor

As you have heard on the news, today is the 64th anniversary of the horrific bombing and attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. We visited there last year at about this time. The location is a poignant reminder of the affect of war. The site today is a National Park and monument to those who lost their lives defending our country. It was particularly moving to be there.

Wars continue to plague mankind around the world in more places than Iraq. I've heard it said that wars would turn quickly to peace if mothers were the negotiators. Often, we are given the greater cause more important than those who lose their lives. A simple answer here will not serve us.

Perhaps the Pearl Harbor anniversary remembered will prompt our reasonable thinking and action when war is indicated. Lord, please be with our people in harms way around the world. We don't want another memorial.

Matthew 24:6 (AMP)
"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened or troubled, for this must take place, but the end is not yet."

SA Uniform

I had the occasion the other day to go shopping with a cadet for ear muffs appropriate to be worn with uniform. How delighted I am that the SFOT is serious about requiring appropriate uniform wear. I've always believed this to be so, but am encouraged by this recent reminder.

Do you wear a uniform? I am quite comfortable in mine and am convinced that I need to wear it more often than not. If I were a soldier and not an officer, I would wear it on Sunday at the corps and on other engagements and ministry where others would potentially benefit from speaking to a Salvationist. As an officer, the requirements are reasonably more frequent.

Fortunately, the uniform generates a positive response by most people. For those that don't recognize it, I note that they generally will give respect anyway. May I suggest today that if you have one, make sure it fits and looks good. Then wear it to witness to the saving grace of God in your life and for others.

2 Corinthians 4:6 (AMP)
"For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah)."

Foundations

I visited with a good friend recently who asked me to identify certain foundational concepts that help in my faithwalk. One of the first things that came to mind was the covenant Carolyn and I made with God at the altar in the beginning of our calling as officers. We understood that He wanted us to accept the plans of TSA as His will for our lives.

Not everyone has understood their calling this way, nor should they, necessarily. Our calling was personal and designed for us. It means that we believe we are exactly where God wants us to be. I don't mean to suggest that we are divinely perfect in our roles, but that these roles are His idea. The whole concept has freed us from wondering day to day, or even after farewell orders, if this is what we should be doing. It has also set us free when the time comes to move. We know we have no reason to insist in any way that we should stay longer or leave sooner. This covenant has given us great strength in serving as best we can, right where we are.

I know I must reiterate that not everyone can accept such an understanding. That's OK. I'm happy for you. It neither means that I'm thinking of moving. It means I trust God for my whereabouts and whatabouts.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

Advent

From the Websters Dictionary site:

Main Entry: Ad·vent
Pronunciation: 'ad-"vent, chiefly British -v&nt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin adventus, from Latin, arrival, from advenire
1 : the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting
2 a : the coming of Christ at the Incarnation b : SECOND COMING
3 not capitalized : a coming into being or use

With due respect to the dictionary, the Advent season is all about the coming of Christ. We celebrate his first coming - Christmas and look forward to His second coming. God's magnificent plan did not end with Christmas or even Easter. His plan continues and He wants to include all of us. Get ready for the next Advent!

Revelation 22:7 (NIV)
"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book."

Woman finds 'salvation' through Army

Hudson Post - Boston
By Claudia Torrens/ Staff Writer

Roberta Clark knew she was in trouble when her daughter Justine was given to foster care.
The then 43-year-old single mother was heavily involved in drugs and alcohol. She suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after growing up in an alcoholic environment and losing her brother and sister from the same addiction problems. She neglected Justine, she said.
"I needed help. I wanted to die all the time," Clark said.
Eight years later, Clark lives in her own apartment at Hollis Street in Framingham and volunteers at the Salvation Army. You may see her ringing the bell at Wal-Mart or Sears in Natick, for people to make donations to the charity.
She has been sober for the last six years.

Should we be surprised?

Acts 4:12 (TEV)
"Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us."

Rosa Parks

Today I celebrate Rosa Parks day. In NY, buses reserved a front seat in her memory. Fifty years ago today, in an act of civil disobedience, Rosa refused to sit in the back of the bus where "her kind" were supposed to sit. It was in Montgomery, Alabama and she fueled the civil rights movement. She's a hero.

I hope you see that her victory was for us all. Justice serves everyone with integrity, balance and equity. That's another reason we must practice the gospel. True justice is impossible with out the truth. The way of justice will not be properly applied without authentic understanding of right and wrong. Our lives will only realize complete opportunity when justice is alive. Now look again at what has been written. You should see that Jesus is the foundation of justice.

John 14:6 (CEV)
"I am the way, the truth, and the life!" Jesus answered. "Without me, no one can go to the Father."