Anxiety?
Friday, February 29, 2008
When was the last time you felt anxious? When was the last time you felt all of your to dos, and priorities tackle you? Do you remember that feeling? Well for one, it's Friday. Rejoice in the weekend. But two, know that there is a way to deal with it all (other than basking in the glory of Saturdayness).
God tells us in 1 Peter 5 that our burdens our lifted off only in as much as we give them to the Lord. God can't help us in something if we don't ask him to. The King James Version actually reflects this better than the NIV:
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Identify what you need peace in.
Present those situations to him.
Thank him for loving you enough to deal with these things.
Praise him for the victory of being lifted up!
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Taste of Metro
Thursday, February 28, 2008
This year's Taste of Metro was a sweet success! There was tons of food, tons of people, a commissioning of three Officers, and a challenging message on what Army ministry really is. To see some photos, click here.
photos courtesy of Robert Bonesteel.
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Rescue & Restore Outreach Day
To date, most people are aware of the existence of human trafficking in the world. They understand what it is and how it happens. More and more, Americans are realizing that it is not just a global issue, but a national one as well. And on top of that, people are starting to realize that it is also a state issue, a city issue, or even a neighborhood issue.The Illinois Rescue & Restore Campaign (a state group that seeks to raise awareness about human trafficking in Illinois, to pull victims out of their slavery and to restore them in whatever way they can) started the Illinois Rescue & Restore Outreach Day. On Saturday, April 26, 2008 groups of volunteers will canvass a community and raise awareness by passing out posters to churches, hospitals, coffee shops, and businesses with the human trafficking hotline number on it (1-888-373-7888).
As of now, the Campaign is still looking for volunteers to help out. Don't want to do it alone? Organize a group from your corps, school, or work. Tell your Corps Officer or Youth Leader about it to see if they can help you organize something.
If you, or your corps, are interested in being a part of this, please visit the Outreach Day's website for more information on how to sign up.
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Since We Are Surrounded
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Photo by Travis Silva.
Read Hebrews 11-12:3.
The writer of Hebrews talks extensively about those who have gone before us. The heroes of the faith as some call them. They were normal people who decided to live very non-normal lives. This is because they had faith. They took God at his Word. When God promised something, or said something was going to happen, they believed him. And the thing of it is, some of these things must have seemed absolutely ludicrous at the time. Marching around a city to get it to fall (not the best war tactics; 11:30), killing your only son through whom God said he would bless all nations (contradiction?; 11:17-19), etc. Yet each one took God at his Word. The Bible is full of examples, of witnesses, of heroes who've shown us that God is faithful. We just need to take him at his word too.
Which may be the reason why it says in Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore...let us." Let us.
Hebrews 12 is rich with meanings and definitions that aren't immediately noticeable (at least in the NIV...). First of all, the general gist of this passage is that we have a race to run, one of freedom and holiness (Christlikeness) in this life and then the prize of heaven to come. But in order to do that, in order to live how God wills us to, we must throw off everything that holds us back. There are actually two categories of things that we're told to throw off.
The first is summed up in the words everything that hinders. This refers to a burden, a mass or whatever is prominent that holds us back (according to greekbiblestudy.org). It may be oppressive, or something that is taking up all your time and energy. Whatever it is, it should be pretty easy to figure out. What takes up so much time that it takes away from God? Or what is afflicting, limiting or weighing you down? It could be an unhealthy demanding relationship. Or it could be an overconsumption of media (facebook...come on). The second thing we're told to throw off is sin that easily trips us up, or, more accurately, that keeps us from running (GBS.org). The word for throw off literally means to renounce or give up. So what is it? Renounce it, reject it (I know. Easier said than done, but it is doable).
Lastly, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus. Ultimately we are to see him as the supreme or perfect example of faith, but we also need to gaze into him. The song's right. When we turn our eyes on him and we meditate on him, the things of this world fade into the distance. When we feed our appetite for the world, it grows, and the same is true of our hunger and thirst for righteousness.
The English translation of the word translated as fix our eyes misses something crucial though. It's more than just looking really, really hard at Jesus. The word actually means "to look away from one thing so as to see another" (GBS.org).
So amid all your trials, sufferings and sin, look to Christ. But don't just look at him. Willfully look away from what's holding you back, and then fix your eyes on him.
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Ella, Ella , Ella, eh, eh, eh...
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Exodus 31:1-11
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you: 7 the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent- 8 the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand- 10 and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you."Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.Everyone, meet slum officer Major Ella Cates.
Born in Liverpool in 1899 to Salvationist parents, her father a shoemaker and her mother a home league secretary, Major Ella Cates served the Army in the slums of Bath and London for more than 30 years. A product of the 1927 Invincible Session (such a sweet name), she is said to have lived up to that name. She spent a lot of time in the Army's Goodwill Post in Bath where people came for the clinic, food, clothing, or even help in filling out basic paperwork. She was also called upon to visit the sick and dying or clean someone's home. She also had the regular Corps programs on top of that. So Invincible was Major Cates that she even served during WWII when Bristols and Bath were being bombed. She and her staff would man the canteen, find lodging for those that needed it, and gave out blankets.
The best part about Major Cates was that she knew her God, and because she knew her God, she trusted Him. She once wrote: "I know from my own experience that if God calls us for anything he fits us for it. Often I felt I could not do it, it was too great a responsibility, but how God has helped and led me, and I would not change places with anyone. I think we have the best job in the world as a slum officer, the joy that has come to me in my work cannot be described."
Exodus 31 is great proof of how God chooses us for certain tasks, and that He also gives us everything we need in order to do them (v. 2-3), as was the testimony of Major Cates. The problem is that sometimes we don't take God at His Word. He may call, but we may not answer. We let our fear of what could happen get in the way of undivided obedience to His will. We need to have a change of thinking. We need to stop thinking like the world, and believe like children of God (Romans 12:1-2). We need to trust in His faithfulness, knowing that to whatever task He calls us, He will see us through until the end. And when we follow God and take Him at His Word, we are filled with joy that only God can give (Psalm 37:4).
God has a call on your life. What is He calling you to?
Are you putting yourself in a position where you can hear Him speaking to you (away from distraction, focusing on Him only. Delight yourself in Him, then He will give you the desires of your heart)?
If you are unsure about what God is saying, talk to a leader in your Corps. Ask for godly advice.
Create a plan of action.
Live it out. Continue to ask God to show you how (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Compiled and edited from The International Heritage Centre Website.
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Buy Shoes. Save Lives.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Relevant Magazine has a great story on an interesting human activist shoe business named Buy Shoes. Save Lives. Founded and based in Iraq by Americans Jeremy Courtney and Cody Fisher, BSSL funds heart surgeries for Iraqi children in need through the profits of their shoe sales.
But this ain’t no regular shoe. Their called klash (or klashi kurdi depending on how formal you are). A traditional Kurdish shoe that some estimate to have been around since 600 B.C. Each pair of klash is hand made (versus being mass produced in factories), and take at least 30 hours to make. They’re pretty sweet.
As far as the heart surgeries go, 100% of the profits go directly to funding the operations, and to date BSSL has helped 10 kids. This is outstanding considering that 1 heart surgery costs $7,000, or 140 pairs of shoes. On top of that, the surgeries are not done through just any hospital, but through an organization in
While BSSL is a business, and not a front for proselytizing, co-Founder Jeremy Courtney is quoted as saying: “each person in the organization loves Jesus more than [their] own lives…We point to Jesus every time people ask us why we’re doing this” (Relevant Magazine, January/February edition, Issue 31, by Jason Boyett, page 57).
To see more info, videos or buy a pair of klash, check out their website. You can also hit them up on facebook, or check Itunes for podcasts.
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I’m Doing This Because I Love You
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. [Hebrews 12:4-13]
Possibly the most frustrating thing that I ever heard from my parents when I was growing up was, “This hurts me more than it hurts you.” Or, when my parents were punishing me (which tended to happen quite a bit), they might have said, “I’m doing this because I love you.” Those statements never made any difference to me, though. Most times, they just went in one ear, and out the other. They never got through to me. Why?
Because I was blinded by the pain I was experiencing – it was all I could see. I was hurting; it sucked.
It never really occurred to me that those things could actually be true, though.
The Bible really asserts this point of view, however. The Bible talks about how God is constantly, and consistently, working for our own good, in whatever He does.
First off, Jesus said in John 10:10 that he came to give us life, and that to the full. The Enemy came only to steal, kill and destroy us. Jesus’ nature is life giving. Secondly, Romans 8:28 says that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him. Then in Hebrews 12:10, it says that he’s disciplining us for our own good. Moreover, it says that discipline is the tool which enables us to share in his holiness.
And honestly, the discipline is not what should be feared. What should be feared is the absence of discipline. Since we are called to holiness (c.f. 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 2 Timothy 1:9), and God works holiness in us by disciplining us, it is necessary in the life of a believer. If we claim to be children of God, yet our Father has not disciplined us, then something is wrong. Because “if you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons” (v. 8).
I’m not saying that we should go around as gluttons for punishment. We shouldn’t believe that if we haven’t felt horrible that day, or if we haven’t been chastised in the last hour that we’ve lost our salvation. God’s discipline is just a sign of his love and a mark of our sonship (or daughtership…) (v. 5).
It’s hard. It hurts, but it’s in love; and in the end it produces righteousness.
So when God calls you to give something up, or to drop a bad habit, never think that you are taking a step backward, or that you’re losing something. That’s a lie. In every act of love and obedience, we move forward; from glory to glory.
Therefore, as the writer of Hebrews said: “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (1:1-3).
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Taste Of Metro
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." [Matthew 28:18-20]
Do you have a heart for missions?
What about a desire to see the work of the Army increase throughout the world?
If so, you should come this Sunday, February 24 at 4:30, to the Mayfair Community Church (Korean Corps) for the Taste of Metro.
The event has two parts: The first is an international food fair where you buy tickets in order to buy each corps' ethnic dish (proceeds go to support World Services at your corps). The second is a worship service with special guests, and special elements: there will be and Ordination and Commissioning of three soon to be officers. Come, support and pray for them!
Schedule
4:30pm - International Food Fair and Music (Food Tickets will be sold at the door)
6:00pm - United Meeting
See you there?
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Band Of Survivors 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
The time has come to apply for Band of Survivors 2008!
Description:
Band of Survivors is a month long summer mission school that aims to see youth love God and serve their neighbors. With a skilled and motivated team, Band of Survivors will provide access to relevant training, significant mission and authentic discipleship for the youth of the Metropolitan Division.
The project will take place from June 23 through July 20 and will be located in a safe urban environment in
Requirements:
Applicants who are prepared for an intense month of mission, and who are passionate about God will be admitted to the program. We have space for 14 high school students (ages 14+) and 5 young adult leaders. Those who are accepted must also attend orientation on Friday, June 13 from 9:30am-3:00pm at Metropolitan DHQ.
When:
-Applications Due: before Friday, May 9
-Orientation at DHQ: Friday, June 13 from 9:30am-3:00pm
-Band of Survivors 2008: Monday, June 23 – Sunday, July 20 2008
Where:
Salvation Army Corps and Institutions within the Metropolitan Division.
Cost:
Tuition is $200; this includes all training, food, and accommodation.
Application:
2008 Band of Survivors Application (Click here to download)
Links:
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Crystal Lake Prayer & Praise Night and Youth Encounter 2008 Photodoc 2 (from back to front)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
For your enjoyment!
(photos courtesy of Sarah Kincaid)
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2008 Summer Mission Teams Anncounced!
Please, take the time to bless and encourage the Metro Youth that will be serving on SMT this Summer!
*1. Andrew Dobney - EMI
2. Elizabeth Frost - Heartland
3. Cinthya Gonzalez - Kansas
4. Angel Hall -EMI
5. Jon Moe - Metro
6. Keri Polsley - Metro
7. Enrique Villatoro - Metro
Russia
*1. Sara Johnson - EMI
2. Doug Dobney - EMI
3. Courtney Fuqua - Northern
4. Nate Hood - Metro
5. Amy Kruger - Northern
6. Carolyn Meyer - EMI
7. David Shay – Metro
*1. Doug Engle - EMI
2. Rachel Aren - WMNI
3. See Chang - Northern
4. Alicia Johnson -Metro
5. David Mantel - Metro
6. Ian Smith - Metro
7. Elizabeth Wright – Western
Central 1
*1. Mona Hood - Metro
2. Brian Horn -
3. Samantha Hulke - WUM
4. Justin Kistler - Metro
5. Brenna Logan - Heartland
6. Monica Porrett - EMI
7. Jamison Taube – WUM
Central 2
*1. Jonathan Taube - Metro
2. Alexandra Anderson - WUM
3. Alfonso Azuaje - Metro
4. Kevin Barringer - Heartland
5. Melissa Heatwole - Western
6. Dietrich Hunter - Metro
7. Caitlyn Tennyson – WMNI
1. James Davisson - Metro
2. David Witthoff - Metro
1. Emily Aukes - WMNI
2. Katy Clark - WMNI
*Team Leader
If you're interested in applying for Summer Mission Teams for 2009, or are interested in learning more about it, visit their website, or email Chris Shay at Chris_Shay@usc.salvationarmy.org.
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Crystal Lake Prayer & Praise Night and Youth Encounter 2008 Photodoc 1 (From Back To Front)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
this is only part one...
(photos courtesy of Kirsten Gorton)
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Something You Might Want to Check Out
Thursday, February 07, 2008
The I Heart Revolution is, according to Hillsong United, the most ambitious project they have ever tried to tackle. This is a project that asks the question, “What does it mean to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this broken world?,” and attempts to answer it. It’s been two and half years in the making and is almost ready to hit stores (or their Aussie stores that is).
The project has been divided into two parts:
1) theIHEARTrevolution:WITH.HEARTS.AS.ONE is a 2 disc CD pack scheduled to be released in 3.08.
2) theIHEARTrevolution:WE’RE.ALL.IN.THIS.TOGETHER is a 2 disc DVD pack, the first disc being a 90 minute documentary, and the second a worship DVD compiled from their travels over the last two and half years.
For more info, check out the ministry’s website, or the project’s site where they have the trailer, some desktops to download, and some photos.
Peace!
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Peace and Prayer
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."[a]
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
[James 5:1-7]
Earlier this week I came across this passage when I was searching through the Bible on prayer. Almost immediately, the section where Peter talks about being humble before God jumped right out at me. I suppose it is possible for some to get certain images in their mind when they read, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand...": maybe this authoritarian Giant hovering over a rather tiny man on bended knee, looking nowhere but down.
But that's not the picture I get.
I see prayer.
When I think of the word humble, or humility, I don't think of someone who is weak or fragile, but of someone who rightly knows their limitations. Humility is realizing that we need God. It's realizing that I need God - I need Him in my situations and circumstances.
This humility also involves God's mighty hand. This hand isn't oppressive, but liberating. It's how God chooses to give us the victories we need. It's how God chooses to lift us up out of the pits we've fallen into.
It's important to realize that we need God, but it can be equally important to realize that God cares for us. Know that God wants us to be humble so what we can give him our junk. He wants us to talk to Him about our problems, because he loves us.
So go to God.
Don't wait.
In what areas of your life do you need peace?
What do you need to overcome?
In what do you need guidance?
Be humble, ask God, and He will give you grace.
I need thee every hour,
most gracious Lord,
No tender voice like thine
Can peace afford.
Chorus
I need thee, O I need thee,
Every hour I need thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to thee.
I need thee every hour,
Stay though near by;
Temptations lose their power
When thou are nigh.
I need thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
I need thee every hour,
Teach me thy will,
And thy rich promises
In me fulfill.
Verses by Annie Sherwood Hawks (1835-1918)
Chorus by Robert Lawry (1826-1899)
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Weep For Salvation
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
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Crystal Lake Paryer & Praise Night and Youth Encounter
Monday, February 04, 2008
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