Five Minute Friday - Crowd

"Crowd"

GO:

Sometimes I just have to withdraw, to get away from the crowd. Because life, at times, it feels like I’m surrounded and it can be overwhelming. Claustrophobic.  And it’s thick and heavy. And I need to regain composure. And breathe. And be. Away from it all.

And then I get back in there. Into the crowd. Because life happens there. There is hope. There is freedom. There is healing. There is forgiveness. Life happens in the crowd.

A woman. Pushes her way through the crowd. She’s contaminated. She reaches through the crowd and touches the end of his cloak. Healing.

A young boy, with such a small offering, his own lunch, is used to feed a crowd of 5,000. Provision.

A woman, no longer condemned, no longer named adulteress, as the crowd dissipates. Forgiveness.

A crowd, gathered, listening to His teaching. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

A great crowd followed.

And Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray.

Life happens in the crowd, but sometimes, you just need to get away.

STOP.

Today I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker for 5 Minute Friday - Every Friday a bunch of writers, spend five minutes writing on a one word prompt, no editing, no perfecting, just however it comes. Beauty. Today's word ... Crowd. 

Soldiers of our God, ARISE!

Soldiers of our God, arise! The day is drawing nearer; shake the slumber from your eyes, the light is growing clearer. Sit no longer idly by, while the heedless millions die. Lift the blood-stained banner high and take the field for Jesus. 

These words from The Salvation Army song book inspire and ignite within me a passion for this Army of salvation. They speak of our purpose, our mandate and declare the very essence of who we are. Soldiers: fighting to win the world for Jesus. Yet there are whispers within the ranks that say, ‘The Salvation Army has abandoned its post and failed in fulfilling its mission’, ‘It’s stuck in the past’, or ‘the movement is stagnant and without vision’. These whispers distract us from the fight, and they need to stop. We will not quit out of frustration but will fight harder, with greater endurance and stronger determination, because while our tactics may change, our mission remains.

The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth during a dark time where poverty, injustice, corruption and disease infiltrated the streets of the east end of London. The Salvation Army was established to challenge and fight against social injustices and see people rescued into the kingdom of Jesus. This zealous Army spread rapidly, and our history is marked with stories of courage, innovation and salvations won. We must learn from our past, engage in the present and step into the future.

Not that much has changed. Ours is still a dark world in need of light: the light, life and love of Jesus! People are still drowning in an ocean of sin, broken and hurting, desperate for something more.

The chief coroner announced last month that in the past year, 541 lives were lost to suicide. Connection through social media seems to trump true community, but the reality is that people are lonelier than ever. Depression is rampant. People are marginalised on account of their age, gender, disability, ethnicity or socio-economic status. Thousands of children live in poverty. Addictions to alcohol, pornography, gambling and even work oppress. Corruption is rife and injustice extensive.

Today, The Salvation Army is made up of soldiers who are dedicated, disciplined and determined disciples of Jesus. They are cleansed because of Christ’s sacrificial blood and equipped, empowered and filled with the Holy Spirit’s fire. They aren’t afraid to stand up in defence of the marginalised; they love their neighbours and seek to imitate the example of Christ.

They are courageous, bold and innovative; willing to put reputations on the line to challenge injustice and corruption. They rise above the standards set by society and set their sights on a higher purpose. These soldiers fight with endurance to bring hope and purpose to a deteriorating world. Not as individuals, but as units who thrive within and strive for community. Much of their fighting is done on their knees in persevering prayer, and the sword they possess is the Word of God, which they know well and are deeply committed to. They are zealous, undaunted, fearless, unswerving and unstoppable as they storm the forts of darkness.

In this Army we find belonging, we find purpose, we take up arms and fight to see people freed from oppression, injustice conquered, and souls saved into the Kingdom of Heaven. Hallelujah!

In this Salvation Army there is a place for you, irrespective of your age, your gender, your ethnicity, your past, your fears or your failings. This is an Army fuelled with passion, filled with purpose and fighting to prevail over darkness.

So … Soldiers of our God arise! Forward march with Blood and Fire and win the world for Jesus!

Catherine Booth on Prevailing Prayer

Catherine Booth (Co-Founder of The Salvation Army) on Prevailing Prayer:

"I FEAR there are comparatively few Christians who know what prevailing prayer is, because they do not comply with the conditions on which alone it can be offered. I regard these conditions as threefold:

1st. Living and abiding union with Jesus. "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John xv. 7.)

2nd. Systematic obedience to the teaching of the word and of the Spirit. "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." (I John iii 21, 22.)

3rd. Unwavering faith in the veracity and faithfulness of God. "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord." (James i. 6, 7.)

Of course there are many other passages of similar bearing and of equal weight, but I regard these three as clearly setting forth the conditions of prevailing prayer, constituting, as it were, the three steps of successful approach to the mercy seat. They are like three links of a golden chain connecting our souls with God, and if one be missing or defective, the power to prevail in prayer is lost. Does not this explain the reason why there is so much ineffectual prayer in our day? Christians get hold of a promise, and try to work themselves up to faith for its fulfilment, but, alas! One of the conditions is wanting, one of the links is broken; their own hearts condemn them; "then have they (no) confidence toward God, and whatsoever they ask they receive (not) of Him, because they keep (not) His commandments, and do (not) those things that are pleasing in His sight." How can a man approach God in confidence, when he is living in the daily practice of something for which his own heart condemns him? Impossible! As soon might Satan offer effectual prayer. Before that man can truly approach to God, he must "cleanse his hands,' 'purify his heart," and "put away his iniquity."

No matter what our creed or opinion, God has made it a law of our spiritual being, that without submission and obedience there can be no confidence. Faith in Jesus is God's expedient for bringing us back to obedience, and not for saving us in disobedience. And all the way through the New Testament He refuses to accept any other proof of discipleship than that of obedience. No less than six times in the 14th and 15th chapters of John is this criterion insisted on. "Faith without works (obedience) is dead," and therefore has no power to take hold of God, or to appropriate His promises. I am satisfied that this is the "missing link" in the experience of multitudes of professors; and in vain do they cry "Lord, Lord, while they do not the things that He says." In vain do they try to assure their hearts before Him, while they love not in deed, but only in word and in tongue. I am afraid' there is much Antinomianism abroad, which makes Christ the minister of sin, and which is always crying, "Faith! faith! only believe!" while consecration and obedience, as indispensable accompaniments of faith, are entirely lost sight of. "How can ye believe," said our Lord to some in His day, "while ye receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?" And we may say to some in our day--how can ye believe who prefer self-indulgence, wealth, or worldly conformity, to Christ and His cross, and the extension of His kingdom? Is it not still true that "if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him," and that "the friendship of the world is enmity towards God?" Saving faith in the sinner, and prevailing faith in the believer are alike impossible without full consecration to known duty. If any one disputes this, let him try to exercise faith in any given promise or for any given blessing, while he is refusing obedience to the claims of God, or withholding part of the price which God requires, and he will find, whatever may be his preconceived notions on the subject, that it is simply impossible. Herein is the solution of the question so often asked--How is it that there are so few answers to prayer? David affirmed it when he said, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." Neither will God hear and answer us, call we ever so loudly, and ever so long, if we willingly consent to any known unrighteousness. How fares it with your prayers, dear reader? Do you know that God hears you by the answers He vouchsafes? If not may not this be the reason for the miscarriage? God is unchanged and unchangeable, the promise faileth not. "All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." God must be true; and if your experience contradicts the sure word of promise, you may be certain that it is your experience which is at fault. Examine yourself. Repent, and do your first works. He is faithful and just to forgive the sins of His people, and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. And then bring all the tithes of a whole-hearted, loving, and believing service into His store-house, and prove Him therewith, and see if He will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out such a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Enough said.
SamMe.

Something Bigger ...

There's something amazing about being a part of something bigger than yourself. Each time I've been in the prayer room this week I've felt quite emotional as I've taken up the prayer baton and then passed it on when my time was up. I think the best way to explain it is a feeling of solidarity and unity. There is a new found respect between people, barriers have been broken down,  it's unspoken but we are aware there has been a shift. We share a common purpose, we're all in it for the same reason, and together we will reap the benefits.

So far this week of 24-7 prayer has drawn our church family together in a way that exceeds my expectations. There's a physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual unity going down. It's quite spectacular. It's also connected us to our wider church and Army family on an international scale. We aren't doing this alone. As we pray, we unite with Salvationists in Norway, Iceland & The Faeroe's Territory, who are also praying 24-7. Today Big Spring,Tx in the USA Southern Territory join in on the prayer. We are a part of something bigger. And praying in unity, it will change the world!

This morning between the hours of 8am-9am we joined in The Salvation Army's worldwide prayer meeting. Every Thursday morning, people all around the world are praying ... I've heard it describes as "a Mexican prayer wave that travels the globe." It's such a privilege to be a part of something bigger than ourselves as we pray for the Army's current vision: One Army, One Mission, One Message. 

So far this week, I've been encouraged to hear about people sharing an intimate time with their Creator. One person has said "I didn't want to leave, are there still times available so I can sign up again." another has said "It was way better than I expected"

At the moment, as we journey through a building project, having had this experience of 24-7 prayer people are now requesting a space dedicated to prayer. A prayer room set up in the new building that we don't have to pack down. A place of refuge, restoration and strength from our busy lives. Why wouldn't we if this has deepened, challenged and encouraged the spiritual lives of our family?

I can't help but think of the possibilities ... Imagine the spiritual foundation we would set, if the week our new building opens, we engage in another week of 24-7 prayer. Oh, If our new dedicated prayer room was available during the week for anyone who accesses our building to seek God, and come before him in prayer. I imagine how amazing it would be, if we had 40 people from our church family who committed to being in the prayer room and praying during a 9-5 work day, 5 days a week while we serve the community. WOWZAS! The dream excites me.

To be part of something bigger than ourselves encourages and inspires, it establishes unity and gives an incredible sense of solidarity. God is so good, he's faithful and promises to hear and answer from heaven when we humble ourselves and pray. It's not to late to jump on board.

SamME

The journey continues

Day 3 of our 24-7 prayer journey has been and gone, and people continue to pray, from there homes into the wee hours of the morning. Powerful!

 As I spent time in the prayer tent today, a number of things caught my eye, that I thought were worth sharing and may just help and encourage your own prayer time with Jesus, where ever you may be.

Praise ...

Prayers of His people

People gathered in prayer.

“Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.” Matthew 18:20

 Written in the prayer room journal, the lyrics to a song which you can listen to here.

And perhaps the most impacting prayer for me in the prayer room yet ... the prayer of a child in the prayer journal.

(To read more about the simplicity of childhood prayer and our call to be child like, have a read of yesterdays post.)

If you are interested in finding out more about 24/7 prayer - the movement, check out the official website.

For information on The Salvation Army's global call to 24-7 prayer check this out.

Tomorrow morning, we join in a global prayer meeting and pray for the vision of The Salvation Army - One Army, One Mission, One Message. You can find out more details about the worldwide prayer meeting from the Generals website.

It's a bit itsy bitsy today, but hopefully you'll be able to find something here that will aid your own personal prayer time with Jesus.

Much love, SamMe

Play 'n' Pray - the skies the limit!

24-7 Prayer: Day Two



Our Church is currently spending the week in prayer, 24 hours a day for 7 days. So far everyone I have spoken to, who has spent time in the prayer room says "The time flies by", "An hour isn't long enough" "I'm signing up for another hour" or something along similar lines. The testimonies so far have been extreemly encouraging as people have sought God and found him. People of all ages have utilised the prayer space ... there is no limit as to who can come before God and experience His presence.

I've spent some time in the prayer room with Zac, Evy and Meila, (who I was looking after) and was encouraged to play and pray. Prayer isn't boring, it's not mundane (unless you make it that way), it can be exciting, fun and joyous. In the prayer tent is a dedicated space to encourage our kids to pray. 





Strait away Zac was drawn to the big beach ball which had sentence starters to help kids start their prayers. "Thank you for ..."

"I love you because..."

"Help me too ..."

"Help others too..."

"I'm sorry for..."

We had 'such fun', throwing the ball to each other ... praying and playing together. It was delightful, and I'm certain that God took great delight in his children enjoying their time with him.

We spent time playing with play dough, painting and sharing in communion together. As the kids painted their hands and put their prints on a sheet canvas, we talked about how God creates us all differently and knows everything about us. We thanked God for making us special and unique.

The simplicity of a childs prayer is inspiring. No flash words, no beating around the bush, just straight up honest. They pray for anything and everything, and nothing is impossible. Their prayers are bold, with a faith that says "the sky is the limit" ... actually, with a faith that says "not even the sky is the limit."

So much hope, so much faith, so much truth, so much love!

No wonder Jesus told us to come to him like little children.

"The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them." Mark 10:13-16 (MSG)

 

Simple.

 

Come to Jesus. Enter His embrace with the simplicity of a child, don't worry about using big flashy words, or trying to impress him (Matthew 6:5-18). Come, just as you are, honestly, truthfully, with hope, faith and in love. He delights when his children come to him in prayer. He longs to gather you in His arms and bless you.

 

Encourage prayer in the lives of our children. They get it. They pray without rules and regulations, in the beauty of it's simplicity. May we not complicate their prayer lifes with our own expectations and requirements of prayer, but encourage their honesty and freedom as they enter the embrace of Jesus.

 

SamMe

 

24-7 Day One: Experiencing the Presence

There’s a buzz of conversation. People are chatting and laughing as they cluster around tables. Knives and forks clang against each other. Chairs scrape back and forwards against the wooden floor. The smell of spaghetti and meatballs wafts through the room. People play with napkins in their hands, rolling them and unrolling them, tearing them up, keeping their fingers busy. The sight really is something to behold, a group of people; diverse in age, ethnicity, socio-economic status and religion coming together to share in a meal. This is our weekly community meal, where anyone is welcome and everyone is equal. Regardless!

Tonight though, there’s a difference. In the corner of the room sits a big white Marquee, a tent. It looks a little out of place. Draped across the tent is bunting which reads “24/7 PRAYER”.

Before the food is served it’s announced that there is a space for prayer in the corner of the room. That this week our church family will be praying for 24 hours a day. The offer is made for people to wander through the prayer room, and someone will be in there, if they want prayer for anything at all. The meal is served and people eat.

No one comes into the prayer room during the meal seeking prayer. The buzz continues. It’s noisy. Yet, within the prayer tent … tranquillity and peace. It’s a little bit surreal. There’s this overwhelming sense of calm. Quietness. Stillness. The noise could be overpowering … but isn’t, at all!

For the last couple of nights, I’ve lost sleep with excitement. Excitement about what God has in store. And this! It exceeds my expectations!

His Presence is like a blanket, it covers with peace, rest, joy, hope and life.

As I look around the room, a Martin Luther King, Jr quote on the wall captures my attention: “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

I breathe, I pray.

He is good. He is faithful. He hears our prayers. He responds.

People leave the meal and a small group of us gather for a time of corporate prayer. We are reminded that God IS 24-7. He never sleeps or slumbers. Where-ever we are, what-ever time, He is ready and available. Much of our time in group prayer is spent in silence as we sit … wait … soak.

We lift praise and adoration, we confess, we thank, we uphold others and their situations, we speak light into places of darkness, we make change in the spiritual realms and our Father is moved to action through our prayer.

As our time draws to a close we are acutely aware that although we leave this place of prayer, we don’t leave his presence. He goes before us, He hems us in from behind. We can continue in prayer, pick up where we left off, anytime, anywhere. We leave for the night, knowing that a fellow prayer warrior has taken up the prayer baton. That through out the night the prayer will continue. 24-7.

Thank-you Jesus for making the way for us to come to our heavenly Father in prayer. Let this week of prayer be for your glory. Let your Kingdom come, let your will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. “And now, dear God, be alert and attentive to prayer, all prayer, offered in this place.” 2 Chronicles 6:40