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

Being Church Messy Styles - The GodFather

Brenton and I are privileged to be Salvation Army Officers. Basically this means we are ministers/pastors/leaders of the Upper Hutt Salvation Army and we oversight the Salvation Army community ministries (a branch of the army's social services) in Upper Hutt. There's never a dull moment! In March this year our Churches building caught fire due to an electrical fault in an extractor fan in our food bank. We received a call at 11.30pm alerting us, and by the time we got there, there were 7 appliances at the scene, and a butt load of smoke!

Needless to say, church on Sunday wouldn't be happening in that building. Thankfully, we are just around the corner from The Salvation Army's Booth College of Mission (where people train to become Salvation Army officers), and they very kindly let their home become ours for a good 6 months! LEGENDS!

Because we've been without a permanent 'home' since the fire, we've had the opportunity to experiment a little bit with church (So exciting, I can't resist letting out a little squeal of delight!) On the first Sunday of each month we've held church at a community centre in Timberlea. Church has looked different at Timberlea, and takes a 'Messy Church' approach. The first Sunday we did this we had REAL - LIVE - DONKEYS (poohs, eey oores and all!) , it was Palm Sunday and helped to give us a picture of what it would have been like for Jesus riding into Jerusalem that day.

Zachy feeds a donkey at Messy Church on Palm Sunday

Generally Messy church goes like this:
   The morning starts with family friendly activities (by family I mean from the youngest person you can think of, through to the oldest) for about 30 minutes (the activities introduce the theme for the day and are connected to the sermon).
   We then come together and sing some songs to Praise God, and then have a short teach time (we aim for a message no longer than 7 minutes, we like to share the word in bite size chunks to make it easy for people to chew on and digest)
   We eat together (actual physical food as opposed to Gods Word ... Word yo!) - we usually have a sausage sizzle.

My favourite Messy Church so far, has to have been Fathers Day. We decided to celebrate men and their masculinity. We started with some stereotypical manly activities ... arm wrestles, tug-o-war, shooting targets (with nerf guns ... safety first). We had the opportunity to make moustaches, we practised shaving ... by shaving shaving cream off balloons, and for the crafty ... we could make Father Day Cards.

The real crowd pleaser though ... was the Harley Davidson Rides. I'd approached the Wellington Hog Club and asked if maybe 4 or 5 people could bring their Harleys down to give people rides. Well, they arrived in full force with about 12 bikes! The noise alone attracted a number of people from the community. People faces were ecstatic on return from a ride around the block, adrenaline was pumping and the buzz was beyond words! Some of the kids had 4 or 5 rides on different bikes and it was an experience they won't forget anytime soon!

After about 40 minutes we packed up the activity stations and set up for the teach time.  We always start with a celebration time where people can come and share whats happened for them in the last month. A definite highlight was one woman from the community coming up and celebrating her children, just because she could! She later said to me she'd like us to dedicate her children. We sung some songs and then had the message. We heard about the love of our Father God, his strength, dedication and commitment to us, which is always good to hear when so many people grow up without Fathers around these days.

After the teach time we headed outside for BBQ bacon, hash browns and sausages (Nom, Nom, Nom). This is always a key part of the morning because it's where we connect with people, develop relationships and where we have the chance to really do life together.

Some of the main things we've learnt about Messy church are:

• Have an outside activity - It draws people down
• Be committed to the community - We've been in Timberlea for 3 years now (it started with weekend events once a year, then became free monthly Sausage Sizzles and is now monthly Messy Church.)
• Keep the teach times short - Many of the people we have come just need small amounts of teaching to chew on, much of it is new to them
• Be intentional about connecting with people - we are still working on this one
• Saturate the whole thing in prayer - without the Holy Spirit moving it's just an event.

In October we are hoping to do something a little different again ... thinking outside the box ... we don't want to be restricted by falling into a routine ... same old, same old ... YAWN! God doesn't fit in a box, I don't think His Church should either. We want to be innovative and creative when it comes to fulfilling Christ commission to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19) . After all, He is The Master when is comes to Creating! Anyway, I could go on but I wont. I'll let you know how it goes some other time.

Itsy Bitsy SamMe