To my fellow Salvationists and those of us who try to help meet people's physical needs in Jesus name,.... Let's make sure we actually mention His Name.
I read a "William-Boothism" that said, “I must assert in the most unqualified way, that it is primarily and mainly for the sake of saving the soul, that I seek the salvation of the body.”
One of my constant concerns is that we can get so good at "cranking out food boxes" that we forget WHY we are doing WHAT we are doing.
To invest such time, energy, money, and resources into paying an electric bill this month, or giving out a food box, and not take the time and opportunity to witness about Jesus Christ, is shameful and heartbreaking.
I hope our love for Christ always compels us to meet human needs without discrimination, but if we are just busy "cranking out food boxes" and building up our stastistics, and if we are just staying busy fund-raising, serving, and reporting, then I begin to believe we are motivated more by our love of the work, or the approval ratings, than we are motivated by our love for Jesus and our concern for our clients eternal destiny.
Please mention the Name of Jesus every chance you get today - for there is no other Name under heaven given to men by which they must be saved.
Can we call it "Holistic ministry" if we seek to save a client from hunger or homelessness, but never seek to save them from Hell for Heaven?
Can we call it "Holistic ministry" if we never see a client "made whole"?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Be Careful, the prisoners are watching.
They're Always Watching and Listening - written by Os Hillman (excerpt from 02-12-2009)
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25-26).
When Paul and Silas were in prison their lifestyle of worship and prayer in the midst of the horrible conditions of a dirty prison stood out in stark contrast to their circumstances. They didn't pray and sing to impress their cellmates, they simply did what was natural to them. Still, "the other prisoners were watching and listening."
No matter where you are, others are watching you to determine if your faith is real or if you're an imposter. The world is looking to discredit your faith. You are a witness always whether you choose to be or not.
"The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'" (Acts 16:29-30). When you begin to reflect the love and power of Christ in your life you won't have to have an evangelism program to win others into the Kingdom. It will be a fruit of your life. The "fish" will actually jump into the boat!
Beware how you conduct your life today. Because the prisoners are watching and listening.
This article came from "Prime Time with God" devotional email, to sign up you visit - http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25-26).
When Paul and Silas were in prison their lifestyle of worship and prayer in the midst of the horrible conditions of a dirty prison stood out in stark contrast to their circumstances. They didn't pray and sing to impress their cellmates, they simply did what was natural to them. Still, "the other prisoners were watching and listening."
No matter where you are, others are watching you to determine if your faith is real or if you're an imposter. The world is looking to discredit your faith. You are a witness always whether you choose to be or not.
"The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'" (Acts 16:29-30). When you begin to reflect the love and power of Christ in your life you won't have to have an evangelism program to win others into the Kingdom. It will be a fruit of your life. The "fish" will actually jump into the boat!
Beware how you conduct your life today. Because the prisoners are watching and listening.
This article came from "Prime Time with God" devotional email, to sign up you visit - http://msg1svc.net/servlet/FormListener?Y2dpOjE6TE4=
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Scripture thought for the day.
John 15 Verse 5 - Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
On this subject of relying on our human strength, Watchman Nee wrote:
I believe many people are so rich and strong that they give no ground for God to work. I frequently recall the words, "helpless and hopeless." I must tell God, "all that I have is yours, I myself have nothing. Apart from you I am truly helpless and hopeless." We need to have such a dependent attitude toward God that it is as if we cannot inhale or exhale without Him. In this way we shall see that our power as well as our holiness all comes from Him. Oh how God delights in seeing us coming hopeless and helpless to Him. A brother once asked me, "What is the condition for the working of the Spirit?" To which I replied that . . . the Holy Spirit must first bring us to a place where we can do nothing by ourselves.
Lord help me realize my absolute dependence on you for doing anything of any value today.
On this subject of relying on our human strength, Watchman Nee wrote:
I believe many people are so rich and strong that they give no ground for God to work. I frequently recall the words, "helpless and hopeless." I must tell God, "all that I have is yours, I myself have nothing. Apart from you I am truly helpless and hopeless." We need to have such a dependent attitude toward God that it is as if we cannot inhale or exhale without Him. In this way we shall see that our power as well as our holiness all comes from Him. Oh how God delights in seeing us coming hopeless and helpless to Him. A brother once asked me, "What is the condition for the working of the Spirit?" To which I replied that . . . the Holy Spirit must first bring us to a place where we can do nothing by ourselves.
Lord help me realize my absolute dependence on you for doing anything of any value today.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Corps Members - Don't forget tonight!
Hello Corps members,
Just a reminder that tonight is SOUP, S.O.A.P., & SALVATION MEETING from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. This will be IN PLACE OF THURSDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY.
We will provide a very light meal (like soup), have a time of S.O.A.P. (what we have each personally found as we read our bibles this week - Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayers), and last we will share our Salvation sharing experiences (how did sharing your faith go this week).
We will keep it an informal and family atmosphere so invite friends even just for the meal and sharing - who knows someone might come to Jesus this tonight!
Blessings and see you Sunday!
Just a reminder that tonight is SOUP, S.O.A.P., & SALVATION MEETING from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. This will be IN PLACE OF THURSDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY.
We will provide a very light meal (like soup), have a time of S.O.A.P. (what we have each personally found as we read our bibles this week - Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayers), and last we will share our Salvation sharing experiences (how did sharing your faith go this week).
We will keep it an informal and family atmosphere so invite friends even just for the meal and sharing - who knows someone might come to Jesus this tonight!
Blessings and see you Sunday!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Quote of the Day
There are two kinds of people: Those who say to God, “thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “all right then, have it your way.” - C.S. Lewis
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - "At the feet of Jesus"
To listen to this past Sunday's sermon, just click the play arrow here.
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
To listen to past sermons see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this blog page. Note it may several seconds to start below.
What is a "Corps"? Booth's answer...
What is a Salvation Army Corps? To this I reply, that it is a band of people united together to attack and Christianize an entire town or neighborhood (William Booth, Salvation Soldiery). We are sent to war. We are not sent to minister to a congregation and be content if we keep things going. We are sent to make war – and to stop short of nothing but the subjugation of the world to the sway of the Lord Jesus (William Booth, The Words of William Booth, Cyril Barnes).
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Corps program updates
Hello Homer Corps,
I want to udate you on two special upcoming events...
1. We have at least one person ready for Soldiership classes. Contact me right away so we can schedule times and locations for as many as possible.
2. Don't forget our Safe From Harm Training from 9 a.m. - 12:00 noon on February 29th. We are inviting all the churches, schools, concerned parents, and anyone wanting to better protect children in our community. It's free so invite everyone. It's a great way to bring people into the Corps and explain that everything we do is motivated by our love for Jesus and a desire to worship and serve Him!
Blessings and see you Sunday!
I want to udate you on two special upcoming events...
1. We have at least one person ready for Soldiership classes. Contact me right away so we can schedule times and locations for as many as possible.
2. Don't forget our Safe From Harm Training from 9 a.m. - 12:00 noon on February 29th. We are inviting all the churches, schools, concerned parents, and anyone wanting to better protect children in our community. It's free so invite everyone. It's a great way to bring people into the Corps and explain that everything we do is motivated by our love for Jesus and a desire to worship and serve Him!
Blessings and see you Sunday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)