Armybarmy Blog

August 30, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

I haven't pumped up extremeprophetic.com recently. Very useful site. Links to thewarcollege.com. Tens of thousands of hits. Try it out.

The same can't be said for JAC (not the tens of thousands of hits part). But it is a great resource- try it out for the current WOMEN IN TH EWAR issue.

Happy first to Jeremiah.

We were reading in Judges 7 about the dream the Midianite solider had (v13) and the feedback he received from his tent-mate (v14) and the response of Gideon after eavesdropping and hearing it (v15). It is the tightest example in Scripture I've found of the three parts of prophecy: revelation (v13), interpretation (v14), and application (v15). We've been trying it out this week at camp and there have been some spectacular testimonies of GOd speaking very specific things about people into their lives for their edification. Hallelujah- GOd is on the move...

God is here.

Much grace,
StephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 29, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends?

He is risen!

Hey- we just dusted off a preach called Showers of Blessing that I preached awhile ago- you can listen at armybarmy.com (front page).

The Salvation Army has a long prophetic tradition that we've chronicled elsewhere but which runs from William Booth's book VISIONS (which General Arnold Brown ironically called 'Booth at his best') through Commissioner Ed Read's teachings and General John Gowans's songs.

The spoken word of God - the only offensive weapon of a Christian - is an essential part of a revolutionist's kit. We were doing some prophetic prayer and my friend nailed a childhood nickname of the recipient of prayer, confirmed by a third person beforehand. Pretty impressive of that Jesus! Yahoo. Hallelujah.

Have you read all of JAC yet (top right)- WOMEN IN THE WAR! Get it while it's hot.

God is here.

Much grace,
StephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 29, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends?

He is risen!

The Salvation Army has a long prophetic tradition that we've chronicled elsewhere but which runs from William Booth's book VISIONS (which General Arnold Brown ironically called 'Booth at his best') through Commissioner Ed Read's teachings and General John Gowans's songs.

The spoken word of God - the only offensive weapon of a Christian - is an essential part of a revolutionist's kit. We were doing some prophetic prayer and my friend nailed a childhood nickname of the recipient of prayer, confirmed by a third person beforehand. Pretty impressive of that Jesus! Yahoo. Hallelujah.

Have you read all of JAC yet (top right)- WOMEN IN THE WAR! Get it while it's hot.

God is here.

Much grace,
StephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 28, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

Late breaking news on yesterday's blog- it turns out that LORD OF THE HARVEST is sessional song in USA Southern Territory only. So, it is almost enough for you to sign up in Atlanta (and I know some of you down in Atlanta- wait- JHowell! Good times!).

While Kenya has a bigger Salvation Army than Zimbabwe, Zim's much smaller population makes it a larger Army per capita. Doing some rough comparison, it seems that Zimbabwe has the strongest Salvation Army in the world (soldiers per capita). I think that Newfoundland (Canadian province) may be close behind (but, of course, it is not a country...).

Apparently Mother Teresa said, 'find your own Calcutta." Great line.

Happy 30th! That is, the thirty month anniversary of the War Room in Vancouver. Thanks to Carla, Ian, Fleur, Jeni, and all of the warriors who have ever done a three-hour shift in there to not only keep it going hour after hour for thirty straight months but to proclaim the many 'names' of the LORD Yahweh and intercede in this great Salvation War. Hallelujah. The War Room as become the hub of our corps.

This morning we pulled a Gideon and smashed some idols. We had these little glass ornaments and gargoyles and a pile of people took turns smashing them with hammers. It sounds like the fourth of July in the States (a rat-a-tat-tat of banging from half a dozen hammers smashing out of time). Good times.

God is here (that is a reminder for all of you game with minutes types).

grace
stephenc
posted by Stephen Court

Ballantine on Joshua 3

Doubly blessed today by Len Ballantine.

He preached on Joshua 3:1-5 (see, move, follow, consecrate). Good times. Keeper line: If you're not following, you're wandering.

Then we sang a song in massed chorus (180 voices?)- whew! Len wrote it, I THINK, as a sessional song for the new cadets. It is called Lord of the Harvest (for God's Fellow Workers). Amazing song- just about enough to make you sign up for college next week. Some of the tastiest chords you'll ever hear. Hallelujah.

We also started an elective called Revolution? today. I love that stuff. Some ideas so far thrown out include crucifixion, simplicity, community, and justice. Maybe more, later...

Much grace
sec

August 27, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus’ name, friends.

He is risen!

Here are some instructions for leaders of small groups and cabin devotions for REVOLUTION:
____
Each student has a booklet called RevoDevos. It contains 30 days of personal devotions from a revolutionary perspective, intended both to establish them in some habitual and thematic consistency and to plunge them into the revolutionary kingdom life (I believe you can download these for free at armybarmy.com).
Group devotions can be seen within the context of the larger purposes. Yes, get to know the students. Yes, share daily highs and lows and other challenges and questions. But also work to position each student as a revolutionary.
The Salvation Army must be soldiered by revolutionary warriors who have thrown away worldly ambition and investment in the priorities of the western worldview. These zealots will be more inclined to take fewer hours than a promotion, if it advances the war.
THey are more interested in the results of the last knee drill than the latest ball game. They are pouring more into their disciples than into their educations and saving plans. ...
Be honest with them. If you aren't where we want them to be, then share with them your struggles and your intentions and your game plan to get there.
Don't let them settle for standards they know or have seen. Depict God's dreams for them. Try to get them to start living it this week...
(much more, but this is a long one already...).
____

Much grace,
StephenC
Posted by Stephen Court

Priorities

You may not want to view this short slide show...
http://joel.mawhorter.org/priorities/priorities-intro.html

ouch.
grace,
sec

August 26, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

We graduated a couple of dozen Holy _____ Session warriors yesterday and a bunch of Phase 2 Associate of Practical Ministry (WLI) types to the glory of God. Glory to God.

Territorial School of Music and Gospel Arts kicks off today at Jackson's (north of Toronto). Bring it on Lord Jesus.

We praise God on the recent great news of deployments in Charlotte and London. Hallelujah!

Revolution Session starts in a couple of weeks (still a couple of spots...). Here's the theme from TransMission:
REVOLUTION
(transMission)

(v1) WE'RE TIRED OF INSTITUTION, WE WANT A REVOLUTION
WE WANNA TELL THE WORLD THAT JESUS SAVES
WE'RE TIRED OF PLAYING CHURCH NOW,
WE WANNA CHANGE THE WORLD NOW
WE WANNA BE ABOUT THE LOVE HE GAVE

(chorus A) C'MON, C'MON JOIN THE REVOLUTION
C'MON, C'MON JOIN THE REVOLUTION
LIVE OUT THE SONG, BE THE REVOLUTION
C'MON, C'MON JOIN THE REVOLUTION

(v2) SHOW US YOUR REVELATION,
WE WANNA REACH THE NATIONS
PROCLAIM THE WONDERS OF YOUR AWESOME LOVE
WE'RE TIRED OF SITTING BY NOW, WE WANNA LIFT YOU HIGH NOW
SEE REVOLUTION SET THE WORLD ON FIRE

(chorus A) C'MON, C'MON JOIN THE REVOLUTION
C'MON, C'MON JOIN THE REVOLUTION
LIVE OUT THE SONG, BE THE REVOLUTION
C'MON, C'MON JOIN THE REVOLUTION

(bridge) TIME IS SHORT WE WANNA SEE YOUR PROMISES FULFILLED
LIFE IS LIFE AND EVERY LIFE IS WORTH THE BLOOD YOU SPILLED (repeat bridge)

(to chorus A) then- chorus B
(chorus B) C'MON, C'MON BE THE REVOLUTION
C'MON, C'MON BE THE REVOLUTION
LIVE OUT THE SONG, BE THE REVOLUTION
C'MON, C'MON BE THE REVOLUTION

(tag)
WE WANT A REVOLUTION (multiple times)
SEND DOWN YOUR REVOLUTION (multiple times)

more later...

Much grace,
stephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 25, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

We had a blow-out last night for our Holy Meeting- the graduation meeting for the Holy Session. I was just getting my voiec back from the All Night of Prayer last weekend... oh well...

Praise the Lord.

phillaeger.com is your spot to hit Salvo worship specialist Phil Laeger, who is goign to be available for more events and specialling in the coming days. Check it out. If you aren't familiar with him (Atlanta/Boston) here is a blog of his from awhile ago about a song that is dear to both of us (listen to a rough version at our demo of the week and probably a finished version at his site):
____
My friends,

I sit here weeping with joy and anticipation of the release of the product I now listen to. It is a project surely birthed by God and put into our hearts by His leading.

"Be A Hero" is a unique project that I am sure will change lives and hearts around the world. Not because I am confident in our own abilities, but because I am inspired that the same message God gave William Booth - salvation for the wide, wide world! - will become the resonating heartbeat of the future Salvation Army, revived once again. The CD/DVD project will contain the songs "Be A Hero" and "Love" (you can find demo versions at www.armybarmy.com/demo-previous.html), as well 2 chapters out of the riveting, earth-shaking book by Stephen Court and Wesley Campbell, read by none other than Mr. Bernie Dake, plus other material as well. And that's just the CD portion of the project. More to come on the DVD later. Praise God for this project.

I have been blind to the needs of others. Through the reading of this book (Be A Hero) and the contemplation of ways to live out my faith, I have been challenged, inspired, convicted and praising God at the potential for our Hero Army to rise up in the strength of God to once again capture the hearts of people with the love of God and the message of reconciliation.

There are millions of people dying around the world, for lack of vision and just plain basic human needs. There are countless others that are the victims of oppression, held down and kept muted under the thumb of the enemy.

But there is hope! Praise to God in Jesus Christ our Lord!

What's to be done? The hero is you. The hero is me. And a hero is what they need.

Will you join the fight for mercy and justice? Will you be a hero in the name of Jesus Christ and in the power of Holy Spirit?

Grace,
Phil
____
grace
stephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 25, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

We had a blow-out last night for our Holy Meeting- the graduation meeting for the Holy Session. I was just getting my voiec back from the All Night of Prayer last weekend... oh well...

Praise the Lord.

phillaeger.com is your spot to hit Salvo worship specialist Phil Laeger, who is goign to be available for more events and specialling in the coming days. Check it out. If you aren't familiar with him (Atlanta/Boston) here is a blog of his from awhile ago about a song that is dear to both of us (listen to a rough version at our demo of the week and probably a finished version at his site):
____
My friends,

I sit here weeping with joy and anticipation of the release of the product I now listen to. It is a project surely birthed by God and put into our hearts by His leading.

"Be A Hero" is a unique project that I am sure will change lives and hearts around the world. Not because I am confident in our own abilities, but because I am inspired that the same message God gave William Booth - salvation for the wide, wide world! - will become the resonating heartbeat of the future Salvation Army, revived once again. The CD/DVD project will contain the songs "Be A Hero" and "Love" (you can find demo versions at www.armybarmy.com/demo-previous.html), as well 2 chapters out of the riveting, earth-shaking book by Stephen Court and Wesley Campbell, read by none other than Mr. Bernie Dake, plus other material as well. And that's just the CD portion of the project. More to come on the DVD later. Praise God for this project.

I have been blind to the needs of others. Through the reading of this book (Be A Hero) and the contemplation of ways to live out my faith, I have been challenged, inspired, convicted and praising God at the potential for our Hero Army to rise up in the strength of God to once again capture the hearts of people with the love of God and the message of reconciliation.

There are millions of people dying around the world, for lack of vision and just plain basic human needs. There are countless others that are the victims of oppression, held down and kept muted under the thumb of the enemy.

But there is hope! Praise to God in Jesus Christ our Lord!

What's to be done? The hero is you. The hero is me. And a hero is what they need.

Will you join the fight for mercy and justice? Will you be a hero in the name of Jesus Christ and in the power of Holy Spirit?

Grace,
Phil
____
grace
stephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 25, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

We had a blow-out last night for our Holy Meeting- the graduation meeting for the Holy Session. I was just getting my voiec back from the All Night of Prayer last weekend... oh well...

At least one saved!

Praise the Lord.

phillaeger.com is your spot to hit Salvo worship specialist Phil Laeger, who is going to be available for more events and specialling in the coming days. Check it out. If you aren't familiar with him (Atlanta/Boston) here is a blog of his from awhile ago about a song that is dear to both of us (listen to a rough version at our demo of the week and probably a finished version at his site):
____
My friends,

I sit here weeping with joy and anticipation of the release of the product I now listen to. It is a project surely birthed by God and put into our hearts by His leading.

"Be A Hero" is a unique project that I am sure will change lives and hearts around the world. Not because I am confident in our own abilities, but because I am inspired that the same message God gave William Booth - salvation for the wide, wide world! - will become the resonating heartbeat of the future Salvation Army, revived once again. The CD/DVD project will contain the songs "Be A Hero" and "Love" (you can find demo versions at www.armybarmy.com/demo-previous.html), as well 2 chapters out of the riveting, earth-shaking book by Stephen Court and Wesley Campbell, read by none other than Mr. Bernie Dake, plus other material as well. And that's just the CD portion of the project. More to come on the DVD later. Praise God for this project.

I have been blind to the needs of others. Through the reading of this book (Be A Hero) and the contemplation of ways to live out my faith, I have been challenged, inspired, convicted and praising God at the potential for our Hero Army to rise up in the strength of God to once again capture the hearts of people with the love of God and the message of reconciliation.

There are millions of people dying around the world, for lack of vision and just plain basic human needs. There are countless others that are the victims of oppression, held down and kept muted under the thumb of the enemy.

But there is hope! Praise to God in Jesus Christ our Lord!

What's to be done? The hero is you. The hero is me. And a hero is what they need.

Will you join the fight for mercy and justice? Will you be a hero in the name of Jesus Christ and in the power of Holy Spirit?

Grace,
Phil
____
grace
stephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 24, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

hat tip to RM for the following...

41% of The Salvation Army (sr. soldiers) are in the Africa Zone.
30.4% of from South Asisa Zone.
21 of the 58 territories are financially self-sufficient.
We shrank 4 countries during WW2.
It took 20 years to get back to preWW2 # of countries.
That fastest growth in countries invaded was 1880-1885, followed by 1885-1890 (not surprisingly, since the historic revival was 78-88).
Some people like to point to 1900 or 1929 as the highs of The Army in history. However, in 1900 there were under 200,000 soldiers in 35 countries and in '29 there were well under 450,000 soldiers (stats for that era included recruits) in 65 countries (today- more than a million in 111 countries).
We're growing! Praise God. Thank God for the Africans and Asians. It is time for the rest of us to pick up the slack. There are still about 89 countries for us to invade. Do you want to help? We have a plan (well, a vision- mmccxx)...

Much grace
StephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 23, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

You may remember when for a month or so I blogged about LEADERSHIP IN THE SALVATION ARMY by Major Harold Hill. It is a beautiful book (I just put my copy of the manuscript in someone's hands last night, coincidently).

Anyway, Paternoster Press has just published it! Praise the Lord. If you're into The Army and interested in leadership this will be an amazingly rich resource for you as it is for me. Wonderful book. We'll be plugging it soon off the front page, but until then, interested parties can hit me at revolution @ mmccxx .net for details (noting that I will have intermittent email access over the next short while- so, thanks for your patience).

We did the HOLY CHALLENGE over the last two weeks. This is a missional game for pairs of warriors (BTIers will know it as the BTI Challenge!). Anyway, it ended today. We praise God for some of the effects, including a few conversions (Hallelujah!), some healings, some prophecy, and a miracle. All glory to God (good game, eh!)

Much grace,
Stephen Court

August 22, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

(for those who missed the first time I greeted people with He is Risen it comes out of a campaign in Ukraine when I was told people offered that greeting through the year, as some people in our culture offer 'God bless you' to those who sneeze. I figured it woul dbe a good way to keep a healthy resurrection perspective).

1. Doctrine video- #10- General Tillsley: 'People ask me, 'can you be sanctified without knowing it?' And I respond, 'can you be crucified wthout knowing it?' (from Romans 6:6 and Galatians 2:20).

2. Heard during dusting off after street combat tonight: 'Dan was weeping on the inside.'

3. Also heard during debriefing from street combat: ____ was on his knees, head on the ground, crying out to God at Main and Hastings. The police stopped to see if he was alright (which, in itself, is noteworthy, since many people on that corner are in various kinds of demonic/drug induced dance). Said he partner, 'He's fine. He's just praying.'

This life following Jesus is very exciting indeed. We praise God for the people saved earlier this week (my wife called to share the good news). And we're gratified to see so many people so interested/hungry/passionate about holiness. Yahoo. Hallelujah.

Much grace,
StephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 21, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

We tried to watch Commissioner Ed Read on Doctrine 6 tonight but it kept skipping so we jumped to Commissioner Busby on Doctrine 9. Good times.

During the Allnighter last week I really caught a groove with SASB 684 (verses by one of my heroes, Booth-Tucker), verse 3, especially:
____
1.
God's trumpet is sounding: To arms! is the call;
More warriors are wanted to help on the war;
My King's in the battle, he's calling for me,
A salvation soldier for Jesus I'll be.
Chorus
Stand like the brave! Stand like the brave!
Stand like the brave, with thy face to the foe

2.
On land and on water my colors I'll show,
Through ten thousand battles with Jesus I'll go,
In danger I'm certain he'll take care of me,
His blood and fire soldier forever I'll be.

3.
I'll fight to the last with the Lord's sword and shield,
And count it an honor to die in the field;
In death and the grave there is victory for me,
A salvation soldier in Glory I'll be.

4.
The war will go on till the world is possessed,
The Salvation Army Jehovah has blessed;
More heroes of faith on the roll we shall see;
The Salvation Army's the Army for me.
William J Pearsonr (1832-92) (verses). Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) (chorus)
____
Strangely, IHQ's site has Colonel Pearson as the author of the verses, while my song book has B-T!

much grace
stephenC
posted by Stephen Court

Yahweh

We were watching Doctrine 2 (available at C+B Trade (SA below right) with Commissioner Arthur Pitcher (whom God used to blow me away one Sunday morning in Cambridge Citadel (?) in Boston many years ago- but that is another story) and he dropped some good lines:

"God will save you if He can; He will judge you if He must" (Orsborn);

"He is not only a super-human God but a super-God God";

and a good bit on YHWH, which reminded me of Thomas Cahill's three definitions of YHWH (from THE GIFTS OF THE JEWS):
1. I am who I am, a more precise version of which is I am He who causes (things) to be, that is I am the Creator;
2. I am who I am, or, 'None of yoru business', or 'You cannot control me by invoking My name as if I were one of your household gods';
3. I will be there with you (comforting!).

I like them all but kind of lean towards none of your business...

Much grace
stephenC

August 20, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

Rich times these days with the Holy Session. I was blessed with some solid, meaty holiness teaching at the meeting this morning by Anthony Castle, and a sweet spirit of unity in worship led by Andrew Stringer and crew (not intentionally an Aussie leadership line-up but The Army down under is so strong...), and then blessed with a bloody nose during a friendly ultimate match at the beach.

The search engine at armybarmy.com has been improved so that it is more accurate and effective than previously. This will help for you JAc searches and blog archive research.

Don't forget the new preaches and demos of the week and so on.

Much grace
stephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 19, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

We are back! Thanks for your patience. Your many emails were appreciated. But the site is now running again, and now, the blog, too (thanks Curtis and Don). So, leisurely scorll down to the last several days to catch up.

Now, we did an all nighter last night and it was very good (the next one will be better). But we pushed through and experienced much- there were healings reported, several prophetic words shared, prayer evangelism, intercession, and worship. Hallelujah! We ended the meeting wtih about 31 (mroe than the starting number!).

These are rich times on our front. Many of our comrades are heading out shortly and we're treasuring the moments. There is fellowship in the fight. So, the all nighter followed a strong open air. And the holiness meeting tomorrow night (the first run by the Holy Session) is something to mark on your calendar.

We were blessed with Captains Donna and Robert Marshall from Portland preaching and teaching this week. Wow. When Robert cranks up it is a joy to behold (preaching- we hope to have it available online for you soon).

We cracked open the Doctrine video tonight (available at SALVATION ARMY trade - see below right- and follow links) with General Arnold Brown on doctrine 1. Brown still has the best voice in The Army (that I've heard) and an impressive mastery of the English language- he was probablly 83 during this interview but still had it). His command of it and economy in its use is evident in SASB 222, also on doctrine:

On God's word relying,
Every doubt defying,
Faith is heard replying;
Praise God, I believe!

Chorus
I believe in God the Father,
I believe in God the Son:
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
Blessed Godhead, Three in One;
I believe in a full salvation,
In redemption through the blood;
I believe I'll receive a crown of life,
When I hear the Lord's: Well done.

2.
Confidence unshaken;
When bereft, forsaken,
E'en if life be taken,
Praise God, I believe!

3.
Peace and joy unending
In my soul are blending,
Faith on love depending,
Praise God, I believe!
(in the inteview he tells the story behind the song- I BELIEVE campaign with Commissioner Wycliffe Booth, and staring at the poster on th ewall from behind the bass drum...).

Much grace,
StephenC
posted by Stephen Court

Looking for Hope

Check this site: paulmergard.com

Over the last 10 years, my friend Paul Mergard has had the privilege of travelling to many destinations throughout the world. Much of this travel has been to the developing world, especially Africa. Over this time he has had the privilege of capturing his experience through his camera. And he is launching my first 'coffee table' book, 'Looking for Hope: shining light in the darkness.' The proceeds from the sale of this book are going to The Salvation Army's fight against Human Trafficking and the work of Compassion work to release children from poverty.

The photos in the 64 pages of Looking for Hope are an insight into the soul of people Paul's met.

Trafficking in human beings is the illegal movement of people, within national or across international borders, to make money by using them for commercial sex, domestic service or manual labour. It exploits their bodies and souls for cash. It's an illegal industry that generates between US$7 and $12 billion annually. It is a global stain - an estimated two million people are trafficked each year across international borders. It affects men, women and children, but around 50 percent of all victims are children.

Have a go.
grace
sec

August 18, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

If the site is fixed you'll read this in time to know that we have an all night of prayer lined up for tonight. We'll take requests until 8pm PST August 18.

Meanwhile, we're also trying an exercise following the Russian Pilgrim of the 19th century who was taught to recite a single-line prayer (a request for mercy) 12,000 times a day. Only, we're not counting.

It might be a fun exercise for you, too. We have two prayers we're repeating, both lines from songs:
1. from a Hillsong bridge- "for You are holy, for You are holy, for You are holy, Lord';
2. from Sounds of the Revolution (see eStore to obtain- 'Jesus fill this place with You love'.

So, worship and intercession. Good times.
Much grace
StephenC

August 15, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus name, friends.

He is risen!

The Holy Session returned from summer assignments this week, full of stories of God's work in and through their lives. We give glory to God for His advances on different fronts over the last few months. Hallelujah!
____
Sorry for the technical problems at the site. If you are reading this, then they are fixed. Please check the blogs of the last few days, and tell your friends that armybarmy.com is back on the front.
____
William Booth (I only changed a few words)-
2. What is your business with sinners?

i. To secure their attention;
ii. To persuade them to submit to God, and then—
iii. To accept forgiveness through the blood.

(if they don't repent) ...
4. What do you do then?

Go among them in the meetings, after the meetings, or wherever you can find them, and converse with them personally—press the truth home—if only a little moved, convict them further. Make them feel, have no pity on them until they are willing to give up all and submit to God.

5. But suppose they are not willing to yield, although feeling much, and admitting all you say?

Oh, find out, if you can, what is the hindrance, and press them to give it up. Show them that it is better to cut off the right hand, than having two hands, to go into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched.
____

There you have it. Let's try it today.
Much grace
StephenC
posted by Stephen Court

Augusst 14, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

Thanks for your patience on the site- the back blogs will be up by the time you see this.

We're playing a little game that Frank Laubach made up back in 1953 called the Game with Minutes. If you'd like to join in you can visit this site for details:

http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:XGCMblkuJiYJ:www.cfointernational.org/pdf/THeGame_Minutes.pdf+frank+laubach+game+with+minutes&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&client=safari
____
HOW TO BEGIN

"Select a favorable hour; try how many minutes of the hour you can remember God at least
ONCE each minute; that is to day, bring God to mind at least one second out of every sixty. It is not
necessary to remember God every second, for the mind runs along like a rapid stream from one idea to
another.
"Your score will be low at first, but keep trying, for it constantly becomes easier, and after a while
is almost automatic. It follows the well known laws of habit forming. If you try to write shorthand you are
at first very awkward. This is true when you are learning to play a piano, or to ride a bicycle, or to use any
new muscles. When you try this ‘game with minutes’ you discover that spiritually you are still a very weak
infant. A babe in the crib seizes upon everything at hand to pull himself to his feet, wobbles for a few
seconds and falls exhausted, Then he tries again, each time standing a little longer than before. We are
like that babe when we begin to try to keep God in mind. We need something to which we can cling. Our
minds wobble and fall, then rise for a new effort. Each time we try we shall do better until at last we may
be able to remember God as high as ninety per cent of the whole day. (from the site)
____
Enjoy.
Much grace
stephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 13, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

Sorry for the technical problems with the site over the weekend. I believe we have them worked out (thanks CC). Saturday's blog was a keeper so do scroll down if you have a moment. Nad for today (hat tip Sentinel Group):
____
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay"" (Hebrews 10:35-37).

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning" (Luke 12:34-35).

Persistence: 'To presist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task, in the face of obstacles or discouragement'.
____
Much grace
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posted by Stephen Court

August 12, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

"Who will ascend into the hill of the Lord and who will stand in His holy place? He whose feet are muddy, whose hands are bloody, whose face is grimy in caring for these, the least of my brethren. He will receive the blessings from the Lord, and vindication from the god of his salvation." (Lt-Col. G. Carpenter, Commissioner Ed ReadI BELIEVE IN THE DAWN).

Wow.

grace
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posted by Stephen Court

War College testimonies

You can find a handful here:
http://www.thewarcollege.com/van_testimonies.html
More to follow.
grace
stephenC

August 11, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

hb2dsP

The first Battle School (since the olden days in Williams Lake) ended today. We praise God for the impact of the students from three countries who laid a firm foundation for the future of this great idea. It probably isn't too early to book a spot for next summer (July-August 07)- see thewarcollege.com. Congratulations Jonathan E and Lisa L.

My friend thought that most Christians in North America are Pharisaical. This is not to slam the Bride but to hold it up to the plum line. I disagreed, believing, instead, that most are the opposite- Antinomian. That is, most are slackers, living without concern for the Biblical standards of righteousness. I say it so that we can press in and attract them to holiness. I hold to it, though I quickly allowed her point that in reading Scripture most Western Christian have a lot more in common with the Pharisees than with the victims or Jesus.

Chris Tidd has a couple of tracks just done at www.purevolume.com/christidd called "A Thousand Times" and "The Life Lost".

We've also a new demo of the week coming shortly (Mark Hood)- stay tuned.

grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

Unearthed Preach?

Someone dug up an old preach on spiritual warfare about three kinds of people. People who heard it the first time in Williams Lake might want to point it out to some who now fit into the first or third groups.

A few others might want to listen, too- who knows. It is currently on the front page of armybarmy.com but will end up on the preaching download archives (where you can listen to a growing number of preaches by more noted preachers).

Click here:
http://armybarmy.com/audio/sermons/others/Spiritual%20Warfare%20-%20The%20People%20in%20the%20War.mp3

Much grace,
sec

Death and After

Here is a class conversation with General William Booth:
____
1. What happens to the Salvation Soldier at death?

If faithful to God and The Army, he dies like a hero in full triumph, surrounded by his converted family and sympathizing comrades, and supported by his glorified Saviour.

2. What happens to him after death?

His comrades give him a triumphant funeral; while the story of his holy life and happy death stimulates his comrades to carry on the fight more desperately than before, and leads a number of souls to give themselves to God.

3. But what becomes of his soul?

His glorified spirit enters Heaven the moment it leaves the body, and is welcomed by God and the angels and the blood-washed Soldiers with whom he fought below. In Heaven he is doubtless employed in some service for the King, for which his military training on earth has specially qualified him. (General William Booth)
____
grace
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August 10, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

item 1. It is exciting to hear about new growth happening in this season. I just got off the phone with my buddy whose family is kicking off a new outpost in the States. Another buddy is starting a new one in Australia. And I just heard yesterday that a third is starting one hear in Canada. Where God lands, God expands.

item 2. I've also heard of some people struggling through some difficult times. Here's a nugget I heard from a wise Colonel: "God wastes nothing." So, find out how He wants to redeem your situation and position yourself accordingly.

item 3. I also got to meet up with a friend yesterday I've not seen for years. I'm challenged and stimulated to see that he is continuing to press himself spiritually (he has been a vocational Christian leader for much longer than me, and sports a proven, consistent, successful track record). a very disciplined individual, he's slamming back significant time in rations daily, teaching himself Greek, maintaining his Scripture memory (and even memorizing an epistle in Greek), charting every thought or inclination that is not pleasing to God for a month, and learning from the drug rehab group members to whom he teaches the Bible about the seriousness of sin (from their standpoint, drugs) and the redemptive contribution of community (a popular drug rehab group testimony is 'this meeting saved my life'; he asked me, 'how many Christians assert that of a Sunday morning?').

Much there to challenge (let's not settle with where we are today).

item 4. Talking about old friends, another told me that he is going to take his next run through the Bible through the eyes of mercy. An interesting exercise.

God is on the move.

Let's try to keep up.

item 5. For the movie buffs in our midst, I read an encouraging review of World Trade Center in First Things blog (bottom right on our roll) yesterday (August 9) by Anthony Sacramone (First Things blog has a great thing happening in August with all of the staff blogging just about every day).

Much grace
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posted by Stephen Court

War Cry

(from http://www.heraldica.org/topics/warcry.htm)
____
"A war-cry (French: cri d'armes, cri de guerre, cri) is what its name suggests, something that one (or one's followers) shouted as one threw oneself into the fray. Very often, the war-cry was simply the family name.

"In English heraldry, War-cries, like mottoes are unregulated, not necessarily part of the grant of arms, and liable to change at will. In Scottish heraldry, the motto is registered, and so is the war-cry or "slogan" (slogorn, which literally means war-cry in Gaelic).

"The war-cry is very old, in some cases it probably precedes heraldry, some cries are cited in gestae of the 12th c.
____
- interesting on slogan;
- war cry (ours is Blood and Fire!) predates motto;
- Ours is the best one I've heard (see that site, above).
----
Slogan originally derives from sluagh-gairm or sluagh-ghairm (sluagh = "people", "army" and gairm = "call", "proclamation") the Scottish Gaelic word for "gathering-cry" and - in times of war - for "battle-cry". The word changed later on to slughorn, sluggorne, and slogan. (wikipedia)
----

grace
sec

August 8, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

I was recently reading that bit about following Paul or Apollos and so on. It is a trickly little temptation into which to fall for many (all?) of us. It can derive from over-emphasized loyalties. But is can also emerge from too many microscopes aimed at too many navels.

It is easy to make a bid deal of some differences in The Salvation Army. The biggies to distinguish are the misnomers 'traditional' and 'contemporary'. But there are several, smaller others including church, seeker-sensitive, community-building, emergent, missional, apostolic, neo-salvationist, shepherding movement, primitive salvationist, and so on.

It sometimes seems that the biggest uproar is made about the smallest distinctions between numerically insignificant 'groups'. It reminds me of the Dr. Seuss parable about the Zooks and the Yooks, who, from every possible perspective, are practically the same, except that the Zooks butter their bread upside down and the Yooks rightside up (I have a young boy!).

From most perspectives our Zooks and our Yooks are practically the same. We're salvos. We're covenanted soldiers. We're out to win the world for Jesus. We're all about salvation and sanctification. We care about the marginalized (and if you look at the map I blogged recently, we're doing HEAPS about them). We wear uniforms. We're part of a unique, global, Christian movement. We share a vocabulary, a shared corporate memory, and idiocyncracies that make us more like each other than like most others who belong to the People of God.

So, this is a call for generosity in spirit. We wholehearted cheer on the sacrificial faithfulness of pesecuted brothers and sisters; we open our checque books for the salvos living in poverty; we raise the roof for our Hispanic comrades who are busting through the rooves in many corps; we honour our Korean salvos who are up praying before most of the rest of us; we watch in awe at the disciplined multitudes in Africa; we intercede for our Chinese salvationists responsible to hit the largest unreached population in the world; we pull for our fellow soldiers trying everything necessary to make it work in Europe; we thank God for the theological consistency of the Americans; we recommend articles and books by the neos amongst us; we brag about our church-growth and seeker-sensitive and emergent/missional comrades who are growing so fast and testing experiential limits; we look with admiration at those cuddly charismatics who worship and fight with such freedom; we (at least our little corps) hope to live up to the primitive salvationist ideal.

Sure, we can carefully define who we are, and try to shape opinion and conviction. But let's remember who we are (and this is where you laugh because I define who we are as a revolutionary movement of covenanted warriors exercising holy passion to win the world for Jesus. But, after all, this is our blog...). :-)
____
Name of the LORD in the War Room:
Yahweh Tsidqenu - The Lord our Righteousness (yahWeh tsid-KAY-nu) - Jeremiah 23;5-6, 31:33

"The goal is not merely to do what God says, but to become like Him. In the words of Addison Leitch, righteousness "is primarily and basically a relationship, never an attainment...Christian righteousness...is a direction, a loyalty, a commitment, a hope - and only someday an arrival."
~excerpted from Praying the Names of God, Ann Spangler
----
Much grace,
StephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 8, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

I saw today a spectatular testimony from a War College warrior:
____
"The War College has taken my life and flipped it upside down.  I went into the War College planning to offer one year to the Lord in serving the poor, and ended up giving my entire life. My life is now a living sacrifice--I have indeed been transformed by His grace. Just as faith without deeds is dead, so was my faith dead before my year in the War College. I learned to stop bashing the Bride of Christ and complaining about how she needs to change, but instead to be the change that I desired so strongly to see. I am eternally grateful for the teaching I recieved, the community I was pulled into, the deliverance I found, and the miracles I saw. Holy Spirit is doing something there.
____
Why do I send this stuff out so late in the recruiting year? Besides the fact that they are being sent in now for the updated thewarcollege.com, I'm throwing them out because of the growing tradition of late applications, which, from the parable of the workers who showed up late and still got the full meal deal, has proven to be better than you'd expect on both ends of the equation (also, I'm pretty engaged today, and don't have heaps of time for something really deep that I make up).

grace
stephenc
posted by Stephen Court

JAC Table of Contents:
____
Editorial Introduction
Major JoAnn Shade

Deborah's Story
Major Gayle Langford

Rahah's Journey, a Sermon
Sharon Bussey

Tertullian: He-Man Woman Hater of the 2nd Century
Captain Amy Reardon

A Feather on the Breath of God
Captain Margareta Ivarsson

Miss Betty and Her People
Linda D. Johnson

Dear Ngaire
Colonel Margaret Hay

My Journey into the Woman Officer's Struggle
Loreen Petzing

Distorted Holiness
Colonel Eleanor Shepherd

Why Do I Preach?
Captain Sharon Sandercock-Brown

From the Ashes
Dr. Jane Hoyt-Oliver

Mrs. Jumbo's Daughters: Women in the War
Major JoAnn Shade

Who's In Charge Here?
Commissioner Ken Baillie

Submission or Suppression
Captain Nicole Hostetler

Turf Wars
Major Janice Howard

Faithful 100%: The Battle for Integrity
Captain Jessica Irwin

Book Review: Paul, Women, and Wives
Captain Stephanie E. Larrick

woman, marked
Major JoAnn Shade
____
enjoy
grace
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August 7, 1006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

The General called us to pray today for peace in the Middle East. That is good. I'm for a righteous, just peace, in the Middle East.

I also think we'd do well to respond to a call for us to pray for Salvation War in the Middle East. We praise God for the things or brothers and sisters are doing there, mostly without press and support, without cash and convenience, and without heaps of fruit or peace and acceptance. Instead, they deal with various levels of persecution.

One great way to jump in is Operation Desert Rose, out of IHQ (try the www1.salvationarmy.org). I'm sure the unfolding of the years will provide more opportunities.

Speaking of opportunities, mmccxx is a network of people out to see new outposts in 2,000 cities in 200 countries in 20 years. Wow. If you're interested in joining a new outpost or connecting networks and new ones you've got planned, contact revolution @ mmccxx . net.

Also, north of Toronto in a couple of weeks or so is Territorial School of Music and Gospel Arts. Danielle and I get to go (for our third and last consecutive year). If you're free in the last week of August, look into it. We received another application for The War College this morning. I know there are a few of you out there who check this blog who are thinking of coming. Don't wait too late (thewarcollege.com). While on thewarcollege.com, I think I mentioned that next year's BTI is June 8-15 (see the BTI page on that site).

Over at the eStore there are several downloads we've added to the perennially popular SA Series (101, 201, etc.). It is all very convenient to obtain your copy of SA music and writing and training.

And, finally, the most under-rated SA publication is ALL THE WORLD. If you don't subscribe you can still read some of it at
http://www1.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_sa.nsf/fm-issue-contents?openform&publication=All%20the%20World&id=3C03FA3104067E5C802571A3004D1B03
Three titles worth perusing from the current issue:
And interview with the General, Duncan Parker's review of the year of Make Poverty History and an Emergency Map that highlights places The Army has intervened in the last five years during emergencies.
Praise the Lord.

Much grace,
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posted by Stephen Court

August 6, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

What better way to enjoy a hot August afternoon than to slam back a dozen JAC articles on WOMEN IN THE WAR?! I hope you've had to time indulge. If you are finished issue 44 and the 43 archived issues, and a few years of bog archives, here are a few quotes to stir some rumination and discussion:

"How dare we pray in the battle if we have never cried to the Lord while buckling on the harness?" (Charles Spurgeon)

"In this story, this person was asleep, dreaming that he was leading a meeting, and he woke up to find out that it was true." (Catherine Bramwell Booth)

"But it is the pentecostals, the charismatics, the people who shout and clap a lot, who are doing what The Army used to do, and they attract the people." (CBB)

"Jesus is my need's sufficiency, my will's consistency, and my life's abundance." (guess)

"The Army has become too respectable." (CBB)

Much grace
stephenC
posted by Stephen Court

August 5, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

Part 3 on SA fruits of Sanctification (William Booth with a few words changed by me):
____
"Are there any other special fruits of Sanctification noticed in the Officers of The Salvation Army?

Yes; for it is impossible to be an efficient Officer without the enjoyment of this blessing. Almost every Officer has, at one time or another, possessed it, too; so that those who do not possess it must be in a fallen condition, and more or less wretched and untrue. Therefore-

i. Sanctified Officers show a real hearty interest in all they do, which is impossible for anyone who is doing what is customary without a whole heart.
ii. They will show a real, careful, earnest love for all their people, without partiality or respect of persons.
iii. They are full of brotherly love to all other Officers, esteeming others better than themselves, and willing that others should be honored equally with or more than themselves.
iv. They prefer, in every way, the interests of The Salvation Army to their own ease and advantage, and are, therefore, always to be relied on to carry out orders, or whatever instructions they may receive, without grumbling or hesitation.
v. They are able calmly to trust in God in the midst of difficulties of every kind, restlessly to push on after victory, and humbly to remain child-like amidst the greatest success.
vi. All their life, in private as well as in public, proves that they are really living for God alone, their whole manner tending to draw everyone around them nearer to God and to self sacrifice for Him.
____
Name of the LORD in the War Room today: Our Lord Jesus(1 Thessalonians 3:11-13).
grace
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posted by Stephen Court

UNSITE

I must promote unsite.org again. What a resource!

I'm flying through The Salvation Army and Divine Healing (you can download it for free there) by Coolonel William Booth Davey!

It includes General William Booth's Faith Healing pamphlet.

Here are his guidlines (p25):
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GENERAL LINES
Some ask what rules or formula they should use to guide them when seeking Divine Healing. The
following are some general lines that are practical, effective and in harmony with Scriptural teaching.
1. Be fully persuaded as to the teaching of the Word of God in this matter, search the Scriptures,
study the promises. All things within the compass of God’s promises are within the compass of faith, which
looks to God’s right hand rather than at the difficulty.
2. Be fully assured of the Will of God to heal. Many say they are not sure whether it is His Will to
heal and in the meantime try every means they can lay hold of in order to get better, and only turn to God for
healing as a last extremity, often when drugs and the knife have seriously complicated matters, or even made
it impossible for them to be restored to a natural and normal condition. If those who say they believe it is not
the Will of God for them to be healed would be true to their belief, they would consistently refrain from using
anything to make them better lest by doing so they should take themselves out of the Will of God.
3. Seekers for healing should be quite sure they are right with God, fully surrendered, abandoned,
consecrated and cleansed, living in obedience to His Will, abiding in Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
4. They should commit their bodies to him and claim in the name of Jesus, by simple faith, the fulfilment
of His promise of healing. They ought to definitely prepare for this solemn act of committal and appropriating
faith. It ought to be a very deliberate step. Commit body, soul and spirit entirely into His hands,
trust Him for a perfect cure and rest there, “looking unto Jesus.” Abraham “staggered not at the promise of
God through unbelief.” (Rom 4:20).
5. If the seekers have not faith that God can heal without means they should pray for God to bless the
means to their healing. The Lord can, and does bless the use of means, but this is generally the slower, expensive
and more complicated way. He can and does heal without means, which is usually the quicker and
more God-honouring way. If means are used, then the credit must not be given to the means but to God, remembering
that many who have used the same means have not been healed.
6. Seekers should act their faith, not to show off their faith, or to display their courage, but because
of faith, begin to act as one who is healed, get out of the habit of nursing themselves, expecting sympathy
and pity, and think along the lines of health, “forgetting those things which are behind.” (Phil. 3:13).
7. Be prepared for trials of faith, exercise patience and self-control, for “ye have need of patience,
after that ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Heb. 10:36). Some may seem to get
worse after claiming Divine Healing, but they should hold on in faith until they receive the fullness of the
blessing. Delays are not denials. Wait upon the Lord for the manifestation of His Divine Power. He will
surely come. “Let God be true but every man,” (every feeling, every symptom) “a liar.” (Rom. 3: 3,4). The
Holy Spirit gives a clear conviction and assurance as to what is God’s will and purpose in each case.
8. The seeker must use the new life, health and strength imparted to him for God, being careful to
obey His commands and do His will in all things. There must be a perfect submission, self-abandonment, an
unwavering trust, a daily seeking for fresh light and guidance.
9. He should testify to Divine Healing for His glory and not be afraid of a relapse. Perfect love and
trust cast out all fear. He should not be afraid of being thought a crank, he should rejoice in the Lord, and the
joy of the Lord will be his strength. The great fact of Divine Healing is that “it works” and Christ is the same
yesterday, to-day and for ever. They that trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
____
grace
stephenC

SA Persecution in LA

Here are some headlines for you:
____
Salvationists Scoff at Terrors of Jail

Flag and Banners Captured Amid Much Disorder
SALVATIONISTS AGAIN IN JAIL
Twenty-Five Arrested for Parading Streets

ARMY LASSIE READS BIBLE, IS ARRESTED

Read the whole newspaper articles at:
http://www.ulwaf.com/LA-1900s/08.10.html
____
grace
stephenC

Prayers for the nations

Guest blog (hat tip SC)
____
Our hearts fill with anguish and grief on hearing the news reports of events in the Middle East in recent weeks. I am appealing to all Salvationists to turn to God in prayer for the peoples of the nations involved.

The politics of it all is immensely complex, yet the human suffering and the devastation caused by violent actions are visible for all to see and comprehend. It is the suffering of the innocent that moves us deeply. It is the killing and maiming of the children, with the terror-filled faces of parents, that cause us to cry out.

Though we are powerless to impact the political factors, we are not powerless through prayer. The Holy Scriptures tell us that prayer is a powerful weapon for good in the face of evil. Let us therefore come to God as a global Salvation Army to implore Him to bring a cessation to the violence and relief to the suffering of both sides.

Let us plead with God in the sacred Name of Jesus, Prince of Peace, that the leaders of Israel, of the Lebanon, of the Hezbollah, will repent and seek the will of God for a peaceful solution.

Let us also bring to God the United Nations and the leaders of those other nations holding strong influence over the warring parties. They can, if they find the political will for it, be brokers for peace and a new stability.

Please pray too for me and for my colleagues at International Headquarters as we seek to determine what role The Salvation Army might play in bringing help to the victims. Other agencies doing such work also need our prayers.

My appeal is to the world-wide Salvation Army to be in prayer until the warring ends, but especially to make the next two Sundays, 6 and 13 August 2006, occasions when our prayers will focus on the needs of the peoples of the Middle East.

God bless you all.
Shaw Clifton
General
4 August 2006
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August 4, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

Have you read the new JAC yet? Maybe start with Mrs. Jumbo's Daughters.

And, following up on Fruits of Holiness (more from Booth, with some words changes by me):
____
Fruits of Sanctification commonly noticed amonst Salvation Army soldiers:
i. The use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and of worldly clothing or ornament is at once given up, as are, also, all worldly companionships or associations.
ii. In the wearing of The Army’s uniform or badges, where there has been any hanging back before, here is now the greatest willingness to conform to all Army regulations for Christ’s sake.
iii. Those who have been backward in attending or unwilling to speak at the outdoor meetings, or negligent to any other duty, are now not only willing but eager to do all they can.
iv. Those who have before caused trouble by their light and trifling conduct, evil-speaking, jealousy, or unkindness to comrades, are now serious, earnest, humble, and kind to all.
____
Much grace,
StephenC
posted by Stephen Court

Booth as Leader

This is from Carol Young's blog (UK blogs at right) - fragmentary notes of Booths address taken at a staff council in 1893.
____
"There is not one of you in whose personal sorrows and struggles I do not feel and interest. I would like to go into them myself if I only had the time. I would like to go home to tea with each one of you and help you mothers nurse the baby and share your troubles. I cannot bear to see you suffer but I am unable to avoid it. I am determined to use you all to the utmost of God's work. I am going to get out of you all I can. A General is no good for his post who is not willing to see his soldiers suffer. And however good my plans may be they will involve not less but more hard work, sacrifice and discipline than in the past; but they will ensure, I believe with your hearty co-operation an abundant harvest of success."
____
Whew!

Oh, and Xander Coleman (right side) has a good line on SA stewardship from yesterday...

Oh, and Narelle Unicomb has some William Booth (right side roll) today.
grace
stephenC

adultery

Robert Miller has an interesting blog today at First Things (under news and comment at right) on adultery from a Catholic perspective. He has some classic stuff but here is a taste:
____
I grow tired of famous theologians engaging in abject special pleading for sexual sins. Imagine, if you will, that the sin in question were not sexual but financial. We have not an adulterer but a thief who comes to the priest and says, “Father, I used to be an honest man, making a modest livelihood digging ditches, but that was a drag, so I became a professional thief. I do big heists now—artwork, jewelry, antiques. I’d like to be readmitted to Communion, but thievery is now the only livelihood I know. I’ve acquired special skills, formed business relationships with dealers in stolen property, have plans for big heists in the future. It’s just emotionally impossible for me to imagine living as an honest man. Besides, my wife and children are accustomed to the lifestyle thievery provides. If I had to repay all I stole, I’d have to liquidate my securities portfolio, sell my house, pull my kids from Catholic school, not buy them iPods for their birthdays, and so on. There are people depending on me, Father, and the only way I have to keep them in the material things they deserve is by stealing. So what do you say? If I do some penance and follow the Bonandi path, may I receive absolution and be readmitted to Communion, even though I’m going to continue stealing? After all, I wish I had never become a thief, but I did, and I can’t change that now. Can you help me out?”
____
grace
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Some Fruits of Holiness

(hat tip William Booth)
____
i. There is perfect peace in the soul, which is only enjoyed by those in whose souls all controversy with God has ceased.
ii. Generally speaking, there is a great deal of joy, and often periods of heavenly rapture.
iii. A simple, constant trust in God with regard to the expectation of great spiritual wonders and blessings.
iv. A perfect and hearty agreement with the will of God as to all we must do or bear.
v. Great tenderness of heart towards God and man, with watchful eagerness to serve both to the uttermost.
vi. An all-absorbing devotion to the love and service of God, destroying all love of worldly pleasure and ambition.
vii. A special and complete victory over every sinful besetment, passion, or habit which has been a cause of sin before, and usually perfect deliverance from the besetment itself.
____
grace
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Consecration

General William Booth explains consecration this way (I've changed only a few words for clarity):
____
"A long time back, in England, there was a war between the king and the parliament, and the greater part of the nation took the side of the parliament, and the king was sorely pressed. It was then no uncommon thing for some nobleman or rich person to come in to the king and say, “I am sorry and ashamed that your majesty should be driven from your throne, and be suffering all this indignity and disgrace, and I want to help your majesty to get your rights again; and I have come with my sons and my servants to place our swords and our lives at your disposal. I have also mortgaged my estate and sold my plate, and brought the proceeds to help your majesty to carry on the war.” Now, that was a real surrender, or giving up to that king: it was the laying of life and substance at his feet. If things went well with the king, it would be well with them, but if not, if the king lost all, they lost everything with him.

"Now, that is just the kind of consecration God wants—only, one that goes deeper down still. He has been driven from His throne in the hearts of people everywhere; His name is cast out as evil, and people universally refuse to have Him to reign over them. Now, Jesus Christ wants to secure the Kingdom for His Father, and appeals for true-hearted soldiers who will help Him to succeed in this great undertaking, and He wants you to come into the camp in the same spirit that these old nobles did to their earthly king when he was in those desperate straits—to come, saying, “I bring my goods, my influence, my reputation, my family—aye, my life. I will have no separate interests: use all I have and am to promote the war, so that my King shall have His own, and His throne shall be established.” That is consecration in reality, and only that. This is what Jesus Christ taught when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God.” This is what Jesus Christ exemplified in His life and death. This is what Paul and the first Apostles did; and, if you are to be a thorough Christian, you must be consecrated in the same way.
____
“I bring my goods, my influence, my reputation, my family—aye, my life. I will have no separate interests: use all I have and am to promote the war, so that my King shall have His own, and His throne shall be established.”

Amen.
grace
sec

August 3, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

Another testimony...

This one isn't up at thewarcollege.com yet, but it is coming soon:
____
"The War College has been no less than the most excruciating, thrilling, and formative year of my entire life so far. I shudder to think what kind of Christian I would have been without it, and I look with fierce anticipation to the soldier I will be from this point on."
____
Wow! Sign me up! You can sign up at thewarcollege.com.

Revolution Session starts in 6 weeks...

Name of the LORD (Yahweh) in the War Room today: My Stronghold (Psalm 144, etc.)- every day for the last 2 1/2 years we've prclaimed a different name (or characteristic) of Yahweh. If things go smoothly, we'll be pumping them up here so that others around the world can be on the same page.

grace
stephenC
posted by Stephen Court

A letter to author of IN THE FIRING LINE (available at eStore):
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(not by me! Hat tip DW)
"You obviously are going to resonate with a target audience (first, Salvation Army familiar, second band familiar and third “older” generation Army people) – but what I liked was that, as a person who simply doesn’t like the brass band genre, you didn’t make me feel like I was not part of the target audience – it was not focused on that at all, and made for a really interesting read – the “music” part of it all was the environment in which the true focus of the essay was set, it wasn’t the focus itself. You made it clear throughout where he stood with music and where music stood with him – as a means to an end.

I don’t know if it was your intent or not (I assume it was) but it seemed you painted a “canvas” around Bramwell Coles – all the influences, culture, historical backgrounds, etc. that revolved around him – you spent a lot of time painting that canvas instead of a straight head-on biographical essay, and I really think it tells, as a result, more about the man than you could with data, details, stories, and anecdotes. In your book you almost have a feeling you “know” the man, not just know about the man. I assume for a writer that’s often difficult to do but you pulled it off.

Some other stuff that comes to mind:
〈                    I never heard of Richard Slater but found the thread that you weaved with him through the story interesting
〈                    Same with Sousa
〈                    It’s clear that if some of these guys who were really qualified composers, had whole orchestras, pianos, and other instruments and mediums to write in, they would be able to really express their talents – brass bands must be very limiting for true and talented composers
〈                    That might explain why guys like Leidzen and Ball (I know Broughton modern day, etc.) needed to go outside the S.A. to fulfill their actual gifts (not their missions necessarily)
〈                    I gave it the ol’ college effort and tried listening to the CD but only got into the third piece before I had to put on my Downhere CD J - but I did try! – that said, it is an excellent touch to the package
〈                    I like the fact you didn’t process the book as if a “story” with start (birth) and a progression to old age and death – you never really said or focused much on his old age, his shortcomings, any illnesses he had, or his death – you gave me the impression that eternity for him really had already begun on earth (good lesson).
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You can pick up your copy from our eStore (top right).
grace
sec

Testimonies (The War College)

We're putting up some War College testimonies at thewarcollege.com. Here are a few tastes:

"I have learned more in a year than I would have normally learned in a decade."

"I met Jesus while at the War College."

"The War College blew apart my little sheltered life... No one leaves the same."

"The calluses of my heart were shaved away."

"I came to The War College hoping for a quick year of intensive Bible training and then deployement. What I ended up with was a long year of intense Spiritual action which led me to fall in love. I fell in love with the broken..."

It is not too late to apply for this next semester with the REVOLUTION Session (thewarcollege.com for application) iN Charlotte and in Vancouver.
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Name of the LORD in the War Room today is Descendant Dove.

Much grace
stephenC

August 2, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

If you've not read the new JAC yet - WOMEN IN THE WAR - please enjoy, and tell ten of your friends...

Andrew Bale (UK Blogs on right) responds to the death of The Army scenario yesterday:
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"As long as The Army exists in the heart of at least one soldier somehwere it lives! When the Army began and Salvationists emmigrated from the UK to other parts of the world so the Army came to exist in those countries. The Army is not simply an organisation or an idea it is a living passion for the lost, for social justice, for holiness - it doesn't only exist in citadels or territories but in the hearts of soldiers. When the iron curtain fell 'soldiers' began to appear out of the cracks of ruined communist states - uniform and covenant intact after generations of oppression. As Coutts reminds us there is 'no discharge in this war!'. I hope (God willing) to fall at my post like GSR. The Army can never die while it continues to pulse through the veins of at least one covernanted soldier. Soldiership is not only my identity it is my life and my reason for being - I am first and foremost a soldier, set apart by Christ in the Army, for the lost and will be until I am promoted to glory!"
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And my comrade RD wrote that this Pray the Bible craze is actually starting to match its billing. We've been pumping it up for years and small groups have been discipling their lives according to it (pray the Bible out loud to God 15 minutes a day). The promise is that after a month y our life is changed. Well, reports are coming in of various groups composed of individuals who can testify to this.

Praise the Lord.

In the book TIPPING POINT, which people like us read from a revolutionary perspective, it takes something like PTB and its sticky, contagious character, to start an epidemic (in this case, spiritual epidemic). So, be enouraged- PTB is working, not only in individual lives but also in groups. And it has revolutionary potential. The pre-exponential days are exciting (Rob's term).

So, if you've been taught PTB and aren't doing it actively these days, how about pulling together your cell, your band, your youth group, your congregation, and laying in to some apostolic prayers, or Psalms, or Hymns of the Revelation? Let's see what God wants to do through this! We're working on another resource for this exercise called WARFARE PRAYER (includes warfare prayers, shouting prayers, imprecatory psalms, dead-raising prayers, and the Fight Songs)- stay tuned (07, we guess).
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(read the archived blogs for the passt few yeras...)

Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

August 1, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

The 44th issue of Journal of Aggressive Christianity has been up for about 10 hours already: WOMEN IN THE WAR. Dig in.
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I was discussing soldiership with a friend yesterday and it came up that soldier is the primary identity of my life. He thought I was a bit bonkers. But, really, if you are in a world war, a total war (the sociological phrase describe a situation in which all of the countries energies are focused on the war) it only makes sense that you so identify yourself.

Of course, lots pay only lip service to the war. And so they prefer to identify themselves as Christian or wife or salesman or halfback or something else that betrays a different world view.

My friend asked, 'what if The Army died to tomorrow? What would happen to your soldiership, your identity?'

Come on. You don't think something like that could take away your soldiership. The war continues...
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"PS The Salvation Army is pretty rad, I can't deny it." So wrote a friend, not yet a soldier.

I commented that this was just a cynical ploy to make the Sessional Quote Book. The reply came swiftly: I just don't want peopl to force me into soldiership.

(me): "Force you into soldiership"? Is that like, when you love a guy like crazy your friends and family have to gear up and mobilize to 'force you into marriage?'

Come on!
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Hat tip Jim Mancuso:
From Gregg Easterbrook’s article at ESPN.com!:

Great Physician Dies: In May, Lee Jong-wook died at the age of 61. He passed away a few hours after suffering a stroke, then undergoing emergency surgery that failed to remove a blood clot from his brain. Who was Lee Jong-wook? One of the world's leading physicians -- an expert on tuberculosis pathology and, on the day of his death, director general of the World Health Organization. Where did he die? At Geneva University Hospital in Switzerland, one of top health care institutions of any nation. So the head of the World Health Organization died young after receiving the best possible care. Memento mori: in Latin, "Remember that you too will die." The knock on your life's door could come at any hour. If it comes today, will your heart be ready?
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grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

July 31, 2006.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.

He is risen!

Hey, we've got this exciting opportunity for people looking to experience primitive salvationism up close and personal. What does that look like? Community, simplicity, evangelism, charismatics, discipleship, heroism...

It is a year long. It includes some intense training, some challenges to faith (faith is spelled r-i-s-k), and lots of fulfilling experiences

And it is cheaper than most people in the developed world cost just to live and breathe.

It is called The War College. And there is a tight new site up that describes it called thewarcollege.com. It is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. And we recommend it. The age range of students in the first three years is 41 years between oldest and youngest, so odds are that you fit! If you have any questions, fire away at info @ thewarcollege . com.

Grace,
StephenC
posted by Stephen Court