Endings & beginings

There is a tradition at our training college that the Cadets do a count down to their departure starting at the one hundred day mark.  100 days until 'freedom' from the rigours of training, homework, the schedule, rubrics, assignments and what not.  100 days until some would say they can get out into the 'real world' and begin 'real ministry.'

For the seventh year now as a CFOT staff member I have witnessed another session of cadets pass the 100 day mark, sign their covenants, walk across the stage to get their appointments and move on down the road to their new ministry opportunities.   Its truly an exciting thing to watch.  A transformation occurs in the teachable spirit (we do get a few 'know it all's" but they do learn a thing or two while here) after spending twenty two months in community.

On this Sunday I am thinking of these new officers as they experience their last 'free' Sunday until the burden of leadership truly begins to reside on their shoulders.  Its the moment when what was sureal becomes real.  The countdowns are over.  The anticipatation is passing.  The adjustments to life outside the community of sessionmates begins.  Reality begins.

A scripture that I often reflect on from the psalms in the context of my own ministry and passing life: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."  Psalm 90:12

There are a set of numbers I have been dwelling on lately:  32, 8, 12.   This week I start my 32nd year as an officer in the Salvation Army.  I also start my 8th year in my appointment at CFOT.  And I have 12 years of active service as an officer left.

In these numbers my prayer is that I will truly gain 'a heart of widsom', that my life will reflect 'the so what' of ministry.  Countdowns and numbers in general can be elusaive, another way to waste time or they can be helpful for us to focus on the now.

My young officer friends have many years of work ahead of them.  May each one of them be found 'faithful in the day that tries by fire.'   CFOT life is over for them but a new begining awaits.  I pray that Psalm 90:12 will become a breathing reality for them and for me as we walk down this road of service for God together.

Blessings to the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session.  Go forward!

Post Modern Holiness

http://www.graceandpeacemagazine.org/magazine/archived-issues/21-issue-summerfall-2011/242-postmodern-holiness

A very helpful article by Diane Leclerc in regards to understanding the need to use metaphors in our holiness preaching and teaching in a Post Modern era


Here is a sample:

"I have a theory as to why: I believe we have a whole generation of pastors who were deeply affected by the very legalistic period in the history of the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Without going into a 20th-century history lesson, let’s just say the world obviously shifted in dramatic ways in the 1960s. For the emerging generation of holiness youth of that day, perfectionism would not cut it. Many left the tradition. I believe it is precisely the generation of pastors either going through this shift or being born in it who perhaps failed to find healthier ways to express our doctrine. We certainly did not want to continue to preach legalism. And so, perhaps, we ceased to preach Christian Perfection at all, or we chose words and metaphors so different from traditional holiness language that my students now fail to recognize what they heard as a unique or distinct message. I find this particularly acute around their understanding of sin, integrity, and sanctification."

Diane will be teaching us at the National Training Seminar in July as all the US and Canada training college staffs gather.  

Intimate Fellowship

Some of my thoughts that were shared today in my teaching at the Brengle Institute:

For Samuel Logan Brengle, holiness consisted in being transformed into the image of Christ by the power of the Spirit.

“When He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, that holy of holies within us is then occupied and out from that center of our being His life radiates through all our affections, disposition, tempers and activities” (Brengle - from Sanctified Sanity pg. 105).

The indwelling Holy Spirit (as Holy Guest) makes possible the intimate fellowship and communion with Jesus, which Brengle called “the secret of happiness and holiness”.

My thoughts: The idea of holiness needs to become more of our language today.  For whatever reasons, we tend to shun away from it.  If we can rest more on the thought how God greatly desires intimate fellowship with him and we are open to being drawn into the deep recesses of His tremendous love, holiness of heart will become more of our daily reality.

Commissioning Day!

This day, the session of Cadets known as the "Proclaimers of the Resurrection" will be commissioned and sent to their new appointments throughout the great Western Territory.

Each commissioned officer stops at a time of year and reflects back to his or her commission.  Its a very high and holy calling that no one person can achieve in their own strength.  Its a life of service and sacrifice, one doesn't enter into lightly.

For me, this weekend marks the completion of 31 years of active, unbroken service.  Indeed I have been blessed beyond measure.

We have recently here in the west have had the privilege of commissioning larger numbers of Cadets.  Some cynics have asked me if these people are doing this because they can't get work else where.  I am quick to remind those who inquire that if someone approaches this work with a 'hireling' mentality, they will not last.  It will become evident soon enough that indeed God didn't call them.

God is moving in our midst and He still has great plans to use this Salvation Army that he raised up 148 years ago.  These new officers today step across the stage and into their new appointments, equipped to meet the changing challenges in the strength of God's Spirit.

These are God's called people to do His holy work.  Its been an honor to be with them for these past two years as their Training Principal, teacher, counselor and friend.  I welcome my new colleagues to the ranks this day and say congratulations to each of them.

God bless our new officers.  God bless The Salvation Army world wide on this day.

Come to the Quiet

"As morning breaks I look to you. O God, to be my strength this day." ~ John Michael Talbot from "Come to the Quiet" 


 http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=18JydPnOxCI&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D18JydPnOxCI

One of the things I have learned so far on this journey is that God never uses one way to get our attention to draw us to Him.  For some, its noise, lights, smoke and glitz.  For others, its the quiet. Silence.  The simple.

Gary Thomas' book, "Sacred Pathways", was a read that freed me in many ways recently.  I made the connection finally that I am truly a contemplative in my expression of worship.  It doesn't make me better or weirder than anyone else.  I am energized in the silence.   I am comfortable alone and even in a crowd I am able to ponder.  I think about what I sing.  I stop on words that are troubling or inspiring.

My problem is that sometimes I think and anyalize way too much.  As I sing a '7-11' song over and over (7 words repeated 11 times - when you think about it is really liturgy by the way) I have to catch myself not becoming uber critical and actually let the words minister to my soul.

In the process I am learning that my way is not the best way for others.  Nor is their way the right way for me.  We are each uniquely and wonderfully made.  One style of worship never trumps another.  Just because I may not jump up and raise my hands doesn't make me any less spiritual than the one that enjoys that sort of expressive worship.

For me, its the quiet and I come, usually in the morning, with a cup of coffee, the open word of God, and my open heart, longing to be renewed this day.

For you, you can tell me but more importantly, whatever means and way it is, follow the longings of your heart.  Go deeper.

Finding Rest

Its a sad day in the Salvation Army world as word reached us this morning that General Linda Bond has resigned as General and will be entering retirement effective immediately.

The news is stunning as we enter the commissioning weekend but trusting God's hand remains firm in place over this organization.  Begin praying now for our next General that faces numerous challenges leading this world wide movement.

A verse to pray through this day:  "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him."  Psalm 62:1

No More Words

Some brothers went to see Abba Felix, and they begged him to say a word to them. But the old man kept silence. After they had asked for a long time, he said to them, "You wish to hear a word?"  They said, "Yes, Abba." Then the old man said to them, "There are no more words nowadays. When the brothers used to consult the old men, and when they did what was said to them, God showed them how to speak. But now, since they ask without doing that which they hear, God has withdrawn the grace of the word from the old men. They do not find anything to say, since there are no longer any who carry out their words." Hearing this the brothers groaned, saying, "Pray for us, Abba."

One of the experiences I have had on my journey is when somone comes to me for advice about a matter.  Sometimes I need time to process their question and concern.  That involves prayer and contemplation.  Other times the answer comes quickly.

But one of the frustrations in giving advice is when its not heeded in the least.  I am no spring chicken and I have been around the block many times in my three plus decades of service.  That experience counts for something.

I am learning not to be hasty with my words and take time to listen.  I am also learning I am not responsible for the implentation of the advice that is sought.  I dispense.  The hearer can choose to respond or not.

Spiritual listening involves a great amount of discernment on both the advisor and the advice seeker.  Don't waste words but don't cast off advice sought.  The well of words may dry up sooner than one might expect.

I'm Back

Finally...I made my way back to blogspot.  A forgotten password and a platefull of activities have distracted me.  Thanks to Cadet Joe West who asked me a few weeks ago where my blog had went...well...its back.

Updates:  Currently, still the TP at CFOT Western Territory USA

Me - Finished 2nd Intensive in the Dmin program at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.  Working on 3rd Intensive and pounding out my thesis on "The Sabbath and The Salvationist."

Laura and Adam Fyn got married in July 2012 and have moved to NY where they are both working with the Salvation Army in the Greater NY Division

Alex received certification in training for enviromental health systems as a technician in supervisor roles for asbestos removal (and other things)  He is working as an independant contractor.  Currently on a three week job in Taft, CA.

Victoria successfully completed the 10th grade at PV High, is working part time and going to summer school this summer.  The big junior year ahead.

Cindy completed her Arrow Leadership training in February and has been extremely busy at Crestmont with a mryaid of ministry opportunities.

Of substance:

"First, there is absolutely nothing in what Jesus himself or his early followers taught that suggests you can decide just to enjoy forgiveness at Jesus’s expense and have nothing more to do with him." Dallas Willard

More stuff coming as I will revive this blog and share....

Blessings.