Taking from The Salvation Army USA promise “Doing the most good,” we need
To consider Doing the most right. That doesn’t mean being more right than someone else. It means we just must do what’s right. That’s not always an easy decision, but it has to be what we do.

Sometimes it takes courage. Sometimes it presents anxiety. Sometimes it hurts. It’s always right. Hallelujah!

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” Romans 11:33 NIV

Everyone agrees that integrity is a wholesome characteristic of good people, holy people, constructive leaders, parents, teachers, ministers, etc…

Is it something you have or don’t have? Is it something you acquire and never lose?

I believe it’s something we need to constantly and conscientiously improve upon. We need to guard ourselves so that we can maintain this standing and we need to revisit some past situations to evaluate how we can repair and correct parts of our lives that have been less that right.

Some circumstances cannot be corrected. They leave a stain. We can live circumspectly so as to not aggravate a poor choice in the past that diminishes our own integrity.

I’m very much beating around the bush here. How about this: God said,”Be holy because I am holy.” That’s a day to day joy that defines integrity. God will help us.

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV

Bad news is time to trust and time to pray.

Because of the good news of the love of God for each of us, bad news is never so bad. Bad news can involve pain, disappointment, discouragement, and more, but the good news of God’s care makes even the worst news better.

Often, bad news requires action on our part, or at least a good decision. Faith does not mean that we ignore the bad or bury our heads in the sand. We move towards God and trust Him through. He will not leave us helpless. Hey, that’s good news. Hallelujah!

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14 NIV

Are you happy with the same old, same old? I’m not. The way we have served through the years have brought us to this wonderful moment in history. The fact is, that today is a new day, in need of a newer approach to mission. The gospel hasn’t changed and will not, but our methods to present the gospel and serve the Lord must remain fresh.

SAVN.TV is moving forward along these lines as are our initiatives to further minister to ARC beneficiaries and summer campers. I see us moving in most of our ministries. I pray that our people will act with courageous faith to advance the Kingdom of God today and every day. Hallelujah!

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Where do we turn when we are seeking the deep truths of life? In many cases, parents are a good place to start. I am fortunate to have parents that have always been loving, honest and purposeful. The foundation they provided me is irreplaceable and gives me an acknowledged advantage today. Their love for God, each other and us kids kept us safe and gave us hope.

Many don’t have such a start. Perhaps there was that teacher in school who showed a special interest in understanding you or the neighbor, or the minister. Certainly the truths in life are found best in the context of a relationship where understanding can come from one person to another.

At this place in life I have learned much from my wife. She faithfully tolerates my distractions and sees me through to the truth in dependable and unconditional ways.

Our kids, originals and additions (you have to know our story), have taught me amazing truth. Often I’m tempted to force my truth upon them and they lovingly and respectfully temper my proclivities towards truth, stronger than context.

The constant thread in all of these relationships is the provision and care of God. He awakens my heart to His truth and reminds me that relative truth is a facade. His truth reigns in every culture, generation, and circumstance. His truth resoundingly amplifies His love for me and all that I love.

I find His truth in my soul. I find His truth in His Word, the Bible. I find His truth sets me free and yet defines authentic freedom that has parameters. I find His truth does not waver.

I am glad we can know the truth. It’s found in Jesus. Yes!

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No person comes to the Father but by me.” (John’s gospel)

It’s on its way. People Count 2.0 is a newly modified mission message service that drives mission imperatives forward in our ministries. Watch for it in a day or two and try it out. There”ll be a video, mission statistics, graphs, stories of saving grace, and opportunities to affirm each other throughout the territory.

It will accomplish two major objectives:

1. Glorify God by detailing how He is moving through our ministries

2. Accentuate the mission imperatives of the territory

What are the mission imperatives? Check out People Count and you’ll find out.

I can tell you that as of the latest reports, the following ministries had more than 25 people come to saving grace this past week:

Riverside CA Corps
Serendipity Senior Day Care Center, Alaska
Federal Way Corps, WA
San Pedro Temple, CA
Lytton ARC, CA

Hallelujah!

“[Life Through the Spirit] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 NIV