Concord Chronicle

I have long been intrigued by what makes people be attracted to hardship when easier, cushier options are readily available. For example. Olympic athletes will put in countless hours of effort and sacrifice innumerable opportunities for other pleasures just for an opportunity to compete that only comes around once in every four years. The reality of their situation is that they are unlikely to be crowned Olympic Champion, but the reward of having participated seems to be reward enough to inspire endurance and repeated self-sacrifice.

There are countless examples throughout history of heroes choosing the path of hardship and adversity when capitulation or surrender would be easier and safer. Great leaders often employ unvarnished honesty about the apparent futility of the circumstances facing them to rally forces to their cause. Witness Sir Winston Churchill’s famous offering in the darkest hour of World War Two, “…I have nothing to offer you but blood, toil, tears and sweat…”. Far from depressing his forces, this proclamation became an inspiration to concentrate on eventual victory rather than short-term comfort and/or danger.

Down through the years many have been attracted to a monastic life of simplicity, poverty and hardship to free their minds and spirits of the distractions of comfort and pleasure.

I have often asked why it is that the religion of Islam continues to attract followers when most of its practices are inconvenient, at best, and almost suicidal at worst! And yet old and young alike are attracted to the intellectual honesty of the difficulties involved.

Despite the blatant dishonesty of those preaching a “prosperity” gospel, any reading of the teachings of Jesus will understand the he never sugar-coated the struggles and opposition facing his followers.

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.” Matthew 24:9 NLT

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 NLT

His hearers certainly understood that the only reason for picking up a cross in their lives was to carry it to their place of execution by the Roman authorities! Of course, Jesus never asked his followers to do something he wasn’t prepared to do himself:

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6-11 NLT

So a Jesus-follower should have no illusions about the difficulty of being a disciple!

But Jesus did give us instruction for how to behave in addition to just imitating his behavior in similar circumstances:

I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 NLT

Forewarned is forearmed!

Jesus’ simile is vivid, we are like lambs in the middle of a wolf-pack! Our defense in such a situation certainly cannot be to try and out-wolf the wolves! They will certainly be attracted to us a prey. Aggression won’t work! We will have to be smart! There is safety in numbers! Stay away from where the wolves are strongest!

The second simile Jesus uses is that of snakes and doves. Here Jesus is not alluding to the Garden-of-Eden serpent, but the common belief that snakes were wise and wily. They knew which environments were hostile and used that knowledge to protect themselves. They were never reckless and easy victims.

The apostle Paul gives us an example of modeling the “wise as serpents, harmless as doves” technique. Paul lived in dove-like innocence in good conscience before God (Acts 23:1) and learned to deny his carnal desires so as not to jeopardize his ministry (1 Corinthians 9:27). But Paul also displayed serpent-like shrewdness when he needed it. He knew his legal rights and used the legal system to his advantage (Acts 16:37; 22:25; 25:11). He also carefully crafted his speeches to maximize the impact on his audience (Acts 17:22–23; 23:6–8).

In Matthew 10:16, I think Jesus is teaching us how to optimize our gospel-spreading opportunities. Successful Christian living requires that we strike the optimal balance between the dove and the snake. We should strive to be gentle without being pushovers, and we must be sacrificial without being taken advantage of. We are aware of the unscrupulous tactics used by the enemy, but we take the high road.

In his letter to the Church the Apostle Peter instructs us:

“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” 1 Peter 2:12 NLT.

If you find yourself living comfortably at peace with this world it might be time to re-examine your relationship with Jesus. Imagining world peace means something different to a Jesus follower than to someone who is not. Jesus certainly is the Prince of Peace, but as he himself pointed out —

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT

Jesus’ peace is of a different kind and not anything the world can give.

So let’s go spread the message of his love for all, but let’s be careful out there!

Be snake smart and dove gentle!

Blessings on you and yours,

Jim Black

P.S. If you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study

SUNDAY

• 9:00 AM - Youth Praise Team Practice - Chapel
• 10:00 AM - Corps Cadets - Classroom 2
• 10:00 AM - Young Adult Bible Study - Classroom 3
• 10:00 AM - Adult Bible Study - Library
• 10:30 AM - Prayer Time - Prayer Room
• 11:00 AM - Worship Service - Chapel
• 12:15 PM - Food & Fellowship - Fireside Room
• 12:30 PM - Beginning Band Practice - Chapel
• 1:00 PM - Youth Chorus Practice - Chapel

NOTE: We are focusing on Encore materials now. So we encourage our participants to attend practices.

TUESDAY

• 4:30 PM - Craft Class - Library
• 6:00 PM - Men's Bible Study - Fireside Room
• 6:00 PM - "One At A Time" Bible Study - Library
• 7:00 PM - Songsters Rehearsal - Chapel
• 8:00 PM - Senior Band Rehearsal - Chapel

TUESDAY - THURSDAY

• Mike O'Reilly will be taking a group to Camp Del Oro for the EDS Training.
• Major Gwyn Jones will be at THQ for meetings.

WEDNESDAY

• 10:00 AM - CAMEO Meeting: Women's Day Retreat Prep - Fireside Room

FRIDAY (Cindy out of the office.)

SATURDAY - What's A Woman To Do? Women's Day Retreat - Concord Corps

• 9:00 AM - Registration
• 9:30 AM - Opening Session
• 10:45 AM - Workshop 1
• 12:00 PM - Lunch
• 12:45 PM - Workshop 2
• 2:00 PM - Closing Session
• 3:00 PM - Accessory Exchange
• 3:30 PM - Head Home

NOTE: Please register with Major Willdonna if you would like to attend.

This Lent, let us reflect on God’s outrageous love and his generosity to us - and respond.

For forty days, we invite you to engage in 40 acts of kindness, each act inspired by Scripture.

Let us reach out to our communities with kindness and through our display of love, care and generosity, may we make the goodness of our God known.

One small, significant act at a time.

Pick up your journal on Sunday in the Chapel Foyer.

March 16 - Concord's Women's Day Retreat, Concord

March 16 - Divisional Young Adult/FOF Fellowship, DYS' House

April 5-7 - Divisional Youth/Corps Cadet Retreat, Camp Del Oro

May 4 - Divisional Men's Rally, Kroc Center

May 18 - Divisional Women's Rally, Kroc Center

Please see Major Ann Jones if you have any questions.

This is our third annual Women's Day Retreat. Our first year we talked about who we are in Christ - being "Fashioned by His Grace". Last year, we focused on or "stories" - acknowledging what God is doing in our lives and letting that be known. This year's theme is all about action! We don't want to just "talk" about who God is and who we are, but putting out faith into action.

SIGN UP with Major Willdonna soon! Registration is due March 11th.

The Del Oro Youth Department would like to invite all Young Adults and FOFers (Future Officer Fellowship members - those interested in becoming a Salvation Army Officer or working towards that goal) to the “REFUGE” Young Adults Gathering. This will be a time for young adults and those interested in FOF to come and fellowship together. Come get to know your peers, play games, share stories and enjoy some delicious pozole!

Let us know by March 14th if you will be stopping by, that way we have plenty of food to share!

What: “REFUGE” Young Adults Gathering

When: Saturday, March 16th at 4:00 pm

Who: Young Adults and FOFers (18+ years old)

Where:

The DYS House

5412 Banderas Way

Sacramento, CA 95835

What: "GUTS" Divisional Youth Rally/Corps Cadet Retreat

When: April 5-7, 2024

Who: Ages 13-17 years old (18 years old if still in high school or members of the Divisional Youth Music sections. Older participants will be asked to assist with programming and chaperoning duties throughout the weekend too.)

Cost: $75 covers program materials, food, and lodging

Where: Camp Del Oro

We are excited to share some information about the upcoming Divisional Youth Retreat (DYR), “GUTS”, April 5-7, 2024 at Camp Del Oro. Our theme scripture for the weekend is 2 Timothy 1:7. Throughout the weekend, we will focus on how the Holy Spirit gives us power, love, and self-discipline, and how God speaks to us and through us. DYR is a wonderful opportunity for our delegates to build friendships, participate in fun activities and hear and experience the word of God together.

We will also take time to highlight Corps Cadets, completing ACTs together and recognizing the accomplishments of our Corps Cadet participants throughout this last year.

Divisional Youth Music sections will be participating this weekend. Bring all items required for your group.

Registration is due March 25th. (Cabins will be assigned in the order in which completed registration forms are received. So, let's get it turned in early!)

What: "THE EPIC BATTLE" Divisional Men's Rally

When: Saturday, May 4th - ONE DAY ONLY

Cost: $40 covers materials, food, and rental costs

Where: Suisun Kroc Center

Inspired by the powerful message of 2 Chronicles 20:15, which reminds us that the battle belongs to God and that He will grant us victory. This scripture serves as a profound reminder of our dependence on God's strength and guidance in all of life's challenges.

Here's what you can look forward to at our Men's Rally:

• Fellowship: Strengthen your bonds with fellow brothers in Christ as we unite and support one another on our spiritual journeys. This event is strategically made so that your congregation can fellowship with their corps members, as well as people from other corps. Let’s fellowship and encourage one another.
• Fun: Prepare for an exhilarating adventure in the battle arena that combines the best of RC car racing and strategic battles on a specially designed track! Your corps will be challenged to customize their very own RC car with different pieces to make the ultimate Machine. Get ready for thrills, spills, and plenty of friendly competition! (RC Car and Supplies will be provided at the event)
• Food: Indulge in delicious food and refreshments as we gather to share the joy of fellowship and camaraderie.
• Worship: Lift your voices in praise and worship as we honor our Almighty God, who grants us victory in every battle we face. Our theme song will be “The Battle Belongs To You” By Phil Wickham.
• Scripture: there will be two breakout sessions where we will receive Scriptural teaching from some of our well-seasoned officers. Let’s go deeper into the word of God and find out what it truly means to let God fight our battles!

This rally offers something for everyone so invite all the men in your congregation!

Sign-ups begin now and will end on April 15th.

What: "FLOURISH" Divisional Women's Rally

When: Saturday, May 18th - ONE DAY ONLY

Cost: $50 covers t-shirt, lunch, and program materials (extra fee for crafts)

Where: Suisun Kroc Center

We are excited to announce Flourish as the theme for our 2024 Divisional Women’s Rally! The theme comes from Psalm 92:13, “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.” Our Women’s Department is planning a unforgettable day filled with workshops, live auction, grab bags, live music, words of encouragement and much more!

We are also doing our infamous grab bag and silent auction fundraisers. There is also a live auction portion and an opportunity to purchase the centerpieces at the end of the day.

Registration is due April 22nd.

This initiative of turning our thoughts and prayers towards the same part of the world at some point in the same week is a beautiful way to unite us as a global Army family and I thank you for the commitment you each give to this.

TAIWAN REGION

Major Sara Tam (Mei-Shun) - Regional Commander

Major A-Tuan (Grace) Weng - Regional Secretary for Women's Ministries

Prayer requests:

• Succession plan of our Region – pray for more young people responding to the call for officership.
• Sustainability of our mission – pray for God’s wisdom to manage our resources especially in finance and properties.
• Ministry to the homeless – pray for guidance and insight to strengthen the present ministry and new initiatives to meet the various needs of this community.
• New corps building for Neihu Corps – pray for a suitable property which could accommodate the growth of the ministries in Neihu District.

TradeWest is excited to announce that we’ll be collecting art submissions for the Testify Congress Art Contest. This is open to all Salvationist around the Territory. 1 winner from each category will have their art featured on an item that we’ll sell at the TradeWest store during the Congress weekend, June 14-16, 2024, at the Pasadena Convention Center and receive a $50.00 Amazon gift card!

All submissions must be emailed to artcontest24@usw.salvationarmy.org along with your name, age, and Corps/Division by April 7, 2024. We look forward to seeing you at the TradeWest Store in June!

Details of competition in flyer below.

Email: annmarguerite.jones@usw.salvationarmy.org
Website: https://www.SalvationArmyConcordCA.org
Location: 3950 Clayton Road, Concord, CA, USA
Phone: (925) 676-6180
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tsaconcord