Concord Chronicle

In preparing Bible Studies, I often find myself diving down what can best be described in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” as a “rabbit hole”. I start in known territory but have no idea where a path will lead. So it was when I was pondering why so many people have difficulty with concept of “God is love”.

But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8 NLT

Those who want to be argumentative with me on this teaching inevitably want to dive into Old Testament examples of what, to their mind, contradict this loving essence of God. But I think they are mistaking what is going on:

Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the Lord rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. But he does not hesitate to punish and destroy those who reject him. Deuteronomy 7:8-10 NLT

The problem arises when we fail to distinguish between motives and emotions. You will notice that both those words have a component which is “-mot-“. This comes from the 2nd conjugation Latin verb “moveo, movere, movi, motus” which among other things means to “move, stir, agitate, affect, provoke, disturb” and even “dance”! It’s where we get words like “move”, “motor”, “motion”, and “locomotive” among others.

Emotions are hard to pin down. A lot of work has gone into trying to catalog and describe the feelings common to humans in various circumstances. The emotion annotation and representation language (EARL) proposed by the Human-Machine Interaction Network on Emotion (HUMAINE) classifies 48 emotions in 10 groups:

Negative and forceful

Anger, Annoyance, Contempt, Disgust, Irritation

Negative and not in control

Anxiety, Embarrassment, Fear, Helplessness, Powerlessness, Worry

Negative thoughts

Doubt, Envy, Frustration, Guilt, Shame

Negative and passive

Boredom, Despair, Disappointment, Hurt, Sadness

Agitation

Stress, Shock, Tension

Positive and lively

Amusement, Delight, Elation, Excitement, Happiness, Joy, Pleasure

Caring

Affection, Empathy, Friendliness, Love

Positive thoughts

Pride, Courage, Hope, Humility, Satisfaction, Trust

Quiet positive

Calmness, Contentment, Relaxation, Relief, Serenity

Reactive

Interest, Politeness, Surprise

You will notice that although love is in the list (under “caring”) it only represents a little over 2% of the emotions that swirl about in our lives even though popular entertainment and social media would lead you to think it should have 90% of our attention!

Motives, on the other hand, are much simpler to define and understand. A motive is something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act. A motive can be any goal we wish to attain. For some, ambition is what motivates them, for others power, or fame, or wealth, or attention. The list is almost endless! Even although you may “love” a daily coffee from Starbucks, Peets, Costa, or McDonalds, the goal of saving for retirement might be the motive that informs your actions! Motives help us to make choices (not always wise ones!)

Paul, writing to the church in Corinth sets forth his motivation for his actions:

If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:13-15 NLT

The “love” that motivates him is not the warm squishy good feelings of emotional love, but the motivating love that seeks the best outcomes for every human being. This is why we can “love” people we don’t even “like”!

We see the same motive quoted by Jesus himself in explaining why he came to earth:

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 NLT

And he wants his followers to embrace that same motivation:

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35 NLT

Or, as John the Apostle expresses it:

We love each other because he loved us first. 1John 4:19 NLT

So, the next time someone confronts your faith with a question that begins, “…how can a God of love…?”, be sure to point out that they are being confused by emotion when they should be looking at motives! We should be happy that God is not confused or swayed by human emotion, He only wants what is truly best for us and is working all circumstances out for our good! All the time!

For more characteristics of motivational love, may I suggest a reading of 1 Corinthians 13. You’ll love it!

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

As you know, I do like to share pics of our church life on social media which includes this newsletter and my personal Facebook page. I don't normally post pics with people unless they are warned onto the general Salvation Army Concord Corps Facebook Page. I have not received any complaints thus far for sharing. However, if you can complete a consent forms per family/person, I would appreciate it. I have received a handful.

This way I will have this on file if there were any questions asked. You may always choose to decline consent in the future. Please note that as we stream our Sunday services to the private Corps Family Page, you may also be seen.

Link to Consent Form: https://form.jotform.com/241376502030040

SUNDAY

• 9:00 AM - Praise Team Rehearsal - Chapel
• 9:45 AM - Songsters Rehearsal - Chapel
• 10:00 AM - Spiritual Education & Discipleship Classes
• Corps Cadets - Classroom 2
• College Age Class - Classroom 1
• Adult Sunday School - Songster Room (up the stairs on the right side of the Chapel)
• 11:00 AM - Worship Service - Chapel
• 12:15 PM - Food and Fellowship - Outside (Note: Bring a picnic lunch to eat outdoors. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and sit beneath the shade of the trees. The men will also put tables and canopies up for your pleasure.)
• 12:30 PM - Beginning Band Rehearsal - Chapel
• 1:00 PM - Youth Chorus Rehearsal - Chapel

MONDAY-FRIDAY - Mike O'Reilly on vacation.

TUESDAY

• 4:30 PM - Craft Class - Classroom 2
• 6:00 PM - Adult Bible Study
• Men's Bible Study - Fireside Room (enter through the back kitchen door)
• 7:00 PM - LAST Songsters Practice - Chapel
• 8:00 AM - Senior Band Practice - Chapel

WEDNESDAY

• 9:00 AM - Women's Fellowship (CAMEO): Brunch with Buddies - Day trip to Wilton (We will be leaving earlier than usual. Meet in parking lot.)

FRIDAY - Cindy Hodges out of the office.

SATURDAY

• 11:00 AM - Family Fun Day - Newell Community Park (Bring a dish to share. The corps will provide protein for the BBQ.)

NEXT SUNDAY, June 9th

We will recognize the following students:

1. Rhys Jones – Bachelor of Music in Music Education, San Jose State University
2. Essence McCoy – AA transfer to Nursing School
3. Charles McCoy – AA transfer to UC Berkeley
4. Samantha Curtis – AA transfer to Sacramento State
5. Liam McKaigg – Promoting to High School
6. Rachelle Cuevas – Promoting to High School
7. Tayla Williams – Promoting to Middle School
8. Noah Daniel – Promoting to Kindergarten

Divisional Music & Creative Arts Camp - June 22-29 - $100

This camp offers an opportunity for young people with basic through advanced music and creative arts skills to hone their creative abilities, work as part of a team, and showcase their skills and talents at various weekly activities including soloist night, elective showcase, and a final concert.

Discovery Camp - July 15-19 - $75

This camp offers an opportunity for the campers to participate in more traditional camping experiences like lake front swimming, arts and crafts, archery, ropes, rock wall, hiking, boating, and more.

The camp site is now accepting registrations. The process involves a few steps, so it won't hurt to start now. Please mailto:AnnMarguerite.Jones@usw.salvationarmy.org with questions or to register.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

As in the past couple of years, we have included an elective class for our students, in addition to the regular VBS rotations of crafts, lunch, games, and Bible study. This year, we have the following:

• Beginning Brass Band - Students will learn how to play the basic scale on a trumpet, if they do not already have an instrument of their own, and perform a couple of songs at the Graduation Celebration Sunday.
• Percussion - Students will learn the basic rudiments on the snare drum.
• Mission Focus - Students will do hands on daily service projects that will bless our community - for example, make blessing bags for the homeless, pack party kits for foster homes, and collect food for the pantry.
• Tactile Art - Students will work behind the scenes on more detailed, time-consuming art projects that will be displayed or used for our final concert.
• Dance - Students will choreograph and perform a dance to a Christian song.
• Ukulele - Students will learn a few basic chords and a couple of songs that will be performed in our Graduation Sunday Celebration.

Please complete registration using this link: https://form.jotform.com/241377716896169

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - First time volunteers must attend this Child Safety Course

12:00 - 12:30 PM - Lunch for attendees

12:30 - 2:00 PM - All volunteers will report for VBS program review and assignments

See Major Ann if you are unsure as to which portion of the day you are to attend.

Are you ready for a life-changing retreat, full of worship, fellowship, fun and learning? We are delighted to tell you that it is time to register for Anthem!

What is Anthem?

Anthem is a week-long event for young adults, ages 18 - 28, that gives space for participants to explore the story of Jesus and learn how it intertwines with their own stories and the stories of others. Anthem is more than an event; it’s a safe place for young adults to experience community and discover what it means to live out the story of Jesus in their own lives.

This year, the focus will be on Stories of Grace from the scriptures and from hearing each other’s.

When: August 5th -10th, 2024

Where:

Camp Redwood Glen

3100 Bean Creek Rd.

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

How:

Sign up at the following link: https://wyiapp.usawest.org or visit www.sayconnect.com/anthem

Cost: Varies by time block (see below)

Delegate Portion: Early Bird (May 16-June 4) $65; Tier 2 (June 5-25) $80; Final (June 26-July 8) $95

Transportation will be arranged by the division or through self transportation. More details to follow once registration is closed.

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.

UNITED KINGDOMAND IRELAND TERRITORY

Commissioner Paul Main - Territorial Commander

Commissioner Jenine Main - Territorial Leader for Leader Development

Colonel Peter Forrest - Chief Secretary

Colonel Julie Forrest - Territorial Secretary for Leader Development

We praise and thank God:

• Together24 will take place in Newport, Wales, 12 – 14 July. We pray for this territorial congress which will include the commissioning of new officers and celebrate 150 years of Salvation Army mission and ministry in Wales.
• We praise God for the good attendances at recent Design for Life and Exploring Leadership events. We pray for all Salvationists to consider God’s call to spiritual leadership and opportunities to serve.
• The Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Department has done vital work to fight for social justice and offer compassionate care since 2011. We pray for the developing partnerships with other Salvation Army territories across Europe, Africa, the South Pacific and East Asia and united work in protection and prevention.
• We praise God for his faithfulness during the past year of structural change and huge challenges for the territory. We pray that God will continue to lead and inspire us, to call and equip his people to minister in the name of Jesus in every expression of Salvation Army mission.

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