Concord Chronicle

It has been incredibly busy preparing for our Women's Day Retreat, but it was all worth it. The women who came enjoyed themselves and went home with tools to keep growing in the Lord and with ideas on how to put their faith into action.

I was able to spend quality time with my friend, our guest speaker, Major Beth Desplancke. We served together in our second year of Training College at the Redondo Beach Corps 26 years ago! It was fun catching up on each other's lives and sharing the various joys like our marriages and children and challenges we have experienced that have broken us, humbled us, reshaped us, made us stronger, and made us more sensitive to those around us. I was so grateful for her visit and challenged by the messages she delivered.

After I dinner together on Saturday night, I returned home to find that our neighborhood was pitch black. The power had gone out! My husband and children were out to dinner since they didn't want to open up the fridge or freezer. (And the power didn't come back on until Sunday afternoon after dropping her off at the airport.)

I used my phone flashlight to find the lighter and strategically placed candles around the house and in the bedrooms and bathrooms so that the rest of the family could get around the house safely. It is amazing how one candle could cast such a wide glow!

It was a reminder to me that every person can make a difference in his or her part of the world. Our presence should bring light into the darkness.

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:5-7 NIV

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." Ephesians 5:8 NIV

Keep radiating His light!

AnnMarguerite Jones

Some of the things Jesus told his disciples and are recorded in the Gospels are downright scary!

Check out this exchange prompted by a question from Philip:

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! John 14:9-14 NLT

“Greater works?”, “anything?”, what is Jesus talking about?

I think we forget just how much Jesus limited himself by taking on human form.

For example, when asked about the timing of the fulfillment of the establishment of his kingdom on this earth Jesus told the disciples, “… no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” Matthew 24:36 NLT

Part of the omniscient God just confessed to ignorance!

Jesus limited himself in time and space just as we are. Before his resurrection and ascension, he could only physically be in one place at a time, afterward, that restriction appears to have been lifted given his miraculous appearances and disappearances.

In his earthly ministry, he faced mainly religious opposition. He did not involve himself in the politics of the time between the Judean, Samarian, Herodian, or Roman factions all vying for power and influence. He avoided all that and instead proclaimed a spiritual kingdom of repentance, grace, mercy, and inclusion, regardless of race, ethnic origin, education, or familial connections.

Jesus offers as evidence for the coming kingdom the “works” the disciples had seen him do. For them that would mainly be healing and restoration both mentally as well as physically. It is these same “works” that he asserts will be done to a greater degree and scope by his disciples.

As the author Arthur C. Clarke famously noted — “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”!

I would suggest that we unconsciously perform many healing miracles today that would have been unimaginable, and therefore miraculous, to the disciples following Jesus. Applying an antibacterial ointment on a cut to ward off infection would certainly have been regarded as miraculous as applying ointment to the eyes to restore sight. Antibiotics have certainly been regarded as miracle drugs since the last century. I am sure you can come up with many examples involving technology and science and increased knowledge that most certainly would be regarded as major miracles in Jesus’ time on earth.

I would argue that the “greater works” part of Jesus’ prophecy has been and is being, fulfilled in our time. And, of course, in a typical God-like manner, the Father does not restrict the benefits for only a chosen few but benefits his whole creation. The evidence is all around us that the limited miracles Jesus was performing are being replicated every day in large numbers by his followers! My church’s food pantry alone has fed more than five thousand souls recently!

As for asking “anything" in his name, I think the key is to understand what Jesus meant by that. He specifically qualifies the request by “in his name”. That means we are to ask for things that he would ask for, which precludes a lot of things we would ask for!

In a nutshell, Jesus wants us to think like him and petition the father for what Jesus would do in that situation.

Obviously the big difficulty is for us to think like Jesus! I think this was what Paul had in mind when writing to the church in Philippi:

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

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. Philippians 2:5-8 NLT

Or as the KJV puts it “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”.

When put that way, it makes sense that if we ask for what Jesus wants, although he is not obligated to do so, he is happy to enact our prayer for his will, and in fact guarantees it!

Let’s be out there doing good because it’s what Jesus would do, not because it strokes our ego or selfishness.

There are a lot of great things yet to be done, Jesus is anxious to help us do them! Greater things indeed!

Guaranteed!

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 - The Power of the Holy Spirit Names - Library/Hybrid
• No senior music rehearsals this week.

WEDNESDAY

• 10:00 AM - CAMEO Meeting: Rooted in Gentleness - Fireside Room

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.

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.

Commissioner Douglas F. Riley - Territorial Commander

Commissioner Colleen R. Riley - Territorial President of Women's Ministries

Colonel Eddie Vincent - Chief Secretary

Colonel Genevera Vincent - Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries

Prayer requests:

• We thank God that He is alive and well in our Territory. We thank Him for the blessings he pours out and for what the future holds for His Kingdom.
• Pray for continued movement of the Holy Spirit through the Territory. In every program, ministry, corps and division, we want the Holy Spirit to continue to guide us in every way.
• For God to continue to bring men and women as officers. We had a beautiful Future Officers Fellowship weekend, and we praise God for commitments made. We believe God is continuing to call and we are asking that hearts be open to that calling and His leading.
• We ask for prayers for our remotest ministries in Saipan, Chuuk, Guam, Pohnpei, Majuro and the islands, as well as the remotest places in Alaska. May God continue to bring resources for the ministry there. And we ask for prayer over the officers and ministry leaders in these areas, that they would remain safe and well and uplifted by the prayers and encouragement of others.
• We believe that revival is here in this Territory. We can sense it, and we ask for prayer that this would continue, and that men and women and girls and boys would come to know Jesus as their personal Savior. And that those who know Him would grow deeper in their faith.

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