March 2024 Bible Study: The Suffering of Jesus

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By Major Sybil Smith
Torrance, CA Corps
Southern California Division

OVERVIEW:
In this *study we will be looking at the different times throughout Scripture in which Jesus faced suffering in His life. We will read the passages, and ask questions that may foster further understanding of what took place in each of these vulnerable times in Jesus’ life and ministry. We will then look into further Scriptures which may help us see where we truly are in “Solidarity in the suffering of Jesus Christ.”

NOTE: This is quite an extensive study and could be broken down into studying smaller sections over several weeks.

INTRODUCTION:
sol•i-dar-i•ty soli-dar-i-ty
Isäla’derade
noun
1 unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group: factory workers voiced solidarity with the striking students.
New Oxford American Dictionary

I am not sure I can say that I can truly be in solidarity in what my Lord has suffered on account of me and humankind. As we will see in this study, the Lord faced insult … persecution … personal anguish and torture before His predestined death by hanging on a cross for the redemption of us all. I just don’t think I can stand next to my Savior claiming I am in solidarity in His sufferings. Do I want to be? Yes, of course I desire to have the heart of God that would endure such things for the sake of others. But in all honesty, am I even close? I have shied away from so many moments God has asked me to join Him in. Moments of standing up for not just social injustice, but for the Bible, the truths Jesus Christ hung on the cross for.

There are times when it seems that we are living in a society where we are being told we are haters even if we merely disagree with an action or lifestyle that is contrary to the Word of God. It seems as if we are labeled old fashioned and out of date.

Those who stand up in our 21st century culture, living and speaking the true message of the Gospel, may very well be close to solidarity in Christ’s suffering. It’s not an easy thing to do by any means at all. Especially when it hits close to home with family. It’s so much easier to sometimes skip over some truths than lose the ones we love to hating us or thinking we hate them.

Those times, when we may pick and choose what to believe and what not to believe in the Bible, may make it challenging to be able to truly say we are in solidarity with Jesus Christ? In today’s culture, to be close to solidarity with Jesus’ suffering means we strive to live, speak and stand every moment in God’s truth, even when it is being challenged by those closest to us. No matter who our company is … where that company is … that we stand for the Word of God. I will ashamedly admit that I am not one of those who have lived like this. I quiet my witness as to not upset the masses, or in some cases the few, even when it comes to my family.

So there you have it. You have read my thoughts on where I see myself in this place of solidarity with the suffering of Jesus Christ. But before I solidify my thoughts/judgements and possibly you with your own on this topic, let’s first take a look through Scripture on what His sufferings have been and why He endured them. This may give a more sure response in our own lives where we are in solidarity with the suffering of our Savior Jesus Christ.

STUDY: SUFFERING OF JESUS CHRIST
*To make this study even more insightful and in-depth, use online commentaries or the old-fashioned actual commentary books, reference, and/or study guides to help you as you answer these questions. This format gives you the chance to do a simple dive into the verses themselves. But the format also gives you the ability to do all kinds of varied studies on this subject. Only limited by the resources available.

Let’s look at the incidents in Scripture that highlight the sufferings of Jesus Christ.

  1. Matthew 2:13–15 – Jesus’ flight to Egypt as a child.

Thinking of the time and the circumstances. What challenges may Jesus have been met with as a child traveling to a new city with His parents?

What might He had suffered during that time? Remember they just weren’t moving to a new location, they were fleeing for Jesus’ life. They were trying not to be seen, to hide until the threat (Pharaoh) was gone.

Have you ever had to go into hiding because of the Gospel? If so, write your experience here. If not, what would be the closest thing to that experience you’ve endured?

  1. Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13 – The temptation in the wilderness (fasting + temptation).

Fasting 40 days and nights is a long time! How might it have been tough not to give in to the devils temptations? What was the reason for Jesus fasting? Does that make it any easier or harder to stand up to the temptations?

Have you ever fasted? If so, how long have you gone fasting and for what reason?

Describe your most challenging temptation and if you were able to stand up against it. Describe your faith at the time, how did it play into your ability to stand up against temptation?

  1. Luke 4:16-30 – Jesus is reading from Isaiah in Nazareth but then is rejected by his own people.

What must Jesus feel to be rejected by the people He grew up with?

Can you think of a time in your life where your family or community rejected what you had to say or do for them concerning your faith in Jesus Christ? If so, what was it and how did you feel?

  1. John 6:60–71 – A group of followers leave Jesus. They think his teaching is too hard.

How might this affect Jesus Spirit when even His followers begin to leave?

Remember it’s not just that He has some good idea He wants to share, it’s the message of a new way and a new hope of salvation for each of them. Saving them from their fate if they don’t believe. How might that make this rejection hit closer to His heart?
Have you ever had someone on board with you in ministry or in faith one moment and then leave you the next? If so, share what and when and how you felt.

  1. John 10:22-42 Jesus teaches the Pharisees some things they don’t like. They are about to stone him in 10:31. He continues to question and teach them, but by 10:39 they look to arrest him. 

So many times, Jesus faced this when He taught or preached the message God had given Him to tell. How might these encounters that grow more violent as the days go by, challenge Jesus’ spirit to keep preaching and teaching?

Has something you ever said about the Bible been met with a violent response? If so, what were you saying and what was the response? How did you deal with it?

  1. Luke 19:41-44 – Weeping over Jerusalem. The people were praising Him and treating Him like royalty as He was on the road to Jerusalem. Why then, would He be weeping as He saw the city just ahead of Him?

What must it had been like for Jesus to know, before He even step foot on the ground, that the words He was to speak to the people were going to be ignored, despised and rejected?

Have you had an experience where the Lord told you to give a message to someone or to a group of people that you knew were just going to reject it? If yes, did you do it anyway? If so, write your experience here.

  1. Matthew 14:1-13 & Mark 6:14-34 – After hearing about the be-heading of his friend John the Baptist, Jesus withdrew to a desolate place by Himself.

What do you suppose Jesus was going through in His spirit? Was He only thinking of His own grief concerning John the Baptist, or also the grief of the other disciples?

He didn’t have much time alone before large crowds wanted to hear His teachings. What would you have done?

What did Jesus do?

  1. John 11:1-35 After hearing of Lazarus death, Jesus was weeping.

Why was Jesus weeping? Was it because of Lazarus death, or was there something more?

See verse 11. If Jesus was already going to raise Lazarus from the dead, why then was He weeping? There must have been something more that grieved Jesus spirit.

What must it be like to know the hearts of others so deeply?

Have you had any situation close to this?

  1. Matthew 26:36-46 & Mark 14:32-42 – Praying in Gethsemane.

Sorrow beyond comprehension! What was Jesus overwhelmed about?

In His deep sorrow He asks His disciples to keep watch, but they fall asleep. How does that compound the emotion Jesus is wrestling with?

Jesus knew what was coming. Have you had a situation where you were asked to do something, and you knew the outcome was going to cause hardship or pain? If so, did you still do it? If you have write down what it was and how you responded.

  1. Matthew 26:47-50 & Mark 14:43-52 Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus outside Gethsemane.

His followers couldn’t stay awake enough to keep watch, He’s overwhelmed with grief and now is the time of Judas betrayal. How could Jesus, in all human effort, deal with such grief upon grief?

Have you ever been beaten down by grief just to have more and more pile up against you because of your faith in Jesus Christ? If so, what was that like? What is that compared to what Jesus went through here?

  1. John 18:15-18; 25-27 & Mark 14:66-72 – Peter’s denial of Jesus 3 times.

I wonder if Jesus could hear the rooster crows. While Jesus was in the midst of His arrest and interrogations, one of His closest followers denied knowing Him 3 times. Yet again, another insult from those He loves. How do you think all of this happening … like punches in a boxing ring … over and over and over again … one insult and betrayal after another … How must He have truly felt in His spirit at this moment?

Have you had people in your life betray you because of your faith? They say they’re with you and then turn against you when you need them the most. Write that experience down and how you felt.

  1. John 18:22-23, John 19:1-16 and Matthew 27:27-31 – Jesus sentenced to be crucified.

As you read these passages, list the three types of humiliation Jesus endured at the hands of His accusers.

Have you faced humiliation by others because of the faith you profess? If so, write your experience(s) here.

  1. Take a moment to read each of these passages of Scripture. Then, for each passage, write what Jesus’ experience was concerning the cross.

Matthew 27:32-37 –

Matthew 27:38-44, Mark 15:21-32, Luke 23:32-43 & John 19:17-30

Matthew 27:45-50, Mark 15:33-37

Out of these three events, which do you think brings the most suffering and utter despair to the heart of Jesus? Why?

  1. Psalm 16:10 and Acts 13:33-35 – prophesy that Jesus would not remain dead.

His work was finished. His duty was done. However, His suffering was not fully complete when He gave up His Spirit and died. He suffered the penalty of death so we would not have to. But Sheol (the underworld) could not hold the Savior because God rose Him from the dead so He and His body would not see decay.

Have we, have you been in the depths of Sheol? We may feel like we have at times. But this will not be something we bear while on earth. And if we remain in relationship with Jesus, it will not be our experience when we die.

Think about the Lord taking the ultimate punishment for sin, so you and I would not have to bear it ourselves. What are your thoughts on this?

OUR SOLIDARITY IN JESUS SUFFERING:
We have read several Scripture passages that have told about the times Jesus Christ had faced suffering. I now consider the questions to those passages we just walked through and think that maybe I can have solidarity in at least some of what my Lord suffered. To determine for yourself where you are, let’s consider some further scripture reading on this matter of solidarity in the suffering of Jesus Christ.

  1. Matthew 16:21-28 – Take up your cross and follow me.

What does it mean to “take up their cross and follow Me”? What was the disciples’ cross or burden in following Jesus? (For some they left family, they left careers, they left respectable positions in society to follow Jesus.) You may want to research each disciple and see what it is they gave up in order to follow Jesus. (What they suffered to follow Jesus.)

What about you? What have you given up or sacrificed for following Jesus? What might your cross be that Jesus is calling you to bear in His Name?

  1. Matthew 20:20-28 – Drink of the same cup Jesus did.

James and John did end up drinking from the same cup Jesus did. James as a martyr, but both for their sacrificial living which brought persecution and hardship because of their living faith in Jesus Christ.

Can you say you have drunk from the same cup Jesus did? If so, share your story here.

  1. Galatians 6:11-16 – Maybe the cup represents the sacrificial life that Jesus lived and then calls His followers to live as well.

What was Paul saying here when he speaks of circumcision verses the cross of Christ?

It seems there is something deeper God is calling us to. What are your thoughts and where are you concerning this in your own life?

  1. Romans 8:17-18 – Sharing in His sufferings.

You can list all the sufferings Jesus went through. This says we may share in His glory as we’ve shared in His sufferings.

After reading all that our Savior has suffered, how we can share in that suffering? Where does that leave you and I in our solidarity with the suffering of Jesus Christ?

These Scriptures say that we indeed can be in solidarity with the suffering of Jesus Christ. The cost of being in solidarity with our Lord is high. The question is: Where are you and I in our solidarity in the suffering of Jesus Christ? Where do we want to be? Where is Jesus Christ calling us to be?

MY PERSONAL CONCLUSION:
To stand honestly in solidarity with the suffering my Savior went through for the sake of everyone, I cannot say I am there.

I have suffered mocking and teasing from my dad for holding to the truths of Jesus Christ.

I have been called out by a store clerk for worshipping the Lord on Sundays. I’ve also been called out by a couple random people on being a woman pastor.

But for me to say that equals the suffering my Jesus went through for my life, no … I can’t say I’ve been brave enough to live that bold in the Lord. I desire to. I pray I will get there soon. But for me today, I can’t say I’m living in solidarity in the suffering of Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, help me start today.

YOUR PERSONAL CONCLUSION:

Download a printable version of this Bible study:

Solidarity-in-the-Suffering-of-Jesus-ChristDownload

March 2024 Flourish Newsletter

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This month we are focusing on flourishing by being deeply rooted in the spiritual discipline of Solidarity in Jesus’ Suffering. In her book, Spiritual Disciplines: Practices That Transform Us, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun writes, “We are in solidarity with Jesus’ sufferings when we hold our pain and bear our burdens together with Jesus and his own sufferings for the world.”

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in love esteem. Isaiah 53:3

Inside you will find a devotional and conversation starters that will help you focus on the suffering of Christ. This month’s reading plan is the Passion Week Events (Palm Sunday – Easter morning) from the Gospel of Matthew. Also included are extended prayer ideas giving you the opportunity to taste His suffering (these prayer ideas could easily be made into prayer stations for a group). This month may you be with Jesus in His pain and be remined He is with you in your pain.

Download this month’s issue:

March-2024-NewsletterDownload

Women Preach Sunday

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In honor of  International Women’s Day (March 8, 2024), the USA Western Territory held its first annual “Woman Preach Day” on Sunday, March 3.  The goal was to have as many pulpits in the territory to be filled by women.

From left to right, top to bottom: Captain Dora Stearns, Captain Mysti Birks, Major Toni Halstad, Captain Dina Cisneros, Captain Maureen Lawliss, Major Monica Covert

We celebrate the beautiful heritage that we as women have in The Salvation Army. Catherine Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army, was an accomplished preacher and wrote a pamphlet entitled, Female Ministry or Woman’s Right to Preach the Gospel in 1859, which systematically refuted claims that women shouldn’t preach. She wrote,

“[W]e think that we shall be able to show, by a fair and consistent interpretation…[t]hat not only is the public ministry of  woman not forbidden, but absolutely enjoyed by both precept and example in the word of God.  She also wrote, “And we find from Church history that the primitive Christians understood it; for that women did actually speak and preach amongst them we have indisputable proof.”

From left to right, top to bottom: Major Noelle Nelson, Captain Bridget McCort, Captain Stephanie Pavlakis, Captain Jamie Stokes, Captain Tanya Pemberton, Major Dina Graciani

Colonel Genevera Vincent, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries challenges us with these words: 

“As women we have been given a sacred privilege of preaching the Living, Breathing Word of God. This is a privilege not to be taken lightly but one that should fill us with joy…we get to share the Word!  As women, God has gifted us with a voice, He has given us something to say—so let’s avail of every opportunity to use this God given privilege and preach the Word with power and conviction.”

From left to right, top to bottom: Captain Deanna Markham, Major Harryette Raihl, Captain Felicia LeMar, Captain Stephanie Philpot, Major Lawry Smith, Captain Martha Apuan

We had three retired officers also participate: Lt. Colonel Shawn Posillico preaching in Prescott, AZ, Major Flo Murray preaching in Sitka, AK and Major Willdonna Rich preaching in Concord, CA.

From left to right: Major Flo Murray, Major Willdonna Rich, Lt. Colonel Shawn Posillico

Not only officers, but soldiers shared the morning message. Kittura Wimer preached at San Diego Centre City Corps, CA. Ellen Lasater preached in Auburn, CA. Alina Santamaria preached in Flagstaff, AZ while her mother, Major Sybil Smith preached in Torrance, CA.

From left to right, top to bottom: Kittura Wimer, Ellen Lasater
Alina Santamaria, Major Sybil Smith

Commissioner Colleen Riley, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries shares this from her heart:

“Women who are called by God, it is our privilege to share His gospel with the world. Let’s take up the mantle and preach. The world for Jesus.” #womenpreach

From left to right, top to bottom: Captain Amber Ohl, Major Jennifer Masango
Major Shevaun Malone, Captain Heather Baze, Captain Heather Pope

Congratulations to the Alaska Division, who had all their corps, including the three run by single men, fill their pulpits with a woman preacher!

From left to right, top to bottom:
Major Jennifer Erickson-King, Captain Serena Woods, Captain Monica Kyle, Major Tina Bottjen,
Captain Heather Witcher, Captain Belle Green, Major Barbara Wehnau, Major Gina Halverson,
Lt. Rosie Tollerud, Captain Minhee Lee, Captain Michelle Josephson, Captain Shelby Qualls

Women, your voices needs to be heard.  We pray that women will continue to fill our pulpits and preach the Word of God.  Start preparing now for next year, when we celebrate “Women Preach Sunday” on March  2, 2025.

From left to right: Commissioner Colleen Riley, Colonel Genevera Vincent

He Took Our Pain

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By Major Beth Desplancke

When my oldest son, Ryan, was 7 ½ years old, my mother-in-law, on a Monday morning, took him to the doctor’s office for a drop-in appointment, because he had been sick all weekend. We thought it wasn’t too serious; that’s why she took him, because I had another appointment to be at that morning.

Cathy checked him at the doctor’s office. They immediately took him back and put him on oxygen, and informed Cathy that they had called 9-1-1 and an ambulance was on the way. He was transported to Oakland Children’s Hospital – two cities away! We discovered that he had asthma and had we waited any longer to get him to a doctor, he would have died. Five long grueling days my child spent in the hospital.

It broke my heart, and I was utterly helpless. I could do nothing for him! Time went so slowly and the first three days there seemed to be no progress. When it was my turn to leave Ryan and go to the cafeteria, I shed lots of tears. I did a lot of praying, begging and pleading with God for Him to do something. I would have willingly traded places with Ryan, and would have given my life, if I could. Finally on day 4, he was much better, and on the Friday we were able to take him home. Thankfully, he never had a bad issue with asthma again (today he’s a healthy 24-year-old, college graduate and just started his first job in his chosen career).

Those days in the hospital, where I sat by his bed, holding his hand, I couldn’t do much (it was before the days of smart phones so there was no scrolling on Social media or playing mindless games). I spent a lot of time praying silently and thinking about God and His Word. I immediately thought of Mary, Jesus’ mother, as she stood and watched her child be beaten and ridiculed, and then forced to carry His own cross to the place of His crucifixion.

Mary didn’t shy away from the pain, but John records the fact Mary was at the foot of the cross, watching everything her son endured. John 19:26-27 says When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved, standing nearby he said her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother…” Even in His anguish and pain, Jesus noticed His mom, spoke to His mom, and made sure she was taken care of.

As a mom, I am sure Mary winced, cried secretly (she would have wanted her son to see she was strong), prayed and even bargained with God. I am sure she would have exchanged places with her son if she could. But she knew Jesus had come for a greater purpose. She and Joseph had been told that: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).” Perhaps it was at that moment, she recalled when Simeon had said 33 years earlier, when Jesus, as a baby, was presented at the temple, “And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35). Mary, too, was helpless. There was nothing she could do but watch her child suffer.

Mary hurt for her child, but Jesus suffered. He experienced the whip, the thorns on His brow, the weight of the cross on his bleeding back and the nails physically. His flesh tore, He lost a lot of blood. He had trouble breathing. He thirsted, and then He breathed His last breath. He endured a pain that we will never fully understand. He willingly died for us. Our sins need to be paid for, and He paid the price for us. Isaiah 53: 4-6 states,

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Hallelujah that Jesus took our pain. Unlike Mary and I, who could not switch places with our sons, Jesus did switch places with us. He endured what was meant for us. That is the beauty of the Easter story. Jesus took our place, and died a horrible death, so that we would not have to endure the punishment for our sin. He was afflicted, pierced, crushed, wounded, punished and suffered so we could have healing and peace through Jesus Christ.

Yes, in this world, we will have pain, hurt, sorrows and suffering. Jesus told us that would be the case in John 16:33. But then He made this promise, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Hallelujah the Lord understands our pain and our suffering. Hallelujah, He took our place and bore the pain that we should have endured.

February 2024 Devotional: Let’s Unplug

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By Captain Amelia Mott
Olympia, WA Corps
Northwest Division

“If my phone dies, I die.”

“I was lost this week without my phone, I am not sure how I survived.”

“I bet my phone has exploded with all the texts I missed while away at camp.”

“I wonder if my phone missed me?”

“The first thing I am going to do when I get home is turn on my phone and see what I missed.”

All of those quotes are from campers heading to and from camp this past year, as campers are not allowed to bring their phones to summer camp. The goal is to allow them to spend time with each other, in nature and have fun, and not be glued to their phones, texting, scrolling and watching videos 24/7. As we read those quotes, it might at first glance seem like these campers are being very dramatic and we might brush it off, as kids being kids. But if we paused to reflect, could we as women, as adults be away from our phones for a week? A day? An hour? Would we be able to unplug? Would we be able to relax our minds and enjoy a week without cell service or Wi-Fi? And the answer to this for many of us, that it might be difficult to truly unplug.

John Mark Comer, in his book the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, states, “the average iPhone user touches his or her phone 2,617 times a day.” And from the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun reminds us that we live “in a world where people use the Internet an average of thirty hours a week and keep the TV or radio on 7.9 hours a day, we need to get unplugged from virtual reality and address our addiction to technology and the toxins it brings into our lives.” And all these distractions can keep us from carving out time to spend with God, in quiet and in solitude with no distractions around us.

Again, in the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook helps us remember that “unplugging recognizes that personal beings are created for personal interaction by a personal God. We need to be touched. We need non verbal signals. We need uninterrupted spaces in our lives for the presence of God and the presence of others.” So where do we go from here? Well, we go back to the basics, as Psalm 46: 10a: “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

First, we are made to spend time with God, and when we are still he provides peace, comfort, love, wisdom and support. He supplies everything we could ever need. Technology can make us feel isolated at times, but we have access to God 24/7 and He will always be there for us.

And even Jesus, went away and spent time with God when he was here on earth to be refreshed and renewed. Jesus knew that time with the Father is priceless, and nothing can take its place. Sometimes we can be tricked into thinking a form of technology can provide that for us, but only God can.

This coming week, the challenge is to carve out more time with God and less time on our phones, tablets etc. Guaranteed, you will notice the difference.

Second, take time to spend time in fellowship with others. The Passion translation of Proverbs 27:9 states, “Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like anointing oil, that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.” We were built to be in community and friendship with others and when we do that our souls are refreshed and renewed. A hug from a friend can make a big difference. There is nothing like the sound of laughter filling a room that can turn our day around. And technology can’t replace that.

The second challenge for this week is to spend time in friendship and community with others, filling living rooms and coffee shops with joy and laughter. Spend time listening and praying with one another and leaning on each other for support.

Let’s carve out time carving out time for God and others, forgetting about our phones and tablets and be refreshed and renewed. Let’s unplug!

February 2024 Bible Study: Unplugging

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By Lt. Makda Rodriguera
Seattle White Center, WA Corps
Northwest Division

I remember jokingly saying to someone that I wouldn’t know what to do with myself without my phone. Even though I was joking, it had truth to it. I don’t remember a day when I went without using my phone or computer.

The average person spends 3 hours on their phone. This doesn’t include other electronics like computers, iPads, and gaming stations. Most of us are dependent on our phones and computers to do our jobs, schoolwork, social interactions, and entertainment. So much so, we opt out of real personal relationships for virtual ones. We’d rather scroll through our social media to see how everyone is doing, comment on their post here and there, and feel like we are connected. Are we really connected though? Or is it just superficial relationships?

As human beings, we are created for interpersonal relationships. We thrive in community and friendships. Friendships with Jesus and with fellow men/women. To do this, we have to unplug from the virtual world and be present in the real world.

We can see Jesus’s example and how He unplugged to be connected to the Father and His close friends. Luke 5:16 reads, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Of course, Jesus was not in our era and didn’t have to unplug from his emails, social media, or entertainment, but He did unplug from work and everything else that demanded His attention to connect with the Father and His close friends.

He created space for interpersonal relationships. He spent time with His friends and disciples (John 3:33). He shared meals and fellowshipped with those whom He was close to (John 12:1-3). Jesus living as a perfect man shows us the importance of connection with God and others around us. In-person, uninterrupted connection with our friends and family is one of the most important spiritual disciplines we can practice. Especially in this day and age, as we have to fight to make this time.

King Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 2:22-23, “What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest.” Working is not bad, but working with anxious striving to get our identity from it will leave us with grief and pain. We live in a time when everyone is too busy to do anything. When you ask any given person (including myself), “How are you doing?” the answer more times than not is “I’m good but so busy.” But how busy are we if we spend on average 3 hours a day and 21 hours a week just on our phones?

We can continue to work, even after work hours, we can use our time to scroll through social media or entertain ourselves, or we can choose to follow Jesus’s example and unplug from the virtual world and be connected to those around us, and Jesus.

Reflection Questions (Adel Calhoun Spiritual Disciplines Handbook page, 97):

  • How has technology influenced your relationships? Do friends and family complain about the amount of time you spend online? What is their real concern?
  • Are you online for both work and pleasure? What do you like about being online? What don’t you like about it?
  • What sort of temptations does cyberspace hold for you? How do you address these temptations?
  • Where are you using technology to avoid face-to-face encounters?
  • Have you ever been “yelled at” via email? What was it like for you?

After you reflect on the questions consider working on the following Spiritual Exercises (Adel Calhoun Spiritual Disciplines Handbook page, 97):

  • Technology assessment: Keep track of the amount of time you spend using digital and electronic communication each day. How much time does this amount to each week? Keep track of the uninterrupted time you spend in the presence of family and friends each day and week. Compare the times. Is God inviting you to prioritize anything based on this awareness? If you cut back the computer (Phone) one hour a week, how could you use this time to be in the presence of God or others?
  • Declare a digital-free time period in each day or week. Let people know when you are available and will get back to them.
  • What is it like for you to receive a handwritten letter from a friend? Write a non-electronic letter to a friend. What surfaces in you while you take the time to do this? What is gained and what is lost in electronic communication? What do you think of the trade-offs?
  • Which relationships in your life need face time? Plan face-to-face time with several people this week. Do not let this time be interrupted by anything electronic.

Recommended Resource: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, copyright 2015).

February 2024 Craft: Napkin Mod Podge Planter

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By Captain Hilda Parks
Renton, WA Corps
Northwest Division

A great way to unplug is to craft. Here is an easy craft that you can make and enjoy during your “unplugged” times.

Materials: 
Plant
Mug 
Decorative Napkins
Mod podge 
paint brush

Instructions: 

  • Pick any small plant from your patio or buy a small one at any grocery store. 
  • Chose any mug and floral napkins that you like, preferable ones with flowers so you can cut the pattern.  
  • Once cut attach one by one to the mug, using the mod podge, then cover the mug entirely with your patterns in a thin layer of mod podge using a brush or even your fingers.
  • Once all covered add a full coat of mod podge.
  • Allow to dry 24 hours then enjoy with your favorite plant.

February 2024 Flourish Newsletter

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According to a recent survey 84% of all cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their devices. Another study showed that mobile device owners check their devices every 6.5 minutes! We like our technology and apparently can’t live without it!

This month we are focusing on flourishing by being deeply rooted in the spiritual discipline of Unplugging. In her book Spiritual Disciplines: Practices That Transform Us, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun writes, “Unplugging calls us to leave the virtual world of technology (computers, email, cell phones, iPads, iPods, etc.) in order to become present to God and others.”

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

Inside you will find a devotional, conversation starters, a monthly Bible reading plan and other resources to help you incorporate the spiritual discipline of unplugging in your walk with Jesus.

Download this month’s issue:

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Flourishing in the Discipline of Unplugging

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By Colonel Genevera Vincent

When our two sons acquired their first cell phones, these devices came with some rules; one being that they were not permitted at the dinner table. We didn’t allow texting with friends during the dinner meal as this was our family time. It took a few reminders that texting with friends could wait as we ate together and talked about the events of the day. However, it didn’t take long for the message to get through and it really was not a problem for them. Even if it didn’t make sense to our sons at first, they eventually understood that we needed everyone to unplug for a few minutes before we were out the door again, on the way to band practice or some other activity. It was a lesson I’m glad we taught and a rule I’m glad we enforced.

In this age of instant messaging, unplugging from our devices is an extremely difficult thing to do. We send a text message and we want an instant answer. We write an email and, if we haven’t received an answer in the same day, we either feel ignored or we worry that our email didn’t get through. We debate the ills of always being constantly connected, but we fall prey to it repeatedly. When we talk about “unplugging” as a spiritual discipline, we are talking about more than unplugging from phone messages or emails, though they are a big part of it, I believe. If you Google the question, “What does it mean to unplug in life?”, someone shared,

“Unplugging is a disconnection from the chaos of life which comes in multiple forms – one being
an over-reliance on social media. It’s not the device’s fault, but the choice of the user who
feels somehow living plugged into someone else’s life gives them satisfaction.”

I personally look forward to opportunities to unplug and have moments to just breathe. I have never felt the need to let people know what I am doing every moment of the day. The only time I’m interested in what someone is having for dinner is when I’m invited! Apart from that, I don’t sense a real need to view on Facebook what other people are eating…it just makes me hungry!

In chapter 6 of Mark’s gospel, Jesus and his disciples were busy with the activities of ministry. Jesus had sent out his disciples two-by-two to preach the gospel of repentance. According to verse 12, they “drove out demons and anointed many who were sick.” In verse 30, the group has come back together and reported to Jesus all that they had been doing. Seeing that they were tired and hungry, Jesus recognized the need for his followers to “unplug”. He said to them in verse 31, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Now if you read this passage, you will notice that the people ran ahead of them, the chaos continued, and the feeding of the five thousand ensued. We often read this passage and it’s the feeding of the five thousand that we focus on. Let’s not forget Jesus’ invitation here. When we’re tired from all the “doing,” Jesus invites us to “unplug” and take time to rest and to be renewed.

When we’re tired from all the “doing,” Jesus invites us to “unplug” and take time to rest and to be renewed.

Colonel Genevera Vincent

On another occasion in Matthew 11;28-30, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Following the leading of Jesus, it’s important that we “unplug” and allow our souls to find rest.

Ministry is demanding and often difficult. Without taking moments to “unplug,” his yoke and his burden seem anything but easy and light! It’s amazing though how we can approach a difficult task, following moments of rest, and successfully “unplugging”. When we feel rejuvenated and rested, that difficult meeting or conversation somehow seems more manageable. The yoke and the burden seem a little easier and lighter. In simple terms, unplugging is a choice. If we don’t carve out time to “unplug” it will never happen. The business and busyness of our lives will constantly drive us to do more.

In this age of instant messaging, we need more than ever to heed the invitation of Jesus to go to a quiet place and get some rest. That will certainly look different for individual people. Taking a walk, reading a book, sitting quietly and breathing in the quietness, and listening to worship music are all ways we can “unplug” from the chaos of life and find rest. So, take the time and make the effort to incorporate moments to “unplug” into your life and you will not regret it. You will actually flourish!

So, will you please excuse me…I need a moment to “unplug” and finish my cup of tea.