Do you go around thinking that religion is a scam like this guy?  It’s an honest question because some people believe that the masses are being fooled into showing up every sunday to worship something bigger than themselves.  Throughout history, all cultures have worshipped some type of higher power, but is it worth calling a scam?  I personally don’t think so.  There is a lot to religion that is bad and there are a lot of bad things that have happened in the name of a religion, but the amount of good that results from Christianity around the world shows that it is a faith that is vibrant and that continues to grow.  What are your thoughts on this video?

 

Are you on the fence about knowing whether God exists?  Do you feel uncomfortable when others ask you whether or not God exists?  Is your response “I don’t know” like the guy in this video?  As you grow and strengthen your faith, you will have an easier time answering this question.  For now, it’s ok for you to respond with “I don’t know.” However, once you do know, take pride in your answer and in your beliefs.

 

 

When it comes to discussing your faith with people at school and work, do you share your faith or do you keep it to yourself?  In this video, a lady is having trouble sharing what God is doing in her life because it makes her look “crazy”.  However, I believe that is a part of having faith in a God that no one can physically see, feel or touch.  You’re going to have people that are going to think you’re crazy when your prayers are answered.  That’s the best part of being a Christian. We’re different from the rest of the world because we know the truth: Jesus Christ is our Savior.  Don’t be reluctant in sharing your faith with those around you.

 

 

With all the different religions out there, how are we supposed to know which one is right?  Just because I was born in the United States with the Bible as my source of material, how is that different from the kid in Afghanistan who has the Koran as his material?  Sometimes everything feels muddy when it comes to determining which religion is right.  Which one do you choose to hold on to?  How has your upbringing influenced your beliefs?

 

Jeremy Lin is an Asian American professional basketball player.  As the point guard for the New York Knicks, he defeated all odds two years ago when he took the nation by storm with “Linsanity”.  This video shows us a preview of the obstacles Jeremy had to overcome to get to where he is now and to become a household name to basketball fans across the country.  When a non-prototypical basketball player becomes a star overnight, how is that person affected?  Jeremy has held strongly to his faith in God and has kept it his number one priority.  We applaud Jeremy Lin and his efforts as he continues to be a witness while playing on the professional stage.

In the streets of San Francisco, The Harbor Light Canteen is hard at work, delivering meals 2 to 3 times a week.  It takes many volunteers and a lot of time to cook the meals, but The Salvation Army continues their work there.  There are many homeless people on the streets that are without food on a daily basis.  The Harbor Light Canteen works to share a meal with those individuals that are hard on their luck and presents to them the message of Christ.  “If we’re really going to follow Christ’s way, we’re going to have to serve. . . ”

 

The USA Western Territorial Commander, Jim Knaggs, describes what it means to be apart of The Salvation Army.  From the street corner outside the taverns, where William Booth sang out to save those that were in the taverns, to the present, where we can reach any person digitally through Facebook and the Internet,  we all have a mission. Our mission is to extend “Our hand to man, heart to God.”  With that in mind, we can become a stronger Army for the Lord.  Please continue to pray for our mission and work.

 

 

Revolution Hawaii is a program for young adults to come to the beautiful island of Oahu.  It challenges the youth to get out of their spiritually “dead” lives and to become proactive in sharing their faith and helping the locals of Hawaii.  One of the biggest misnomers in regards to the island is that it’s a tranquil, beautiful paradise, however, there are a many people who are suffering and living in poverty on the islands.  Revolution Hawaii aims to help those that are in need while assisting young adults to mature in their faith.  It’s a great opportunity for anyone who is looking into getting their faith re-established on the “Rock”.  Let us know if you are interested in this program.  Blessings to you. . .

 

Do you need proof in order to believe in God?  Some people do.  When I’m reading the Bible and I come across stories of miracles and seas being parted, I sometimes wonder why we don’t see modern day miracles.   Would that change the way I perceive God?  Yes, it would be a lot easier to believe in God if there were modern day miracles being performed on the street corner.  As we go through our mundane lives, it can sometimes be hard to believe in God.  However, like this girl, some people seem to have no problem believing in God.  They simply have faith.

 

The Haven is a program of The Salvation Army that links veterans of our military with places of employment.  A great deal of veterans end up turning to drugs and alcohol after completing their military service and finding themselves in situations that are not ideal.  The Haven takes veterans in Los Angeles and helps them with job placement while pushing them to succeed.  Without the support coming in from donations, programs like the Haven can not exist.  We ask that you continue to support The Salvation Army financially so that we can continue to support veterans with programs like the Haven.  How have you seen the Salvation Army help individuals around where you live?  We would love to hear your experiences.