A Christmas Thought From my Computer

A Christmas Thought

You cannot put money in a bank without a computer being used by you or the bank, you can't take money out without a computer being used by someone, you cannot get a bank statement without the use of a computer, the bank does not even know who you are or how much you have in your account without a computer.

You cannot make a purchase or return merchandise without a computer, .

You cannot have or use electricity in your home or at work without a computer or pump gas or buy food.

You cannot use a credit or debit card without a computer. You cannot even buy theater tickets without a computer. You cannot make a phone call, send an email, or otherwise communicate without a computer. We cannot even talk to one another without a computer, or so it seems.

Instead of gathering in each others presence, we congregate in chat rooms. Some even 'go' to church by way of the computer.

And yet we have the audacity to think that we are in control of our lives! We have blindly put our trust in these machines. We worship them, even brag about them. We believe in them!

My guess is that we will rue the day that we became so dependent upon computers ...computers that we seem to have such little control over! Computers that seem to have such absolute control over us.

Why is it that those who believe so completely in modern technology refuse to believe in the one Source of power that really can change their lives for the better? They tell you that they can't believe in anything they cannot 'see' or 'touch'!

However, can you 'see' the internet or 'touch' it even? Can you see the world wide web? You can use it...but can you 'see' it?

Well, put your trust where you will....

Gary Douglas Laws

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Devotional Part 2 from Atlanta, Georgia

Christmas Devotional Part 1 from Atlanta, Georgia

The Ancient Art of Buttonholing!

Since moving to Vero Beach, we have had many of our neighbors knock on our door and after introducing themselves, invited us to their church, letting us know we would be welcome. I thought to myself, "How wonderful"!

Of course, as a Salvationist, I have my own place of worship but, nonetheless, I was pleased that they cared enough about us and were so excited about their church, that they thought to invite my wife and I.

My wife and I visited Royale Palm Pointe to see the dolphins. While there, a senior couple we were passing said hello and we struck up a conversation. Soon they were telling us about all of the activities, during the Christmas season, at their church and they invited us to attend. How exciting it was to listen as they shared their faith and the ministry of their fellowship.

Maybe we all should go back to the old method of knocking on doors and 'buttonholing' strangers! I think many just might say "Yes, I'll come!

Pride Goes Before the Fall

The 'love of display' is a malady that can afflict people in all walks of life and in most occupations. Perhaps seen in the political world most dramatically, it is also very present in the Church among some clergy, musicians and laity alike.

"God forgive us and give us a new heart whose primary expression is one of humility! Give us the purpose to call attention only to you and your love!" GDL

Where Is God In All of This?

"The LORD works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster." (Proverbs 16:4)

     With all of the turmoil that exists in today's world, it is easy for even Christians to forget that we worship an all powerful, all knowing God who is faithful to look after His people. We may go through trying times, but this is all meant to strengthen us. We will be the better for it so long as we remain faithful!

      God will never fail to protect us and keep us under His wing!

The Reality of Jesus Christ

         The summer ministry of 2013 took us to Joplin, Mo., Carthage, Mo., Maplewood, Minnesota

and Enid, Oklahoma.

Thinking of the old TV classics. Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, I Remember Mama....etc. There are those in society today who would have us believe that such families never really existed in real life. We know better though, don't we? I grew up in a 'Father Knows Best' type family. It was wonderful. So have millions of others also.
Such families were very real. They are real today!

There are also those who would have us believe that Jesus Christ is only a myth and that He never really existed. They tell us that such things as abstinence or respect for life never really worked and they were part of a mythological lifestyle that did not exist. They would say that that living a righteous lifestyle is all poppycock.

Well, these folks are wrong about family life in days gone by and they are wrong about how they characterize our religious faith. The Bible teaches us to hold on to those things that are true. As for the world and their cynical view? They shall have their reward. GDL

Focus on the Pulpit! by Gary Laws

This morning it occurred to me that it is incumbent upon those who take to the pulpit to present the Word in simple fashion. Those who grace our pews each week come, not for a seminary education but for spiritual food presented in such a way as to be easily understood and digested.

The pulpit is not a place to regale our charges with complicated theological thinking designed to impress the hearer. Rather, it is a place to present the wonderful message of God‘s word, enabling those who sit under our ministry to understand, to grow and to feel the very presence of God in the teaching.

We must know that we have not been anointed to preach for the purpose of calling attention to ourselves. Even the most eloquent among us are to be seen as humble servants. We are wholly unworthy of such responsibility, regardless of how well versed we may be.

 Our simple task is:

1) To call attention to the One who died for all;
2) To lovingly instruct the sinner in matters concerning their spiritual depravity, with the goal of moving them to repentance;
3) To share the Good News… that one can move from the depraved state of the sinner to the justified state of the saint because of Christ‘s atonement on the cross..
4)  To impart, simply, the great themes and lessons of the Bible so that they might be grasped easily, and applied effectively, to ones life; and
5)  To demonstrate how everyone who claims the name ‘Christian’ can share in this wonderful ministry of saving the lost.

Of course, others may find even more to add to the foregoing. However, if we can, with simplicity and effectiveness, accomplish these things while, at the same time, keeping ourselves hidden from view, we then can  feel that we truly are becoming what God has called us to become!


“What simple faith Thy simple servant shares.
To free the lost from every earthly care.
To teach, implore, redeem and lift on high,
The sinner, saved by grace, the blood applied!”  

“Equip me Lord for service in your Name.
I know the sinners wait, I sense their pain.
How shall  they hear if I not preach and gain,
For heaven, one more soul to be redeemed.”

“Not seeking fame or glory for my own.
I’ll serve while kneeling humbly at Thy throne.
My only motive, unsaved souls to bring,
to Jesus, singing praises to their King! “

Gary D. Laws  Copyright  2013 All Rights Reserved  

The Christian’s Role in a Declining Culture by Gary Laws

Very few times in history has the personal ministry of God ‘s servants been needed more than today! These are not normal times! It would seem that the world around us is falling apart at the seams and that the influence of the devil is more prevalent than ever. Everywhere we look, we are confronted with the reality that we live in very troubled times.

The world is rejecting traditional Judeo/Christian values like never before. Principles that were once regarded as virtuous are now considered, by many, to be narrow minded and unrealistic. Humanity seems to be living more recklessly. The notion of a Higher Power is seen as naive. Humanity is becoming openly hostile toward people of faith. To publicly bear the name Christian, once a high and noble claim, is to risk holding one’s self up to ridicule, even shame in today’s world.

World Politics 

The politics of the world are changing as well. I am not referring to partisan politics, rather I am pointing out that radical factions in the world have developed philosophies that are bringing, or at least seem to be bringing, civilization to its knees.

Political terrorism, once confined to a few areas of our globe, has now become a worldwide problem. The conflicts we face seem to be absolutely senseless. The global community is facing a type of radicalism that it rarely has seen before and it is not difficult to conclude these are not normal times. This radicalism has claimed the lives of millions of people and there is no end in sight.

Church Conflict

Even the Christian Church seems to be in crisis. The absolutes we find in Scripture are being called into question. The divinity of Jesus; the requirements of salvation; the virgin birth; Christ’s atonement on the cross; even His very existence are being challenged within some factions of the Christian community.

Adultery, illicit and deviant sexual behavior, truthfulness, character and integrity are seen within the context of relative philosophy.

Behaviors, once thought to be in violation of God’s law, are now deemed acceptable under certain relative circumstances.

I believe the Gospel message is needed today more than at any other time in history! Yet, if the Gospel is to be heard then it must be brought by God’s people who are remaining faithful to its message.

World Conditions Predicted 

Our Scripture is taken from Jude 17-23:

“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (KJV) 

For the purpose of this study, I would like to concentrate on these verses. They speak very directly to the condition of the world today. It refers to mockers in the last time, those last days before Christ’s coming.

Yet, there is a sense in which Christians should not be surprised as we look at the circumstances of our modern world. After all, the Bible has predicted that, as we get closer to the second coming of Christ, the condition of the world will deteriorate.

One of the concerns that I have, however, is that Christians will develop the attitude, “Oh well, there’s not much we can do about it anyway!” It is true that the things predicted in Scripture will come to pass. However, this should not be cause for Christians to abandon the mission they have been given. That mission is to reach the lost of this world for Jesus, the Christ! 

Even in the midst of evildoing and sin, there remains the need for the Gospel to be preached. Perhaps it would be better to suggest that especially‟ in the midst of evil and sin! The Gospel message must be raised above the clamor of the world so as to save them that would receive it. Only the power God can positively impact these conditions. These are not normal times!

God Will Use His People

Because of this, Christians must respond to the hearkening call of the Great Commission. If we believe that Jesus is coming again, and if we believe that He is the only means by which men might be saved, then we cannot shrink from our responsibility. If our desire is to be used of God, then our responsibility is to allow God to use us! We must avail ourselves of every opportunity to share God’s love with a dying world.

Courage in the Face of Opposition 

Additionally, we must be willing to do it in the face of significant opposition from those who are determined to silence God and His people. Of course, we know that God cannot be silenced. He will not be silenced! He will continue to use those who make themselves available under these most difficult circumstances.

I realize that one of the great unexplained mysteries of the Bible is why God chooses to use humble humanity at all. He could just ‘will’ peace on earth if He desired to. He could wipe out all adversaries with the stroke of His mighty hand. I don’t pretend to understand why God has chosen humanity as his instrument to communicate to the world. All I know is that He has.

This reality requires that we be faithful and courageous in the face of mounting difficulties. After all, the Bible says, “but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NIV)

How Did We Get Here? 

I would like to take a quick look at Jude 16 which says, “There are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men‘s persons in admiration because of advantage.” 

When men complain and seek their own interests, they do so to promote their own position in this world. They seek their own advantage and this is demonstrated by their behavior. In large measure, this behavior has led us to the current state of affairs in the world today!

As we examine history, we discover that world conflict arises when humanity is seeking its own advantage. Wars are fought to gain the upper hand over one or more groups of people. At times it is geographic expansionism that drives conflict so as to increase the power and influence of the aggressors. Men are at variance with each other for the purpose of financial gain. Often, radical ideologies drive discord among the people of the world. Wars have even been fought over religion, including those fighting in the name of Christianity.

Can There Be Any Hope For This World?

The question must be asked... Is there any hope for this dying world? The answer is clear in Scripture; our hope is in Jesus Christ! Our hope is in His goodness. Our hope is in the truth that good will eventually vanquish evil. If we truly expect to be used of God, then we must hold steadfastly to this truth. God conquers all adversaries, in His own time! 

I am reminded of the hymn, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness.” (Edward Mote, 1797-1874) Our hope is in a God who will be victorious, regardless of the current state of world affairs.

Where Do We Begin?

So then, how should Christians be going about doing the will of God under these circumstances? You may be asking yourself, how can I stop terrorism or how can I change the hearts and minds of my fellow human beings? You can’t. But God, using you, can!

Are We Really at War?

First, we must acknowledge that we are in a battle. Each of us, as God’s representatives in this world, is called to a spiritual warfare that is every bit as real as human conflict. Now, I understand there is a tendency, within some segments of the Church, to eliminate or at least minimize the use of militaristic language in both word and song. I am not sympathetic to this movement. Christians must be fully aware that all wars in history pale in comparison to the spiritual war we are fighting against sin and the Evil One.

For many years we have sung the Christian hymn, “Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before…” (Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924) While this imagery may be distasteful to some, it does reflect biblical teaching. This spiritual conflict is a war and, like all wars, must be fought with great intensity, purpose and diligence.

We are ‘Soldiers Without Swords’

Once we realize there is a spiritual world crisis, it will become clear how important our responsibility really is. We are called to vanquish evil; not with the modern weaponry of this world, but with the love of God! We are ‘Soldiers Without Swords’ who are armed with the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

 We do not seek to destroy God’s creation, but to save it!

We Are Called to Change the Hearts of Men

Every day people are passing into eternity without the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Savior. Some have not yet heard the message, while others have heard and rejected it. One thing is for certain, however; God has called us to bring the message of His love to this chaotic world. It is this message of love and compassion that will change the hearts of those who accept it. That is what God does! He changes the hearts of the penitent. He gives them new purpose and direction. He brings a new understanding of life’s value. When God changes hearts, a behavioral transformation takes place! That is how Christians, with the power of the Holy Spirit, will change the world around them.

No, these are not normal times! The circumstances of our day call for action on the part of all of God’s people. Christians believe that on the day of Christ’s second coming, the final victory will be achieved. While we do not know the exact hour or time; we can be sure that He will come! In the meantime, like the disciples when sent to Jerusalem, we must pray and work without ceasing.

God, Health and Miracles

Are you, or someone you know, facing ill health? Often, this can bring most difficult times. None of us wants to endure the hardships brought on by illness. Yet, illness comes!

I would like to share with you one story. It is a personal one. It is a story that illustrates the conflicting feelings one has during times of great crisis. It is also a story of one beautiful lady who continues to face illness with great courage, faith and even cheerfulness  It reflects the many emotions one feels when required to face illness or even to face God. It is the story of my dear wife, Susan, who continues to face challenges of enormous proportions. It is a story of her great faith and determination. It may well be your story also!

It was just six years ago that Susan suffered her first stroke, while we were stationed in Chicago. She already had experienced two heart attacks. Little did we know, at the time, what was to be over the next few years.

The doctors explained that she had damage to both the left and right frontal lobes of the brain. Since that portion of the brain controls behavior and inhibitions, she would most likely experience behavioral changes. Gradually that proved true and we began a very unpleasant journey faced with daily challenges.

Eventually she was unable to fulfill her responsibilities and had to remain at home. At the time, our leaders were very understanding, however, it would not be long and she would require that I be at home with her 24/7.

Of course, this presented many problems for both of us as it pertained to our ministry. Eventually, some decisions had to be made. I discussed the matter with our Divisional Commander (Bishop) and he inquired for us as to the possibility of retiring early. Later he shared with us that, although we were just three and a half years from full retirement, early retirement would not be considered as we had only thirteen years of officer service. He suggested that I stay at home with my wife, for the time being, and give the matter some thought. No other options were brought up or discussed. Two months later we submitted our resignations to be effective in June.

This was a very emotional time for both of us. The Army was very generous to us, providing a separation grant that would get us through the transition back to 'civilian' life, however, there would be no monthly retirement income or health benefits and we would not be able to retain our rank.

The days which would follow would be the most difficult. We had to live on my Social Security income. Sue had to wait another two years before becoming eligible for hers. She was not eligible for Disability as she had not paid into the Social Security fund for several years (in the SA all income is paid to the husband so the wife is not on the SS 'radar' as having worked)

In January of 2010 she suffered a major stroke accompanied by deep depression and  the doctors did not think she would survive. She did, however, and after two months in the hospital she finally was able to come home. Sadly, there was more brain damage, this time to the left and right rear brain area.

Sue was unable to dress herself or bathe. She could not speak intelligibly and spent most of her days in bed. Often she would cry and muster up the words, "not getting better". She could not walk without assistance.

This would continue for another year. It was most difficult, mostly for her of course, but the children and grandchildren felt the effects also.

We were both devastated during these tough days. God seemed far away.

Little did we know that a miracle was on the way. 

In January of 2012 Sue began asking me to bring her into the living room where she sat quietly watching the television. Hours and hours of television. After about a month she began talking again, occasionally making two or three word comments about the TV shows. After some more time passed she would produce a laugh when something humorous was said. Soon she would begin walking better and eventually would be able to get up and walk on her own with me closely following. The steps were small and, at first amounted to a shuffle.

More words came. I got her a wheelchair and began taking her to visit the nearby children and grandchildren While visiting she sat quietly taking it all in and smiling every now and then when the grands would do or say something funny.

Her progress continued and today she walks slowly, but confidently. Eventually she began dressing herself and, when I get her in the 'tub', she has now begun to wash herself. Her use of words have increased and she engages in short 'banter' with those around. She laughs frequently. Her demeanor is childlike  but her mind is quick and she does not seem to have much memory loss, although some periods of life have been erased.

She is pleasant and tells me she is happy. She has come a long way.

Well, the point of writing all of this is to let my friends know that whatever health challenges you face, be patient. God is good and He is faithful. In His own time, God will accomplish great things for you.

Yes, our faith has been challenged! I have experienced some bitterness over it all, especially as it regards the loss of our ministry in The Salvation Army. I wish that things could have been different, but they are what they are!

I have come a long way also. I have seen, little by little, the faithfulness of a loving God who always cares for His own. During this time I have discovered that I, also, was in need of healing. Illness rarely effects just one individual.

Today, I rejoice in my wife and her progress. She is a 'different person' in many ways but she is still the wonderful girl I married over 46 years ago. I love her more deeply than ever. I am excited about future days and look forward to seeing even more progress in her health. From time to time I still shed a tear, but our loving Father draws close and assures us of His faithfulness.

A few years ago, I visited with Commissioner Andy Miller and his wife Joan at the nursing home
he lived in. They have long been special friends. Before leaving, he asked me to pray. During the course of that prayer I said, " I thank you, Lord for our faith and for our ministry. Who knows where any of us might be were it not for God and The Salvation Army." I repeat that portion of the prayer every day. God has taken us to wonderful places in ministry and always been with us when we have walked through the dark valley. He is with us today! He still performs miracles!

"All things work together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose."