Phil Laeger

‘Inclusion’: Christian Virtue or Secular Ideology? A Table for All, or a Faith Without a Cross?

open.substack.com/pub/fidelity...

Today marks 160 years of The Salvation Army, a church and charity.

The Salvation Army is now officially present in 134 countries and, “while there remains one dark soul without the light of God”, we’ll continue to fight!

@salvationarmyuk.bsky.social

Coldplay & Jesus Seven Coldplay lyrics that have bolstered my faith in Christ

Because I am often engrossed in corporate worship music, when I need a change of pace, God often speaks to me through songs outside of that catalogue. Coldplay figures significantly in that realm.

Here are 7 of my favorite Coldplay lyrics, along with how they have ministered to me as a Christian.

You might be thinking, "What is it that Phil is up to? What is he waiting for?" I wish I could tell you all the details. 🙂 Soon! Think worship, music, children, ministry, camping, all those kinds of things. And now I'm excited again and I don't mind the holding pattern so much. #redeemingthetime

Talk to your fellow passengers (a challenge for introverts like me). Let people know what awaits you on the ground. It can help you articulate things and renew your passion for what is ahead.

Close your eyes and dream - one of my favorite lesser known worship songs is called Get Your Hopes Up, by Josh Baldwin, "Get your hopes up / Lift your head up / Let your faith arise" — dare to dream about all that God will yet do - He is not done yet and all He has promised will come to pass.

Take in the view (this is why I always grab a window seat)! How amazing is it to be where you are! Look at all that is above, below, before and behind you 😃 Look how far you've come. Don't neglect to be thankful for the beauty of all that God has already done.

Remember that the pilot himself is subject to protocol - he is waiting also (on the air traffic controllers, who are waiting on other planes, waiting on other planes...). What good does it do to get impatient? Patience, on the other hand, yields inumerable rewards for everyone.

What can you do when you're cruising at 10,000 feet, waiting on the pilot to land the plane? Well, maybe...

Day3 — Make the Most of May
Part of the reason I started this endeavor (posting something every day this month) is that a lot of life feels like a holding pattern at the moment. I have been traveling a bit for work lately, so the holding pattern metaphor feels apropros. Let's roll with it.

Knowing all of this, I can trust that HE will make the most of everything that comes my way, not only in this month, but all the days of my life. #trustingJesus #Godisgood #SoGood

Not only that! We can even begin to see the good things that God was able to accomplish for us and others, in spite of the pain they caused. Not all things are good (as Tim Keller once preached), but nevertheless for the Christian, God works all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

Instead, we can come to the place where even remembrance of hardship elicits praise, thanksgiving, and this sober and freeing acknowledgment: ours is not the place of judgment but of humility and trust, "Am I in the place of God?"

But God is so kind to us to walk us toward healing. If we allow Him, He will bring us to the point where we no longer get tripped up by the pain of the past.

We've all been hurt and let down by people in our lives that we love or have loved. It can take us into seasons of pain and doubt about the goodness of God toward us. It can slow us down and cause us to be unfruitful and unproductive as kingdom people.

“Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? ... [You] meant evil against me; but God meant it for good ... to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
— Genesis 50:19-21, nkjv

Day 2 — Make the Most of May.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible, one that never fails to move me, is Joseph's words to his brothers at the end of Genesis. Their father Jacob has died, and the brothers are now afraid that Joseph will seek retribution against them.

You know what I can do. I can only do so much. You know what I need and when I need it by. Help me to obey Your promptings in areas of both productivity and leisure, in areas of both work and rest.

In as much as it depends on me, Lord, help me not to hesitate in putting my hand to the things in my purview.

In as much as it does not, Lord, help me relinquish control and release things to You.

I'm going to be hopping on every day w/ a thought re: productivity/spirituality. 1st thought: What excuses am I making for not getting certain things done? What have I been putting off because "I'm waiting on other people"? What can I be doing now? What is my responsibility?

"And don’t live foolishly for then you will have discernment to fully understand God’s will. And don’t get drunk with wine, which is rebellion; instead be filled continually with the Holy Spirit."
— Eph 5:16-18, TPT paraphrased)

"So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. MAKE THE MOST OF every day as you spend your life for his purposes."

Make the Most of May, DAY ONE

As I do every month, I begin the month by asking what word the Lord may have for me. This month has become Make the Most of May, with Paul's words near the end of Ephesians to help me keep focus..

Bearfence Mountain, Shenandoah National Park, shot on iPhone SE (2nd Generation) #RockinTuesday

This is categorically false. The Salvation Army helps everyone, without discrimination. Period.

Remember a few years ago when it was all the rage to try that filter out that showed you what you were gonna look late in life? Yeah, the wrinkles and gray hair are coming in slowly with every day!

Currently finishing up my 2nd semester of MA work. I have 5 days to complete:

• 10,000 word essay interacting with scholarly work on Romans 1:24-27

• 10 page paper on William Booth

• Timeline project covering the entire chronological history of the Old Testament

• lots of reading

Help!