Earlier today on Bellshill Salvation Army Band’s Facebook page I shared the devotions I shared at our band practice last Wednesday evening. I’d like to share those devotions with you tonight.
There’s a moment in Scripture when Paul reminds Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” and to live with the focus and courage of a soldier. Not a soldier of violence, but a soldier of purpose — someone who knows who they belong to, who they follow, and what they stand for.
That’s the heart of our calling too, because as Salvationists, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. We’re not just individuals trying to live good lives, we’re a people gathered, equipped, and sent by God. A people who believe that love is worth fighting for, that hope is worth carrying, and that Christ is worth following our whole lives.
We do not march alone, we march together, we serve together, we witness together, and we lift our voices together, all for God.
That’s why the song ‘In the Army’ is more than just music. It’s a declaration of our identity. It reminds us who we are, what we stand for, and the joy of belonging to God’s Army, an Army of compassion, justice, mercy, and praise.
As you listen to the International Staff Songsters singing ‘In the Army’, let the song be a commitment. Let it be a reminder. Let it be a celebration of the God who calls us, strengthens us, and leads us in all we do.
In the Army of Jesus we’ve taken our stand
To fight ‘gainst the forces of sin;
To the rescue we go,
Satan’s power to o’erthrow,
And his captives to Jesus we’ll win.
Chorus
I’ll stand for Christ, for Christ alone
Amid the tempest and the storm;
Where Jesus leads I’ll follow on;
I’ll stand, I’ll stand for Christ alone.
We go forth not to fight
‘Gainst the sinner, but sin;
The lost and the outcast we love;
And the claims of our King
We before them will bring,
As we urge them His mercy to prove.
Jesus pitied our case,
And He died for our race;
To save a lost world He was slain;
But He rose and now lives,
And His pardon He gives
Unto all who will call on His name.
Though our trials be great
And God’s enemies strong,
To battle undaunted we go,
For our warfare’s the Lord’s
And to Him we belong;
In His strength we shall conquer the foe.
The Distinct Dot 