Coming Home ...... ...... by MAJOR FRANK DURACHER Fans of the late Leslie Nielsen may know that before he became known worldwide as a comedian in the early 1980s, he had been a serious–bit actor in television and movies since the 1950s. But he is best remembered for his funny–man roles. Nielsen had a knack for facial expressions that complimented the one–line quips, with a deadpan voice that often had audiences laughing uncontrollably. Among the most recognized Nielsen quips—used in many of his better movies—is the line, “And, don’t call me Shirley!” The joke never got old when his character was posed with a statement that included the word “surely.” (Example: “Surely this is the murder weapon!” Nielsen: “Yes, apparently it is…and, don’t call me Shirley!”) I find it interesting that the word “surely” appears quite a bit in the Bible (284 times, in fact). But the word used back then doesn’t mean the same as it does today. And Don't Call Me Shirley For me, “surely” can mean something “has to be this way, right?” or “I can’t imagine this being something else, don’t you think?” In that sense, “surely” introduces a degree of uncertainty that makes the probability of correctness less than 100%. But in the ancient language of the Bible, “surely” has nothing but the strongest assertive force behind it. More like, “absolutely!” “Can’t miss.” “Count on it!” So read any verse that contains the word “surely”—for instance, Psalm 91:3, and substitute the intended meaning: Absolutely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence… Absolutely under His wings you will find refuge… For He will give His angels charge over you, to keep you in every way, absolutely! For every Christian believer, that’s better than the most expensive insurance policy. And can we count on God to keep all of His promises? Surely! Major Frank Duracher is Divisional Secretary for the Army’s Maryland and West Virginia Division. Contact the National Publications department at [email protected]. Visit us online at www.thewarcry.com. For referral to your local Salvation Army or to learn more about Salvation Army programs, disaster relief initiatives and donation options visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1–800–SAL–ARMY. JUNE 2013 THE ABCs of Admit your need (Romans 3:23) To: EDITOR IN CHIEF SALVATION ARMY NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314 As a reader of The War Cry, I am interested in the following: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Believe in Christ (Acts 16:31) “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” o Your prayers o Follow–up counseling by a Salvationist o Bible study suggestions o Receiving The War Cry regularly o Information on how to become a Salvationist o Address of the nearest Salvation Army corps o Information on how to receive Christ as my Savior o Note: I received Christ as Savior by reading the War Cry. Please print Name ____________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________ City ______________________________________State_____ Zip ____________ Phone _________________________Email ______________________________ Commit yourself to Christ (John 1:12) “Yet to all who received Him ... He gave the right to become children of God” Being truly sorry for your sins, and through the power of Christ forsaking them, go forward to live for Christ. He will give forgiveness, power, victory, purpose, the Holy Spirit and life eternal. FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE, please contact us by returning the reply form above. The War Cry | JUNE 2013 33