Lessons learned from Lent ...

So the pope has decided that his old age is now becoming detrimental to his job as head of the Catholic church - brave call indeed. And as his papal highness steps down, many of my Christian friends decide to give up their social networks for Lent (a period in the church calender for giving up stuff -  Google it for more correct info). It seemed (to me at least) that Lent is slowly becoming the new New Years resolutions, something many have given up as previous (unsuccessful) attempts have taught them not to try that again. But over the past few years, I have seen friends giving up stuff for Lent in a habit close to the aforementioned resolution attempts.

My tone of writing might give you the idea that I do not endorse this, and you would be right. Not that I am against people giving up stuff, making them stronger in the process (although they seem to pick it up 40 days later at the same speed and time-intensity as they left it). I am not against it - how could I be in this tolerant society of ours and as a 'good Christian', valuing others. Maybe I am just a little jealous of their resolve, their temperament, their strength, their ability to stick to something like that, no the real reason I am somewhat perturbed (such a nice word - perturbed) about this is the reduced presence of Christian witness on Social media during, what I call (to use a Miranda-ism) a Christian festival, isn't it ironic. Of course some do have to let everyone know first, what's that all about. Making a really big song and dance of the fact that they are signing off for 40 days (but do ask me for my phone number / email address so we can stay in touch -REALLY !?!) Wouldn't it be better to quietly just leave it for 40 days (or however long you might survive without) and see if people miss our online presence - that would truly be a measurement of the impact upon onlookers and social network visitors (ranty bit over).

My lovely wife has a different approach (but then, she is not a great social media user). During this season of heightening our Spiritual awareness, re-addressing our relationship with the loving Father (not the one in Rome who stepped down), my wife decides to ADD something during the time of Lent. In previous years it took the shape of learning a whole Psalm of by heart. Last night she shared however that last year wasn't as successful as the year before - but as in all these attempts - it's the thought that counts. Now THAT I could subscribe to during Lent - the thought that counts. Making it a time to think more upon that which is holding me back, that which is aiding me in my growth, that which is making me feel His pleasure, that which saddens Him that loves me.

So there you have it, make of it what you want - and however you decide to celebrate Lent, be Blessed as to enable you to be a blessing to others.

Lessons learned about encouragement

Whilst speaking at Horam Chapel last Sunday I had a few people asking about my employment situation. This made me feel good (even though the answer I had to give them wasn't the one we all hoped for). Just people checking in with something that is very much alive in our life was uplifting for me. This made me think of ways we can uplift and affirm one another. Here are just a few:

Speaking. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are .. sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” The number of ways we can encourage one another through our speech is almost limitless. One way is to recognise verbally the positive qualities in others’ lives.

Writing. The New Testament epistles are proof of the power of written communication. Sometimes a short note to someone who’s discouraged can mean so much. Think creatively. For example, include a note in lunch boxes.

Being present. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,” says Psalm 34:18. Sometimes God asks us simply to be with others in person on his behalf. We don’t have to speak much; our presence itself can be a deeply encouraging gift. I felt I had to go see a friend once who had just lost his best friend. When he opened the front door all I could say was 'the Bible tells me to mourn with those who mourn, I do not know what that means, but I am here" He welcomed me in and we just sat in his kitchen for a while.

Touching. Jesus often touched people. Scientists are just starting to document the positive effects of touch, which God has known about all along. From a light touch on the shoulder to a tight hug, these gestures encourage others wordlessly.

Praying. “You help us by your prayers,” Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:11. This ministry everyone can have. Combine this with the written if you have something special to share. Why not use text messages. Be creative.

Showing hospitality. “Practice hospitality,” says Romans 12:13. The Greek word for hospitality is more like a brotherly love of strangers. Practicing biblical hospitality means reaching out to them what need to experience the heartfelt compassion that comes with the extra plate on the table.

Giving. “A generous man will himself be blessed,” says Proverbs 22:9. God wants us to share our lives with others - our time, our money, our possessions. Any of these can be used creatively to encourage others.

Helping. Common jobs and chores - from housework, gardening, mending, shoveling snow, baby-sitting, can all become holy in the ministry of encouragement. “Whatever you do,” says Colossians 3:23, “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

How will you encourage someone ?

Lesson learned from friends

So here I am, updating my daily 'now that's what I call worship' Facebook profile, when there is a sudden influx of replies on the one stating a wide variety of ways to worship (as posted by our pastor). Upon re-reading it I was puzzled by the depth of reply and this in turn caused me to rethink what I (in a glance) had agreed to. The words which riled a few people was 'shout at God' and me stating 'now that's what I call worship'. A little research into the use of the language behind shouting/yelling/screaming at and/or to did not satisfy me in any way. It really looks (to me) that I have to decide for myself where I'm at on this one. I better state the context in which our pastor made the statement: 

the church are all praying hard for you guys...personally I'm excited, by what Gods got in store for you all this new season...you are all loved and worth it... that's why we are committing this month to be praying for you all...

BE INVOLVED IN ANY WAY YOU KNOW HOW...

use the shed, write a letter, read the Bible, argue with a leader, shout at God, Laugh, Cry, write a song, Paint a picture, listen to music, sit in silence, Talk, listen...I guarantee you that God will say something.

And when he does...SHARE IT WITH US...you are part of us, 

YOU ARE HEREBY INVITED TO JOIN THE DANCE.

I loved the 'be involved in any way you know how' and to be fair, some of us only know how to shout when we're at odds with the Father (or maybe we shout because we feel far away) - but shouting is a biblical principal, my limited understanding of the English language does not differentiate between the shouting to and at. Some say it's about the feeling and emotion behind it - well, that's what I call worship (using God given emotions).

My Facebook posts about worship are all made within a relational context of me and Daddy. So I am not merely having a rant and rave kinda shout at Him - I seek resolving, resolution and restoration when I am finding myself shouting at. (not sure if this is within the English language context, but I get away with it as a foreigner).

So I learned from friends, to watch what I copy and try and understand what I agree with - in this case, I have decided to continue to worship Him in (and through) everything, as learning from friends - is what I call worship too.