Lessons from Sermon prep

Am speaking at a lovely church tomorrow and in preparing I thought of the people that might be there, what if they emailed me before hand so I could be more specific in the delivery of the message. What would they say?

Dear Preacher, 

I am a member of your audience and I sit before you in silent desperation. I am a mother of a good Christian teen-age girl who just told me that she is pregnant. I am a husband whose marriage is falling apart and no matter what I do I can’t seem to stop it. I’m a child who has tried so hard to win the affection of my Dad, but all I hear from him is how many times I screw up. I’m a senior citizen who sees that my life is coming to a close and I’m worried and scared…not knowing if my life has made a difference or if my future is secure. I’m a father of three kids and the doctor just told me that my wife can’t possibly live more than a couple of months. I am a widow who sits alone in my home so lonely yet no one seems to care. I’m by all accounts a successful man who has gotten everything he has wanted in life, but it hasn’t been enough. I am blue and depressed and I don’t even know why, but I can’t go on living like this any longer. I am a parent who raised my kid in the church but now my child is so far away from the Lord we can’t even discuss it anymore. I am single and have just invested all I had in a relationship and the person walked away without ever looking back. I’m a wife whose husband rarely speaks to me, and I can’t remember the last time he held me. I feel so lonely and abandoned, even in my own home. Oh, you can’t see my desperation by looking at me. I’ve learned to hide my feelings so deeply that sometimes I can even fool myself. The people who sit on either side of me would be surprised to know that I walk the floor each night and cry. I can imagine the shocked surprise of those sitting with me in the pew if I told them that I had considered committing suicide… Or maybe they wouldn’t be shocked at all, maybe they have too.

So preacher, when I sit in front of you on Sunday morning, I don’t want to hear your thoughts on the analyses of transubstantiation or another exegesis on a fine piece of scripture. I don’t want to hear the latest Christian joke that came into your inbox … and I don’t want you to share a few thoughts that you gleamed from the night before. I don’t want to hear about the latest book on pastoral counseling and I don‘t want to be begged for money for missionaries or the world’s hungry. Preacher, I hurt. I feel empty and useless, with no where to go. 

My question to you is the same that the king asked God’s prophet Jeremiah, “ Is there any word from the Lord?” 

ok, I get it, I think ... better get started and listen ... Lord speak, your servant is listening

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 ?