George Washington Carver
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
Someday
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong- because someday in life you will be all of these.
George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver
Sunday, 29 June 2014
Life and new life
For the past couple of weeks I've been busily involved in some study and a prac placement in a nursing home at Ipswich, involved in palliative and dementia care. There were many images and incidents which touched me whilst I was there, none more so than when one of the nurses brought in her six week old baby to show the residents. The unmitigated joy that many of the elderly people showed in the presence of a baby girl was delightful to behold. As one generation passes away, the promise of new life continues.
For people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease or in the end stages of a terminal illness, life is often placed into a different perspective. Things may not be as important as they once were. Relationships can take on new meaning. Pleasure may be found in simpler things- an enjoyable meal, music from the past, someone taking the time to hold their hand. And somehow the human condition is distilled into its essence, the need for relationship, to love and be loved. There is a camaraderie found in such places that is not often replicated elsewhere. To a world which, as resources become more stretched, increasingly espouses the "survival of the fittest" mentality, I would declare that such communities prove that every person has worth and value, and the world would be a poorer place without them.
In the west we shy away from death. It's neatly packaged and hidden. We need hardly be reminded at all that our lives are finite. We're constantly encouraged to concentrate on the things of this world. But they're transient and fail to bring lasting satisfaction.
In the course of the last two weeks I also had contact with another woman who was hospitalised following a horrendous motor vehicle accident. This lady did not have any cognitive impairment and the prognosis for her recovery was good. Raised in a nominally Christian home, she explained to me that at the time of the accident, which she remembered completely, she was aware of a presence surrounding her, as if holding her, and she felt in her mind the assurance that she would live.This has reawoken her faith in Christ and she realises that some aspects of her life need to change. She told me that she now has no fear of death, and a firm belief in an afterlife. I pray that she will recover, both physically and spiritually.
Life is short. But those of us who know Jesus as our Saviour know that this earthly life is just the beginning of our life with Christ that stretches into the joys of eternity. The apostle Peter tells us:
"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word that was preached to you."
(1 Peter 1:23-25)
For people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease or in the end stages of a terminal illness, life is often placed into a different perspective. Things may not be as important as they once were. Relationships can take on new meaning. Pleasure may be found in simpler things- an enjoyable meal, music from the past, someone taking the time to hold their hand. And somehow the human condition is distilled into its essence, the need for relationship, to love and be loved. There is a camaraderie found in such places that is not often replicated elsewhere. To a world which, as resources become more stretched, increasingly espouses the "survival of the fittest" mentality, I would declare that such communities prove that every person has worth and value, and the world would be a poorer place without them.
In the west we shy away from death. It's neatly packaged and hidden. We need hardly be reminded at all that our lives are finite. We're constantly encouraged to concentrate on the things of this world. But they're transient and fail to bring lasting satisfaction.
In the course of the last two weeks I also had contact with another woman who was hospitalised following a horrendous motor vehicle accident. This lady did not have any cognitive impairment and the prognosis for her recovery was good. Raised in a nominally Christian home, she explained to me that at the time of the accident, which she remembered completely, she was aware of a presence surrounding her, as if holding her, and she felt in her mind the assurance that she would live.This has reawoken her faith in Christ and she realises that some aspects of her life need to change. She told me that she now has no fear of death, and a firm belief in an afterlife. I pray that she will recover, both physically and spiritually.
Life is short. But those of us who know Jesus as our Saviour know that this earthly life is just the beginning of our life with Christ that stretches into the joys of eternity. The apostle Peter tells us:
"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word that was preached to you."
(1 Peter 1:23-25)
Thursday, 12 June 2014
I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back
Lean on, trust and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
(Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5 and 6 - Amplified Bible.)
Monday, 2 June 2014
Touch not God's annointed
"Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." 1 Chronicles 16:22
"In China, Christians are persecuted with beatings and imprisonment. In the West, Christians are persecuted by the words of other Christians." "The Heavenly Man" Brother Yun, with Paul Hattaway, Monarch Books 2002 pp.308-9
Those of us within the body of Christ have a responsibility to pray for our ministers and allow and equip and support them to do their job. In thirty years of church attendance, I have never met a minister who was not dedicated to his or her calling and who had God's will for their congregation at heart. There may be charlatans out there, but I think they're the exception. Today ministers must be theologically trained at university level, so spend long hours of study in preparation and training.
Why then should ministers be targets of people who want to criticize them and bring them down? I personally know two former ministers who are no longer in church ministry due to the treatment levelled against them by certain factions within their congregations. One is still attending church and works in a secular job ,applying his gifts in other areas. The other has not only walked away from ministry but is also struggling faith-wise.
Give credit where it is due. Satan saves his big artillery for those in the front line of Christian ministry. They are his main opposition. All Christians are involved in a spiritual war, so it's no surprise that those in Christian leadership are under attack. The evil forces in mainstream society may be quite obvious, but the ones ever trying to destroy Christian relationships and communities may be less so, and we all need to pray for discernment.. If the enemy can slip into the Christian community and infiltrate its ranks, he divides and conquers. "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." (Matthew 12:25).
Sadly, Satan uses the failures of Christians to attack their church communities, appealing to their baser nature- jealousy, pride, lust, self-centredness, self-pity. Criticism, bribery, seduction, manipulation and slander- just some of the devices that are levelled against those in ministry. Often the perpetrators have practised on members of the laity, ministry leaders or the previous pastor.
For further information regarding the realm of attacks upon those in ministry and church conflict as a whole, I recommend Jim Meyer's blog "Restoring Kingdom Builders" - link http://blog.restoringkingdombuilders.org/ (link is also in the right column of this page in Links section.)
Pastor Jim has provided me with much food for thought and encouragement in the two years that I've been interested in this area.
What can be done within church communities to protect those in ministry, whilst addressing concerns? If I had to make one suggestion that all members of the laity could follow, it would be - don't gossip. Not at all. Most, if not all, within churches, me included, have found themselves talking unwisely about other brothers and sisters in Christ. I've also been on the receiving end of some pretty vicious gossip. I still have to guard my tongue, but I pray that I will be more discerning than ever when I listen and speak in conversations. Because gossip doesn't start with a great big critique of someone, it starts as a little niggly observation about something unimportant. It permeates church culture. An like the heat of the sun through a child's magnifying glass, it creates smoke, then a tiny flame, then an unstoppable fire that burns a forest down. According to Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church in New York:
“I know what most easily destroys churches. It is not crack cocaine, government oppression, or even lack of funds. Rather it is gossip and slander that grieves the Holy Spirit.”
Don't talk about a third person with somebody else, unless you have something complementary to say. Praise your pastors and your church. If you have a concern regarding a brother or sister in Christ, pray first, then try to speak with them about it if you are able. If you have a genuine concern about a matter that impacts on the integrity of the church, pray first, then speak to a pastor about it, to them and nobody else. Abide by the decisions that they make in relation to your concerns and don't go around slandering them if their decisions are not what you would do. They are accountable to God in the long run for decisions that they make regarding the fellowship.
If somebody wants to draw you into their own little clique of alliances by sharing titbits of juicy information, (significantly unfounded and untrue), don't have a bar of it. If you have been guilty of gossiping, make a covenant with God that He will prompt you to speak wisely, to hold your tongue and to politely but firmly steer conversations away from subjects you shouldn't be discussing.
Just one way we can support those in ministry and promote church unity.
"In China, Christians are persecuted with beatings and imprisonment. In the West, Christians are persecuted by the words of other Christians." "The Heavenly Man" Brother Yun, with Paul Hattaway, Monarch Books 2002 pp.308-9
Those of us within the body of Christ have a responsibility to pray for our ministers and allow and equip and support them to do their job. In thirty years of church attendance, I have never met a minister who was not dedicated to his or her calling and who had God's will for their congregation at heart. There may be charlatans out there, but I think they're the exception. Today ministers must be theologically trained at university level, so spend long hours of study in preparation and training.
Why then should ministers be targets of people who want to criticize them and bring them down? I personally know two former ministers who are no longer in church ministry due to the treatment levelled against them by certain factions within their congregations. One is still attending church and works in a secular job ,applying his gifts in other areas. The other has not only walked away from ministry but is also struggling faith-wise.
Give credit where it is due. Satan saves his big artillery for those in the front line of Christian ministry. They are his main opposition. All Christians are involved in a spiritual war, so it's no surprise that those in Christian leadership are under attack. The evil forces in mainstream society may be quite obvious, but the ones ever trying to destroy Christian relationships and communities may be less so, and we all need to pray for discernment.. If the enemy can slip into the Christian community and infiltrate its ranks, he divides and conquers. "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." (Matthew 12:25).
Sadly, Satan uses the failures of Christians to attack their church communities, appealing to their baser nature- jealousy, pride, lust, self-centredness, self-pity. Criticism, bribery, seduction, manipulation and slander- just some of the devices that are levelled against those in ministry. Often the perpetrators have practised on members of the laity, ministry leaders or the previous pastor.
For further information regarding the realm of attacks upon those in ministry and church conflict as a whole, I recommend Jim Meyer's blog "Restoring Kingdom Builders" - link http://blog.restoringkingdombuilders.org/ (link is also in the right column of this page in Links section.)
Pastor Jim has provided me with much food for thought and encouragement in the two years that I've been interested in this area.
What can be done within church communities to protect those in ministry, whilst addressing concerns? If I had to make one suggestion that all members of the laity could follow, it would be - don't gossip. Not at all. Most, if not all, within churches, me included, have found themselves talking unwisely about other brothers and sisters in Christ. I've also been on the receiving end of some pretty vicious gossip. I still have to guard my tongue, but I pray that I will be more discerning than ever when I listen and speak in conversations. Because gossip doesn't start with a great big critique of someone, it starts as a little niggly observation about something unimportant. It permeates church culture. An like the heat of the sun through a child's magnifying glass, it creates smoke, then a tiny flame, then an unstoppable fire that burns a forest down. According to Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church in New York:
“I know what most easily destroys churches. It is not crack cocaine, government oppression, or even lack of funds. Rather it is gossip and slander that grieves the Holy Spirit.”
Don't talk about a third person with somebody else, unless you have something complementary to say. Praise your pastors and your church. If you have a concern regarding a brother or sister in Christ, pray first, then try to speak with them about it if you are able. If you have a genuine concern about a matter that impacts on the integrity of the church, pray first, then speak to a pastor about it, to them and nobody else. Abide by the decisions that they make in relation to your concerns and don't go around slandering them if their decisions are not what you would do. They are accountable to God in the long run for decisions that they make regarding the fellowship.
If somebody wants to draw you into their own little clique of alliances by sharing titbits of juicy information, (significantly unfounded and untrue), don't have a bar of it. If you have been guilty of gossiping, make a covenant with God that He will prompt you to speak wisely, to hold your tongue and to politely but firmly steer conversations away from subjects you shouldn't be discussing.
Just one way we can support those in ministry and promote church unity.
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Say no to bullying
Bullying occurs in many workplaces, churches, schools and
families. Some people I know have suffered for years in an actual
situation,
and still further years in recovery from situations where they had no
control
over the abuse that they experienced and the lack of support and
protection
from those who abdicated their responsibilities. Yet, through God’s
loving care, the love and care of others and a determination not to let
the oppression of
some determine your own life and destiny; recovery is achievable.
Healing and a life of faith, love
and happiness is very much available.
" Say no to bullying" - author unknown-copied from the website of a lovely, caring young lady.
" Say no to bullying" - author unknown-copied from the website of a lovely, caring young lady.
Monday, 26 May 2014
Waiting on tables.
In the sixth chapter of the Biblical book of Acts, we learn of a problem which was facing the early church. The church was growing rapidly, and demands were being placed on the twelve apostles to organise care of the widows within the fellowship, and settle disputes arising from this. Wisely, the apostles realised that they needed to give priority to teaching the word of God and to prayer. They therefore decided to delegate some of the responsibility of caring for the flock to others chosen for the task.
In the same way, back in the book of Exodus, chapter 18, Jethro advised Moses that he would become worn out by acting as a judge for the tribe of Israel, trying all day long to solve issues of disputes and relaying God's will for his people whilst they were camped in the desert. He advised his son-in-law to handle difficult cases himself, but to appoint representatives to assist him otherwise.
The appointment of Stephen, in Acts chapter six, demonstrates for us that in God's kingdom there are many different opportunities for ministry within the body of Christ. Distributing food might at first appear to be a fairly menial task, however it seems that because disputes were arising, the disciples saw the need for those who were "full of the Spirit and wisdom."(v3).
Stephen, it seems, was a great choice, consecrated to his task through prayer and the laying on of hands by the disciples. The chapter goes on to tell us that as the fledgling church expanded, he was full of God's grace and power and performed great wonders and signs among the people. He obviously had a great love for and dedication to the work that he was assigned to do.
The Bible tells us Stephen was a skilled apologist, being able to give an excellent account when challenged about his beliefs, so much so that his opponents in the Sanhedrin had to bring false witnesses against him. Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin in his own defence, detailed in Acts chapter 7, like that of Peter's speech in chapter 2, is inspirational in its eloquence and boldness. Again, we see how the Holy Spirit empowers Christ's followers with the right words to say in a testing situation.
Stephen remained filled with the Holy Spirit right up to the point of his death at the hands of a cruel mob. He was given a clear vision of heaven, a source of comfort to many, and like Jesus, pleaded for forgiveness for those killing him. His conduct no doubt remained as a witness in the mind of a young man named Saul, who stood by watching his death.
What can we as a church body learn from the story of Stephen? I think this story demonstrates the need for members of the body to support their pastoral team by allowing them time for prayer and preparation and teaching of the word. Sometimes in churches we expect the pastoral team to be available 24/7 and to be responsible for every aspect of church life- a sure path to pastoral burnout.
Stephen's example also demonstrates the need for many within the body to utilise their gifts and contribute in ways that assist the pastoral team and minister to the congregation. There is no such thing as a spiritual hierarchy within the body of Christ- just different giftings and ways of ministering to others. Stephen may have been waiting on tables, but he obviously saw it as a great opportunity to minister to others and display God's wonder and power. Simple tasks performed for the glory of God can have great effect and be a significant witness. God designed His church to live in unity and operate using the many and varied talents of its members Not everyone is a theologian, or a people person, or a number cruncher or peacemaker, or musician (although most are able to be part of the cleaning roster!).
As Paul tells us:
" For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly" (Romans 12:4-6)
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