Today I almost got lost in the text, I thought I might write about the fact that Paul had a job to pay for his preaching so what do we want from our preachers today. I thought maybe I might write about Priscilla and Aquila who were both leaders in the church ha there is a woman leading. But then I got to the final portion and came across Apollos.
Apollos was a good speaker, he was one of those people that are able to construct a point in such a way that all people understood what he was saying. You know he was a great orator able to capture the imagination but had the knowledge to back up his points. There was however a small problem Apollos did not study hard enough and wasn't up to speed on current theology so when Priscilla and Aquila saw this they approached him and schooled him on what he should be teaching.
Apollos could have reacted in so many different ways. But instead of doing what so many people do when they get corrected which is get mad. Apollos just used it to become even better. As I sit and think about this story it makes me wonder how we react to constructive criticism? I can honestly say I am the last in the queue for taking it well but it is a necessary part of life. I have always wanted to be one of those people that take criticism with grace but too often it makes me defensive. So today my prayer is personal and simple God give me the grace of Apollos to accept constructive criticism that will come my way.
Friday, 30 July 2010
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Bible Thought for Today: Acts 17
For the past few days I have been trying to write this bible thought unsuccessfully. Everyday I read a little more of the text and then get distracted with life and no work gets done. So far the baby has been an excuse, watching a movie, doing some counselling and all sorts of other things but I can avoid it no longer. Sometimes when you read the bible it seems that all they do is be a good witness for God. In the case of the disciples it often seems like all they do is preach. Let me tell you this chapter is no exception.
In Acts 17 Paul and Silas visit Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Areopagus. In each of these places they head straight for a temple or meeting place and start preaching. Each of these places has something to teach us about sharing the message but what struck me was what would life be like if we did that. So here is my average day and let's see how it might change.
Wake up and meet neighbours on stairs, show genuine interest in them and remind them that God loves them. Go out to the shops and speak to the sales assistant show genuine interest and tell them God loves them. Meet up with family make sure they remember God loves them. Oh I forgot public transport, speak to the person next to me and tell them God loves them. Wow that really is a different day to my normal one.
I love God and I think I share the love of God as much as possible but do I spell it out to people? No often I am reluctant to mention the specifics because I don't want them to get offended or upset or whatever. However is that all that God requires? Yesterday my husband and I were discussing what we would like to pass onto our son and one of things we would like to pass on is the respect for human life. For him to be a generous person to notice those who are not in a good situation and to give what he can to help and more than that we would like him to treat all people with respect. But as i sit and think about it I guess as a Christian there is more to being a good person than just being nice for us it is the desire to see everyone we meet in heaven.
The challenge for me now is how to incorporate that into my life. In a way I have it a little easier and harder because as a pastor it is my job so I have a natural source of conversation. The other side of that is that people naturally switch off because they expect it and they don't want to hear it because they think well it's her job so she has to do. So each of us face the same challenge how do we share the Good News with all that we meet so that if it were possible everyone would be saved? Easy answer is we remember that mission and never forget it.
In Acts 17 Paul and Silas visit Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Areopagus. In each of these places they head straight for a temple or meeting place and start preaching. Each of these places has something to teach us about sharing the message but what struck me was what would life be like if we did that. So here is my average day and let's see how it might change.
Wake up and meet neighbours on stairs, show genuine interest in them and remind them that God loves them. Go out to the shops and speak to the sales assistant show genuine interest and tell them God loves them. Meet up with family make sure they remember God loves them. Oh I forgot public transport, speak to the person next to me and tell them God loves them. Wow that really is a different day to my normal one.
I love God and I think I share the love of God as much as possible but do I spell it out to people? No often I am reluctant to mention the specifics because I don't want them to get offended or upset or whatever. However is that all that God requires? Yesterday my husband and I were discussing what we would like to pass onto our son and one of things we would like to pass on is the respect for human life. For him to be a generous person to notice those who are not in a good situation and to give what he can to help and more than that we would like him to treat all people with respect. But as i sit and think about it I guess as a Christian there is more to being a good person than just being nice for us it is the desire to see everyone we meet in heaven.
The challenge for me now is how to incorporate that into my life. In a way I have it a little easier and harder because as a pastor it is my job so I have a natural source of conversation. The other side of that is that people naturally switch off because they expect it and they don't want to hear it because they think well it's her job so she has to do. So each of us face the same challenge how do we share the Good News with all that we meet so that if it were possible everyone would be saved? Easy answer is we remember that mission and never forget it.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Cupcakes and Fairy Cakes
I love thinking of fun sabbath activities because not only does it keep me creative but it gives me great ideas for spending time with my family and friends. You see the main point of sabbath is to honour the creator by taking rest from work and enjoy the company of God and our friends and family. To be honest it's great and I feel like it should be celebrated every single week.
So this week I am going to follow fashion. In the UK at the moment the cupcake craze is going strong. Bakeries have popped up all over the place offering brightly coloured, sparkly, yummy cupcakes. So this weeks activities centres on these locally little delights. Are you ready for a cupcake party?
Here is what you need:
A person who knows how to bake (be inclusive ask a senior member of the church or family to join your party)
Cupcake ingredients or a cheats mix pack - make sure you have lots because you will want lots of cupcakes
Cupcake foils or cases
Baking trays
Kitchen
Toppings galore
Lots of people this is an all age activity so the more the merrier
Cupcake Party
The idea is simple make the cupcakes together. While they are in the oven have fun discussing a bible text or actually ask everyone how they are and expect them to answer truthfully. You might be surprised at what you find out if you expect someone to say more than fine or ok.
When the cupcakes are ready decorate to your hearts content. The only limitation is your imagination. Now you have two choices here eat the cakes yourself and enjoy the fellowship with your friends and family. Option two give the cupcakes to people less well off than yourself. Either find homeless people or if there are families in your church that are struggling give them the cupcakes. These small acts of kindness will go along way especially since you took the time to make them special yourself. It's a good lesson for little children, although you might want to keep one back for them to enjoy after the good deed ;0)
Well I thunk I am going to try and do this next week as I am hungry just writing about these yummy little cakes. Ok that's it I am off to bake!
So this week I am going to follow fashion. In the UK at the moment the cupcake craze is going strong. Bakeries have popped up all over the place offering brightly coloured, sparkly, yummy cupcakes. So this weeks activities centres on these locally little delights. Are you ready for a cupcake party?
Here is what you need:
A person who knows how to bake (be inclusive ask a senior member of the church or family to join your party)
Cupcake ingredients or a cheats mix pack - make sure you have lots because you will want lots of cupcakes
Cupcake foils or cases
Baking trays
Kitchen
Toppings galore
Lots of people this is an all age activity so the more the merrier
Cupcake Party
The idea is simple make the cupcakes together. While they are in the oven have fun discussing a bible text or actually ask everyone how they are and expect them to answer truthfully. You might be surprised at what you find out if you expect someone to say more than fine or ok.
When the cupcakes are ready decorate to your hearts content. The only limitation is your imagination. Now you have two choices here eat the cakes yourself and enjoy the fellowship with your friends and family. Option two give the cupcakes to people less well off than yourself. Either find homeless people or if there are families in your church that are struggling give them the cupcakes. These small acts of kindness will go along way especially since you took the time to make them special yourself. It's a good lesson for little children, although you might want to keep one back for them to enjoy after the good deed ;0)
Well I thunk I am going to try and do this next week as I am hungry just writing about these yummy little cakes. Ok that's it I am off to bake!
Friday, 23 July 2010
Why can't we keep quiet?
When you ask your girlfriend how church was do you receive this response:
"Yeah it was good but when I was leaving this woman said something rude about the way I was dressed!"
Unfortunately all to often I hear something similar each week from a variety of friends or young people who have been at church. Some person thought they have a right to tell someone in the most negative way about what they are wearing and normally in front of others to ensure that there is maximum embarrassment caused. The reasons people give for this are shocking.
"It is my duty as a Christian to tell these young people or women about their clothes because I am my brothers keeper after all."
"Well I say it like this because it's cultural we just say it how it is and since I am my brothers keeper then I should tell them."
These are just a few of the excuses I hear for bad behaviour. I have a number of problems with people who think it is ok to have a go at someone for their wardrobe choice.
Firstly the fact that it is done in a way that is an accusation. I understand the modesty argument and I have been to various churches where I have almost fainted at what some men and women were wearing. However unless they were exposing themselves I have felt no need to approach these people. On one occasion a young lady was sitting with her legs open and did not realise that you could see up her skirt so I politely pointed out to her that she was exposing herself. Another time a friend of mine was in the habit of wearing tight trousers. So one day while we were out during the week I asked him about this to which he replied he was finding it difficult to find trousers that fit his thighs and with money tight that was making it difficult. I don't think it ever bothered me again and when he got some funds his trousers were upgraded. To me there are reasons for the way people dress and to simply accuse them of indecency is not a fair reflection. In addition modesty may stay the same but fashions change. What was fashionable in one generation is not necessarily going to work forever.
Second clothes are subjective. The elusive modesty argument is true we should as Christians be modest not for the sake of others but for God. How would God have us be? That really is the question that each of us must answer, do we honour God with all we do? That is a hard mindset to be in 24/7 but it is what we should all be striving for. Therefore the attitude that you can tell me off for my clothes seems positively outdated instead you should be encouraging me to understand that God is a part of my whole life not just my sabbath morning.
I guess my final grievance with this type of behaviour is that people have to be at war when they go to church. Why should I wake up in the morning in the mood for a nice bright pink summer dress only to realise that when I get to church I better have a matching pink sword and shield. It drives me to distraction that people think they need to say anything on a day of a rest. I come to church to have some fellowship with other Christians and to worship God. I do not go to church to have a confrontation with other people. If you feel that strongly about what I was wearing give me a call on Tuesday, oh you would need my number for that wouldn't you!
I think clothes are an emotive issue and the way we dress reflects not only who we are but also has an affect on those around us. It is naive for us to believe that our clothes, the way we dress and present ourselves does not have an impact on anyone else we are after all visual creatures. But while we should remember our modesty in clothes maybe it's about time we remembered our modesty in speech and instead of having a go at people we should try building relationships with them.
"Yeah it was good but when I was leaving this woman said something rude about the way I was dressed!"
Unfortunately all to often I hear something similar each week from a variety of friends or young people who have been at church. Some person thought they have a right to tell someone in the most negative way about what they are wearing and normally in front of others to ensure that there is maximum embarrassment caused. The reasons people give for this are shocking.
"It is my duty as a Christian to tell these young people or women about their clothes because I am my brothers keeper after all."
"Well I say it like this because it's cultural we just say it how it is and since I am my brothers keeper then I should tell them."
These are just a few of the excuses I hear for bad behaviour. I have a number of problems with people who think it is ok to have a go at someone for their wardrobe choice.
Firstly the fact that it is done in a way that is an accusation. I understand the modesty argument and I have been to various churches where I have almost fainted at what some men and women were wearing. However unless they were exposing themselves I have felt no need to approach these people. On one occasion a young lady was sitting with her legs open and did not realise that you could see up her skirt so I politely pointed out to her that she was exposing herself. Another time a friend of mine was in the habit of wearing tight trousers. So one day while we were out during the week I asked him about this to which he replied he was finding it difficult to find trousers that fit his thighs and with money tight that was making it difficult. I don't think it ever bothered me again and when he got some funds his trousers were upgraded. To me there are reasons for the way people dress and to simply accuse them of indecency is not a fair reflection. In addition modesty may stay the same but fashions change. What was fashionable in one generation is not necessarily going to work forever.
Second clothes are subjective. The elusive modesty argument is true we should as Christians be modest not for the sake of others but for God. How would God have us be? That really is the question that each of us must answer, do we honour God with all we do? That is a hard mindset to be in 24/7 but it is what we should all be striving for. Therefore the attitude that you can tell me off for my clothes seems positively outdated instead you should be encouraging me to understand that God is a part of my whole life not just my sabbath morning.
I guess my final grievance with this type of behaviour is that people have to be at war when they go to church. Why should I wake up in the morning in the mood for a nice bright pink summer dress only to realise that when I get to church I better have a matching pink sword and shield. It drives me to distraction that people think they need to say anything on a day of a rest. I come to church to have some fellowship with other Christians and to worship God. I do not go to church to have a confrontation with other people. If you feel that strongly about what I was wearing give me a call on Tuesday, oh you would need my number for that wouldn't you!
I think clothes are an emotive issue and the way we dress reflects not only who we are but also has an affect on those around us. It is naive for us to believe that our clothes, the way we dress and present ourselves does not have an impact on anyone else we are after all visual creatures. But while we should remember our modesty in clothes maybe it's about time we remembered our modesty in speech and instead of having a go at people we should try building relationships with them.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Friends are for Life?
Friends are in your life for a season, reason, or lifetime.
Most days I think I understand this but lately it really has had me thinking. I have had friends for a season, people whom I loved as my friends very much while we worked together or were studying together but when one or other of us move on then the friendship fizzles. When I see them it's great and we have amazing friendship chemistry and catch up is awesome but they aren't necessarily that close. They would be counted as friends and I consider them part of my friendship circle even though I don't see them regularly.
There are some friends for a reason and I know these are harder to pick out. People who I never really talk to but were there for a purpose at that time. To me these are all the good people I know. The people who make good decisions and choose against the odds to do what's right and therefore have earned the badge friend. For me I guess they are still in the friendship circle but I understand that these are not people I see hardly ever although they are still very precious people.
Then there are my lifetime friends now these I love and understand fully. They are people who for whatever reason become a part of your soul. I am convinced that there is something spiritual about friendship. I know you think i am crazy but think about your circle of best friends (I believe there is always a circle never just one). Think about how you met, how you have stayed in touch through the years, it's amazing isn't it? I have friends from childhood, from college, from work, from all sorts of places that no matter what we are friends and I trust them.
But then there seems to be a mysterious fourth category that have been playing on my mind recently quite a lot. They are people who are part of the lifetime circle who one day just walk away no explanation. Now I could just let it go and for the most part I had but recently they have been playing on my mind a huge amount. What would make someone who is your best friend (I know it seems like a childish term but it best describes the relationship) just stop returning your calls and move out of your life. It's really strange if it was a guy I was dating then I would not have a problem see ya later your gone. But because it's a friend there's a connection in my soul that just hasn't let them go. Do I sound strange? Maybe I do but my friends are important to me and are like family I guess, so they each have a place in my heart.
I have been asked questions by those that know of these missing friends all sorts of questions about my behaviour, views and generally what happened. I have examined all of those things and have come up empty so what now? I guess I should just let them go to my scrapbooks and remember the good times but I am finding that really difficult because I miss my friend. What to do, well for now I will pray about it some more and hope that one day the opportunity presents itself to resolve my unanswered questions until then I will cherish the fiends I have.
Most days I think I understand this but lately it really has had me thinking. I have had friends for a season, people whom I loved as my friends very much while we worked together or were studying together but when one or other of us move on then the friendship fizzles. When I see them it's great and we have amazing friendship chemistry and catch up is awesome but they aren't necessarily that close. They would be counted as friends and I consider them part of my friendship circle even though I don't see them regularly.
There are some friends for a reason and I know these are harder to pick out. People who I never really talk to but were there for a purpose at that time. To me these are all the good people I know. The people who make good decisions and choose against the odds to do what's right and therefore have earned the badge friend. For me I guess they are still in the friendship circle but I understand that these are not people I see hardly ever although they are still very precious people.
Then there are my lifetime friends now these I love and understand fully. They are people who for whatever reason become a part of your soul. I am convinced that there is something spiritual about friendship. I know you think i am crazy but think about your circle of best friends (I believe there is always a circle never just one). Think about how you met, how you have stayed in touch through the years, it's amazing isn't it? I have friends from childhood, from college, from work, from all sorts of places that no matter what we are friends and I trust them.
But then there seems to be a mysterious fourth category that have been playing on my mind recently quite a lot. They are people who are part of the lifetime circle who one day just walk away no explanation. Now I could just let it go and for the most part I had but recently they have been playing on my mind a huge amount. What would make someone who is your best friend (I know it seems like a childish term but it best describes the relationship) just stop returning your calls and move out of your life. It's really strange if it was a guy I was dating then I would not have a problem see ya later your gone. But because it's a friend there's a connection in my soul that just hasn't let them go. Do I sound strange? Maybe I do but my friends are important to me and are like family I guess, so they each have a place in my heart.
I have been asked questions by those that know of these missing friends all sorts of questions about my behaviour, views and generally what happened. I have examined all of those things and have come up empty so what now? I guess I should just let them go to my scrapbooks and remember the good times but I am finding that really difficult because I miss my friend. What to do, well for now I will pray about it some more and hope that one day the opportunity presents itself to resolve my unanswered questions until then I will cherish the fiends I have.
I Miss Home: London
Yesterday I went on an innocent visit to London, I visited with my mum and then went out to shoot some photos with my husband. After we finished with my mum we headed for St Paul's and as we walked around I was beginning to remember the London I loved. Have you ever been away from home for a while and when you get back to visit it doesn't feel like home anymore? Well that was me, every time I visited London recently I just ended up frustrated and didn't enjoy the visit. It was frustrating as it is my home city and I loved and missed it often.
In the past year we have had so much upheaval and as we have moved all over and lived with boxes and still live with boxes home seems a distant memory. It used to be that whenever I went back to London I would immediately feel centred again but in the past few months that has not been the case. It is quite unnerving. But yesterday as we walked over Millennium Bridge and I stopped to look out, the wind picked up and as I looked across the Thames to Tower Bridge I felt at peace.
Who knew that something so simple would be so liberating. I am not sure how you reconnect with yourself after a time of difficulty but for me that was the moment. Don't get me wrong I am shattered after yesterday but it was very rewarding. I am not really sure why I am telling you this but I guess I am just sharing with you my most awesome moment. I even have a picture that I will try and work out how to post with this. I hope that if you ever have a moment and need to find yourself that you can have a Millennium Bridge that you can go to.
In the past year we have had so much upheaval and as we have moved all over and lived with boxes and still live with boxes home seems a distant memory. It used to be that whenever I went back to London I would immediately feel centred again but in the past few months that has not been the case. It is quite unnerving. But yesterday as we walked over Millennium Bridge and I stopped to look out, the wind picked up and as I looked across the Thames to Tower Bridge I felt at peace.
Who knew that something so simple would be so liberating. I am not sure how you reconnect with yourself after a time of difficulty but for me that was the moment. Don't get me wrong I am shattered after yesterday but it was very rewarding. I am not really sure why I am telling you this but I guess I am just sharing with you my most awesome moment. I even have a picture that I will try and work out how to post with this. I hope that if you ever have a moment and need to find yourself that you can have a Millennium Bridge that you can go to.
Monday, 19 July 2010
Bible Thought for Today: Acts 16
A call from Macedonia. A number of years ago I was involved with an outreach programme at a church and the pastor wanted to inspire the people to action preached this sermon. I have to say it worked a treat as over three years later I still remember that this was preached. I will be honest and say I don't remember everything that was said but the general gist is there.
So here I am reading about Paul's call to Macedonia and I wonder how many times have I ignored my own call. When God has instructed me to go somewhere do I go? Going at God's word is not easy sometimes it flies in the face of everything you want to do.
Recently my family have had an awful lot of upheaval and at each stage I wanted to do the complete opposite of what I was being asked to do. In the end through gritted teeth I did as I was told. If I am really honest at the end of the process I harboured a lot of resentment that I had to do something that God had asked me too. I worked through the issues and now am ok with everything but it was a hard road to follow.
Paul is quite the opposite when God calls him to go somewhere no matter his plans or what he wanted off he jumps and hops to it. I would drag my feet and ask why among other questions. But here is my lesson going as asked seemed to work for Paul, it was hassle and stress free. Maybe if I did that more often instead of arguing for ages with God the whole process would be more pain free.
So here I am reading about Paul's call to Macedonia and I wonder how many times have I ignored my own call. When God has instructed me to go somewhere do I go? Going at God's word is not easy sometimes it flies in the face of everything you want to do.
Recently my family have had an awful lot of upheaval and at each stage I wanted to do the complete opposite of what I was being asked to do. In the end through gritted teeth I did as I was told. If I am really honest at the end of the process I harboured a lot of resentment that I had to do something that God had asked me too. I worked through the issues and now am ok with everything but it was a hard road to follow.
Paul is quite the opposite when God calls him to go somewhere no matter his plans or what he wanted off he jumps and hops to it. I would drag my feet and ask why among other questions. But here is my lesson going as asked seemed to work for Paul, it was hassle and stress free. Maybe if I did that more often instead of arguing for ages with God the whole process would be more pain free.
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