The Importance of Living a Life of Respect in a Disrespecting Age

by Jeff Lee

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,  to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”  Titus 3:1–2 NIV84

In the last few years there has been a growing trend toward disrespect toward each other in Western cultures.  If someone disagrees with an idea, practice, teaching, action and more than an individual may feel permission to be disrespectful.  This seems to be especially true even of politicians.  But without getting political or meddling to much in these waters of opinion, I must admit I appreciated the challenge this morning from Titus 2:1-2. 

The attitudes and actions of disrespect, selfishness, inconsideration and slander must have been a problem in the church of Crete.  Paul, who is an apostle of Jesus Christ, faced disrespect on so many occasions experiencing hardship, torture, pain and agony for just simply having a Christian faith and sharing this faith with others.  A man, who could have been upset, instead tells his ministry apprentice Titus to “remind the people,” with the context being Christians to be respectful of governing authorities and toward all people. 

Sometimes I have to admit, I am not always happy with certain ideas, world views, government actions, comments and opinions over others.  However, as a Christian, I am called to live a life, as taught in this passage, of respect, peace, being considerate and humble, no matter how I feel.  This is stinging, because like many, this can be hard to do in practice, but seems simplistic in theory.  Lea & Griffin state that “Christians should be careful not to speak evil of or verbally abuse others, who are created in God’s own image and the object of his saving grace (Jas 3:9).”[1]

A story about Winston Churchill “exemplified integrity and respect in the face of opposition. During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony. Two gentlemen that were seated several rows behind him began whispering, “That's Winston Churchill. They say he is getting senile. They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men.” When the ceremony was over, Churchill turned to the men and said, “Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!”[2]

People can say and feel all sorts of things that are true and untrue, hurtful and even unhelpful, as we see in this story.  It is easy for some people to get critical easily, even defensive and agitated.  However, I do wonder, if you are reading this post as a Christian today, if you find this teaching brings a sting to your mind and heart.  Have you lashed out at others in without a humble attitude, being disrespectful and selfish without being considerate?  You and I may disagree with others, but we are not asked to be agreeable.  We may feel hurt or bothered by another’s beliefs or political persuasions, but this teaching from Paul does not encourage being obnoxious, hurtful and disrespectful.  This does not mean we cannot share our thoughts or views but we must do so in an attitude of love and respect.  Be considerate that we may not have all the information, or we may not have the whole story, or we may not understand why a person has come to particular conclusions and actions.  What Jesus and Paul both teach is we must live in an attitude of love and respect toward other people, even when we disagree.  Think about how you can approach each conversation in an   Remember, we are also called to do our best to be obedient and kind to authorities who lead.  We are work hard “be ready to do whatever is good.”  Wiersbe says that “Ready to every good work” means “cooperating in those matters that involve the whole community.” Our heavenly citizenship does not absolve us from responsibilities as citizens on earth.”[3]  We must live as respectful and responsible citizens in our communities, which includes our neighbourhoods, workplaces and schools, but also our social media communities. 

attitude of grace and love.

Humility, respect, consideration and goodness are traits that mark being a Christian.  Why does it seem that some who identify with Christ nowadays seem to be disposing of this important teaching?  A great summation on this teaching to ponder today is that, “It is not enough for Christians to say the right things—telling others about Jesus and his love. Our lives are of critical importance, too. People need to see a consistency between the salvation that we profess to have received and the way we live in the world.  And in these reminders to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be ready to do whatever is good etc., we have clear pointers as to the direction in which we must go as we seek to reduce Paul’s concern to practice.”[4]

Let us move ahead this week in an attitude of love, humility, consideration and peace in all our conversations this week, asking forgiveness from God and others when we fail, and being the change.

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[1]  Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 319.

[2] Pastor Paul Chappell, "Winston Churchill," Ministry 127, accessed November 17, 2017, http://ministry127.com/resources/illustration/winston-churchill.

[3]  Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 267.

[4]  David Campbell, Opening up Titus, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2007), 95.

Awareness of the Struggle of Depression, Self-Harm and Suicide

Every September, in the United Kingdom, there is one week dedicated to suicide awareness.  One of the issues here in the United Kingdom in the Autumn and Winter with the declining hours of light and increasing hours of darkness is a noticeable mood change.  This is especially true if we go days and sometimes weeks with rain and cloud without any sunshine.  Depression is an issue that affects many, seemingly more than what I experienced living in Canada (or maybe people in the UK are more open about the issue).  But with the darker, wet days of winter in brings to my mind the struggles many have with life such as relationships, purpose, fulfilment, stress in work, school and much more.
As a Youth and Young Adults Pastor, my heart breaks for the many youth today who feel alone, who are struggling inside with hurt, pain, challenges and discontentment with no one they feel they can talk too.  I want to explore the topic today of depression and suicide among teens but also in people general.  There seems to be more and more recent reports especially of teen’s attempting and some committing suicide, or at least there may be more awareness, though here in the UK figures suggest a slight 4.7% decrease in suicide rates last year.[1]  My heart breaks for these teens, parents and friends who have suffered through such a tragic situation.  Recently, I knew a family who had experienced the loss of someone close to them who chose to end their life themselves.  My heart was and still is broken for this family.  This issue seems to be growing with the number of those who are struggling with complex personal issues and unable to cope, attempting self-harm.  The Telegraph reports that there has been a “68% rise in the number of young people being admitted to hospital because of self-harm over the last 10 years – that’s three in every classroom.”[2]   Thought self-harm does not necessarily mean a person is thinking suicide, it is still related to many who struggle.  In Canada, the country of my birth, suicide is on the rise and was brought to light in 2016 when “five teenagers from Woodstock, Ontario killed themselves in just as many months.”[3]
What is the point of bringing awareness of this topic?  I have personally found over the years that Christians unfortunately seem ill equipped and are prone to evade open discussion about suicide.  I don’t mean to be crass, or am I attempting to make light of the issue of suicide.  However, as Christians, I believe we must become more educated and more aware of this issue, concerns, symptoms, and signs.  Further, it is important that we listen to others with an attitude of love, care and concern without judgementalism.  Often it is hard for those struggling emotionally, with various challenges and thoughts, to come forward to a family member, friend, minister or counsellor.  MIND UK suggests to those struggling…
“It can feel difficult to open up to people.
You may want others to understand what you're going through, but you might feel:
Suicidal thoughts aren't permanent - things do improve. You can find your motivation to live again.

• unable to tell someone
• unsure of who to tell
• concerned that they won't understand
• fearful of being judged
• worried you'll upset them”[4]

Here is a charity that helps those with mental health issues trying to suggest that many people do feel unable to share how they feel, unsure of who to talk too, not sure if others will understand their feelings, fear being judged and worried they might upset those they might share with.  Picture yourself in the shoes of someone who has all these feelings and emotions swirling within them.  Would they feel safe approaching you?  We need to make people safe.  A word to Christian churches, organizations, charities, we need to work toward being a safe place for people to approach, and it’s unfortunate that some may not come who need someone to listen, love and care.  Many Christians face these feelings too, and depression, which is often linked with suicide, is something Christians struggle with too.  Please understand that depression can happen to anyone and is not just mental health issue cause by issues of sin.  Unfortunately, there are still some from an uneducated background in this area who think such a thing.  Depression can be brought on by sinful struggles but it is by far not the only issue that leads to depression.  I say this because I had heard this growing up among some people that depression was a sin problem, I had painful discussion with an uneducated pastor on this issue a few years ago.  Depression can be caused by chemical imbalances in the body, post-partum depression, injury, loss of a friend or close family member and so on.  Please do not assume this as “depression can be emotional, medical, or spiritual.  Sometimes it’s all three at once.”[5]
Since I studied through college and I am close to finishing a master’s degree, I have been interested in issues of mental health and counselling, spending some time looking into many issues including depression.  Depression can come from many different challenges and situations in a person’s life.  A few years ago, I personally went through a bout of depression after having a serious concussion playing ice hockey where I landed on my head.  My head was cloudy, I had serious headaches, feel tired all the time.  I felt dark inside for months.  It wasn’t until I talked with a brain therapy specialist in Canada that I realized that I needed a serious recovery plan.  My doctor here in the UK did not give me any advice at all, but suggested I take medication.  That was his only solution, medication.  But after talking with the brain therapist I found out among many things, I should have taken serious time off, not been watching television and playing on my phone, all of which was slowing down healing.  I hurt my brain, I should have stopped everything, silly me.  What I want to point out is at the time I felt embarrassed and afraid to talk to others about it.  I was able to find help through the therapist, some websites at the time, but also through some books of which the most helpful was a book by Psychiatrist Donald Hall called, “Dealing with Depression.”[6]  Dr. Hall gave many helpful steps and advice on recovery.  I must be honest, I felt and even feel now that it’s difficult to share my past situation because of fear of being judged.  However, in order to encourage others to share, I want to be open even despite what others may think or say.  As a Christian, I found that my relationship with God helped me tremendously.  One the practices that helped me through the depression was worship of God.  Worship through prayer with God, singing uplifting songs to him in the car, working on things around the house, reading the Bible, God’s Word to us.  All this together helped to lift my spirit tremendously, alongside some of the suggestions in Donald Hall’s book.
Mental health issues are serious and more common place today.  We need to be ever more aware that people all around us and even our family could be facing such issues, and we may not even be aware.  Those struggling with depression, self-harm and suicide need to know there are people who care and are willing to listen with unconditional love.
What are some signs that we need to be aware to help those who are struggling?  I just read this week great new Net Nanny article by Dr. Charlene Millar who suggests these six signs in relation to teens for which need to be on the watch.  She suggests the looking for the following potential risks:
Understanding Potential Risks

1. Withdrawal from Usual Activities:When kids who have been typically interested in activities and friends begin withdrawing from friends, activities and family gatherings, it is important to wonder what might be going on for your child. Sometimes withdrawal is a sign of depression which is a leading cause of suicide.

2. Depressed Mood:Symptoms of depression can include, but is not limited to, fatigue and decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, hopelessness and helplessness, notable changes in sleep patterns such as insomnia or excessive sleeping, notable changes in appetite such as overeating or appetite loss, persistent sadness. It is not uncommon for those who are depressed or suicidal to ignore hygiene and personal appearance.

3. Frequent Outbursts of Anger:Teenagers typically have mood swings, all of which need to be addressed. Mood swings that may be more concerning are those that seemingly come out of nowhere and without understandable context. Some of these mood swings may come with threats of violence and self-harm, expressing their sense of hopelessness in an aggressive way. Mood fluctuations between extreme anger or manic behaviour and labile or depressed mood may be signs of bipolar disorder or other mental illness.

4. Current Family Difficulties or Traumatic Life Events:Children and teens often experience their parents’ marital conflict or divorce as life altering and traumatic. Hopelessness and helplessness often begin within that child when these difficulties go undiscussed. Death of a loved one or even a family move may leave a child feeling lonely and ignored. Sometimes their way of coping is to withdraw or to become angry.

5. School Difficulties:Students who contemplate suicide sometimes tell a friend or write about it in school essays. Their feelings of hopelessness and helplessness may come from a variety of school experiences. Academic pressure from parents or from schools may feel insurmountable especially when the message is that the student is not “good enough” unless they have a perfect score. Bullying is a pervasive school problem that students often do not disclose because of shame and embarrassment. Adults may minimize the effects of bullying, but students experience the trauma of such harassment on a daily basis. Currently going beyond name calling and shunning, cyberbullying with mobile devices takes the harassment to a viral level. Students are subject to physical and sexual threats, altered instagram posts, group humiliation and rejection sometimes accompanied with bribes in order for the bullying to stop.

6. Self-Injury:Sometimes the cry for help appears in more hidden, but destructive, ways. Self-injury often begins as a way of self-soothing. Some students report that cutting, or self-mutilation, is a way that they still see if they can feel. Substance use of alcohol and drugs temporarily numbs the pain. Food binging sometimes begins as a way to “swallow” the pain while purging is a way to “express” their pain. And sometimes the student feels as if they can “disappear” or stay in control through restricted eating or anorexia. A disregard for one’s own life can also appear in careless behaviour such as reckless driving, unsafe sex, or maintaining destructive and abusive relationships.[7]

How do you know if you are may be struggling with potential suicide?  MIND UK suggests “here are some thoughts, feelings and experiences you may go through if you are feeling suicidal.
“How you might think of feel

• hopeless, like there is no point in living
• tearful and overwhelmed by negative thoughts
• unbearable pain that you can't imagine ending
• useless, unwanted or unneeded by others
• desperate, as if you have no other choice
• like everyone would be better off without you
• cut off from your body or physically numb

What you may experience

• poor sleep with early waking
• change in appetite, weight gain or loss
• no desire to take care of yourself, for example neglecting your physical appearance
• wanting to avoid others
• self-loathing and low self-esteem
• urges to self-harm”[8]

What can you do if you are feeling some of these feelings, if you are for any reason feeling like hurting yourself?  Here are a number of immediate ways to get the emergency help you need if you live in the UK thanks to MIND UK:
“Getting help in an emergency

• If you don't feel you can keep yourself safe right now, seek immediate help.
• go to any hospital A&E department(sometimes known as the emergency department)
• call 999and ask for an ambulance if you can't get to A&E
• ask someone else to contact 999 for you or take you to A&E immediately
• If you need some support right now, but don't want to go to A&E, here are some other options for you to try:
• contact the Samaritanson freephone 116 123, they're open 24 hours and are there to listen
• contact your GP for an emergency appointmentor the out of hours team
• call NHS 111 (England)or NHS Direct 0845 46 47 (Wales)
• contact your local crisis team
• see MIND UK’s page on helping yourself cope right now, and on crisis services.”[9]

In Canada: Call 911 or visit https://suicideprevention.ca/need-help/
In the USA:  Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit their website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
In the EU: visit this site for websites and phone numbers in your related country http://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/Europe/
In Australia: Call 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au
In New Zealand: Call 0800 543 354 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.nz
How can you help yourself or be able to help others that you suspect may be struggling with suicide?
MIND UK again gives some brilliant advice for us to consider when helping others who are struggling:
“It can be very distressing if you are worried about someone who feels suicidal. They may have talked about wanting to end their life, or you may be concerned that they are thinking about it.
You might feel unsure of what to do, but there are lots of things that might help. You could:

• encourage them to talk about their feelings
• encourage them to seek treatment and support
• offer emotional support
• offer practical support
• help them think of ideas for self-help
• help them to make a support plan

The main aspect of supporting someone through this is compassion, listening and most importantly not over-reacting or becoming upset. Remaining calm and talking the situation through is extremely important.
It may also be helpful to remove things that someone could use to harm themselves, particularly if they have mentioned specific things they might use.
For more information on encouraging someone to seek treatment for suicidal feelings, see our information above.”[10]
My reason for writing this post is to encourage all of us to be aware of these issues of mental health among young people and adults all around us, and do the best you can to listen to our family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, fellow students and others, showing love, care and concern.  I also want to encourage churches to think and prepare their staff and people to be aware and truly show care.  There are loads of resources and organisations available at just a click on the internet.  If you are reading this article and work in any other environment other than church, my encouragement would be the same.  Any help of people with mental issues, especially depression, self-harm and suicide need attention from all people.  Any caring ear and heart is welcome! You never know, you might find this information helpful someday soon and help save a person’s life.  As a Christian, I encourage you not to forget, that there is all this help, and you can also call on God in prayer for His help too anytime!  If you have struggled or know someone who has and want to offer some other advice or web links to help, feel free to add them in the comments section.
Thank you and God bless!

Psalm 34:18-19 (NIVUK)
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

Psalm 55:22 (NIVUK)
^“Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.”

1 Peter 5:7 (NIVUK)
^“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

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[1] "Suicide rates fall to six-year low." Samaritans. Accessed November 11, 2017. https://www.samaritans.org/news/suicide-rates-fall-six-year-low.

[2] Bodkin, Henry. "'Heartbreaking' 68pc rise in self-harm among young teenage girls." The Telegraph. October 18, 2017. Accessed November 10, 2017. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/18/heartbreaking-rise-self-harm-among-young-teenage-girls/.

[3] Levinson-King, Robin. "Teen suicide on the rise among Canadian girls." BBC News. March 13, 2017. Accessed November 10, 2017. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39210463.

[4] "Suicidal feelings." Suicidal feelings | Mind, the mental health charity - help for mental health problems. Accessed November 11, 2017. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WgcWFxO0OqA.

[5] Donald P. Hall, Breaking through depression (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2009), 20.

[6]https://read.amazon.co.uk/kp/embed?asin=B0035YPILE&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_SZXbAb0PT56MX

[7] Miller, PhD Charlene Underhill. "Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts: Understanding Your Teen's Cry for Help." Net Nanny. November 05, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2017. https://www.netnanny.com/blog/6-warning-signs-of-suicidal-thoughts/.

[8] "Suicidal feelings." Suicidal feelings | Mind, the mental health charity - help for mental health problems. Accessed November 11, 2017. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/#.WgctLRO0OqB.

[9] Ibid.

[10] "Supporting someone who feels suicidal." How to help | Mind, the mental health charity - help for mental health problems. Accessed November 11, 2017. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/supporting-someone-who-feels-suicidal/how-to-help/#.Wgcr5BO0OqA.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance Sunday and it is annual day to help us be continually reminded to be ever grateful for the freedoms we have through the death, hard work and sacrifice of service men and woman for our country, and in my case, the Commonwealth.  My four great-grandfathers fought for Canada and England in the WW1.  So many were willing to go and fight against tyranny for the freedoms we enjoy.  I want to thank all those who have served both past and present for your sacrifice for our countries.  Also, I want to thank those who are working hard for issues of justice, care and peace in our world.  Who knows how many wars have been averted due to the hard work of many men and women of the years who have promoted peace and brought reconciliation.  As a Christian, reconciliation is our calling as Paul said, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God.  God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God,” 2 Cor 5:18-21.   Lest we forget.

Prayers for Peace

Most gracious God and Father,
in whose will is our peace:
turn our hearts and the hearts of all to yourself,
that by the power of your Spirit
the peace which is founded on righteousness
may be established throughout the whole world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God, our refuge and strength,
bring near the day when wars shall cease
and poverty and pain shall end,
that earth may know the peace of heaven
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Reality Check: Considering Our Care for Family

 May 19, 2017 | Jeffrey Lee

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever,” (1Tim 5:8 NIV).

Today, I have been reading through 1 Timothy. As I was reading, I was challenged by this verse which speaks to the issue of caring for family, but more specifically, those in legitimate need within our family. In the context, Paul is instructing Timothy about proper care for widows, vulnerable family and those under the care of a household. Paul teaches that the social responsibility for caring for families is not immediately the responsibility of the government or non-profit organisations but immediate family. Also, Paul strongly makes the point that not to care for socially for relatives and members of your household, denies our Christian faith and makes us worse then and unbeliever. Wow! This again has made me stop to ponder and think more on this issue. The New American Commentary on this passage has some pointed help in understanding this passage saying, “Paul’s purpose in this verse was to reprimand those families who neglected their own needy widows. To ‘provide’ involves foreseeing and planning for the needs of dependents. Paul suggested that a Christian has a responsibility to care for all needy relatives, but especially for ‘those under his own roof.’ Those living under the roof may also be relatives, but they are more intimately a part of the family and deserving of greater care. The Christian faith requires that children honor their parents as a part of their duty (Eph 6:2). Anyone who does not provide such care has denied the faith,” (Lea & Griffin, 148).

As I ponder this subject, there are a number of issues that come to mind. In 21st Century, Western culture values individualism, individual identity, individual space and individual decision. Often, when people need assistance as a widow, orphan, disabled or elderly person, the government and non-governmental organisations have developed programs and options to help and assist people to live somewhat independent without being a burden on family. It has not always been this way. When I was a young, I can still remember visiting my Grandparents in Northern Ontario. They had to care for my elderly Great-Grandmother who had dementia, I believe. I am sure this was difficult for them and many others who have had to provide the same type of care for their families.

Certainly, churches over the centuries were trailblazers in social care. Here in the UK, years ago, churches had built almshouses and hospitals to help those who were not able to care for themselves or receive care from family, (link to hospital history below in reference list).

As I continue to ponder this issue, my thinking has led me to our living in Birmingham, UK. We live around many people who come from, or whose heritage is from Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. I have been amazed and challenged to ponder how and why many of these people live in homes with multi-generations and family. Many homes, from these cultures have grandparents living with their grown up children who have multiple children and their own spouses, all living in one or two houses side by side. Caring for family is important in these cultures and goes without saying. I met a Pakistani Christian a few years ago in whom I had an eye-opening discussion about family. I was challenge when they said to me, “People in the West don’t understand what family means in our culture (referring to her Pakistani culture).” She they asked me, “How would you feel if a family member or close friend came to your home while you were sleeping at 3:00 in the morning, needed food and a place to sleep? You would most likely tolerate this request for one, two or maybe three nights but after awhile probably get upset or annoyed that your family member or close friend was taking advantage of the situation.” She then went on to say that, “In my culture, when a person shows up, we take care of them, we feed them, we house them, no questions asked. Hospitality and social care are essential and expected.” What a challenge, I thought to myself! I had to ponder, am I truly hospitable? Would I help my family in legitimate need? 

It really made me think about my background and culture. I wonder when and how our culture had lost its strong of hospitality. This is not to say people are not in smaller way hospitable. I have been blessed to be in may homes for meals and overnight stays, for which I am very grateful. When I have traveled the more rural provinces of Canada, I have seen a stronger sense of hospitality not present in many cities. But still, I do wonder if our culture has lost a strong sense of social care and hospitality for family. Nowadays, families seem to value their autonomy and seem to have lost a sense of biblical hospitality. With all the social housing and social programs available today, our culture doesn’t need to really on family and the church as they did in centuries past, but I often wonder, in a world where there are ever increasing pressures for governments to “tighten the purse strings,” whether our culture, our families and even our churches are ready to help with the social concerns. What about the concerns of widows, orphans, homelessness, disabled and others. The challenge that Paul gives to Timothy I believe is relevant today and I believe will likely continue to be grow as financial challenges grow in society over days, months and years ahead.

A few questions that I am pondering from this text… Are we as Christian family and churches prepared to care for our most vulnerable family members? When it comes to those in need, are we prepared to consider how we can help? What can we do to help the most vulnerable in our family and society? Paul’s challenges us that not to provide care and help for family, is to deny the faith. Strong words deserving of strong contemplation.

To those who are hospitable, caring and working through helping your aged parents, those who disabilities or challenges, and so many other ways, may God bless you and give you every provision and strength you need today!

REFERENCE LIST
Lea, Thomas D., and Griffin, Hayne P. 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.

Link to some history of hospitals and almshouses in UK.  https://historicengland.org.uk/research/inclusive-heritage/disability-history/1050-1485/hospitals-and-almshouses/

Our Greatest Tool in Spiritual Battle - Prayer

Our Greatest Tool in Spiritual Battle - Prayer
by Jeff Lee
Mark 9:14-29

“Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?”  Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer,” (Mk 9:28-29 NLT)

Life is full of spiritual battles.  Years ago, I was in a most hurtful situation as I remember being misunderstood in a ministry setting as a youth pastor in Canada.  I unfortunately let bitterness set in which was wrong.  Things continued to be unresolved for a time.  It was not until I came across a book that I had in my library that somehow God through his Holy Spirit led me to pick up and start reading.  This book talking about finding freedom in Christ and asked the question, "have you been holding on to bitterness and unforgiveness in your life?"  This thought went directly to my heart.  I had not allowed progress toward winning a spiritual battle in my life because I had let bitterness and unforgiveness to take residence in my life and heart.  When I started to pray and called out to God to forgive me for harbouring unforgiveness and bitterness, in my heart toward other believers, there was a peace which flowed into my life, which I can only explain as God’s supernatural peace at work.  I then was reminded of my need to love and own up to any responsibility on my part, even though I had felt misunderstood, hurt and alone by this experience.  After, a meeting with those involved and simply did not do anything else but express my love and care for those involved and I asked for forgiveness for the things I was responsible for, in that situation.  Immediately, one lady got up, came across to floor to me and gave me a hug and said, “I know you care and love us, sorry for the way I treated you.”  One by one, each person involved did the same.  God then released us in the days and months ahead to experience amazing growth, for his glory.  This was a huge spiritual battle that I was in, in some ways, I was so unaware, but God revealed himself and his power through prayer in this experience.  

Are you facing any spiritual battles?  Is there a sense of defeat in your life, church, ministry or mission?  Is there a sin that you are struggling?  How about difficult relationship issues with a family member, friend, colleague or neighbour?  

In the passage above, a father brings his son to the disciples to cast out a demon, but were unsuccessful.  What comes next is the father brings him to Jesus, explains this unsuccessful experience with the disciples, and now desires for Jesus to help release his son from the bondage of this evil spirit.  Any of us in the same situation would have desired to see their child released for these difficulties as this father.  What unfolds next is what Jesus explains as unbelief.  The spiritual battle the disciples faced was unbelief and a lack of faith in God’s power to cast this demon out of the boy.  Jesus goes on to cast the evil spirit out of the boy and he is set free!  However, the lesson begins for the disciples who ask Jesus, “Why couldn’t we cast out the evil spirit?”  The answer, plain and simple is prayer!  Jesus said, “This kind can only be cast out by prayer.”  This answer indicates that the disciples did not understand, and maybe they had even assumed wrongly, where their power and source to perform this ministry originated.  As Barker and Kohlenberger state, “Jesus’ answer suggests that they had taken for grated the power given them or had come to believe that it was inherent in themselves.  So they no longer depended on God for it, and their failure show their lack of prayer,” (Barker & Kohlenberger, 171).  

This is a amazing reminder to us a Christians, our very power to succeed in spiritual battle, both in small battles and large battles, can be measured by faithfulness in prayer.  This is not to suggest prayer as some sort of gimmick, but real victory in the Christian life will only come through real, honest, sincere time with God in prayer.  Here are some personal questions in application for you to consider.  Are you struggling in life?  What are your battles?  Do you want to see victory against sin?  Do you want to see victory in relationships?  Do you want to see inroads to share your faith?  Do you want to see lives being truly transformed?  Then you must stop trying to accomplish these things by merely using your own abilities and start bringing all these things before God in prayer.  He is the source of power to overcome every obstacle.  He is our true hope of victory.  Also, maybe you are a full time Christian worker, and you gifted but you are not seeing fruit.  Why?  Maybe you are relying to much on your own abilities and not enough on God.  It is important to note that you, nor I, can save or change a life, only God, through his Holy Spirit can save someone and bring about lasting change.  

In conclusion, let us passionately come to God in prayer!  Carve out time in your day to spend with the Almighty God.  Why?  You and I cannot afford not too.  Continuing on our own will only lead us to experience the lack of power that the disciples did in the life of this boy who desperately needed deliverance and lasting change in his life.  Do you want deliverance and change?  Do you want maximum impact for God's glory?  Prayer is our greatest tool.  To God be the Glory.

Reference List

Barker, Kenneth L., and John R. Kohlenberger. Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary: New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Pub. House, 1994.

*Jeff was born in Canada, holds British Citizenship thanks to his father, and is a cross-cultural Pastor working in the United Kingdom with a passion and desire to make Christ known to the nations, disciple those who respond and be used by God to reach out to others.  He thanks God for his smart and beautiful wife and four amazing children.  He enjoys reading theology, ice hockey, hiking, camping, traveling and drinking coffee.  

5 Helpful Apps For Those Starting in Ministry (and veterans too!)

5 Helpful Apps For Those Starting in Ministry (and veterans too!)

Smartphone technology has changed our lives in so many ways today from entertainment to business. I have gone from a paper daytime for scheduling in the 1990’s, to palm pilot in the 2000’s and now in the 2010’s a smartphone!  So much change in such a short time.  As I life and work today I often forget what it was like to live without this technology and though there are some downfalls, there are many and may positive reasons I am thankful for smartphones today.   I thought I would write a post with five of my favourite of the apps that I find most helpful in ministry.  I specifically  was thinking of those who are starting out to work in a ministry context that these suggestions might help make your work lighter or your day more brighter. If you have any apps that you have found helpful to you, I would love to know so please comment after the this post! So here my suggestions:

1. MileMe app – MileMe works behind the scene on your smartphone keeping track of your mileage as you go automatically. If you are like me, I find it hard to always keep a mileage book up to date. This app is a great help in keeping track of all your mileage.   You can use the app or sign in online and then select whether your mileage was personal or business and print or save your mileage report in pdf, csv or excel. The first thirty days are free to try, so give and try and see if it works for you.

2. TurboScan app – This app has been one of the greatest time savers! I used to scan reports on a scanner and this would take a great deal of time. Turboscan has cut my scan time by about by at least three-quarters the time. This app uses your phone, you point and shoot and the app captures your receipts. You can then save and send them to yourself or email them to someone else. Great app!

3. Skype app – We all like to keep connected! If you don’t already know what Skype might be, it is a internet video calling app that allows you to call friends, family and colleagues for free so you can talk and visit through video! Our family love to use Skype to keep in touch with grandparents and other family members as we live over 3,500 miles away. We also use it for meetings and more. A family favourite in ministry!

4. Logos App – Do you like to study or read on the go? Logos Bible Software has thousands of books and plenty of bibles that are immediately accessible through the Logo app. When you are out waiting before a meeting, traveling or any other time you have free time to read, your study tools are right at your fingertips! I love using this app and has been a great resource over the years when I have been visiting or in a bible study and need to research a passage or Scripture, theme or topic quickly. The software program is downloadable to your computer and for those considering moving to work in ministry overseas, this could save you mega money in shipping and its much easier to search books through the program then on your bookself. Its also a great app to check and make sure your friends and colleagues are using their Greek properly LOL!

5. K-LOVE app – I love music! Do you love music? Well then K-LOVE is for you! It is a Christian radio station that broadcasts live over the internet. The music they choose is always well thought through. It is encouraging and uplifting and helps give you that boost when your feeling down and discouraged. This is especially helpful working in the UK when we often have dull, wet and dreary weather. Download the free K-LOVE app to get some encouragement spiritually today!

If you have any apps that you have found helpful in your daily life and ministry, please feel free to comment below because I always appreciate new suggestions! Thank you and God bless!

*Jeff was born in Canada, holds British Citizenship thanks to his father, and is a cross-cultural Pastor working in the United Kingdom with a passion and desire to make Christ known to the nations, disciple those who respond and be used by God to reach out to others.  He thanks God for his smart and beautiful wife and four amazing children.  He enjoys reading theology, ice hockey, hiking, camping, traveling and drinking coffee.