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.  

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW?

Thoughts on a recent BBC report "Young people 'feel they have nothing to live for'"

By: Jeffrey Lee

Unemployment is not a easy situation for anyone to face, let alone for young people today.  In our current financial climate, it does not seem to be getting easier.  There are many feelings, emotions and issues of self-esteem that one may experience in this situation that can make life challenging.  I know in my experience, the feelings of uncertainty and self-esteem have been a challenge personally.  Having a family and trying to provide was an even greater pressure to face.  I reading this report by the BBC, I am empathetic with those young people who have worked through secondary school, college, and university and are struggling to find employment, and especially those who have worked toward a passion,  a particular field of study, but cannot find work in that field.  The greater concern though is the report that young people feel as though they have nothing to live for.  The report "found 40% of jobless young people had faced symptoms of mental illness, including suicidal thoughts, feelings of self-loathing and panic attacks, as a direct result of unemployment."

Self-harming, suicide, panic attacks are serious challenges that youth are struggling through, considering or have already attempted.  The difficulty I have with the report is that is seems to solely blame unemployment.  Though this is a contributing factor,  could there be other factors that also contributing to these issues.

I do not want to belittle unemployment as a factor, but that someone would consider self-harming and suicide speaks of much deep issues that youth are struggling with.  Could it be that our Western institutional and societal education system is reaping what it has sown over the years?  When you teach young people that they are the product of time, matter and chance, that they have no real, definite origin.  Life is what you make it, truth is relative and there are no definite absolutes, except those you make.  There is no real purpose to life but self-pleasure and material gain.  To top it off, when you die, thats the end.  Why type of life does society really expect our young people to desire to live?  Where is the hope and purpose in this kind of teaching?  My suggestion, underlying some of the challenges that our young people face today is that our young people are not taught substantively why and what they should live for.  They have had meaning, purpose and hope stripped from them.

I want to write and give some hope to our young people today from a Christian perspective,  because I believe the Christian faith answers these questions.  You may or may not have seriously investigated the teachings of Jesus, so I ask you to consider today.

First, we find our origin in God, our maker.  God made each one of us "in His image," meaning that our life is sacred, because we bear the imprint of God.  We are loved by God and are most valuable to Him.  It is important that young people today know that they are not just some refined animal, but all humans beings are a distinct creation, finding our worth, meaning and worth in and by God.  You are loved by the God who made you.

Second, young people need to know that there is meaning and purpose to life.  As a Christian, I believe that meaning and purpose our found in knowing and worshipping God, relating and loving Him, along with serving humanity with the love God has shown to us.  He gives us an objective moral standard to live by, not a subjective personal standard, that changes from person to person.  Theologian Ravi Zacharias in his book, Jesus Among Other God's, says, "We do not live so that we can eat, nor do we just eat so that we can live. Life is worth living in and of itself. Life cannot be satisfied when it is lived out as a consuming entity. When it is filled by that which satisfies a hunger that is both physical and spiritual in a mutuality that sustains both without violation of either, only then can life be truly fulfilling."  Jesus promises to meet that hunger that people desire when he said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).  Young people can find that there is more to life then just living and dying!  Life is full of heartbreaks, hurts, pain, wrongs and sin.  We can all find healing and forgiveness in Jesus.  Many people forget, Jesus was not only God, but he also was human and he faced pain, hurt, suffering, rejection and betrayal.  He understands and identifies with what all young people are going through.

Lastly, when it comes to destiny, Christianity gives hope to the world because Jesus taught there is a life after this life.  This life is but a shadow of the new life to come.  Young people today can know that there is a better life promised to those who know and follow Jesus.  Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).  The best is yet to come.

Many years ago, in the summer of 1985, I met Jesus, believed in him, asked him to forgive my sin, my sin against God and people.  I have followed Jesus from that day onward.  Since then, I have experienced a peace and joy that God has given.  It does not mean that I don't have struggles, pain, heartaches or make a mess of things sometimes.  But knowing God has helped me through.  Young people, would you consider giving your life to follow Jesus today?

Find out how to become a Christian today (video links):

Are you a good person? (video)

The Gospel Message (video)

What is Christianity? 3min video

If you live in or near Birmingham, UK.  Why not visit our church?  We also offer Christianity Explored courses where you can investigate what Christianity is all about and ask your questions.

Stechford Baptist Church

“To sustain the belief that there is no God, atheism has to demonstrate infinite knowledge, which is tantamount to saying, “I have infinite knowledge that there is no being in existence with infinite knowledge” ― Ravi Zacharias

     "It may indeed be objected to our reasoning from the attributes of God, that they are matters so far above our comprehension as to make it impossible to bring them within the narrow limits of our understanding, or subject them to the forms of our logic. God is above us, unsearchable, past finding out. We should not be so presumptuous as to think that we can compass with our little minds the infinity of his being and perfections, or that we can fathom the reasons of his ways and the methods of his government.
     Yet he himself addresses our capacity for knowledge of good and evil, and for judging between truth and error, between right and wrong, in relation to his treatment of men. He calls us to employ our thoughts, and send forth our inquiring and reasoning faculty vigorously and widely, with regard to the relations we sustain to him and his government. It is a great folly, a great sin to think that we are not made to think, and to argue that we have no capacity for argument, because our power of thought and argument is limited, and we can go no further than we have ground to stand on.
The principles of truth, which are elementary and self-evidencing, when presented to the mind, lie at the foundation of all our reasoning."  - Rev. Alvan Tobey (1861)

Jesus has always many who love His heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His cross. He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial. He finds many who share His table, but few to take part in His fasting. All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for Him. Many follow Him to the breaking of bread, but few to the drinking of the chalice of His passion. Many revere His miracles; few approach the shame of the Cross. Many love Him as long as they encounter no hardship; many praise and bless Him as long as they receive some comfort from Him. But if Jesus hides Himself and leaves them for a while, they fall with into complaints or into deep dejection. Those on the contrary, who love Him for His own sake and not for any comfort of their own, bless Him in all trial and anguish of heart as well as in the bliss of consolation. Even if He should never give them consolation, yet they would continue to praise Him and wish always to give Him thanks. What power there is in pure love for Jesus - love that is free from all self-interest and self-love! 
 ~ Thomas à Kempis (1379-1471) 

Great devotional thought today! Is my love for Jesus Christ pure and free from self-interest and self-love? What a challenge!