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| Author | Topic: Lenten Discussion |
| Pastor |
posted 2/5/08 12:19 AM
I would like to encourage everyone to use this forum to discuss some of the thoughts you have about Lenten Devotions. Our first consideration is Job. It is a story that I think everyone relates to at one time in their life or another. The question we begin with is, what is the value of a single life? Do you think Job could possible understand the witness he made not only to those around him but to countless people though the ages? Do you think he could have understood the significance of his life in the court of heaven? I think too often we lose perspective, we think the Super Bowl changes lives but a simple gesture toward another person is insignificant. The reality is it is the reverse. Sharing your faith, sharing a thought, sharing a question, sharing your life, may make more of a difference than a million dollar donations. Share your story. Not just your triumphs, but your struggles. And let's try to gain a heavenly perspective on what God is doing with us. |
| Participant |
posted 2/6/08 0:13 AM
No way could Job have realized his significance. People usually don't realize the effect they have on others, and they may go through their entire life not knowing -- unless somehow they could listen to the conversation at their own funeral visitation. And then, they would probably be very surprised. Just an observation, it seems like the value of a single life is greater when the person doesn't realize their value. The humble person probably has a bigger impact than the superstar because they aren't flaunting their worth. |
| Pastor |
posted 2/9/08 11:12 PM
I agree with what you said, but I want to think that we all have a sense that what we are doing matters to God. I have read many things with the affirmations of how much God loves us, and it is true, but let's remember that God also sees our doubts, fears, private thoughts and more. I wonder how did my father feel when I shot at the wrong hoop during a game? How did he feel when I didn't finish chores, or do what I was told? I know how I feel as a father, -there is frustration and maybe some anger, but there is mostly a sense of disappointment and wondering where this is leading. God too must have the sense of frustration and disappointment, and I think we do realize it, perhaps not always, but at certain moments. Job wondered why, and what God was doing. I sit with many people who wonder if God is punishing them, or if some past sin is the cause of pain. Perhaps, our distance from God, our underdeveloped relationship has us put thoughts of God thoughts of ous on the back burner. |
| Somebody Else |
posted 2/10/08 0:21 AM
I more inclined to think what I do matters to God more than it matters to other people. I think he gives me "points" for trying to do my best, while I think that other people are more critical when my best isn't good enough, no matter how hard I am trying. During times of low self-esteem or confidence, I perceive family or the rest of the world to be pretty critical. Fortunately, I don't think that God causes me pain because of past sins. If I believed that, I'd have to think I did something pretty awful in the past |
| Pastor |
posted 2/10/08 1:12 AM
I think that God does often see our best more clearly than others, but careful about God giving points- God really isn't a score keeper. But I think God has pleasure in our sincere efforts whether they are worldly successes or not. |
| Somebody Else |
posted 2/10/08 4:46 AM
More like "benefit of the doubt." Plus, I trust in God's grace == I hope not too much. |
| Lisa |
posted 2/18/08 2:12 PM
I think many of us have lasting impacts both positive and negative that we never realize. I feel I've been blessed just to have realized a few of those situations. I was called to be a teacher. I've never felt it was a thankless job as I've heard other teacher say. Over the years I've had several students come back after graduation to thank me for influencing them. Recently I decided to move up to administration and I've had days when I wasn't sure that was the right decision. I have less contact with kids and certainly more contanct with those who are in trouble. I'd had a really bad week and then something happened that I just considered my job, but now I realize it was a message to me. A student came in to me instead of a guidance counselor because we had spoken about her attendance issues. She'd received a text message from a friend threatening suicide. I contacted the police and they did a check at the girl's home. I thought at the time that I was just doing my job. The next day, my student sought me out to tell me that the girl had taken pills and the police had taken the girl to the hospital. Still, I was thinking this is part of my job - it's what I do. No big deal. When I relayed the story to my husband, he pointed out how significant my part had been. I do get to make a difference in my new position and even kids who get in trouble come to me when they need help. I am thankful to God for pointing that out and that the girl is safe and getting help. However, if my husband hadn't made me look at it that way, I wouldn't have realized my influence in the situation. I've told the student several times how proud I am of her for telling someone about the text, but I never stopped to think that if she hadn't had a positive experience with me, she might not have gone to anyone at our school. |
| Pastor |
posted 2/18/08 5:28 PM
Exactly!!! And as you mentioned, this is one of the times when you can see the results of what you have done, it is impossible to see the other results. For example, had you not inspired trust, maybe that girl feels like there is no one to turn to when she gets that text message. If that girl dies, how many other people are affected? In the heavenly realm, did you just give a girl a second chance to hear (somewhere) the message of love from Jesus. We often forget how important each day, each minute can be. |
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