Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Lent Chapel video

I was given the opportunity to speak in Chapel and I choose to speak on Lent, of which I knew little about.  I had some trouble with my powerpoint presentation (I learned some important things from that experience for the future)  The speaking time went very well, and was well received.  I received a lot of feedback, especially people thanking me for presenting Lent in a fresh way for them, and helping them to consider using lent as a way to prepare for Easter and connect deeper with God, just like it is intended.  I also had a number of people tell me that they were mad at me for making them give up something.  Take that one up with God.  My prayer is that your walk with God will be deeper after this, and that resurrection will have fuller meaning.  The end result is lives changed and more Glory for God.

If you happen to be mentioned in this presentation, I thank you for your important part in my life.  I apologize if I offend you with my portrayal of you.  Please understand that you were a part of making this speaking opportunity hit home for the listeners.  God's blessing on you!

What are you giving up for Lent?

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  Lent is 40 days, for Christians it is calculated by counting Monday-Saturday.  Sunday is not counted because we celebrate Resurrection on Sundays.  Lent is a time to postpone celebration of resurrection until Easter.  By postponing resurrection celebration, we mourn, and repent.  This causes us to yearn for Easter, and when it arrives, it is celebrated with renewed vigor!

I am giving up all extra internet and computer access on Mondays through Saturdays during lent.  This includes facebook, this blog, checking rss feeds with Google Reader, and anything other than school work, candidating for a pastorate position, or other important business.  I am doing this so that I can redeem the time for connecting with God.  Some people give up chocolate or desserts for lent.  This is a good way to practice self discipline, which when learned, can be applied to our spiritual disciplines as well.

I like the direct aspect of trading time.  If I give up something that uses time, than I now have some extra time.  I then choose to spend some of that time connecting with God through prayer, Bible reading, journaling, singing, resting, etc.

More of my thoughts on this in a next post.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Sermon at Hesston Mennonite January 25th

For a few of you that have asked.  I broke it into 3 parts, it was too large to upload all at once here.  Hopefully it is small enough to watch.

Sermon part 1 of 3



Sermon part 2 of 3



Sermon part 3 of 3