The Phrase "How's it Going "

When used in the proper context, "How's it going" is an appropriate phrase for greeting someone. While this is socially acceptable it is also an over-used, inauthentic method of greeting. I find we too often use this phrase without actually meaning what we say.

An authentic greeting is supposed to express a honesty that is shared when two parties meet. Unfortunately, this phrase has been much abused and is, in many cases, an easy way to escape a moment social awkwardness at initial encounter. In the event that you do get an answer it is usually one of the the classic, socially acceptable, answers like "fine," "good," or maybe even "great." Consider going to church: have we all had a splendid week? is everything fine and dandy? Where has our true and real communication gone? There is such a thing called "social grace," but I believe we have mistaken social grace with authentic communication.

Recently I overheard a brief conversation between two co-workers. To understand the story you must know that one co-worker only asks a question for on of two purposes; first, to initiate a conversation in order that he could tell you something, or second, to say some sort of sarcastic or smart-ass remark. The conversation was very short, but says tons about our society. It went like this:

"John ... how are you doing?"
"What do you want Steve?, because you really don't care how I'm doing"
-Steve walked away without a response.

Now, John's response seems a little harsh but it gets the point across well. This exact situation might also explain why many people do not even repond to this question. In many cases we can see through the question and notice that the questioner doesn't really want to know to answer nor is prepared to listen if the answer is a negative one.

I do not want to suggest that we spill our feelings to everyone that we come into contact with, but I do want to stress the importance of authentic communication. God designed us to have different types of relationships throughout our lives, some being far deeper then others. One being companionship, others being close friends, friends, and some aquaintances. None or these alone can completely satisfy our social lives, but together they make it whole.

Social grace is not the ability to talk to anybody easily. Social grace is the ability speak authentically when in contact with people from all different levels of intimacy. Greet people with respect. Respect includes asking real questions as well as listening with an open mind and ear when their answer should come about. Here are three things that will help with authentic communication.

There are a three basic things that make up true communication. The first one I want to mention is Physical contact. There are a few ways to achieve this and they range from a kiss or Holy kiss to a hug or firm handshake. Physical human contact is something you must go out of your way to accomplish. This is a subconscious and simple means way to show authenticity in you greeting.

My next comment may be harder for some then others. You must spend more time listening then talking. If you listen to people, who are relatively open, long enough, you will notice most people have a lot of things to say and would appreciate nothing more then for you to just listen. It is a humbling and great experience to put someone else before yourself.

The last part of face to face cummunication that I want to mention is the actual words you speak. Do not use slang. Slang words, cursing, and swear words are so broad that they lack meaning. When you speak, use words that accurately discribe how you feel and what you want to say. Ask questions to further the conversation. Dig deeper. When you are not sure about motive behind a statement, ask about it.

Relationships are a gift from God which take time, effort, and cultivating. We must exercise this gift and give thanks and glorfy God through our relationships while here on earth.

What Would Jesus Say?

"Where did I say that you should buy so much stuff to celebrate My birthday?"

Grow and Help Grow

I would like to propose a challenge to those reading. To no credit of my own, the following challenge was once proposed to me. I felt so compelled to do so, that I wish share with you my experience.

Find someone that you know that is either struggling in their faith life or totally outside the faith, sincerely and intensely pray for them until you recieve the courage through the spirit of God to go out of your way to build a relationship with this person and direct him/her to Christ.
After praying deeply for that person you immediately begin building a relationship, and eventually this relationship reaches a plateau unless further cultivated. Without speaking a word, you begin to feel very connected with this person and God creates a strong desire to begin the next step of relationship. And so the journey of discipleship begins.

Consider.

Power of Prayer

Recently, after reading John 15 as part of my personal devotions, I noticed something that has been told to me many times before but this time it was revealed in a new light. That is that God craves to give us gifts, also known as: the Fruit of the Spirit. Because I grew up in a Christian environment, this didn't particularly slap me in the face, but what stood out was the amount that God gives compared to the amount that He receives. This realization made me take a step back and stand in awe. What an awesome God we have that He so freely lavishes His gifts upon us. It is such a humbling fact to know that we cannot possibily give back what has been given.

This does not means that we are free to receive without giving. Gifts from God are to have a cause and effect; to futher your relationship with the Lord and to glorify His name. We are called to develope these gifts in order to further God's kingdom and increase in love and understanding.

In this chapter Jesus compares our relationship with God to a vine; where we are the branches and God is the vine. To grow in our faith lives we must remain in Him, which is to say, first we must remain in love. At this point Jesus makes it clear that if we want to grow in our faith we have to ask for it.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. - John 15: 7-8

Lately, in my life there have been obstacles larger then I can see past. And by these things I felt trapped with nowhere to turn. At this point all have I have to fall back on is God's word and prayer. When I found no solution within myself for these obstacles, God began to reveal His word to me. Just like in any trade, you need the right tools for the right job. In order to deal with life I need the right tools. In the process of searching for these tools I came across Galasians 5, part or which lists the fruit of the spirit. If I want to grow in faith, I have to ask for it.

Over the past six months God has worked in wonderous ways. My life has forced me to turn to God in prayer, and in return, God reveals to me his power and makes me thankful. With this kind of God, I can't really loose.

A topic of which we talk about frequently in our circles, but rarely take time to focus on is the power of prayer. Prayer is a very broad topic, and I only wish to address it in the light of us asking God for His gifts. Prayer is only effective when it is sincere, that is when we actually believe the God can make a difference. Often our prayer contains this disclaimer "if this be your will." It seems as if we allowing God an "out," or neglecting to set ourselves up for disappointment if we don't get what we are asking for. This frustrates me! If we are praying sincerely for God to nurture our faith life, Jesus promises us "...ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." This does not mean you will recieve without hardship and struggle, but you will get what you pray for.

Prayer invovles a few things: our prayer, God's giving, and our receiving. Asking for God's help in our developement is only part of the equation required of us. The other part being; praise and thanks. Pray that God will make you aware of His work in your life so that you may give Him the glory and forever be thankful to our Lord, Jesus Christ. For we are mere servants of God and shall be humbled by that!

In summary, be bold in what you ask for, expect changes, be prepared to follow where God leads you, and never stop praising God!
God is powerful. Let Him display that power though your prayer.
Pray about it.

Purpose and Audience

Having read quite a few blogs from the Redeemer crowd and most of the time finding them very intresting, challenging and eye opening, I have concluded that the use of Blogger.com has more redeemable values then not.

Before I really get started on this whole blogging world I would have to say: Any blogger who hosts a page fully developed with hundreds of links, pictures and profiles would have to admit to spending too much time behind a computer screen.

I wish to make this clear: this is a blogsite, not my life. I refuse to make this site control my life. However, I do feel that writing blogs is a worthwhile activity and I plan to make the time to keep a current site. Because I am in a non-academic setting all day blogs make me take the time to write out a well thought out and efficiently articulated idea. It forces me to think deeper than what meets the eye. It forces me to dig for rusty vocabulary and stretch the brian which has been relaxed since highschool graduation. Personally, I find having an in-depth discussion with someone acts as a great form of self-evaluation and ultimately works the best for me. But the next best thing would be writing my thoughts out. Whether that be via pen on paper or in the new-found form of a blog.

I would like to compare my blogsite to a friend. One in which I trust to share ideas, challenges and concerns with. Expecting an honest and heart-felt response when wisdom or insight could be added or topics debated. My audience being anyone who feels that they can relate to a real and living relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.

May I conclude by saying posting and commenting on blogs can be edifying and much enjoyed, but may we not let it slow and stop our work for the kingdom of God.