Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: What A Relief

And when he saw their faith, he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." (Luke 5:20)

Often with festivities it is a chance to reconcile with those who we have hurt or may have hurt us. The guilt and heaviness of ruined relationships or harbouring resentment for the hurt that’s been caused can weigh us down. Celebrating Christ at this time involves remembering Him in how He reconciled the human family into a right relationship with God and each other. Those powerful words ‘your sins are forgiven’ can mean so much for those weighted down for so long, and the relief it can cause is a more than a justifiable reason to celebrate.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Good News Expressed

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18, 19)

Celebrating the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ – is about what that baby ‘in a manger’ would grow to fulfil. This good news had particular impact in a society of bad news with oppression and depression on every side from without and within. With broken promises and false hope a part of life’s experiences it would be understandable to be somewhat sceptical or cynical at the offer. This, though, was not just spin to get people onside. These were words with effect – as seen millions of lives since He spoke these words – all the more reason to celebrate.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Fatherly Seal Of Approval

The Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, "You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you." (Luke 2:22)

The Son that we celebrate at this time of year may have been born of the Virgin Mary, but was also gifted from a loving Father. He starts His mission with a blessing from His Father. As we celebrate the Son we are also invited to relationship with Him and the Father who offers acceptance and inclusion in His family. As children we don’t do anything to earn His love but as an expectant parent He longs to welcome us back into His loving arms and hear Him say the same words He showered on His beloved Son.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Believing Before Seeing

He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation (Luke 2:28-30)

Imagine the scene – a baby brought in according to the law’s customs; then someone lifts the child and celebrates the greatness of … a baby! We don’t always live to see the benefits of the investments we make in people’s lives. Yet sometimes it is just by using the gift of faith and vision to imagine the joy of that which will take place even before it happens that is worth celebrating. In a day and age of seeing before believing this episode highlights just how exhilarating it can be to rejoice in believing before seeing.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Good News From The Beginning

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10)

At this time of year many remember the birth of the Messiah and the reasons for such celebration. This celebration also remembers His amazing life that inspired others to live a similar life of love for others. It commemorates His birth, purpose, death and miraculous resurrection that would allow others to experience new life to the full. Over two millennia later, and two billion people in the world celebrate this good news. It is just as exciting now as it was then, and this glorious gift of the good news of Jesus is freely available to all people at anytime.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: Little Wonders

And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. (Luke 17:6)

The longest journey begins with the first step. The greatest empires begin with an idea. The beauty of complex creation came from divine thought. In a world often obsessed with size and quantity it is refreshing to stop and celebrate little things. That one liner that made you chuckle. That cup of water that quenched your thirst. That word of encouragement that spurred you on when no one else believed. For all our great schemes and dreams they are only ever realised through those little wonders of life even as God’s wonderful kingdom is realised in mustard seed faith.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: New Hope

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. (1 Peter 1:3)

There is a fatal approach to life that says this is all there is; it’s pretty miserable and it won’t get better so the best we can do is make ourselves as happy as we can until we die. Indeed if that is all there is life is pretty miserable. The claim of Christianity is that Jesus lived, beat death and lives on as an Example. That gives us an enduring hope that says there is more to life than what we see. This is cause for continual joy and celebration to the Father that makes it all happen.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: New Mercies

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22, 23)

In hard times when it’s difficult to smile let alone celebrate there’s something worth remembering. Like a beam of sunshine on a rainy day and the glowing ember in a fire there is something irresistible about the never-ending love of God. That love is expressed in mercy – not feeling the full brunt of life’s miseries. For bad though things may appear things could be worse – whether missing that accident, seeing a smile instead of a frown, eating rather than starving, having a friend and not being lonely, life and not death. Every day new mercies are offered for our celebration.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: A New Day

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

There are two ways to approach the day, first the ‘Oh no, another day where … [cue list of negative experiences expected]’, or the approach that the writer of this Psalm takes. This approach is not an idealistic view that ignores life’s real challenges. It is however a focus not on the circumstances that may or may not occur in the day, but the Father of Love who has not only laid the day out for us, but even promised to walk with us through it in all its highs and lows. That assurance in itself is worth celebrating.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: Family

Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.". (Matthew 3:17)

From the beginning the idea of family was at the heart of everything that was important. We all came from someone and what this verse highlights is that Someone is actually a Creator who looks on His child and as He looks He is pleased. Perhaps rather than pointing out faults with family members it’s time to celebrate our own flesh and blood for whom the love of the Father expresses even before we do anything that He is pleased with us. For those for whom family brings hurt and pain there is the offer of our Father who cares.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

So Where Have I Been?

[Man it took the best part of two days to get round to finishing this post and eventually posting it with pictures and all. Heaven help me when I actually start writing for real.]

So where on earth have I been? One day posting enough posts in a month to keep everyone and my mother happy for a while, then last month other than a few entries that was about it from me.

Well November was a fascinating month. As part of the month I had the great pleasure of working with the man Andy Kind – one of the UK’s top up and coming comedians and a quality guy to boot. He took a group of the YMCA guys to the Frog and Bucket in Manchester for an amateur comedy night – apparently the best in the city. There were some painfully awful moments in the night but the benefits far outweighed the pain as it gave the guys a chance for a night away from the hostel and enjoy themselves in a club atmosphere.

It also gave an opportunity for Andy to get further embedded in YMCA life which will be great in looking at our joint goal of bringing people closer to God. Then the brother also conducted a workshop that I witnessed and it was really amazing seeing some customers who are more used to hiding in their jackets coming out with some tremendous comments and some excellent contributions to the day. It was a privilege to be there for that session.

I also got myself involved in the YMCA World Week of Prayer with a few local events at our crib including a prayer session that went fairly well in terms of addressing ourselves as children when it comes to God and needing the same things all the way throughout childhood – love expressed in guidance, provision, correction, etc. Had an interesting visit to Leicester YMCA seeing various sides of the regional YMCA work in action.

Engaged in some awesome prayer meetings over the month as well that had some huge benefits for me in regard to direction for various aspects of life – personal, vocational all aspiring to just be everything God would want me to be. Some positive things coming out of the Facebook phase although I’d be interested to see if it persists into next year.

Then obviously came the highlight of the month for me … taking part in the REACH meeting of 23 November. It made me chuckle seeing different aspects of the social action group in dealing with the issues from the charismatic ‘The Lord Will Make A Way … supernaturally’ approach to the liberal ‘Sure He’ll Make A Way, But We Are The Way So We Need To Work With Authorities And Existing Agencies And Ensure Everything Is Done In Partnership’ approach.

Oh yeah I turned 30 during the month. I attended the Mission Shaped Ministry training on the day and my dear friend and colleague Gordon Crowther, organiser of the training (pictured), shares the same birthday so he got the singing treatment. I thought I’d sneak out of it hoping no one would know it was my birthday only for good ol’ Graham Harrison to check his Facebook and be aware of it and so exposing the whole sham and getting the crew to repeat the song on my behalf.

There’s quite a bit to be said about reaching 30 and how it impacts me, but I’m hoping it comes out over the year in various blog entries and other outlets, but I am so grateful to God for giving me the grace to make it this far. I feel like I’ve done so much on one hand and yet on the other it feels like there is still so much to come for me.

So these are just a few of the things that have been going on in November and the activities are not slowing down as we head into December. It’s always been a funny time of year for me, but I’m looking forward to seeing how to make the most of the time.

I’m grateful that Deborah celebrates her third birthday this month so it gives me something to look forward to and it’s no surprise that hers is the last Dryden birthday of the calendar.

So much to say, so little time. Just continue to remember me in your prayers in terms of keeping focussed on what I’m meant to be doing and carrying it out with all my might.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: Intimates

Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. (John 2:2)

Jesus’ first miracle took place at a wedding party. It is as if He wanted people to keep on celebrating one of the most precious moments in life. The idea of keeping the wine flowing may seem shocking to the prudish, but when you consider two becoming one was the first human relational contact recorded at creation, it’s no surprise that the One who created it would want us to celebrate it. Even beyond marital union sharing a love for each other that brings a sense of oneness – community in all its splendour – is something worth celebrating.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: Connections

What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself (Ephesians 4:25)

Sometimes in reflecting on those bigger life issue, when you look a little closer it was those small connections that made the difference. Maybe the time where check-out person cheerfully helped pack your bags with such an effect that helped relieve the stress on a busy day. Perhaps that occasion with the stranger kept the door open for you with a free smile. The beauty of humanity is that we’re all so interconnected that one act of kindness can have a ripple effect that blesses others. Celebrate the wonder of those little connections. In life – we’re in this together.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: Friends

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15)

You do not choose your family, but you do choose your friends. These choices do not always work out, yet there are those who stand through thick and thin. Not only in faithfulness but in terms of sharing life together, being willing to be vulnerable and share issues of the heart and mind. Where sometimes forces may look to separate people from meaningful relationships through money, technology, work and anxieties, celebrate those people who are more valuable than that. Also endeavour to remember those for whom such relationships have never been possible and perhaps reach out that hand of friendship.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Celebrate

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! (Psalm 100:1)

Celebrate – making a big deal about something that brings joy and happiness to life. It’s not always easy to celebrate; sometimes life’s circumstances appear to highlight negative things. So in this season for a few moments reflect on that which is worth making a joyful noise about. From the air we breathe to that major breakthrough achieved – birth, new job, helping one in need. It’s more than just a quiet nod of assent in gratitude to the little things. It’s taking time out to express in word and action, song and thought how these ‘little things’ brighten up daily living.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd