Thursday, February 23, 2012

Outward and Visible Signs



The imposition of ashes is often described as an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.  The actual mark of the cross is a sign of repentance.  However, the ashes eventually wear or wash off.  The physical mark is gone.  That is when the inward and spiritual grace in our loves must be evident to the world around us.  It can be through our actions, our commitment or our attitude.
 
I spent yesterday evening at church, where along with other incredible adults I mentor a group of Middle School kids each week.   My group of ten girls range in age from 11 to 14 years old.  This year, instead of taking the youth to the Ash Wednesday service in our sanctuary, the decision was made to have a youth led service in our Family Life Center.  Prior to the service, we split into our small groups to talk about Ash Wednesday, Lent and what the season means to each of us.

I am continually amazed at how much I learn from these young girls.  Keep in mind – they are experiencing what is probably the most difficult period in their lives – Middle School.  They shared their thoughts on Lent with me and what they thought they might “give up” as a sacrifice to God and as a sign of their willingness to follow and grow.  Several of them also added that they would substitute prayer or Bible study or a devotion to fill the TV or Facebook time – Wow.   I love how their eyes and ears are open to what God wants in their lives. 

After our group time, we moved on to worship.  The service included great music from the high school praise band and very inspiring messages from our middle school and high school youth coordinators.  More than that, though – it included moments.  And these moments were very powerful outward and visible signs.  A group of 15 or so kids circled up in prayer.  Kids praying on their knees before a small cross.  Kids with their arms around each other as they sang the songs of their faith.  These moments were while they were with their church friends and family.   My prayer today is for all of these kids to continually feel God’s presence – especially during this season.



Watch for the outward and visible signs.  Celebrate them – they are God at work.



From The Message -

1 Thessalonians 2:13: 
And now we look back on all this and thank God, an artesian well of thanks! When you got the Message of God we preached, you didn't pass it off as just one more human opinion, but you took it to heart as God's true word to you, which it is, God himself at work in you believers!


Choose Joy!

Melissa

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