There are still spaces open for our Leadership Engine Training Year. Our vision for this training year is to see new and existing leaders equipped & released to serve God & HIS Kingdom: Sound in their theology, Strong in their character, Secure in their gifting and Stepping into their missional purpose. This training year has been designed for anyone wanting to gain a good understanding of leadership and theology and is open to all serving or looking to serve at any leadership level within the local church. Visit the link in our bio to find out more.

Jesus took time with his disciples to explain to them the importance of loving their enemies. Anyone can be kind and supportive to those that are kind and supportive back. The thing that would set Jesus' disciples apart was the fact that they were kind and caring to those who treated them poorly. This is true in all areas of our lives, but perhaps shows itself the most online. It doesn't take much scrolling through social media or looking at the comments on a YouTube video to find people being foul to each other. And it's so easy to fall into. We see someone sharing political or theological views that our different to us and we want to put them in their place. Or someone is particularly rude and we need to defend ourselves. These reactions are normal, and come so naturally to us, but they're not godly. The godly response is to offer mercy. It's to show love and kindness where there is none. Again, this isn't limited to social media. This affects every area of our lives. But as social media is so public, it's an area we need to get right. Take some time today to pray and to ask God to reveal areas of your life, online and offline, where you need to be more merciful and loving.

The Bible has some wild stories, and it's always fun to put yourself in the position of what's happening. So let us know which of these you would struggle to forgive the most.

It was so good to be back in the room for our Ground Level Tuesday. We had an incredible message from Stuart Bell, which will be on our YouTube channel later today for you to catch up on. In the meantime, why not get the date for our Ground Level Tuesday into your diaries. Tuesday, 12th October. We would love to see you there.

It's not too late to join us for today's Ground Level Tuesday. You can join us in-person at Alive Lincoln Central or online on Zoom (link in bio). Doors open at 10:45 for 11:00 start. Our very own Stuart Bell will be speaking on "Rebuilding Confidence and Connection". We look forward to having you with us.

The Christian life isn't free from mourning or grieving. We will face time of struggle and upset. The last 18 months are evidence of this. But what sets us apart is the fact that the creator of heaven and earth himself is the one that comforts us and leads us through the process of mourning and grieving well. In the psalms we see that 1/3rd of all the psalms are lament psalms; people processing their mourning and grieving with God. And from these psalms we see the four-step process to working through our mourning. Step 1. Turn to God. The benefit of difficult times is the reminder that we can't do life on our own. We need God. Step 2. Bring your complaints. Share with God your hurts, frustrations, doubts, and pains. He's not afraid of them. In fact, the people that did this in the Bible were often described as friends of God. God wants you to be real with him. Step 3. Ask big. This is the moment you invite God to intervene into your situation. Don't be afraid to be specific with what you want and ask boldly. You've been given access to the God of all creation. Step 4. Choose to trust. Biblical lament should always lead you to this point. Whatever happens, whatever the outcome, we trust that God is in control. This might be scary and vulnerable, but this is the place where are faith is tested. Can we trust that God is good in the hard times as well as in the good? Biblical lament is hard and takes practice. But as we push through we experience a greater depth in our relationship with God. We also get to stand in the truth that "blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."