Living in Wonder

While researching for our Advent services I came across a lovely prayer by Rebecca Barlow Jordan, 

"We confess that our hearts are too often filled with wonder of a different kind: wondering when the bills will be paid, wondering when the terror will stop, wondering when rest will come. We even wonder if the message of peace is still true."

These words really left an impression on me. We have entered the Christmas season, which many of us realise should invoke feelings of Divine Wonder, but if we are honest, we are still clouded by the wonders of the world. The wonderings of our temporary world - money, security, food, relationships, education, work etc. Of course these are all necessary for us to live, but I believe that our 'Wonder' should rather be focused on the God of all creation.

Exodus 15:11 - “Who is like you among the gods, O Lord— glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders?

Luke 5:26 - Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”

Living in Grace

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Paying Tribute

Paying tribute to someone is usually something that you say to show respect or affection for someone. We find that this happens a lot during a service of memorial. However, it also used to happen when a nation was conquered by an enemy. They were forced to pay a 'tribute' to their new rulers. 

One of our well-known hymns reminds us of this task of paying tribute to our Lord Jesus.

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!

The Psalmist wrote of this same concept when reflecting on the hope of a Messiah. He said:

"The western kings of Tarshish and other distant lands will bring him tribute.
The eastern kings of Sheba and Seba will bring him gifts." - Psalm 72

The question that remains for us, is "what TRIBUTE do we bring to Jesus this year?"

Living in Grace

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Forever Kind

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 118:1

The opening verse of Psalm 118 is a popular refrain throughout the Old Testament. It is repeated in the last verse of the same Psalm, as well as in many other Psalms (106, 107 and 136). I don't believe it is hard to comprehend what the writers want us to understand - God's love will endure, so let us give thanks for this gift.

The Hebrew scholar, Robert Alter, wrote his own paraphrase of the Psalms and put a different slant on these words. He wrote: "Acclaim the Lord, for He is good; forever is His kindness."

How do you feel about that? Not only is the Lord loving towards us, but part of his nature is also kind. 

Ephesians 2:7 - "in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."

Thought: May you experience the kindness and love of Christ today.

Living in Grace

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Please save us!

I know that it may seem strange to be referring to Easter while we are in the middle of the season of Advent, but as Christians we always need to see the connection between the birth of Jesus and his crucifixion. Psalm 118 is Messianic in language and is used in both liturgical seasons.  

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. 

Please, Lord, please save us. 

Please, Lord, please give us success.
Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God, shining upon us." - v.24-27

These words are sung when we remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as well as when we ponder the Incarnation of Christ. God hears our cries for salvation and sends his son into the world. 

Thought: Is there someone you know who may need your prayers today?

Living in Grace

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Hope has two beautiful daughters

Hope has two daughters, according to St. Augustine. One of the daughters is named Anger and the other, Courage. 

"Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are." - Augustine

This is such a powerful way of looking at Hope, and it presents a challenge to all Christ-followers. When we hope in something, it is easy to allow any unfilled expectations to push us towards 'Anger' and blame. 

On the other hand, 'Courage' allows us to move forward, trusting that God hears our prayers and has already begun to answer these cries. 

The first week of advent is focused on Hope, and I pray that we would allow God's grace to transform our anger into courage and love.

"Show me your ways, O Lord, 

teach me Your paths;
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, 

for You are my Saviour,
and my HOPE is in You all day long." - Psalm 25

Living in Grace

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Let every heart prepare Him room

Isaac Watt’s grand hymn: Joy to the world. The Lord is Come! is one of my favourite Christmas songs. In the opening verse of his song Watts makes a powerful call for all of us to prepare room in our hearts for the birth of Jesus.

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.”

As Advent begins, how will we make space for the Lord? 

What have you found helpful in your spiritual journey?

Living in Grace

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L’ amour de Dieu est folie

The French Easter Liturgy says: “L’ amour de Dieu est folie” – which simply means 'the Love of God is foolishness (folly).' 

And in some ways, it really is. 

God's love for us is mysterious, amazing, ridiculous, confusing, and life changing. As we slowly move closer towards the season of Advent, let us remember that God's love is truly remarkable. 

God loves us, despite how we treat each other and even how we treat God. It is foolish in some ways - why would you keep loving someone, who doesn't love you in return? I don't have words that adequately describe this gift, but I am deeply thankful.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." - John 3:16-17

Living in grace

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