Where are your wounds?

Alan Paton wrote many remarkable works, including 'Ah, But Your Land Is Beautiful.' In his own words he imagines what it would be like to meet God face-to-face and what the conversation would focus on. He writes:

"When I go up there, which is my intention, the Big Judge will say to me,
Where are your wounds?
and if I say I haven’t any, he will say, "Was there nothing to fight for?"
I couldn’t face that question."

Wow, these words really struck a nerve. Where are your wounds?

How often do I refrain from some Godly action, because I am afraid of the wounds I may incur? When we look around us there are plenty of things to fight for, but perhaps we need to overcome our fears first. 

Thought: Jesus was willing to show Thomas his wounds, and it was this encounter that changed Thomas' life.

1 Peter 2:24 - He himself bore our sins in his body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness — by his wounds you were healed.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

If you were to be tested

Reflecting back on Jesus' testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4), which of the 3 temptations thrown at Jesus, would be your biggest stumbling block?

1. The temptation to use your power for your own benefit? (Turning stones to bread)

2. To seek fame and honour, by seeking to be spectacular? (Throwing yourself from the Temple)

3. To compromise who you worship, in order to gain the whole world? (Bowing down to the devil)

I realise it is a tough question to answer but chew on it for a while. 

Perhaps another way to reflect on the passage, is to ask: "What is my greatest weakness at the moment, and would the adversary use that to try and get me to turn away from Jesus?"

Proverbs 27:21 - Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Rugged Pilgrimage of Discipleship

There are some folks who seem to find their faith-journey to be relatively easy-going. In some ways, I am a little envious of them, because mine doesn't always seem to be that smooth. Of course, there are days of wonder and deep connection with the Father, but there are other days, where discipleship seems to be a grind. I am not sure if you can relate to this at all, but I pray that some of you can.

It is for this reason, that I exclaimed a loud 'Yes', when I read these words in a devotion the other day.

"Pain penetrates through despair and stimulates a new beginning - a journey to God - the transition from a dreamy nostalgia for a better life to a rugged pilgrimage of discipleship...we are invited to find our way by continually listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that his Spirit will lead us to truth." - Eugene Peterson

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth." - John 16:13

Thought: Let us continue on the pilgrimage of rugged discipleship, because the views from the top of the mountain are extraordinary. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

It is well

We sang this song in one of our worship services yesterday. It is such a testimony to the power of hope and trust that God will get us through the most difficult of circumstances. May these words offer you hope and peace this week. 

"When peace like a river
Attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot
Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, It is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul

It is well

It is well with my soul."

The chorus is not a recognition of present circumstances, but rather a deep belief that 'no matter what', God is still with us. Our souls are secure in his hands.

Psalm 25:5 - Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Longing for ...

There is a beautiful song which reminds us of all the things that we long for but seem to never find. It is entitled: Christ be our Light and is written by Bernadette Farrell. Each verse of the song speaks of these gifts that we long for:

• Longing for light, we wait in darkness
• Longing for truth, we turn to you
• Longing for peace, our world is troubled
• Longing for hope, many despair

And each time she laments the things that still elude us, Bernadette brings us to the prayerful chorus:

"Christ be our light, shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church."

I pray that as we all begin the remarkable journey of Lent, that Christ would shine his light on our path.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Making the journey together

A large part of the Christian experience can be nurtured privately, but it was never meant to be undertaken in isolation. We need each other as we make the journey of faith together. We need someone else to nudge us forward in encouragement, or to keep us accountable to our disciplines and to pray for us when we find prayer too difficult. 

2 Corinthians 13:11 - Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

As we embark upon the spiritual journey of Lent this week, I invite you to commit to a practice that will nurture your relationship with God and others. If you don't have something to guide you and you would like something, please drop me a message and I will send you an invite to be a part of our community's 40 Days Together devotions. 

Helen Keller - Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Good Deeds

There is always a little debate around how far Christians should go in sharing love and good deeds. I think this has to do with the fear of encouraging 'salvation by works'. However, our love and compassion towards others is a non-negotiable in the Kingdom of God, and we should keep striving to reveal God's love through practical means.

Listen to the words of Jesus:

·       "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." - Matthew 5:16

The same can be said of the words of Isaiah 58 - See what he says: 

7 Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

Yes, our salvation is not dependent on our good works, but if we profess the name of Jesus, then we need to be revealing our changed hearts by our actions.

Living in Grace

D3LM3