How do people know?

“By our purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness we have shown ourselves to be God's servants—by the Holy Spirit, by our true love…” (2 Corinthians 6:6)

The Bible speaks a fair amount about how we show that we are followers of God. Jesus used the phrase "by their fruit you will recognise them" (Matthew 7:16), and then in today's reading, we note that Paul says we reveal our Christlikeness by our kindness, patience and purity. 

A challenging question for us is: how do people know that we follow Jesus? If they just looked at our kindness or patience, would they get some idea that we are inspired by Christ? 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A Cross in my pocket

I was reminded of this intriguing poem a few weeks back. I couldn't remember the whole poem, but just the gist of it. I think it is well worth reflecting on and I love the intimacy of the idea. See what you think. The poem is accredited to Vera Mae Thomas. 

I carry a cross in my pocket,
A simple reminder to me
That I am a Christian,
No matter where I may be.

This little cross isn’t magic,
Nor is it a good luck charm.
It isn’t meant to protect me
From every physical harm.

It’s not for identification
For all the world to see.
It’s simply an understanding
Between my Savior and me.

When I put my hand in my pocket
To bring out a coin or a key,
The cross is there to remind me
Of the price He paid for me.

It reminds me too, to be thankful
For my blessings every day,
And to strive to serve Him better
In all that I do or say.

It’s also a daily reminder
Of the peace and comfort I share
With all who know my Master
And give themselves to His care.

So, I carry a cross in my pocket
Reminding none but me
That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life,
If only I’ll let Him be." - written by Vera Mae Thomas

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Winnie the Pooh on friendship

According to some sources, the first published book on Winnie the Pooh was released in October 1926. So, in order to remember the wisdom of Pooh, here are a few thoughts from our wise friend. 

“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” -  A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

“Just because an animal is large, it doesn't mean he doesn't want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo.”

“Some people care too much. I think it's called love.”

"If you live to be a hundred, I hope I live to be a hundred minus one day, so that I never have to live a day without you." 

These are just a few fun thoughts from A.A, Milne's beloved character. I hope they remind us of all to smile and think of our own friends. 

Enjoy your day and remember that God loves us. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Five promises in One - a word of encouragement for times of trial

My son starts to write his final school exams this week, and we can't believe that our youngest child has now got to this point in his life. Along with thousands of other parents, we will enter into the season of exam stress with caution, but also the knowledge that God is with us.

If you are needing a scripture to hold onto during this time of the year, I invite you truly mediate on these words. 

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Saviour. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” - Zephaniah 3:17

May each of these promises be real to you and your loved ones.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Dealing with Anxiety

I wish I had a silver bullet to help us get rid of anxiety, but I don't. Although we each deal with stress and anxiety differently, we all face these challenges from time to time. I feel that how we effectively deal with anxiety will impact our overall peace of mind and spirit. We can't eradicate it, but we can tackle it constructively. 

Arthur Roche commented on how a small amount of anxiety begins to grow and grow over time until it eventually causes great damage.

He said: “Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all others thoughts are drained.”

Paul urges us to use our minds in such a way to help us navigate through our anxiety. He says:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:6-9

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Speak softly

"However softly we speak, God is so close to us that he can hear us; nor do we need wings to go in search of him, but merely to seek solitude and contemplate him within ourselves, without being surprised to find such a good Guest there." - St John of the Cross

We have all experienced it - we are sitting in the audience, at some function, and we can't hear the person speaking. We may catch the odd word, but not enough to get the gist of the message. They are speaking far to softly and we just wish they would raise their voice. 

Thankfully, when we speak to God we don't need to raise our voice - God can hear us.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A thought on suffering

Amy Carmichael writes, "Jesus, You suffered not that we might not suffer, but that when we suffer, we might become like You." (1868-1951)

Amy's words are a reminder to all believers, that suffering is a part of our existence, and that our personal suffering is not always to be seen as "God's abandonment." 

Is it not interesting to consider my sufferings as part of becoming more like Christ? Usually, I am happy to receive the blessings as a sign of being part of God's kingdom, but I am not always so keen for the suffering that comes with. 

Romans 8:17 - And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

Living in Grace

D3LM3