God's testimony

When I was sharing on Sunday from Acts 14, I noted the following verse:


“Yet he has not left himself without testimony (witness)…” - Acts 14:17 

 Paul was trying to point out to the people of Lystra that God has revealed to us His glory and splendour. He has spoken to us through who He is and through His creation. There is already enough evidence for us to make a decision to follow God or not... the choice is ours. 

For me, I recognise the 'witness' of God mostly in creation. I note God's fingerprints all over mountains, planets and stars, seas and rivers, birds, animals and insects. What about you - where do you notice God's witness?

Romans 1: 19-20

"They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

Living in Grace
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Trusting in God

Psalm 118:8 - It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.

David knew a thing or two about people. Not only was he surrounded by many servants, but he had the great privilege of leading the Israelite nation. Even though there were many god-fearing people in his counsel, and good people that never betrayed him, he also encountered many who double-crossed him. In the end, David's advice is that we put our trust in the Lord (as a priority), because people will disappoint us, but God will never let us done.

Living in Grace
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When trouble brings you together

We have been having a spate of burglaries in our neighbourhood of late. It has obviously been very unsettling for the community, as we haven't been able to sleep peacefully at night. However, one of the interesting results of all the criminal activity has been a greater awareness of our neighbours. Suddenly we are looking out for each other, taking note of alarm signals, listening for barking dogs and checking that our neighbours are OK. It has taken crime to actually get us to start talking to one another in our community and to meet others in our street. Weird, I know!

It is sometimes like this in our Churches too! It takes a mini-crisis or an issue to get people to start noticing each other and to start caring for one another. Suddenly, we become less self-absorbed and look beyond the "walls" of our own faith. Then we start to treat each other as the 'body of Christ'...

Romans 7:4 - "So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God."

I just love the fact that God is always redemptive - God is always interested in making something 'good' come out of a 'bad' situation, especially if it builds up His people. 

Living in Grace
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Strong Shoes

I came across this really great quote recently:

“If God sends you down a stony path,
may he give you strong shoes.” - Unknown

Have your shoes ever broken when you have been walking or hiking? I have had that experience once before and it proved to be trickier than one can imagine. Hiking over boulders, sharp stones, overgrown paths and even across rivers is not fun barefoot. Choosing the right footgear to hike is crucial.

We all know that life is like being on a hike - it is not all easy going, smooth paths and downhills. It can be tough. So, my prayer for you is that if God allows us to walk down difficult paths, then may he also provide you with strong "shoes."

Living in Grace
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The Cross

As Christians the Cross is our iconic "logo". We are recognised by it, and we use the Cross to show our allegiance to Jesus Christ. The cross says it all - it speaks of suffering, grace, healing, forgiveness, victory, peace and love. Just simply by drawing the cross on a piece of paper or even in the sand, we make a statement of faith. In the Cross we have a symbol that speaks with a million voices...

“In the Cross is salvation; in the Cross is life;

in the Cross is protection against our enemies;

in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness;

in the Cross is strength of mind; in the Cross is joy of spirit;

 in the Cross is excellence of virtue; in the Cross is perfection of holiness.

There is no salvation of soul, nor hope of eternal life, save in the Cross.” ― Thomas à Kempis, The Inner Life

Living in Grace

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