Sunday 31 May 2015

Respect to all Comrades runners

Every year I am inspired by the thousands of crazy people who run the Comrades marathon. I think it is amazing and I "take my hat off" to anyone who attempts this race.

  • I love the fact that the race was first run (1921) to honour the men/women who had fallen in the First World War.
  • I love the fact that the spirit of the race is incredible and that people from all walks of life come together to conqueror the race.
  • I love the fact that people of all ages, creeds and colours attempt the same challenge and can find "common ground" in tackling the 90 Km's of pain.

I believe that our world needs more events like the Comrades, so that we can all be inspired to overcome our fears and the massive issues in our Nation. Well done to all of you who have run it - you have inspired us all. (I may just have to attempt the race one day :)

1 Corinthians 9:24 - "Don’t you know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one wins the prize? So then, run to win!"

“It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.”Paul “Bear” Bryant

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Right in front of your eyes

I was looking all over the place for a document just now - I knew I had just seen it, but for some reason I couldn't locate it. I was turning my desk upside down trying to find it. All of a sudden, I looked down at my desk again and there was the piece of paper sitting in front of me.

It WAS the one I had been looking for.
Man was I irritated!

Why couldn't I see it in the first place? What prevented me from seeing that it was the document I needed? I honestly don't know! It could have been a number of different reasons, but thankfully I FOUND it in the end.

Is this how our FAITH works sometimes? Do we search frantically to try and locate God, when all along God is right in front of us. Or should we say, God has not moved anywhere, but we are rather distracted in our vision of Him.

1 Samuel 25:29 - "Even if someone comes along searching for you and seeking your life, your life will be bound in the bundle of life with Adonai your God."

What do you think of this?

Living in grace
D3LM3

Friday 29 May 2015

How do you understand this?

I was interested to read an article in the Sunday paper on Trevor Noah and his family. They have just experienced another tragedy in their family and one of the Matriarchs believes that there is a curse on their family. It is easy to see how she can think like this, especially when one is consumed with brokenness and grief. I have reflected on this article in the light of our own family situation:

Our family has been in the wars over the past year. All three of my boys have now broken a bone in their body playing Rugby. Nathan (10) broke his leg last year, Declan (12) fractured his knee in April and Josh (7) broken his arm last week. They were all unusual incidents in some ways, but they all required time in casualty, hospital and casts.

Some people have asked me how I feel about all of this and what I make of the situation. To be honest I don't know. I am not sure there is a theological or spiritual understanding of this situation - it could just be bad luck I suppose.

But, what would your understanding of this be - if it happened to you? Three kids, 3 different broken bones, all in one year?

Here are some of insights people have given to us so far:

1. That's just bad luck!
2. That's Life!
3. Rugby is dangerous for young kids to play!
4. My kids need to drink more milk for calcium (for stronger bones)
5. We aren't praying enough for them.
6. Someone has cursed us.
7. Other?

I don't have a conclusive answer to the why bad things happen to us all, but what I am sure of is that God's Spirit has been with us throughout these ordeals. We would not have coped without the strength and support of friends and the prayers of the faithful.

"Don't try to understand everything because sometimes it is not meant to be understood, but accepted." - Unknown

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”- Soren Kierkegaard

What do you think?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Thursday 28 May 2015

Starting fires or Putting them out!

Over the course of 3 days during this last week we meet as a Church Synod. A lot of the time the discussions were helpful and insightful, but there are moments where one needs to put out some fires. The Church is filled with broken people and the Methodist Church is no different. So one of the functions of this gathering is to cast vision, encourage, inspire and equip God's people, BUT a portion of time needs to be spent in putting out fires. It is an unfortunate reality of being part of a broken world.

The thing is, I don't like putting out fires. It drains me and makes me feel tired and disillusioned. I think our role as Christ followers should rather be 'lighting fires' (not real fires, just in case you were getting worried.) We shoul
d be lighting fires of HOPE, peace and healing. We should be rekindling the embers of broken hearts and shattered dreams. We should be reminding people that with Jesus in our midst there is a FUTURE.

2 Chronicles 7:3
When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.”

"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire." - Ferdinand Foch

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." -
Albert Schweitzer

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Tuesday 26 May 2015

Help for our prayers

There are times when we feel as if our prayers are bouncing off the ceilings. We pray our long prayers and once we have finished our 'list' we rush off to something else that is calling our attention. If we are completely honest our prayers seem to have little impact and this can breed frustration in our spiritual lives. However, there is hope...

I have found a helpful prayer practise that I want to share with you. It is not new at all - in fact, it has been practised for thousands of years, but I have found it meaningful. This is how it works.

1. Find yourself a place that will be free of distractions (even if it is only for 5 minutes).
2. Breathe in and out a few times until you sense your spirit calming down.
3. Choose a single word to pray. This word will be your focal point for these moments. Allow the meaning of this word to pervade your mind and heart. I have found that the best words for me are actually the names of God, or the characteristics of Jesus. See below for a few examples.
4. Soak in the Peace of God and then finish your devotion or begin your other tasks.

It may seem very simple, but it has worked for many people. Please try it and let me know what you experience. There is no "one-size" fits all formula for spiritual practises, but it is always helpful to be creative in these sacred times.

Exodus 3:14"God said to Moses, “I am who I am."

Try some of these names of God as a starting point:

"Alpha and Omega" - Beginning and End
"Adonai" - "Lord and Master
"Shalom" - Peace
"El Shaddai" - God of Mountains
"Yahweh Jireh" - The Lord provides
"Lamb of God" - focuses on Christ's sacrifice for us and his perfection
"Emmanuel" - God with us

Living in Grace
D3LM3



Monday 25 May 2015

Where are you?

I was downstairs in the garage this morning when I heard our son, Josh (7), calling me from upstairs.
"Dad, where are you? Daaaaad! Where are you?"

I had actually heard him and had said, "I am here Josh!"

However, he hadn't heard me. No matter how much I replied to his calling, he couldn't hear me at all. Eventually I had to walk up the stairs and find him, because he was looking for me in the wrong places. He was quite relieved when I caught up with him and said, "Here I am Josh!"

How often do we call out to our heavenly Father and the only response we get seems to be SILENCE? We call out louder and louder and God still seems silent. I have experienced this in prayers on a number of times.

However, God is not silent - he has heard our cries and he has already answered us, in the person of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. God is with us.

1 John 5:14 - "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."

John 9:31 - "He listens to the godly person who does his will."

So, the next time you call out to God remember that He does hear us and He is willing to reply.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Sunday 24 May 2015

Aldersgate & Pentecost

It is not often that Aldersgate Sunday and Pentecost fall on the same day, on the 24th May. Both of these events are deeply significant in the lives of Christians, and especially people aligned with the Methodist tradition. If for some reason you don't know what these 2 days represent have a look at the links provided: Aldersgate Sunday and Pentecost.

Pentecost is significant for me because it reminds me of the following key things for my faith:

1. God fulfils his promises.Joel 2:28 - "I will pour out my Spirit on all people."
2. The Spirit of God is with us all the time - Matthew 28:20.
3. God grants us the ability and strength to do things for His glory.
4. God's love is poured into our hearts - Romans 5:5
5. The Spirit brings revival and renews the Church.

May our hearts be "strangely warmed" on this day.
May the Spirit of God move our faith from being a "religious" knowledge into a dynamic relationship with the Living God.

"Because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." - Romans 5:5

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Friday 22 May 2015

Saying Thank you

We had the privilege this afternoon of saying "Go well" to 2 wonderful men of God, at our Annual Church Synod. Bishop Sandy Dickie and Dr Mvume Dandala will be retiring at the end of this year and we paid tribute to their ministry today. It is always a sad moment for the church when we do this, but we thank God for all they have done for us and for God's Kingdom.

Matthew 25:21 - “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things."

Living in Grace
D3LM3


Tuesday 19 May 2015

Do you 'find' it or 'experience' it?

Can I actually 'find' PEACE or do I rather have to 'experience' it? It may seem like semantics, but I am not sure that PEACE is something hidden that we need to search for. Rather I think it is a fruit of being in relationship with God (Galatians 5). When we draw nearer to Christ and allow the Spirit of Jesus to fill our hearts then we begin to 'experience' PEACE.

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." - Psalm 29:11

The issue I have with pursuing PEACE is the fear that even though I may try hard to find peace, I may never actually get to enjoy it. If peace depends on my ability to track it down, then I am missing the nature of the GIFT of peace. Peace comes to us in the form of a welcome gift from the Father - it is a deposit of his GRACE and mercy.

Having just said this, I need to clarify that there are verses in the bible that encourage us to seek peace (Psalm 34). The peace that this speaks of, is rather the 'state of peace' (as opposed to being at War). What I am speaking about is 'inner peace' - if that makes any sense :)

Are you seeking peace in your life at the moment? Maybe you don't need to go all over the world to discover it - perhaps all we need to do is to create a space to allow God to encounter us with His peace. What do you think?

"While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart." -Francis of Assisi

"God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." -C. S. Lewis 
Living in Grace
D3LM3

Monday 18 May 2015

Greed changes us

Ambrose of Milan made an insightful comment on the greed of people. He wrote:

"God ordered all things to be produced so that there would be common food for all, and so that they earth would be the common inheritance of all. Thus, nature has produced a common right, but greed has made it the right of a few."

History tells us that humanity battles to share. Those in power laud it over those who are poor. This happens generation after generation. History should teach us that this always ends in disaster, but we are very slow to learn.Greed teaches us something about the state of our hearts. As Andy Stanley points out...

"Greed is not a financial issue - it's a heart issue." - Andy Stanley

Luke 11:39 - "Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness."

"There is enough on this planet for everyone's need, but not for everyone's greed." - Gandhi

What has God give to you?
Are you willing to share with others?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Sunday 17 May 2015

Definition of Insanity

Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." 

Just before we point a finger at the millions of 'insane' people in our world, let's all take a long hard look at ourselves. 
Are we carrying on the same old fashion and getting frustrated at the lack of results? 
Are we repeating the same mistakes as last week and wondering why?
Have we reflected on what needs to change in our lives if we want to move forward?

I am challenged by the story of the 7 disciples in John 21, who go back fishing. They fished all night and caught zip! Then Jesus comes to the shoreline and directs them to fish on the other side of the boat. What a simple suggestion.
Why didn't the disciples think of that? 
Why were they just doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result? 
What happened when they took Jesus' advice and cast on the other side? 

Read the story for yourself:

"When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish." - John 21:6

Perhaps God is prompting us to try something new or to focus in a different direction. Notice that he didn't ask the disciples to stop fishing, BUT rather to cast in another direction. Ask the Spirit to guide you as you reflect on these things.

Living in Grace
D3LM3
 

Saturday 16 May 2015

The safe bet?

"Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists." - Blaise Pascal

This quote from Pascal is an interesting take on Faith. It gets to the heart of a deeper question which many unbelievers ask - "How can you be sure that God exists?"

The honest answer is this: "We can't!.... However, when we look around at the evidence we have come to the conclusion that God has to exist! It is an act of FAITH on our behalf."

But then again, choosing to believe that there is NO God is equally an act of Faith. If you were going to wager a bet on this, then perhaps one needs to think seriously as to which is the best bet!

What do you think?

  • John 17:12 - "While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me."
  •  Psalm 16:1 -  "Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge."
  • Psalm 27:5 - "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock."
Living in Grace
D3LM3

Friday 15 May 2015

Dam Busters

On this day (17th May) 1943, Operation Chastise was carried out in Germany by the RAF No.617 Squadron. These raids famously became known as the Dam buster Raids. The effectiveness of these Operations is debatable, but what is certain is that they destroyed a number of massive dams and killed 1300 people. If you are a history buff then perhaps have a look at this link to read some more.

The interesting thing about the raids was that the Allies hoped that, by destroying the dams, they would force the German army back into the country (to fix the mess and water supply). The dams were strategically placed for Hydro-electric power and thus their destruction could have hampered the German forces.

Our spiritual lives can feel like a battle ground some days. We need to be on the look out for the 'attacks' from the enemy lines - they can come from the most unlikely source and we should never assume that we can conqueror the enemy alone. We need the strength of God to go with us and to help us.

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - 2 Timothy 4:18

On another point: Perhaps we have been allowing bitterness to remain stored up inside of us, like a dam wall. Is it not time to ask the Spirit of God to act like a 'Dam Buster' and to break down the walls of resentment and hurt?

Living in Grace
D3LM3



Thursday 14 May 2015

Fanaticism gone wrong!

Perhaps you can picture the person I am speaking about - the person who is so religious that it boarders on Fanaticism. Of course, there is always a fine balance between a passionate follower of Jesus and a Fanatic. If you are struggling to discern the difference then have a quick read of this quote from Tim Keller before we carry on any further.



“Think of people you consider fanatical. They're overbearing, self-righteous, opinionated, insensitive, and harsh. Why? It's not because they are too Christian, it's because they are not Christian enough. They are fanatically zealous and courageous, but they are not fanatically humble, sensitive, loving, emphatic, forgiving, or understanding- as Christ was... What strikes us as overly fanatical is actually a failure to be fully committed to Christ and his gospel.” ― Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Scepticism


He is spot on, don't you think? Why do these kind of people turn us away from the Faith? Well, I think it is precisely because they are not following Christ in his example of humility, forgiveness, mercy and love. Wouldn't it be lovely if people accused us of being 'Grace Fanatics.' Imagine people saying things like:

"Wow, that person is so in love with Jesus that we can see they are obsessed with Grace! We want to be like that - we want to know what makes them LOVE beyond measure!"

John 3:17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.


I am deeply challenged by this today and it is my prayer that I can become a Grace fanatic! What are your thoughts?


Living in grace
D3LM3

Wednesday 13 May 2015

People lose their way

When you read through Proverbs 11, in Eugene Peterson's translation of the Bible (The Message), you will notice that he entitles it "Without good direction, people lose their way!" I think this is a brilliant heading for any chapter - it is as relevant today as it was in Solomon's day.

When people stop listening to good, solid advice, they quickly lose their way. Sadly, I have seen this happen far too often. People don't just suddenly change direction, but it usually starts slowly and eventually one wakes up to realise that these good people have gone down a path of brokenness.

If this is perhaps a word of caution for you (or someone you know) then it may be time to gently speak to them. It may be a hard thing to do, but any good relationship needs honesty.

Proverbs 11
3 The integrity of the honest keeps them on track;
    the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.

A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart,
    but a principled life can stand up to the worst.

Moral character makes for smooth travelling;
    an evil life is a hard life.

Good character is the best insurance;
    crooks get trapped in their sinful lust.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Tuesday 12 May 2015

Scars and struggles

The words of this song by Matt Redman have really spoken into my life this week. I share them with you today in the hope that they offer you some solace too. They are from his song entitled 'Never Once."

"Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
."


We will have scars and struggles along the way in our faith journey, but God is with us.

Deuteronomy 7:9 - "He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands."


Living in Grace
D3LM3

Monday 11 May 2015

Obstacles defeated

When we place our TRUST in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ we know that He will help us overcome any obstacle that we encounter. This DOESN'T mean that we will never confront obstacles, but it reassures us that WHEN we do, God will help us navigate our way around/over them.

What obstacle are you facing today? Have you given up already or will you hold onto the belief that God can help you through this tough time?

"But Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don’t doubt God, you’ll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you’ll tell, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God.” - Matthew 21:21-22 (MSG)

Isaiah 26:7 - "But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them."


Living in Grace
D3LM3

Sunday 10 May 2015

Trying to define FAITH


It is so hard to try and define FAITH. We have so many neat and simple answers to this complex issue and often these definitions leave us feeling a little short-changed. Today, I came across a 'good' workable understanding of faith and I want to share it with you. It comes from one of my favourite authors, Philip Yancey:

"I have learnt that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse."

Perhaps you need to read it again and when you read it a second time, think of a time in your life where this has proven to be true. Faith means trusting in God, despite what the evidence around us suggests. One day we will be blessed to look back and see how God's hand has moved in our lives.

"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." -
Saint Augustine

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." -Thomas Aquinas
I am not sure if you have a definition that works for you, but if are keen to share it with me, please comment on this post or send me an email.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Saturday 9 May 2015

Blessed Mother's Day

If you are reading this then we all have something in common - we all have had Mothers. May we pause to remember them, thank them and bless them today. Even Jesus remember this mom in his dying moments on the cross.

Happy Mother's Day...

Proverbs 31:25-27
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future. 

 When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness. 

 She carefully watches everything in her household
    and suffers nothing from laziness.


"Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children." ~ Billy Graham

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Thursday 7 May 2015

When I don't know what to pray

Sometimes I just don't know what to pray. I can be at a complete loss for words. My heart feels all mixed up and the words don't seem to flow. When that happens, I just pray these ancient words.

"Lord Jesus Christ
Son of God,
have Mercy on me, 
a sinner!"

This is known as the Jesus Prayer and has been prayed for centuries.

It is simple, but it helps.

Why don't you try it sometime.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Wednesday 6 May 2015

As clean as a whistle

I heard this phrase on the way into work this morning - "It will be as clean as a whistle!" I haven't heard it for a while, but it reminded me of how God promises to make us clean from our lives of sin. We may not end up being as 'clean as a whistle', but we can be purified by His love and mercy. His blood was spilt so that we could be made clean.

Matthew 8:2 - "Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

Acts 15:9 - "He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith."

If you have a moment you should also read Psalm 51. It is a wonderful Psalm about forgiveness and being made clean by God.

Living in Grace
D3LM3


Just out of interest, there is some debate as to the origins of this phrase 'as clean as a whistle.' A lot of people want to know why a whistle is used in a sentence about cleanliness? It may have had some origins in a poem by Robert Burns, but it could also refer to the fact that if a whistle is 'blocked' then no sound will come from it. It needs to be clean in order for there to be sound coming through.

It has also been suggested that the original phrase was actually 'as CLEAR as a whistle.' Which would then make more sense I guess. When we hear a whistle we know what it is referring to - the whistle of a train or even a referee's whistle. Each whistle has a meaning and it communicates to us what we need to hear. 


Tuesday 5 May 2015

It is Enough!


How often do we pray for God to change our circumstances or to take us out of a bad place? We need some intervention and our prayers are usually centred around God delivering us from the fiery furnace. But what happens when God doesn't move us or when things don't change - what then? 

Well, for me the answer lies in these 3 verses...

"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

God's grace will be ENOUGH!
His grace is ALL we need to help us through.
When we are WEAK, that is when God IS STRONG!

#justsaying

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Monday 4 May 2015

Turning your back

One of the rudest things we can do to another person is to turn our backs on them, while they are speaking to us. It shows a sign of great disrespect.In the Old Testament, Jeremiah cautions the Israelites about turning their backs on God, implying that the Lord would not be chuffed with their lack of respect.

"My people have turned their backs on me and have refused to return. Even though I diligently taught them, they would not receive instruction or obey." - Jeremiah 32:33

Even though God wants to speak to them and to communicate with them, the people of Israel chose to turn their backs on Yahweh.

So, where are you at the moment? Have you slowly been turning your body away from the Lord and now it seems as if you are facing away from his Grace? If you find yourself in that position today, remember that there is still time to turn back to God - He offer of Grace still stands.

Acts 3:26 - "When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.”

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Sunday 3 May 2015

The Big Fight

The last time I got excited about a "Big Fight" it was over Asterix and Obelix's story "The Big Fight!" Of course, the Pacquiao and Mayfeather Big Fight has nothing to do with Asterix and Obelix, but it did get me thinking about the topic of fighting. I have to admit that the thought of getting into the ring with either one of these 2 prize fighters sends shivers down my spine - they are both fantastic athletes and I am convinced they could do some major damage to my face :)

The Bible mentions the word 'fight' on a number of occasions and a fair number of them speak of the picture of God being on our side, fighting for us. It is quite a reassuring image of God being in our corner, rooting for us and willing to stand in the gap to defend us.

Sometimes LIFE and issues of this world can seem like we are squaring up to a prize fighter and that this "opponent" looks very ominous. We may even be quivering in our boots, but we need to remember that God is with us. In the end, He will come to our aid.

"The Lord God is your leader, and he will fight for you with his mighty miracles, just as you saw him do in Egypt." - Deuteronomy 1:30

Joshua 2:11 - No one has any fight left in him after hearing things like that, for your God is the supreme God of heaven, not just an ordinary god.

1 Timothy 6:12 - "Fight on for God. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you and that you have confessed with such a ringing confession before many witnesses."

May you have Blessed Week and remember that GOD is in your corner!

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Saturday 2 May 2015

Reliable workers

There is an old adage that states "Good help is hard to find!"

And I believe there is so much truth in this statement, which most of us can relate to. This is why we end up often doing the job ourselves, because we know that it will get done properly.

For me, this statement permeates all of society, but applies mostly to work - when we find someone who is a good worker, we should hold onto them for as long as possible and encourage them to 'better' themselves. Having a great team player and someone who you can trust is such an important thing in the work environment.

Perhaps this is why Jesus spoke about giving greater responsibility to those people who have proved faithful in the smaller tasks first.

Matthew 24:45-47 - “Who here qualifies for the job of overseeing the kitchen? A person the Master can depend on to feed the workers on time each day. Someone the Master can drop in on unannounced and always find him doing his job. A God-blessed man or woman, I tell you. It won’t be long before the Master will put this person in charge of the whole operation. (Message)

On this weekend of 'Worker's Day' may we learn to appreciate the art of 'good work', as well the blessing of trustworthy employees and colleagues.

"Anybody can do bad work, but not everybody does good work." -Paul Simon

Living in Grace
D3LM3