We are reminded today that "in Jesus" we find our rest, peace and strength.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." - Romans 8:1
Living in Grace
D3LM3
I came across this lovely piece of writing this past week. It made me think about who is in control of my life? Hope you enjoy it.
“At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized his picture when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him.
But later on, when I met Christ, It seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
I don’t know when it was that he
suggested that we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I
had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. . . It was
the shortest distance between two points.
But when Jesus took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and
through rocky places at breakneck speeds, It was all I could do to hang on! Even
though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say "I’m scared," He’d lean back and touch my hand.” - Anon
Who is driving in your life?
Living in Grace
D3LM3
"Christ of the pilgrim path,
and of every pilgrim heart,
thank you for revealing yourself
in situations we would prefer
to pass by." - Prayers from Iona (edited by Peter Millar)
This prayer reminded me of the man who was beaten up on the road to Jericho and then left to die. There were opportunities for both the priest and Levite to help the man and to open themselves up to someone they usually chose to ignore, but they never took the chance. Through his decision to stop and help, the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) shows us the way of mercy, and also reveals the heart of God to all of us.
Is it possible that Jesus could reveal something of himself in the situations we would rather avoid?
Living in Grace
D3LM3
"But
why is it better for the disciples to have the presence of the Paraclete than
the presence of Jesus himself as they do now? Because the Paraclete will not
only be with them as Jesus has been, but in them as well (John 17:23,
26)."
This is the key difference. When Jesus was physically present with his disciples he was limited to time and space - he could only be in one place at a time. However, when the Holy Spirit came this changed the playing field. Now everyone had access to the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.
So, if there is an answer to the question: "Is there anything better than Jesus?" The answer would have to be: Yes, it is the Spirit living within us.
What do you think?
Living in Grace
D3LM3
This is a very challenging question and will include a variety of different answers. Some of us will include thoughts such as 'devotion', 'surrender', 'moral purity', 'worship' etc. In Paul's letter to the Romans he says:
"No, a real Jew is anyone whose heart is right with God. For God is not looking for those who cut their bodies in actual body circumcision, but he is looking for those with changed hearts and minds. Whoever has that kind of change in his life will get his praise from God, even if not from you." - Romans 2:29
I realise that there many different teachings on the Holy Spirit in the larger church, but I still remain convinced that the gift of the Spirit is for us to do the work that Jesus left for us to do. Of course, we enjoy the greater benefits of the Spirit in other areas of our lives (that is just the gracious nature of God spilling over), but the Spirit's main agenda is surely to equip the church for sharing the Gospel, living Christ-like lives and changing the hearts of people.
Perhaps these words will help us reflect on this in a deeper way:
"Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless." - Charles Surgeon
"Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you." - Corrie Ten Boom
"The Holy Spirit's main ministry is not to give thrills but to create in us Christlike character." - J.I. Packer
John 15:26-27 (The Message) - “When the Friend I plan to send you from the Father comes—the Spirit of Truth issuing from the Father—he will confirm everything about me. You, too, from your side must give your confirming evidence, since you are in this with me from the start.”
Living in Grace
D3LM3
Many of us are feeling the weight of life and issues at the moment. For this reason, I found this reading to be very moving and meaningful for me today. Let us remember that God offers to be a shield around us, guarding our hearts and souls.
The other great promise is that Jesus is the one who lifts our heads high when they are drooping and the strain of life seems overbearing.
Eugene Peterson writes:
But you, God, shield me on all sides;
You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
With all my might I shout up to God,
His answers thunder from the holy mountain.
May God grant you his strength and peace
Living in Grace
D3LM3
· "The test of a preacher is that his congregation goes away saying, not, “What a lovely sermon!” but, “I will do something!
As I think about this quote it reminds me that all the "life-changing" sermons I have heard have called me to make a decision and then to act on it. If the truth be told 'lovely sermons' don't change lives - decisions that are inspired by the Holy Spirit change lives.
Is there a decision that you made that still needs to be acted on?
Job 22:28 - What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways.
Living in Grace
D3LM3
As we take a few moments to unpack this verse there are a few things worth noting.
The word "let" implies that we must make a conscious choice to allow our 'roots' to grow down deep into the heart of God.
Then our lives must be "built" on the foundations of God and there is also the attitude of surrender - the word "let" appears again.
Once we allow this process to start, then our faith starts to take root and grows stronger and stronger.
It is interesting to note that the overflow of this decision is thankfulness.
What do you think?
Are you able to "let" God lead and guide you at the moment?
Living in Grace
D3LM3
The essence of John 17 focuses on Jesus' prayer for his disciples, his future followers (us) and himself. There is something deeply moving for me when I consider that Christ is praying for me. If you are dealing with some concerns in your life at the moment, how does it make you feel that Jesus is praying for you?
Charles H. Spurgeon - "Every one of us, beloved, when we listen to the words of Christ should recollect that he is praying for us; that while it is for the great body of his elect he intercedes in this chapter (John 17) and the one preceding it, yet it is also for each believer in particular that he offers intercession."
Living in Grace
D3LM3
·
Sometimes we may think that God is playing a game with us and that somehow we are always on the back foot. However, today's reading reminds me that God is not asking us something that is too difficult for us. God wants us to "succeed" in walking with Him and the Word is given to us as a source of guidance and Life.
Do you feel that God makes it hard for you to follow him?
I am writing this on Ascension Day and one of the truths of this special occasion reminds me that Jesus Christ is praying for us all the time. That doesn't give me the impression that God wants me to fail.
Living in grace
D3LM3
“Come now, insignificant man, fly for a moment from your affairs, escape for a little while from the tumult of your thoughts. Put aside now your weighty cares and leave your wearisome toils. Abandon yourself for a little to God and rest for a little in Him.” - Anselm of Cantebury
This quote from Anselm reminds me of the words of Jesus, who understands all our pain and struggles, and invites us to rest in his love. Sometimes all we need is just a few moments to catch our breath and to know that God is with us. I think of Susanna Wesley who had to find time in her massive household of 10 kids to pray and find her peace - she used to sit in a certain chair and put her apron over her head. This was her way of letting her kids know that she was praying.
We can all find these little moments - we just need to be intentional about it.
Matthew 11:28 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Living in Grace
D3LM3
“I believe in order that I may understand.” - Anslem of Cantebury
Romans 5:19 - "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous."
Living in Grace
D3LM3
On Mother's day (9th May) we offer up a special prayer of thanksgiving for all mothers (and women in general). We should be grateful for the remarkable role that they play in the lives of our communities.
"Dear Lord,
Thank you for the gift of women in our communities, and especially for mothers today. We are deeply grateful for their compassion, wisdom, strength and graciousness. We acknowledge the roles they play in guiding and nurturing the hearts of the younger generation, as well as their Godly example. We thank you for their protective instincts and their often unselfish actions.
Sadly, not all people have the gift of a good relationship with their mothers and so we pray for these broken relationships, as well as for those mothers who have already passed away. We ask that the void left by these mothers would be filled by friends, family and Church community.
Thank you for the role that Mary played in raising the young Jesus and for the way she would have nurtured him and taught him many things. It is profound that the Incarnation of the Messiah included years of being loved and mentored by his parents. Surely, this is not an accident, but a recognition of the importance of these roles.
Lord in your mercy, please hear our prayers. Amen."
Living in grace
D3LM3
Proverbs 23:7 - "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."
It is so true that the more we dwell and think on certain things we slowly start to act more inline with those thoughts and ideas.
So, what are you thinking about at the moment?
Is it changing your actions?
Living in Grace
D3LM3
What do you make of these words from two hugely influential people:
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." - Martin Luther King Jnr.
Jesus said it like this:
Here are a few to inspire you today:
"Sometimes a person prays with his tears, even when words are missing." - Bill Gothard
"Daily prayer for daily needs." - E.M. Bounds
"The great gift of God in prayer is Himself." - Maxie Dunnam
As you find the time to communion with God today I pray that you may experience the light and love of His spirit.
1 Kings 8:28 - "Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day."
Living in Grace
D3LM3
Psalm 40:1 - "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry."
"I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened." - Eugene Peterson in the Message
The words 'waiting' and 'patiently' don't usually go hand in hand, but I guess we are urged to keep trusting in God's ability to deliver us from our times of trouble.
Living in Grace
D3LM3
