Remain brave and strong

I have enjoyed reading some of the thoughts of Hildegard of Bingen lately. She lived in the 11th century and was a woman of very deep faith. Hildegard spoke from her own circumstances and was convinced of God's presence with us at all times. These words struck me today:

"Even in a world that's being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong." 

Her words echo the words of Paul, when he wrote to the church in Rome to encourage them to hold onto the promises of God.

"Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises." - Romans 4: 20-21

May we remain brave and strong, as we hold onto the promises of Jesus.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A glistening mirror of divinity

Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) is remembered on the 17th of September, and she was indeed a remarkable woman. It is said that kings and queens, bishops and popes, sought the counsel of this women of God.

But the Benedictine nun was perhaps most knowledgeable about admiring and appreciating every creature that God had created. She loved Jesus and saw God's handiwork all around her. Among her most inspirational quotes are the following:

“The Earth sustains humanity. It must not be injured; it must not be destroyed.”
“Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of divinity.”
“Creation is the song of God.”

Romans 8:39 - "No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thought: In this season of Creation (Spring in the Southern Hemisphere) let us remember our Creator. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Generations come and go

"Generations come, generations go, but the earth remains forever.
The sun rises, the sun sets;
then it speeds to its place and rises there.
The wind blows south,
then it turns north;
the wind blows all around
and keeps returning to its rounds.
All the rivers flow to the sea,
yet the sea is not full;
to the place where the rivers flow,
there they keep on flowing." - Ecclesiastes 1:4-7 (Complete Jewish Bible)

As we take a few moments to ponder these words from Ecclesiastes we are reminded of some wonderful truths:

People come and go, but God remains forever.

God directs the winds, and we have no control of the weather.

The balance of the sea, land and rivers, is so precise that it shouts to us: "God is a genius!"

The older I get, the more I admit that I actually comprehend so very little. This is indeed humbling. It reminds me that I am not in control, but that I can surrender my life to the One who is in control.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A weekend prayer - from Columba

Here is a short prayer for us to use over this weekend. May God bless you.

"Alone with none but Thee, my God,
I journeyed on my way:
What need I fear, when Thou art near,
O King of night and day.
More safe am I within Thy hand
Than if a host did round me stand.

The Child of God can fear no ill,
His chosen dread no foe:
We leave our fate to Thee, and wait
The bidding when we go.
'Tis not from chance our comfort springs,
Thou art our trust, O King of Kings." - Saint Columba

May our King of Kings surround you with his grace and love.

Revelation 17:14 - "Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him.”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Passwords of Praise

I was reading through Psalm 89 in the Message, and I was delighted to read how Eugene Peterson described the worship of God. He says:

"Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,
    who shout on parade in the bright presence of God.
Delighted, they dance all day long; they know
    who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet!
Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—
    you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air!
All we are and have we owe to God,
    Holy God of Israel, our King!" - Psalm 89: 15-18

I was struck by the expression: 'blessed are those who know the passwords of praise.' I have so many passwords for bank accounts, email accounts, online shopping, phones etc, but do I know the passwords of praise? And what would these passwords open up for my life?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

When we need a Guardian

I was reading through Psalm 121 in the Complete Jewish Bible, as it offers some fresh insight into familiar passages. While doing this, I was struck by the use of the word 'Guardian', which is repeated a few times. In simple terms, a Guardian is someone who takes care of another person who is not able to care for themselves in the present moment. Usually this in the case of a child, who has a Guardian until they reach a certain age.

However, is this also not true of our relationship with God. Sometimes we are not able to take care of ourselves, and we need to be reminded that we have a God who is willing and able to be that Guardian for us.

He will not let your foot slip —
your guardian is not asleep.
4 No, the guardian of Isra’el
never slumbers or sleeps.

5 Adonai is your guardian; at your right hand
Adonai provides you with shade —
6 the sun can’t strike you during the day
or even the moon at night.

7 Adonai will guard you against all harm;
he will guard your life.
8 Adonai will guard your coming and going
from now on and forever. (Psalm 121)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A safe Harbour

Harbours are built to shelter boats/ships from the chaos of the sea. They provide rest and refuge for the vessels, and allow the sailors chance to catch their breath, re-stock the vessel, and prepare for the next journey.

What if we saw the presence of God as one of these safe places - a refuge - a harbour? 

What if we realised that God allows us moments to withdraw from the chaos of the sea and to rest in the still waters?

Read what Psalm 107 says: 

23 Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world.
24 They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action,
his impressive works on the deepest seas.
25 He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves.
26 Their ships were tossed to the heavens
and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end.
28 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
29 He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.
30 What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbour!

Thought: Do you need to pull into the harbour of God's grace today? What is stopping you?

Living in grace

D3LM3

When I am afraid

If you have ever felt afraid, then these verses from Psalm 56 are for you. David reminds us to shift our focus from the things that make us afraid, to the One who has conquered ALL things.

"But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
I praise God for what he has promised. 

 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?" - Psalm 56:3-4

Rudyard Kipling - "Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Whatever

This last week has been really hectic, but also very rewarding. I was part of a mission group that traveled up to Namaqualand to share in ministry over the weekend. It was a blessed time indeed. This is also why I haven't had much time to write any devotions, so thanks for your patiece.

Today I was reminded of thus wonderful passage from Philippians 4. I pray that it also encourages you in your faith journey. 

Philippians 4:8-9 "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. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice."

Living in Grace 

D3LM3