The full Serenity Prayer - a great resource to combat anxiety

I find that using the Serenity prayer is a great way of reducing anxiety in my life. The full version of the prayer is very helpful and teaches us to trust in the Lord's work in our lives. If you are struggling with worry at the moment, then I invite you to pray this prayer as often as you need to.

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace,
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it,
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will,
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen."

Matthew 6:27 - Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 

Living in Grace

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A great fear for all of us?

What is one of your greatest fears?

Tim Keller suggests that one of our fears could be: to be known, but not to be loved! His words may make a little more sense, when we read them in the context of his full quote.

“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial.
To be known and not loved is our greatest fear.
But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.
It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretence, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.” - Timothy Keller.

Is this perhaps what drew people to Jesus? When they encountered him, they sensed that they were fully known and loved. What do you think?

Romans 8:15 - So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.

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What do you want?

The question that Jesus asked Andrew and John immediately cut to the heart of the matter. Jesus certainly puts them in a spot, but it is a question that echoes throughout the ages. What do we really want?

 "Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them." - John 1:38

It is a question that invites self-examination, and I don’t believe that Jesus asked it in a condescending tone at all. Some translations have put the question as “what are you looking for?” or "what are you seeking?"

Let us try and picture the scene for a moment – the two disciples have moved away from John the Baptist (their teacher) and for a moment they are caught in no-man's land. Should they follow the 'Lamb of God' or should they stay with John?

Jesus senses they are edging closer to him, and he gets to the heart of the matter: 

What do you guys really want? What is going on in your heart? What are you searching for?

In truth, many disciples followed their teachers or leaders for any number of reasons: Were these two guys looking for a new career. Or a military Saviour? A security blanket? A person to debate with and do a little theological sparring?

Or was there a deeper desire that drove them to seek Jesus out?

And what about us? How do you answer that question today? 

What are we wanting from Jesus?

Living in Grace

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P.S. If you missed out on listening to the sermon based on this Question, you are welcome to click on this link. 

What good is it?

There is something special about LENT. I truly believe that being intentional about our preparation for Easter makes a massive difference in our spiritual lives and I wonder if you feel the same way? 

Over the course of the next 6 weeks, I am going to be reflecting on a number of questions that Jesus asks his followers. One would be surprised at home many questions Jesus actually asks of us and each one of them is equally profound.

At our Ash Wednesday service, I reminded us of the question that Jesus posed to his followers (in Mark 8:36):

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"

This deeply challenging question slowly opens up our hearts to divulge where we are spending all our time and energy at the moment. What is getting us up in the morning? 

Am I spending my life in pursuit of "things" at the expense of nurturing my spiritual life? 

If I aim to gain the world and stand on top of the mountain with my arms in triumphant victory, who else will be standing alongside me?

Where is God in my plans and life at the moment?

If you would like to listen to a short audio Bible Study on this question, you are welcome to listen on this link.

Living in Grace

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Sometimes SILENCE is the most appropriate response!

I was struck by the fact that just after Peter, James and John witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus, they were moved to SILENCE. We would have excused them if they had wanted to tell the world - or in today's language, to post it on social media - but they sensed that their most appropriate act of worship was to remain quiet!

³⁶ When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. - Luke 9

Perhaps the modern Church needs to grasp this principle of silence and awe – not to always feel the need to fill the gaps with sound. Of course, there is a time for songs and prayers, but there is also a time for silence and reflection. 

It is a sad reality that the actions of the 3 disciples were so opposite to the world in which we now live – in our world there is always noise. From the moment we wake up until the time we go to sleep; it is almost as if we need to fight just to appreciate a few moments of quiet. 

The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us:

Ecclesiastes 3:7 – “there is a time for silence and a time to speak...”

Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt - "...silence is the only adequate response to the Transfiguration the disciples witnessed."

Psalm 37:7 Be silent in the LORD’s presence and wait patiently for him.

What do you feel about this? I would love to know.

Living in Grace

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A crucial link between the Transfiguration and Lent

It is something that most people assume, but it is well worth highlighting, that Jesus' purpose in climbing the mountain (Transfiguration) was to pray. Read Luke's account below and take note of the words I have placed in BOLD type. 

²⁸ About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. ²⁹ As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. (Luke 9)

Luke invites us into a unique moment in the spiritual apprenticeship of Peter, James and John. They see first-hand the transforming power of prayer. This is not the first time they have been aware of Jesus' commitment to prayer, but it seems to be the moment that they witness the most radical change in their Rabbi. Prayer has changed the appearance of Jesus, and they are left gob smacked at what they see. 

I would like to point out the remarkable value in prayer and how when we are committed to this practice, our lives can be changed. We may not walk around with the afterglow like Jesus did, but other people may soon wonder what has changed in our lives. This is one of the reasons why I like Lent so much - it calls out to my wandering spirit: "Come near for a while. Rest in the presence of Jesus."

As we enter into the sacred season of Lent and begin our pilgrimage to Calvary, may we take the lessons of the Transfiguration with us - and may we stay close to Jesus.

William Loader wrote: "...making time and space for prayer and reflection is crucial if we are to know who he is and where we are going with him."

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It is good for us to be here!

As Peter was taking in the grandeur of the Transfiguration, he blurted out: 

“Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) - Luke 9:33

Even though Peter couldn't fully comprehend what he was witnessing, the one thing he got right was that it was truly amazing to witness the gathering of Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Perhaps his words 'it is good for us to be here' are even a little understated. In modern language he could have been excused for shouting out: This is Epic! This is Awesome!

His heart was probably pumping and his adrenaline following so strongly, that all he could think of was 'let me hold onto this moment for as long as possible.' 

Can you relate to this at all? When was the last time you experienced something so profound and beautiful that your heart sang: 'it is good to be here!'

Living in Grace

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A prayer for Mondays

I came across this lovely prayer last week and thought I would share it for you all. I pray that you have a blessed Monday.

"Loving Father,
Make my heart like that of a child.
Give me again the excitement and joy of wonder.
How wonderful it is that I am even able to wonder!
Remove the scales from my eyes,
the callousness from my heart,
the stubbornness from my will,
and enable me to enjoy the wonder of it all.
Deliver me from routine worship,
from 'business as usual,'
from form without force and liturgy without life.
May Your Holy Spirit energize that 'new creation'
that is now within me,
And may it be ever new, ever wonderful,
To the glory of Your Name.
Amen." -  Warren W. Wiersbe

John 17:21 - My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart and mind, just as you and I are, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.

Living in Grace

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Building without a foundation

Just before we began building our home, we needed to get the approval of our neighbours. Going from house to house was an interesting experience and, on the whole, it was great to meet our new community. 

One of new our neighbours kindly invited us into their home to show us the bad 'cracks' that had developed over the years and they gave us this advice: 'make sure that you build on solid foundations, because we were in a rush when we built, and we now see the error of our judgement.' 

We took their advice and asked our builder to be extra cautious when digging our foundations and so far it has been a wise decision. I was thinking of this story when I read Luke 6 yesterday:

46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

Thought: What does it mean for us to 'build on the rock?'

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Good fruit or bad fruit?

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." - Luke 6:43-45

These words of Jesus teach us that a tree will be recognized by its fruit. And this doesn't seem complicated to grasp, except that is also a powerful reminder that a tree will only produce good fruit if it is watered, fertilized and cared for. We can't expect to see delicious fruit growing from our lives (trees) if we are feeding it rubbish or not caring for it at all.

Thought: Would you say that you are producing good fruit (or bad) at the moment? Why?

Living in Grace

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Who is my enemy?

When Jesus challenged his followers to love their enemies, I am sure that he knew we would find this so hard. Even as I contemplate his words, there is a part of me that wants to resist his command, yet it still looms large in the Gospels.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," - Matthew 5:43-44 (Luke 9)

So, let us ask the question: 'Who is my enemy?'

The dictionary defines an enemy as "a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something." 

This throws the net even wider for us. There may not be people who are willing to draw weapons against us, but there are people who oppose our faith, or who are hostile to us. Sadly, a lot of these people choose to hide behind social media posts or some other means of communication, but they still remain in opposition to us. So, Jesus' advice to us is:  "Love those who oppose you!"

Thought: This is going to be a life-long work for me - how do you feel about what Jesus has called us to do?

Living in Grace

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In Christ Alone

I was grateful for the words of 'In Christ Alone' this past week. It is wonderful how the lyrics and melody of songs have the ability to speak into our lives. Here are the words of the first verse of this song:

“In Christ alone, my hope is found:
He is the light, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this Solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease,
My comforter, my all in all,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.” – Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

May you find deep security in the presence of Jesus Christ. Our Hope is found in Him.

If you would like to listen to the song, please click here

Living in Grace

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Seeing but not noticing

 

As I was reading Genesis 42 this week, the following words left an impression on me:

"Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him." - Genesis 42:8

And I wondered, WHY? 

Why did they not recognize him? Had he changed so much in 13 years? Or were they just not expecting to see him at all, so there was no expectation that he would be standing in front of them?

This led me to some verses in the New Testament, where people didn't recognize Jesus either. Some of them did eventually have their 'aha' moments, but others still couldn't see him.

Luke 24:31 - Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

John 1:10 - He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

Thought: How do we recognize Christ in our everyday lives? Do we truly have eyes to see him? What gifts of God are right in front of us, but we refuse to notice them?

Living in Grace

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Things that will destroy us

Luke 9:25 - "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?"

When asked about the things that can destroy our lives, Ghandi made these suggestions:

"Politics without principle,
pleasure without conscience,
wealth without work,
knowledge without character,
business without morality,
science without humanity,
worship without sacrifice." 

If we compare his thoughts with those of Jesus, we will see a strong connection. All of the things that are mentioned by Ghandi are the idols that many people cling to (politics, pleasure, wealth etc.) - but what benefit are these to us, if we forfeit our souls in the quest for these things?

Living in Grace

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Be a saunterer

To saunter is to walk slowly and in a relaxed manner. This word is a reminder to me that we are called to follow Christ in a deliberate manner, but also to notice all that is around us. If our walking is purely about clocking a certain time, we may lose the opportunity to reflect on why we are walking.

John Muir writes: "...back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked, where they were going, they would reply, "A la sainte terre (to the Holy Land)." And so, they became known as saint-terre-ers or saunterers. 

Walking in the footsteps of Jesus is like going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We are not going on a hike or passing awhile time, we are SAUNTERERS. 

3 John 1: 4 - "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Living in Grace

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Walking in Grace

We need a lot of grace at this moment in time. There is so much going on around us, that many of us are tempted to lay down the gift of grace, in exchange for the weapons of hate. If you are looking for a scripture to guide you into the rest of 2025, look no further than 1 Peter 4.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 4:8-11

Thought: What does it mean for us to be faithful stewards of God's grace? Living and walking in Grace is a hard choice, but I really want to stick to this call.

Living in Grace

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The Covenant Prayer in different words

In the Methodist tradition we share in an annual Covenant Service, where we renew our commitment to Jesus and remember our conversion, baptism and call to follow Christ. The original prayer, introduced by John Wesley is a little confusing, as our English language has changed over the past 270 years. However, I have found this modern version equally meaningful. and refreshing. 

I pray that you will wrestle with these sentiments too. Which line in the prayer hits home for you today?

"I am no longer my own but yours.
Your will, not mine, be done in all things,
wherever you may place me,
in all that I do
and in all that I may endure;
when there is work for me
and when there is none;
when I am troubled
and when I am at peace.
Your will be done
when I am valued
and when I am disregarded;
when I find fulfilment
and when it is lacking;
when I have all things,
and when I have nothing.
 
I willingly offer
all I have and am
to serve you,
as and where you choose.

Glorious and blessèd God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours.
May it be so for ever.
Let this covenant now made on earth
be fulfilled in heaven. Amen." - adapted from John Wesley's original prayer

Living in Grace

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Stamina for the journey

In sporting circles stamina is a very important ingredient to have if you want to succeed, especially if you are taking part in endurance sports. The following definitions are helpful in reflecting on what stamina means for us: 

"Enduring energy, strength, and resilience" - Collins Dictionary

"Great physical or mental strength that allows you to continue doing something for a long time." - Brittanica

So, the question I have for us is this: How do we build spiritual stamina in our lives? We know that following Christ is an amazing gift, but it also takes stamina. We are not just following Jesus for one day - hopefully we plan to follow Him for our entire lives. 

So, what do you do to build up your spiritual stamina? What helps you?

2 Thessalonians 3:5 - May the Master take you by the hand and lead you along the path of God’s love and Christ’s endurance.

Hebrews 10:36 - Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

Living in Grace

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Don't forget Mondays

I read an inspiring devotion the other day that was entitled: "Don't forget Mondays!" The author made the comment that God is very popular on Sundays, with millions of people attending worship services around the globe. However, he points out that many people seem to then forget about following God on Mondays (through to Saturday). 

The challenge for every follower of Jesus is to remember God throughout the week, not just on a Sunday. 

Luke 9:23 - Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Thought: How do you manage to keep your eyes on Christ throughout the week? What habits have you found to be helpful?

Living in Grace

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What is your excuse?

When God called Jeremiah to serve him and to be a prophet to the nations, Jeremiah tried to worm out of this task by claiming that he was too young and inexperienced. God saw through his tactic and told Jeremiah to stop using that as an excuse.

In essence, I see this as God reminding Jeremiah, that when we fulfil God's calling, we are given God's resources to complete the task.  This is what God said (Jeremiah 1:4-8):

“Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations—
that’s what I had in mind for you.”

6 But I said, “Hold it, Master God! Look at me.
I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!”

7-8 God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’
I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there.
I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it.
Don’t be afraid of a soul.
I’ll be right there, looking after you.”
God’s Decree.

Question: What excuses are we tempted to make when God calls us to a task?

Living in Grace

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Walking through a dark forest

Amy Carmichael describes her struggles as if she was wandering in a dark wood (forest). Later on, in her life, when she was struggling with her own health, she wrote these beautiful words:

"Look up to the light that pours into the wood from high above the trees. The long, pure rays of that conquering light are interwoven with the tall stems of the trees, even as threads bright and dark are interwoven in the web of our lives."

She then wrote these next words as a form of a prayer: "Look above the treetops, O my soul; from thence flow the foundations of light. See how that blessed light streams through the wood."

Her thoughts made me think of Psalm 121 again. These are such encouraging words for us.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121

Living in Grace

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The earth is no stranger to tears

There are times when we feel that we are alone in the distress we are experiencing. However, it soon becomes apparent that there are so many others who are dealing with their own unique pain and sorrow. There is a measure of consolation in this, as we may become more sensitized to the plight of our neighbour and friends. 

When D.L. Moody wrote about some of the pain he was witnessing in Chicago, he said:

"All over this city are broken hearts. If all the sorrow represented in this great city was written in a book, this building couldn’t hold that book, and you couldn’t read it in a long lifetime.

This earth is not a stranger to tears, neither is the present the only time when they could be found in abundance. From Adam’s days to ours, tears have been shed, and a wail has been going up to Heaven from the brokenhearted. And I say it again, it is a mystery to me how all those broken hearts can keep away from Him who has come to heal them."

It is Moody's emphasis on Christ that should strike us as being important. He is not suggesting that tears and broken hearts are unusual, but rather that people still don't choose to turn to Jesus in their distress.

Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

I encourage us all to allow Christ to heal our pain and to dry our tears. He is willing to do so.

Living in Grace

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True joy in life

George Bernard Shaw wrote about what he describes as True Joy. 

“This is the true joy of life; .... being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature rather than a feverish selfish little cloud of ailments complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”

I find it interesting that he speaks of this, especially as we consider God's calling for us to serve him in our communities and in whatever way we can. Perhaps we know someone who seems to be a 'feverish selfish little cloud of ailments' and who is always complaining about something. They don't fill is with motivation or excitement, do they? However, we also know of people who seem to have found their purpose in life, and they are filled with joy. They radiate the love of Jesus. 

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” – 1 Corinthians 12: 7

“If I do it by myself, for myself, it’s death. If I do it with God for others, its life, because whatever I do with God for others outlives my life.” – John Ortberg

 Living in Grace

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Between self-doubt and courage

The doubts and questions are there. We wonder if we should venture out in faith or listen to the nagging narrative: "You are not good enough. You don't have what it takes." 

And so, in the end, we choose to silence the voices in our head, and we collapse back into our comfortable lives. 

Can you relate to this sentiment at all? 

Have you ever felt prompted or called to do something for the Lord, but you have given into the negative emotions that force us back into our shell? 

If YES, then know that you are in very good company. Almost all of the heroes of our faith came to a point of self-doubt, fear and paralysis. However, in the end, they took a bold step forward and trust God at his word. 

Are we willing to do the same? We will stay close to God, trusting in his provision and guidance at the moments we need it most? 

“Now go; I will help you to speak and will teach you what to say.” – Exodus 4:12

Frederick Buechner – “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

Living in Grace

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The full jars that tell their own story

 
It was Andrew Moffatt who shared about the significance of the 6 stone jars filled with the glorious new wine: 

"The jars of choice wine became a picture of God’s abundant grace, illustrating that Jesus did not come just to meet our spiritual needs. He came that we might flourish in every way. He came to offer hope and joy, for this life and the next.”

When we invite God's spirit to reside in us, Jesus doesn't just offer us half-measures. God gives us way more than we ever dreamed of or even deserve. May these stone jars (of John 2) be a reminder to us of God's abundant grace. 

These vessels of stone are not filled to the brim, in order to present some kind of party-trick; they are filled so that we would always remember that, when we are empty or vulnerable, God has the power to make us flourish again. 

Ephesians 3:20 – ^“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

Living in Grace

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We believe! - A reflection on Jesus' miracle in Cana

After spending the last few days reflecting on Jesus' first miracle in Cana - the turning of the water to wine, I decided to try and sum up my response in a piece of prose. I hope that it makes sense. If not, then you are welcome to read the passage again (John 2:1-11) or to watch the sermon on this platform.

If you a moment, please let me know what you think. Thank you. 

Living in Grace

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Dear Jesus, loyal friend and miracle worker,
Giver of signs and undeserved grace.

We invite you into the feast of our lives,
But we confess we have little to offer you.
The wine has run out and the vessels are empty.
We have searched and searched for more, but to no avail.
We plead with you to send your Spirit to rescue us.
We believe that your wisdom will meet the needs of our desperate plight.
Rescue us from the great shame of our embarrassing mistakes.
And return to us the abundant joy of your deep grace.
Fill again the cavernous vacuum of our hearts,
So that your gift of love runs over the edges of our lives.
And after all this has been accomplished, 

we know that some may sadly continue to revel in their ignorance,
But we will boldly proclaim: “Thank you Jesus. We believe!”

Your helplessness is your best prayer

"Listen, my friend! Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of your helplessness." - Ole Hallesby

In our willingness to admit that we can't solve everything, we humbly offer ourselves to the mercy of God. This helplessness is not a defeat, but rather an offering to the Great Helper. 

My helplessness opens the door for God to do his best work. My stubbornness in trying to always be strong, sends to God the following message: "I don't need you!"

Matthew 9:36 - When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Psalm 10:12 - Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.

Thought: May our helplessness be a prayer to Jesus.

Living in grace

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The scary part of love is that it makes you vulnerable

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.” - C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

When Jesus loved his disciples, he made himself vulnerable before them. 

When Jesus loved the world, he unselfishly chose to make himself vulnerable, even though it cost him his life.

Most of us have offered love to someone else and then have been wounded in the process. If this is you, I urge us not to withdraw into the cocoon of our own lives, because despite our pain, there are still others who would be blessed by your life and heart.

Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Living in Grace

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For the wobbly and weak-kneed

"Jesus comes not for the super-spiritual but for the wobbly and the weak-kneed, who know they don’t have it all together, and who are not too proud to accept the handout of amazing grace." - Brennan Manning

I have slowly grown tired of the kind of faith that seeks to glamourize only the 'super-spiritual' Christian leaders. Of course, we can all learn so much from fellow pastors, leaders and colleagues, but nowhere in the gospels does Jesus give acclaim only to the super-spiritual. Jesus welcomes the weak-kneed, and those who feel wobbly. And for that, I am extremely grateful. 

Living in Grace

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Words that have the power to change our lives!

"When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” – Luke 3:21-22

A comment on these verses, from David Lose, has been lingering with me this week. He says: "The words from heaven, "You are my beloved child” – still have the power to change lives."

It was this pronouncement over the life of Jesus, that affirmed his identity (the Son of God) and publicly gave him authority for his ministry. All who witnessed this moment would have known that there was something unique and special about Jesus. 

However, if we heard these same words spoken over our lives, how would this change us? To hear that we are the daughters and sons of God - wow, what a gift!

As we go about our business today, let us live with these words as a promise to each of us: We are the children of God, and we are loved by God.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

In the midst

This short statement has been running round inside my head for a few days: "In the midst." And as I start to ask questions, I realize that perhaps this is a reminder for us all. As we head into 2025, we will soon begin to feel the weight of life but let us remember that God has promised to be with us 'in the midst' of all things.

Psalm 138:7 - Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 - You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

May God bless you and keep you in the palm of his hands. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The 12th day of Christmas into Epiphany

For many people the festivities of Christmas Day are almost a distant memory, but for those communities who mark the 12 days of Christmas, this week is important. Not only is the 5th of January the 12th day of Christmas (for obvious reasons), but it is also the eve of Epiphany. The Easter Orthodox Church celebrates this date as the birth of Jesus and they offer gifts to one another, in the tradition of the wise men. 

This reflection is not a critique of any Christmas tradition, but rather just to remind myself (and others), that the Gift of Jesus' birth is not a "one day" event, but rather a miracle that gives us hope and life throughout the year.

May Christ be real to you this Epiphany and may the gift of his life resonate throughout 2025.

"Star of wonder, you have led us,
along with so many,
to the Child of the Light.
Continue to guide us on our journey
to be Followers of the One,
the Creator and Redeemer
and Sustainer of us all.
For it is in Christ's name that we pray. Amen." - Beth Richardson

Matthew 2:11-12 - 11 Entering the house where the baby and Mary, his mother, were, they threw themselves down before him, worshiping. Then they opened their presents and gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 But when they returned to their own land, they didn’t go through Jerusalem to report to Herod, for God had warned them in a dream to go home another way.

Living in Grace

D3LM3