Stand By Me

When Ben E. King wrote his now famous song Stand by me, little did he realise how remarkable it would be. The lyrics of this powerful song reach into all areas of our lives but undoubtedly can also speak on a spiritual level to weary souls. Perhaps we would need to change the words of the chorus a little, but I think you get the point :)

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No, I won't be afraid
Oh, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me

And darlin', darlin'
Stand by me, oh, stand by me
Oh, stand now, stand by me
Stand by me

The words of Scripture are closely connected to this song, as Ben King admitted that some of the lyrics were inspired by Psalm 46:1-2.

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

Living in Grace

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Blind faith or a thoughtful decision

Christians are sometimes accused of having 'blind faith', which is usually a subtle dig at believing in Christ, without truly knowing what we believe in. However, when we read the Gospel of Luke, we note that his intention in compiling the Gospel, was to do so with careful investigation - he wanted to make sure that he spoke to eye-witnesses and to research the content he was writing for Theophilus.

Luke 1:1-4 – “Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honourable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.”

Lee Strobel was a convinced Atheist, before he stated probing into Christianity. After doing thorough research and investigation he ended up becoming a follower of Jesus. These are his words:

"In short, I didn't become a Christian because God promised I would have an even happier life than I had as an atheist. He never promised any such thing. Indeed, following him would inevitably bring divine demotions in the eyes of the world. Rather, I became a Christian because the evidence was so compelling that Jesus really is the one-and-only Son of God who proved his divinity by rising from the dead. That meant following him was the most rational and logical step I could possibly take."

Thought: Believing in Jesus does take a step of Faith, but it doesn't mean we have to disengage our brains while we contemplate what Christ as done for us. 

Living in Grace

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The Juggling Act

Do you ever feel as if you are juggling too many things at once? If you shout out 'YES', then you are in good company. Many people I speak to feel as if they are holding too many balls in the air and that some are about to fall. The question is: Which ones do we allow to fall? 

I am not able to really juggle to save my life, but I do juggle too many things, priorities, appointments, people, meetings to know that we all have a limit. When this happens, we end up grasping for the ones that seem the most fragile or important to us. 

I have found this bit of wisdom helpful in reflecting on this:

"Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you're keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls...are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered." - James Patterson

Joshua 24 - “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

Living in Grace

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Our source of Comfort

"God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

This passage offers us some insight into how God comforts us during our times of difficulty, and it also indicates how we are called to comfort others. Suffering is universal, but offering comfort to others is not always universal. There are many people who expect comfort from God, but who are not willing to pass this onto others.

Thought: How can we comfort those in need?

Living in Grace

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A genuine prayer to help us stay grounded in this mad world

Our world is a mad place and unfortunately it just seems to be getting worse. Social media doesn't seem to help either as it spreads more anger and bitterness than most of us can handle. 

Even amongst Christ-followers, we are fed a whole lot of 'fake' versions of what it means to follow Jesus. For this reason, I find the Prayer of Saint Francis to one of depth, truth and sincerity. These words are based on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) and in my opinion, are a Christ-like way of living.

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

Thought: If you have time, read through Matthew 5-7, and see the connections between the prayer and the words of Jesus.

Living in Grace

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Don't miss the point!

"A faith that fails to connect and apply Christianity to the practical everyday problems of the average person has missed the point.” - Catherine Marshall

There are so many glorious promises that stem from the Resurrection and we need to hold onto all of these. However, I do agree with Catherine Marshall on one of the main gifts of knowing that Christ is alive. 

The gift of the Resurrection opens the doors for the power of the Holy Spirit to be amongst us. When we come to live in the power of the Spirit, we are given all that we need for daily life. Our faith is alive, because Jesus is Alive.

Thought: Is the Resurrection still only an event that we look back on with good memories, or is it a promise of God's Presence with us always, as the greatest enemy has been defeated?

John 11:25-26 - "Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

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erdyproblems of the average man has missed the point.

Catherine Marshall

As the dust settles

The anticipation of the Resurrection has been fulfilled. We arrived at this glorious reminder on Sunday morning. It is a miraculous sign of Hope in our world filled with darkness and fear. When the followers of Jesus thought that evil and death had won, God revealed his ultimate hand and raised Jesus from the dead. 

This miracle will keep perplexing us, just as it did the first eyewitnesses, but when the dust settles, we will need to live with conviction and belief. Of course, not all of us are like Simon Peter or John - some of us are more inclined to be like Thomas - but we are all given the choice to 'see and believe.' 

For the followers of Jesus, he is not a dead hero, but a living person. It would be very sad to follow someone who had their 5 minutes of fame but then faded into history. The story of Jesus is far more remarkable than that - and we are invited to witness to this miracle. 

For this to take place, I believe we all need an encounter with the Lord - this is where we are moved to faith. This is my prayer for you - may we all experience the Risen Lord.

Matthew 28:6 - He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.

He is Risen indeed!

Living in Grace

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And can it be? A song that expresses the power of Good Friday

In the moving hymn And Can It Be? written by Charles Wesley, we find expression of the power, joy, mystery, grace, mercy and invitation of the cross. May these words be a blessing for you on the day we remember Jesus' ultimate revelation of love.

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!

He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race;
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me. [Refrain]

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee. [Refrain]

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own. [Refrain]

John 13:12-13 - This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

Living in Grace

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The Great Irony

"When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.” - Matthew 26:1-5

Do you notice the irony in these verses? The religious leaders plotting to kill Jesus, but not during the holy festival. The people entrusted with keeping the laws (including, 'You shall not murder') willing to break the same laws for their own benefit. 

Holy Week reminds us of how fickle we are as people. It shines a light onto the church, as much as it does to the world. Jesus is not some kind of 'convenience' that we latch unto when it suits us. His call is for us to surrender all to Him.

Living in Grace

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Understanding our own hearts

I would never do that!

I am sure many of us proclaim these words loudly when we read through the Passion of Christ. The soldiers, the religious leaders, the crowds - they all seem so vulgar and unmoved by Jesus. How could they mock a man of peace, even if they didn't believe he was the Messiah? Surely, they saw some good in him.

And what a disgrace - to spit on another human being. How low can you go?

Isaiah 50:6 - "I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting."

Alexander Whyte challenges my thinking with his words, reminding me how close I am to be a soldier, a pharisee and a member of the crowd: 

"You will understand the spitting scene that night when God lets you see your own heart."

I may not physically spit on others, but perhaps my heart has wanted to.

Lord, in your mercy, change my heart.

Living in Grace

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Calls for our Allegiance

These words were written by my friend John van de Laar many years ago, but they are still relevant for this moment in our history. Palm Sunday is not just an event that happened for Jesus, but rather it is a reminder that we are bombarded with calls for our allegiance everyday Voices shout for us to bow the knee to this leader, this ideology, this rhetoric, this political affiliation. However, in the end, the thing that matters is how we will respond to the true Christ - the servant King?

Living in Grace

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“Jesus Christ, whose greatest moments of triumph happen
on the back of a donkey’s foal
and nailed to a bloody cross,
We gather to prepare the way for you
in our lives and in our world.

There are so many people and things that call for our allegiance,
so many kings seeking to rule over us.
But, you ride into our experience as another kind of monarch
a serving, humble and challenging leader
who calls us not to slavery, but friendship.

There are so many things that seek our energy and resources for their own sakes
so many empires seeking our souls for their own glory.
But, you ride into our experience heralding another kind of reign
a realm where the least are the greatest,
where the meek inherit the earth
and where children are the best example of citizenship.
a domain which seeks to bring life, not drain it.

There are so many things that draw our attention.
So many realities that seek our faith and assent.
But, you ride into our experience revealing another kind of reality
a reality where death does not have the last word.
a reality where pride, selfishness and evil are defeated
by love and self-giving.
a reality which does not parade itself for all to see,
but fills every moment, every situation and everything with life,
while waiting for us to discover it.

And so, we cry, from our hearts
Hosanna, save us.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God.
Amen.”

John can de Laar (www.sacredise.com)

 

A Prayer in preparation for Holy Week

Here is a challenging prayer from Ignatius of Loyola. I trust it may guide you in your reflections and preparations for Holy Week. 

"Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from Thee.
From the wicked foe defend me.
At the hour of my death call me.
And bid me come to Thee.
That with Thy saints I may praise Thee For ever and ever. Amen."

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." - 1 Corinthians 2:2

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Being Grateful

“Being grateful does not mean that everything is necessarily good. It just means that you can accept it as a gift.” - Roy T. Bennett

There doesn't seem to be a lot of good going on in the world at the moment. It is hard to wade through all the muck, trying to find things to be grateful for. However, this week I am grateful for God's guidance through stormy waters and for the Lord's ability to make something meaningful from a potential mess.

Six years ago, our world erupted into chaos with the arrival of the Covid pandemic. Fear, mistrust, anger and uncertainty seemed to be the order of the day. As a Christian community, we all had to fly by the seat of our pants - we didn't know what to do or even how to do it :)

Anyway, we quickly transitioned into the online world of sermons and worship services. The learning was steep and the mistakes were many, but we somehow managed to put content out on a weekly basis. And this past week has marked the 6th year of sharing our weekly messages. And for this, I am deeply grateful.

I am grateful to the Lord who has sustained us. I am grateful to all who have made this possible - especially Ken who faithfully films the preacher every week and does the editing of each message. To Gudrun and her team who upload the messages to our website. And many others, who work behind the scenes. I am grateful.

Being grateful doesn't mean that life is always good, but that we can see God's hand is still with us, never letting us go.

If you would like to watch the message from last weekend, we make a special mention of our 6-year anniversary on this episode. 

1 Timothy 1:12 - I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me.

Living in grace

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When trying too hard doesn't get the desired result

There is an old saying that states: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again" (William Edward Hickson). 

While this may be appropriate in certain fields, it is not the correct approach in all matters. Take for example, the Israelites. See what Paul writes about their efforts to try and try again.

"But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded.  Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path.  God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said,

“I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble,
a rock that makes them fall.
But anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.” - Romans 9:31-34

Thought: Lent should remind us that we are saved through the grace of Christ, not through our merits. 

Living in Grace

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Send your Spirit

"Decayed Churches can most certainly be revived by the preaching of the Word, accompanied by the coming of the heavenly ‘breath’ from the four winds. O Lord, send us such revivals now, for many of thy Churches need them.” - Charles Spurgeon

These are the words that Spurgeon wrote after reflecting on Ezekiel 37. I would agree with him but also add that it is not just churches who need to be revived, but rather the people that make up the churches. It is people who make up the body of Christ, and when we allow God's breath (Spirit) to change us, then we will start to see changes all around us.

"Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army." - v.9-10

Living in Grace

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It never comes to an end!

When you saw the title of today's post what came to your mind? What feels as if it never comes to an end for you? Is it one of these: 

War? Hatred? Corruption? Trouble? Suffering? Crises? 

Well, the answer I wanted to offer us today is very different. I will let Jeremiah tell you:

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!” - Lamentations 3:22-23

Eugene Peterson puts a slightly different slant on it, when he writes:

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
    his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
    How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
    He’s all I’ve got left.

Living in Grace

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Broken pieces shine bright

 

While sharing on the passage from John 9, I was reminded of how God takes the broken pieces of our lives and creates something beautiful from the mess. Each stain glass window that is lovingly made, requires the artist to use glass that has been broken and then they use their skill to create a wonderful picture.

We may not feel great at the moment, or we may even feel that life is a bit of a mess, but I urge you to entrust your life to Christ. Ask Jesus to fit you into the grand design of his making. 

Psalm 31 says:

I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. (v12)

But I am trusting you, O Lord,
    saying, “You are my God!”
15 My future is in your hands.
    Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.
16 Let your favor shine on your servant.
    In your unfailing love, rescue me. (v14-16)

Living in Grace

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Saint Patrick - the courage to turn back and forgive

For those who know the wonderful story of Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, the 17th of March is a day to remember him. The legend of his life seems to grow more and more with time, but there is enough fact in his testimony that teaches us some powerful insights. 

In reading a sonnet by Malcolm Guite, I was struck by the thought of Patrick's courage. When he returned back to the land of his captors, Patrick displayed remarkable courage. We could argue that it must have taken a miracle for him to go back to the very people who had kept him prisoner for 6 years.

 In doing this Patrick displayed his Christlikeness, because it was Jesus who taught us to 'love our enemies'. Patrick could have gone back to Ireland with a deep desire for revenge and retribution, but he chose the path of forgiveness and mercy. In doing so, he allowed the people of Ireland to see the true presence of Christ.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." - Matthew 5:43-45

Thought: How our world needs more people like Patrick today? When everyone seems hellbent on revenge and anger, we are challenged to choose the path of love.

Please listen to the beautiful sonnet by Malcolm Guite here.

Living in Grace

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Our blind spots

Reading through John 9, we notice a lot of powerful imagery around sight, blindness, light and darkness. In reflecting on this passage, I was struck by the 'blind spots' in the lives of the disciples, as well as the religious leaders. 

When we are learning to drive our instructors make it a serious point to teach us that we all have a blind spot, even if we drive very well. This blind spot is not necessarily a fault of ours, but it is a reality. And so, it is humbling to admit, that there are some things that we just can't see and if we want to avoid an accident, we need to learn to adjust our vision.

In John's account of the man who was born blind, Jesus reveals to the disciples and the leaders where their blind spots were, but they didn't all react positively to this. 

"Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So, they were divided." - John 9:16

Thought: Where could my blind spot be? How would I react if someone pointed this out to me?

"No man is wise at all times or is without his blind side." — Desiderius Erasmus

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What if they knew?

What if everyone knew our secrets? How would you feel about that? It would be very intimidating for most of us, and I am sure we would struggle to look each other in the eye. Our mistakes and sins are not something we are very proud of. So, why is the Samaritan woman going around telling people that Jesus knows all about my life - he knows my secrets?!

John 4:29 - “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did", perhaps could be 

I think it because she has got used to people knowing her story and rejecting her or shunning her. But now, she meets a religious man, who openly talks to her and doesn't shame her. Her statement in this verse, could easily be summed up: "Can you believe it? This holy man knows all about my secrets and yet he still wants to talk to me about faith and God. He didn't even look down at me but rather offered me 'Living Water.' Could he be the Messiah?"

Thought: God knows all about our past and our present struggles/sins, yet he still loves us. How remarkable is that?

Romans 5:8 - "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Living in Grace

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I have no bucket!

What do you do when you arrive at the well, but you have nothing to draw the water with? Your thirst is getting the better of you, and you don't know how to quench this longing. 

For many people their struggles are so overwhelming that they fail to see that Jesus is the one who offers us the water that quenches our thirst. Sadly, our picture of God has become so distorted over the years that we think our 'lack of a bucket' excludes us from the gift of Life. 

I have found this poem has put into words some of our deepest thoughts and emotions. 

"I have no bucket, and the well is deep.
My thirst is endless, and my throat is dry.
I ask you, stranger, silent at my side,
can words refresh my longings if you speak?
I have no bucket, and the well is deep.

Who are you, strange yet friendly at my side,
and can you see and judge, yet understand
my hidden self, and heal with wounded hands?
Are you the path, the gateway and the guide,
the keys, the living water, and the light?

Come break the rock, and bid the rivers flow
from deep unending wells of joy and worth,
for tears, for drinking, drowning and new birth,
and I shall find and give myself, and know
the keys, the living water, and the light." - Brian Wren

Isaiah spoke of God's love and open invitation to 'Come to him' in these words:

“Come, all you who are thirsty,
    come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread,
    and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
    and you will delight in the richest of fare." - Isaiah 55:1-3

Living in Grace

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What is it that defines who you are?

What is it that defines who you are?

Is it your career? Your title? Your family name? Your bank account? Your degrees?

I guess, we will all answer this question in our own way and with our own emphasis. However, I find it interesting that when we meet Jesus, a lot of these things change. They no longer define us. We may still keep some of these things (job, family, titles etc.), but they don't have to define us anymore.

Coming back to the John 4 account of the Samaritan woman, did you notice how, in her hurry, she left the water jug behind? John tells us: “Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town…” (John 4:28)

There could be a few reasons as to why she leaves it behind, but I am moved by Tim Keller's take on this. He says: “When you encounter the real Jesus, the things that once defined your life no longer hold the same power.”

Her life had changed. Her encounter with Jesus showed her that she was loved and that she had a purpose. It was not just fetching water at midday that would define her but telling others that she had met the Messiah.

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Love truly transforms lives, not fear!

One of the reasons I began to explore writing a blog (18 years ago) was because I realized that I couldn't "fit" all my thoughts and research into a 20-minute timeframe on a Sunday. I also wanted to allow the scripture passages to live with me longer than one day. And so, what I started out doing was drip-feeding my soul with scriptures, quotes and ideas that I hoped would help me to digest the essence of the Sunday theme.

I have not always followed this initial vision, but I would like to do more of that this week. I have really enjoyed taking time to ponder the story of the Samaritan woman (John 4) and it amazes me how much we still need to learn from this story, especially focusing on the actions of Jesus.

In an age of blatant hatred, unkindness, sectarianism, racism and all sorts of division, Jesus shows us what His Kingdom is truly about. Jesus crosses multiple barriers to share God's love and grace with a woman who was ostracized and written off by many. It is little wonder that she was astonished at his kindness and willingness to engage with her.

25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

Thought: The woman was not oblivious to what names people were calling her. She expected Jesus to treat her in the same way, but he did not. In order to bring her back to God, Jesus didn't need to shame her - he only needed to show her that she was 'seen and loved.' This was the catalyst to her conversion. 

Ø  Isaiah 55:1–3 — “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters…”

Living in Grace

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Makers of Peace

With all the war, rage and anger that is going on the world, I still believe that Jesus spoke clearly about Peace. Some Christians will try to justify violence by referring to a few verses in the New Testament, but on the whole, Jesus did not advocate for hatred and violence. 

We must remember that Jesus had all the power in the world, so he could have destroyed the wicked and those who oppressed him, but he chose not to. When the religious leaders waged war on him, he did not call down thunder and lightning from heaven. Jesus came to establish a new kingdom, one that looked very different from the kingdoms of the world, and this is what makes it difficult to follow the teachings of Jesus.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"

“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God." - Matthew 5:9 (Amplified Bible)

Matthew 5:43 - “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, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. 

Thought: I would be wary of people who claim that we must wage war in the name of God. Jesus Christ does not command us to steal, kill and destroy. That is the work of the adversary (John 10:10).

Living in Grace

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Do you remember 'WHY' you are doing this?

As we move into the 3rd week of Lent, it is important for us to keep asking ourselves: "Why am I observing this season of prayer and fasting?" In order to try and give us some deeper insight, I am including a few quotes to remind us of the 'why.'

• “During Lent, we are called to embrace the struggles that make us stronger.” — Jonathan Edwards 
• “Lent is a time for discipline, for confession, for honesty, not because God is mean or fault-finding or finger pointing but because he wants us to know the joy of being cleaned out, ready for all the good things he now has in store.” — N.T. Wright
• “Lent affords us the opportunity to search the depths of our sin and experience the heights of God’s love.” — Chuck Colson

Thought: Do you still have your 'why' for this Lenten season?

Daniel 9:3 - So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting...

Living in Grace

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You are not welcome

Water is a precious commodity in any desert. If you have water, you have life and, in some ways, you have power. You can leverage the water to your advantage. 

And so, in a similar way, you can also use the access to water as a power tool. You can invite people to share the water, or you can deny them the opportunity to drink from the Well. Take a read of this story of Isaac and see how he encountered this situation.

Genesis 26:14-22 - "He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. 15 So all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the time of his father Abraham, the Philistines stopped up, filling them with earth.

16 Then Abimelek said to Isaac, “Move away from us; you have become too powerful for us.”

17 So Isaac moved away from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar, where he settled. 18 Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them.

19 Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. 20 But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek,  because they disputed with him. 21 Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. 22 He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.”

Thought: If we picture the Church as a "well" of sorts, (offering the life-giving water of Jesus), is our message to people: 'you are not welcome at our well?' OR are we willing to share the Gift that God has given to us?

Living in Grace

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A parched soul

When the Samaritan woman came to draw water at Jacob's Well (John 4) she brought all of her emotional and spiritual baggage along with her. Although she may not have been able to describe it in an elegant manner, she was a parched soul, looking for hope, love and an authentic faith. 

And the miracle of this encounter was that Jesus was already waiting for her. He had the best seat in the house, and he used this encounter to compassionately offer her 'living water.' He could have focused on her sin and continued to heap shame on her, but he chose to give her freedom. 

Dan Clendenin - His simple request for a drink of water provoked a dialogue with a marginalized woman that teaches us that God does not desire any human being to shrivel and die from a broken body or a parched soul. Rather, he longs to quench our deepest needs and desires with the "living water" of his Spirit.

Psalm 107:35 - He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs.

Living in Grace

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Where are your wounds?

Alan Paton wrote many remarkable works, including 'Ah, But Your Land Is Beautiful.' In his own words he imagines what it would be like to meet God face-to-face and what the conversation would focus on. He writes:

"When I go up there, which is my intention, the Big Judge will say to me,
Where are your wounds?
and if I say I haven’t any, he will say, "Was there nothing to fight for?"
I couldn’t face that question."

Wow, these words really struck a nerve. Where are your wounds?

How often do I refrain from some Godly action, because I am afraid of the wounds I may incur? When we look around us there are plenty of things to fight for, but perhaps we need to overcome our fears first. 

Thought: Jesus was willing to show Thomas his wounds, and it was this encounter that changed Thomas' life.

1 Peter 2:24 - He himself bore our sins in his body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness — by his wounds you were healed.

Living in Grace

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If you were to be tested

Reflecting back on Jesus' testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4), which of the 3 temptations thrown at Jesus, would be your biggest stumbling block?

1. The temptation to use your power for your own benefit? (Turning stones to bread)

2. To seek fame and honour, by seeking to be spectacular? (Throwing yourself from the Temple)

3. To compromise who you worship, in order to gain the whole world? (Bowing down to the devil)

I realise it is a tough question to answer but chew on it for a while. 

Perhaps another way to reflect on the passage, is to ask: "What is my greatest weakness at the moment, and would the adversary use that to try and get me to turn away from Jesus?"

Proverbs 27:21 - Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.

Living in Grace

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Rugged Pilgrimage of Discipleship

There are some folks who seem to find their faith-journey to be relatively easy-going. In some ways, I am a little envious of them, because mine doesn't always seem to be that smooth. Of course, there are days of wonder and deep connection with the Father, but there are other days, where discipleship seems to be a grind. I am not sure if you can relate to this at all, but I pray that some of you can.

It is for this reason, that I exclaimed a loud 'Yes', when I read these words in a devotion the other day.

"Pain penetrates through despair and stimulates a new beginning - a journey to God - the transition from a dreamy nostalgia for a better life to a rugged pilgrimage of discipleship...we are invited to find our way by continually listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that his Spirit will lead us to truth." - Eugene Peterson

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth." - John 16:13

Thought: Let us continue on the pilgrimage of rugged discipleship, because the views from the top of the mountain are extraordinary. 

Living in Grace

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It is well

We sang this song in one of our worship services yesterday. It is such a testimony to the power of hope and trust that God will get us through the most difficult of circumstances. May these words offer you hope and peace this week. 

"When peace like a river
Attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot
Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, It is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul

It is well

It is well with my soul."

The chorus is not a recognition of present circumstances, but rather a deep belief that 'no matter what', God is still with us. Our souls are secure in his hands.

Psalm 25:5 - Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you.

Living in Grace

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Longing for ...

There is a beautiful song which reminds us of all the things that we long for but seem to never find. It is entitled: Christ be our Light and is written by Bernadette Farrell. Each verse of the song speaks of these gifts that we long for:

• Longing for light, we wait in darkness
• Longing for truth, we turn to you
• Longing for peace, our world is troubled
• Longing for hope, many despair

And each time she laments the things that still elude us, Bernadette brings us to the prayerful chorus:

"Christ be our light, shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church."

I pray that as we all begin the remarkable journey of Lent, that Christ would shine his light on our path.

Living in Grace

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Making the journey together

A large part of the Christian experience can be nurtured privately, but it was never meant to be undertaken in isolation. We need each other as we make the journey of faith together. We need someone else to nudge us forward in encouragement, or to keep us accountable to our disciplines and to pray for us when we find prayer too difficult. 

2 Corinthians 13:11 - Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

As we embark upon the spiritual journey of Lent this week, I invite you to commit to a practice that will nurture your relationship with God and others. If you don't have something to guide you and you would like something, please drop me a message and I will send you an invite to be a part of our community's 40 Days Together devotions. 

Helen Keller - Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.

Living in Grace

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Good Deeds

There is always a little debate around how far Christians should go in sharing love and good deeds. I think this has to do with the fear of encouraging 'salvation by works'. However, our love and compassion towards others is a non-negotiable in the Kingdom of God, and we should keep striving to reveal God's love through practical means.

Listen to the words of Jesus:

·       "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." - Matthew 5:16

The same can be said of the words of Isaiah 58 - See what he says: 

7 Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

Yes, our salvation is not dependent on our good works, but if we profess the name of Jesus, then we need to be revealing our changed hearts by our actions.

Living in Grace

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THEN ....

I find it interesting that when Isaiah speaks about True Fasting, he mentions that this involves heart-felt action and care for the poor. He calls on Gods-people to feed the hungry and to help those in trouble. Once we have done that, THEN our light will shine out from the darkness.

"Feed the hungry and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon." - Isaiah 58:10

Sometimes we reverse the sequence, and we pray that we will have enough 'Light' to shine for God. It seems to me, that in doing what God has asked us to do, will reveal this Light.

So, when Jesus said: 'You are the light of the world' (Matthew 5:14-15), perhaps he was telling us to love boldly, and THEN this would be the light of Christ shining all around us.

Living in Grace

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