It is easy to complain

It is very easy to make complaints against other people, as well as against the Lord. The commentator (Wolf) remarks:  “How easy it is to believe in the infinite power of God and at the same time to feel that He is unable to meet our personal needs!” And I am sure there are a fair number of us who can relate to these words. 

In trying to remind the Israelites that Yahweh was still sovereign, Isaiah challenged them: "Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? (Isaiah 40:27)

He was imploring them to remember that God does still care for us. Although it may be easy to complain, let us hold onto all the promises that come to us from the Lord. Here is a powerful reminder of this truth. 

1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

When is our character revealed?

How do we get to develop our character? Is it only in the good times or do we truly begin to see our character in the difficult moments of our lives?

"Character may be manifested in great moments but it is made in small ones." - Phillip Brooks

1 Peter 5:15 - Don’t let your character be moulded by the desires of your ignorant days, but be holy in every department of your lives, for the one who has called you is himself holy. 

What do you think of this in light of your character?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

18 - Greatness Redefined

The moment Jesus preached his revolutionary ideas people began to look at things in a completely new light. Greatness had always been reserved for the rich and famous, but now Jesus was suggesting that in His kingdom greatness belonged to children and the 'least' of all people. This must have been a huge paradigm shift for all people to come to terms with.

Matthew 18:1-5 - "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ² He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. ³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

I wonder if one of the "gifts" Covid-19 is giving the world is to rethink all the things that we thought were important and to recapture the ideals of Jesus. This virus is not a respecter of wealth or language or education - we are all susceptible to its dangers.

1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

No Matter what happens

Peter has some incredible words of comfort for us today, when he writes: “My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that the grace of God is with you no matter what happens.” – 1 Peter 5:12 (NLT)

For people who were going through a lot of suffering and numerous trials these timeous words must have been a huge blessing. However, they are not just words for the early church - they are words that are also relevant for us too. 

Remember that NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS the grace of God is with us.
No matter what happens!
God is still with us.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

No Matter What

"My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that the grace of God is with you no matter what happens." - 1 Peter 5:12 (NLT)

As Peter was writing to the church struggling with persecution, trials and tribulations, he wanted the believers to know that God still cared for them. In fact, he wanted to encourage them with the glorious Hope that 'NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS' God would still be with them. I think this is such a valuable conviction for us to embrace today, especially when we can easily lose sight of the grace of God.

If you are struggling with something today, then hold onto this promise. If you are doing ok, but feel someone else needs to be encouraged them forward this verse to them.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

X-Factor

It seems as if Jim Collins has been deeply influenced by the teaching of Jesus - and so has his understanding of business and success.

"The X-factor of great leadership is not personality, it is humility." - Jim Collins

Peter said it like this:

"All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.” - 1 Peter 5:5

And Solomon said this:

Proverbs 22:4 -"Humility is the fear of the Lord."

We place a lot of value on personality nowadays, but Jesus placed more focus on true humility.

What do you think?
 

Living in Grace

D3LM3